Proximity Reminder Logic for Precise User-to-User Task Alerts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reminder systems lack the fidelity to activate alarms at specific spatial and temporal conditions relative to another user, failing to provide precise reminders based on proximity and location.

Innovation Solution

A reminder system that activates alarms on a user's device when within a specified distance and location of another user's device, with customizable time parameters, using GPS, Bluetooth, and mapping technologies to ensure precise timing and location-based reminders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing reminder systems activate alarms at chronological time only, then the reminder system is simple to operate, but the reminder fidelity and precision are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereminder fidelityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reminder system dynamically adjusts alarm activation conditions by incorporating real-time location and proximity data. The system transitions from static chronological time-based reminders to dynamic multi-parameter reminders that consider current location, target location, and proximity to other devices, thereby improving reminder fidelity without requiring complete system redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple reminder parameters including location coordinates, distance thresholds, and time windows before execution. By establishing these criteria in advance, the system can automatically evaluate real-time conditions against pre-set standards, improving precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If reminder systems use multiple parameters (location, time, proximity), then the reminder precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereminder precisionVSAvoidease of setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically retrieves and processes location data, device proximity information, and time data without requiring manual input from users. By leveraging built-in device capabilities and automated data collection, the system maintains high reminder precision while minimizing user burden during setup and execution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The reminder system integrates multiple functions including location tracking, proximity detection, time management, and automated alarm activation into a single unified platform. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle complex multi-parameter reminders through a single interface, improving precision without proportionally increasing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the system monitors distance between devices continuously, then the reminder reliability improves, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereminder reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic sampling of location and proximity data at optimized intervals rather than continuous monitoring. By updating reminder condition evaluations at strategic time points and triggering more frequent checks only when approaching critical thresholds, the system maintains high reminder reliability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3669237B1Method for reminding a first user to complete a task based on position relative to a second user
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 CARRIER CORP
  • EP3669237B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3669237B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method of monitoring a user is provided. The method comprising: receiving a reminder request from a first user device, the reminder request requesting an alarm to activate on the first user device when the first user device is within a selected distance of a second user device; detecting a first current position of the first user device; detecting a second current position of the second user device; determining a distance between the first current position and the second current position; determining whether the distance is less than or equal to the selected distance; and activating an alarm on the first user device when the distance is less than or equal to the selected distance.