US 11778415

Of course. Here is a technical analysis of US Patent No. 11,778,415.

Patent Information

• Title: Location sharing application in association with services provision
• Assignee: XONE Inc.
• Inventor: Richard D. Haney
• -Filing Date: May 4, 2022
• Issue Date: October 3, 2023
• Abstract: This patent describes a system and method for enabling users of wireless communication devices (like cell phones) to share their real-time location with selected individuals or groups, referred to as "buddies." The system utilizes a central server that receives GPS location data from users' devices. Users can create and manage "Buddy Lists" to control who can see their location. The location of buddies is then displayed on a map interface on the user's device. Key features include an "Instant Buddy" mode for temporary location sharing with service providers (e.g., a tow truck), a "Personal Bread Crumbs" safety feature that tracks a user's path and sends alerts if they fail to check in, and a "Follow Me" mode for one-way location broadcasting. The technology is designed to work on existing cellular networks and GPS-enabled devices without requiring new infrastructure.

Litigation Status

Based on the provided information, this patent family is noted as having associated litigation. However, a real-time search of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) dockets for 2026 cannot be performed. For the most current litigation status, a direct search of court records would be required.

Plain-Language Summary of Independent Claims

Based on the detailed description provided, the core inventive concepts protected by the independent claims can be summarized as follows.

• Core System and Method: The main invention is a method and a corresponding server system for managing location sharing among a group of users.

  • A central server receives and stores location data (like GPS coordinates) from multiple users' mobile devices.
  • Users can create and manage lists of "buddies" with whom they agree to share their location.
  • When a user requests an update, the server sends them a map showing the current positions of the buddies on their selected list.
  • The system includes a security layer, requiring users to be authenticated and using encryption to protect location data transmitted over the network.

• "Instant Buddy" Feature: A key aspect of the invention is a method for creating a temporary, on-the-fly location-sharing connection between two users who are not on each other's permanent "Buddy Lists."

  • This is initiated by one user (e.g., a stranded motorist) who enters the phone number of another person (e.g., a tow truck driver).
  • The server sends a request to the second user's device.
  • If the second user accepts, a temporary, two-way location-sharing link is established between them.
  • This "Instant Buddy" relationship automatically expires after a set period, such as 24 hours.

• "Personal Bread Crumbs" Safety Feature: The invention also covers a safety or "check-in" function.

  • A user can activate this mode, which causes their device to periodically record its location, creating a trail of "bread crumbs."
  • The central server is programmed to periodically send an "Are you OK?" message to the user's device at pre-set intervals.
  • If the user fails to respond to these messages (e.g., by entering a secret code) after a certain number of attempts, the system automatically sends a distress message along with the stored location history to a pre-defined list of emergency contacts.