Fast customizable geo-fence notification system and method

Abstract

A privacy enhanced system and method that uses a handheld computerized device to store and retrieve geo-fencing based notifications without reporting any one of a particular geo-fencing area or notifications to a remote server. The system enables a user to both manually draw the desired geo-fence on the touch screen of the device and directly load notifications (such as various images) associated with the geo-fence into the device in advance. Other restrictions and executable code may also be entered and associated as needed. In use, when a position sensor of the system detects that the device is within an area provided with a geo-fence, the system is automatically triggered, and if a limiting condition is met, the required notification is automatically retrieved. In some embodiments, the system can automatically generate additional geo-fencing areas and notifications using previously stored executable code.

Description

Background of the Invention Technical Field

[0002] The present invention is in the field of systems and methods for automatically distributing data based on the user's geographic location. Background Art

[0003] Location-based notification systems are used for many technical and commercial purposes. Internet websites have hardware and software that are configured to automatically estimate the approximate location of a web browser by using various clues, such as the web browser's URL address, cookies, browsing history, etc. The website is then configured to use this location information to automatically customize content for the web browser's approximate location.

[0004] Similarly, there are various types of location-based notification systems. For example, Birch et al. in U.S. Patent No. 9,549,286 describe a mobile device-based geo-fence notification system that can track the location of a smartphone, determine whether the smartphone has entered a geo-fenced area by polling a remote geo-fence server, and issue a predetermined notification if the mobile device stays in the geo-fenced area for more than a preset period of time.

[0005] Similarly, Ziskind and McKechney in US Patent No. 8,983,497 describe a computer-implemented method for defining a geo-fenced area, determining a trigger condition, and downloading information from a remote server if the trigger condition is met.

[0006] Li et al. described a geofence system and method in U.S. Patent No. 8,971,930, which is capable of storing multiple geofences in a memory, receiving current location data, obtaining data from one or a remote server if the current location data is within a given geofence, and performing subsequent operations based on the downloaded data.

[0007] The entire contents of U.S. Patent Nos. 9,549,286, 8,983,497, and 8,971,930 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] There are also various business-based smartphone applications such as ibotta, Rakuten, Coupons.com, Groupon, etc., which are popular in business, and some of them also provide location-based services. Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention is based in part on the recognition that modern smartphones and other handheld computerized devices (such as Apple's iOS system) now include enhanced user privacy features that limit the system's ability to automatically contact remote servers without user authorization.

[0010] The present invention is also based in part on the recognition that smartphone users often need to routinely provide information when they arrive at a given destination. For example, a gym member may routinely provide a gym membership card each time they arrive at the gym. Such membership cards are not coupons, but are typically visual images that may have various bar codes. Such membership cards are often provided by small merchants who are short of resources and often cannot do more than provide printed cards to customers.

[0011] The present invention is also based in part on the recognition that there is a need for an easy-to-use software application that allows ordinary users to store a wide variety of information, typically images, on their smartphones. The application should also allow the user to easily create and store geo-fences, such as locations around a gym, in the smartphone's memory. Then, when the system detects that it is within a user-defined geo-fence area, the application should provide the previously stored information without contacting a remote server (which does not create any privacy issues and also improves response time). The information is typically in the form of one or more images.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system is designed so that all information, including various geo-fenced areas and various notification data (such as images), can be entered by the user. Thus, users can set up various geo-fenced locations and then store any information they anticipate might be useful at a given location. This can include store coupons, airline tickets, fitness clubs, membership cards, movie tickets, reminder lists, and the like. In turn, when the user arrives at a previously set geo-fenced location, the system will "appropriately" send out reminders.

[0013] The system will typically be configured to store any information that a user can capture or download. This is typically any type of visual or audio information that is desired. In some embodiments, all information, including geofences and notifications, is entered by the user. Thus, in contrast to prior art systems, where notifications are typically broadcast by the merchant without user authorization, the present system enables user-authorized notifications. In fact, in some embodiments, the user can set the system so that only user-authorized notifications are enabled.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the system may also use various automated or artificial intelligence techniques to track user preferences and use the code associated with the geofence to automatically generate additional coupons that are consistent with the user's preference history. For example, if the system automatically determines that the user tends to consume at pizza restaurants, the system may then automatically generate pizza coupons and distribute these coupons when the user is near a new pizza restaurant, with appropriate permission from the user. Similarly, with appropriate permission, the system may then automatically transmit this AI-generated coupon information to third-party websites, such as Facebook or Google, which can aggregate such information for other uses. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 A diagram showing how the system may be initially configured is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 It shows how, when a user carrying a handheld computerized device of the system enters a previously designated geo-fenced area, the system will determine the current location of the device and automatically compare the current location to the various geo-fenced areas stored in the memory.

[0017] Figure 3 An example of an initial startup screen of the system, here implemented as a smartphone application, is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 One method of loading a map of a geographic area of ​​interest onto a touch-sensitive display screen of the system is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 An alternative process for loading a map of a geographic area of ​​interest is shown. Here, the user may be prompted to enter a relevant address or name, and the system may then query a remote map server to obtain the relevant map data.

[0020] Figure 6 It is shown how the system can provide a keyboard on its touch-sensitive display screen to receive textual input of relevant addresses or names of interest.

[0021] Alternatively, Figure 7 It is shown that the system may further include a camera, and the system may be configured to obtain text input by imaging the address of interest and then performing optical character recognition on the image.

[0022] Figure 8An example is shown in which a user enters the name of a retail store (here "Marshalls") on a keyboard. The system can return a list of possible candidates from which the user can then touch-select a location of interest, if appropriate. The system can then automatically retrieve a map of the selected geographic area of ​​interest from a remote server.

[0023] Fig. 9 It shows how the system can then prompt the user to manually draw a closed curved shape to define the boundaries of the manually drawn geo-fenced area on the map. Note that the "pencil" icon has not yet been highlighted.

[0024] Fig.10 It shows how the user can press to highlight the "pencil" icon to inform the system that the next touch screen input will most likely be the boundary of the manually drawn geo-fenced area.

[0025] Fig.11 Shows how a user can use an electronic pencil or fingertip to enter the boundaries of a manually drawn geo-fenced area. Here, the curve is almost closed.

[0026] Fig.12 Shows how users currently use Fig. 9 The system has already entered this geo-fenced area and now automatically asks the user if he wants to enter some specific notification data to be associated with this specific geo-fenced area.

[0027] Fig.13 It is shown how the system provides the user with the option to enter various types of location-specific notification data, such as image data (here one or more photographs) to be subsequently associated (in memory) with this particular geo-fenced area.

[0028] Fig.14 It is shown how, in some embodiments, the system may then allow the user to select notification data from a library of videos previously stored in memory.

[0029] Fig.15 It shows how, after the user chooses to store a specific image (here a coupon photo) as notification data for this geofenced area, the system then allows the user to further enter optional time constraints, such as how early this notification should be displayed and how long this notification should be displayed. User comments can also be added.

[0030] Fig.16It is shown how, after the optional time limits and user comments have been added, the system can then automatically notify the user that it has associated these time limits and user comments in memory with that particular geo-fenced area.

[0031] Fig.17 It is shown that when the system determines that it is now within one of the previously geofenced areas that is also associated with notification data, the system will check the associated time limit and when the time limit is also met the system will then output information that the relevant notification data is available.

[0032] Fig.18 Show that the system can provide the notification data image previously stored in the memory at least when the user further inquires.In this example, the image is a time-limited coupon, and the coupon image also contains a one-dimensional barcode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] In some embodiments, the present invention may be a computerized system or method for providing location-based notifications. This is typically implemented on a portable (usually handheld) computerized device that includes at least one processor, computer memory, a touch-sensitive display, a clock calendar, and at least one location sensor. Examples of such handheld computerized devices include smartphones, such as popular iOS or Android smartphones. Other devices equipped with similar functionality may also be used, such as tablet computers, watch computers (such as the popular Apple iWatch series), or laptop computers.

[0034] Although the location sensor may typically be based on a global positioning system (GPS) receiver, other location determination methods may also be used. These methods may include radio signal triangulation methods using any of cellular towers, local Wi-Fi transceivers, other wireless beacons, or other sources of known location.

[0035] The present invention is optimized for flexibility and ease of use. This flexibility is achieved by configuring the system so that it can be easily customized by a human user of a handheld computerized device (for brevity, we will generally use the terms "smartphone" or "device" to refer to such handheld computerized devices). In particular, the present invention allows the user to have a high degree of control over what constitutes an appropriate location for notification, an appropriate time for notification, and the content of the notification.

[0036] The system enables the user to accurately set a variety of (e.g., at least one, and often multiple) different geographic notification areas. In a preferred embodiment, the system will achieve this by first displaying a map of the geographic area of ​​interest on the touch-sensitive display of the device. This map corresponds to a geographic area including multiple map coordinates. The device processor and memory will be configured with a mapping algorithm that enables the device to associate specific (e.g., X, Y) coordinates on the display with corresponding geographic locations (e.g., longitude and latitude, street address, etc.). Although in some embodiments, the system assumes that all altitudes correspond to local ground altitudes, in some embodiments, the system can be configured to allow entry of local altitude levels and also allow the user to specify a specific altitude level for notifications. However, in these examples, we will focus on the default "altitude is local ground altitude" embodiment.

[0037] Here, the system accepts (human) user input using a touch-sensitive display (touch screen) and the at least one processor, so that the user enters at least one geo-fenced area in a flexible notification area. The input consists of a closed curve shape drawn manually by the user, which defines the boundary of the at least one manually drawn geo-fenced area on the map. The device is configured to utilize an algorithm that maps map coordinates on the touch screen to geographic locations, so that the manually drawn closed curve can be mapped to a closed curve of similar shape (but much larger scale) that defines corresponding coordinates on the geographic map being displayed on the device display. Therefore, the system uses its at least one processor, the closed curve shape and at least some of the map coordinates to store the boundary of the at least one geo-fenced area in the system memory.

[0038] Although the system memory is typically computer memory located on the handheld computerized device itself, in some embodiments, some of the geofenced areas may be transferred to a remote server memory (e.g., using a cellular or Wi-Fi connection and network) and then retrieved from the remote server memory when needed. Thus, a user may store one set of geofenced areas for one city and another set of geofenced areas for a different city, and the system may reduce local memory usage by transferring the geofenced areas of the remote city to the remote server and then retrieving those geofenced areas when needed.

[0039] A variety of methods can be used to store a geographic area map including multiple map coordinates and a mapping algorithm in the memory of the device. This information can be recorded in the memory at the time of shipment, or loaded into the memory by direct download, scanning, or other types of memory transfer. However, since practical maps require a large amount of stored data, and need to be constantly updated as the features of real-world maps change, in a preferred embodiment, the system will be configured to download this data from a remote server. Such servers are provided by various companies, for example, the Google Maps Platform API.

[0040] For example, in some embodiments, the system can be configured to load a high-resolution map of a desired area using a user's current location, an address entered by a user, or a location specified by a user on a low-resolution map displayed by a device. More specifically, the system can use at least one processor (e.g., a device processor) and a touch-sensitive display screen of a device to, for example, receive text input related to either an address or a geographic location. The system can then use the text input to retrieve the map.

[0041] More specifically, in this embodiment, the handheld computerized device may further include any of a cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver. Here, the at least one processor is capable of using the text input, cellular (network) or Wi-Fi transceiver and the Internet to query the remote map server for map data and retrieve the map from the remote map server. Figure 1 It is shown in Figures 3 to 8 Shown in.

[0042] Figure 1 A diagram showing how the system may be initially configured is shown. In this case, a handheld computerized device (smartphone 100) of the system may initially obtain map data from a remote server (140) via the Internet (142) and display a representation (104) of the map data on the device's touch-sensitive display screen (102). A user may manually draw a closed curve (106) on the map (104), which the system interprets and subsequently causes to correspond to a geofence on a portion of the displayed map data.

[0043] In some embodiments, at this step, the handheld computerized device of the system may also obtain additional data from a remote server. This may include information related to the identification of various map locations, and computer readable codes associated with some of these map locations. For example, such computer readable codes may include instructions for at least one processor of the handheld computerized device to execute when the map location is subsequently geofenced by the user and the handheld computerized device subsequently detects that it is in the location. With appropriate permission from the user, such computer readable codes may be used for other operations, such as accumulating statistics on user visits to these locations, and even automatically generating notifications when the location or other locations specified by the computer readable code are visited in the future. In some embodiments, the image entered by the user for notification purposes may itself contain such computer readable codes in the form of a two-dimensional bar code (e.g., a QR code). For example, in this way, a chain of stores in the area can issue coupons for users to take and enter, and the coupons themselves contain computer readable codes applicable to multiple geofenced areas, each of which surrounds a local chain of stores. Other information may also be provided, which (in a preferred embodiment, with appropriate permission from the user) can be read or executed as needed.

[0044] The graph (110) corresponds to the locations between specific geo-fences, their geographic locations, notifications associated with a given geo-fence, and other information such as notification time limits, user notes, etc. All of this information is stored in memory, typically in the computer memory of the handheld device (100), but may alternatively be stored in server memory (120).

[0045] The system's processor uses the mapping algorithm discussed above to convert these hand-drawn coordinates (106) into actual geographic locations and stores them in memory (e.g., as a series of map coordinates (a, b), (c, d), (e, f), etc. that define the perimeter of the geofence). Alternatively, the system can store these coordinates as an algorithm that describes the shape and size of the geofence and location coordinates that describe the location of that specific geofence. Other schemes can also be used. However, it is easier to show the outline of the perimeter here. Therefore, in this scheme, geofence 1 has a perimeter defined by points (a, b), (c, d), (e, f), and the system can then connect these points by any straight line or curve to define the perimeter of geofence 1. Note that although at least some geofences will be defined by closed curves entered by the user, not all geofences need to be defined in this way.

[0046] Figure 1It is also shown that the user can also enter notification data such as an image (130) into the system. This can be achieved by various methods that will be briefly described. The system (typically a smartphone 100) and the system will associate the notification data (here, the image 130) along with other data such as time limits or other notes to the memory (110) associated with the specific geo-fenced area (in this example, geo-fence 1). In a preferred embodiment, the system is designed to accommodate multiple geo-fenced areas (e.g., geo-fences 1, 2...N) and provide multiple location-based notifications.

[0047] Note that although 130 shows an image of a coupon as an example of a notification, note that these notifications are not limited to commercial purposes. Various types of non-commercial notification data and non-commercial images may also be used. In this example, the image (130) also includes a barcode (132). In some embodiments, this barcode may further encode a computer executable code that the system processor can automatically scan and subsequently execute. By using a two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code, when a user takes a picture of a ticket, coupon, or other object, an executable code block of approximately kilobytes in size may be directly entered into the system. In principle, any type of code or information may be entered in this manner, although in a preferred embodiment, user permission is required before the code is used.

[0048] Note also that in some embodiments, the system may be implemented as a smartphone application. Figure 3 The initial launch screen of such a smartphone application is shown. Here, the icons give examples of various types of location-based notifications that can be used for a variety of useful purposes.

[0049] Figure 4 The process of loading a map of a geographic area of ​​interest onto the touch-sensitive display screen of the system is shown.In an optional preliminary step, the user can select a general geographic area by, for example, selecting the street location where the business of interest is located from a pre-populated list.

[0050] Figure 5 An alternative process for loading a map of a geographic area of ​​interest is shown. Here, the user may be prompted to enter the relevant address or name, and the system may query a remote map server to obtain the relevant map data.

[0051] Figure 6 It is shown how the system can provide a keyboard on its touch-sensitive display screen to receive textual input of relevant addresses or names of interest.

[0052] Alternatively, Figure 7It is shown that the system may further include a camera, and the system may be configured to obtain text input by imaging the address of interest and then performing optical character recognition on the image.

[0053] Figure 8 An example is shown of a user entering the name of a retail store (here "Marshall's") on a keyboard. Typically the system will include a location sensor, such as a GPS sensor. In some default modes, the system can be configured to transmit the user's current location and the text input to a remote server (140) and query for locations of interest near the user's current location that match the text input. The system can return a list of possible candidates, from which the user can then touch-select a location of interest, if appropriate. The system can then automatically retrieve a map of the selected geographic area of ​​interest from the remote server (104).

[0054] In either case, once the map and the corresponding display coordinate to geographic coordinate mapping algorithm are loaded into the device's memory and the user has entered location-specific notification data (such as, notification data image (130)), the system uses at least one of its processors to associate at least some of the location-specific notification data (such as, image (130)) in memory (110) with at least some of the geo-fenced areas (such as, geo-fence 1) in memory (110).

[0055] Additionally, for at least some of the various location-specific notification data (such as the image (130)), the system may further use its at least one processor and touch-sensitive screen (102) to input other data such as time limits, and also associate these time limits (or other data) with the location-specific notification data. Thus, for example, in Figure 1 , in memory (110), the row corresponding to geofence #1 graphically illustrates the association in memory between geofence 1, the location range (perimeter) of this particular geofence, the associated notification image (image 1, 130), and other parameters such as the start time limit and the end time limit. In practice, the device memory may use structured memory locations, pointers, and other hardware or software or database conventions to maintain these associations.

[0056] Fig. 9 It shows how the system can then prompt the user to manually draw a closed curved shape to define the boundaries of the manually drawn geo-fenced area on the map. Note that the "pencil" icon has not yet been highlighted.

[0057] Fig.10It shows how the user can press to highlight the "pencil" icon to inform the system that the next touch screen input will most likely be the boundary of the manually drawn geo-fenced area.

[0058] Fig.11 Shows how a user can use an electronic pencil or fingertip to enter the boundaries of a manually drawn geo-fenced area. Here, the curve is almost closed.

[0059] Fig.12 Shows how users currently use Fig. 9 The system has already entered this geo-fenced area and now automatically asks the user whether he wants to enter some specific notification data to be associated with this specific geo-fenced area. Here, the system assumes that the notification data will be at least one picture (image data).

[0060] Fig.13 It is shown how the system provides the user with the option to input various types of location-specific notification data, such as image data (here one or more photos) to be subsequently associated (in memory) with the specific geo-fenced area. To this end, the system provides the user with a variety of options, such as direct camera input or photos from a video library.

[0061] Fig.14 It is shown how, in some embodiments, the system may then allow the user to select notification data from a library of videos previously stored in memory.

[0062] Fig.15 It shows how, after the user chooses to store a specific image (here a coupon photo) as notification data for this geofenced area, the system then allows the user to further enter optional time constraints, such as how early this notification should be displayed and how long this notification should be displayed. User comments can also be added.

[0063] Fig.16 It is shown how, after the optional time limits and user comments have been added, the system can then automatically notify the user that it has associated these time limits and user comments in memory with that particular geo-fenced area.

[0064] The notification data, such as the image (130), can be obtained by various alternative methods. In some embodiments, for example, when the handheld computerized device (100) further includes at least one camera, the system can use at least one processor of the device and its at least one camera to obtain the notification data. Thus, the user may directly take an image, such as the coupon (130), and tell the system to use it as notification data.

[0065] Alternatively, for example, when the handheld computerized device (100) further includes any of a cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver, the handheld computerized device may be further instructed to use its at least one processor, the cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver, and the Internet (142) to obtain the notification data from a remote server (140) such as a notification data server. This remote server need not be the same server used to provide map data, but may be any server that provides images or other notification data that a human user would like to see when entering a specific geo-fenced area.

[0066] Once the information has been loaded into a memory such as (110), the system can then be used to provide appropriate location-based notifications to the user. Figure 2 as well as Figure 17 to Figure 18 Shown in.

[0067] Figure 2 The diagram shows the situation when a user carrying the handheld computerized device (100) of the system enters a previously designated geo-fenced area (here 106gf, which is similar in shape to the geo-fenced area). Figure 1 When the device's current location is determined to be the same shape as the previously drawn area 106 shown in the figure), the system will determine the device's current location and automatically compare the current location to the various geo-fenced areas (location ranges) stored in the memory (110). When a match is found, the system will then determine whether there are any associated notifications (such as, image 1) that also meet any previously entered time constraints. If so, the system will then output the information that the relevant notification data is at least available. Typically, the actual notification data will also be output. This can be done by, for example, displaying the previously entered notification data image (from the image 1) on the system's display screen (102) Figure 1 , shown here as 130d). Note that a remote server is not necessarily required here. Therefore, in some embodiments, user privacy can be completely or almost completely protected.

[0068] Nevertheless, even though the system does not necessarily require a remote server to operate, in some embodiments, the system can still provide a privacy-enhancing method for establishing a direct connection between a user (as a potential buyer) and a merchant or other provider of notification data (e.g., image 130). This is because the notification data can also contain the merchant's contact information, such as the merchant's email address, URL, etc., and the user can authorize the system to contact the merchant electronically.

[0069] Thus, in some embodiments, the system uses at least one of its processors and at least one of its location sensors (such as the GPS sensor described above) to determine whether the handheld computerized device (100) is currently located within at least one geo-fenced area (such as 106gf) previously associated with notification data (such as image 130), thereby determining relevant notification data.

[0070] Then, for those relevant notification data that are not associated with a time limit, or for those relevant notification data that are associated with a time limit that is currently satisfied (as determined by the device's clock calendar), at least the information that the relevant notification data is available is then automatically output. This output is not necessarily the actual notification data itself, but it can be. It can also be just a signal that notification data is available. If the user receives this prompt, the system can then provide the notification data when the user further inquires.

[0071] In some embodiments, Figure 2 As shown in (130d), the system can further use its at least one processor to output this related notification on the touch-sensitive display (102) of the device.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the device may instead use its at least one processor to output any of an audio signal (such as a beep), a tactile signal (such as a vibration), or a radio frequency signal (intended for use by another computerized device) indicating that relevant notification data is available.

[0073] For example, the system can be configured to transmit a radio frequency notification signal (such as a Bluetooth signal) indicating that relevant notification data is available to another (second) computerized device (such as a smart watch worn by the user, such as an Apple smart watch). The user can then receive an audio signal, a vibration signal, or a visual signal indicating that relevant notification data is available. In fact, in some embodiments, some or all of the notification data may be transmitted to the second computerized device, in which case the user can receive the notification data on the second computerized device as needed.

[0074] Although in a preferred embodiment, the notification data will usually be an image, such as the user-entered image described above, other types of notification data are not excluded. In some alternative embodiments, the notification data can be any of image data, sound data, one-dimensional or two-dimensional bar code data, electronic key data, or other types of analog or digital codes. Electronic contact information such as emails, URLs, etc. can also be encoded in this way. Each of these types of notification data can have its own optional time limit and optional user comments.

[0075] Fig.17It is shown that when the system determines that it is now within one of the previously geofenced areas that is also associated with notification data, the system will check the associated time limit (if any). When the time limit (if any) is also met, the system will then output that the relevant notification data is available. Here, the output is in the form of a small visual reminder displayed at the top of the screen, along with a prompt to click to view further details. As discussed above, other types of reminders may also be used, such as various sounds, vibrations, and radio frequency messages (such as Bluetooth messages to another device (such as a computerized watch)).

[0076] Fig.18 It is shown that the system can provide a notification data image previously stored in the memory immediately or upon further inquiry by the user. In this example, the image is a time-limited coupon (as previously Figure 2 130d), the coupon image also includes a one-dimensional bar code.

[0077] Fig.18 It is also shown that merchants or other entities facing challenges with underperforming locations / stores can also use the geo-fencing approach of the system to attach specific promotions to their specific locations or stores.

[0078] As another example, consider a department store, such as Target. Target may want to offer special sales only at its Milpitas location every Thursday, while still respecting user privacy. In some embodiments, Target can encode Milpitas' geo-fence data and time data into a code (such as a 1-D or 2-D barcode), and users can allow their system to store the location and time data when scanning the barcode.

[0079] The system would then track time and location, and those who opted in to receive Target alerts would receive them when they were near the store. Alternatively, the code could contain an email, URL, or other information that enables and authorizes the merchant (e.g., Target) to send a push notification to the user's smartphone when the user is at the appropriate real-world (or virtual-world) location. This would also enable alerts, with the appropriate permission from the user, while still protecting the user's privacy.

[0080] Other Automation Examples

[0081] In some embodiments, with appropriate permission from the user, the system can be further configured to automatically track the user's visits to certain geofenced locations and even automatically generate certain types of user notifications, such as automatically generated coupons or tickets if the user visits different establishment locations.

[0082] To this end, either the remote map server (140) discussed above, or an alternative remote notification data server, may be configured to store downloadable executable code associated (in server memory) with at least some of the map data or notification data.

[0083] On the handheld computerized device, at least one processor of the device is further configured to: when any of the map data or the remote notification data is downloaded, also download the executable code, and further associate the executable code with at least some of the geo-fenced areas in the memory (110). Here, the code field in (110) can be used.

[0084] As before, the at least one processor of the handheld device may be further configured to use its at least one location sensor to determine whether the handheld computerized device is currently located within at least one geofenced area previously associated with the notification data. However, in this embodiment, if the executable code exists (110), the processor will also execute the executable code.

[0085] The executable code may then (again with appropriate user permission) optionally instruct the device to accumulate and / or transmit visit statistics, offer to automatically create new geofenced areas, and offer to automatically generate additional notification data. If the user accepts these offers, the system may then automatically generate notification data applicable to the associated venue when the user walks into the associated venue.

[0086] Characteristics of “Metaverse” and “Virtual World”

[0087] A "metaverse" is generally defined as "a virtual reality space in which a user can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users." In using the present invention, the system ultimately creates a virtual reality space or "metaverse" populated with various map coordinates, geo-fenced areas, and location-specific notification data that can be a useful subset of the user's real-world environment.

[0088] Thus, a user can virtually travel to a given map coordinate in the system (perhaps by touching the map location on a touch-sensitive screen). If the system has the relevant geo-fence and location-specific notification data stored in memory, the system can retrieve the location-specific notification data and present it to the user. If the user also authorizes the system to establish a connection with a merchant or other entity located at the given location, the entity can in turn provide additional notifications to the user. The system can be configured so that the merchant or other entity can provide these additional notifications when the user is at the physical location, the virtual location (or both).

[0089] So, for example, a user with a gym membership could approach the virtual location of their gym in the “virtual world” or “metaverse” (typically by touching the location on the user’s touch-sensitive smartphone display), and the system could then let the user know about “real-world” training sessions or fitness challenges available at that gym.

Claims

1. A computerized method for providing location-based notifications, the method comprising: On a handheld computerized device including at least one processor, memory, a touch-sensitive display screen, a clock calendar, and at least one location sensor, displaying a map of a geographic area on the touch-sensitive display screen; the map of the geographic area comprising a plurality of map coordinates; Using the touch-sensitive display and the at least one processor, for at least some of the at least one geo-fenced area, inputting the at least one geo-fenced area by: manually drawing a closed curved shape to define a boundary of at least one manually drawn geo-fenced area on the map, and storing the boundary of the at least one geo-fenced area in the memory using the at least one processor, the closed curved shape, and at least some of the map coordinates; inputting location-specific notification data and associating, using the at least one processor, in the memory at least some of the location-specific notification data with at least some of the geofenced areas in the memory; for at least some of the location-specific notification data, further using the at least one processor and the touch-sensitive screen to input a time limit and to associate the time limit with the location-specific notification data; determining, using the at least one processor and the at least one location sensor, whether the handheld computerized device is currently located within at least one geofenced area previously associated with notification data, thereby determining relevant notification data; as well as For those relevant notification data not associated with a time limit and for those relevant notification data associated with a time limit within the clock calendar range, information that the relevant notification data is available is outputted using the at least one processor.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising outputting the associated notification on the touch-sensitive display screen using the at least one processor.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising outputting, using the at least one processor, any one of an audio, tactile, or radio frequency signal indicating that the associated notification data is available.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising receiving the radio frequency signal using a second computerized device, and outputting any of the associated notification data using the second computerized device, or outputting any of an audio, tactile, or visual signal indicating that the associated notification data is available.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein: The notification data includes any one of image data and one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode data.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein: For at least some of the geo-fenced areas, the notification data includes a plurality of images or one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode data, and each of the plurality of images or one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode data has its own time limit.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving text input related to any of an address or a geographic location using the at least one processor and the touch-sensitive display screen, and using the text input to retrieve the map.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein: The handheld computerized device further includes any of a cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver, and the at least one processor uses the text input, the cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver, and the Internet to query a remote map server for map data and retrieve the map from the remote map server; or The handheld computerized device further includes any of a cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver, and the handheld computerized device further uses the at least one processor, the cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver, and the Internet to obtain the notification data from a remote notification data server.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein: Any of the remote map server and the remote notification data server further associates executable code with at least some of the map data or the notification data; downloading the executable code using the at least one processor and further associating the executable code with at least some of the geofenced areas in the memory; The at least one processor and the at least one location sensor are further used to determine whether the handheld computerized device is currently located within at least one geo-fenced area previously associated with notification data and, if the executable code exists, to execute the executable code.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein: The handheld computerized device further includes at least one camera, and the notification data is further acquired using the at least one processor and the at least one camera.

11. A computerized system for providing location-based notifications, the system comprising: a handheld computerized device comprising at least one processor, a memory, a touch-sensitive display screen, a clock calendar, and at least one location sensor, configured to display a map of a geographic area on said touch-sensitive display screen; the map of the geographic area comprising a plurality of map coordinates; the touch-sensitive display and the at least one processor being configured to accept input comprising a manually drawn closed curved shape that specifies at least one geo-fenced area for at least some of the at least one geo-fenced area, thereby determining a boundary of the at least one manually drawn geo-fenced area on the map; The at least one processor is configured to store the boundary of the at least one geofenced area in the memory using the closed curved shape and at least some of the map coordinates; The at least one processor is further configured to receive location-specific notification data and associate in the memory at least some of the location-specific notification data with at least some of the geofenced areas in the memory; The at least one processor and the touch-sensitive screen are further configured to, for at least some of the location-specific notification data, receive an input time limit and associate the time limit with the location-specific notification data; the at least one processor being configured to use location data from the at least one location sensor to determine whether the handheld computerized device is currently located within at least one geofenced area previously associated with notification data, thereby determining relevant notification data; as well as For those relevant notification data which are not associated with a time limit and for those relevant notification data which are associated with a time limit within the clock calendar range, information that the relevant notification data are available is output.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein: The at least one processor is further configured to output the associated notification on the touch-sensitive display screen.

13. The system of claim 11, further wherein the at least one processor is further configured to output any one of an audio, tactile, or radio frequency signal indicating that the associated notification data is available.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a second computerized device configured to receive the radio frequency signal and use data encoded into the radio frequency signal to output any of the associated notification data, or to output any of an audio, tactile, or visual signal indicating that the associated notification data is available.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein: The notification data includes any one of image data and one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode data.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein: For at least some of the geo-fenced areas, the notification data includes a plurality of images or one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode data, and each of the plurality of images or one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode data has its own time limit.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein: The at least one processor and the touch-sensitive display are further configured to receive text input related to either an address or a geographic location and use the text input to retrieve the map.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein: The handheld computerized device further includes any of a cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver, and the at least one processor is further configured to use the text input, the cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver, and the Internet to query a remote map server for map data and retrieve the map from the remote map server; or The handheld computerized device further includes any of a cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver, and the handheld computerized device is further configured to obtain the notification data from a remote notification data server using the at least one processor, the cellular or Wi-Fi transceiver, and the Internet.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein: Any of the remote map server and the remote notification data server is configured to store downloadable executable code associated with at least some of the map data or the notification data; The at least one processor is further configured to download the executable code and further associate the executable code with at least some of the geofenced areas in the memory; The at least one processor is further configured to determine, using the at least one location sensor, whether the handheld computerized device is currently located within at least one geo-fenced area previously associated with notification data and to execute the executable code if the executable code exists.

20. The system of claim 11, wherein: The handheld computerized device further includes at least one camera, and the at least one processor is further configured to acquire the notification data using the at least one camera.

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