Telecommunications – Radiotelephone system – Zoned or cellular telephone system
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-28
2001-07-17
Vo, Nguyen T. (Department: 2682)
Telecommunications
Radiotelephone system
Zoned or cellular telephone system
C455S404200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06263209
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to wireless communication systems, and more specifically to a method and apparatus in a wireless communication system for creating a learning function.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are well known. One function that PDAs usually have supported is a scheduler or calendar for allowing a user to record appointments, meetings, and other predefined events. The scheduler typically can be programmed with a reminder which will be generated at a user-selected time prior to each event. Some PDAs have been integrated with a communication device such as a pager or a cell phone, as well.
Many events beyond the control of the user can make it difficult or impossible for the user to stay on schedule. For example, traffic congestion, road construction, or an accident along the user's route can delay the user. An extended prior appointment could overlap with a next appointment. Prior-art PDAs have not been able to deal automatically with situations such as these examples and inform the user about the need to leave earlier, or inform other users about the lapse in schedule adherence. Prior-art PDAs have required users to place a voice phone call or manually send a page to report a lapse in schedule adherence.
Thus, what is needed is a method and apparatus in a wireless communication system for creating a learning function and generating an alert in response to information learned. Preferably, the method and apparatus will act automatically to alert the user when unforeseen circumstances make it desirable for the user to leave sooner for a next scheduled event, and will further act to notify other users when the user is going to be late for an event.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An aspect of the present invention is a method in a wireless communication system for creating a learning function and generating an alert in response to information learned. The method comprises the steps of conducting communications between a fixed portion of the wireless communication system and a portable subscriber unit carried by a user; and recording a relevant aspect of the communications, thereby producing recorded information. The method further comprises the steps of determining a current time of day and a current position of the user, and making a comparison of the recorded information with the current time of day and the current position of the user to determine whether the alert is necessary. The method also includes the step of generating the alert when the comparison determines the alert is necessary.
Another aspect of the present invention is a portable subscriber unit carried by a user in a wireless communication system for creating a learning function and generating an alert in response to information learned. The portable subscriber unit comprises a receiver for receiving communications, and a processing system coupled to the receiver for processing the communications. The processing system is programmed to control the receiver to conduct the communications between a fixed portion of the wireless communication system and the portable subscriber unit, and to record a relevant aspect of the communications, thereby producing recorded information. The processing system is further programmed to determine a current time of day and a current position of the user, and to make a comparison of the recorded information with the current time of day and the current position of the user to determine whether the alert is necessary. The processing system is also programmed to generate the alert when the comparison determines the alert is necessary.
Another aspect of the present invention is a controller in a fixed portion of a wireless communication system for creating a learning function and generating an alert in response to information learned. The controller comprises a network interface for receiving communications, and a processing system coupled to the network interface for processing the communications. The controller further comprises a base station interface coupled to the processing system for controlling a base station to transmit the communications. The processing system is programmed to control the base station to conduct communications with a portable subscriber unit carried by a user, and to record a relevant aspect of the communications, thereby producing recorded information. The processing system is further programmed to determine a current time of day and a current position of the user and to make a comparison of the recorded information with the current time of day and the current position of the user to determine whether the alert is necessary. The processing system is also programmed to generate the alert when the comparison determines the alert is necessary.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5790974 (1998-08-01), Tognazzini
patent: 5938721 (1999-08-01), Dussell et al.
Breeden Robert Louis
Hill Thomas Casey
Olson Carl Bernard
Reed John Douglas
Smith Dwight Randall
Bethards Charles W.
Motorola Inc.
Vo Nguyen T.
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