PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8942729-B2
Application Number: US-201213633649-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Location based methods, systems, and program products for performing an action at a user device

Abstract:
Methods, program products, and systems for location-based reminders are disclosed. A first user device can receive an input specifying that a reminder be presented at a given location. The first user device can provide a reminder request, including type and content of the reminder and the location, to a server computer for pushing to one or more user devices. A second user device, upon receiving the reminder request, can determine a device location of the second user device. If the given location matches the device location, the second user device can present the reminder in a user interface.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method, comprising:
 receiving, by one or more server computers, an event definition and a user identifier from a first user device located at a first location, the event definition specifying an action, an event group, and an event location, wherein the event definition specifies that a device associated with the user identifier performs the action upon a condition that the device enters into or exits from the event location, the event group corresponding to a category of events that includes the action, the condition, and the event location, the user identifier being designated as a member of a group of one or more users that are associated with the event group; 
 identifying, by the one or more server computers, one or more second user devices based on the event group, including determining that the one or more second user devices are associated with the user identifier; and 
 synchronizing, by the one or more server computers, the first user device and one or more second user devices, the synchronizing including sharing the event group between the first user device and the one or more second user devices by pushing the event definition, including the condition and the event location, to the one or more second user devices, the pushing causing an entry into or exit from the event location by each of the one or more second user devices, as detected by the each second user device, to trigger the second user device that detected the entry or exit to perform the action, wherein the action is presenting a reminder in a visual, an audio, or a mechanical user interface. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the method comprises determining a device location of the second user device by the second user device or by the one or more server computers; 
 the event location includes at least one of a street address or a set of geographic coordinates; 
 the device location includes a latitude coordinate, a longitude coordinate, and a radius; and 
 determining the device location of the second user device comprises:
 identifying, from a database, an access point location of the wireless access point using an identifier of the wireless access point, the database storing identifiers of wireless access points and access point locations each corresponding to a respective identifier; and 
 determining the latitude coordinate, longitude coordinate, and radius of the device location based on the identified access point location. 
 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein performing the action comprises providing for display a user interface item without requesting the user to login to the second user device. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first user device is located remotely from each of the one or more second user devices. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , comprising:
 receiving, by one or server computers, an event update from the first user device; and 
 pushing, by one or more server computers, the update to each of the one or more user devices. 
 
     
     
       6. A non-transitory storage device storing a computer program product, the computer program product operable to cause one or more server computers to perform operations comprising:
 receiving, by one or more server computers, an event definition and a user identifier from a first user device located at a first location, the event definition specifying an action, an event group, and an event location, wherein the event definition specifies that a device associated with the user identifier performs the action upon a condition that the device enters into or exits from the event location, the event group corresponding to a category of events that includes the action, the condition, and the event location, the user identifier being designated as a member of a group of one or more users that are associated with the event group; 
 identifying, by the one or more server computers, one or more second user devices based on the event group, including determining that the one or more second user devices are associated with the user identifier; and 
 synchronizing, by the one or more server computers, the first user device and one or more second user devices, the synchronizing including sharing the event group between the first user device and the one or more second user devices by pushing the event definition, including the condition and the event location, to the one or more second user devices, the pushing causing an entry into or exit from the event location by each of the one or more second user devices, as detected by the each second user device, to trigger the second user device to perform the action, wherein the action is presenting a reminder in a visual, an audio, or a mechanical user interface. 
 
     
     
       7. The non-transitory storage device of  claim 6 , wherein the first user device is located remotely from each of the one or more second user devices. 
     
     
       8. The non-transitory storage device of  claim 6 , the operations comprising:
 receiving, by one or server computers, an event update from the first user device; and 
 pushing, by one or more server computers, the update to each of the one or more user devices. 
 
     
     
       9. A system comprising:
 a first user device; 
 one or more second user devices; and 
 one or more server computers configured to perform operations comprising:
 receiving an event, an event group, and a user identifier from a first user device located at a first location, the event specifying an action and an event location and requesting that the action is to be performed upon a condition that the device enters into or exits from the event location, the event group corresponding to a category of events that includes the action, the condition, and the event location, the user identifier being designated as a member of a group of one or more users that are associated with the event group; 
 identifying one or more second user devices based on the event group, including determining that the one or more second user devices are associated with the user identifier; and 
 synchronizing the first user device and one or more second user devices, the synchronizing including sharing the event group between the first user device and the one or more second user devices by pushing the event definition, including the condition and the event location, to the one or more second user devices, the pushing causing an entry into or exit from the event location by each of the one or more second user devices, as detected by the each second user device, to trigger the second user device that detected the entry or exit to perform the action, wherein the action is presenting a reminder in a visual, an audio, or a mechanical user interface. 
 
 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the operations comprise determining a device location of the second user device by the second user device or by the one or more server computers; 
 the event location includes at least one of a street address or a set of geographic coordinates; 
 the device location includes a latitude coordinate, a longitude coordinate, and a radius; and 
 determining the device location comprises:
 identifying, from a database, an access point location of the wireless access point using an identifier of the wireless access point, the database storing identifiers of wireless access points and access point locations each corresponding to a respective identifier; and 
 determining the latitude coordinate, longitude coordinate, and radius of the device location based on the identified access point location. 
 
 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 9 , wherein the first user device is located remotely from each of the one or more second user devices. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 9 , the operations comprising:
 receiving, by one or server computers, an event update from the first user device; and 
 pushing, by one or more server computers, the update to each of the one or more user devices.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES 
     This application is a non-provisional of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/594,328, entitled “Location-Based Methods, Systems, and Program Products For Performing An Action At A User Device”, filed on Feb. 2, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to location-based operations of a computing device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A computer can use a reminder to inform a user that a task needs to be performed or an event is going to happen. For example, a computer can store a to-do list for a user. The to-do list can include a list of one or more tasks. Each task can be associated with a scheduled due date. As the due date of a task approaches, the computer can provide a reminder to the user, for example, by presenting an alert dialog box. In some implementations, the to-do list can be managed by a calendar application program. The calendar application program can allow the user, after logging in, to create or modify the to-do list, and to view the reminders. 
     SUMMARY 
     Methods, program products, and systems for location-based reminders are disclosed. A first user device can receive an input specifying that a reminder be presented at a given location. The first user device can provide a reminder request, including type and content of the reminder and the location, to a server computer for pushing to one or more user devices. A second user device, upon receiving the reminder request, can determine a device location of the second user device. If the given location matches the device location, the second user device can present the reminder in a user interface. 
     Location-based reminders can be implemented to achieve the following advantages. Compared to conventional reminders, location-based reminders can give a user more options on how to set up a reminder. In addition to “when” a reminder is triggered, a user can specify “where” a reminder is fired. For example, a user can set up work-related reminders to be displayed on a computer at work, and household-related reminders to be displayed on a computer at home. On a mobile device, a user can set up two reminders to be displayed at a same time, e.g., Monday morning at 9:00 am, but at different locations. The mobile device can select one of the two reminders to display based on where the mobile device is located. In addition, the user can set up a reminder for a mobile device such that the reminder is presented when the mobile device enters or exits a location. 
     The details of one or more implementations of location-based reminders are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of location-based reminders will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram that provides an overview of an exemplary system for location-based reminders. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an exemplary system for configuring or presenting location-based reminders. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary event user interface for configuring a location-based reminder. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary application user interface for presenting a location-based reminder. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart of an exemplary process of presenting a location-based reminder. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of configuring a location-based reminder. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process of providing location-based reminders using a server. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of an exemplary system architecture for implementing the features and operations of location-based reminders. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary device architecture of a mobile device implementing the features and operations of location-based reminders. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of exemplary network operating environment for the mobile devices implementing the features and operations of location-based reminders. 
     
    
    
     Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview of Location-Based Reminders 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram that provides an overview of exemplary system  100  for location-based reminders. System  100  can include first user device  102 . First user device  102  can be a desktop computer or a mobile device, e.g., a mobile phone or tablet computer. 
     First user device  102  can receive an input to create a reminder. The input can specify action  104  and a venue for performing action  104 . Action  104  can be, for example, displaying an alert dialog box, or playing an audio reminder, that contains a message, e.g., “Prepare Tax!!”. The venue can be an address or a portion of an address e.g., “100 Oak Street, CA 94063.” The venue can be a label, e.g., “Home,” that is associated with an address. The venue can be a social event, e.g., “Maker Faire,” that is associated with an address in a social event context, e.g., an advertisement or a calendar. 
     From the input, first user device  102  can generate event  106 . Event  106  can include action  104  and event location  108 . Event location  108  can include a full address or a set of geographic coordinates or both. First user device  102  can determine event location  108  based on the venue specified in the input. In some implementations, first user device  102  can perform a search, in a database stored on first user device  102  or a server computer located remotely from first user device  102 , based on the venue. For example, when the venue specified in the input is “Home,” first user device  102  can perform a search in an address book for the full address associated with “Home” as designated by the user providing the input. The address book can be stored on first user device  102  or on a server computer accessible by user device  102 . 
     In some implementations, when the venue is a social event, first user device  102  can perform a search in a social event calendar or an advertisement stored on first user device  102  or on a remote server for an address. For example, first user device  102  can determine that, at the present time, a social event “Maker Faire” is being held at address “100 Oak Street, CA 94063.” First user device  102  can then perform another search to determine a latitude coordinate, a longitude coordinate, and an altitude coordinate of the address. 
     In addition, first user device  102  can create, based on the input, a trigger event for performing the action. The trigger event can specify that the action be performed at the event location, or upon entering or exiting the event location. First user device  102  can store the trigger event in association with action  104  and event location  108  in event  106 . Event  106  can be stored in an event list of a scheduler program, e.g., a calendar application program. 
     First user device  102  can provide event  106 , through communications network  110 , to one or more server computers  112  located remotely from first user device  102  using synchronization. Server computers  112  can push event  106  to one or more second user devices. Additionally or alternatively, first user device  102  can push event  106  to the second user devices through communications network  110  without using server computers  112 . The second user devices can be devices registered to the user who provided the input for generating event  106  or another user that is authorized to view a reminder specified in event  106 , e.g., a user who shares an event list with the original user. The second user devices can include mobile devices or stationary devices. A stationary device can be a computer that, although movable, typically stays at a fixed location, e.g., in a building on a particular floor. 
     The second user devices can include computer  114 . Computer  114  can be a computer that is typically stationary, e.g., stays in a home. Computer  114  can be located within a communication range of wireless access point  116 . Computer  114  can determine device location  118 , which is an estimation of where computer  114  is located, based on wireless access point  116 . Wireless access point  116  can be associated with an estimated access point location in a database. The estimated access point location can be statistically determined based on historical data from location-aware devices. The estimated access point location can be stored in association with an identifier, e.g., a media access control (MAC) address, of wireless access point  116 . Computer  114  can determine device location  118  based on the estimated access point location of wireless access point  116 . For example, computer  114  can designate the estimated access point location of wireless access point  116  as device location  118 , or determining device location  118  using the estimated access point location of wireless access point  116  and one or more other estimated access point locations of other wireless access points. 
     Computer  114  can receive event  106  and determine that event location  108 , as specified in event  106 , matches device location  118 . Determining that event location  108  matches device location  118  can include determining that event location  108  is inside a circle, or a sphere in a three-dimensional space, centered at a set of geographic coordinates and having a radius, as specified by the device location, or that the device location is inside a circle or sphere as specified by the event location. If a distance between the event location and the set of geographic coordinates satisfies a threshold distance, e.g., when the distance is less than or equal to the radius, computer  114  can determine that a condition for triggering action  104  is satisfied. Computer  114  can then perform action  104  as specified in event  106 , for example, by providing alert dialog box  120  for display. 
     In some implementations, the second user devices can include mobile device  124 . Mobile device  124  can determine that, initially, mobile device  124  is located at location A. Location A can be remote from first user device  102  and computer  114 . Mobile device  124  can determine the geographic location by monitoring one or more wireless access points (e.g., wireless access point  126 ) that is located within a communication range. Upon receiving event  106 , mobile device  124  can generate a geofence based on the set of geographic coordinates specified in event location  108 . Mobile device  124  can monitor whether mobile device  124  has entered or exited the geofence using the one or more wireless access points. 
     For example, mobile device  124  can determine that mobile device  124  has moved away from wireless access point  126 , e.g., by losing signals from wireless access point  126 . Mobile device  124  can then determine that mobile device  124  is located within communication range of wireless access point  116 , e.g., by detecting signals from wireless access point  116 . Mobile device  124  can determine that, based on a location of wireless access point  116 , that mobile device  124  is now located at location B, indicating that mobile device  124  has entered the geofence. Accordingly, mobile device  124  can determine that a condition for triggering action  104  is satisfied. Computer  114  can then perform action  104  as specified in event  106 , for example, by providing alert dialog box  128  for display. 
     Exemplary Device Components 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of exemplary system  200  for configuring or presenting location-based reminders. System  200  can be implemented on one or more computers. The computers can be user devices or server computers. 
     System  200  can include event creation subsystem  202 . Event creation subsystem  202  can be programmed to provide event user interface  204  for display on a user device, and receive user input through event user interface  204  specifying what action to take, e.g., presenting a reminder, at what venue location, at what time, and whether the action is going to be triggered by an entry into or exit from the venue location. Additional details of event user interface  204  for configuring a location-based reminder will be described below in reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     System  200  can include event location subsystem  206 . Event location subsystem  206  can be programmed to determine an event location for performing the action based on a venue location. Event location subsystem  206  can receive the venue location from event creation subsystem, and determine a street address or a set of geographic coordinates. System  200  can include address subsystem  208  programmed to store associations between venue locations and addresses, or to interface with an external system to determine an address for a venue. 
     For example, event creation subsystem  202  can provide a venue location using a label “Home” to event location subsystem  206 . Event location subsystem  206  can perform a search using address subsystem  208  to determine that the label “Home” is associated with a full street address. Event location subsystem  206  can further determine, through an internal or external system for mapping street addresses to geographic coordinates, a latitude coordinate, a longitude coordinate, and optionally, an altitude coordinate for the full street address. The altitude coordinate can be determined, for example, based on a portion of the full street address, e.g., “Apartment  402 ,” that indicates a floor of the address, or based on geotagging. Event creation subsystem  202  can then create an event specifying an action, and an event condition associated with the action. The event condition can specify an event location and a trigger event. System  200  can store the trigger event in an event group, e.g., a reminder list, and send the event reminder to one or more user devices through communications network  110 . 
     System  200  can include application management subsystem  210 . Application management subsystem  210  can be programed to receive a request that corresponds to an event that specifies an action and an event condition, and perform the action according to the event condition. Application management subsystem  210  can communicate with location determination subsystem  212 . Location determination subsystem  212  can be a component of system  200  configured to determine a device location, which is where a user device is located. Location determination subsystem  212  can determine the device location using information from wireless communication subsystem  214 , which is configured to detect signals from and communicate with wireless access point  216 . Wireless communication subsystem  214  can provide an identifier of wireless access point  216  to location determination subsystem  212 . Location determination subsystem  212  can perform a search in a local or remote database to estimate a location of wireless access point  216 , and determine a device location based on the location of wireless access point  216 . 
     When application management subsystem  210  receives the device location from location determination subsystem  212 , application management subsystem  210  can determine whether the event condition in the event. For example, application management subsystem  210  can determine whether the device location matches the event location. If the event condition is satisfied, application management subsystem  210  can cause the action to be performed, and present a result in application user interface  218 . For example, application management subsystem  210  can launch an application or display an alert dialog box. Application user interface  218  will be described in additional details below in reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     In some implementations, system  200  can be implemented on a single user device. For example, system  200  can be implemented on a laptop or tablet device. The laptop or tablet device can receive user input for configuring a reminder at a first location (e.g., an office), and present the reminder when the laptop or tablet device moves to a second location (e.g., a home) that is different from the first location. 
     In some implementations, system  200  can be implemented on multiple user devices. For example, event creation system  202 , event location subsystem  206 , and address subsystem  208  can be implemented on a first user device located at a first location. The first user device can receive an input from a user, generate an event for performing an action at a location, and synchronize the event with a network-based service (e.g., an Internet based service). The network-based service can synchronize the event with one or more second user devices, for example, by sending a request to the one or more second user devices. The second user devices can be devices that have signed up for the network-based service. Application management subsystem  210 , location determination subsystem  212 , wireless communication subsystem  214 , and application user interface  218  can be implemented on a second user device. 
     In some implementations, multiple components of system  200  can be implemented on one or more server computers. For example, event creation system  202 , event location subsystem  206 , address subsystem  208 , application management subsystem  210 , location determination subsystem  212 , wireless communication subsystem  214 , and application user interface  218  can be implemented on a server computer, which provides various services, e.g., event creation, reminder presentation, and synchronization between use devices as web services. 
     Exemplary User Interface 
       FIG. 3  illustrates exemplary event user interface  204  for configuring a location-based reminder. Event user interface  204  can include event editor  302  for receiving user inputs for configuring an event. Event editor  302  can include event type editing field  304  for receiving an input specifying an action to be performed. The action can be presenting a reminder. The action can include, for example, presenting an alert dialog box, playing an audio message, launching an application program, providing force feedback (e.g., vibrating the device) or turning on or off an electronic device. 
     Event editor  302  can include event message editing field  306  for receiving input specifying a message to be displayed in an alert dialog box or played in an audio message. Event editor  302  can include event venue editing field  308  for receiving in input specifying a venue at which an action is to be performed. The venue can be a user created label, an event for associating with an address, or a complete or partial street address. Event editor  302  can include event trigger editing field  310  for receiving an input specifying one or more parameters of a trigger event for the action to be performed. The one or more parameters of the trigger event can specify that the trigger event is an entry into the venue location or an exit from the venue location. In some implementations, a trigger parameter can be a count, such that an action is triggered only upon a first, second, third, or n-th entry into or exit from the venue. 
     Event user interface  204  can include event list editing field  314 . Events can be stored in a group, e.g., a folder or an event list. Each group can be associated with a category, which can be a label, e.g., “work related reminders” or “kids related reminders.” Event list editing field  314  can receive an input specifying a group into which the event created through event editor  302  is entered. The group can be identified by the label. 
     Event user interface  204  can include event sharing field  316 . An event group can be shared among multiple users. When an event group is shared, the system responsible for synchronizing events can push an event to devices of each of the users who share the event group. Any device of any of these users that is located at, or enters into or exits from an event location can be triggered to perform the action specified in the event of the shared group. Event sharing field  316  can receive an input specifying an identifier (e.g., a name) of a user or a group of users to share an event group. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates exemplary application user interface  218  for presenting a location-based reminder. Application user interface  218  can be an interface for a reminder program executing on a user device of a user sharing an event group. Application user interface  218  can include alert dialog box  402 , which provides for display a message, e.g., the message specified in event message editing field  306  as described above in reference to  FIG. 3 . 
     Exemplary Processes 
       FIG. 5  is a flowchart of exemplary process  500  of presenting a location-based reminder. Process  500  can be performed by a user device having the architecture described in reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     The user device can receive ( 502 ) a request to perform an action. The request can be associated with an activation condition specifying that the action is to be performed at a specified event location. The event location can include at least one of a street address or a set of geographic coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and altitude). 
     The user device can determine ( 504 ), based on a wireless access point that is located within a wireless communication range of the user device, that the user device is located at a device location. The device location can include a latitude coordinate, a longitude coordinate, an optional altitude coordinate, and a radius representing a degree of uncertainty of the device location. Determining that the user device is located at the device location can include performing the following operations by the user device. 
     The user device can identify (e.g., identify from a database), an access point location of the wireless access point using an identifier (e.g., MAC address) of the wireless access point. The database can be a local or remote database storing identifiers of wireless access points and access point locations each corresponding to a respective identifier. The user device can determine the latitude coordinate, longitude coordinate, and radius of the device location based on the identified access point location. 
     The user device can determine ( 506 ) that a distance between the event location and the device location satisfies a threshold distance. In some implementations, the user device can make such determination by determining that the event location is located within the radius from the latitude coordinate and longitude coordinate of the device location. In some implementations, the user device is a mobile device. The user device can determine that the distance between the event location and the device location satisfies the threshold distance when the mobile device enters or exits a geofence. The geofence can be defined by a latitude coordinate, a longitude coordinate, and a radius that represents a degree of uncertainty about a location. The threshold distance can correspond to the radius. The latitude coordinate, longitude coordinate, and radius of the geofence can determined by geotagging the event location. 
     The user device can perform ( 508 ) the action when the threshold distance is satisfied. Performing the action can include providing for display a user interface item, e.g., a reminder that includes an alert dialog box, without requesting a user to login to the user device, if the user device has been previously registered with a server computer for providing location-based reminders. The server computer can push the request for performing the action at the event location to a group of registered user devices during synchronization of reminder events. The server computer can be located remotely from each of the group of user devices. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process  600  of configuring a location-based reminder. Process  600  can be performed by a user device having an architecture as described in reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     The user device can generate ( 602 ) an event. The user device can generate the event by creating a new event or modifying an existing event. Generating the event can include, based on an input, designating an event condition for performing and action. The event condition can specify that the action be performed at a specified venue. The action can include presenting a reminder. The venue can include an identifier of a social event that occurs at a place, e.g., a conference, sports event, concert, exposition, or a gathering. The venue can include a user-designated label of a geographic location, e.g., office, home, or school. The venue can include at least a portion of a street address. 
     In some implementations, the user device can store the event in an event group, e.g., a reminder list. The event group can correspond to a category of events. The user device can share the event group among multiple users. Each of the users can be identified by a user identifier. 
     The user device can determine ( 604 ), based on stored data associating the venue with an event location, the event location for performing the action. The event location can include a social event address, which can be a place where the social event occurs according to a context. The context can be a social event calendar. The event calendar can be stored on the user device or a server computer, or be generated based on results from a search. The event location can include a set of geographic coordinates. The event location can include a street address. 
     The user device can provide ( 606 ) a request to a second user device. The request can include an activation condition, which can cause the second user device to perform the action when the second user device is located at the event location. The user device and the second user device can be located at different locations. The activation condition can include the following components: a location trigger, a street address, and a set of geographic coordinates. The following is an example activation condition. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 List 1: Example Activation Condition 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
            
               
                   
                 PROXIMITY: [ENTRANCE | EXIT | WITHIN] 
               
               
                   
                 LOCATION: [street address] 
               
               
                   
                 GEO: [latitude, longitude, altitude] 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In the example above, the “PROXIMITY” entry can define a trigger that an action is to be performed at a location, including, for example, when the second user device is located within a specified distance to a set of geographic coordinates. If a distance is set, the action can be triggered when the second mobile device is located within the distance plus the radius of a device location away from the geographic coordinates. If the distance is not explicitly set, the action can be triggered when the second mobile device is located within the radius of a device location away from the geographic coordinates. The “PROXIMITY” entry can additionally or alternatively specify whether the action is performed upon entry or exit of a location by the second user device. The LOCATION entry can include an address. The GEO entry can include a latitude coordinate, a longitude coordinate, and optionally, an altitude coordinate. Providing the request to the second user device can be done by a server computer, which can push the request to a group of second user devices in a synchronization operation. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating exemplary process  700  of providing location-based reminders using a server. The server can include one or more server computers programmed to process requests received from user devices and provide responses to the user devices in response to the requests. 
     The server can receive ( 702 ) an event from a first user device located at a first location. The event can specify an action and an event location, and a request that the action is to be performed at the event location. The action can be presenting a reminder in a visual, an audio, or a mechanical user interface. The mechanical user interface can include a mechanical component for generating a vibrating force. 
     The server can identify ( 704 ) one or more second user devices based on an event group of which the event is a member. The event group can be shared among a user of the first user device and one or more users of the one or more second user devices. 
     The server can synchronize ( 706 ) the first user device and one or more second user devices. The server can push the event to the one or more second user devices such that, when any one of the one or more second user devices is located at the event location, the second user device performs the action. Pushing the event to a user device can include sending the event to a user device without receiving a request from the user device for the event. The first user device can be located remotely from each of the one or more second user devices. 
     In some implementations, the server can receive an event update from the first user device modifying the action or the event location. The server can automatically push the update to each of the one or more user devices. 
     Exemplary System Architecture 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram of an exemplary system architecture for implementing the features and operations of location-based reminders. Other architectures are possible, including architectures with more or fewer components. In some implementations, architecture  800  includes one or more processors  802  (e.g., dual-core Intel® Xeon® Processors), one or more output devices  804  (e.g., LCD), one or more network interfaces  806 , one or more input devices  808  (e.g., mouse, keyboard, touch-sensitive display) and one or more computer-readable media  812  (e.g., RAM, ROM, SDRAM, hard disk, optical disk, flash memory, etc.). These components can exchange communications and data over one or more communication channels  810  (e.g., buses), which can utilize various hardware and software for facilitating the transfer of data and control signals between components. 
     The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor  802  for execution, including without limitation, non-volatile media (e.g., optical or magnetic disks), volatile media (e.g., memory) and transmission media. Transmission media includes, without limitation, coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics. 
     Computer-readable medium  812  can further include operating system  814  (e.g., Mac OS® server, Windows® NT server), network communications module  816 , event configuration module  820 , event synchronization module  830 , and event presentation module  840 . Event configuration module  820  can be programmed to receive a input for configuring an event specifying that an action be performed at a location. Event synchronization module  830  can be programmed to synchronize events among user devices located remotely from one another. Event presentation module  840  can be programmed to determine a location of a user device and cause the user device to perform an action, e.g., present a reminder, when the user device is located at a given location. Operating system  814  can be multi-user, multiprocessing, multitasking, multithreading, real time, etc. Operating system  814  performs basic tasks, including but not limited to: recognizing input from and providing output to devices  806 ,  808 ; keeping track and managing files and directories on computer-readable media  812  (e.g., memory or a storage device); controlling peripheral devices; and managing traffic on the one or more communication channels  810 . Network communications module  816  includes various components for establishing and maintaining network connections (e.g., software for implementing communication protocols, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, etc.). Computer-readable medium  812  can further include a database interface. The database interface can include interfaces to one or more databases on a file system. The databases can be organized under a hierarchical folder structure, the folders mapping to directories in the file system. 
     Architecture  800  can be included in any device capable of hosting a database application program. Architecture  800  can be implemented in a parallel processing or peer-to-peer infrastructure or on a single device with one or more processors. Software can include multiple software components or can be a single body of code. 
     The described features can be implemented advantageously in one or more computer programs that are executable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. A computer program is a set of instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program can be written in any form of programming language (e.g., Objective-C, Java), including compiled or interpreted languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, a browser-based web application, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. 
     Suitable processors for the execution of a program of instructions include, by way of example, both general and special purpose microprocessors, and the sole processor or one of multiple processors or cores, of any kind of computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to communicate with, one or more mass storage devices for storing data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). 
     To provide for interaction with a user, the features can be implemented on a computer having a display device such as a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse or a trackball by which the user can provide input to the computer. 
     The features can be implemented in a computer system that includes a back-end component, such as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, such as an application server or an Internet server, or that includes a front-end component, such as a client computer having a graphical user interface or an Internet browser, or any combination of them. The components of the system can be connected by any form or medium of digital data communication such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include, e.g., a LAN, a WAN, and the computers and networks forming the Internet. 
     The computer system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. 
     Exemplary Mobile Device Architecture 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary device architecture  900  of a mobile device implementing the features and operations of pattern-based gesture recognition. A mobile device can include memory interface  902 , one or more data processors, image processors and/or processors  904 , and peripherals interface  906 . Memory interface  902 , one or more processors  904  and/or peripherals interface  906  can be separate components or can be integrated in one or more integrated circuits. Processors  904  can include one or more application processors (APs) and one or more baseband processors (BPs). The application processors and baseband processors can be integrated in one single process chip. The various components in a mobile device, for example, can be coupled by one or more communication buses or signal lines. 
     Sensors, devices, and subsystems can be coupled to peripherals interface  906  to facilitate multiple functionalities. For example, motion sensor  910 , light sensor  912 , and proximity sensor  914  can be coupled to peripherals interface  906  to facilitate orientation, lighting, and proximity functions of the mobile device. Location processor  915  (e.g., GPS receiver) can be connected to peripherals interface  906  to provide geopositioning. Electronic magnetometer  916  (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) can also be connected to peripherals interface  906  to provide data that can be used to determine the direction of magnetic North. Thus, electronic magnetometer  916  can be used as an electronic compass. Motion sensor  910  can include one or more accelerometers configured to determine change of speed and direction of movement of the mobile device. Gravimeter  917  can include one or more devices connected to peripherals interface  906  and configured to measure a local gravitational field of Earth. 
     Camera subsystem  920  and an optical sensor  922 , e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor, can be utilized to facilitate camera functions, such as recording photographs and video clips. 
     Communication functions can be facilitated through one or more wireless communication subsystems  924 , which can include radio frequency receivers and transmitters and/or optical (e.g., infrared) receivers and transmitters. The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem  924  can depend on the communication network(s) over which a mobile device is intended to operate. For example, a mobile device can include communication subsystems  924  designed to operate over a CDMA system, a WiFi™ or WiMax™ network, and a Bluetooth™ network. In particular, the wireless communication subsystems  924  can include hosting protocols such that the mobile device can be configured as a base station for other wireless devices. 
     Audio subsystem  926  can be coupled to a speaker  928  and a microphone  930  to facilitate voice-enabled functions, such as voice recognition, voice replication, digital recording, and telephony functions. 
     I/O subsystem  940  can include touch surface controller  942  and/or other input controller(s)  944 . Touch-surface controller  942  can be coupled to a touch surface  946  (e.g., touch screen or pad). Touch surface  946  and touch surface controller  942  can, for example, detect contact and movement or break thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensitivity technologies, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with touch screen  946 . 
     Other input controller(s)  944  can be coupled to other input/control devices  948 , such as one or more buttons, rocker switches, thumb-wheel, infrared port, USB port, and/or a pointer device such as a stylus. The one or more buttons (not shown) can include an up/down button for volume control of speaker  928  and/or microphone  930 . 
     In one implementation, a pressing of the button for a first duration may disengage a lock of the touch surface  946  (e.g., a touch screen); and a pressing of the button for a second duration that is longer than the first duration may turn power to a mobile device on or off. The user may be able to customize a functionality of one or more of the buttons. The touch surface  946  can, for example, also be used to implement virtual or soft buttons and/or a keyboard. 
     In some implementations, a mobile device can present recorded audio and/or video files, such as MP3, AAC, and MPEG files. In some implementations, a mobile device can include the functionality of an MP3 player. A mobile device may, therefore, include a pin connector. Other input/output and control devices can also be used. 
     Memory interface  902  can be coupled to memory  950 . Memory  950  can include high-speed random access memory and/or non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storage devices, and/or flash memory (e.g., NAND, NOR). Memory  950  can store operating system  952 , such as Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks. Operating system  952  may include instructions for handling basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks. In some implementations, operating system  952  can include a kernel (e.g., UNIX kernel). 
     Memory  950  may also store communication instructions  954  to facilitate communicating with one or more additional devices, one or more computers and/or one or more servers. Memory  950  may include graphical user interface instructions  956  to facilitate graphic user interface processing; sensor processing instructions  958  to facilitate sensor-related processing and functions; phone instructions  960  to facilitate phone-related processes and functions; electronic messaging instructions  962  to facilitate electronic-messaging related processes and functions; web browsing instructions  964  to facilitate web browsing-related processes and functions; media processing instructions  966  to facilitate media processing-related processes and functions; GPS/Navigation instructions  968  to facilitate GPS and navigation-related processes and instructions; camera instructions  970  to facilitate camera-related processes and functions; magnetometer data  972  and calibration instructions  974  to facilitate magnetometer calibration. The memory  950  may also store other software instructions (not shown), such as security instructions, web video instructions to facilitate web video-related processes and functions, and/or web-shopping instructions to facilitate web shopping-related processes and functions. In some implementations, the media processing instructions  966  are divided into audio processing instructions and video processing instructions to facilitate audio processing-related processes and functions and video processing-related processes and functions, respectively. An activation record and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) or similar hardware identifier can also be stored in memory  950 . Memory  950  can include location-based reminder instructions  976 . Location-based reminder instructions  976  can be a computer program product that is configured to cause the mobile device to perform operations of configuring or presenting a location-based reminder. 
     Each of the above identified instructions and applications can correspond to a set of instructions for performing one or more functions described above. These instructions need not be implemented as separate software programs, procedures, or modules. Memory  950  can include additional instructions or fewer instructions. Furthermore, various functions of the mobile device may be implemented in hardware and/or in software, including in one or more signal processing and/or application specific integrated circuits. 
     Exemplary Operating Environment 
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram of exemplary network operating environment  1000  for the mobile devices implementing the features and operations of location-based reminders. Mobile devices  1002   a  and  1002   b  can be the first user device and second user device, respectively, as described above. Mobile devices  1002   a  and  1002   b  can, for example, communicate over one or more wired and/or wireless networks  1010  in data communication. For example, a wireless network  1012 , e.g., a cellular network, can communicate with a wide area network (WAN)  1014 , such as the Internet, by use of a gateway  1016 . Likewise, an access device  1018 , such as an 802.11g wireless access device, can provide communication access to the wide area network  1014 . 
     In some implementations, both voice and data communications can be established over wireless network  1012  and the access device  1018 . For example, mobile device  1002   a  can place and receive phone calls (e.g., using voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) protocols), send and receive e-mail messages (e.g., using Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3)), and retrieve electronic documents and/or streams, such as web pages, photographs, and videos, over wireless network  1012 , gateway  1016 , and wide area network  1014  (e.g., using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP)). Likewise, in some implementations, the mobile device  1002   b  can place and receive phone calls, send and receive e-mail messages, and retrieve electronic documents over the access device  1018  and the wide area network  1014 . In some implementations, mobile device  1002   a  or  1002   b  can be physically connected to the access device  1018  using one or more cables and the access device  1018  can be a personal computer. In this configuration, mobile device  1002   a  or  1002   b  can be referred to as a “tethered” device. 
     Mobile devices  1002   a  and  1002   b  can also establish communications by other means. For example, wireless mobile device  1002   a  can communicate with other wireless devices, e.g., other mobile devices  1002   a  or  1002   b , cell phones, etc., over the wireless network  1012 . Likewise, mobile devices  1002   a  and  1002   b  can establish peer-to-peer communications  1020 , e.g., a personal area network, by use of one or more communication subsystems, such as the Bluetooth™ communication devices. Other communication protocols and topologies can also be implemented. 
     The mobile device  1002   a  or  1002   b  can, for example, communicate with one or more services  1030  and  1040  over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, one or more reminder services  1030  can be used to provide user interfaces for configuring an event or presenting a reminder, to synchronize events between mobile devices  1002   a  and  1002   b , and to provide sharing of event groups. Location service  1040  can provide locations of one or more wireless access points to mobile devices  1002   a  and  1002   b , or to determine a street address or a set of geographic coordinates based on a partial address or a social event. 
     Mobile device  1002   a  or  1002   b  can also access other data and content over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, content publishers, such as news sites, Rally Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, web sites, blogs, social networking sites, developer networks, etc., can be accessed by mobile device  1002   a  or  1002   b . Such access can be provided by invocation of a web browsing function or application (e.g., a browser) in response to a user touching, for example, a Web object. 
     A number of implementations of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20121002
Publication Date: 20150127
Grant Date: 20150127
Priority Date: 20120202
Inventors: LEBLANC CHELSEA J.
LINN CHRISTOPHER S.
CAFARO JOHN-PETER E.
DUTTA LALA
GOLLAKOTA SUBHA U.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06Q10/109", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q10/109", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q10/109", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 47603402