Patent attributes
A rover determines a destination and periodically checks the location of the rover against one or more active alert thresholds. One alert threshold is the boundary of an alert area surrounding a destination. The rover sends an alert to a service center alerts a designated party of an impending arrival of the rover at the destination when the rover is within an alert area surrounding the destination. The service center can also alert a designated party when the rover leaves an alert area surrounding a location. The alerts can be communicated via an automated telephone message, a pager message, an e-mail message, or any other means of communication. The alerts can be used for deliveries by directing an alert to a customer expecting a delivery or to a site expecting a vehicle for loading or unloading. In a private context, the alerts can automatically activate systems such as a home appliances or systems in anticipation of a resident's arrival.
