Communications: electrical – Systems – Network signaling
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-18
2001-05-08
Hofsass, Jeffery (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Systems
Network signaling
C340S384100, C340S309160, C368S011000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06229430
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of alarm clocks and, more specifically, to a system and method for alerting a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many people in this world have jobs that require starting work at a certain time. In addition, many people have appointments or meetings, in which they cannot be late. These are a few of the reasons alarm clocks were invented. Alarm clocks alert people at a pre-selected time chosen by the user. Users set an alarm to go off at a time that allows them enough time to get ready and commute to work or to attend an appointment. A problem arises when there is an accident on the route the user usually follows, or if the weather creates traffic problems or other delays. These and other reasons will cause people to be late to work or miss a meeting, which could be harmful. On the other hand, many people may also desire a little extra time for sleeping if the traffic is particularly light one morning or if, for example, the weather causes a delay in a flight they are scheduled to take that morning. For these and many other reasons, users desire an alarm clock or alerting system that will provide an alarm or alert at a desirable time.
Alarm clocks have been developed that take into account bad weather. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,122,660 to Canavan discloses a snow alarm that allows the user to pre-set two wake-up times: one for normal conditions, and one for “snowy” conditions. A physical snow sensor set-up outside a user's home will trigger the earlier time if snow accumulates overnight. However, the '660 Patent relies on a physical device that detects only snow accumulation in the immediate vicinity of the user. Prior devices do not allow for monitoring traffic conditions or weather conditions remote from the user. Also, such systems do not allow for either a multiplicity of pre-set or post-set wake-up times, or a myriad of conditions that would change the alarm time.
The challenges in the field of alarm clocks have continued to increase with demands for more and better techniques having greater flexibility and reliability. In addition, with the wealth of information readily available nowadays, especially because of the internet, world wide web, and other data sources, a need has arisen for a new system and method for alerting a user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method for alerting a user is provided that substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previously developed systems and methods.
A system for alerting a user is disclosed. The system comprises an input for establishing alarm conditions, and an interface for coupling to a communication network to obtain alarm data from a data source. The system further comprises a processor, and an alarm for alerting the user in response to an alarm signal generated by the processor. The processor is operable to receive the alarm conditions, to control access to the data source over the communication network, to receive and evaluate alarm data, and to generate the alarm signal in response to the evaluation. More specifically, the alarm signal may be based on information such as traffic or weather.
A method for alerting a user is disclosed. The method comprises four steps. Step one calls for inputting alarm conditions where one of the alarm conditions is a first alert time. Step two requires receiving data from at least one data source, in which the data corresponds to a selected event. Step three calls for computing a second alert time, which may differ from the first alert time, in response to the data and the alarm conditions. The last step requires activating an alarm at the second alert time. The second alert time may be based on data such as information concerning traffic or weather conditions.
Another method for alerting a user is also disclosed. The method comprises six steps. Step one calls for inputting user information having an alert time and alarm conditions. Step two requires setting an alarm to activate an audio signal at the alert time. Step three calls for coupling to a web source, while step four calls for querying the web source using the alarm conditions. Step five requires receiving data concerning the alarm conditions from the web source. The last step calls for modifying the alert time when the alarm conditions exist. More specifically, the actual alert time may be automatically adjusted based on data such as information related to traffic or weather conditions.
A technical advantage of the present invention is that an alert time may be automatically set, and a user alerted, based upon updated data concerning traffic or weather conditions.
Another technical advantage of the present invention is that the great wealth of information contained on the world wide web or other data sources may be accessed to allow a user to efficiently manage his or her lifestyle. For example, avoidance of tardiness to work or appointments, as well as maximizing the amount of sleep one gets, may be accomplished.
An additional technical advantage of the present invention is that advertising may be substituted for an alarm signal. This is beneficial for entities trying to market products or services to users. The advertising may be targeted toward a particular user, and may include such things as advertisements for breakfast bars or coffee.
A further technical advantage of the present invention is that the alarm clock can either be connected to the Internet using a wireline or wireless connection. The user may be able to take the alarm clock “on the road.”
Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4097690 (1978-06-01), Kuntz et al.
patent: 4122660 (1978-10-01), Canavan
patent: 5373488 (1994-12-01), Lidor
patent: 5402396 (1995-03-01), Jones
patent: 5422862 (1995-06-01), Wisor
patent: 5497141 (1996-03-01), Coles et al.
patent: 5640145 (1997-06-01), Newham
patent: 5764153 (1998-06-01), Vedaa
patent: 5786768 (1998-07-01), Chan et al.
patent: 5802158 (1998-09-01), Jeong
patent: 5832067 (1998-11-01), Herold
patent: 5877676 (1999-03-01), Shankarappa
patent: 6057769 (2000-05-01), Stevenson
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Hofsass Jeffery
Previl Daniel
LandOfFree
System and method for alerting a user does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with System and method for alerting a user, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and System and method for alerting a user will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2538922