U.S. patent application number 15/586549 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for system and method for providing intelligent location information.
The applicant listed for this patent is Runway 20, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bill Ferrell, Thomas Moulia, Oliver C. Rickard, Lucas O. Smith.
Application Number | 20170238145 15/586549 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49513413 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170238145 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ferrell; Bill ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING INTELLIGENT LOCATION
INFORMATION
Abstract
A method and system that includes extracting event models from
at least one personal planning source of a user, wherein a
parameter of an event model includes event location; periodically
receiving location information of at least one mobile device of the
user; storing the location information in a location log; a pattern
worker module maintaining user location patterns through the
location log; generating a location prediction from the extracted
event models and the user location patterns; a first content worker
module checking if the location prediction meets a set of content
requirements; if the set of content requirements is satisfied,
initiating content retrieval from at least one service; and pushing
the content to the mobile device.
Inventors: |
Ferrell; Bill; (San
Francisco, CA) ; Smith; Lucas O.; (San Francisco,
CA) ; Rickard; Oliver C.; (San Francisco, CA)
; Moulia; Thomas; (San Francisco, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Runway 20, Inc. |
San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49513413 |
Appl. No.: |
15/586549 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15047248 |
Feb 18, 2016 |
9672468 |
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15586549 |
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13838103 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
9299027 |
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15047248 |
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61643761 |
May 7, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/456.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 51/20 20130101;
G06N 3/02 20130101; G06N 5/047 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201; G06N
20/00 20190101; G06N 7/005 20130101; H04L 67/327 20130101; G06N
5/02 20130101; H04L 67/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 4/02 20060101
H04W004/02; G06N 7/00 20060101 G06N007/00; H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08; G06N 5/04 20060101 G06N005/04 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: extracting event models from at least one
personal planning source of a user, wherein a parameter of an event
model includes event location; periodically receiving location
information of at least one mobile device of the user; storing the
location information in a location log; maintaining user location
patterns through the location log; generating a location prediction
from the extracted event models and the user location patterns;
using a first content worker module, checking if the location
prediction meets a set of content requirements; if the set of
content requirements is satisfied, initiating content retrieval
from at least one service; and pushing the content to the mobile
device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein extracting event models from the
at least one personal planning source of the user includes
determine one or more parameters of a predetermined event
identified by the event model.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the location prediction includes
an estimated future location of the user that is informed by event
data of the extracted event models found within the at least one
planning source and the user location patterns that were determined
independent of a current route of the user.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the location prediction includes
a predicted future location of the user, and wherein generating the
location prediction includes implementing a set of Markov chains to
determine a likelihood of the user moving to the predicted future
location based on a current location of the user.
5. The method of claim 1, generating a plurality of pattern models
based on a location history of the mobile device of the user and a
plurality of location categories.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one personal
planning source includes one or more of a social network and a text
message log.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein maintaining user location
patterns comprises updating a plurality of pattern models that
characterize location patterns.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the content condition comprises a
predefined condition of a current time being an expected departure
time to travel to the location prediction.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the expected departure time is
defined based on an expected travel time between the location
prediction and a current location of the mobile device.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising a second content
worker module checking if the location prediction meets another set
of content requirements of the second content worker module.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the first content worker module
is for a traffic content scenario and the second content worker
module for a Internet content scenario.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising granting permissions
to an outside application to access location information of the
user; a context worker module checking if the location prediction
meets a set of context requirements and notifying the outside
application of the location prediction context if the set of
context requirements is satisfied.
13. A method comprising: granting permissions to an outside
application to access location information of a user; at a server
of a location prediction platform, periodically receiving location
information of at least one mobile device of the user; storing the
location information in a location log of the location prediction
platform; maintaining user location patterns through the location
log; generating a location prediction from the user location
patterns; using a context worker module, checking if the location
prediction meets a set of context requirements; and if the set of
context requirements is satisfied, notifying the outside
application of a location prediction context.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the context requirements
identify location prediction scenarios that include one or more
actions being performed by the user with respect to a particular
location.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising extracting event
models from at least one repository of scheduled events of the
user, wherein a parameter of an event model includes an event
location; and wherein generating the location prediction further
comprises generating the location prediction from the extracted
event models and the user location patterns.
16. method of claim 13, further comprising providing a location
aware application; for a set of content worker modules, a content
worker module checking if the location prediction meets a set of
content requirements and pushing content associated with the
content worker module to the at least one mobile device if the set
of content requirements is satisfied.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the location prediction
platform comprises a multitenant platform; and wherein location
information for a plurality of users is kept in the location
log.
18. method of claim 15, further comprising applying a user
categorization to a location based on the extracted event models
from the at least one repository of scheduled events of the user;
and wherein the location prediction context describes the location
information using the user categorization of the predicted
location.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein granting permissions to an
outside application to access location information comprises the
granted permissions restricting location information to a set of
location categorizations.
20. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving content
from the outside application; and pushing the content from the
outside application to the mobile device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/047,248, filed 18 Feb. 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 13/838,103, filed 15 Mar. 2013, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional application Ser. No. 61/643,761,
filed on 07 May 2012, all of which are incorporated in their
entirety by this reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0002] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a system of a
preferred embodiment;
[0003] FIG. 2 is an exemplary screenshot of generated content for
an upcoming flight;
[0004] FIG. 3 is an exemplary screenshot of generated content with
a boarding pass for an upcoming flight;
[0005] FIG. 4 is an exemplary screenshot of generated content for
an upcoming trip to a hotel;
[0006] FIG. 5 is an exemplary screenshot of generated content for
travel information when leaving for work;
[0007] FIGS. 6A-6C are exemplary screenshots of generated content
to remind a user of a planned event;
[0008] FIG. 7 is an exemplary screenshot of generated content for
weather based on location prediction of a user;
[0009] FIG. 8 is a detailed schematic representation of components
of a location prediction platform of a preferred embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 9 is a flowchart representation of a method of a
preferred embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram representation of a method of
a preferred embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 11 is a flowchart representation of a variation of the
method of a preferred embodiment for enabling platform use by third
party applications and services;
[0013] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram representation of a platform
variation of the method of a preferred embodiment; and
[0014] FIGS. 13 and 14 are exemplary schematic representations of
notifications pushed to a mobile device.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] The following description of preferred embodiments of the
invention is not intended to limit the invention to these preferred
embodiments, but rather to enable any person skilled in the art to
make and use this invention.
1. System for Providing Intelligent Location Information
[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, a system for providing intelligent
location information includes a location prediction platform 110, a
location aware application 120, and a developer interface 130 to
the location prediction platform 110. The system functions to
provide predictive intelligence for mobile devices. A mobile device
application that leverages the predictive intelligence generated in
the system can be used to display information alerts (e.g.,
weather, traffic, parking, restaurant, and other information),
provide contextually appropriate interactions at an appropriate
time, trigger application actions, intelligently complete
transactions based on location and travel routes, trigger physical
interactions (e.g., turn on/off lights, a vehicle,
heater/air-conditioning system, etc.), and/or perform other actions
in response to and in anticipation of a user's location and the
context of that location. The system can migrate a substantial
portion of the location intelligence to server side components,
which function to leverage the data and centralized access point to
a plurality of mobile devices. The location prediction platform can
be a multi-tenant platform that manages the intelligent location
information for numerous users, while the users can receive
contextual information and interactive content through an
application operable on a mobile device.
[0017] From a user perspective, the system can act as an
intelligent personal assistant that anticipates actions and needs
of the user and intelligently provides useful information and
interactions at the proper time. As opposed to always reacting to
user prompts or saturating the user with information, the system
can be used to intelligently bring relevant information to the
attention of the user at a contextually appropriate time. In one
implementation, the system can be used to provide an array of
useful services. The system can target flight information that is
extracted from email and/or calendar data of a user. The day before
a flight, the application can alert the user of the upcoming
flight, provide any related information such as flight delays or
destination weather, and provide an interactive interface to book a
ride to the airport or check-in to the flight, as shown in FIG. 2.
As the user arrives at the airport for a planned flight, the
application can load a copy of the flight tickets, as shown in FIG.
3. The system can additionally target hotels, as shown in FIG. 4,
car rentals, restaurant reservations, movie showings, music and
performance events, and other planned events in a similar
manner.
[0018] The system can additionally target more routine activities,
such as travel to and from work. The system preferably builds
intelligence around a user's varying schedule and provides
information at appropriate times. When a user leaves home to go to
work, the application can display an alert with travel information
for the route to work, as shown in FIG. 5. The application can also
push content based on events planned in a personal planning data
source (e.g., email account, personal calendar, account on a
booking website, social network event, etc.). An initial message
can be pushed to the user to remind the user of a planned event, as
shown in FIG. 6A. The system can additionally push a reminder when
the user should leave for the planned event (if the user has not
left already) based on the location of the planned event (i.e., the
predicted location of the user at the time of the event) and the
current location of the user, as shown in FIG. 6B. Additionally,
the system can selectively send other escalating content such as
another reminder, as shown in FIG. 6C, a functional interface to
notify the other participants that the user is running late, or any
suitable escalating notification. The application may additionally
or alternatively provide the weather for where the user is
traveling at a time when the user is anticipated to leave or is
detected to leave, as shown in FIG. 7. Knowing that it is raining
at the user's destination when the user arrives does not help the
user plan for the rain, but by notifying the user of the prediction
of rain around the time the user will leave can give the user
enough time to grab an umbrella or rain jacket. The application can
additionally use the contextual categorization of the locations
visited by a user. For example, if the user is going to work, the
application can notify the user of work meetings and tasks for when
the user arrives. If the user is going home around dinner time, the
application can notify the user of a recipe or restaurant
suggestions or TV shows on that evening.
[0019] When the location prediction platform is configured with an
outside developer/application interface, the application of the
system can be further integrated into a wider variety of
applications enabled through the supplemental information and
capabilities of the outside application. The system can benefit
from the capability of anonymizing/abstracting location information
and categorizing it into information that can provide interactions
that in raw location format would otherwise raise privacy concerns.
Applications and various services can build interactions around
contextual location scenarios such as "leaving home", leaving
work", "arriving home", "arriving at work", "leaving for event X",
"catching a flight", "landed in City Y", and/or any suitable
location based context. This alleviates third party applications
from building the infrastructure to detect and identify relevant
events, and it further alleviates users from sharing private
information, such as the geographic coordinates of the users home,
to numerous applications wishing to use that information. Third
party applications can use such information to trigger application
and/or device events, provide application or service specific
information, and/or perform location predictive transactions. Third
parties can trigger application specific actions or activate
devices. For example, house lights and/or heating/air-conditioning
systems can activate when a user is heading home. Applications can
use the platform to push their own data to users. For example, a
taxi/car share application can push a time estimate and capability
to order a ride in time for a user leaving for a predicted
destination. A third party can additionally integrate with the
platform to initialize and complete transactions. For example, a
coffee shop can enable the capability to automatically order a
user's preferred drink when they are predicted to go to the shop.
As a further example, a user can input that they want a ride to the
airport, and a taxi application and the platform preferably
cooperatively order a taxi and have the taxi arrive at the user's
current location when they need to leave for the airport.
[0020] The location prediction platform 110 of the preferred
embodiment functions to be a remote system that manages,
calculates, and initiates the prediction for location interactions
of the system. The location prediction platform 110 is preferably
operable on an internet accessible server, and more preferably, the
location predictive platform is operable within an infrastructure
of a server system hosted on a cloud hosting environment,
distributed computing system, a computer cluster, or any suitable
internet service/application infrastructure. The location
prediction platform 110 preferably includes an account database, a
location log, a plurality of location service worker modules, and
other suitable components to support implementation of the location
prediction platform 110. The location prediction platform 110 is
preferably a multitenant platform, and the location prediction
platform 110 preferably serves the multiple users (i.e., device
applications of users) on shared resources. The location log
preferably stores a log of location updates transmitted to the
location prediction platform 110 from the location aware
applications 120. Preferably, a location log is used to store the
log of location information for all users. Alternatively, a
location log can be maintained separately for substantially each
user account.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 8, the location service worker modules are
routines, scripts, processes, or other operational modules that act
and service various operations of the service. A location service
worker module (referred to as a "worker module", or simply
"worker") function to perform at least one specialized task. The
location service worker modules preferably work off of updates to
the location log. Each worker module can user various heuristics to
generate data, predict location information, push content to a
user, or facilitate operations of the system in any suitable
manner. There are at least three types of location service worker
modules: a pattern worker module that maintains location patterns
of a user, a content worker module that determines conditions and
content to send to a device, and a context worker module that
detects particular events and scenarios to alert outside entities.
A plurality of worker modules can be used to provide a variety of
different capabilities to the system.
[0022] A departure worker module uses the current or most recent
location information and predicted location (e.g., predicted from
calendar or email data) to determine when a user should leave to
arrive at a predicted location at a scheduled time. A late worker
module can perform a similar calculation, but the heuristic-based
logic of the second worker module is customized to push a
notification to a user when the user will be late for a predicted
event.
[0023] Flight worker modules can specialize in flight-based
features. One flight worker module can identify flight information
from a personal planning data source (e.g., email or a calendar)
and display the flight information to the user to reinforce that
the system has captured that event. Another flight worker module
can push flight information and possible flight related
interactions to the mobile device when the flight is approaching
(e.g., the day before the flight). Another flight worker module can
use current device location and/or the user's trip to the airport
to trigger display of information that the user will need in the
hours preceding the flight (e.g., gate information, a digital copy
of the flight, parking information etc.).
[0024] Hotel worker modules can perform similar services for hotel
bookings. Rental car worker modules can perform services for car
rentals that are similar to the flight worker modules. Other
alternative implementations can have worker modules for movie
ticket sales, restaurant reservations, music venue tickets,
business meetings, social parties (e.g., birthday parties, bridal
showers, weddings, baby showers, retirement parties, holiday
parties, etc.).
[0025] A weather worker module can include heuristic-based logic to
use the predicted location of a user to push a weather report for
the destination when the user is expected to leave. Another weather
worker module can perform a similar service by pushing weather
updates for the current location in the upcoming time (e.g., a
notification that it may start raining in the next ten minutes).
Weekend and workweek weather worker modules can provide weather
report notifications for a user's expected locations for the work
week and the weekend. The workweek weather worker module preferably
notifies the user on Sunday, and the weekend weather worker module
preferably notifies the user on Friday or Thursday.
[0026] A traffic worker module can provide traffic notifications
based on predicted locations. The traffic worker module preferably
determines a route to the predicted location, a current location of
a user, and any travel route patterns. The predicted route can be
used to provide traffic news that may impact the trip to the user.
The timing of the traffic notifications can be configured to
account for delays that the traffic would cause the user.
Additionally, a traffic updater worker module can conditionally
provide updates on the traffic if a traffic notification has been
pushed to the application and there has been an update in the
traffic condition.
[0027] An internet-enabled device worker module can trigger actions
in a registered device based on the location prediction. For
example, an internet-enabled device worker module can turn on the
house lights of a user when the user is arriving at home and turn
off the house lights when the user is leaving for work.
[0028] A planning worker module preferably ingests location
information from the location log to generate location pattern
predictions. Location pattern predictions are preferably location
patterns such as times and days of the week when the user is at
home, work, school, the gym, or other locations. The patterns also
characterize when a user will leave a location and which location
they will be going to next. The modeling of the patterns preferably
relies on a plurality of pattern models. A pattern model is
preferably an algorithmic model that predicts location based on
past location information. A pattern model may be geared to a
specific type of pattern such as time frame or location type. The
pattern models are preferably Markov chains, but alternatively a
pattern model may be a neural network, a statistical model, machine
learning approach, or any suitable pattern model. In one preferred
implementation, each Markov chain is preferably targeted at
different time frames. For example, one Markov chain can
characterize patterns in workday schedules and a more specialized
Markov chain can characterize patterns for Thursday, which could
accurately predict location even if the Thursday schedule for the
user is different from the other workdays. A location categorizing
worker module can function to map locations with names, labels, or
categorization.
[0029] The location categorization worker module can use content
that is used to predict a location in order to apply a
categorization, label, and/or name. Preferably, the location
categorizing worker module can determine work and home and can be
capable of generating personalized categorizations/labels such
"Matt's house", "Angela's work", "my gym", and the like.
Furthermore, the location categorization worker module can update
the categorization if the categorization changes (e.g., if the user
changes place of employment, the work label can automatically
change). An event worker module can be configured to identify
particular events such as "leaving work", "leaving home", "arriving
at work", "arriving home", "going grocery shopping", and other
event types. The events are preferably transitional events that
signal a time and location parameter. The time parameter preferably
indicates if the user is traveling to the location, returning from
that location, or in progress of being at that location.
[0030] The location aware application 120 of the preferred
embodiment functions to provide an operable component on a mobile
device. The location aware application 120 is preferably a
downloadable application that can be installed on a mobile device.
The location aware application may alternatively be a web
application with access to location information of the device, a
background service, a service of the operating system, and/or any
suitable operable component on a device. The mobile device is
preferably smart phone, a tablet, a wearable computing device, a
handheld gaming system, a car or vehicle computer system, a laptop
computer, and/or any suitable device. The mobile device is
preferably one that often accompanies the user. The location
patterns of the device are preferably assumed to substantially
match those of the user. If the mobile device is nearly always in
the vicinity of the user (e.g., a mobile phone), then location
prediction can be applied to a wide variety of applications. If the
mobile device is only in the vicinity of the user for portions of
the user's routine, then the system can provide more targeted
location prediction according to the nature of that device.
[0031] The location aware application preferably transmits location
information of the device to the location prediction platform 110.
The location information is preferably in the form of latitude and
longitude coordinates. The location information is preferably
retrieved from a location service of the device, which can use GPS,
IP location information, cellular triangulation, and/or any
suitable geographic location detection technique. The location
aware application preferably intelligently uses the location
services of the device in a manner to reduce energy use, which
promotes longer battery life. The location information is
preferably periodically updated, but based on the predicted
locations and times, the application can schedule polling of
location services to reduce the polling. Additionally, the location
services can be polled less frequently if the location aware
application detects a stationary location for a sustained period of
time. For example, if a user is at work, the location aware
application 120 can pole location every 30 minutes if the user has
been at work for an hour and they usually work nine hours.
[0032] The location aware application 120 additionally includes a
user interface that is used to render content pushed to the
location aware application 120 from the location prediction
platform 110. The location aware application 120 can use any
suitable interface, but a stream of content is one preferred
variation for how to present content to the user in a timely and
contextually sensitive manner. The location aware application 120
additionally can communicate with outside services or apply
processing logic to generate the appropriate content based on
instructions from the location prediction platform 110. In one
variation, the location prediction platform 110 can generate the
content and transmit the content to the location aware application
120 to display to the user. In another variation, the location
prediction platform 110 can determine the parameters of the content
(e.g., content type and location information) and transmit a
notification to the location aware application 120 with the content
parameters. The location aware application 120 then preferably
generates and retrieves any additional information based on the
parameters of the content notification.
[0033] The developer interface 130 of the preferred embodiment
functions to provide a way for outside developers to integrate
functionality and data from the location prediction platform 110
into their applications or services. The developer interface 130 is
preferably an application programming interface (API), but the
developer interface 130 may alternatively be a plug-in engine,
where developers can integrate customized logic instructions to
impact operation of the location prediction platform 110 and/or the
location aware applications 120. Preferably, a user will grant an
outside application permission to access location information. The
location information available to the outside application can be
abstracted or limited to any set of location categorizations,
location contexts, or other suitable conditions. Once permissions
are granted, the outside application can preferably receive or
retrieve location information relating to the user. The outside
applications may use the developer interface 130 to enable a
variety of location-based functionality. Additionally, the
developer interface 130 may include a capability for the outside
application to supply content that is pushed from the location
prediction platform 110 to the location aware application 120.
2. Method for Providing Intelligent Location Information
[0034] As shown in FIG. 9, a method for providing intelligent
location information includes extracting event models from at least
one personal planning source, wherein a parameter of an event model
includes an event location S110; periodically receiving location
information of at least one mobile device S120; storing the
location information in a location log S130; with an application
worker module, maintaining user location patterns from the location
log S140; generating a location prediction from the extracted event
models and the user location patterns S150; with an application
worker module, checking if the location prediction satisfies a
content requirement S160; if content requirement is satisfied,
initiating content retrieval from at least one service S170; and
pushing the content to a mobile device S180. The method functions
to use a combination of location prediction signals to provide
appropriate content to a user at the time and place where the
content will be useful. The method is preferably implemented in a
location prediction platform such as the one described above and as
shown in FIG. 10. Content is preferably pushed to a location aware
application that is operable on a mobile device. Alternatively, the
location prediction platform and the location aware application can
cooperatively generate and notify a user of relevant content.
Alternatively, the method may be implemented on any suitable
system. In one preferred implementation of the method, a user
benefits from the method by being notified of weather, traffic,
reservation details and related services (e.g., flight, car, hotel,
restaurant, etc.), meetings, and other information.
[0035] Block S110, which includes extracting event models from at
least one personal planning source, functions to process data that
relates to scheduled events of the user. An event model can be any
suitable characterization of an event. Preferably, extracting an
event model includes determining a location of the event, a time of
the event, and/or a title or description of the event.
Additionally, the event model can include participants of the
event, a categorization of the event, related documents, related
websites, and/or any additional information for the event. The
personal planning source can be any suitable resource with
information on activities, events, or meetings. A calendar
application/service, an email account, a social network (e.g., with
event planning features), a text message log, or any suitable
personal planning data source. A user can be requested to
authenticate or authorize access to the personal planning data
source. A script or software module preferably accesses, processes,
and identifies events from the personal planning data source. Any
suitable natural language processing, data scraping, and/or event
heuristics may be used to identify an event and extract parameters
that characterize the event. Event model data is preferably stored
for a user so that the data may be accessed and used when
identifying various content conditions.
[0036] Block S120, which includes periodically receiving location
information of at least one mobile device, functions to update the
location prediction platform with the location of a device. The
location information preferably includes absolute geographic
location such as longitude and latitude, but may additionally
include altitude and other specifications for geographic location.
The location information may additionally include a location
abstraction. A location abstraction is preferably a higher order
name for a location such as a human-defined name for the location.
The location abstraction may include a street address, a building
name, a business name, location type, location categorization,
and/or a user specific label. The received location information may
additionally be used to generate or retrieve additional location
information such as querying a location service to identify the
location abstraction for a particular longitude and latitude. The
location information is preferably sent by a location aware
application operable on a mobile device of a user. The location
prediction platform preferably receives location information
updates for a plurality of different users. The location
information updates are preferably spaced according to the change
in location of the mobile device. If the user is traveling or
frequently moving, the application of the mobile device preferably
transmits more frequent location information updates (and the
updates are correspondingly received at the location prediction
platform in a similar frequency). If the user is stationary and the
mobile device is reporting small changes in location, the
application of the mobile device can decrease the frequency of the
location updates, which can help to conserve energy use on the
device. The location aware application can determine the frequency
of the updates. Alternatively or additionally, the location
prediction platform can request location updates from the location
aware application at appropriate times. The location prediction
platform will preferably have location predictions modeled for a
given user, and can use those to schedule when location updates
should be acquired. For example, the location prediction platform
predicts that the user will be in a meeting for an hour, the
location aware application will preferably be notified to not send
location updates until substantially near the end of the meeting.
The location information updates may alternatively be routinely
scheduled or use any suitable heuristic for sending of the location
updates.
[0037] Block S130, which includes storing the location information
in a location log, functions to maintain a history of location
data. Preferably, a database is used for storing location
information for a plurality of users. In one variation, the
location log uses the time of the location information as a key and
stores the latitude and longitude data along with an account
identifier. An application worker module of the location prediction
platform preferably actively works on recent updates to the
location log. When new location information is generated, an
application worker module preferably begins to process the
information. A subset of application worker modules may
additionally be configured to work on new data of the location log
in a set sequence. The method may alternatively be implemented
without persistently storing the location information, but instead
temporarily storing the information to process the new location
information.
[0038] Block S140, which includes an application worker module
maintaining user location patterns from the location log, functions
to determine location patterns of a user. A pattern worker module
of the location prediction platform preferably continuously updates
location patterns for new location information. Maintaining user
location patterns preferably includes generating predictions from
location history stored in the location log. Maintaining a user
location pattern preferably includes implementing an algorithmic
pattern model. In one variation, Markov chains are used to generate
location predictions based on location history, but the pattern
model(s) may alternatively be a neural network, a statistical
model, a machine learning approach, or any suitable pattern
modeling approach. Preferably, a set of Markov chains is maintained
to predict the likelihood of moving another location based on the
current location. Of the set of Markov chains, there are preferably
at least two Markov chains for different time frames. For example,
there can be a Markov chain maintained for location patterns for
the workweek, weekends, and each day of the week. Markov chains can
additionally target other scenarios such as particular locations
(e.g., patterns for the San Francisco area versus patterns in Los
Angeles), special occasions or holidays, patterns tied to
particular personal events, or for any suitable segment of location
patterns. The appropriate Markov chains are preferably updated to
reflect new data in the location log, which functions to constantly
evolve the Markov chains. The Markov chains can additionally only
use location data over a specified time frame to determine the
model, which would enable the Markov chains to update to reflect
current patterns if the location patterns of a user changes. The
pattern model preferably uses absolute location information (e.g.,
longitude or latitude), but the pattern models may additionally or
alternatively work on location real-world names, categorization, or
type. A set of pattern models may be geared towards specific types
of locations such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants,
shops, and the like. For example, the pattern model may use the
business name of a coffee shop as a location in addition to or as
an alternative to the specific geographic location. The patterns
then can be based on general location patterns. For example, a
user's routine of going to the same coffee shop company each
morning regardless of what city may then predict next location of
the user in a new city. Similar to how pattern models may be may be
maintained for particular use-cases, scenarios, and contexts (e.g.,
different time frames), pattern models may additionally be
maintained for particular locations. For example, a pattern model
for stores when visiting a mall or shopping center may be
maintained so that the system can predict the next store the user
will likely visit.
[0039] Block S150, which includes generating a location prediction
from the extracted event models and the user location patterns,
functions to predict a location for a user. The prediction is
preferably for the next significant location. A significant
location is preferably distinguished from a transitory location in
that the significant location is where a user will spend some time
often for some activity. A plurality of location predictions can
additionally be made. The location predictions may be for various
times throughout the day, week, or month. Preferably, the location
prediction is a combination of data from the maintained location
patterns and the extracted event models. Locations of event models
preferably represent high probability locations. The likelihood of
an event model location can be further increased by extracting or
receiving confirmation that the user plans to attend the event. In
one variation, when an event is extracted, the event information
can be pushed to the location aware application, and a user can
confirm or cancel the event. The location patterns are preferably
also used, but can be weighted, scored or given lower priority to
confirmed events. The set of Markov chains are preferably used to
predict a location based on a user's location patterns. Preferably,
the set of Markov chains are processed in combination, and
depending on the scenario, the Markov chains predictions can be
weighted. For example, on Mondays a Markov chain specific for
Mondays is preferably given more weight than a Markov chain
maintained for Tuesday patterns and even a Markov chain for
workdays. Some heuristical logic can additionally be used to
determine the likelihood of the location. For example, if a user
confirms a meeting in New York, but the user is located in San
Francisco 30 minutes before the meeting, the confirmed event is
preferably weighted to indicate the low likelihood of that
location.
[0040] Block S160, which includes a content worker module checking
if the location prediction satisfies a content requirement,
functions to determine if content should be delivered for the
current scenario. Content requirements can include conditions based
on the user's current location, the predicted location, properties
of the predicted location (e.g., is there traffic), properties of
the route from the current location to the predicted location,
relative aspects of the two locations (e.g., time to travel between
the two locations, is the weather significantly different, etc.),
the time of the prediction, state of the application or the user
account (e.g., has related content been pushed to the user). One
preferred content condition may be a condition of the current time
being an expected departure time to travel to the next predicted
location. The departure time is preferably based on expected travel
time between the predicted location and the current location of the
mobile device. The current location is preferably the most recently
received location information of the user stored in the location
log. In this variation, an outside mapping or travel time
estimation service may be queried. Other outside sources may
additionally be queried such as weather services, traffic services,
airport delay services, user accounts on various web portals, or
any outside data source. Content requirements are preferably set
for a variety of types of content. The requirements are customized
so that meaningful and timely information and interactions are
delivered to the user according to the context. If the user is
about to leave for work, the traffic to work may be displayed. If
the user had a flight the next day, the flight information and the
weather in the destination city for the duration of the trip may be
displayed. Preferably there is a plurality of worker modules that
check various content requirements. The various worker modules can
include flight worker modules, hotel worker modules, rental car
worker modules, reservation worker modules, weather worker modules,
traffic worker modules, internet-connected device worker modules,
and/or suitable types of worker modules.
[0041] Blocks S170 and S180, which include if the content
requirement is satisfied, initiating content retrieval from at
least one service and pushing the content to a mobile device,
functions to trigger the display of content on the mobile device of
the user. In one variation, the content can be generated
server-side (at the location prediction platform). The content or
at least a portion of the content may alternatively be retrieved or
generated at the location aware application. Some content and/or
interactions can use services provided through an API of an outside
vendor. As will be described below, a third party developer can use
the API of the location prediction platform to push his own content
to the location aware application. In one variation, the content is
a push notification with text and/or media. In another variation,
the content is eventually rendered in the location aware
application as an information view, and optionally an interactive
view. Preferably the content is displayed in the stream of the
location aware application. The information preferably includes
related content. Additionally, interactions and services can be
accessible through the view. The content pushed to the mobile
device or location aware application preferably includes user
interface elements pre-configured to include location parameters in
an interaction with an outside service. For example, content for
the airport can include a button to order a taxi. The button can be
preconfigured to specify the location and destination of the user
when requesting a ride from the taxi service. Thus one-click or
context aware interactions can be integrated into the content. The
content is preferably transmitted automatically and without
necessitating input from the user.
[0042] The method of the preferred embodiment can additionally
include applying user categorization to a location S190, which
functions to identify and use user understandable names for
locations. The categorization of a location preferably applies some
form of user understandable location abstraction. Location
abstraction can identify a street address, a building name, a
business name, location type, location categorization, and/or a
user specific label. User specific labels preferably include
location categorizations such as "home", "work", "school",
"parent's house", "Angela's work", "my gym", and the like. The user
categorization of a location is preferably applied based on
extracted events models from the personal planning source. Natural
learning processing and other content processing techniques can be
used to extract terms, labels, and/or categorization that are used
by the user (and associated users) to refer to a location.
Preferably, a mapping between a location categorization and a
geographic location can be found in one piece of content of the
personal planning source. For example, an email from a user may
state "Meet me at my office located at 123 Example Street San
Francisco". The address and the user's label for the location
("office") may be extracted from this content. Location
categorization may additionally include the combination of personal
planning data sources and location history (i.e., the location
information stored in the location log). If a similar email is
processed that states, "Meet me at my office at 3 pm", and at 3 pm
of the corresponding day the user is at a particular location, then
that is preferably used as a signal that the particular location is
the user's office. Additionally, such inference of location
categorization can be completed without accessing a personal
planning source of the user. Some location categorization can occur
based upon the location patterns of a user. For example, where the
user spends his or her time during business hours is preferably
assigned a "work" location categorization, and where the user
spends his or her nighttime and weekend time is preferably assigned
a "home" location categorization. Location categorization can
additionally leverage the multitenant nature of the location
prediction platform to use the location categorizations of a
plurality of users to determine categorization of a location.
3. Alternative Method for Providing Intelligent Location
Information
[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the method of the preferred
embodiment can include granting permissions to an outside
application to access location information of a user S200; a
context worker module checking if the location prediction meets a
set of context requirements S210; and if the set of context
requirements is satisfied notifying the outside agent of a location
prediction context S220, as shown in FIG. 11. These additional or
alternative steps function to enable a location prediction
platform. As the location prediction platform is hosted server
side, the location information is readily accessible for outside
applications and services. The platform variation is preferably
implemented on a location prediction platform substantially similar
as described above and as shown in FIG. 12. An application
programming interface (API) or other suitable developer interface
such as a developer admin portal is preferably provided to enable
developers to easily integrate the functionality of their
application and services with the location information of the
location prediction platform. The location prediction capabilities
can additionally be used to inform applications and services of a
user's expected locations. Furthermore, when used in combination
with the location categorization capabilities of the method,
location abstraction can provide a way for users to obtain
location-enabled applications and services without revealing
detailed geographical information to applications. For example,
instead of knowing the home of a user is located at a specific
longitude and latitude, the outside application can only be
notified of the "home" categorization and optionally the
approximate geographic location (e.g., San Francisco).
[0044] Block S200, which includes granting permissions to an
outside application to access location information of a user,
functions to authorize an entity to access and interact with the
location information of a user. Granting permissions preferably
includes authenticating the identity of a user, specifying/setting
the permissions outside application, and then receiving
confirmation from the user to grant the permissions to the outside
application. The granting of permissions can use an authorization
process such as an open standard for authorization (e.g., oauth) or
any suitable authorization process. The user can additionally be
asked to authenticate with the outside application if, for example,
the outside application depends on user data. The permissions for
the location information can specify the granularity of the
location information and/or particular contexts that the
application can access. The granularity of the location can enable
location information with latitude and longitude information,
approximate location information (e.g., 1 mile radius, city, state
or country), specific location names (e.g., business names or site
names), and/or location categorization (e.g., "home", "work" or
"school"). The permissions may be for particular sets of location
information. A set of location information may limit access to
location information to a particular chain of businesses, types of
locations (e.g., grocery stores), regions of a location (e.g., a
park, inside a mall, a city, etc.), and other restricted sets of
locations. Contexts can be specific scenarios such as leaving from
a location, departing for a location, arriving at a location,
staying at a location, will be in a location at a particular time
(e.g., this afternoon, tomorrow, this week, etc.), or any suitable
context scenario involving user location. For example, an
application for a grocery store can only be granted access to
location information and be alerted of location contexts for
"leaving for grocery store". The permissions can include any
additional or alternative features to customize the privacy and
access to the location information of the user.
[0045] Blocks S210 and S220, which include a context worker module
checking if the location prediction meets a set of context
requirements and if the set of context requirements is satisfied,
notifying the outside agent of a location prediction context,
functions to send location information updates to the outside
application. Blocks S200 and S210 can function substantially
similar to Blocks S160 and S170, except in that the context worker
modules can trigger the delivery of location information (in a raw
and/or abstraction format) to an outside entity rather than a
mobile device. The location information and contextual description
is preferably sent to the outside application without retrieving
content from an outside source as in Step S170. The context worker
modules preferably function to identify particular location
prediction scenarios or contexts such as "leaving work", "heading
home", "heading to X location", or "arriving at X location". In a
variation, the location prediction platform can be queried by an
application or regular updates from the platform on the location
can be transmitted to the outside application without requiring the
detection of a context scenario. The location information in a
response to a query is preferably abstracted to the location
abstraction level specified in the permissions granted to the
outside application.
[0046] The platform variation of the method of the preferred
embodiment can additionally include receiving content from the
outside application and pushing the received content to the
location aware application S230, which functions to provide a
seamless way for application and service developers to integrate
customized content into a location based personal assistant
application such as the location aware application. The content is
preferably pushed to the location aware application in a manner
substantially similar to the content pushed in Block S180. The
content from the outside application can preferably provide any
suitable information, layout, interfaces, interactions, and other
content elements. The content preferably conforms to a standard
content format or specifications. In one implementation, the
content from the outside application is preferably displayed in a
stream of the location aware application in a manner consistent
with the content pushed as a result of content worker modules of
the location prediction platform. The location aware application is
preferably an application provided by the entity hosting and
operating the location prediction platform.
[0047] The platform variations of the method of the preferred
embodiment can have various applications. As mentioned, the
platform enables multiple applications and services to use and/or
integrate with the location information and content of the location
prediction platform. The outside applications preferably can use
the platform aspects in at least two manners. The first use of the
outside application is to provide content to the location aware
application. As mentioned above, Block S230 enables applications
and services to generate customized content that can be delivered
to users. Content from outside developers is preferably dependent
on similar conditions as the content initiated by content worker
modules, and so the applications can deliver content in a similarly
relevant and timely manner. Users will preferably selectively add
various services (and grant permission to outside applications)
from the location aware application to subscribe or signup for
specialized content that is provided from outside applications.
[0048] A second use of the outside application is to trigger
events. The outside application can use the location information
for a variety of internal uses such as logging events, triggering
actions, pushing content to a mobile application of that outside
application developer, or any suitable response of the outside
application. For example, a life logging application can track the
time a user spends at work, at home, and traveling. In one
variation, the outside application can be a service controlling at
least one internet connected device of the user. For example, the
outside application can use the location information of the
location prediction platform to turn on/off house lights; start,
turn on, heat, or move a vehicle; augment an air-conditioning or
heating system of a house; activate a cooking device; and/or
augment the behavior of any suitable device. Furthermore, the
outside application can trigger transactions based on predicted
location. For example, public transportation or taxis can be
automatically paid (and optionally notified of a ride request)
based on a user's location prediction and expected context (e.g.,
needs ride to location X). In another example, a coffee shop can
enable a user to configure an account so that whenever the user is
predicted to go to a favorite coffee shop of the user, a favorite
drink is ordered and purchased. The user can simply walk to the
coffee shop and pick up their automatically purchased and ordered
coffee. Such applications and use cases enabled by outside
applications can additionally be enabled and configured for a
content worker module of the location prediction platform.
4. Exemplary Implementations
[0049] The system and methods of preferred embodiments can be
implemented to provide a variety of contextual location-based
services. In preferred implementations, a user will preferably
download an application that is taking advantage of the method or
participating in the execution of the described methods. The
application can be configured for receiving and interacting with a
variety of predictive location content, but the application may
alternatively be a third party application that is using the API of
a location prediction platform. One preferred application of the
contextual location-based services of the system and method is in
the field of travel and more particularly flights, as described in
the following exemplary implementations.
[0050] In an exemplary implementation, user flight information,
including airline, flight number, departure time, and departure and
arrival locations, can be automatically accessed and extracted from
booking data (i.e., a personal planning data source). Message
content based on a worker module of the location prediction
platform is preferably generated that includes the travel detail
based upon user data and travel data. User data can include
location, travel history, purchase history, demographic
information, or flight/travel preference, and any travel data, such
as related to an airport, a particular flight, a particular
aircraft, or travel to and from the airport, can inform the
message. A worker module of the location prediction platform
preferably determines a substantially optimal time to transmit the
travel detail to the user based upon the user data (e.g., the
location patterns of the user and location information in the
location log) and the travel data (e.g., event models). The message
content is preferably transmitted so that the message content is
timely and substantially immediately relevant to the user. The
message content is preferably transmitted automatically and without
necessitating input from the user. Generally, the message content
is preferably transmitted to the user at the time determined.
However, duplicates of the message can also be sent subsequently.
For example, duplicate messages can be sent if the user does not
positively indicate that he has read the message, such as by
clicking an "Accept" or "OK" field after a previous message was
sent. The message content is preferably sent in the form of a
notification to a mobile electronic device of the user, such as a
personal or company cellular phone as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
However, the message can be sent in the form of an email, a
calendar alert, an automated phone call or voicemail, a SMS text
message, or any other suitable form of communication. In one
variation, the message content is rendered as content in the steam
of a location aware application. The message can additionally or
alternatively be accessible by the user from any of a smart phone,
a tablet, a desktop or laptop computer, or any other suitable
mobile or static electronic device.
[0051] In one variation, the message content includes information
relevant to the user several hours or days before a scheduled
departure. In one example, the message content includes a reminder
that the user has a flight the subsequent day. In this example, the
message content can further include a travel itinerary, such as
airline, flight number, the departure and destination cities or
airports, and the departure terminal and/or gate. The message
content preferably reflects the systems understanding of the next
task of the user and includes related information in the message
content. Furthermore, in this example, the optimal time to push the
message to the user, as determined by a content worker module, can
be user-specific. For example, the message can be sent to the user
when the user is known to be free or not in a meeting, when the
user is home and has time to pack, when the user is near a vendor,
or when the user is with a friend (e.g., so he is reminded to
request a ride to the airport).
[0052] In another exemplary implementation, the message content
includes the weather forecast at the destination location over the
entire anticipated stay of the user and can also include the
forecast for the departure (and return) location on the anticipated
day of departure (and return). The message content can further
include suggestions for clothes to pack, such as a coat for
expected cold weather (based upon forecast) or a swimsuit (based
upon forecast, destination location, and/or amenities provided at a
hotel booked by the user). In another example, the message content
can include a suggestion for a camera for the destination location
that is scenic, toiletries for an extended trip, a book that can be
completed on the flight or over the course of the trip, a backup
laptop battery for a long flight, a translator `app` for a
Smartphone for a trip in a foreign country, an international
calling plan, travel insurance, or any other product or service
that should be purchased before departure or that would benefit the
user while at the airport awaiting departure, while on the plane,
or while in the destination location. In the foregoing example
implementation, the determined delivery/push time of the message
content (as determined by a content worker module detecting the
appropriate time requirements) can be when the user is at or near a
grocery or convenience store, is at or near a clothing or apparel
store, is shopping online, or is home from work on the night before
a flight. Additionally or alternatively, the determined time can be
based upon store hours of a particular vendor, outlet, or company,
such as a cellular provider, an insurance company, or a Laundromat.
The time can additionally or alternatively be based upon a schedule
or calendar event of the user prior to departure, such as going to
work or picking up children from school, or based upon any other
relevant factor. For example the message that suggests purchasing
sun screen for a trip to the Bahamas can be pushed to the user when
the user is returning from picking up a child from school and will
shortly pass a Target, Walgreens, or other grocery store.
[0053] In another exemplary implementation, the message content
includes information relevant to the user on the day of a scheduled
departure. In one example, the message content includes a
suggestion to depart for the airport, wherein the message takes the
form of an alarm. In this example implementation, the message
content is preferably based upon the present location of the user
(e.g., as indicated by location service or a GPS module in a mobile
electronic device carried by the user) and the departure location
that is an airport. In this example, the determined timing of the
message is preferably based upon user distance to the airport,
flight delays, traffic and weather conditions, public
transportation (to the airport) times and delays, current or
predicted airport security wait time, anticipated user checked
baggage and current or predicted airport baggage check wait time,
preset gate wait time, user gate time wait preferences, user travel
preferences, preferences or nature of additional users accompanying
the user (e.g., children, spouse, friends), historic commute, wait,
or travel times or preferences of the user, or any other relevant
metric, data, or preference. For example, for the user who
preferably or historically arrives at the airport less than an hour
before scheduled departure when on travelling alone on business
trips, the message timing can account for this preference and leave
enough time for the user to reach the gate (e.g., two- to
ten-minute gate wait time) before boarding given user distance to
the airport, flight delays, traffic and weather conditions,
predicted airport security wait time, predicted airport baggage
check wait time, and the indicated means of travel to the airport,
such as by car, taxi, bus, or train. In another example, for the
user who is travelling internationally with a wife and two young
children, the message timing can leave ample time for the user to
collect his family, to pick up last-minute items, to drive to the
airport, to find long-term parking, and to pass customs, and the
timing can also allow for at least a one-hour gate wait time to
give the user time to regroup or to take care of any last-minute
issues. In this example implementation, the message that is a
suggestion to depart for the airport can also include a suggestion
for a travel method, such as a taxi or rideshare reservation, a
train or bus schedule, or confirmation that a friend of family
member will or is on his way to pick up the user (e.g., by
accessing GPS data of the friend or family member to determine
proximity to the user). However, the message can be timed according
to any other schema, and the suggestion to leave for the airport
can additionally or alternatively be provided the day before the
scheduled departure, as in the preceding variation, or at any other
time.
[0054] In another exemplary implementation, the message content is
an alert that a flight was delayed or cancelled. This can also
trigger the content that aids in or triggers the act of finding a
suitable replacement flight.
[0055] In another exemplary implementation, the message content is
a boarding pass for the user. In this example, when the user is
within a certain distance to, arrives at, or walks into a terminal
of the departure airport, such as indicated by a GPS module in a
mobile device carried by the user, the location prediction platform
generates the message content by pushing user identification
information to a commercial airline flight reservation server, thus
checking-in the user and pushing message content that includes a
digital boarding pass, such as a QR code. In this variation, the
timing the message content is preferably associated with the
location of the user, wherein the location of the user that is
proximal the airport triggers accessing the message that is the
boarding pass and initiates presentation of the boarding pass to
the user. The digital boarding pass is preferably presented to or
accessible by the user through the mobile electronic device carried
by the user such that the user can check baggage, pass a security
checkpoint, and/or board a plane by presenting the mobile
electronic device to an airport official.
[0056] In another exemplary implementation, the message content is
related to a user wait period within an airport. For example, the
message can be the location of a free Wi-Fi hotspot within the
airport for the user who is on a business trip, the location of a
bookstore within the airport for the user who is an avid reader,
the location of a sports bar within the airport for the user who is
a sports fan, or the location of a restaurant within or near the
airport for the user whose has not eaten or prefers a type of food
served in the restaurant. In another example, the message can be
the departure gate or a departure gate change. In this example
implementation, the timing of the message content is preferably
determined based upon the location of the user who is within or
proximal an airport terminal, the time of day (e.g., lunch time),
an event (e.g., a broadcast sporting event), an anticipated need of
the user (e.g., email or internet access), or any other suitable
variable or user need.
[0057] In any of the foregoing exemplary implementations, the
message content can be in the form of or include an advertisement
for a product or service, wherein the product or service is
selected based upon a known and specific need of the user that is
directly related to travel or implied by a travel plan. For
example, a clothing item suggested to the user based upon a travel
destination (e.g., a swimsuit) can be a clothing item from a
particular brand or company that pays for advertising. In another
example, a suggestion to depart for an airport can include an
advertisement for a private airport limousine service, despite the
fact that the user historically regularly drives himself to the
airport. In this example, the message can also include a comparison
of long-term parking rates and limousine rates to further persuade
the user to engage the limousine service. The message content can
also or alternatively include an advertisement for a daily deal,
coupon, or other product, service, or experience particular to the
destination location such that advertisements can be pushed to the
user based not only on current user location but also an
anticipated future user location. For example, the message can
include a discount for lunch at a world-famous pizza place in New
York for the user traveling to New York or an advertisement for the
San Diego Zoo for the user traveling to San Diego. However, any
message containing any other relevant travel-related information
can be transmitted to the user in any other way and according to
any other timing.
[0058] A variation of the exemplary implementation can include
transmitting the message to an affiliate of the user. In this
variation, the message content includes travel-related information
relevant to the affiliate of the user. The affiliate can be a
friend, family member, colleague, hired driver, or a person
otherwise associated with the user. The user preferably selects the
affiliate, through the client-side interface or the application
described above, by providing contact information of the affiliate,
such as a phone number, an email address, an instant messaging
username, or a link to a social network profile. The message that
is relevant to the affiliate is preferably transmitted to the
affiliate through the contact information provided by the user. The
message can be transmitted to the affiliate as a SMS text message,
an email, an automated phone call or voicemail message, an instant
message, a Facebook wall post, a Twitter message, or any other
suitable text-, audio-, or video-based message.
[0059] Transmission of the message to the affiliate can be handled
by the electronic device of the user, by a remote server of the
location prediction platform, by the network, or by any other
suitable messaging platform, device, or server. The message can be
transmitted to the affiliate automatically, such as given a trigger
event or at a time determined by a worker module of the platform.
Alternatively, transmission of the message to the affiliate can
require manual input from the user that confirms the message. In
this alternative, this variation can serve to automatically
generate travel-related messages for the user.
[0060] In one example of this variation, the message transmitted
includes a request, on behalf of the user, for a ride to an
airport. In this variation, the affiliate can be any of family
member, a friend, a coworker module, a taxi, limousine, or personal
driver, a rideshare or rental car server, or any other suitable
entity. The affiliate can therefore be automatically notified of a
transportation need of the user. In this example implementation,
the message is preferably transmitted to the affiliate
substantially before the scheduled departure such that the
affiliate can plan for and accept the ride request substantially
without inconvenience and/or such that an alternative affiliate can
be found to drive the user if needed. In this example
implementation, the automatic messaging of affiliates can further
handle ride requests sent to multiple affiliates, wherein the first
accepted ride request triggers cancellation of all other ride
requests. Therefore, this variation of the exemplary implementation
can function to automatically push a ride request, on behalf of the
user, to the affiliate in a timely fashion and manage the ride
request for the user and the affiliate. Additionally or
alternatively, the message transmitted to the affiliate can be a
reminder for the affiliate to drive the user to the airport. In
this variation, the message can be transmitted to the affiliate the
day before the user is scheduled to depart. Alternatively, the
message can be transmitted to the affiliate as an alert to leave,
wherein the message accounts for the distance between the affiliate
and the user, traffic conditions, preferences of the affiliate,
user distance to the airport, flight delays, traffic and weather
conditions, current or predicted airport security wait time,
anticipated user checked baggage and current or predicted airport
baggage check wait time, preset gate wait time, user gate time wait
preferences, user travel preferences, preferences or nature of
additional users accompanying the user, historic commute, wait, or
travel times or preferences of the user, or any other relevant
metric, data, or preference.
[0061] In another example of this variation, the message
transmitted to the affiliate includes a travel update related to an
itinerary or travel event of the user. For example, the message can
be "Arrived at the airport," "Just passed security," "Reached my
gate in time," "Boarding," "About to take off," "Just landed,"
"Just disembarked--heading to baggage claim," "Baggage just
arrived," "Waiting outside of Arrivals at Terminal A," "Flight
delayed 30 minutes," "Flight cancelled," or any other relevant
travel-related phrase or message. In this variation, the
application, network, or remote server handling at least a portion
of exemplary system and method implementation preferably accesses
any one or more of a GPS module in a mobile electronic device
carried by the user, an independent commercial airline booking
service or server, an in-house commercial airline booking service
or server, a flight schedule service or server, and/or a real-time
flight tracking service or server to ascertain a travel event or
landmark that informs the message sent to the affiliate. As
described above, any of these messages can be automatically
transmitted to the affiliate, such as at a time determined by a
worker module of the platform, or the message can be automatically
generated and only sent to the affiliate given a positive input
from the user. In the former example, the message is preferably
generated, handled, and transmitted by the remote server or network
such that the message can be sent to the affiliate even when a
mobile electronic device of the user is off or out of Wi-Fi or
cellular range. However, the message can be of any other form or
content, handled by any other entity, and transmitted to the
affiliate according to any other schema.
[0062] Any of the foregoing exemplary variations and implementation
details can be applied to other forms of travel, such as travel by
train, ship, or bus, wherein any of the aspects of the exemplary
implementation can be used to book train, boat, or bus fare and/or
to transmit messages to the user and/or affiliate regarding travel
on the train, boat, or bus, respectively. However, the first and
second preferred methods S100, S200 can be used or implemented in
any other way. Additionally or alternatively, any of the foregoing
exemplary variations and implementation details can be applied to
booking a hotel reservation, booking a rental vehicle, booking a
guided tour, making a restaurant reservation, planning a meeting,
planning events, organizing a personal calendar, or any suitable
application.
[0063] The system and methods of the preferred embodiment and
variations thereof can be embodied and/or implemented at least in
part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium
storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions are
preferably executed by computer-executable components preferably
integrated with the location prediction platform and/or location
aware application. The computer-readable medium can be stored on
any suitable computer-readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash
memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy
drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component
is preferably a general or application specific processor, but any
suitable dedicated hardware or hardware/firmware combination device
may alternatively or additionally execute the instructions.
[0064] As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the
previous detailed description and from the figures and claims,
modifications and changes can be made to the preferred embodiments
of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention
defined in the following claims.
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