U.S. patent application number 11/512456 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-28 for interactive weather advisory system.
Invention is credited to Michael R. Root, Steven A. Root.
Application Number | 20060294147 11/512456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24502858 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060294147 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Root; Steven A. ; et
al. |
December 28, 2006 |
Interactive weather advisory system
Abstract
A broadcast network for selectively transmitting individualized
weather output signals to at least one of a plurality of
communicator devices remotely located from the broadcast network.
The broadcast network includes a user input database containing a
plurality of user-defined parameters with each of the user-defined
parameters including a user profile. The user profile includes a
user identifier code identifying a communicator device. An analysis
unit receives spatial location identifiers and comparing the
spatial locations with data to generate individualized weather
output signals. A communication network receives the individualized
weather output signals and transmitting the individualized output
signals to the communicator devices.
Inventors: |
Root; Steven A.; (Edmond,
OK) ; Root; Michael R.; (Edmond, OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUNLAP, CODDING & ROGERS P.C.
PO BOX 16370
OKLAHOMA CITY
OK
73113
US
|
Family ID: |
24502858 |
Appl. No.: |
11/512456 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10965088 |
Oct 14, 2004 |
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11512456 |
Aug 30, 2006 |
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|
10667108 |
Sep 19, 2003 |
6826481 |
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10965088 |
Oct 14, 2004 |
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10322187 |
Dec 16, 2002 |
6754585 |
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10667108 |
Sep 19, 2003 |
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09624668 |
Jul 24, 2000 |
6505123 |
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10322187 |
Dec 16, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 ;
707/999.107; 707/E17.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/20 20130101;
G01W 1/02 20130101; H04W 88/02 20130101; H04L 12/1859 20130101;
Y02A 90/10 20180101; H04W 4/20 20130101; H04L 69/329 20130101; G06F
16/29 20190101; G01W 2203/00 20130101; H04W 4/02 20130101; H04L
67/306 20130101; H04L 12/1877 20130101; H04W 4/025 20130101; G06Q
30/0256 20130101; H04L 12/1845 20130101; H04L 12/1895 20130101;
H04L 12/189 20130101; G01W 1/00 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201; G01W
1/10 20130101; H04L 67/18 20130101; G06F 16/9537 20190101; G06F
16/955 20190101; H04L 67/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
707/104.1 |
International
Class: |
G06F 7/00 20060101
G06F007/00 |
Claims
1. A broadcast network for selectively transmitting individualized
weather output signals to at least one of a plurality of
communicator devices remotely located from the broadcast network,
the broadcast network comprising: a user input database containing
a plurality of user-defined parameters with each of the
user-defined parameters including a user profile, the user profile
including a user identifier code identifying a communicator device;
an analysis unit receiving spatial location identifiers and
comparing the spatial locations with data to generate
individualized weather output signals; and a communication network
receiving the individualized weather output signals and
transmitting the individualized output signals to the communicator
devices.
2. The broadcast network of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
user defined parameters is a spatial range identifier.
3. The broadcast network of claim 1, wherein the individualized
weather output signals are transmitted to the particular
communicator device via a mobile telephone network.
4. The broadcast network of claim 3, wherein at least one of the
user identifier codes identifies a mobile phone.
5. The broadcast network of claim 3, wherein at least one of the
user identifier codes identifies a pager.
6. The broadcast network of claim 3, wherein at least one of the
user identifier codes identifies a laptop computer.
7. The broadcast network of claim 3, wherein at least one of the
user identifier codes identifies a personal digital assistant.
8. The broadcast network of claim 1, wherein the individualized
weather output signal includes a video data signal.
9. The broadcast network of claim 1, wherein the video data signal
includes an data for creating an animated graphic.
10. The broadcast network of claim 8, wherein the video data signal
is a .wav file.
11. A broadcast network for selectively transmitting individualized
weather output signals to at least one of a plurality of
communicator devices remotely located from the broadcast network,
the broadcast network comprising: a user input database containing
a plurality of user-defined parameters with at least one of the
user-defined parameters including a user profile, the user profile
including a user identifier code identifying a communicator device;
an analysis unit receiving spatial location identifiers and
comparing the spatial locations of the communicator devices with
data to generate individualized weather output signals upon demand
of the user; and a communication network receiving the
individualized weather output signals and transmitting the
individualized weather output signals to the communicator
devices.
12. The broadcast network of claim 11, wherein at least one of the
user defined parameters is a spatial range identifier.
13. The broadcast network of claim 11, wherein the individualized
weather output signals are transmitted to the particular
communicator device via a mobile telephone network.
14. The broadcast network of claim 13, wherein at least one of the
user identifier codes identifies a mobile phone.
15. The broadcast network of claim 13, wherein at least one of the
user identifier codes identifies a pager.
16. The broadcast network of claim 13, wherein at least one of the
user identifier codes identifies a laptop computer.
17. The broadcast network of claim 13, wherein at least one of the
user identifier codes identifies a personal digital assistant.
18. The broadcast network of claim 11, wherein the individualized
weather output signal includes a video data signal.
19. The broadcast network of claim 11, wherein the video data
signal includes data for creating an animated graphic.
20. The broadcast network of claim 18, wherein the video data
signal is a .wav file.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
10/965,088, filed on Oct. 14, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S.
Ser. No. 10/667,108, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,826,481, filed on Sep. 19,
2003; which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 10/322,187, now U.S.
Pat. No. 6,754,585, filed on Dec. 16, 2002; which is a continuation
of U.S. Ser. No. 09/624,668, filed on Jul. 24, 2000, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,505,123. The entire content of the above-referenced patent
applications are hereby expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] During recent years, the demand for detailed information,
such as for example weather information, has risen sharply.
Personal computers and communication devices have increased the
demand for more information because of their power to gather,
manipulate, transmit and receive data. As a result, specialized
information and value-added services are in great demand. End users
no longer desire to gather, manipulate and evaluate raw data. For
instance, nowhere is this condition more apparent than with weather
services across North America.
[0004] Years ago, radio and television broadcasters recognized an
increasing demand for weather information from their audience, and
thus increased the number of on-air weather segments as a means for
increasing market ranking. Today, the demand for specific content
in weather information has exceeded the ability of broadcasters to
meet this demand. Virtually every facet of business and personal
activities are continually influenced by the weather, good or
bad.
[0005] In the United States as in most countries, a governmental
agency (the National Weather Service in the United States), has the
primary responsibility of generating weather products for the
general public. These products, such as advisories, statements, and
forecasts are generated and made available to third parties, such
as broadcasters, newspapers, internet web sites, paging companies
and others who, in turn, distribute them to the public. However,
this chain of data custody is one way.
[0006] Today's lifestyles are fast-paced and sophisticated.
Requests for detailed weather information for specific applications
outnumber the governments' ability to process them. However,
adhering to their mandated responsibility, the National Weather
Service generates the general products for public consumption twice
daily. This condition forces the public to interpret general and
outdated advisories to meet their needs. Often, this interpretation
is made erroneously. Even worse, these products are usually
regional or national in scope, and may not apply to a particular
location where various local activities are underway.
[0007] By way of example, weather warnings are broadcast by radio
stations across the United States. These warnings identify certain
weather impacts within a specified area. In most cases, the warning
area includes one or more counties, covering dozens to hundreds of
square miles. Most often, these threats (such as severe
thunderstorms, tornadoes, etc.), only impact a very small zone
within the warning area. These threats also move rapidly. As
impacts approach specific zones, they are in fact, moving away from
other zones, inside the total warning area. Essentially, the
existing reporting system is insufficient to specifically identify
and adequately warn of personal risk. Furthermore, if the threat is
imminent, the existing system cannot and does not provide
preventive measures for each user near or at the threat. Thus, by
default, distant or unaffected users are placed "on alert"
unnecessarily when the threat may be moving away from their
location.
[0008] Another common example further clarifies the problem. A
family, excited to attend the championship softball game this
upcoming weekend, closely monitors the local weather forecast. All
week-long the forecast has advised fair to partly cloudy weather
for game day. Early on game day, the forecast changes to partly
cloudy, with a thirty percent chance for late afternoon showers.
The family decides to attend the game, believing that the chances
for rain are below their perceived risk level. Unknown to the
family at midday, some clusters of showers are intensifying, and
will place dangerous lightning over the game field. While the
morning weather report was not completely inaccurate, the
participants and spectators are exposed to risk. If later asked, it
is likely the family members did not hear or remember the weather
forecast. They also failed to link their limited knowledge of the
weather to their own needs and risk exposure. They did not monitor
changing weather events. Most likely, they had no ability to
monitor developing risk at the game. Clearly, these people were
forced to interpret outdated, limited information, as applied to
their specific application.
[0009] Therefore, a need exists for a system to automatically and
continuously provide consumer customized reports, advisories,
alerts, forecasts and warnings relevant to a consumer-defined level
of need or dynamic spatial location. It is to such a system that
the present invention is directed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides an interactive advisory
system and method of delivering individualized information. More
specifically the present invention relates to a broadcast network
for selectively transmitting individualized output signals to
remote communicator devices. The broadcast network includes a user
input database, a communicator location database, an analysis unit
and a communication network.
[0011] The user input database contains user-defined parameters and
each of the user-defined parameters desirably includes a spatial
range identifier and a user profile. The user profile in each of
the user-defined parameters at least identifies a communicator
device associated with a particular user. The communicator location
database contains real-time data indicative of the spatial
locations of the communicator devices. In one preferred version of
the present invention, the communicator location database is
automatically and/or continuously updated by the communicator
devices.
[0012] The information database contains data; such as, real-time
weather data for at least the spatial locations contained in the
communicator location database. The term "data" describes a wide
variety of products, including but not limited to: past and current
conditions of weather events; textual products, graphic products,
and the like. The analysis unit receives the real-time data from
the information database and automatically and continuously
compares the spatial range identifier included in the user-defined
parameters and the spatial locations of the corresponding
communicator devices contained in the communicator location
database with the real-time data and upon demand of the user, or
even continuously, generates an individualized output signal, such
as weather information within the spatial range identified by the
spatial range identifier for the user-defined parameters. As new
locations are defined by the communicator location database, the
information database is automatically updated in real-time.
[0013] The communication network transmits each individualized
output signal to the particular communicator device defined in the
user profile included in the user-defined parameter corresponding
with the real-time data and prediction of events. Thus, a user can
receive information in real-time specific to the user's immediate
spatial location regardless of whether or not the user's location
remains fixed or dynamic throughout time.
[0014] Other advantages and features of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following
detailed description is read in view of the attached drawings and
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an interactive weather advisory
system constructed in accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a coordinate system illustrating a spatial
location identifier and a spatial range identifier utilized by
versions of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0017] Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG.
1 shown therein in block diagram form, is one embodiment of the
invention in the form of an interactive weather advisory system 8,
constructed in accordance with the present invention. The weather
advisory system 8 is provided with a broadcast network 10 for
selectively transmitting individualized weather output signals to
remote communicator devices 11. The broadcast network 10 includes a
weather analysis unit 12, a user input database 14, a communicator
location database 16, and a communication network 20. The weather
analysis unit 12 receives real-time weather data from a weather
information database 21. The weather information database 21 can be
located at the broadcast network 10, or remotely from the broadcast
network 10. The weather analysis unit 12, the user input database
14, the communicator location database 16, the weather information
database 21, and the communication network 20, interrelate and
communicate via signal paths 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32.
[0018] The user input database 14 permits a plurality of users to
input data corresponding to the weather reports, advisories or
forecasts such that individualized weather reports, advisories or
prediction of events can be transmitted to each individual user.
The user input database 14 contains data representative of at least
one user-defined parameter correlated to each one of a plurality of
users. In one version of the present invention, each of the
user-defined parameters includes various information related to
weather output signals, such as a spatial range identifier, a user
profile, one or more weather content identifiers for identifying
particular weather patterns, one or more time identifiers for
identifying particular times or time intervals that a user may
desire a weather product, a spatial location fixed or dynamic code,
and a spatial location identifier for identifying particular
spatial locations of interest to the user if the spatial location
fixed or dynamic code indicates that the spatial location is to be
fixed. The user profile in each of the user-defined parameters
includes at least a user identifier code for identifying a
particular communicator device 11 associated with a particular
user.
[0019] For instance, the user identifier code could be a mobile
telephone number identifying one of the communicator devices 11,
which in this instance could be a mobile telephone or a pager, for
example. The weather content identifier could be a computer code to
identify one or a variety of weather conditions or events such as
tornadoes, thunderstorms, hail storms, lightning storms, showers,
snow storms, blizzards, high winds, winds aloft, rapidly rising or
rapidly falling barometric pressure or other such weather patterns
or conditions. The time identifier desirably could be a computer
code for identifying the particular time, times, or time intervals
the user desires the interactive weather advisory system 8 to
communicate weather data to the user or to monitor the real-time
weather data for a particular time and/or date. The spatial
location identifier 26 could be a computer code identifying a
particular predetermined spatial location such as, by way of
example but not limitation, a longitude and latitude anywhere in
the world, a town, a county, a township, address, zip code,
altitude and combinations thereof.
[0020] As discussed above, the spatial location identifier
identifies a particular spatial location anywhere in the world
and/or altitude above sea level. The spatial range identifier
identifies a particular spatial range surrounding the spatial
location identifier. Each of the users can select the spatial
location identifier and the spatial range identifier so as to
receive weather forecasts and/or weather advisories or any other
weather information for the spatial location identified by the
spatial location identifier, and within the spatial range
identified by the spatial range identifier.
[0021] For example, referring to FIG. 2, shown therein is a
coordinate system illustrating four spatial location identifiers
and four spatial range identifiers selected by different users of
the present invention. That is, one of the users selects the
spatial location identifier (X1, Y1, Z1), and the spatial range
identifier (R1). Another one of the users selects the spatial
location identifier (X2, Y2, Z2), and the spatial range identifier
(R2).
[0022] The user who selected the spatial location identifier (X1,
Y1, Z1) and the spatial range identifier R1 will receive weather
products and advisories concerning the spatial range identified by
the spatial location identifier (X1, Y1, Z1) and the spatial range
identifier R1, as predefined in his user input database. The user
who selected the spatial location identifier (X2, Y2, Z2) and the
spatial range identifier R2 will receive weather products and
advisories concerning the spatial range identified by the spatial
location identifier (X2, Y2, Z2) and the spatial range identifier
R2, and as predefined in the user input database 14. Likewise, the
users who selected the spatial location identifiers (X3, Y3, Z3)
and (X4, Y4, Z4) and the spatial range identifiers R3 and R4 will
receive weather products and advisories concerning the spatial
range identified by the spatial location identifiers (X3, Y3, Z3),
(X4, Y4, Z4) and the spatial range identifier R3, R4, and as
predefined in the user input database 14.
[0023] The magnitudes of the spatial range identifiers R1, R2, R3
and R4 can be different or the same. In addition, the magnitudes of
the spatial range identifiers R1, R2, R3 and R4 can vary widely and
is desirably selected by the users.
[0024] Particular users can input the user-defined parameters into
the user input database 14 via any suitable method. For example,
the user input database 14 is desirably configured to acquire its
data from a variety of optional sources preferably chosen by the
user, such as verbally through a telephone customer service
network, a mobile phone network equipped with wireless application
protocol technology, email, a personal digital assistant, a laptop
computer, or an interactive web site. Furthermore, users could mail
the user-defined parameters to the broadcast network 10 and an
individual at the broadcast network 10 could input the user-defined
parameters directly into the user input database 14 via a keyboard
or other similar input device. In one embodiment, the user inputs
the selected information into the user input database 14 via the
user's communicator device 11.
[0025] The weather information database 21 contains real-time
weather data for at least the spatial locations contained in the
communicator location database 16 and the spatial locations
identified by the spatial location identifier in the user input
database 14. The weather analysis unit 12 generates predictions of
all weather events based on the real-time weather data. The weather
information database 21 desirably receives its real-time weather
data from at least one of a plurality of possible resources such
as, by way of example but not limitation, government weather
information resources, privately operated weather information
resources and other various meteorological resources. The real-time
weather data could also be either inputted directly at the physical
location of the weather information database 21 or inputted via a
mobile phone network, a mobile phone network with wireless
application protocol, the Internet, aircraft communication systems,
email, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, regular
computer, or other wireless devices.
[0026] The communicator location database 16 is an optional feature
of the present invention, and is enabled via the signal path 22
when the user requests real-time weather advisories or prediction
of events at the dynamic spatial location of the user's
communicator device 11. The communicator location database 16 is
continuously updated such that the communicator location database
16 contains real-time data indicative of the spatial locations of
the communicator devices 11. In one embodiment, the user identifier
code in the user's profile is transmitted to the communicator
location database 16 via the signal path 22. The communicator
location database 16 desirably receives data from the communicator
devices 11 identified by the user identifier codes via at least one
of a variety of possible resources such as a mobile phone network,
a mobile phone network equipped with the wireless application
protocol technology, global positioning satellite technology, the
Internet, loran technology, radar technology, transponder
technology or any other type of technology capable of tracking the
spatial location of a communicator device 11 and communicating the
location of such communicator device 11 to the communicator
location database 16 of the broadcast network 10. Preferably, the
communicator location database 16 is continuously and automatically
updated as to the location of each of the communicator devices 11,
such as by the wireless application protocol technology.
[0027] The communication network 20 can be, by way of example but
not limitation, a mobile phone network, a mobile phone network with
wireless application protocol technology, the Internet, a facsimile
network, a satellite network (one or two-way), a RF radio network,
or any other means of transmitting information from a source to an
end user.
[0028] The communicator devices 11 can be bidirectional or
unidirectional communicator devices. The communicator devices 11
can be, by way of example but not limitation, a portable device,
such as a mobile telephone, a smart phone, a pager, a laptop
computer or a personal digital assistant or any other electronic
device capable of receiving weather information data. Furthermore,
the communicator device 11 can be incorporated into an object that
is utilized or accessible by the user, such as a helmet, an
automobile, or an airplane, for example. While only three
communicator devices 11 are represented in FIG. 1 for purposes of
illustration, the interactive weather advisory system 8
contemplates the utilization of a large number of communicator
devices 11.
[0029] The weather analysis unit 12 receives the data in the user
input database 14, the communicator location database 16 and the
weather information database 21 from the signal paths 24, 26, and
28. The weather analysis unit 12 can be, by way of example but not
limitation, a computer desirably programmed to automatically and
continuously compare the data in the user input database 14,
communicator location database 16 and weather information database
21 so as to generate an individualized weather output signal
including weather information within the spatial range identified
by the spatial range identifier for each user-defined parameter in
the user input database 14. The weather output signals are
transmitted to the communication network 20 via the signal path
32.
[0030] The weather analysis unit 12 gathers the real-time weather
data from the weather information database 21. The term "real-time
weather data", as used herein, refers to weather data which is
continually updated so as to indicate current or near current
information. In some instances, the "real-time weather data" may be
delayed by relatively small increments of five minutes, 15 minutes,
or 30 minutes, for example. In other instances, the "real-time
weather data" can be provided with substantially no delay. It is
expected that the increments will become smaller as communication
networks and weather related technology become faster.
[0031] The weather analysis unit 12 generates predictions of all
weather related events and compares past and current events
contained in the weather information database 21 (such as future
position, strength, trajectory, etc.), to construct a
four-dimensional database. Three dimensions of the database define
a physical location on or above the earth's surface (the spatial
location identifier (X1, Y1, Z1). The fourth dimension is time;
past, present or future (identified as T1, T2, T3, T4). By
employing high speed computer processors in real-time, the weather
analysis unit 12 compares all events (past, current and predicted),
at specific positions (X1, Y1, Z1, T1) with identical user supplied
data (the user input database; X1, Y1, Z1, R1, T1), and identifies
any matches (weather output signals) to the user through the
communication network 20 and communication devices 11.
[0032] The communication network 20 receives the weather output
signals and the user identification codes via the signal paths 32
and 30. In response thereto the communication network 20 transmits
the individualized weather output signals to the communicator
devices 11 associated with the user identification codes via the
signal paths 34a, 34b and 34c such that each user receives the
individualized weather information that was requested.
[0033] The signal paths 34a, 34b and 34c refer to any suitable
communication link which permits electronic communications. For
example, the signal paths 34a, 34b and 34c can be point-to-point
shared and dedicated communications, infra red links, microwave
links, telephone links, CATV links, satellite and radio links and
fiber optic links.
[0034] Various combinations of weather information can be
incorporated into the user input database 14 so as to provide the
user with selected and specific weather information. For example, a
user traveling in his automobile may wish to be informed by the
interactive weather advisory system 8 concerning all hailstorms for
an area within a 2.5 mile radius of his vehicle as he is traveling
from his point of origin to his destination. The user, for example,
through his smart phone (communicator device 11) in his vehicle
working in conjunction with a mobile phone network (communication
network 20) with wireless application protocol, inputs selected
information into the user input database 14; namely, the user's
smart phone number (user identifier code), hail (weather content
identifier), 2.5 mile radius (spatial range identifier 24) and
spatial location dynamic (spatial location of the user's smart
phone is then automatically and continuously monitored), and the
like.
[0035] The interactive weather advisory system 8 then monitors
weather information and predictions of events in the weather
analysis unit 12 and transmits the individualized weather output
signal to the user's smart phone if a hailstorm is detected or is
highly likely to form within a 2.5 mile radius of the vehicle along
the vehicle's path of travel, for the duration of travel.
[0036] The individualized weather output signal can be an audio
and/or video data signal. For example, the individualized weather
output signal can be a .WAV file or other suitable file containing
an animated representation of a real or hypothetical individual
speaking an individualized message to the user. In the example
given above, the individualized message may be that the hailstorm
is 2.5 miles ahead of the vehicle and thus, the user should
consider stopping for a short period of time so as to avoid the
hailstorm. Alternatively, the individualized message may be that
the hailstorm is 2.5 miles ahead of the vehicle and thus, the user
should consider stopping until further notified by another
individualized weather output signal so as to avoid the hailstorm.
In other words, the weather analysis unit 12 may transmit another
individualized weather output signal to the user via the
communication network 20 and the communicator devices 11 notifying
the user that the weather condition identified by the weather
content identifier has passed or is beyond the spatial location
identified by the spatial range identifier.
[0037] As another example, a user may desire to be informed of all
real-time weather data and predictions of events within a
particular spatial range of a particular dynamic spatial location.
For instance, the user may be interested in whether his aircraft is
at risk of icing as he flies from Oklahoma City to Tulsa, Okla. To
provide a suitable level of comfort and safety, the user may wish
to be informed of icing conditions within 10 miles of the dynamic
spatial location of his aircraft. The user, for example, through
his smart phone or other suitable avionic device (communicator
device 11) in his aircraft working in conjunction with a mobile
phone network (communication network 20) with wireless application
protocol, inputs selected information into the user input database
14; namely, the user's smart phone number (user identifier code),
icing (weather content identifier), 10 mile radius (spatial range
identifier 24) and the spatial location dynamic. The spatial
location of the user's smart phone or other suitable avionic device
is then automatically and continuously monitored as the aircraft
traverses through time and space from (X1, Y1, Z1, T1) to (X4, Y4,
Z4, T4). The interactive weather analysis unit 12 then monitors the
real-time weather data in the weather information database 21 and
the predicted events in the weather analysis unit 12 so as to
transmit the individualized weather output signal to the user's
smart phone or other avionic device identifying, if icing is
detected or is highly likely to form relevant to a 10 mile radius
of the aircraft.
[0038] As yet another example, perhaps the user is only interested
in a particular weather pattern at a particular fixed spatial
location and within a particular spatial range irrespective of the
immediate location of the communicator device 11. To accomplish
this user's request, the broadcast network 10 does not utilize the
communicator location database 16. The user inputs selected
information into the user input database 14, namely the user's
phone number (user identifier code), the code for the particular
weather pattern in which the user is interested (weather content
identifier), the spatial range around the spatial location in which
the user is interested (spatial range identifier) and the spatial
location in which the user is interested (spatial location
identifier). The weather analysis unit 12 then monitors the
real-time weather data in the weather information database 21 and
the predicted events in the weather analysis unit 12 so as to
transmit the individualized weather information concerning the
weather pattern in the spatial location and range requested by the
user.
[0039] As a further example, perhaps the user is only interested in
a particular weather condition at the spatial location and within a
particular spatial range at a particular time. The user inputs
selected information into the user input database 14, namely, the
user's phone number (user identifier code), the code for the
particular weather pattern in which the user is interested (weather
content identifier), the spatial range around the spatial location
in which the user is interested (spatial range identifier and the
spatial location in which the user is interested spatial location
identifier) and the time and date (time identifier) that the user
to wishes to be informed of the weather conditions at the spatial
location of interest. In response thereto, the weather analysis
unit 12 monitors the real time weather data from the weather
information database 21 for the spatial location and range
identified by the spatial range identifier and spatial location
identifier to determine the probability of the particular weather
pattern occurring at the time identified by the time identifier.
The weather analysis unit 12 sends, via the signal path 32, the
individualized weather output signal to the communication network
20. The communication network 20 receives the user identifier code,
via signal path 30, from the user input database 14 and transmits
the weather output signal received from the weather analysis unit
12 to the particular communicator device 11 identified by the user
identifier code. Thus, the user receives the individualized weather
information concerning the spatial location, spatial range and time
requested by the user.
[0040] The signal paths 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 can be logical
and/or physical links between various software and/or hardware
utilized to implement the present invention. It should be
understood that each of the signal paths 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32
are shown and described separately herein for the sole purpose of
clearly illustrating the information and logic being communicated
between the individual components of the present invention. In
operation, the signal paths may not be separate signal paths but
may be a single signal path. In addition, the various information
does not necessarily have to flow between the components of the
present invention in the manner shown in FIG. 1. For example,
although FIG. 1 illustrates the user identifier code being
transmitted directly from the user input database 14 to the
communication network 20 via the signal path 30, the user
identifier code can be communicated to the weather analysis unit 12
via the signal path 24 and then communicated to the communication
network 20 via the signal path 32.
[0041] It should be understood that although the user has been
described as manually inputting the user identifier code into the
user input database 14, the user identifier code could be
automatically input into the user input database 14 by the
communicator device 11.
[0042] Once the user-defined parameters have been input into the
user input database 14, the user-defined parameters can be analyzed
by the weather analysis unit 12 along with weather content
identifiers for purposes of targeted marketing. A plurality of
vendors 36 can be provided access to the weather analysis unit 12
of the broadcast network 10 via a plurality of signal paths 38a,
38b, and 38c. The vendors 36 can independently input search
information into the weather analysis unit 12 for compiling a data
set of information which is useful to the vendors 36.
[0043] For example, a particular vendor 36a, who is in the business
of selling snow blowers, may input a weather content identifier and
time identifier into the weather analysis unit 12 so as to request
a list of all spatial locations in the United States which are
expected to receive at least 10 inches of snow in the next week.
The weather analysis unit 12 would then compile the data set of all
spatial locations in United States which is expected to receive at
least 10 inches of snow in the next week based on at least one
weather content identifier, the time identifier, and the real-time
weather data stored in the weather information database 21. The
data set is then output to the vendor 36a. Based on the data set,
the vendor 36a may send advertisements or additional snow blowers
to the areas identified in the data set.
[0044] As another example, the particular vendor 36a, who is in the
business of selling snow blowers, may input a weather content
identifier and time identifier into the weather analysis unit 12 so
as to request a list of all user profiles identifying users who
resided in spatial locations in the United States which are
expected to receive at least 10 inches of snow in the next week.
The weather analysis unit 12 would then compile the data set of all
spatial locations in United States which is expected to receive at
least 10 inches of snow in the next week based on at least one
weather content identifier, the time identifier, the user profiles
and the real-time weather data stored in the weather information
database 21. The data set is then output to the vendor 36a. Based
on the data set, the vendor 36a may send advertisements to the
users who are identified in the data set.
[0045] It is envisioned that users will subscribe to the services
provided by the broadcast network 10. In this regard, the broadcast
network 10 may or may not charge a service fee to the users. In
addition, some services may be provided by the broadcast network 10
for one charge and additional services may be provided at an
enhanced charge.
[0046] To save processing power, the weather analysis unit 12 may
periodically determine which communicator devices 11 are turned off
or out of range. Once this has been determined, the weather
analysis unit 12 would then not generate any individualized weather
output signals for the communicator devices 11 which are turned off
or out of range. Once a particular one of the communicator devices
11 is turned on or comes within range, the weather analysis unit 12
would then attempt to generate individualized weather output
signals for such communicator devices 11. In other words, to save
processing power the weather analysis unit 12 may only generate
individualized weather output signals for the communicator devices
11 which are active and within range.
[0047] The weather analysis unit 12 can be located at the broadcast
network 10. Alternatively, the weather analysis unit 12 can be
separate from the remainder of the broadcast network 10 and
provided as a service to the broadcast network 10.
[0048] From the above description, it is clear that the present
invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain
the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the
invention. While presently preferred embodiments of the invention
have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be
readily understood that numerous changes may be made which will
readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which
are accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed.
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