Location-Based Task Reminder System Using GPS Coordinates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current personal organizer systems in communication devices lack the ability to remind users of tasks based on their location, which is crucial for location-dependent tasks, as they only remind users by time, often failing to alert them when they are not present at the intended location.
Innovation Solution
A GPS-enabled contact list system that integrates GPS coordinates with contact information, allowing users to link tasks with anticipated locations and reminding them when they are at those locations, using GPS coordinates and geo-coding to determine and display relevant tasks on the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If personal organizer systems use time-based reminders, then users can be alerted of tasks at scheduled times, but users may not be present at the task location when reminded
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the reminder trigger parameter from time-based to location-based by integrating GPS coordinates with task entries. When a user creates a task, they can specify target location coordinates. The system continuously monitors current GPS location and triggers reminders when the user arrives at or near the target location, regardless of the scheduled time. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by making reminders reliable (triggered at correct location) while maintaining ease of operation (automatic location tracking).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces GPS location data as an intermediary between the user and the task reminder system. Instead of directly comparing current time with task schedule, the system uses location coordinates as a mediator to determine when to trigger reminders. This intermediary layer enables the system to bridge the gap between time-based scheduling and location-based execution, ensuring reminders are delivered when users are actually at the task location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If personal organizer systems integrate GPS location tracking, then users receive location-based task reminders, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing GPS receiver already present in modern mobile phones and makes it multi-functional by using it for both navigation purposes and task reminder triggering. Instead of adding a separate location tracking system, the invention repurposes the existing GPS hardware to serve dual functions, thereby increasing task reminder adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically monitoring GPS location and comparing it with stored task location coordinates without requiring user intervention. The continuous location tracking and automatic reminder triggering occur autonomously once tasks are created with location parameters, reducing the need for complex user interfaces and manual operations while enhancing adaptability.
3Reliability
If personal organizer systems store location data for each task, then location-based reminders become possible, but data storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential location information needed for reminder functionality - specifically GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) - and stores them separately in a dedicated location database. By extracting and storing only the critical location parameters rather than complete address details or descriptive location data, the system achieves accurate location-based reminders while minimizing data storage requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Present invention discloses a location specific personal organizer system for communication devices. Personal organizer, as a combined application with contact list of communication device or as a stand alone application; is provided with means to link task with anticipated location and corresponding GPS coordinates. Means is provided in GPS enabled communication device to determine if any task in personal organizer is due at its current location. Task due at current location is displayed on communication device. According to another aspect of the invention means is disclosed to auto fill information into data fields of contact list entry in communication device in response to information provided in a unique identifier data field of contact list entry.