FI115369B - A method for providing electronic services - Google Patents

Description

115369!

METHOD FOR PROVIDING ELECTRONIC SERVICES

The invention relates to a method for providing electronic services 5 as defined in the preamble of claim 1 in the immediate area of the information unit or in a location selected by the user.

It is known that location-based information services have evolved over the last few years and are still developing into a very large and profitable business. The basic principle in such provision of electronic services is to locate the user J possessing the electronic communications geographically and to provide the user with information relevant to this identified location.

Prior art is described in PCT Application Publication No. 99/67765 (G09B 29/10), which discloses a method *; ··: 20 and an arrangement for providing services. This arrangement comprises a portable. * · Unit for each user, a unit and a central unit having at least one computer, and means for communicating with the service provider. predict the order. In this arrangement, the central unit is arranged to provide service to portable units meeting a certain criterion in relation to a particular geographic location.

As is known, there are companies whose mission is to enable a customer to locate a particular product or service in the nearest store. This is done using the '···' network and wireless technologies ··· (http://home.vicinity.com/us/homepage.htm).

35 Location-based electronic services based on GPS and 115369 2 networks are also known. Such services are often difficult to manage and coordinate and also require a large user base in order to be economically viable for service providers and service providers. In addition, the speed of delivery of such services is slow.

Systems and methods for providing electronic ball toys are also known from PCT application publications PCT / FIOO / 00748, PCT / IB02 / 00654 and US 20020129170A1. The solutions presented in those publications are inconvenient for the mobile device user, mainly because the mobile device must be physically in the proximity of the service providing device throughout the service event in order to activate and obtain the service, since access to the service requires near field communication. This is a very significant constraint, especially in congested areas, which, on the other hand, have a very large number of potential customers, such as 20 airports, train stations, metro stations, metropolitan areas, etc. Using such solutions requires careful planning to locate service points. In addition, this restriction significantly reduces the number of potential customers, as it is well known that people are usually very busy: * and if they have to wait or queue for a service, many will try to find another solution to get the service. Also, systems cannot utilize • · <t. ···. global coordinates. In addition, the technical solutions presented in these publications are expensive to implement and maintain and impose unnecessary restrictions on service providers, such as teacher dependency.

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35 The problem with the state-of-the-art applications for providing electronic services 115369 3 in the prior art is mainly a flood of information and lack of information about location-based services. For example, many different types of electronic information and services exist and are available from different sources. Such a problem with the abundance of services offered is particularly relevant to Internet-based services.

On the other hand, it is difficult for a user who wants a particular electronic service to find the desired electronic service among the flood of information. And the potential user of electronic services often does not know where to find the exact electronic service they want.

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The flood of information towards users is also increased by a more common way among service providers to push information, such as SMS ads, to specific types of customers, unless the customer is different. 20 explicitly denied. Users will find this constant flood of information annoying.

• · · • »· ·

Likewise, when a particular company is looking for a service or product for its customer, the problem may also be: 25 the abundance of supply and the difficulty of choosing, whereby the customer may not be able to find the right and exactly the service they want.

It is also problematic that it is often difficult to target a specific electronic information or electronic service to a particular location.

In addition, it may be sometimes problematic for the above-mentioned user to write search routines for certain electronic services to find the desired service. Thus, the length and difficult presentation of the service provider's contact information often makes it difficult to find and obtain services, necessitating the pressing of multiple keys or similar data entry means to access or find the desired electronic service, thereby increasing the likelihood of keystroke errors. In addition, the language used in the aforementioned search routines or services may be strange or difficult to understand for any user seeking the services.

Furthermore, one problem associated with the prior art is the user's privacy problem, which results from the identification of the location of the communication medium used by the user in the electronic service delivery system. In particular, this problem arises in location-based electronic service delivery systems based on GPS and link networks 15. Harmfully, this user privacy problem limits the users' willingness to use and further develop the electronic services provided.

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Individuals' privacy and data protection are noteworthy because: • the location of a person is covered by • privacy and everyone has: the right to influence and decide on the processing of their personal data 25 and to know where that information is used. As a result, the current legislation would need to be amended when using solutions of the state of the art.

30 In addition, the current methods have the disadvantage that a third party, often a telecommunications operator, has access to information about the services the individual is interested in and can also compile statistics on these issues. Thus, ** · *, nowadays, an individual would be obliged to rely on public and private telecommunications operators and their policies in the world, regardless of the social order or culture prevailing.

One problem with the prior art electronic service delivery is for the user that searching for the desired services, for example via the Internet, will be costly for the users through carrier billing, as operators may not provide service and location information free of charge.

10

It is an object of the invention to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

Specifically, the method for providing electronic services according to the invention is characterized in what is stated in the characterizing part of claim 1. The features of some other preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent of these claims.

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The method of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages over the prior art, both for the users of electronic services 1 / ·· and service providers.

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By the method of the present invention, the user wishing to receive electronic services advantageously obtains a location-specific and timely electronic service easily and flexibly without drowning in a flood of information so that the electronic service provided by location j * is easy to find and use. on the spot or at any other desired location. Everything is based on the individual's volunteering and “· *, interest in the aforementioned services, 35 so that their use can be spontaneous and at the same time systematic. Likewise, it is advantageous for the user to easily connect to the service in such a way that he / she can choose ready-made options of interest to him / her. In addition, it is possible to implement various profiles such as, for example, a receiving profile, a usage profile, personalization, data presentation and grouping.

Preferably, according to the present invention, the linkage may be site-bound or site-free, or the linkage may also be time-related or time-bound. The user also has the opportunity to access very electronic information and services other than those related to his or her current location. Thus, according to the method of the present invention, the user has the ability to access a vast amount of information from his or her 15 locations worldwide, thus rendering the above services global.

Further, preferably, the electronic service delivery method 20 of the present invention guarantees the privacy of the electronic service user. In other words, in this way, the protection of individuals' privacy is respected, and the privacy of a person is not infringed in any way, and there is no need to make any changes to existing legislation to provide or obtain location-based services. The method of the present invention ensures that. the user of the electronic services is always anonymous when accessing the above services and may connect to the service anonymously, and third parties will never be informed of the services the person has ever been interested in and / · , or what services a person has ever used.

Similarly, in accordance with the method of the present invention, the user may himself choose electronic services for use on site or pick them up for later use in another location, such as at home. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the information unit comprising and providing electronic services may be mobile 5 or mobile.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the user wishing for electronic services does not have the possibility of spelling errors due to the hierarchical menu structures associated with the services that are made available to the user at his or her request.

Further, preferably, the electronic services available in accordance with the present invention, most preferably regional, are self-controlling for the user likely to need the above services.

. In addition, one of the advantages of the present invention is that the user will have access to electronic services associated with a specific location, free of charge, as long as the short-range wireless short-range wireless community · · · nic is normally free of charge. the user.

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From the point of view of the electronic service providers, it is advantageous that the content, usage and appearance of the electronic service, as well as the time available are at the sole discretion of the service provider and that the said service provider has direct access to the potential user. :: It is also possible to get direct feedback from users.

Likewise, for an electronic service provider, it is advantageous for the service provider to outsource or purchase the electronic service it provides from an external content provider or application developer. In addition, the aforementioned service provider may provide its service for free or against payment, which requires the approval of the user of the electronic service for payment. Thus, one very significant advantage of the 5 methods of the present invention to the electronic service provider is the economic benefits it provides, either in the form of cost savings or potential returns.

An advantage of the method of the present invention to the electronic service provider is that it is possible to disseminate information about the electronic services of the electronic service provider and at the same time to generate interest in a wider range of people compared to the method of searching for services of interest in the immediate area. In this way, the electronic service provider may potentially receive free advertising in its own area, where the aforementioned service provider operates 20 commercially.

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One advantage to an electronic service provider is that there is no need for additional contracts with third parties and no additional payments to third parties such as telecom operators, ♦ ·. From an electronic service provider's point of view, * »*» # is also advantageous for an accessible user. the population is larger compared to the telecom operator dependent service offerings, because the potential customers do not depend on the telecommunication operator they use.

Further, one advantage of the present invention to an electronic service provider is that it is possible to provide a certain * * 35 electronic service to persons in the selected immediate area and / or to potential casual and / or regular passers-by.

115369 9

Likewise, electronic services provided in the immediate area are preferably selected, taking into account the particularities of each nearby area. Preferably, the electronic services contained in and provided by the service unit menu of the above-mentioned information unit and their information elements are selected based on consumer habits and / or information needs and / or demography and / or political thinking and / or geographical location and / or 10 based on hobbies and / or workplaces, businesses, communities and / or sporting events, cultural events, exhibitions and / or entertainment in the immediate area mentioned above.

It is also an advantage for the electronic service provider that the installation and maintenance of the necessary equipment is easy and economical. Advantageously, electronic service providers also benefit from the fact that potential users acquire their own communication equipment and pay their own operating costs.

The present invention relates to a method for electro- ». * · *. • · · in the immediate vicinity of the information unit or in a location required by the user. Featured. in accordance with the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: 30: compiling the aforementioned services from one or more service providers and the global location codes of the information unit »» »for one or more service elements comprising one or more info elements. Storing the aforementioned service menus in the aforementioned information unit and, 115369 10 communicating from the information unit in the aforementioned immediate area using near field communication and, said service menus and, - storing in the memory of the aforementioned communication device one of the service menus provided, ai a plurality of service menus and / or information elements for future use, and, in the immediate area or elsewhere in 20 user-selected locations.

According to the present invention, the aforesaid services include electronic information and communication services and applications and electronic commerce.

* *. ': According to an embodiment of the present invention, the above information unit comprises an identifier comprising the information.

30

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the abovementioned communication device is provided with the ability to automatically connect to a user-selected and predetermined electronic service.

115369 11

In the following, the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates the basic operation of the preferred electronic service delivery method of the present invention in the immediate area, Figure 2 shows a preferred menu structure for electronic service 10; a menu structure for providing electronic services in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention in which electronic services are provided in the immediate area such that the user has access to electrical services provided in the immediate and remote area. 20 services in the aforementioned area.

Figure 1 illustrates the basic operation of the most advantageous electronic service delivery method of the invention in the immediate area 4 when it is possible for the user 3, if desired, to access the services provided by this particular adjacent area 4 ♦ I · Electronic services. The services mentioned above are most preferably understood to include information and communication services and applications and electronic commerce.

Preferably, the user 3 may be a human, animal, robot, or other device capable of moving independently and having the necessary features.

35

The present invention preferably describes a concept that provides a user with location-based electronic services in a very simple and clear manner that also guarantees the privacy of the user 3 and allows the user 3 to select the electronic services of their choice either locally for use in the aforementioned area 4. or for later use in any other desired location, such as in the home or workplace of the aforementioned user 3, or in a cafe or vehicle 10 or in a nearby location.

The concept of the present invention comprises an information unit 1 capable of near field communication in its immediate area 4 using wireless communication 15 with the user 2 in the adjacent area 4. This message 2 of user 3 does not need global position information. This aforementioned message 2 is capable of wirelessly communicating with the aforementioned information unit 20 in the immediate area 4. As such a wireless communication device 2 can

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method of being able to connect to the Internet

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·: Mobile phone with near field communication capability (such as blue • t * tooth) and memory, PC, digital TV, PDA: ·,: 25 or other electronic device with a suitable interface. Preferably, the aforementioned message 2 communicates with the aforementioned information unit 1 in the aforementioned proximity region 4 by electromagnetic color M! line using data transmission such as t »30 radio waves or visible light or infrared light, or | other things like that. In the near field communication between the above-mentioned communication device 2 and the information unit 1, bluetooth applications, '* · * are particularly relevant because they are intended for short-range communication.

115369 13

According to the method of the present invention, the range of the aforementioned information unit 1 is typically from 0 meters to 200 meters. Also, the size of this aforementioned information unit 1 is by no means limited, but may vary in size from a large mast or an object the size of a button or microchip. Further, preferably, the aforementioned information unit 1 is mounted either fixed or movable. In other words, the information unit 10 may be moved from one area or place to another, depending on where the electronic service it provides is used. In this case, for example, the same information unit 1 may accompany one event related to the same subject from one place to another, providing 15 electronic services associated with the event. Such events may be, for example, a trade fair or a sporting event of different times and locations, such as the Euro Hockey Tour. Similarly, according to one embodiment, the aforementioned information unit 1 may be sent by mail.

In addition, according to the present invention, the communication device 2 is provided simultaneously with the provision of services 25 in the immediate area 4 of one or more information units 1.

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According to the present method, preferably near field communication i 9 * * * · * 30 is established between the aforementioned information unit 1 and the aforementioned communication device 2 from either the aforementioned information unit 1: to the aforementioned communication device 2 or bidirectionally.

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The user 3 of the aforementioned communication device 2 is informed about the electronic services 35 provided by the aforementioned information unit 1 in the aforementioned area 4 using either traditional signaling, color lights, audio signals, traditional signs, advertisements, logos or the like. thereafter, if desired, the aforementioned message 2 is activated by the user 3, enabling automatic identification and notification of the availability of one or more in-5 information units 1 to the user. According to another alternative embodiment, the aforementioned message 2 is activated in advance and upon entering the immediate area 4 of the information unit 1, the message 3 communicates using a hearing, sensory, olfactory or visual perception of the existence of an active information unit. by enabling automatic identification and notification of the availability of the information unit 1 or information units 1 to the user. Thus, advantageously, the above-mentioned communication device 2 offers the possibility to set the proximity area 4 of the information unit 1 to be automatically detected if desired.

The aforementioned information unit 1 may comprise identification information which is not, however, necessary according to embodiments of the present invention. This identifier information may comprise address information or even global location coordinates of the information unit 1 in question. In other words, this sensor of information unit 1; *: 25 is optional.

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The aforementioned information unit 1 is activated after a predetermined period of time, which is service providers SP1, SP2, SP3,. . . SPN and 30 business concept owners. According to an embodiment of the invention, the above: the said business concept owner, either in one 'or several adjacent areas 4, may have either one or ·· * more of the aforementioned electronic service providers SP1, SP2, SP3 ,. . . SPN.

? 115369 15

The aforementioned information unit 1 comprises either an active or passive memory in which one or more service lists L1, L2, ... LN are stored, each of which in turn comprises one or more information elements s11, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, snl , sn2, snn, which may preferably be, for example, the web address or telephone number of the service available.

In this context, Internet addresses / web addresses refer to addresses that provide access to a resource, that is, a service or application of a service provider. Commonly mentioned are, for example, URLs, web addresses, web addresses, http addresses, ftp addresses, IP addresses, domain names, or strings that are used to connect to a service provider's web server or server. They have the resource and / or server provided by the service provider (SP1, SP2, SP3, ... SPN) to be found or assigned or identified.

20

According to the present invention in this context; ·· | "internet address" refers to all these and other possible ways of presenting a thing (together) to everyone! A cinema with provided information identifying the server or resource or service or application of the service provider 25 (SP1, SP2, SP3, ... SPN). Similarly, it is possible to ·. '·· find or access or connect to or link to::.

30 The aforementioned Information Units 1 are manufactured, operated by, ···, by the business concept owner by the Authorized Manufacturers and delivered by • • * Authorized Distributors who sell or: t> <: license the aforementioned Information Units 1 35 with all or limited rights for electronic service providers SP1, SP2, SP3, ..., SPN. Additional M M | »· 115369 with its 16 L1, L2, ... LN Service Units, the above information unit 1 being activated, deactivated, maintained, updated and managed either automatically or manually by one or more companies, communities, organizations or other Authorized Authorities 5, MCN, authorized by the business concept owner to activate, deactivate, maintain, update and manage one or more of the above information items 1 and / or service menus 10 L1, L2,. . . LN or at least one of them. The entity authorized by the business concept owner may be one of the service providers or any other party, such as a company or organization or organization or organization 15 providing maintenance, upgrade and management services, or a registered association or other entity or individual (MCI, MCN). Preferably, the aforementioned information unit 1 is also activated and deactivated by an authorized entity.

The service menus L1, L2, ... LN of the aforementioned information unit 1 are activated, deactivated, updated or maintained using computer-based application tools that enable either wireless or wired communication above -; 25 with said information unit 1.

»The service menus L1, L2, ... LN available in the immediate area 4 are communicated to the user 3 using either ti ** characters, images, sound or any combination thereof, making the selection as easy and user friendly as possible for the user.

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The aforementioned information elements sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22,; * s2n, snl, sn2, snn may comprise all

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·; ··: Information about the electronic services available to users of 35 services or all available information ί 115369 17. Such information is, for example, contact information for available services.

According to the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned information elements sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, snl, sn2, snn are most preferably used in user-understandable and plain language symbols, characters, images, sounds which are automatically interpreted by the system. service provider-10 addresses, telephone numbers, or other codes or information required to communicate with information systems. Symbols include links to, for example, Internet addresses that may be invisible to the user because the user does not need to know the link in order to receive the service.

Figure 2 illustrates, in accordance with the present invention I, a preferred menu structure assembled for particular service menus L1, L2, L2, ... LN used in the method of providing electronic services and comprising various electronic service providers SP1, SP2, SP3, ..., SPN, service choices L1, L2, ... LN, and their info elements sll,: sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, snl, sn2, snn.

; 25; The user of the electronic services selects the above-. one or more service menus themselves among the selected service menus L1, L2, ... LN and their information elements sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, snl, sn2, snn; 3 0 Li, L2 ,. . . LN and / or one or more information elements sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, snl, sn2, snn, which: he can view in his user interface 2 in the user interface 6; and so choose to use its communication device 2 with the selection means 7 and use locally in the immediate area or at any other place of its choice '' the electronic service of its choice, which may be either one or more service menus L1, L2, ... LN 115369 18 or an electronic service comprising one or more information elements sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, snl, sn2, snn.

For example, in the situation illustrated in Figure 2, the service menu L1 and the information elements s22, s23 and sn3 are completely selected using the selection means 7 for the user interface 6 of the communication device 2. The information elements s22 and s23 belong to the service menu L2 and the selected information element 10 sn3 belongs to the service menu LN. The above-mentioned information elements s22, s23 and sn3 and the service menu L1 are shown in Fig. 2 by the user interface 2 of the electronic services user communication device 2. No other choices have been made from the service menus L2 and LN. There are no L3 to LN-1 service menus selected.

It is further possible, according to an embodiment of the invention, that the service menus L1, L2, ... LN and / or the information elements selected above are stored in the memory of 20 sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, snl, sn2, snn for subsequent use either in the immediate area:. or elsewhere at a location selected by the user of the electronic services.

• ·>; ; Figure 3, in turn, illustrates another invention *; * menu structure to provide electronic services. A characteristic feature of this embodiment of the present invention is that the aforementioned services comprise the service menus L1, L2, ... LN arranged in a hierarchical manner.

Preferably, the menu *: * structure according to the present invention is hierarchical and comprises the aforementioned

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.;. h 35 service menus Li, L2,. . . LN with information elements sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, snl, sn2, snn arranged hierarchically in menus. The hierarchical menu structure also includes the feature that the aforementioned info element sl3 is subdivided as necessary into the sub-information elements sl31, sl32, sl33, sl3n, which comprise the sub-services included in the service associated with the actual info element sl3. Likewise, one of these aforementioned sub-information elements sl32 is divided into its own sub-services information elements sl321, sl322, sl323, sl32n, etc.

| According to the present invention, the information elements sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, sn1, sn2, snn preferably contain information which is interpreted in the communication device 2 as easily understandable and plain language symbols, signs, images, voices of the user 3. provided for presentation and / or selection in the communication device 2, and used to select the desired service. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the aforementioned information elements s11, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, sn1, sn2, snn most preferably contain information interpreted in the aforementioned communication device 2 without the intervention of the user 3 by the service providers SP1, SP2, SP3 ,. ..SPN for Internet addresses, telephone numbers, or other codes and / or information required for the communication of information systems; 25 connects to selected service providers SP1, SP2, '·; SP3, ... SPN for electronic services.

• · • t • »»

An example is the Internet address; · http://www.kone.com, which may or may not need to see · · 30 users when selecting a service. In full accordance with the invention, the user selects a logo or symbol from the menu to the K0NE with a link> »* I Internet address http: //www.kone.corn so that user 3 do not know and do not see it. On the other hand, seeing this link * ", 35 for user 3 is not always necessary or desirable to access the service.

115369 20

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention for providing electronic services in the immediate area 4 by allowing user 3 wishing and / or needing the aforementioned services to access electronic services in both the aforementioned proximity 4 and remote 5 either elsewhere in the adjacent area 4 or elsewhere. from a location outside the aforementioned area 4.

According to this embodiment, the information unit 1 is capable of near field communication in its immediate area 4 by wireless and electromagnetic communication with the user 3's message 2 located in the aforementioned proximity area 4. This message 2 of user 3 also does not need global position information. According to the method, such a wireless communication device 2 can advantageously be a mobile phone, a person-to-person communication device capable of connecting to the Internet and having near field communication capability (for example, blue-tooth) and memory accounts. token, digital TV or PDA device or similar electronic device with a suitable interface.

• »t '·'! According to this embodiment, the information unit 1 in the immediate area 4 comprises one or more service menus L1, L2,. . . LN, each of which in turn comprises one or more info elements sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22, sxn, s2n, snl, sn2, snn, each of which through each of which is possible to connect to that information element sll, sl2, sln , s21, s22, I i • ”to the electronic service or services specified by s2n, sxn, snl, sn2, snn. Preferably, the service menus L1, L2, of the information unit 1 mentioned above. . . , LN 35 includes either electronic services provided only in the immediate area 4 or electronic services provided in both the immediate area 4 and remote 5, or 115369 21 only electronic services provided in the remote area 5.

The user communication device 2 of the user 3 in the near field communication connection, controlled by the user 3 who wishes and / or needs electronic services, is automatically provided in the immediate area 4 with the aforementioned service menus L1, L2, contained in the information unit 1. . . LN with the information elements sll, sl2, sln, s21, 10 s22, s2n, sxn, snl, sn2, snn, after verifying that the information supply is allowed to the aforementioned communication device 2 and providing direct access to the information required by user 3 or connecting to user 3; further allowing the selected service provider 15 SP1, SP2, SP3, ... SPX, ... SPN to the electronic service or services specified by the aforementioned info element sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, sxn, snl, sn2, snn. The electronic services provided in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention may be provided from either the aforementioned adjacent area 4 or | alternatively from remote area 5.

, User 3 accesses the desired electronic services by selecting, for example, in-; ; 25 foelements sl2 and sxn electronic services. This electronic service provided in the above-mentioned near-area 4 information unit 1 may be available either in the above-mentioned near-area 4 using near-field communication or in the remote area 5 30 using far-field communication. When the electronic service, defined herein as info- ', element sxn, is available in the aforementioned remote area 5, the user 3 communicates with his or her communications device 2 via the communication link 8; | 35 remote area 5 where, among other things, a service provider SPX electronic service or application sxn is provided. This aforementioned telecommunication connection can be ancillary 115369 22 to a wireless or wired network or telephone connection.

In the situation illustrated in Figure 4, user 3 has selected the information elements sl2 and sxn in his communications device 2 because he wants to use the associated electronic service. The service associated with the information element sl2 is provided in the immediate area 4 and the electronic service associated with the information element sxn is provided in the remote area 5 to which the user 3 is communicating with the communication device 2 via link 8. According to an embodiment of the invention, a remote field and / or near field connection is established between the service (s) and / or the application (s) of the service provider SP1, SP2, SP3, ... SPX, ... SPN of the aforementioned communication device 2.

The above-mentioned message 2 is also capable of communicating wirelessly with all possible network services such as Internet web services and applications 20. In this case, it is possible for the user 2 of the user 3 to connect to the services provided by the network and created by the user 3 himself / herself, by means of the aforementioned service menus L1, L2,. . . LN, and by means of the information elements sll, sl2, sln, ', · s21, s22, s2n, sxn, snl, sn2, snn, t ·; 25

The present invention, described above, has numerous application possibilities. In the simplest possible application, the present invention can be applied to the production of an electronic bulletin board by assembling notices about the services in the aforementioned area to the electronic bulletin board located in said area. which may be the most advantageous: advertisements for shops or daily special offer announcements or other changing and updating electronic announcements of traffic on nearby streets, and the present invention enables the user to order products desirably 115369 23 to their home or other desired location, either immediately or later either on the spot in the immediate area or at another user-selected location.

The present invention can advantageously be applied to stock trading by placing the information unit in the immediate vicinity of the stock exchange. In this case, the information unit comprises stock quotes that are up-to-date at all times and also enables the user interested in stock exchange or trading on the stock market 10 to follow the desired quotes and, if so desired, to make a certain purchase of a particular share electronically.

Similarly, the present invention is applicable to other areas of life other than commerce. Such information units according to the present invention can be located, for example, on different floors of a building, so that these information units located on different floors most preferably comprise changeable and updating information on different floors. This building can be, for example, a hospital, office, office, hotel or residence.

• I.

*; The present invention can also be utilized * | ] in the work of persons servicing different devices such that each device or group of devices being serviced is provided with an information unit comprising a device. , 'J * specific operation, maintenance, and fault information, which the information service provider in the immediate vicinity of the information unit receives, advantageously, the near field communication communications medium and the necessary electronic device maintenance information and services and applications; applications easily. Such devices may include * * i · ·; ··· 35 such as container cranes, tractors, automatic doors, wood handling equipment, vehicles, roller ladders, lifts, etc.

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Near field communication information units according to the present invention may also be located near large traffic stations to inform potential passengers of the schedules of various means of transport. Thus, it is possible to schedule the different means of transport used by the passenger in such a way as to minimize the waiting time and / or change of means of transport used by the passenger. These means of transport can be trains, airplanes, ships, rental cars, lifts, escalators, trams, buses, etc.

The present invention can also be utilized in providing modern gaming applications to users by assembling certain electronic games into the aforementioned information unit in the immediate area. In this case, the ability to update the information unit ensures that the user will have access to the latest and most updated versions of the game in a particular proximity area at all times; existing games as well as the latest games just launched.

For use in agriculture and agritourism, the present invention can be practiced by locating an information unit in or adjacent to a farm. In this case, the information unit includes information on, for example, farm animals, cereal stocks, berries and wines produced, price information, prices offered. 30 information on possible accommodation services and products, etc. Similarly, the information unit may also comprise: "signposting services to the farm.

. In addition, the method .35 of the present invention can be applied to a regional intelligence service.

115369 25

The present invention has been illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the invention are possible within the scope of the claimed inventive concept.

5

Further, the embodiments of the present invention are not necessarily limited to any of the embodiments shown, but various embodiments may be partially or completely combined within the scope of the technical conditions. Likewise, portions of 10 different embodiments may be used to formulate embodiments of the invention not shown herein.

* »· 1 f I i

Claims (7)

A method for providing electronic services in the immediate area (4) to an information unit (1) or at a location selected by the user, characterized in that the procedure comprises the following phases: ». (a) the services of one or more service providers (SP1, SP2, »I 25 SP3, ... SPX, ... SPN) and the information unit's (1) global location coordinates are combined on one or more service menus (Li, L2, ... , LN) comprising one or more info elements (sll, sl2,> 'sln, s21, s22, s2n, sxn, snl, sn2, snn) and in b) the service menus (Li, L2, ..., LN) are stored in the information unit (1) and • c) communication from the information unit (1) takes place in the immediate area (4) as near-field communication and »d) the service menus (LI, L2, ..., LN) in the information unit (1) are delivered at the request from the information unit (1) located in the immediate area (4) to the communication device (2) which communicates with near-field communication and is controlled by the probable users (3) and e) with the user's (2) permission is saved by the provided service menus (LI, L2, ..., LN) one or more service menus (LI, L2, ..., LN) and / or info elements (sll, sl2, sln, s2 1, s22, s2n, sxn, snl, sn2, snn) in the memory of the communication device (2) for later needs and (f) using the saved service menus (Li, L2, ..., LN) and with the user's (3) authorization is connected to the communication apparatus (2) via a communication link (8) and using remote field communication to the service provider 15 (SP1, SP2, SP3, ... SPX, ... SPN) of the information element (sll, sl2, sln , s21, s22, s2n, sxn, snl, sn2, snn) designated electronic service or services either in the immediate area (4) or at another location of the user's choice. 20 i The method of claim 1, characterized in that the information unit (1) comprises an identification task which comprises information:; the unit's global location coordinates. :: 25 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication apparatus (2) is provided with the possibility of automatically replicating itself to the user (3) in advance selected and determined electronic services. 30 Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the communication device (2) is a mobile telephone, personal computer, digital TV, PDA device or other electronic device which can connect to the Internet, is capable of near-field communication and is provided with memory. 115369 Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the info elements (sll, sl2, sln, s21, s22, s2n, sxn, snl, sn2, snn) preferably contain information that the communication apparatus (2) is interpreted without the involvement of the user (3). as the service providers' (SP1, SP2, SP3, ... SPX, ... SPN) Internet addresses or other codes necessary for communication between the computer systems and / or data used in the connection with 10 remote field communication to the selected service providers (SP1, SP2, SP3, ... SPX, ... SPN) electronic services. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that 0 m-200 m is used as the range of the information unit (1). Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the communication apparatus (2) simultaneously incorporates the range of services in the immediate area (4) into one or more information units (1). •: · • · • »• I • ·» 1> ♦ ·