`US 20060061488Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Dunton
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0061488 Al
`Mar. 23, 2006
`(43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) LOCATION BASED TASK REMINDER
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep. 17,2004
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Randy R. Dunton, Phoenix, AZ (US)
`
`Publication Classification
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BLAKELY SOKOLOFF TAYLOR & ZAFMAN
`12400 WILSHIRE BOULEVARD
`SEVENTH FLOOR
`LOS ANGELES, CA 90025-1030 (US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`10/943,607
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`GOSG 1/123
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 340/988
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Method and apparatus to provide a user task reminders
`based on location information are described.
`
`GPS
`Source
`110
`
`100
`
`Server
`114
`
`Network
`
`112 I \
`
`Node 102
`
`I TMM 106
`I
`/t~
`
`Node 104
`
`TMM 106
`
`Google, Exhibit 1006
`IPR2022-00742
`Page 1 of 10
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 23, 2006 Sheet 1 of 3
`
`US 2006/0061488 Al
`
`Server
`114
`
`Network
`112
`
`GPS
`Source
`110
`
`100
`
`I \
`
`Node 102
`
`I TMM 106 I
`
`Node 104
`
`TMM 106
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Google, Exhibit 1006
`IPR2022-00742
`Page 2 of 10
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 23, 2006 Sheet 2 of 3
`
`US 2006/0061488 Al
`
`200
`
`Indicator
`System
`212
`
`-
`
`Processor
`202
`
`-
`
`Memory
`204
`
`I
`
`GPS
`Information
`214
`
`--
`
`Transceiver
`206
`
`TMM
`208
`
`I
`
`GPS
`Module
`210
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Google, Exhibit 1006
`IPR2022-00742
`Page 3 of 10
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Mar. 23, 2006 Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 2006/0061488 Al
`
`300
`
`Start
`
`, f
`
`creating a task item in a task list
`
`- 302
`
`i
`associating a task location with the task item - 304
`, ,
`
`determining a device location
`
`i
`
`comparing the task location with the device
`location
`
`- 306
`
`- 308
`
`generating a task reminder for the task item if
`
`the device location is within a predetermined - 310
`
`proximity range of the task location
`
`H
`End
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Google, Exhibit 1006
`IPR2022-00742
`Page 4 of 10
`
`
`
`US 2006/0061488 Al
`
`Mar. 23, 2006
`
`1
`
`LOCATION BASED TASK REMINDER
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0001] A person may use a digital device as an organizer
`to manage various tasks to be performed by the person. For
`example, the person may have a personal digital assistant
`(PDA) to create and manage a list of tasks that need to be
`accomplished within a certain time period. Techniques to
`improve management of such tasks may result in more
`productivity and better time management. Accordingly,
`there may be a need for such techniques in a device or
`network.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100.
`[0003] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a node 200.
`[0004] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a program(cid:173)
`ming logic 300.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system 100.
`System 100 may comprise, for example, a communication
`system having multiple nodes. A node may comprise any
`physical or logical entity having a unique address in system
`100. Examples of a node may include, but are not neces(cid:173)
`sarily limited to, a computer, server, workstation, laptop,
`ultra-laptop, handheld computer, telephone, cellular tele(cid:173)
`phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), router, switch,
`bridge, hub, gateway, wireless access point (WAP), and so
`forth. The unique address may comprise, for example, a
`network address such as an Internet Protocol (IP) address, a
`device address such as a Media Access Control (MAC)
`address, and so forth. The embodiments are not limited in
`this context.
`[0006] The nodes of system 100 may be connected by one
`or more types of communications media and input/output
`(1/0) adapters. The communications media may comprise
`any media capable of carrying
`information signals.
`Examples of communications media may include metal
`leads, printed circuit boards (PCB), backplanes, switching
`fabrics, semiconductor material, twisted-pair wire, co-axial
`cable, fiber optics, radio frequency (RF) spectrum, and so
`forth. An information signal may refer to a signal which has
`been coded with information. The 1/0 adapters may be
`arranged to operate with any suitable technique for control(cid:173)
`ling information signals between nodes using a desired set of
`communications protocols, services or operating proce(cid:173)
`dures. The 1/0 adapters may also include the appropriate
`physical connectors to connect the 1/0 adapters with a
`corresponding communications media. Examples of an 1/0
`adapter may include a network interface, a network interface
`card (NIC), radio/air interface, disc controllers, video con(cid:173)
`trollers, audio controllers, and so forth. The embodiments
`are not limited in this context.
`[0007] The nodes of system 100 may be configured to
`communicate different types of information, such as media
`information and control information. Media information
`may refer to any data representing content meant for a user,
`such as voice information, video information, audio infor(cid:173)
`mation, text information, alphanumeric symbols, graphics,
`images, and so forth. Control information may refer to any
`
`data representing commands, instructions or control words
`meant for an automated system. For example, control infor(cid:173)
`mation may be used to route media information through a
`system, or instruct a node to process the media information
`in a predetermined manner.
`[0008] The nodes of system 100 may communicate media
`and control information in accordance with one or more
`protocols. A protocol may comprise a set of predefined rules
`or instructions to control how the nodes communicate infor(cid:173)
`mation between each other. The protocol may be defined by
`one or more protocol standards as promulgated by a stan(cid:173)
`dards organization, such as the Internet Engineering Task
`Force (IETF), International Telecommunications Union
`(ITU), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
`(IEEE), and so forth.
`[0009] Referring again to FIG. 1, system 100 may com(cid:173)
`prise nodes 102, 104, and 110. In one embodiment, for
`example, the nodes may comprise wireless nodes arranged
`to communicate information over a wireless communication
`medium, such as RF spectrum. To accomplish this, the nodes
`may include additional components and interfaces suitable
`for communicating information signals over the designated
`RF spectrum, such as omni-directional antennas, wireless
`RF transceivers, amplifiers, filters, control logic, and so
`forth. Although FIG. 1 is shown with a limited number of
`nodes in a certain topology, it may be appreciated that
`system 100 may include more or less nodes in any type of
`topology as desired for a given implementation. The
`embodiments are not limited in this context.
`[0010]
`In one embodiment, node 110 may comprise a
`global positioning system (GPS) source 110. GPS source
`110 may operate to provide GPS signals, and may be
`implemented as one or more GPS satellites. The GPS
`satellites may be arranged to provide GPS signals to a
`corresponding GPS module implemented with node 102.
`The GPS module may use the GPS signals to determine a
`location for a device ("device location"), such as nodes 102
`and/or 104.
`
`In one embodiment, system 100 may comprise
`[0011]
`nodes 102 and 104. Nodes 102 and 104 may comprise, for
`example, a mobile device having a processing system. The
`processing system may include a processor, memory, oper(cid:173)
`ating system (OS), and application software and/or hard(cid:173)
`ware. Examples of an OS may include an operating system
`(OS) made by PalmSource, Inc. such as a Palm OS, an OS
`made by Microsoft Corporation such as Microsoft® Win(cid:173)
`dows® CE, and so forth. Examples of nodes 102 and 104
`may include a mobile or cellular telephone, a computer
`equipped with a wireless access card or modem, a handheld
`client device such as a wireless PDA, and so forth. In one
`embodiment, for example, nodes 102 and/or 104 may com(cid:173)
`prise wireless devices developed in accordance with the
`Personal Internet Client Architecture (PCA) by Intel® Cor(cid:173)
`poration. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
`
`[0012] Nodes 102 and 104 may also include application
`software. More particularly, nodes 102 and 104 may include
`scheduling application software. Scheduling application
`software may assist a user in performing various scheduling
`and time management operations, such as creating task
`items for a task list, organizing information, maintaining
`contact lists, coordinating projects, taking notes, and so
`forth. An example of scheduling software may include
`
`Google, Exhibit 1006
`IPR2022-00742
`Page 5 of 10
`
`
`
`
`
`US 2006/0061488 Al
`
`
`
`Mar. 23, 2006
`
`2
`
`Microsoft Outlook® made by Microsoft Corporation. The
`
`
`and locationsA-C, and so forth. The proximity range may be
`
`
`
`
`
`
`types and number of application software may vary accord
`
`
`set to any desirable distance, such as 10 feet, 100 yards, 1
`
`
`
`ing a given implementation, and the embodiments are not
`
`
`
`mile, and so forth. The proximity range may be selected by
`
`limited in this context.
`
`
`
`
`the user or may comprise a default value. In the latter case,
`
`
`
`TMM 106 may automatically select a default value for the
`[0013] In one embodiment, node 102 may include a task
`
`
`
`
`proximity range for a given task item based on the type of
`
`management module (TMM) 106. TMM 106 may be appli
`
`
`
`task location. For example, if the task location is a place of
`
`
`
`
`
`cation software and/or hardware to assist in managing a task
`
`
`
`
`business, the proximity range may be automatically set to
`
`
`
`list for a user. The task list may comprise multiple task
`
`
`
`1.0 mile to account for traffic patterns and any obstacles
`
`
`
`
`items, with each task item representing an event, action or
`
`
`
`
`
`(e.g., turning lanes, dividers, traffic signals) between the user
`
`
`task to be accomplished by the user of nodes 102 or 104. In
`
`
`
`and business. If the task location is a residence, the prox
`
`
`one embodiment, TMM 106 may be integrated with the
`
`
`imity range may be automatically set to 0.25 miles since
`
`
`
`
`scheduling application software. Alternatively, TMM 106
`
`
`
`
`there are typically less traffic and obstacles between the user
`
`
`
`
`may be implemented separately from the scheduling appli
`
`
`
`
`and residence. The embodiments are not limited in this
`
`
`
`cation software, and may include one or more application
`context.
`
`
`
`
`program interfaces (API) to integrate operations of TMM
`
`
`
`106 with the scheduling application software. The embodi
`[0018] In one embodiment, the task location may repre
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ments are not limited in this context.
`
`
`
`sent a place, such as a building, store, house, gas station,
`
`
`
`
`grocery store, and so forth. For example, assume a user of
`
`
`
`[0014] TMM 106 may be arranged to perform various task
`
`node 102 uses TMM 106 to create a task item having the
`
`
`
`management operations for nodes 102 and 104. Managing a
`
`
`
`description "buy groceries." The user may enter one or more
`
`
`
`task list may cause various problems, such as providing
`
`
`
`locations to buy groceries, such as a local grocery store, and
`
`
`
`timely task reminders to a user to perform a given task.
`
`
`
`
`associate the task location with the task item to "buy
`
`
`
`Typically, task reminders are given in response to a due date
`
`
`
`groceries." Whenever node 102 comes within a predefined
`
`
`that is defined by the user. The user inputs a date and time
`
`
`
`proximity range of the grocery store as indicated by an
`
`
`
`into the scheduling application program, and when the date
`
`
`
`internal GPS module, TMM 106 may generate a task
`
`
`
`
`and time have been reached, a task reminder is displayed on
`
`
`
`reminder to notify the user that it might be desirable to
`
`
`
`
`a screen. This technique may have several limitations. For
`
`
`
`complete the task item "buy groceries" due to the proximity
`
`
`example, a user may not desire to enter a time and date. In
`
`
`of the designated grocery store.
`
`
`another example, the user may enter a time and date, and yet
`
`
`
`not be near a resource needed to accomplish the task. In yet
`[0019] In one embodiment, the task location may repre
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`another example, the user may not be given proper notifi
`
`sent a device, such as nodes 102 and 104. For example,
`
`cation of the task reminder.
`
`
`assume a user A of node 102 wants to provide information
`
`
`or a message to a user B of node 104. User A may use TMM
`[0015] TMM 106 attempts to solve these and other prob
`
`
`
`
`
`
`106 to create a task item having the description "give user
`
`
`lems. In one embodiment, for example, TMM 106 may be
`
`
`
`B telephone number." Whenever node 102 approaches node
`
`
`
`
`arranged to create a task item and associate a task location
`
`
`104, nodes 102 and 104 may exchange GPS information to
`
`
`
`with the task item. The task location may comprise location
`
`
`
`determine whether they are within a predefined proximity
`
`
`
`
`information for a place, device or resource that may be used
`range. If nodes 102 and 104 are within the predefined
`
`
`to accomplish the task. Location information may include
`
`
`
`proximity range, TMM 106 may generate a task reminder to
`
`
`any type of information that may be used to uniquely a
`
`
`remind user A to provide the telephone number to user B.
`
`
`
`location. Examples of location information may include
`
`
`The embodiments are not limited in this context.
`
`
`
`longitude and latitude coordinates for a map, an address,
`
`
`
`telephone number, GPS coordinates, and so forth. Location
`[0020] In general operation, system 100 may operate to
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`information for a given location may be manually entered by
`
`
`provide task reminders for a task item whenever a node,
`
`
`a user, retrieved from an internal database stored in the
`
`
`
`such as node 102, is within a certain proximity to a pre
`
`
`memory of a node, or retrieved from an external database
`
`
`
`defined task location. For example, assume that node 102
`
`
`stored by a device external to a node. In the latter case, for
`
`
`
`
`has a task list having multiple task items. Further assume
`
`example, location information may be automatically
`
`
`
`each task item is associated with a location, such as locations
`
`
`
`retrieved by node 102 via an external database made avail
`
`A-C. The GPS system of node 102 may provide location
`
`
`
`
`able by server 114 via network 112. Server 114 may com
`
`
`
`information to indicate when node 102 is within proximity
`
`
`
`
`prise, for example, a web server. Network 112 may com
`
`
`
`of locations A-C. As node 102 approaches locations A-C,
`
`
`
`
`prise, for example, a packet network such as the Internet.
`
`
`TMM 106 may provide event reminders for task items
`
`
`The embodiments are not limited in this context.
`
`
`associated with locations A-C. The event reminders may be
`
`
`
`
`provided to a user in the form of audible indicators, visual
`
`
`[0016] By associating a task location with a task item,
`
`indicators, or a combination of both. The operation of
`
`nodes 102 and 104 may provide a user a timely task
`
`
`system 100 in general, and node 102 in particular, may be
`
`
`
`reminder to indicate that the task may now be performed due
`
`
`
`discussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2-3.
`
`
`
`
`to the proximity of the task location. TMM 106 may receive
`
`
`
`the device location from the GPS module and compare the
`[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a partial block diagram for a node
`
`
`
`
`
`device location with the task location. TMM 106 may then
`
`
`200.Node 200 may be representative of, for example, nodes
`
`
`
`
`generate a task reminder for the task item if the device
`102 and/or 104. As shown in FIG. 2, node 200 may
`
`
`
`location is within a predetermined proximity range of the
`
`
`
`
`comprise multiple elements, such as a processor 202, a
`task location.
`
`memory 204, a transceiver 206, a TMM 208, a GPS module
`
`
`[0017] The proximity range may comprise any distance
`
`
`210, and an indicator system 212. Some elements may be
`
`
`between two objects, such as nodes 102 and 104, node 102
`
`
`implemented using, for example, one or more circuits,
`
`Google, Exhibit 1006
`IPR2022-00742
`Page 6 of 10
`
`
`
`US 2006/0061488 Al
`
`Mar. 23, 2006
`
`3
`
`components, registers, processors, software subroutines, or
`any combination thereof. Although FIG. 2 shows a limited
`number of elements, it can be appreciated that more or less
`elements may be used in node 102 as desired for a given
`implementation. The embodiments are not limited in this
`context.
`
`In one embodiment, node 200 may include proces(cid:173)
`[0022]
`sor 202. Processor 202 can be any type of processor capable
`of providing the speed and functionality desired for a given
`implementation. For example, processor 202 could be a
`processor made by Intel® Corporation and others. Processor
`202 may also comprise a digital signal processor (DSP) and
`accompanying architecture. Processor 202 may further com(cid:173)
`prise a dedicated processor such as a network processor,
`embedded processor, micro-controller, controller and so
`forth.
`
`In one embodiment, node 200 may
`[0023]
`include
`memory 204. Memory 204 may comprise electronic or
`magnetic memory, such as flash memory, read-only memory
`(ROM), random-access memory (RAM), programmable
`ROM, erasable programmable ROM, electronically erasable
`programmable ROM, dynamic RAM, synchronous RAM
`(SRAM), dynamic SRAM, magnetic disk (e.g., floppy disk
`and hard drive), optical disk (e.g., CD-ROM or DVD), and
`so forth. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
`
`[0024]
`In one embodiment, memory 204 may comprise
`removable flash memory. In this manner, location informa(cid:173)
`tion such as GPS maps may be stored on a flash memory
`device. The flash memory device may then be added to node
`200 to provide location information for a task location,
`device location, and so forth. The embodiments are not
`limited in this context.
`
`In one embodiment, node 200 may include trans(cid:173)
`[0025]
`ceiver 206. Transceiver 206 may comprise a wireless trans(cid:173)
`ceiver arranged to communicate information in accordance
`with a wireless communications protocol over a wireless
`communications medium. For example, transceiver 206 may
`be arranged to communicate using a wireless communica(cid:173)
`tions protocol as defined by the IS-95 Mobile Radio Stan(cid:173)
`dard. The IS-95 Mobile Radio Standard is a protocol using
`code division multiple access (CDMA) and quadrature
`phase shift-keying
`(QPSK)/bipolar phase shift-keying
`(BPSK) modulation on a carrier frequency of 824-994
`megahertz (MHz) or 1.8-2.0 gigahertz (GHz). Other wire(cid:173)
`less communications protocols may include, for example,
`the IEEE 802.12 and 802.16 family of protocols, the Blue(cid:173)
`tooth protocol, one or more cellular telephone protocols
`such as the wireless access protocol (WAP), IR protocols,
`and so forth. The embodiments are not limited in this
`context.
`
`[0026]
`In one embodiment, node 200 may include TMM
`208. TMM 208 may be representative of, for example, TMM
`106 as described with reference to FIG. 1. As discussed with
`reference to FIG. 1, TMM 208 may be application software
`and/or hardware to manage a task list for a user. For
`example, TMM 208 may comprise a scheduling application
`program such as Microsoft Outlook, as modified to include
`operations to associate a task location with a task location.
`A user may create a task item in a conventional manner, such
`as entering a description of the task, a due date for comple(cid:173)
`tion of the task, a category for the task, a priority level for
`the task, and so forth. In addition, TMM 208 may be used to
`
`associate a task location with the task. The task location may
`comprise any location information that would assist a user in
`remembering to perform a given task. Using our previous
`example, assume a user of node 200 uses TMM 208 to create
`a task item having the description "buy groceries." The user
`may enter location information for various locations to buy
`groceries, such as an address for one or more grocery stores.
`Whenever node 200 comes within proximity of a grocery
`store as indicated by GPS module 212, TMM 208 may
`generate a task reminder. A user may be notified of the task
`reminder via indicator system 212.
`
`In one embodiment, node 200 may include GPS
`[0027]
`module 210. GPS module 210 may comprise any conven(cid:173)
`tional GPS module capable of providing location informa(cid:173)
`tion for a device or object, such as node 200. GPS module
`210 may have a receiver separate from, or integrated with,
`transceiver 206. GPS module 210 may receive digital radio
`signals from a GPS source via transceiver 206. For example,
`GPS module 210 may receive GPS information 214 from
`GPS source 110. GPS source 110 may comprise, for
`example, one or more GPS satellites. The digital radio
`signals may contain data on the satellites location and a
`predetermined time to the earth-bound receivers. The satel(cid:173)
`lites are equipped with atomic clocks that are precise to
`within a billionth of a second. Based on this information the
`receivers should know how long it takes for the signal to
`reach the receiver on earth. As each signal travels at the
`speed of light, the longer it takes the receiver to get the
`signal, the farther away the satellite may be located. By
`knowing how far away a satellite is, the receiver knows that
`it is located somewhere on the surface of an imaginary
`sphere centered at the satellite. By using three satellites,
`GPS module 210 can calculate location information for node
`200 using the longitude and latitude of the receiver based on
`where the three spheres intersect. By using four satellites,
`the GPS module can also determine altitude.
`
`In one embodiment, node 200 may include indica(cid:173)
`[0028]
`tor system 212. Indicator system 212 may be arranged to
`provide notification to a user of a task reminder. Indicator
`system 212 may be implemented with a number of visual,
`audible or sensory indicators capable of conveying infor(cid:173)
`mation to a user. Examples of visual indicators may include
`a display, one or more light elements such as light emitting
`diodes (LED), and so forth. Examples of audio indicators
`may include an audio player and an audio speaker. Examples
`of sensory indicators may include vibrating elements to
`cause node 102 to vibrate. These and other indicators may be
`used to capture the attention of a user and provide the user
`notification of a given task reminder. The types and numbers
`of indicators are not limited in this context.
`
`[0029] For example, assume that indicator system 212
`includes a visual indicator such as a display or LED. In
`response to a task reminder for a task item, TMM 208 may
`retrieve a visual indicator parameter corresponding to the
`task item. The visual indicator parameter may represent a
`form of visual indicator to use in the event of a task
`reminder. The visual indicator parameter may represent, for
`example, a text message. When TMM 208 generates a task
`reminder, TMM 208 may retrieve the visual indicator
`parameter indicating the user desires to be notified via a text
`message. Indicator system 212 may then display the text
`message on a display for node 200. In another example,
`assume the visual indicator parameter represents a certain
`
`Google, Exhibit 1006
`IPR2022-00742
`Page 7 of 10
`
`
`
`US 2006/0061488 Al
`
`Mar. 23, 2006
`
`4
`
`color or sequence of colors for display using one or more
`LEDs. In this case, indicator system 212 may notify a user
`of the event reminder by illuminating LEDs of a certain
`color on a continuous basis, on a periodic basis (e.g.,
`blinking), a sequence of colors (e.g., alternating red and
`green), and so forth. The embodiments are not limited in this
`context.
`
`[0030]
`In another example, assume that indicator system
`212 includes an audio indicator such as an audio speaker. In
`response to a task reminder for a task item, TMM 208 may
`retrieve an audio indicator parameter corresponding to the
`task item. The audio indicator parameter may represent a
`form of audio indicator to use in the event of a task reminder.
`The audio indicator parameter may represent, for example,
`a certain tone or sequence of tones, a text message converted
`to synthetic speech, a digital or analog audio file, and so
`forth. In this case, indicator system 212 may notify a user of
`the event reminder by reproducing the tone, sequence of
`tones, reproducing an audio file, and so forth. The embodi(cid:173)
`ments are not limited in this context.
`
`[0031] Operations for the above system and subsystem
`may be further described with reference to the following
`figures and accompanying examples. Some of the figures
`may include programming logic. Although such figures
`presented herein may include a particular programming
`logic, it can be appreciated that the programming logic
`merely provides an example of how the general functionality
`described herein can be implemented. Further, the given
`programming logic does not necessarily have to be executed
`in the order presented unless otherwise indicated. In addi(cid:173)
`tion, the given programming logic may be implemented by
`a hardware element, a software element executed by a
`processor, or any combination thereof. The embodiments are
`not limited in this context.
`
`[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a programming logic 300. Pro(cid:173)
`gramming logic 300 may be representative of the operations
`executed by one or more systems described herein, such as
`system 100 or node 200. As shown in programming logic
`300, a task item for a task list may be created at block 302.
`A task location may be associated with the task item at block
`304. A device location may be determined at block 306. The
`device location may be representative of the GPS coordi(cid:173)
`nates for node 200. The task location may be compared with
`the device location at block 308. A task reminder for the task
`item may be generated if the device location is within a
`predetermined proximity range to the task location at block
`310. Blocks 306 and 308 may be repeated on a periodic basis
`until the task reminder is generated at block 310.
`
`[0033] A user may be notified of a task reminder in
`number of different ways. For example, a visual indicator
`parameter corresponding to the task reminder may be
`retrieved. A visual indicator for a user may be displayed in
`accordance with the visual indicator parameter. In another
`example, an audio indicator parameter corresponding to the
`task reminder may be retrieved. An audio indicator for a user
`may be reproduced in accordance with the audio indicator
`parameter. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
`
`[0034] A task location may be associated with a task item
`in a number of different ways. For example, a user may input
`a name for a location into node 200. Location information
`corresponding to the location name may be retrieved from a
`location table or GPS map that is part of TMM 106. In
`
`another example, node 102 may display a map of a given
`area, and a user may touch a location on the map to generate
`the appropriate GPS coordinates. The embodiments are not
`limited in this context.
`
`[0035] The location table may comprise a data structure
`having a set of location names and their corresponding
`location information. The location table may be formed and
`updated using information retrieved from a database. The
`database may comprise an external database, such as a
`database made available by server 114 via network 112. The
`database may also comprise an internal database, such as a
`GPS map stored on a removable flash memory card imple(cid:173)
`mented for memory 204. The embodiments are not limited
`in this context.
`
`[0036] The device location may comprise a set of GPS
`coordinates derived using signals from GPS source 110. The
`task location and set of GPS coordinates may be used to
`determine whether node 200 is within a certain predeter(cid:173)
`mined proximity range of a task location. As previously
`described, the proximity range may vary according to a
`given implementation, and may comprise a parameter
`selected by the user or set as a default with delivery of node
`200. The embodiments are not limited in this context.
`
`[0037] The operation of the above described systems and
`associated programming logic may be better understood by
`way of example. An example of a task list having multiple
`task items with associated task locations and indicator
`parameters may be illustrated in Table 1 as follows:
`
`TABLE 1
`
`Task Item
`
`Task Location Indicator Parameter
`
`Proximity Range
`
`Buy Groceries
`
`Location A
`
`Drop Off Dry
`Cleaning
`
`Location B
`
`Deliver
`Present To
`Friend
`
`Location C
`
`000 - Provide
`Continuous
`Beeping
`001 - Audibly
`reproduce
`Task Item using
`Text-To-Speech
`010 - Display
`Task Item
`
`1.0 miles
`
`1.5 miles
`
`0.25 miles
`
`[0038] Referring to Table 1, assume node 102 gets within
`a certain proximity of Location A (e.g., a grocery store) as
`shown in FIG. 1. Further assume a user has set a proximity
`range of approximately 1.0 miles. As node 102 moves, GPS
`module 210 periodically provides GPS coordinates of node
`102 to TMM 106. When TMM 106 determines that node 102
`is within 1.0 miles of Location A, TMM 106 may generate
`a task reminder for a user of node 102. TMM 106 may
`retrieve indicator parameter "000", which may represent an
`audio indicator parameter. TMM 106 may send a message or
`signal to indicator system 212 to produce a continuous
`beeping using an audio speaker.
`
`In another example, assume node 102 gets within
`[0039]
`1.5 miles of Location B. TMM 106 may generate a task
`reminder for a user of node 102. TMM 106 may retrieve
`indicator parameter "001", which may represent an audio
`indicator parameter. TMM 106 send a message or signal to
`indicator system 212 to reproduce the text phrase "Drop Off
`Dry Cleaning" in audible form using a text-to-speech con(cid:173)
`verter.
`
`Google, Exhibit 1006
`IPR2022-00742
`Page 8 of 10
`
`
`
`US 2006/0061488 Al
`
`Mar. 23, 2006
`
`5
`
`In yet another example, assume node 102 gets
`[0040]
`within 0.25 miles of Location C. TMM 106 may generate a
`task reminder for a user of node 102. TMM 106 may retrieve
`indicator parameter "010", which may represent a visual
`indicator parameter. TMM 106 may send a message or
`signal to indicator system 212 to display a text message such
`as "Deliver Present To Friend" on a display for node 102.
`
`[0041] Numerous specific details have been set forth
`herein to provide a thorough understanding of the embodi(cid:173)
`ments. It will be understood by those skilled in the art,
`however, that the embodiments may be practiced without
`these specific details. In other instances, well-known opera(cid:173)
`tions, components and circuits have not been described in
`detail so as not to obscure the embodiments. It can be
`appreciated that the specific structural and functional details
`disclosed herein may be representative and do not neces(cid:173)
`sarily limit the scope of the embodiments.
`
`[0042]
`It is also worthy to note that any reference to "one
`embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular
`feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection
`with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment.
`The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in
`various places in the specification are not necessarily all
`referring to the same embodiment.
`
`[0043] Some embodiments may be implemented using an
`architecture that may vary in accordance with any number of
`factors, such as desired computational rate, power levels,
`heat tolerances, processing cycle budget, input data rates,
`output data rates, memory resources, data bus speeds and
`other performance constraints. For example, an embodiment
`may be implemented using software executed by a general(cid:173)
`purpose or special-purpose processor. In another example,
`an embodiment may be implemented as dedicated hardware,
`such as a circuit, an application specific integrated circuit
`(ASIC), Programmable Logic Device (PLD) or digital signal
`processor (DSP), and so forth. In yet another example, an
`embodiment may be implemented by any combination of
`programmed general-purpose computer components and
`custom hardware components. The embodiments are not
`limited in this context.
`
`[0044] Some embodiments may be described using the
`expression "coupled" and "connected" along with their
`derivatives. It should be understood that these terms are not
`intended as synonyms for each other. For example, some
`embodiments may be described using t