WO2016067125A1

WO2016067125A1 - Method of and systems for providing geolocation-based notifications

Info

Publication number: WO2016067125A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/054933
Authority: WO
Inventors: Iurii Vitalievich VORONTCOV; Aleh Viktorovich LIAUCHUK; Mikhail Aleksandrovich KARPOV
Original assignee: Yandex Europe Ag; Yandex Llc; Yandex Inc.
Priority date: 2014-06-30
Filing date: 2015-06-30
Publication date: 2016-05-06

Abstract

A method and device are provided to enable a mobile device user to perform web-based searches where results are returned based on the geo-location of the user. The user may discover points of interest based on the current location and further based on the user's updated location as the user is moving. In addition, the user may share the location information with one or more additional users to play a meeting at a time and place based on a threshold distance of the respective locations.

Description

METHOD OF AND SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING

GEOLOCATION-BASED NOTIFICATIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE

[01] The present application claims the benefit of priority to Russian Patent Application No. 2014126770, filed June 30, 2014, entitled "Method of and Systems for Providing Geolocation-Based Notifications" .

FIELD

[02] The present technology relates to methods of, systems for, and devices related to providing geolocation-based notifications. BACKGROUND

[03] Geolocation-based notifications are notifications provided based on the location of an electronic device in relation to a particular geographic location. An example is conventional geo-fencing. A geo-fence may be thought of as a virtual perimeter around a location; for example, a circular perimeter defined by a 1-kilometer radius from the Eiffel tower in Paris, France. A notification may be provided when a specific electronic device comes within the circular perimeter defining the geo-fenced area.

[04] Conventionally, this technology has been at times difficult for users to employ, and attempts at simplification have been made in this respect, such as, for example, Apple Inc.'s Siri™ technology and Google Inc.'s Google Now™ technology. [05] One particular area of complexity with conventional geo-fence technology is where the geo-fenced area is not based on a specific geographic location (e.g. the Eiffel tower) but rather is based on points of interest defined by their being a members of a certain category, for example coffee shops in the city of Moscow, Russia. In this respect, to be useful the geo- fence request would have involve locating all of the relevant coffee shops (e.g. those within in the city limits of Moscow), set up geo-fences around each of them and send a notification when the electronic device comes within any one of those geo-fences.

[06] Technology has been proposed to provide improvements in this area. In this respect, U.S. Patent Application publication no. 2012/029539, published November 22, 2012, entitled "Discovering Nearby Places Based on Automatic Query" provides technology attempting to allow such requests such as those described in the previous paragraph to be fulfilled. According to the abstract thereof, the technology described in the '539 publication provides an "[architecture that enables a user to define areas of interest in advance, and while in motion (e.g., driving, walking, riding, etc.), the architecture automatically notifies the user and/or user device based on notification criteria such as when the user (user device) is near a specific point of interest which matches a category of points of interest (e.g., museum, restaurants, concerts, police radar, etc.), is heading in the direction of the point of interest, anticipates time of arrival to the point of interest, etc. The architecture enables the discovery of points of interest that did not exist when the user defined the location query for the category of points of interest. Moreover, points of interest that change in location and/or time can also be discovered. Implicit location queries can be processed based on a product of interest or service of interest as well."

[07] While the technology described in the '539 publication may be adequate for its intended purposes, improvement in this area is nonetheless still possible. SUMMARY

[08] It is therefore an object of the present technology to ameliorate at least one of the inconveniences present in the prior art, be it the prior art described in the present specification or other prior art not described herein.

[09] Thus, in one aspect, implementations of the present technology provide a method of providing geolocation-based notifications to one of a first client device and a second client device, the method comprising, by at least one server:

(i) receiving from the first client device in electronic communication with the at least one server, information permitting identification of at least one of a user account and the first client device;

(ii) receiving from the first client device a web search query;

(iii) effecting a search in respect of the search query to yield search results;

(iv) sending to the first client device the search results;

(v) acquiring location information with respect to at least some of the search results with respect to the first client device;

(vi) saving in a database in electronic communication with the at least one server at least some of the search results and at least some of the acquired location information, in association with the information permitting identification of at least one of the user account and the first client device;

(vii) acquiring location information with respect to the then current location of one of the first client device and the second client device in electronic communication with the at least one server with respect to at least one of the saved search results;

(viii) comparing the acquired location information with respect to the then current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results with a first threshold value;

(ix) if the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within the first threshold value, sending information to the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to provision of a notification via a user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device.

[10] The present technology is an attempt to provide a geo-location based notification system that is relatively simple for a user of the system to use. Thus, the present technology links search results in request of web search requests with geo-location based notifications.

(In the present context, a web search request is a request received from a client device by a server to effect (i.e. to perform or to cause to be performed) a search of various websites and provide the client device with a listing of websites and/or webpages that are relevant to the search request. This listing of websites and/or webpages is known as the "search results" in respect of the web search request. The search request includes a "search query" which information in respect of which the search will be carried out.)

[11] In the context of the present technology, information permitting identification of at least one of a user account and the first client device is received. The user account can be any user account in respect of any service provider that is recognizable by a client device and/or a web searching service. For example, the user account may be a user account with a search provider (e.g. a Google™ account or a Yandex™ account - both Google and Yandex being web search service providers), or the user account may be a user account with a third party service provider unrelated to either a client device or a web search service (e.g. a Facebook™ account). Non-limiting examples of information permitting identification of a user account include a user name or an e-mail address associated with that user account. Alternatively information permitting identification of a client device (as opposed to that of a user account) may be used in the context of the present technology. Non-limiting examples of such information include a unique identifier stored in a cookie on a client device, the "International Mobile Station Equipment Identify" ("IMEI") number of the client device, and the "International Mobile Subscriber Identify" ("IMSI") number of a "Subscriber Identification Module" ("SIM") Card installed in the client device. [12] In the context of the present technology, "acquiring location information with respect to at least some of the search results with respect to the first client device" may include various sub-actions, such as, for example, acquiring the location of (or information permitting the determination of the location of) a search result, if necessary, determining the location of the search result, acquiring the location of (or information permitting the determination of the location of) a client device, and if necessary, determining the location of the client device,

if the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within the first threshold value, sending information to the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to provision of a notification via a user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device In the context of the present technology, the "...information with respect to provision of a notification...", may include, depending on the specific implementation of the present technology, instructions to cause a client device to provide a notification, information to be provided via (or along with) a notification, etc. a "notification" may be visual (e.g. a pop-up on a display screen), audio (e.g. a sound via speakers), tactile (e.g. a vibration caused by a vibration motor), or any combination there of. interface" includes the physical hardware allowing a user to interact with a client [13] In some implementations, the one of the first client device and the second client device is the first client device. [14] In one implementation for example, the present technology may allow a user of an electronic device (e.g. a smartphone or a tablet) to conduct a web search (via for example a commercial search provider such as Google™, Bing™ or Yandex™), and automatically have a geo-fence set up around at least one of the search results, and be automatically notified via that electronic device when that electronic device comes within the geo-fenced-in area. [15] In some implementations, the one of the first client device and the second client device is the second client device.

[16] In some implementations, the method further comprises, after (vi) and before (vii), receiving from the second client device the information permitting identification of at least one of the user account and the first client device. [17] In another implementation for example, the present technology may allow a user of a computer (e.g. a desktop personal computer, a laptop computer, etc.) to conduct a web search, and automatically have a geo-fence set up around at least one of the search results, and be automatically notified via a mobile electronic device (e.g. a smartphone or a tablet) when that mobile electronic device comes within the geo-fenced in area. [18] In some implementations, after (v) and before (vii), the one of the first client device and the second client device has changed location .

[19] In some implementations, the method further comprises, repeating (vii) to (ix) every first period of time. In some such implementations, the method further comprises, ceasing to repeat (vii) to (ix) after a second period of time. In some such implementations, the method further comprises, ceasing to repeat (vii) to (ix) after a first number of repetitions. In some such implementations, the method further comprises, ceasing to repeat (vii) to (ix) if the then current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within a second threshold value. [20] The client device may only check one time whether or not it is within an area defined by a geo-fence. Alternatively a client device may check whether or not it is within an area defined by a geo-fence every first period of time (e.g. every second, every thirty seconds, every five minutes). In such cases, a client device may stop checking whether or not it is within a area defined by a geo-fence after a second period of time (e.g. after 30 minutes, after 2 hours, after 1 day, etc.). Alternatively, in such cases, a client device may stop checking whether or not it is within an area defined by a geo-fence after a first number of times that it has already checked (e.g. stop after 10 times having checked, stop after 100 times having checked, stop after 1000 times having checked). Alternatively a client device may stop checking whether or not it is within an area defined by a geo-fence after it is either within an area-defined by (the first set of geo-fences) or within an area-defined by a second geo-fence within the first geo-fence. (Obviously you may want to stop the notifications once a person is within the a certain distance or has gone in to the point of interest.) This is because since it is automatic you may want it stop after a certain period of time as peoples needs will have changed (e.g. a person may not want to keep looking for coffee after they have found it.

[21] Alternatively, in such cases, a client device may stop checking whether or not it is within an area defined by a geo-fence after it comes within a second geo-fence established inside

[22] In some implementations, the instructions further include instructions for causing the notification to include at least one of a name of the at least one of the saved search results and a category of the at least one of the saved search results. (I.e. the notification might display "Coffee shop within 50 m" or "Starbucks™ within 50 m")

[23] In some implementations, the instructions further include instructions for causing the notification to include advertising information, (e.g. a coupon for a free drink at Starbucks valid for the then next 30 minutes.)

[24] In some such implementations, the method further comprises, receiving from a first electronic device associated with one of the at least one of the saved search results, the advertising information. In some such implementations, the advertising information is related to one of the at least one of the saved search results. [25] In some m lementations, the method further comprises, if the then current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the one of the at least one of the saved search results is within a third threshold value, sending to a second electronic device associated with the one of the at least one of the saved search results information related to at least one of the user account and the one of the first client device and the second client device, [26] In some implementatio s, the instructions further include instructions for causing the notification to include at least one of an address, a postal code, a map, GPS coordinates, directions.

[27] In some implementations, the method further comprises, sending to a third electronic device associated with one of the at least one of the saved search results,

information related to at least one of

the user account, and

the one of the first client device and the second client device,

and information related to the search query,

[28] In some implementations, the instructions further include instructions for causing the notification to include at least one of an address, a postal code, a map, GPS coordinates, directions.

[29] In some implementations, the method further comprises, after (ix),

receiving from the one of the first client device and the second client device a request to be provided with location information with respect to another one of the search results; and sending to the one of the first client device and the second client device location information with respect to the another one of the search results.

[30] In some implementations,

the method further comprises, after (iv) and before (v), receiving from the client device an indication of at least one of the search results having been selected by a user of the first client device;

(v) is acquiring location information with respect to the at least one of the search results having been selected by the user of the first client device with respect to the first client device; and

(vi) is saving in a database in electronic communication with the at least one server the at least one of the search results having been selected by the user of the first client device and at least some of the acquired location information, in association with the information permitting identification of the user account and the first client device.

[31] In some implementations, (ix) is if the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within the first threshold value, sending instructions to the one of the first client device and the second client device for causing the one of the first client device and the second client device to provide a notification via a user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device.

[32] In another aspect, implementations of the present technology provide a method of providing geolocation-based notifications on one of a first client device and a second client device, the method comprising:

(i) sending from the first client device in electronic communication with at least one server, information permitting identification of at least one of a user accoun and the first client device;

(ii) sending from the first client device to the a least one server a web search query;

(iii) receiving from the at least one serv er by the first client device the search results; and

(iv) providing a notification via a user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device when the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the search results is within a first threshold value.

[33] In some implementations, the method further comprises, before (iv), sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to the at least one server, location information with respect to the then current location of the one of the first clien device and the second client device. [34] In some implementations, the method further comprises, before (iv), receiving by the one of the firs clien device and the second client device from the at least one server instructions to cause the providing of the notification.

[35] In some implementations, the one of the first client device and the second client device is the first client device. [36] In some implementations, the one of the first client device and the second client device is the second client device. In some such embodiments, the method further comprises, after (iii) and before (iv), sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to the at least one server the information permitting identification of at least one of the user account and the first client device.

[37] In some implementations, after (iii) and before (iv), the one of the first client device and the second client device has changed the location.

[38] In some implementations, the method further comprises, repeating (iv) every first period of time. In some such implementations, the method further comprises, ceasing to repeat (iv) after a second period of time. In some such implementations, the method further comprises, ceasing to repeat (iv) after a first number of repetitions. In some implementations, the method further comprises, ceasing to repeat (iv) if the then current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within a second threshold value. [39] In some implementations, the notification further includes advertising information. In some such implementations, the method further comprises receiving by the one of the first client device and the second client device from a first electronic device associated with one of the at least one of the saved search results, the advertising information. In some such information the advertising information is related to one of the at least one of the saved search results. In some such implementations, the method further comprises, if the then current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the one of the at least one of the saved search results is within a third threshold value, sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to a second electronic device associated with the one of the at least one of the saved search results information related to at least one of the user account and the one of the first client device and the second client device.

[40] In some implementations, the method further comprises, before (iv), receiving by the one of the first client device and the second client device from the at least one server advertising information associated with the notification.

[41] In some implementations, the method further comprises, sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to a third electronic device associated with one of the at least one of the saved search results. information related to at least one of

the user account, and

the one of the first client device and the second client device,

and information related to the search query.

[42] In some implementations, the method further comprises, after (iv), sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to the at least one sen'er a request to be provided with location information with respect to another one of the search results.

[43] In some implementations,

the method further comprises, after (iii) and before (iv), receiving via the user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device an indication of at least one of the search results having been selected by a user of the one of the first client device and the second client device: and

(iv) is providing a notification via the user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device when the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one the user-selected search results is within a first threshold value.

[44] In some implementations, the method further comprises, after (iv), sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to the at least one sener a request to be provided with location information with respect to another one of the search results.

[45] In another aspect, implementations of the present technology provide a computer system for providing geolocation-based notifications to one of a first client device and a second client device, the system comprising:

at least one sener including a computer processor;

a non-transitory computer-readable information storage medium including program instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect:

(i) receiving from the first clien device in electronic communication with the at least one server, information permitting identification of at least one of a user account and the first client device;

(ii) receiving from the first client device a web search query;

(iv) sending to the first client device the search results; (v) acquiring location information with respect to at least some of the search results with respect to the first client device;

(vi) saving in a database in electronic communication with the at least one server at least some of the searc results and at least some of the acquired location information, in association with the information permitting identification of at least one of the user account and the first client device;

(ix) if the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within the first threshold value, sendine information to the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to provision of a notification via a user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device.

[46] In some implementations, the system (xi) is if the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within the first threshold value, sending instructions to the one of the first client device and the second client device for causing the one of the first client device and the second client device to provide a notification via a user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device,

[47] In some implementations, the method further comprises, after (iv), sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to the at least one server a request to be provided with location information with respect to another one of the search results.

[48] In another aspect, implementations of the present technology provide an electronic device comprising: a user interface for receiving input from and providing output to a user of the electronic device;

a transmitter/receiver for transmitting/receiving via an electronic communications network;

a tracking system for providing device location information;

a computer processor;

memory, the memory storing instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect:

(i) receiving via the user interface a search query;

(ii) sending via the transmitter/receiver to at least one server, information permitting identification of at least one of a user account and the electronic device;

(iii) sending via the transmitter/receiver to at least one server the search query;

(iv) acquiring the device location information via the tracking system;

(v) sending via transmitter/receiver to at least one server the device location information;

(vi) receiving via the transmitter/receiver from the at least one server search results in respect of a search conducted on the search query; and

(vii) providing a notification via the user interface when a then current location of the client device with respect to at least one of the search results is within a first threshold value.

[49] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, after (vi) and before (vii),

acquiring the device location information via the tracking system;

sending via the transmitter/receiver to the at least one server the device location information; and

receiving via the transmitter/receiver from the at least one server instructions to cause the providing of the notification,

[50] In some implementations, the electronic device further comprises, after (iv), sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to the at least one server a request to be provided with location information with respect to another one of the search results. [51] In some implementations, the electronic device further comprises, after (vi) and before (vii), the electronic device has changed location.

[52] In some implementations, the memory further stores ins tractions that when executed by the computer processor effect, repeating (vii) every first period of time. [53] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, ceasing to repeat (vii) after a second period of time.

[54] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, ceasing to repeat (vii) after a first number of repetitions.

[55] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, ceasing to repeat (vii) if the then current location of the electronic device with respect to the at least one of the search results is within a second threshold value.

[56] In some implementations, the notification further includes advertising information.

[57] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, if the then current location of the electronic device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within a third threshold value, sending via the transmitter/receiver to a second electronic device associated with the one of the saved search results information related to at least one of the user account and the electronic device.

[58] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, sending via the transmitter/receiver to a third electronic device associated with the at least one of the saved search results,

information related to at least one of

the user account, and

the electronic device,

and information related to the search query.

[59] In some implementations,

the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, after (vii). receiving via the user interface a request to be provided with location information with respect to another one of the search results; and

sending via the transmitter/receiver to the at least one server the request to be provided with location information with respect to another one of the search results.

[60] In some implementations,

the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, after (vi), receiving via the user interface an indication of at least one of the search results having been selected by the user of the electronic device; and

(vii) is providing a notification via the user interface when a then current location of the client device with respect to the at least one the user-selected search results is within a first threshold value.

[61] In another aspect, implementations of the present technology provide an electronic device comprising:

a user interface for receiving input from and providing output to a user of the electronic device;

a tracking system for providing device location information;

a computer processor;

memory, the memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor effect:

(i) sending via the transmitter/receiver to at least one server, information permitting dentification of at least one of a user account, the electronic device and an other electronic device associated with at least one of the user account and the electronic device;

(ii) acquiring the device location information via the tracking system;

(iii) providing a notification via the user interface when a then current location of the electronic device with respect to a search result of a search having been effected by a search engine in respect of a web search query having been entered via the other electronic device is within a first threshold value. [62] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, after (ii) and before (iii), receiving via the transmitter/receiver from the at least one server instructions to cause the providing of the notification.

[63] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, after (i) and before (ii), the electronic device has changed location.

[64] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, repeating (iii) every first period of time.

[65] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, ceasing to repeat (iii) after a second period of time. [66] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, ceasing to repeat (iii) after a first number of repetitions.

[67] In some implementations, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, ceasing to repeat (iii) if the then current location of the electronic device with respect to the at least one of the search results is within a second threshold value. [68] In some implementations, the notification further includes advertising information.

[69]

[70] In the context of the present specification, a "server" is a computer program that is running on appropriate hardware and is capable of receiving requests (e.g. from client devices) over a network, and carrying out those requests, or causing those requests to be carried out. The hardware may be one physical computer or one physical computer system, but neither is required to be the case with respect to the present technology. In the present context, the use of the expression a "server" is not intended to mean that every task (e.g. received instructions or requests) or any particular task will have been received, carried out, or caused to be carried out, by the same server (i.e. the same software and/or hardware); it is intended to mean that any number of software elements or hardware devices may be involved in receiving/sending, carrying out or causing to be carried out any task or request, or the consequences of any task or request; and all of this software and hardware may be one server or multiple servers, both of which are included within the expression "at least one server". [71] In the context of the present specification, "client device" is any computer hardware that is capable of running software appropriate to the relevant task at hand. Thus, some (non- limiting) examples of client devices include personal computers (desktops, laptops, netbooks, etc.), smartphones, and tablets, as well as network equipment such as routers, switches, and gateways. It should be noted that a device acting as a client device in the present context is not precluded from acting as a server to other client devices. The use of the expression "a client device" does not preclude multiple client devices being used in receiving/sending, carrying out or causing to be carried out any task or request, or the consequences of any task or request, or steps of any method described herein. [72] In the context of the present specification, a "database" is any structured collection of data, irrespective of its particular structure, the database management software, or the computer hardware on which the data is stored, implemented or otherwise rendered available for use. A database may reside on the same hardware as the process that stores or makes use of the information stored in the database or it may reside on separate hardware, such as a dedicated server or plurality of servers.

[73] In the context of the present specification, the expression "information" includes information of any nature or kind whatsoever capable of being stored in a database. Thus information includes, but is not limited to audiovisual works (images, movies, sound records, presentations etc.), data (location data, numerical data, etc.), text (opinions, comments, questions, messages, etc.), documents, spreadsheets, etc.

[74] In the context of the present specification, the expression "component" is meant to include software (appropriate to a particular hardware context) that is both necessary and sufficient to achieve the specific function(s) being referenced.

[75] In the context of the present specification, the expression "computer usable information storage medium" is intended to include media of any nature and kind whatsoever, including RAM, ROM, disks (CD-ROMs, DVDs, floppy disks, hard drivers, etc.), USB keys, solid state-drives, tape drives, etc.

[76] In the context of the present specification, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. have been used as adjectives only for the purpose of allowing for distinction between the nouns that they modify from one another, and not for the purpose of describing any particular relationship between those nouns. Thus, for example, it should be understood that, the use of the terms "first server" and "third server" is not intended to imply any particular order, type, chronology, hierarchy or ranking (for example) of/between the server, nor is their use (by itself) intended imply that any "second server" must necessarily exist in any given situation. Further, as is discussed herein in other contexts, reference to a "first" element and a "second" element does not preclude the two elements from being the same actual real-world element. Thus, for example, in some instances, a "first" server and a "second" server may be the same software and/or hardware, in other cases they may be different software and/or hardware.

[77] Implementations of the present technology each have at least one of the above- mentioned object and/or aspects, but do not necessarily have all of them. It should be understood that some aspects of the present technology that have resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned object may not satisfy this object and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.

[78] Additional and/or alternative features, aspects and advantages of implementations of the present technology will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[79] For a better understanding of the present technology, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where: [80] Figure 1 is...

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[81] Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a diagram of various networked computer systems 100 in communication with one another via a communications network 110. It is to be expressly understood that the various computer systems 100 are merely some implementations of the present technology. Thus, the description thereof that follows is intended to be only a description of illustrative examples of the present technology. This description is not intended to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. In some cases, what are believed to be helpful examples of modifications to computer systems 100 may also be set forth below. This is done merely as an aid to understanding, and, again, not to define the scope or set forth the bounds of the present technology. These modifications are not an exhaustive list, and, as a person skilled in the art would understand, other modifications are likely possible. Further, where this has not been done (i.e. where no examples of modifications have been set forth), it should not be interpreted that no modifications are possible and/or that what is described is the sole manner of implementing that element of the present technology. As a person skilled in the art would understand, this is likely not the case. In addition it is to be understood that the computer systems 100 may provide in certain instances simple implementations of the present technology, and that where such is the case they have been presented in this manner as an aid to understanding. As persons skilled in the art would understand, various implementations of the present technology may be of a greater complexity.

[82] Insert detailed description

[83] Modifications and improvements to the above-described implementations of the present technology may become apparent to those skilled in the art. The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary rather than limiting. The scope of the present technology is therefore intended to be limited solely by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of providing geolocation-based notifications to one of a first client device and a second client device, the method comprising, by at least one server:

(ii) receiving from the first client device a web search query;

(iv) sending to the first client device the search results;

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one of the first client device and the second client device is the first client device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one of the first client device and the second client device is the second client device.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising, after (vi) and before (vii), receiving from the second client device the information permitting identification of at least one of the user account and the first client device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein after (v) and before (vii), the one of the first client device and the second client device has changed location.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising, repeating (vii) to (ix) every first period of time.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising, ceasing to repeat (vii) to (ix) after a second period of time.

8. The method of claim 6, further comprising, ceasing to repeat (vii) to (ix) after a first number of repetitions.

9. The method of claim 6, further comprising, ceasing to repeat (vii) to (ix) if the then current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within a second threshold value.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the instructions further include instructions for causing the notification to include at least one of a name of the at least one of the saved search results and a category of the at least one of the saved search results.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the instructions further include instructions for causing the notification to include advertising information.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, receiving from a first electronic device associated with one of the at least one of the saved search results, the advertising information.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the advertising information is related to one of the at least one of the saved search results.

14. The method of any one of claims 12 and 13, further comprising, if the then current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the one of the at least one of the saved search results is within a third threshold value, sending to a second electronic device associated with the one of the at least one of the saved search results information related to at least one of the user account and the one of the first client device and the second client device.

15. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the instructions further include instructions for causing the notification to include at least one of an address, a postal code, a map, GPS coordinates, directions.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 11 and 13, further comprising, sending to a third electronic device associated with one of the at least one of the saved search results,

information related to at least one of

the user account, and

the one of the first client device and the second client device,

and information related to the search query.

17. The method of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising, after (ix),

18. The method of any one of claims 1 to 17,

further comprising, after (iv) and before (v), receiving from the client device an indication of at least one of the search results having been selected by a user of the first client device;

wherein (v) is acquiring location information with respect to the at least one of the search results having been selected by the user of the first client device with respect to the first client device; and

wherein (vi) is saving in a database in electronic communication with the at least one server the at least one of the search results having been selected by the user of the first client device and at least some of the acquired location information, in association with the information permitting identification of the user account and the first client device.

19. The method of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein (ix) is if the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within the first threshold value, sending instructions to the one of the first client device and the second client device for causing the one of the first client device and the second client device to provide a notification via a user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device.

20. A method of providing geolocation-based notifications on one of a first client device and a second client device, the method comprising:

(i) sending from the first client device in electronic communication with at least one server, information permitting identification of at least one of a user account and the first client device;

(ii) sending from the first client device to the at least one server a web search query;

(iii) receiving from the at least one server by the first client device the search results; and (iv) providing a notification via a user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device when the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the search results is within a first threshold value.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising, before (iv), sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to the at least one server, location information with respect to the then current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device.

22. The method of any one of claims 20 to 21, further comprising, before (iv), receiving by the one of the first client device and the second client device from the at least one server instructions to cause the providing of the notification.

23. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the one of the first client device and the second client device is the first client device.

24. The method of any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the one of the first client device and the second client device is the second client device.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising, after (iii) and before (iv), sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to the at least one server the information permitting identification of at least one of the user account and the first client device.

26. The method of any one of claims 20 to 25, wherein, after (iii) and before (iv), the one of the first client device and the second client device has changed the location.

27. The method of any one of claims 20 to 26, further comprising, repeating (iv) every first period of time.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising, ceasing to repeat (iv) after a second period of time.

29. The method of claim 27, further comprising, ceasing to repeat (iv) after a first number of repetitions.

30. The method of claim 27, further comprising, ceasing to repeat (iv) if the then current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within a second threshold value.

31. The method of any one of claims 20 to 30, wherein the notification further includes advertising information.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising, receiving by the one of the first client device and the second client device from a first electronic device associated with one of the at least one of the saved search results, the advertising information.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the advertising information is related to one of the at least one of the saved search results.

34. The method of any one of claims 32 and 33, further comprising, if the then current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the one of the at least one of the saved search results is within a third threshold value, sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to a second electronic device associated with the one of the at least one of the saved search results information related to at least one of the user account and the one of the first client device and the second client device.

35. The method of any one of claims 20 to 34, further comprising, before (iv), receiving by the one of the first client device and the second client device from the at least one server advertising information associated with the notification.

36. The method of any one of claims 20 to 34, further comprising, sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to a third electronic device associated with one of the at least one of the saved search results,

information related to at least one of

the user account, and

the one of the first client device and the second client device,

and information related to the search query.

37. The method of any one of claims 20 to 36, further comprising, after (iv), sending by the one of the first client device and the second client device to the at least one server a request to be provided with location information with respect to another one of the search results.

38. The method of any one of claims 20 to 37,

further comprising, after (iii) and before (iv), receiving via the user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device an indication of at least one of the search results having been selected by a user of the one of the first client device and the second client device; and

wherein (iv) is providing a notification via the user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device when the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one the user-selected search results is within a first threshold value.

39. A computer system for providing geolocation-based notifications to one of a first client device and a second client device, the system comprising:

at least one server including a computer processor;

(ii) receiving from the first client device a web search query; (iii) effecting a search in respect of the search query to yield search results;

40. The computer system of claim 39, wherein (xi) is if the current location of the one of the first client device and the second client device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within the first threshold value, sending instructions to the one of the first client device and the second client device for causing the one of the first client device and the second client device to provide a notification via a user interface of the one of the first client device and the second client device.

41. An electronic device comprising:

a tracking system for providing device location information; a computer processor;

(i) receiving via the user interface a search query;

(iv) acquiring the device location information via the tracking system;

(vi) receiving via the transmitter/receiver from the at least one server search results in respect of a search conducted on the search query; and (vii) providing a notification via the user interface when a then current location of the client device with respect to at least one of the search results is within a first threshold value.

42. The electronic device of claim 41, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, after (vi) and before (vii),

acquiring the device location information via the tracking system;

receiving via the transmitter/receiver from the at least one server instructions to cause the providing of the notification.

43. The electronic device of claim 42, after (vi) and before (vii), the electronic device has changed location.

44. The electronic device of claim 43, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, repeating (vii) every first period of time.

45. The electronic device of claim 44, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, ceasing to repeat (vii) after a second period of time.

46. The electronic device of claim 44, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, ceasing to repeat (vii) after a first number of repetitions.

47. The electronic device of claim 44, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, ceasing to repeat (vii) if the then current location of the electronic device with respect to the at least one of the search results is within a second threshold value.

48. The electronic device of any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the notification further includes advertising information.

49. The electronic device of any one of claims 41 to 48, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, if the then current location of the electronic device with respect to the at least one of the saved search results is within a third threshold value, sending via the transmitter/receiver to a second electronic device associated with the one of the saved search results information related to at least one of the user account and the electronic device.

50. The electronic device of any one of claims 41 to 49, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, sending via the transmitter/receiver to a third electronic device associated with the at least one of the saved search results,

information related to at least one of

the user account, and

the electronic device,

and information related to the search query.

51. The electronic device of any one of claims 41 to 50, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, after (vii),

receiving via the user interface a request to be provided with location information with respect to another one of the search results; and

52. The electronic device of any one of claims 41 to 51, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the computer processor effect, after (vi), receiving via the user interface an indication of at least one of the search results having been selected by the user of the electronic device; and

wherein (vii) is providing a notification via the user interface when a then current location of the client device with respect to the at least one the user-selected search results is within a first threshold value.

53. An electronic device comprising:

a tracking system for providing device location information;

a computer processor;

(i) sending via the transmitter/receiver to at least one server, information permitting identification of at least one of a user account, the electronic device and an other electronic device associated with at least one of the user account and the electronic device;

(ii) acquiring the device location information via the tracking system;

(iii) providing a notification via the user interface when a then current location of the electronic device with respect to a search result of a search having been effected by a search engine in respect of a web search query having been entered via the other electronic device is within a first threshold value.

54. The electronic device of claim 53, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, after (ii) and before (iii), receiving via the transmitter/receiver from the at least one server instructions to cause the providing of the notification.

55. The electronic device of claim 54, the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, after (i) and before (ii), the electronic device has changed location.

56. The electronic device of claim 55, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, repeating (iii) every first period of time.

57. The electronic device of claim 56, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, ceasing to repeat (iii) after a second period of time.

58. The electronic device of claim 56, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, ceasing to repeat (iii) after a first number of repetitions.

59. The electronic device of claim 56, wherein the memory further stores instructions that when executed by the processor effect, ceasing to repeat (iii) if the then current location of the electronic device with respect to the at least one of the search results is within a second threshold value.

60. The electronic device of any one of claims 53 to 59, wherein the notification further includes advertising information.