(12) United States Patent
`Suzuki
`
`USOO6680675B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,680,675 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jan. 20, 2004
`
`(54) INTERACTIVE TO-DO LIST ITEM
`NOTIFICATION SYSTEM INCLUDING GPS
`INTERFACE
`
`(75) Inventor: Hikaru Suzuki, Gunma-machi (JP)
`(73) Assignee: Fujitsu Limited, Kanagawa (JP)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 380 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/598,094
`1-1.
`Jun. 21, 2000
`(22) Filed:
`(51) Int. Cl." ................................................ G08G 1/123
`(52) U.S. Cl. .................. 340/988; 340/825.49; 455/456;
`455/457; 342/357.01; 342/357.17; 342/450;
`701/213; 701/300
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 340/988,995,
`340/996, 825.49, 425.5; 701/207, 208, 201,
`211, 213, 214, 300; 455/456, 457; 342/357.01,
`357.17, 450, 357.06, 357.08, 357.13
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,831,526 A 5/1989 Luchs et al. ................ 364/401
`5,111,391 A
`5/1992 Fields et al. ................ 364/401
`5,182,705 A
`1/1993 Barr et al. .................. 364/401
`5,557.515 A
`9/1996 Abbruzzese et al.
`... 364/401
`5,559,548 A 9/1996 Davis et al. ................... 348/6
`5,644,722 A 7/1997 Miyamoto et al.
`... 395/209
`5,648,770 A
`7/1997 Ross .......................... 340/988
`5.684990 A * 11/1997 Boothby ..................... 707/203
`5,826,260 A 10/1998 Byrd, Jr. et al. ................ 707/5
`5,844.558 A 12/1998 Kumar et al. .....
`... 345/339
`5,850,214 A * 12/1998 McNally et al. ............ 345/173
`
`5.948,041 A * 9/1999 Abo et al. .................. 455/456
`6,085,148 A
`7/2000 Jamison et al. ........ 342/357.01
`6,208.974 B1 * 3/2001 Campbell et al. .............. 705/3
`6.212,393 B1 * 4/2001 Suarez et al. .......... 340/825.49
`6,266,612 B1 * 7/2001 Dussell et al. ......... 342/357.17
`6,360,101 B1
`3/2002 Irvin .......................... 455/456
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Daniel J. Wu
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Christie, Parker & Hale,
`LLP
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A System and method for alerting a user of an item on a to-do
`list if the user is detected to be close to the item's perfor
`mance location. Each to-do list item is entered to a mobile
`user terminal Such as one that might be Supported in an
`automobile. The mobile terminal includes a GPS interface
`that allows an automatic detection of the mobile terminal
`when the automobile is in motion. Using the GPS interface,
`the mobile terminal periodically compares the position of
`the user with various to-do list item locations to determine
`whether the user will pass within a pre-defined proximity
`metric of the listed item. Whenever a particular criteria is
`Satisfied, the System provides a notification to the user of a
`potential to-do list item. In response to the notification, the
`user indicates that the user has accepted the notification by
`transmitting a “confirmed Status, or has completed the item
`by transmitting a "completed” status. A to-do list may be
`shared by multiple terminals for family or business use. In
`this case, to-do list items are identified Specific user identi
`fiers. Notifications and Status flags for a particular user's
`to-do list item are shared among the multiple terminals to
`update the list once a particular item Status has been “con
`firmed” or “completed.”
`
`13 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`se ENTER TO-DO LIST
`
`RUN CONVERSION
`ROUTINE
`
`-100
`STORE TO-DO LIST IN MEMORY
`102 -
`ENTER DESTINATION LOCATION
`
`
`
`-106.
`iO4.
`NO RUN CONVERSION
`ROUTINE
`
`108
`MONITOR CURRENT LOCATION
`- - -
`- /
`110
`COMPARE CURRENT LOCATION
`WITH PERFORMANCE ADDRESS
`
`G
`
`- Cogic
`NOTF. AGA
`NOTIFY USER(S)
`
`114
`
`YES
`
`-..u.
`
`115
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ALREADY
`UPDATED
`
`ES
`
`12O
`NO
`
`3. <s (B)
`
`MO
`UPDATE STATUS
`
`118
`
`YES
`UPDATE STATUS
`
`
`
`126
`
`Page 1 of 17
`
`SNAP EXHIBIT 1006
`
`

`

`Jan. 20, 2004
`Jan. 20, 2004
`
`Sheet 1 of 9
`Sheet 1 of 9
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`
`
` SLTISLVSSdd
`
`
`
`
`/ "f)I, H.
`
`Z |
`
`Page 2 of 17
`
`
`
`Page 2 of 17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 2004
`
`Sheet 2 of 9
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`FIC.2
`
`1 Of
`
`1 OC
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`r
`
`1 Oe
`
`1 OC
`
`DEVICE
`
`1 Ob
`
`1 OC
`
`CPS
`RECEIVER
`
`1 Og
`
`MODEM
`
`Page 3 of 17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 2004
`Jan. 20, 2004
`
`Sheet 3 of 9
`Sheet 3 of 9
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`dI43sn
`
`
`
`
`was;ang73=—}———
`20¢POS90¢go¢cog
`G4NXIINODLOOSATSONVSOT|L3SYLSNIVNLLLWALane
`
`
`
`
`
`
`G3l4ILONSJISONVSOTNVIIO-ANG
`
`
`GalI1dwod|£00'Z00ALFIMLSISHI4ZZZ|LEWYVNNSdNS989]
`
`
`SMivis3NOILVOO)NOILVOO1
`
`TONLOO[Rsqiviseee|SHINVITI-AN990|A“Aya
`
`
`
`
`LAAYLSNIWALLL{4YOLSLNNOOSIGWwW
`
`
`
`SJTFONVYSOTIASMLSLSMI4
`
`SSIYddvVQ43YSLN4
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SITSONVSO]
`
`
`
`
`
`&Old
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 4 of 17
`
`Page 4 of 17
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 2004
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`H—
`
`| EB? || S NO IN Q ZZZ
`
`
`
`| BE}}}|_S NIV/WN | | |
`
`fz "f)I, H.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`SETTE ONV SOTI
`
`
`
`
`
`SETTE ONV SOTI
`
`
`
`
`
`SETTE ON\7 SOTI
`
`
`
`
`
`SÈJENWETO Åà?0 000
`
`–
`
`Of7
`
`Page 5 of 17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 2004
`Jan. 20, 2004
`
`Sheet 5 of 9
`Sheet 5 of 9
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`| 7
`
`JANEDOE
`
`MARYDOE
`
`3,7
`
`ID
`
`TERMINAL
`
`Li
`=>
`<<
`Zz
`
`©L
`
`o Y~
`
`FIG.5
`
`
`
`Page 6 of 17
`
`Page 6 of 17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 2004
`
`Sheet 6 of 9
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`STARD
`
`RETRIEVE LOCATION
`TABLE
`
`44
`SEARCH FOR STORE
`NAME
`
`FIG. 6
`
`46
`NO
`
`SEARCH ENTRY
`FOR CITY
`
`
`
`STREET
`SPECIFIED
`?
`
`5O
`NO RETRIEVE ALL
`ENTRES FOR STORE
`
`54
`
`
`
`SEARCH ENTRY
`FOR STREET
`
`56
`
`MULTIPLE
`ENTRIES RETRIEVED
`?
`
`
`
`YES - 5
`8
`DISPLAY ALL
`ENTRIES TO USER
`6
`O
`
`REQUEST USER
`SELECTION
`
`62
`STORE LOCATION
`ADDRESS
`
`Page 7 of 17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 2004
`Jan. 20, 2004
`
`Sheet 7 of 9
`Sheet 7 of 9
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`SYSVL
`
`
`
`
`
`‘alyasnGSRSINIG|oug~wygiNng
`
`
`
`
`
`v8
`
`C8O08
`
`vl—
`
`eS[SWVYN
`
`3XOLS
`
`9/
`
`
`
`eeeerL35duMLS
`
`
`
`
`
`la!(MVHO00ZxvW)
`
`
`
`OL
`
`LOA
`
`CL
`
`
`
`
`
`oi‘NOILdINDSIOYSWL
`
`Page 8 of 17
`
`Page 8 of 17
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 2004
`
`Sheet 8 of 9
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`CSTARD
`94
`ENTER TO-DO LIST
`
`FIG. BA
`
`98
`
`9
`6
`coung as NO
`YES
`1 OO
`STORE TO-DO LIST IN MEMORY
`1 O2
`ENTER DESTINATION LOCATION
`
`
`
`
`
`1 O4
`1 O6
`NO RUN CONVERSION
`SPECIFIC
`ROUTINE
`stan ADDRESS
`YES
`
`". (B)
`
`11
`O
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`MONITOR CURRENT LOCATION
`
`COMPARE CURRENT LOCATION
`WITH PERFORMANCE ADDRESS
`
`112
`
`PROXIMITY
`CRITERIA SATISIFIED
`?
`
`YES
`
`g 113
`
`114
`
`NOTF, AGAIN
`YES
`NOTIFY USER(S)
`
`Page 9 of 17
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jan. 20, 2004
`
`Sheet 9 of 9
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`FIC. BB
`
`
`
`
`
`ALREADY
`UPDATED
`?o
`
`12O
`
`126
`
`
`
`OTHER
`NON-COMPLETED
`TASKS 2
`
`Page 10 of 17
`
`

`

`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`1
`INTERACTIVE TO-DO LIST TEM
`NOTIFICATION SYSTEM INCLUDING GPS
`INTERFACE
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates generally to electronic noti
`fication Systems, and more particularly, to an electronic
`System and method for providing an alert of an entry in a
`to-do list when a user is within a pre-defined proximity
`location to perform the to-do list item.
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`In today's fast-paced world, “efficiency” is a motto
`adopted by many people. Such efficiency does not only
`apply to the work place, but also to every-day living. AS the
`tasks that need to be accomplished within a day grow in
`number, and the amount of time in a day to accomplish Such
`tasks Seem to decrease, it becomes more and more important
`to efficiently manage one's time and plan the tasks that need
`to be accomplished within that time in a practical and
`organized manner. The amount of planning carried out by an
`individual as the order in which to accomplish the tasks
`efficiently become futile if the individual forgets the order or
`a task to be accomplished.
`Thus, various devices exist in the prior art to aid indi
`viduals in the organization and reminder of tasks. For
`instance, personal notes and post-its placed on refrigerator
`doors, calendars, and the like, help remind individuals of
`tasks to be accomplished in a day. Schedule books and
`personal organizers also help individuals keep track of
`time-Sensitive tasks and appointments. If electronic calen
`dars and organizers are used, users may be electronically
`notified via the device's alarm or notification proceSS when
`it is time to carry out a particular task or appointment.
`If a task is not time-Sensitive, users often place Such a task
`in a separate to-do list. Typical tasks entered into a to-do list
`include, for example, buying an article X at Store A, an
`article Y at Store B, Stopping by the bank, going to the post
`office, going to the dry-cleaner, and running other types of
`errands. Whether such a to-do list is maintained manually or
`electronically, the user must make an effort to check the list
`in order to not forget a particular task that needs to be
`accomplished. Failure to check the to-do list at a particular
`time and be reminded of the task might cause inefficient
`management of the user's time. For instance, a user who is
`heading to Store B might forget to Stop by the bank which is
`on the way to Store B. This might cause the user to waste
`additional time to retrace his or her Steps to make the Visit
`to the bank, or forego this task completely. In either case, the
`user has made ineffective usage of his or her time.
`The prior art also fails to provide an effective method to
`share a to-do list among various individuals. For instance,
`one family member may have already accomplished a task
`on the to-do list which a Second family member has also Set
`out to accomplish. This again results in ineffective usage of
`both family members times. Either member could have
`devoted his or her time to a different task on the to-do list.
`Accordingly, there is a need for an electronic System and
`method for providing an alert when a user is in a pre-defined
`proximity location to a facility, Store, or the like, which has
`an entry on a to-do list. The reminder allows the user to then
`accomplish the task at the location. Such System should also
`maintain track of other users Sharing a to-do list item, and
`notify the other users when the shared to-do list item has
`been accomplished.
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention addresses and alleviates the above
`mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More
`particularly, the present invention comprises a System and
`method for notifying a user of a to-do list item if the user is
`detected to be in a particular proximity location to the to-do
`list item.
`In one aspect of the invention, a method for providing
`electronic notification of a to-do list item includes entering
`the to-do list to a mobile user terminal. The mobile user
`terminal includes a global positioning System (GPS) inter
`face allowing the automatic detection of the user's current
`position as the user embarks on his or her errands. The
`mobile terminal periodically compares the current position
`of the mobile terminal with the performance location of a
`to-do list item. Electronic notifications are then Sent to the
`user if a proximity criteria of the to-do list item has been
`Satisfied. The user might then Send a confirmation that the
`notification has been received.
`The proximity criteria is based on numerous factors, Such
`as the user's current position, the user's destination, the
`route chosen to reach the destination and the like. The
`proximity criteria may also vary from task to task. If the
`proximity criteria is based on the user's current position, the
`criteria is Satisfied if the distance between a detected current
`location and a performance address is within a pre
`determined proximity metric (i.e. one mile, one half mile, or
`the like).
`In another aspect of the invention, a particular to-do list
`item may be shared by multiple users. In this Scenario, one
`or more user IDs are associated with a to-do list item.
`Electronic notifications for the item are then sent to all the
`users with the associated user IDs. When one of these users
`transmits a confirmation of the notification, an update Status
`message is transmitted to the other users sharing the to-do
`list item. The update Status message changes the Status of the
`to-do list item from “Not Notified to “Confirmed. Further
`notifications of the confirmed item are then transmitted only
`to the confirming user. The other users Sharing the confirmed
`to-do list item are excluded from receiving further notifica
`tions.
`In yet another aspect of the invention, the sharing of a
`to-do list among multiple users is effectuated via a central
`host computer. In this Scenario, the to-do list is entered into
`the host computer and downloaded to the Sharing mobile
`terminals. A confirmation message from one of the mobile
`terminals is transmitted to the host computer, and the host
`computer transmits the update Status message to the Sharing
`mobile terminals.
`It will be appreciated, therefore, that the present invention
`allows for efficient time and Schedule management for
`dealing with multiple tasks in a Single excursion. With the
`System's alert mechanism, users no longer run the risk of
`forgetting an errand that could have been efficiently been
`performed during a trip to a destination location.
`The present invention also allows a to-do list to be
`effectively shared among various individuals. By maintain
`ing track of the users sharing a to-do list item and the Status
`of each of the items, the Sharing users will know when a
`particular task has been confirmed or completed.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
`present invention will be more fully understood when con
`sidered with respect to the following detailed description,
`appended claims and accompanying drawings wherein:
`
`Page 11 of 17
`
`

`

`3
`FIG. 1 is a Schematic block diagram of an interactive
`to-do list item notification System including a mobile user
`terminal;
`FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of the
`mobile user terminal of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a schematic layout diagram of a To-Do List
`database;
`FIG. 4 is a Schematic layout diagram of a Location
`database;
`FIG. 5 is a Schematic layout diagram of a user database;
`FIG. 6 is a proceSS flow diagram of an address conversion
`routine according to one embodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 7 is an illustration of a Screen display for entering a
`to-do list to the system of FIG. 1; and
`FIGS. 8A-8B are process flow diagrams of an interactive
`to-do list item notification Software program.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`In general terms, the present invention is directed to a
`particular System and method for alerting a user of an item
`on a to-do list if the user is detected to be close to the items
`performance location, thereby allowing the user to accom
`plish the task. Each to-do list item is entered to a mobile user
`terminal Such as one that might be Supported in an automo
`bile. The mobile terminal includes a GPS interface that
`allows an automatic detection of the mobile terminal when
`the automobile is in motion. Using the GPS interface, the
`mobile terminal periodically compares the position of the
`user with various to-do list item locations to determine
`whether the user will pass within a pre-defined proximity
`metric (e.g. one mile, half mile, or the like) of the listed item.
`The proximity metric is calculated according to various
`criteria, including the user's current position, the user's
`destination, the route chosen to reach the destination, and the
`like. Whenever a particular criteria is Satisfied, the System
`provides a notification to the user of a potential to-do list
`item.
`In response to the notification, the user indicates that the
`user has accepted the notification by transmitting a “con
`firmed” status. Once the to-do item has been completed, the
`user might change the item's Status by indicating that the
`item has been “completed.” The present system and method
`thus allow for efficient time and Schedule management for
`dealing with multiple tasks in a single excursion.
`According to one embodiment of the invention, the
`present System and method incorporates a single mobile
`terminal for personal use. Alternatively, the present System
`and method incorporates multiple terminals for family or
`busineSS use. In the case of multiple terminals and/or mul
`tiple users, particular items may be identified with a specific
`user ID so that the to-do list item is performed by the
`appropriate perSon. Notifications and Status flags for a
`particular users to-do list item are shared among the mul
`tiple terminals to update the list once a particular item status
`has been “confirmed” or “completed.”
`Considering the foregoing, FIG. 1 depicts a Schematic
`block diagram of an interactive to-do list item notification
`system. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, a mobile
`user terminal 10 storing a to-do list receives GPS signals
`from a GPS satellite system 12. The mobile terminal 10
`processes the GPS Signals for automatically detecting the
`position of the terminal 10, and hence, the position of the
`user of the terminal as the user embarks on his or her
`errands. If the user is in a proximity location to an items
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`4
`performance location, the mobile terminal 10 displays an
`alert reminding the user of the to-do list item.
`A to-do list may be shared by multiple users and/or
`multiple mobile terminals (collectively referred to as 10) via
`a central host computer 14. The communication between the
`mobile terminals 10 and the host computer 14 may be wired
`16 and/or wireleSS 18, using traditional computer networks,
`cellular phone networks, public telephone networks, and/or
`Satellite System networks.
`To effectuate notification of to-do list items to the multiple
`mobile terminals 10, the host computer 14 preferably hosts
`three databases: a To-Do List database 20, Location database
`22, and user database 23. In the illustrated embodiment, the
`three databaseS reside in three Separate mass Storage devices,
`each taking the form of a hard disk drive or drive array. It is
`noted, however, that the three databases may also reside in
`a single mass Storage device. If the to-do list is not to be
`shared among multiple users or terminals 10, the To-Do List
`database 20 and Location database 22 reside within the
`mobile terminals themselves.
`The To-Do List database 20 stores a to-do list along with
`one or more user IDS and a performance address for each
`item on the to-do list, as is explained in further detail below
`in conjunction with FIG. 3. The user IDs indicate the
`individuals who are responsible for accomplishing the indi
`cated task. The performance address indicates a specific
`address where the task is to be accomplished.
`The Location database 22 maps performance locations to
`Specific performance addresses, as is also described in
`further detail below in conjunction with FIG. 4. Thus, if the
`user enters a performance location, Such as the name of a
`Store or a branch, instead of a specific address, the host
`database 14 searches the Location database 22 to find the
`Specific address of the indicated task. The host computer 14
`then Stores the to-do list item with the Specific performance
`address in the To-Do List database 20.
`The user database 23 maps particular users to particular
`mobile terminals 10, as is also explained below in conjunc
`tion with FIG. 5. Thus, communications received from a
`particular terminal may be mapped to the user transmitting
`the communication. Furthermore, communications may be
`transmitted to particular users by identifying the terminals
`asSociated with Such users.
`In downloading the to-do list to the multiple mobile
`terminals 10, the host computer 14 retrieves the to-do list
`from the To-Do List database 20 and examines the user IDs
`associated with the to-do list items. The host computer 14
`then transmits the entire to-do list along with the user IDs
`and the performance addresses to the mobile terminals 10
`indicated by the user IDs, via wired 16 or wireless 16 media.
`Alternatively, the host computer 14 creates Separate to-do
`lists from the retrieved master to-do list based on the user
`IDS, and transmits the individualized to-do list to each user.
`If a particular task is assigned to more than one perSon, the
`task is included in the to-do list for all the assigned users.
`In an alternative embodiment, a to-do list is shared by
`multiple terminals 10 without the aid of a central host
`computer 14. For instance, a to-do list may be shared among
`various family members by maintaining a separate user ID
`for each member of the family. Each task is then associated
`with one or more user IDs. The to-do list along with the
`asSociated user IDs are then Stored in each family members
`mobile terminal.
`FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic block diagram of the
`mobile user terminal 10 of FIG.1. According to one embodi
`ment of the invention, the mobile terminal is installed into
`
`Page 12 of 17
`
`

`

`S
`an automobile. If the automobile already includes a GPS
`System, the mobile terminal may make use of the automo
`bile’s GPS interface for location detection. In an alternative
`embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 is not installed into the
`automobile, but is a Stand-alone unit capable of being
`hand-carried by a user.
`In the situation where the central host computer 14 is not
`used, a user enters a to-do list including the performance
`location of each to-do list item directly into the mobile
`terminal 10 using an input device 10a. The user also uses the
`input device 10a to change the status of a to-do list item. The
`input device may take the form of a keyboard or a numeric
`or alphanumeric button or keypad arrangement. Specialized
`keys or buttons on the input device 10a relate to Specialized
`functions performed with respect to the to-do list, Such as
`entering or downloading the to-do list, and transmitting
`“confirmed” and “accepted Status messages.
`In a multiple user and/or multiple mobile user terminal
`Scenario including the central host computer 14, the to-do
`list is entered directly into the host computer and down
`loaded to each mobile terminal 10. Alternatively, the to-do
`list is entered through the mobile terminal 10 and uploaded
`to the host computer 14. The host computer 14 is configured
`with similar input devices as the mobile terminal 10 to allow
`entry of the to-do list. The mobile terminal 10 includes a
`modem 10g for downloading/uploading the to-do list from/
`to the host computer 14. The modem 10g may take the form
`of a traditional modem for wired communication, and/or a
`wireleSS modem for communication with the host computer
`14 via wireless media.
`The mobile terminal 10 also includes an output device
`10b to alert the user of a to-do list item via visual and/or
`audio instruments according to well known methods. The
`audio component of the output device 10b includes one or
`more Speakers and a voice Synthesizer for providing audio
`alerts to the user. The Speakers may optionally be coupled to
`the speakers of the automobile. The mobile terminal 10 may
`further emit vibrations to alert the user of a to-do list item.
`The visual component of the output device 10b preferably
`comprises a VGA, SVGA liquid-crystal-display (LC)
`Screen, an LED display Screen, or any other Suitable display
`apparatus. Pressure Sensitive (touch Screen) technology may
`be incorporated into the display 10b so that the user may
`interact with the mobile terminal 10 by merely touching
`certain portions of the Screen. Alternatively, the keyboard or
`keypad arrangement is provided in combination with the
`display screen to define the input device 10a.
`A GPS receiver 10c also incorporated to the mobile
`terminal 10 allows communication with the GPS satellite
`system 12. The GPS receiver 10c is a specialized radio
`receiver designed to listen to radio Signals transmitted by the
`GPS satellite system 12. The radio signals provide latitude
`and longitude information to the mobile terminal 10 accord
`ing to well-known methods. The latitude and longitude
`information allows the mobile terminal 10 to detect the
`user's current location and provide alerts based on the
`detected location.
`The mobile terminal 10 further includes a processor 10d
`for taking the input list from the input device 10a or the input
`list that has been downloaded via the modem 10g, and
`Storing it into memory 10for an external storage device (not
`shown). The memory 10f is a RAM or other suitable
`variations of a RAM. If the performance location entered by
`the user for a particular to-do list item is not a specific
`performance address, the processor 10d converts the perfor
`mance location to a specific performance address before
`
`15
`
`25
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 6,680,675 B1
`
`6
`storing the to-do list into the memory 10f. In this regard, the
`processor 10d accesses the mobile terminal's Location data
`base 10e mapping performance locations with performance
`addresses, as is described in further detail below in conjunc
`tion with FIG. 4. In its simplest form, the Location database
`is a yellow-page directory of Schools, Stores, businesses, and
`other facilities in a Specified geographic area. The Location
`database 10e resides in a mass Storage device Such as a CD
`ROM, DVD, or hard disk drive. According to one embodi
`ment of the invention, the Location database 10e also
`includes digital or graphic maps of the geographic area.
`FIG. 3 is a schematic layout diagram of a To-Do List
`database 20 stored by the host computer 14 and downloaded
`to the mobile terminal's memory 10for the external storage
`device. A similar database is created by the mobile terminal
`10 itself if the to-do list is entered directly by a user. The
`database 20 includes a to-do list table 30 with a plurality of
`to-do list items. The to-do list items may be arranged in a
`variety of ways, but is most advantageously configured as
`Sequential entries, with each entry Specific to a particular
`task to be accomplished. A particular task entry includes a
`“Task” field 30a, typically implemented as a series of text
`Strings, for describing a particular task to be accomplished.
`A particular task entry further includes a “Location
`Entered” field 30b and a “Location Address' field 30c, also
`implemented as a Series of text Strings. The “Location
`Entered” field 30b reflects the performance location of the
`task identified by the user. A user might give an exact
`address as the performance location. In this case, the “Loca
`tion Address' field 30c includes the exact address entered by
`the user. Alternatively, the user might not know the exact
`address of a performance location, or might know only a
`portion of the address, Such as the Street name. In this case,
`the host computer 14 (or the mobile terminal 10) converts
`the performance location entered by the user into a specific
`performance address, and Stores the performance address in
`the “Location Address' field 30c. The address conversion
`routine is described in further detail in conjunction with FIG.
`6.
`In the event of multiple users and/or multiple mobile
`terminals 10, each task entry of the to-do list table 30 also
`includes a “User ID' field for indicating one or more unique
`user identifierS Such as identification numbers responsible
`for accomplishing the particular task. Aparticular task might
`be assigned to more than one individual.
`A “Status' field also included in each task entry indicates
`the Status of a particular task. Initially, all tasks are initial
`ized as being “Not Notified.” When a user receives notifi
`cation for a particular to-do list item, and transmits a
`confirmation that the alert was received, the Status of the
`particular item is changed to a "Confirmed Status. In a
`multi-user Scenario, the “Status' field includes the user ID of
`the user transmitting the confirmed Status. The user transmits
`a completion of a particular to-do list item if the task has
`been accomplished. In this event, the Status of the particular
`task entry is again changed to reflect a “Completed Status.
`FIG. 4 is a Schematic layout diagram of a Location
`database 22, 10e maintained either by the host computer 14
`or the mobile terminal itself 10, depending on whether the
`to-do list is to be shared among multiple users/terminals.
`The database 22, 10e includes a location table 40 with a
`plurality of location-specific information. The location
`Specific information may be arranged in a variety of ways,
`but is most advantageously configured alphabetically in
`Sequential entries, with each entry Specific to a particular
`Store, business, facility, and the like (collectively referred to
`
`Page 13 of 17
`
`

`

`7
`as Stores), in a particular geographic area. According to one
`embodiment of the invention, the Location database 22
`Stores a plurality of location tables for different geographic
`areas. For instance, Separate location tables 40 might be
`maintained for different cities, counties, States, and the like.
`A particular store entry in the location table 40 includes a
`“Name” field 40a, typically implemented as a series of text
`Strings, for describing a name of the Store. A location entry
`further includes a “City” field 40b and an “Address” field
`40c, also implemented as a series of text strings. The “City”
`field indicates the city where the Store is located, and the
`“Address' field” 40c indicates the exact address in the city.
`As illustrated in FIG. 4, stores with several locations
`throughout the geographic area will have multiple entries in
`the location table 40.
`FIG. 5 is a schematic layout diagram of a user database 23
`preferably maintained by the host computer 14 according to
`one embodiment of the invention. The user database 23
`includes a user table 41 with a plurality of user-specific
`information. The user-specific information may be arranged
`in a variety of ways, but is most advantageously configured
`in Sequential entries, with each entry Specific to a particular
`user. A particular user entry includes a “user ID' field 41a
`for Storing an identification for each user. A particular user
`entry further includes a user name 41b associated with the
`user ID, as well as a terminal ID 41c for identifying the
`particular terminal used by the user. The user database 23 is
`preferably used in a multiple user/terminal Scenario for
`identifying the source of a “confirmed” or a “completed”
`message, as well as for Sending notifications to the appro
`priate users.
`FIG. 6 is a proceSS flow diagram of an address conversion
`routine implemented as a Software program according to one
`embodiment of the invention. The address conversion rou
`tine is performed by the host computer 14 or the mobile
`terminal 10 if the performance location entered for a to-do
`list item is not an exact address. The program illustrated in
`FIG. 6 starts, and in step 42, retrieves the location table 40
`from the location database 22 or 10e. According to one
`embodiment of the invention, the user, at a minimum, enters
`the Store name as the performance location of the to-do list
`item. Thus, in step 44, the program searches the “Name”
`field of the location table 40 for the entered store name and
`retrieves all matching entries for the Store.
`In Step 46, the program inquires if the user has specified
`a city where the store is located. If the answer is YES, the
`program, in Step 48, Searches the matching entries retrieved
`So far for the Store in the Specified city, and thus filters-out
`any Stores located in the other cities. The program further
`inquires in Step 50 if the user has specified a Street name
`where the store is located. If the answer is YES, the program,
`in Step 52, Searches the currently matching entries for the
`Store on the Specified Street.
`If the user provided neither a city nor a Street name for the
`Store, the program retrieves in Step 54 all the matching
`entries for the Store. Alternatively, the program assumes as
`a default that the desired city is the city where the user
`resides. In this case, the program retrieves all the matching
`entries for the store in the default city.
`In Step 56, the program inquires if multiple matching
`entries exist. If the answer is YES, the user preferably
`manually narrows-down the matches to a single match.
`Accordingly, the program, in St