(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0111477 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Jun. 10, 2004
`B0SS et al.
`
`US 2004O111477A1
`
`(54)
`
`(75)
`
`(73)
`
`(21)
`(22)
`
`(51)
`(52)
`
`LOCATION MESSAGING SYSTEMAND
`METHOD FOR DELIVERING MESSAGES IN
`A GLOBAL VIRTUAL SPACE
`
`Inventors: Gregory J. Boss, American Fork, UT
`(US); Kevin C. McConnell, Austin, TX
`(US)
`Correspondence Address:
`Samuel A. Kassatly
`6819 Trinidad Drive
`San Jose, CA 95120 (US)
`Assignee: International Business Machines Cor
`poration, Armonk, NY
`Appl. No.:
`10/313,731
`
`Filed:
`
`Dec. 6, 2002
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Int. Cl. ................................................ G06F 15/16
`
`U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 709/206
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A location messaging System creates and deliverS messages
`in a global virtual space, at the best time and location, in the
`optimal context. The recipient can be either generally or
`Specifically targeted. The location message criteria can be
`formatted So that only a specific group of people See the
`message. Location messaging leaves “triggers' in a virtual
`location, that can be either action or time related. Using
`action triggers, the location message will not be delivered
`until the recipient performs the predetermined action. That
`action includes things like Visiting a web page/site, opening
`or editing a document, Scanning a badge through a badge
`reader, buying a product from a store, or combining physical
`aspects to these virtual actions. Using time triggers, the
`location message has the ability to increase or decrease
`delivery or importance levels automatically. The location
`message will not be displayed or delivered to the recipient
`until that individual activates the message, messages are
`activated by performing Some action predetermined by the
`message Sender or a Sender Specified time duration has
`elapsed. Location messages have physical attributes associ
`ated with them. This allows a Sender to leave a message for
`a recipient that is displayed only when he accesses a specific
`document from a specific place.
`
`205
`
`225
`
`DETERMINE
`LOCATION
`
`CREATE
`MESSAGE
`
`DEFINE
`TRIGGER
`
`240
`
`245
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`
`
`YES
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`
`
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`
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`
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`
`
`WIRTUAL
`LOCATION ?
`
`DEFINE
`MESSAGE
`TYPE
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`PHYSICA
`CATION?
`LO
`
`MESSEE
`FORMAT
`
`ADDITIONAL
`LOCATION ?
`
`DEFINE
`RECIPIENTS
`
`250
`
`CREATE
`ACTION
`TRIGGER
`
`
`
`ADDITIONAL
`TRIGGER
`
`YES
`
`TO 265
`
`Twitter Exhibit 1012
`Page 00001
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`

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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 1 of 3
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`US 2004/0111477 A1
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`Patent Application Publication Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 2 of 3
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`US 2004/0111477 A1
`
`205
`
`225
`
`
`
`DETERMINE
`LOCATION
`
`CREATE
`MESSAGE
`
`DEFINE
`TRIGGER
`
`240
`
`245
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`
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`
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`210
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`VIRTUAL
`LOCATION ?
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`PHYSICAL
`LOCATION ?
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`YES
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`230
`
`DEFINE
`RECIPIENTS
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`
`
`
`
`DEFINE
`MESSAGE
`TYPE
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`235
`
`DEFINE
`MESSAGE
`FORMAT
`
`YES
`
`CREATE
`ACTION
`TRIGGER2
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`
`
`
`
`ADDITIONAL
`LOCATION ?
`
`YES
`
`NO
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`
`
`ADDITIONAL
`TRIGGER 2
`
`
`
`TO 265
`(FIG. 2B)
`
`FIG. 2A
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`Page 00003
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jun. 10, 2004 Sheet 3 of 3
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`US 2004/0111477 A1
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`
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`265
`
`FROM 260
`(FIG. 2A)
`
`DEFINE MESSAGE
`ATTRIBUTES
`
`DEFINE RESPONSE
`MESSAGE TYPE
`
`DEFINE RESPONSE
`MESSAGE FORMAT
`
`DEFAULTRESPONSE
`MESSAGE (YES NO
`CALL ME LATER)
`
`OTHER ATTRIBUTES
`
`SEND MESSAGE
`
`FIG. 2B
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`US 2004/0111477 A1
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`Jun. 10, 2004
`
`LOCATION MESSAGING SYSTEMAND METHOD
`FOR DELIVERING MESSAGES IN A GLOBAL
`VIRTUAL SPACE
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0001. The present invention relates to a computer system,
`and more particularly to a method, System, and computer
`program product for enabling messaging Systems to leave
`messages in any virtual location and to deliver messages in
`an optimum context with Virtual and physical aspects. The
`present invention comprises a System that could be imple
`mented as an extension of the capabilities of instant mes
`Saging or e-mail, or as an independent messaging System.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002 Currently, the two most prevalent electronic com
`munication formats are instant messaging and e-mail.
`Instant messaging Systems provide real-time communication
`between users who are connected to the Systems through an
`on-line or electronic networking environment. Instant mes
`Saging Systems are quite popular among Internet, Intranet,
`and EXtranet users because they are user friendly and
`provide a simple, inexpensive way to Send instantaneous
`messages. However, the popularity of instant messaging has
`created an interrupt-driven workforce. Employees turn off
`instant messaging to get work accomplished; this reduces
`the effectiveness of a virtual knowledge organization
`because experts, co-workers, or friends may not be readily
`available.
`0003. Many times instant messaging is misused because
`no better message format appears to be available for the
`Sender. Instant messaging has a high level of urgency
`implied in its delivery format, Similar to a telephone call, and
`encourages an immediate response.
`0004 Conversely, e-mail has a relatively lower level of
`urgency, Similar to postal mail. The recipient can read an
`e-mail whenever they have time and may delay responding
`to an e-mail for Significant periods of time, for example from
`Several minutes to Several dayS. Messages that do not require
`immediate action are often Sent via instant messaging rather
`than e-mail because the Senders wish to engage in a very
`interactive conversation or they do not wish a reply to be
`delayed beyond a certain time frame. If a follow-on message
`is dependent upon the reply to a previous message, the delay
`in having that conversation over e-mail could be days,
`depending on the number of interchanges.
`0005 There exists a class of messages that falls between
`instant messaging and e-mail in urgency. These communi
`cation messages do not require immediate delivery, inter
`rupting the employee or other individual. However, these
`messages do need a response when they are received;
`delivery at the right time in the right context or place can
`maximize their effectiveness. The combination of location,
`activity and timing in the delivery of messages creates a
`messaging class that is contextual. The vast majority of
`instant messages or e-mail are not contextual in nature.
`0006. One instant messaging and web conferencing solu
`tion has a feature called “place based awareness” that allows
`a user to know when another user is currently in the same
`“virtual location.” This feature allows the users in that same
`location the opportunity to collaborate on a common topic;
`
`the topic is typically contextual to the Virtual location.
`However, this technology requires that the group of users be
`in the same virtual location at the same time. The “place
`based awareness” message is therefore always Synchronous.
`In addition, the Senders will not know in advance to whom
`they will be able to Send the message.
`0007 Using place based awareness, if a user wishes to
`visit a web site and interact with others at that web site, the
`user must go to that web site and Stay connected there until
`Someone else accesses that web site. If five people access
`that web site, the user must decide whether to send five
`independent messages, one to each perSon, asking for Some
`contextual input.
`0008 What is therefore needed is a system and associated
`method for leaving messages for others on the virtual global
`computing Space that can be delivered to the recipient at the
`appropriate time and to the appropriate place that ultimately
`provides a much richer contextual messaging environment.
`The need for Such a System has heretofore remained unsat
`isfied.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0009. The present invention satisfies this need, and pre
`Sents a location messaging System, a computer program
`product, and an associated method (collectively referred to
`herein as “the system” or “the present system”) for deliv
`ering messages in the global virtual Space. The present
`System delivers a message at the best time and location, in
`the optimal context.
`0010. In addition, the present system allows the message
`Sender and recipient to be in the same place at different
`times, it allows both Synchronous and asynchronous com
`munications. In a novel aspect of the present System, the
`recipient can be either generally or Specifically targeted. The
`location message criteria can be formatted So that only a
`Specific group of people see the message; for example, those
`with a particular skill level within a particular company,
`those who are members of a particular discussion group on
`the internet, etc. These criteria can be derived from public or
`private directories or inferred by data-mining or other pro
`grammatic methods.
`0011. This message will not be displayed or delivered to
`the recipient until the recipient or the recipient's action,
`inaction, or presence activates the message. Messages are
`activated, for example, by performing an action that is
`predetermined by the message Sender or by combining
`elements of time.
`0012. The location message of the present system can
`contain any type of computing media Such as text, Voice,
`Video, etc. Location messages can also have physical
`attributes associated with them. These physical attributes are
`identified from a network card's MAC address, TCP/IP
`address, GPS location, cell tower information, or other
`means. This allows a Sender to leave a message for a
`recipient that is displayed only when the recipient activates
`the action or time trigger from a specific place.
`0013 The present location messaging system can be
`thought of as filling a gap between asynchronous e-mail and
`Synchronous instant messaging. Messages that do not
`require an immediate response or high degree of interactiv
`ity should not require the use of instant messaging. How
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`Jun. 10, 2004
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`ever, there is a lesser degree of urgency and contextual
`elements that e-mails do not accommodate properly. The
`relation to e-mail and instant messaging are given only as
`examples, and in the proper context location messaging it
`can be applied to any messaging format including voice,
`SMS, IM, e-mail, voice-mail, MMS, and other formats not
`explicitly named.
`0.014) The present location messaging System enables a
`method of communication with location messages that have
`a built-in contextual attribute. The location message
`accounts for the recipient's location or context, at the time
`the recipient views, displayS, or otherwise activates the
`location message.
`0.015. In another aspect of the present system, the loca
`tion message can be formatted with an auto response feature.
`The auto response can be of any format including but not
`limited to another location message, an e-mail, instant
`message, SMS, voice, or a combination thereof.
`0016. The use of the present location messaging system
`can reduce the amount of instant messaging that interrupts
`workers and promote collaboration between employees.
`Location messaging is contextual in that the message is
`related to what the recipient is working on or doing at the
`moment the message is received. Contextual collaboration is
`promoted through the receipt of the message when appro
`priate to the recipient's task flow rather than the Sender's
`task flow. Contextual collaboration is the relation between
`the location of the recipient of the message, what the
`recipient of the message is doing, and the content of the
`meSSage.
`0.017. The present location messaging system optionally
`assigns "triggers' to the location message. The trigger can
`be either action or time related. The action trigger displayS
`the message when an action defined by the Sender takes
`place. The message Sender uses an action trigger when the
`Sender wants the recipient to receive the message after the
`recipient performs a specific action. For exemplification
`purpose only, Such actions might be clicking on a web site,
`opening a document or particular portion of a document,
`editing a document, moving the mouse over a picture,
`copying a document, Saving a document, moving a docu
`ment, making a purchase, or entering a Store and initiating
`a transaction. The recipient does not see the message until
`the recipient performs the action defined by the sender. The
`action trigger associates a context with the message, deliv
`ering it at the appropriate time and place.
`0.018. The time trigger activates on an elapsed time frame
`defined by the sender. If the recipient does not view the
`location message in a Specified amount of time, the location
`message has the ability to perform certain actions. One Such
`action might be to Send an e-mail to the recipient. Another
`time trigger could send an instant message if the e-mail is
`not read within a specified amount of time. Other time
`triggerS could involve pager notifications, automated Voice
`calls, or Scripted actions. Using time triggers, the location
`message has the ability to increase or decrease delivery or
`importance levels automatically. Not only can a location
`message trigger other types of messages, it can be trans
`formed into another type of message itself.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0019. The various features of the present invention and
`the manner of attaining them will be described in greater
`
`detail with reference to the following description, claims,
`and drawings, wherein reference numerals are reused, where
`appropriate, to indicate a correspondence between the ref
`erenced items, and wherein:
`0020 FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary
`operating environment in which a location messaging Sys
`tem and method for delivering messages in a global Virtual
`Space of the present invention can be used; and
`0021 FIG. 2 is comprised of FIGS. 2A and 2B, and
`represents a proceSS flow chart illustrating a method of
`operation of the location messaging System of FIG. 1.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`0022. The following definitions and explanations provide
`background information pertaining to the technical field of
`the present invention, and are intended to facilitate the
`understanding of the present invention without limiting its
`Scope:
`0023 Asynchronous: Refers to events that are not syn
`chronized, or coordinated, in time. Location messaging is
`initially asynchronous but can become Synchronous with an
`appropriate time trigger.
`0024 E-mail (electronic-mail): The transmission of
`memoS and messages over a network. Within an enterprise,
`users can Send mail to a single recipient or broadcast it to
`multiple users. Mail is Sent to a simulated mailbox in the
`network mail server or host computer until it is interrogated
`and deleted.
`002.5 GPS (Global Positioning System): Asatellite-based
`radio navigation System run by the U.S. Department of
`Defense.
`0026 Instant Messaging: A computer conference using
`the keyboard (a keyboard chat) over the Internet between
`two or more people. Instant messaging (IM) is not a dial-up
`System like the telephone; it requires that both parties be
`on-line at the same time.
`0027 Internet: A collection of interconnected public and
`private computer networks that are linked together with
`routers by a set of Standards protocols to form a global,
`distributed network.
`0028 MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service): Provides
`the ability to exchange not only text, but also pictures, audio,
`animations and Video via a mobile phone. It is a more robust
`version of EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service) which pro
`vides ring tones and basic images.
`0029 PDA: (Personal Digital Assistant) Ahandheld com
`puter that Serves as an organizer for personal information. It
`generally includes at least a name and address database,
`to-do list and note taker. PDAs can use a stylus or thumb
`keyboard for input to Select menu items and to enter printed
`characters. The unit may also include a Small on-Screen
`keyboard which is tapped with the pen. Data are Synchro
`nized between the PDA and desktop computer via cable or
`wireleSS transmission.
`0030 MAC (Media Access Control) Address: The physi
`cal address of a device connected to a network, expressed as
`a 48-bit hexadecimal number.
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`0.031) Physical Location: Any site that can be derived
`from Satellites, cellular triangulation, and other means.
`These sites include IP addresses, MAC addresses, GPS
`coordinates, Zip codes, cities, States, etc.
`0032 SMS (Short Messaging System or Short Message
`Service). A feature that allows users to receive or transmit
`Short text messages using a wireleSS phone. Using SMS, a
`Short alphanumeric message up to 160 characters can be
`transmitted to a mobile phone that displays the message as
`a pager would.
`0.033 Synchronous: Occurring at the same time and/or
`Same place. Instant messaging is Synchronous.
`0034) TCP/IP: (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
`Protocol) A communications protocol to inter-network dis
`Similar Systems.
`0.035
`Virtual Location: Any location that can be accessed
`on-line, both on the Internet and Intranet, including web
`Sites, Web pages, documents, pages, paragraphs, Words,
`characters, etc. A document Saved to a network drive also
`has a virtual location.
`0.036
`FIG. 1 portrays an exemplary overall environment
`in which a location messaging System 10 and associated
`method for delivering messages in the global Virtual space
`according to the present invention may be used. System 10
`includes a Software programming code or computer program
`product that is typically embedded within, or installed on a
`computer, WorkStation, laptop, PDA or other wireleSS hand
`held device, cell phones, etc., as represented by location
`messaging clients 15, 20. Location messaging client 15 is
`represented as a wireleSS device, while location messaging
`client 20 is represented as a computer, WorkStation, etc.
`0037) System 10 can function as a source for location
`messages without being installed on the recipient's com
`puter or other device. The function performed by system 10
`can also be implemented in a Server-Side System Such as
`location messaging Server cluster 25. System 10 can also be
`added to any instant messaging application to extend the
`instant messaging application's function to include location
`messaging, or alternatively, System 10 can implemented
`Separately. System 10 can be Saved on a Suitable Storage
`medium Such as a diskette, a CD, a hard drive, or like
`devices.
`0.038. The location messaging client 15 communicates
`with other computers or networks of computers through
`various paths: the Internet 30; wireleSS communication as
`represented by voice transmission 35 through antenna 40,
`PBX 45, and gateway 50; or data transmission 55 through
`antenna 60 and the Internet 30 or Ethernet 65. The location
`messaging client 20 may also be associated with Such other
`computers in a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area
`Network (WAN) through Ethernet 65.
`0.039 System 10 implemented on location messaging
`client 20 can leave a location message for location messag
`ing client 15 in either virtual locations 70, 75, in a physical
`location, or a combination of the two. Virtual locations are
`any virtual place a user can visit on-line. Any document
`saved to a drive (Such as a network drive) can also be visited
`on-line and can be considered as a virtual location. Virtual
`locations can also include physical locations, or a combina
`tion of Virtual and physical locations, Such as a computer
`connected to the Internet.
`
`0040 Location messaging client 15 can be physically
`located by Satellite 80 using global positioning or triangu
`lation using antennas 40 and 60. System 10 implemented on
`location messaging client 15 can also leave a location
`message for location messaging client 20 in Virtual locations
`70, 75.
`Location messaging client 20 can be physically
`0041
`located for example by its IP address or MAC address. The
`medium used to deliver the location message can take the
`form of e-mail, instant message, SMS, voice, location mes
`Sage, or combination of the above.
`0042. The message type is stored within the message. The
`message originates at, for example either location messaging
`client 15 or 20 using system 10, and gets deposited at
`location message Server cluster 25. The message can remain
`at location message Server cluster 25 until the recipient or
`recipients are available to receive the message over the
`Specified medium. Depending on the availability of the
`recipient the message may stay on cluster 25 or be delivered
`to the recipients local system 10 where it will be hidden from
`the user until the message triggerS are activated. The mes
`Sage format includes elements of rich text, radio buttons,
`check boxes, drop down lists, and predetermined responses.
`0043. A method of operation 200 of system 10 is illus
`trated by the process flow chart of FIG. 2 (FIGS. 2A, 2B).
`Creating a location message generally comprises the fol
`lowing four operational phases:
`0044) 1. Determine the destination location of the
`meSSage,
`0045 2. create the message;
`0046 3. define the trigger; and
`0047. 4. define the location message attributes.
`0048. To create the location message, system 10 could
`allow the message originator, for example, to go to the web
`Site or document where the message is to be placed, “right
`click” on the mouse, and choose “leave message'. Alterna
`tively, System 10 can provide a client/application on the
`desktop that the message originator uses to create the
`location message.
`0049. Destination locations can be virtual, physical, or a
`combination thereof. Virtual locations include web sites,
`Web pages, documents, pages, paragraphs, Words, charac
`ters, any destination on the internet or an intranet. Physical
`locations include IP addresses, MAC addresses, GPS coor
`dinates, geographic locations determined through cellular
`triangulation, Zip codes, cities, States, etc.
`0050. To determine the destination location of the mes
`sage (block 205 of FIG. 2A) in phase one, system 10 first
`ascertains whether the message is intended for a virtual
`location at decision block 210. If not, system 10 checks
`whether the message originator wishes to Send the message
`to a physical location at decision block 215.
`0051) If at block 215 system 10 determines that the
`message originator does not wish to Send the message to a
`physical location, system 10 returns to decision block 210.
`The message originator chooses either a physical, Virtual
`location, or a combination thereof. If at decision block 215
`the message originator chooses a physical location, System
`10 proceeds to decision block 220 and asks the message
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`originator if there are any other destination locations desired
`for this message. If yes, System 10 returns to decision block
`210.
`0.052) If the destination at decision block 210 is a virtual
`location, system 10 again asks at decision block 220 if
`additional locations are desired, repeating blocks 210, 215,
`and 220 until all destination locations for the message have
`been Selected.
`0053. The location message is created in phase 2 at block
`225 through whatever means are provided by the software
`installed on the location messaging client 15. The message
`originator Selects the message type at block 230. The mes
`Sage type can be an e-mail, instant message, SMS, voice,
`location message, or combination of these. At block 235, the
`message originator Selects the message format. The message
`format describes the message's appearance, using elements
`Such as rich text, radio buttons, check boxes, drop down
`lists, and predetermined responses.
`0.054
`Activation triggers are defined in phase 3 at block
`240. The trigger determines what action must take place
`before the message is displayed to the recipient. The trigger
`can involve an action, time, or both. The message originator
`Selects the target message recipient at block 245. The
`message recipient can be an individual, a group of individu
`als, or a definition of matching characteristics that can be
`compared dynamically.
`0055. In a distinctive aspect of the system 10, the recipi
`ent can also be a profile of possible recipients. For example,
`the message originator may specify that all users Visiting the
`company's internal web site that have a skill level of 5
`(expert or above with advanced skills) should receive the
`message. The message gets Sent once and is delivered to the
`correct people in the preferred context.
`0056 System 10 then asks the message originator
`whether the location message will have an action trigger at
`decision block 250. An action trigger describes an action the
`recipient must take to cause message delivery. Actions used
`as triggers include Visiting a virtual or physical location,
`editing elements of a document, Sending a message, launch
`ing a program, etc. Action triggers can also require a
`combination of actions by the message recipient to receive
`the message. If the message originator does not wish to use
`an action trigger, System 10 asks at decision block 255
`whether the message originator wishes to include a time
`trigger.
`0057. A time trigger is created by specifying a time
`duration during which the location message is active. If the
`message originator does not wish to Select a time trigger,
`system 10 returns to decision block 250. Some form of
`trigger must be selected by the message originator. If the
`message originator Selects a time trigger at decision block
`255, system 10 proceeds to decision block 260.
`0.058 At decision block 260, system 10 inquires whether
`the message originator wishes to use an additional trigger. If
`yes, system 10 returns to decision block 250. If the message
`originator wishes to create an action trigger at decision block
`250, system 10 continues on to decision block 260. Blocks
`250, 255, and 260 are repeated until all the triggers have
`been defined for the location message.
`0059 System 10 defines message attributes in phase 4, at
`block 265 of FIG. 2B. Message attributes provide control
`
`and flexibility to the message originator regarding message
`appearance and possible responses to the message. At block
`270, the message originator Selects the response message
`type. Response message types are identical to message
`types: e-mail, instant message, SMS, voice, location mes
`Sage, or combination of these.
`0060. The message originator defines the response mes
`Sage format at block 275 using format elements Such as rich
`text, radio buttons, check boxes, drop down lists, and
`predetermined responses. In one aspect of System 10, the
`message originator Specifies a default response for the
`message at block 280; the recipient can choose to respond by
`default. A possible default message might be “Yes, No, Call
`me later and can be returned to the message originator as
`e-mail, instant message, SMS, Voice, location message, or
`combination of these.
`0061. Other attributes are added to the message at block
`285. The attributes determine how the message is displayed,
`how the response is delivered, and the escalation of mes
`Sages and message priorities if the recipient does not activate
`the message. For example, the message originator Sends a
`location message to John to be activated when he enters a
`particular document within a specified time period, 24 hours.
`If John does not access that document within the Specified
`time frame, System 10 Sends a different type of message, as
`defined by the message originator. The new message might
`be an e-mail. If that e-mail isn't read within an allotted time,
`System 10 Sends an instant message to John. This progres
`Sion of messages with escalating priorities is defined at
`block 285.
`0062. At block 290, system 10 sends the message to
`Storage for delivery at a time determined by the action
`trigger or the time trigger. The message can be Stored on the
`recipient's location messaging client 15, 20, on the location
`messaging Server cluster 25, on the Virtual location Server or
`any other location. System 10 of the recipient's location
`messaging client will not display the message until the
`action trigger or time trigger criteria are met. The recipient
`can choose to view all of his location messages manually,
`overriding the trigger mechanisms. In this case, clicking on
`one of the messages might then activate the Virtual location,
`taking the recipient to the related document, Web Site, web
`page, etc.
`0063 System 10 can implement a security procedure so
`that the location message can authenticate the recipient
`against the trigger criteria. An authentication process for a
`location message would be able to look up users/groups in
`a directory or an imbedded list of authorized recipients
`within the message itself. System 10 could also have a
`mechanism for recording the State of the message So that the
`message would be delivered the correct number of times to
`the correct people and in the right order.
`0064.
`Location messaging can assume numerous forms.
`For example, John, Matt, and Tim are all working on project
`A, a white paper that includes Several deliverables. Project
`A is one of many projects that John, Matt, and Tim are
`assigned and represents a few hours of work per day. Matt
`is working on project A and finds a key component of the
`project missing from deliverable 3; John is responsible for
`this deliverable. However, John is currently working on
`project B and does not wish to be disturbed. If Matt sends
`an instant message, it will become a distraction to John. If
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`Matt Sends an e-mail, John may not read it until tomorrow.
`Matt prefers that John receive the message when the mes
`Sage applies, which is when John is reviewing deliverable 3
`from project A. Matt inserts a location message into deliv
`erable 3 of project A. Later in the day John begins work on
`project A and accesses deliverable 3. The location message
`from Matt appears on John's Screen describing the missing
`part and requesting that John notify Matt upon receipt. John
`then responds with an instant message to Matt.
`0065 John could extend the action of the location mes
`Sage to Matt by including in his location message a time
`attribute. If John doesn’t view deliverable 3 of project A
`within 12 hours, then system 10 delivers the location mes
`Sage via e-mail. If the location message is not read within 24
`hours, then System 10 delivers an instant message notifying
`John of an urgent message on project A deliverable 3.
`0.066. In another example of location messaging, John
`and Marie had been working remotely on a project they
`completed. John and Marie never met, but agreed to have
`lunch the next time either of them is in town. Marie leaves
`a location message for John with a one-year time limit and
`an activation trigger. The activation trigger causes System 10
`to send an SMS message to John's cellphone the next time
`his cellphone associates with a cell tower in Marie's home
`town of Atlanta and Marie's calendar shows she is not on
`vacation. Six months later, John travels to Atlanta on busi
`neSS. AS Soon as he gets off the plane and turns on his cell
`phone, he receives an SMS message from Marie indicating
`that she is in town and would like to Schedule lunch.
`0067. In a third example of location messaging, John is at
`the local coffee shop and Scans his credit card at the cashier's
`Station. This action activates a location message left two
`weeks earlier by his coworker Tim with the activation
`trigger of “any visit within four months to a branch of this
`chain of coffee shops in the 48603 zip code”. The message
`displays on the cashier's terminal, reading: "John, try the
`Moca Moca; I highly recommend it-Tim”. Since John
`trusts Tim, he purchases the recommended beverage. The
`original location message requested a response from System
`10 whether the beverage was purchased. Since John pur
`chased the bever