User-definable communications methods and systems

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention generally relates to data communications and information systems and, more particularly, to notification systems and methods for notifying users of travel status of movable things.

#2. Related Art

#The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. Furthermore, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

#FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of a vehicle tracking system employed within the context of an advance notification.

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of the vehicle control unit of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 1 depicts an automated vehicle tracking system 10 illustrating a possible context, among others, in which the present invention may be implemented. As shown by FIG. 1, the vehicle tracking system 10 is preferably employed within the context of an automated advance notification system 12 that automatically provides advance notice of impending arrivals of vehicles at destinations or other locations. However, it is possible to utilize the vehicle tracking system 10 independent of the notification system 12 in applications where the transmission of a notification message (which will be described in further detail hereinafter) is not desired.

#As depicted in FIG. 1, a vehicle control unit (VCU) 15 is disposed on a mobile vehicle 17, which is capable of transporting the VCU 15 over various distances. For example, vehicle 17 can be any movable object or thing, including but not limited to, an automobile, an airplane, a train, a boat, a human being, an animal, or any other thing capable of moving across or through the Earth's surface and/or atmosphere.

#In the preferred embodiment, the vehicle 17 is a delivery vehicle for delivering items to a destination or for picking up items at a destination. Please note that items can include many various types of packages or goods to be delivered or picked up. Furthermore, items can also include persons to be picked up or delivered, such as when a bus picks up and/or delivers passengers at different bus stops or such as when an airplane picks up and/or delivers passengers at airports. Preferably, although not necessarily, the vehicle 17 travels along a predetermined route in making its deliveries, and the vehicle 17 may make one or more stops along its route in order to deliver or pick up different items at different locations.