GB2460433A - Providing information over a communications network - Google Patents

Providing information over a communications network Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2460433A
GB2460433A GB0809763A GB0809763A GB2460433A GB 2460433 A GB2460433 A GB 2460433A GB 0809763 A GB0809763 A GB 0809763A GB 0809763 A GB0809763 A GB 0809763A GB 2460433 A GB2460433 A GB 2460433A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
information
database
identifier
remote
unique
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0809763A
Other versions
GB0809763D0 (en
Inventor
Glen Middleton
Jeremy Bentham
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ICINI TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Original Assignee
ICINI TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ICINI TECHNOLOGY Ltd filed Critical ICINI TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Priority to GB0809763A priority Critical patent/GB2460433A/en
Publication of GB0809763D0 publication Critical patent/GB0809763D0/en
Publication of GB2460433A publication Critical patent/GB2460433A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
    • G06F21/30—Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
    • G06F21/31—User authentication
    • G06F21/34—User authentication involving the use of external additional devices, e.g. dongles or smart cards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
    • H04L61/45—Network directories; Name-to-address mapping
    • H04L61/4547—Network directories; Name-to-address mapping for personal communications, i.e. using a personal identifier
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L61/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for addressing or naming
    • H04L61/45—Network directories; Name-to-address mapping
    • H04L61/457—Network directories; Name-to-address mapping containing identifiers of data entities on a computer, e.g. file names
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
    • G06F16/90—Details of database functions independent of the retrieved data types
    • G06F16/907—Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
    • G06F17/30997—

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)

Abstract

A plurality of portable devices, such as smart cards or USB devices, each comprise a unique device identifier that is associated with information stored in a remote database. A communications device coupled to a network receives the unique identifier of one of the portable devices, transmits it to a remote information request server coupled to the remote database, and retrieves information associated with the unique identifier from the remote database. The communications device preferably receives the unique device identifier from a portable device by interfacing the portable device to the communications device. The unique device identifier may be associated with a portable device group identifier stored in a portable device database where information stored in the remote database is associated with the portable device group identifier. Information stored in the remote database may comprise contact information or a link to electronic content at a location remote from the information request server.

Description

TITLE: Method and system for providing information over a communications network.
DESCRIPTION
Field of Invention
The present invention relates generally to methods and a system for providing information over a communication system and particularly, but not exclusively, to providing *S..
*. : 20 contact details and service related information between * * *S.. . users of communication devices. * ** * * * *** *
S
S
Background to Invention S. S * S S **
The capability for digital photo / picture frames (DPF) to exchange photos with other DPF devices using a centralised public, community or commercial digital photo sharing web site is known. Existing DPF devices have the capability to communicate over a network using a dedicated email address or proprietary identification system to identify each DPF device for the purpose of exchanging information. This information exchange is managed using an on-line user account with a public, community or commercial digital photograph sharing web site communicating the details of an email address. In general, the process requires access to a personal computer (PC) and an internet web site to establish and maintain this information for each DPF device. In summary, it will generally require the user of the]JPF device to use a PC to operate and configure the networked DPF device.
The capability to communicate using voice and, voice with video over the internet with other users is known.
Existing devices using voice over internet protocol (V0IP) and voice/video over Internet protocol (V2IP) are in use and rely on the use of a traditional multi-digit telephone Is..
: 20 number, an IP (internet protocol) address or, a text based S... identifying name (such as a VoIP service user name or email address) to identify users. This information is exchanged using an on-line user account with a VoIP / V2IP service provider and in general, the process requires . : 25 access to a PC and an internet web site to establish and S *s maintain this information for each V0IP / V2IP product or service connection.
The ability to use a smartcard with a personal identification number (PIN) to access unique information is known. Existing devices such as bank cards enable users to access bank records and perform financial transactions using information retained on a banking database. This information is specifically constrained to the owner of the card and is intended for simple transactions by the owner using an automatic teller machine (ATM) . It is not intended for the sharing of information.
Whilst communication techniques involving the use of a PC may be acceptable to many users, the present applicant has identified a desire to provide a more user-friendly system to communicate information for users who do not wish to be exposed to the complexity of a conventional PC.
Summary of Invent ion
In accordance with a first aspect of the present : 20 invention, there is a method of providing information over S...
a communications network, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of portable devices each comprising a unique device identifier, each unique device identifier of the plurality of portable devices being commonly . : 25 associated with information stored in a remote database; S ** and at a communication device coupled to the communications network: receiving the unique device identifier of one of the plurality of portable devices; transmitting a unique device identifier over the communications network to a remote information request server coupled to the remote database; and retrieving the information associated with the unique identifier from the remote database.
In this way, a method of retrieving information over a communication network is provided in which a user is not required to manually input details of the information to be retrieved over the communications network.
Furthermore, the use of portable devices (e.g. pocket portable devices) each having a unique device identifier allows the distribution of devices to be carried out independently of the information to be linked to the device. In particular, the remote database may be updatable to change the information associated with a unique device identifier. This has important benefits in terms of security and re-use of the portable devices. * ***
: 20 Each unique device identifier may be commonly associated S...
with a portable device group identifier stored in a portable device database and the information stored in remote database is associated with the portable device group identifier. In this way, information is retrieved by means of two discrete, linked databases which act to further decouple the information from the unique device identifiers. This decoupling means that it is relatively simple to change the system from both the front end (i.e. by changing the format of the unique device identifier from a 56-bit unique number for smart cards to, for example, a 128-bit number for a USB ID device) and similarly at the back end, where the system of data associated with the portable device group identifier. One or more of the remote database and the portable device database may be remote from the remote information request server. The remote database and portable device database may be hosted and located in different places and managed by different organizations.
In a first embodiment, the information stored in the remote database comprises contact information. In this way, the plurality of portable devices may be used to pass on a device holder's contact information. For example, the contact information may include an electronic address of the device holder which will enable another user to send content electronically to the device holder. In another version, the contact information stored in the : 20 remote database comprises address book information for a **S.
plurality of contacts. In this way, the device holder may use the device to access contact details in his or her address book from a remote location. 0* * * * ***
In a second embodiment, the information stored in the remote database comprises a link to electronic content at a location remote from the information request server.
For example, the information may comprise a link (e.g. URL) to a website. In one embodiment, the communication device may be configured to automatically open the link to the electronic content when the link is retrieved from the database. In this way, the electronic content is automatically accessed by the communication device upon obtaining the unique device identifier. Advantageously, such a use of the present invention would allow website addresses to be disseminated via the portable devices whilst maintaining the flexibility to alter the link once the portable devices have been released. Furthermore, once a portable device has been used to access a link, the portable device may be returned by the user and re-issued to provide a link to new content. It is envisaged that such a flexible system may be of considerable use to organizations wishing to encourage customers to visit online content. At least one of the remote database and portable device database may be updatable to change the information associated with a unique device identifier.
*..* : 20 In one embodiment, the unique device identifier is further * S associated with a level of function associated with the portable device. Accordingly, the usage of the portable device may be restricted to suit its intended use. In the case that the level of function associated with the . : 25 portable device permits access to sensitive information, a * *.
user may be required to enter a secret (e.g. password or PIN) in order to retrieve the sensitive information from the database.
The step of receiving the unique device identifier of one of the plurality of portable devices at the communication device may comprise interfacing one of the plurality of S portable devices with the communication device. For example, each of the plurality of portable devices may be configured to communicate (e.g. by electrical contact, wireless radio communication or optical link) with the communication device. Advantageously, such communication allows the step of receiving the unique device identifier to be carried out automatically once the portable device is placed in communication with the communication device without the need for user input.
In one embodiment, the communication device is configured to perform the steps of transmitting the unique device identifier and retrieving the associated information from the remote information request server automatically upon receiving the unique device identifier. * * * * 20
The portable device may be a smart card (e.g. contact smart card or contactless smart card) or a USB device.
The portable device may be a read-only device. a * a * *.*
*. : 25 The communication device (also referred to as a networked * ** communication appliance or NCA) may be a digital photo frame (DPM) or VoIP/V2IP telephone device. In the case of a digital photo frame, the frame may support additional multimedia content (e.g. a digital media frame).
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is a method of providing information over a communications network, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of portable devices each comprising a unique device identifier; providing a remote database commonly associating each of the unique device identifiers with information to be provided over the communications network; and at an information request server coupled to the remote data base: receiving over the communications network an information request including a unique device identifier associated with one of the plurality of portable devices from a communications device; and accessing the remote database to retrieve the information associated with the unique identifier.
Once retrieved, the information request server may subsequently transmit the retrieved information to the **.S *..* : 20 communications device. *.S. * *
Each unique device identifier may be commonly associated with a portable device group identifier stored in a i. portable device database and the information stored in *. : 25 remote database is associated with the portable device * *.
group identifier. One or more of the remote database and the portable device database may be remote from the remote information request server. The remote database and
V
portable device database may be hosted and located in different places and managed by different organizations.
At least one of the remote database and portable device database may be updatable to change the information associated with a unique device identifier.
The remote database may be updatable to change the information associated with a unique device identifier.
In a first embodiment, the information stored in the remote database comprises contact information. For example, the contact information may include an electronic address of the device holder which will enable another user to send content electronically to the device holder.
In another version, the contact information may include the device holder's address book.
In a second embodiment, the information stored in the remote database comprises a link to electronic content at .. : 20 a location remote from the information request server. S... * *
For example, the information may comprise a link (e.g. : .. URL) to a website. In one embodiment, the communication S.. S device may be configured to automatically open the link to the electronic content when the link is transmitted to the * S * **.
*. : 25 communication device. * *.
In one embodiment, the unique device identifier is further associated with a level of function associated with the portable device. In the case that the level of function associated with the portable device permits access to sensitive information, a user may be required to enter a secret (e.g. password or PIN) in order to retrieve the sensitive information from the database.
The portable device may be a smart card (e.g. contact smart card or contactiess smart card) or a USB device.
The portable device may be a read-only device.
The communication device may be a digital photo frame (DPM) or V0IP/V2IP telephone device. In the case of a digital photo frame, the frame may support additional multimedia content (e.g. digital media frame).
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing information over a communications network, comprising: a plurality of portable devices each comprising a unique device identifier, each unique device identifier of the *.e. * I
plurality of portable devices being commonly associated with information stored in a remote database; a communication device configured to receive input of the unique device identifier corresponding to one of the *:*. 25 plurality of portable devices; and a remote information request server coupled to the remote database and coupled to the communication device over a communications network; wherein: the communication device is configured to send an information request including a unique device identifier over the communications network to the remote information request server; and the remote information request server is configured to retrieve the information associated with the unique identifier from the remote database upon receipt of the information request.
The remote information request server may be further configured to transmit the retrieved information to the communication device.
Each unique device identifier may be commonly associated with a portable device group identifier stored in a portable device database and the information stored in remote database is associated with the portable device group identifier. One or more of the remote database and the portable device database may be remote from the remote information request server. The remote database and portable device database may be hosted and located in S...
different places and managed by different organizations. *.* S
At least one of the remote database and portable device database may be updatable to change the information associated with a unique device identifier.
S * a * **.
. : 25 The remote database may be updatable to change the * ** information associated with a unique device identifier.
In a first embodiment, the information stored in the remote database comprises contact information. For example, the contact information may include an electronic address of the device holder which will enable another user to send content electronically to the device holder.
In another version, the contact information may include the device holder's address book.
In a second embodiment, the information stored in the remote database comprises a link to electronic content at a location remote from the information request server.
For example, the information may comprise a link (e.g. URL) to a website. In one embodiment, the communication device may be configured to automatically open the link to the electronic content when the link is retrieved from the database.
In one embodiment, the unique device identifier is further associated with a level of function associated with the portable device. In the case that the level of function *.. : 20 associated with the portable device permits access to *.S. * *
* sensitive information, a user may be required to enter a secret (e.g. password or PIN) in order to retrieve the sensitive information from the database. * * S * **.
Each of the plurality of portable devices may be configured to interface with the communication device.
For example, each of the plurality of portable devices may be configured to communicate (e.g. by electrical contact or wireless radio communication) with the communication device.
In one embodiment, the communication device is configured to perform the steps of transmitting the unique device identifier and retrieving the associated information from the remote information request server automatically upon receiving the unique device identifier.
The portable device may be a smart card (e.g. contact smart card or contactiess smart card) or a USB device.
The portable device may be a read-only device.
The communication device may be a digital photo frame (DP4) or V0IP/V2IP telephone device. In the case of a digital photo frame, the frame may support additional multimedia content (e.g. digital media frame).
The invention as defined in any of the above aspects of e..
20 the invention may be used with networked communications appliances which are generally not operated with a : .. keyboard or keypad device. The portable device S.. * (hereinafter referred to as a portable IDentification :. Device (PIDD)) may be a highly portable or wearable device such as a wireless smart card or key-fob accessory. The unique device identifier may be a unique identification number which serves as a reference for a particular entity such as an individual, an organisation, a source of information or a service provider. Individuals and organisations can exchange networked information much more easily using a PIDD and the associated online databases.
The NCA equipment does not require a traditional input device, such as a keyboard to achieve the transfer of contact information or similarly, does not require contact information to be transferred by using a personal computer and an online account.
The present invention may be used to enable the transfer of digital media content such as photos, audio, video, email and web page information or, to enable real time communication of video and audio information, between users of networked communications appliances. The invention does not require the use of a personal computer (and associated operating system, web browser and application software) to manage the process and furthermore, does not require the user to have any knowledge of networks, including the internet, to .. : 20 accomplish the transfer and communication of digital ***. * .
information. * *U Se S S.. I
The PIDD may be used to allow a NCA equipped with an electronic interface to read the PIDD and associate the * * S..
unique ID number with an entity such as another person, a website or a service provider to enable communication with that entity. In each case, the user is not required to enter any other information, i.e. there is no requirement for an input device such as a keyboard to be used with the appliance.
Furthermore, the PIDD may be defined as a Master PIDD or a Calling PIDD to enable (or restrict) the usage of the PIDD device. The NCA may assign (under the control of the user) any specific PI]DD as a Master or a Calling PIDD. The distinction allows a Master PIDD to be used to initiate specialised functions for the user when connected to a NCA, or used to transfer contact information to other users or appliances, while a Calling PIDD may only be used to transfer contact information or web services related information to other users or appliances.
The PIDD may gain its initial association (or identify) by one of two methods; (a) The PIDD is connected to a NCA by a user. The NCA reads the PIDD and accesses an online PIDD database via . : 20 a network. If the PIDD unique number does not exist in is... the PIDD database, the database will create a new entry : .". based on the PIDD number. The database application will 5*p I also create an entry in another database to represent the individual user entity or a service entity and assign an identity number to the person or service. The * ..
database application will link the two databases such that the PIDD number in the PIDD database is associated with a specific user in the entity database or, the service within the service database. The user may connect several PIDDs to the NCA (either sequentially or simultaneously) to be read by the NCA. The database application creates an entry in the PIDD database for each card and further, links each PIDD database entry to the specific user or service within the entity databases.
(b) The PIDD contains a unique identification number within a range of numbers. If the entire range of PIDD numbers is associated with one service, the database application will create PIDD database entries for the entire range of the PIDD numbers and further, creates a single entry for the service within the service entity database. The database application will link all the PIDD device numbers to the same service database entry.
This method is suited to instances where a large number of PIDDS are associated en-mass' with a specific *:::: 20 business, information source or service provider. In this instance, all PIDD5 are designated as Calling *..
PIDDs. * ** * * S *** *
S S..
S
:. In practice, the PIDD may operate with the NCA in several ::*::j 25 ways; (1) the PIDD may only allow its associated individual or service entity to operate with the appliance in a
O
designated manner while it is continuously connected to the NCA (2) the PIDD may be connected to the NCA temporarily to allow the transfer of information to or from the NCA from a networked database. For example, the PIDD may be connected to the appliance to allow contact information for one user to be retrieved from a database and transferred to the NCA of another user In cases (1) and (2), the appliance may operate and perform a designated function immediately after the PIDD number is read or, [optionally] for a Master PIDD, it may only operate and perform a designated function after a second identification process. The second identification process requests a personal identification number (PIN code) to validate the owner of the PIDD. After entering the code via an input device, the NCA will then perform the designated function. For example, a user may connect a a:::': 20 PIDD to a publicly accessible NCA (such as a networked telephone kiosk). After entering a PIN code via a S...
touchscreen, the NCA may then present the users specific * address book to enable the user to make a telephone call. a
:*:, 25 Each networked communications appliance also possesses a * 1 unique ID serial number. When a PIDD is read by a NCA device, the unique serial number of the NCA is sent to the database application. The database application uses the
S
PIDD number to identify the specific user within the user database and records the NCA serial number within the user database. When a PIDD is connected and disconnected to a NCA, the database record is updated accordingly. The user entity database may then be used to enable communications or transfer of information with the specific NCA in use by a specific user.
Brief description of drawings
Fig. 1 Illustrates multiple networked communication appliances, online databases and online services connected via an IP network.
Fig. 2 Illustrates an example of a networked communications appliance (NCA) in the form of a home communications appliance (HCA) equipped with a camera, microphone and touchscreen display. * a S...
:: Fig. 3 Illustrates the presentation of images and icons on the touchscreen display for the purpose of accessing online * *" 25 information. S* S * a.*
Fig. 4 Illustrates the presentation of images on the touchscreen display for the purpose of contacting other users.
Fig. 5 Illustrates the structure of the PIDD database [7] Fig. 6 Illustrates the structure f or the database of individual user' entities [8] Fig. 7 Illustrates the structure for the database of service' entities [13]
Description
One embodiment of the method and device described by the invention is to exchange identification information between users of networked communications appliances (NCA) such as a digital photo / picture frame (DPF) device [2, 4], voice/video telephony devices [24], public information / communications kiosks [10] or, devices with a combination of these functions, and which may not include a traditional input device such as keyboard or keypad.
Information is exchanged using an IP (internet protocol) :; 25 connection [11] over a public or private network [12] The * physical form of the portable ID device (PIDD) [1] may be a smartcard (with mechanical contacts), a contact-less smartcard (using wireless radio frequency identification -
O
RFID), or a USB memory stick dongle. The PIIDD is small, light weight and easily transportable (within a wallet, worn on the wrist, attached to a key-ring, part of clothing or surgically implanted into a body). The PIDD is defined as being connected if there is electronic communication [20] between the device and the NCA using either a mechanical connector, an inductive coupling system, a radio frequency link or, an optical link. The unique number contained within the PIDD serves as a reference for a particular entity such as, an individual user of a NCA device, a source of information [5] or a service provider [6].
The PIDD [1] enables another NCA [2, 4, 10, 24] equipped with the electronic interf ace [22] to read the PIDD and associate the unique ID number with another person, a website or a service provider using a URL (uniform resource locator) . The NCA may include a touchscreen display [27] to present information to the user and allow the user to select simple options and commands. S... * S * S..
The PIDD [1] and NCA [2, 4] may be used in the following * scenarios; *.S
S *
The unique number within the PIDD may be part of a range * of numbers defined by a service provider as being associated with a particular service entity, such as access to an online welfare service. When the PIDD is connected to the NCA [2, 4], the NCA reads the unique number using an electronic interf ace [22]. The NCA uses the IP connection [11] and IP network [12] to communicate with information request server [3] to check networked portable ID device (PIDD) database [7] and retrieve a URL link into the associated service entity database [13] . The service database will then include a further URL link to the specific online service [5, 6], as well as the image associated with that service [70] . The NCA copies the image into a local storage location on the main circuit board [25] and presents the image on the touchscreen display [27] . Subsequently, the user may select the image [31] of the service using the touchscreen display and the NCA will use the associated URL link [71] to access the website [5, 6] to enable the user to interact with the service.
In another example, a range of PIDD numbers may be associated with a particular electronic newsletter or information bulletin from an organisation. The range of numbers is recorded in the database [7] with the entire S..
* range linked to a service which provides a particular :.:. newsletter or information bulletin. When the PIDD is 5.
connected to the NCA [2, 41, the NCA reads the unique number. The NCA uses the IP connection [11) and IP network * 1 [12] to communicate with information request server [3] and access the database [7] to retrieve a URL link [71] into the associated service entity database. The service
S
database will then include a further URL link to a newsletter application. The newsletter application accesses the user entity database to retrieve the email address [67] associated with the user. This may be used subsequently by the service provider to send the newsletter to the user.
In another example, a networked communications device combining the functions of a digital photo frame (DPF) and a voice/video telephone is described as a home communications appliance (HCA) 124].
The PIDD is connected [20] to a HCA by the user. The NCA reads the PIDD and accesses an online PIDD database [71 in communication with information request server [3] via an IP network (11] and network 112) . If the PIDD unique number does not exist in the PlOD database, the database will create a new entry based on the PIDD number. A database application will also create an entry [61) in the individual user database [8] to represent the user. The database application will link the two databases such that S...
the PlOD number in the PIDD database is associated [52] * ** * . . with a specific user in the user entity database. A software program executed by the HCA [24] may then capture the image of the user using the camera module [28] or, use * an image copied from another device such as an industry standard memory card [291. The HCA may optionally request that the user enter an additional personal identification
S
number (PIN) using the touchscreen display [27). The HCA uses the Ip connection [11] and IP network [12] to record the users image [63) and optional PIN number [64] into the user entity database [8). A database application may also create an email address for the user using the user identity number. The email address will be recorded in a database linked [67) to the user entity database.
The user may connect several PIDDs to the NCA (either sequentially or simultaneously) to associated a plurality of PIDDs with the same user.
The PIDD(s) may be used (for example) in several ways; (1) The PIDD may be given to another HCA user, much like a business card. When the PIDD is connected to another HCA device, the PIDD unique number is read.
The RCA uses the IP connection [11] and IP network [12] to access the database [7] for the record for this PIDD. The database application identifies the individual user [61] associated with the PIDD and ***, further, retrieves the image [63) associated with the user from the user entity database. The image and associated user identity number may be used, for example, as an address book entry format [41, 42] on * the HCA [24 40] and be used as a method of selecting the person and initiating communication to the person.
S
(2) The user may connect the PIDD to another HCA [24], or to a networked public access communications appliance [10]. The appliance reads the unique number and uses the IP connection [11] and IP network [12) to access the PIDD database [7] and user entity database [8]. As a public access communications appliance, the application program of the appliance may request the original PIN number from the user for additional security. After comparing the PIN number with the database [8] entry [64), the user may use the appliance for a personal function. The function may be a telephone service such that the appliance presents a visual address book uniquely associated with the user by accessing the users address book [65] and associated image records [53] for each user within the address book. The HCA may initiate communications with the contact selected from the address book using the communications service reference [68] in the user entity database. When the PIDD is disconnected from the appliance, the appliance may erase the retrieved images ready for another user. S.
S
(3) The user may simply connect the PIDD to a public access communications appliance [10) for the purpose of requesting information. The appliance reads the unique number and uses the IP connection [11] and IP
S
network [12] to access the PIDD database [7] and user entity database [81. The appliance may request the user to identify the specific information required.
The appliance uses the database application to retrieve the email address 167] of the user. The appliance or appliance operator uses the email address to send the requested information to the users email address. * S S ** S S... * . S... * S* * * . * S *S*
S *. * S * SSS S. S
SS * ..

Claims (22)

  1. SClaims: 1. A method of providing information over a communications network, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of portable devices each comprising a unique device identifier, each unique device identifier of the plurality of portable devices being commonly associated with information stored in a remote database; and at a communication device coupled to the communications network: receiving the unique device identifier of one of the plurality of portable devices; transmitting a unique device identifier over the communications network to a remote information request server coupled to the remote database; and retrieving the information associated with the unique identifier from the remote database.
  2. 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein each unique device identifier is commonly associated with a portable device group identifier stored in a portable device database and the information stored in remote database is S..associated with the portable device group identifier.
    * **. 25 S. S S * * S.
  3. 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the remote database and the portable device database is updatable to change the information associated with a unique device identifier.
  4. 4. A method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the information stored in the remote database comprises contact information.
  5. 5. A method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the information stored in the remote database comprises a link to electronic content at a location remote from the information request server.
  6. 6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the unique device identifier is further associated with a level of function associated with the portable device.
  7. 7. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of receiving the unique device identifier of one of the plurality of portable devices at the communication device comprises interfacing one of the plurality of portable devices with the communication device. * .. * S * SSS *S *SS
  8. 8. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the communication device is configured to perform * the steps of transmitting the unique device identifier and retrieving the associated information from the remote information request server automatically upon receiving the unique device identifier.
  9. 9. A method of providing information over a communications network, comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of portable devices each comprising a unique device identifier; providing a remote database commonly associating each of the unique device identifiers with information to be provided over the communications network; and at an information request server coupled to the remote data base: receiving over the communications network an information request including a unique device identifier associated with one of the plurality of portable devices from a communications device; and accessing the remote database to retrieve the information associated with the unique identifier.
  10. 10. A method according to claim 9, wherein each unique device identifier is commonly associated with a portable device group identifier stored in a portable device database and the information stored in remote database is * ** * * * associated with the portable device group identifier. S. * S
    :*:; 25
  11. 11. A method according to claim 10, wherein at least one S of the remote database and the portable device database is updatable to change the information associated with a unique device identifier.
  12. 12. A method according to any of claims 9-12, wherein the information stored in the remote database comprises contact information.
  13. 13. A method according to any of claims 9-12, wherein a the information stored in the remote database comprises a link to electronic content at a location remote from the information request server.
  14. 14. A method according to any of claims 9-13, wherein the unique device identifier is further associated with a level of function associated with the portable device.
  15. 15. A system for providing information over a communications network, comprising: a plurality of portable devices each comprising a unique device identifier, each unique device identifier of the plurality of portable devices being commonly associated with information stored in a remote database; a communication device configured to receive input of S...* the unique device identifier corresponding to one of the plurality of portable devices; and a remote information request server coupled to the remote database and coupled to the communication device * . over a communications network; wherein: the communication device is configured to send an information request including a unique device identifierSover the communications network to the remote information request server; and the remote information request server is configured to retrieve the information associated with the unique identifier from the remote database upon receipt of the information request.
  16. 16. The system according to claim 15, wherein each unique device identifier is commonly associated with a portable device group identifier stored in a portable device database and the information stored in remote database is associated with the portable device group identifier.
  17. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein at least one of the remote database and the portable device database is updatable to change the information associated with a unique device identifier.
  18. 18. The system of any of claims 15-17, wherein the information stored in the remote database comprises * S * S. * contact information. S*.S * 5* * . *
  19. 19. The system of any of claims 15-17, wherein the information stored in the remote database comprises a link * ** 25 to electronic content at a location remote from the S. * information request server.
  20. 20. The system of any of claims 15-19, wherein the unique device identifier is further associated with a level of function associated with the portable device.
  21. 21. The system of any of claims 15-20, wherein each of the plurality of portable devices is configured to interface with the communication device.
  22. 22. The system of any of claims 15-21, wherein the communication device is configured to perform the steps of transmitting the unique device identifier and retrieving the associated information from the remote information request server automatically upon receiving the unique device identifier. I' * ** ** S * S.. * S * *5 * . S S.. S S.S S. * .,. *1 S * S * S.
GB0809763A 2008-05-29 2008-05-29 Providing information over a communications network Withdrawn GB2460433A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0809763A GB2460433A (en) 2008-05-29 2008-05-29 Providing information over a communications network

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0809763A GB2460433A (en) 2008-05-29 2008-05-29 Providing information over a communications network

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0809763D0 GB0809763D0 (en) 2008-07-09
GB2460433A true GB2460433A (en) 2009-12-02

Family

ID=39637785

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0809763A Withdrawn GB2460433A (en) 2008-05-29 2008-05-29 Providing information over a communications network

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2460433A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220254072A1 (en) * 2021-02-09 2022-08-11 Red Hat, Inc. Providing context for software deployments using augmented reality

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5995965A (en) * 1996-11-18 1999-11-30 Humetrix, Inc. System and method for remotely accessing user data records
US20020161795A1 (en) * 2001-04-27 2002-10-31 Siemens Medical Solutions Health Services Corporaton. System and user interface for accessing and processing patient record information
WO2004052026A2 (en) * 2002-12-02 2004-06-17 Nokia Corporation Privacy protection in a server
EP1475695A2 (en) * 2003-05-07 2004-11-10 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Image printing system controlled by portable terminal
WO2007050884A2 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-05-03 Terry Paul Anderson Method and system for granting access to personal information
US20080104705A1 (en) * 2006-10-30 2008-05-01 Microsoft Corporation Setting group policy by device ownership

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5995965A (en) * 1996-11-18 1999-11-30 Humetrix, Inc. System and method for remotely accessing user data records
US20020161795A1 (en) * 2001-04-27 2002-10-31 Siemens Medical Solutions Health Services Corporaton. System and user interface for accessing and processing patient record information
WO2004052026A2 (en) * 2002-12-02 2004-06-17 Nokia Corporation Privacy protection in a server
EP1475695A2 (en) * 2003-05-07 2004-11-10 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Image printing system controlled by portable terminal
WO2007050884A2 (en) * 2005-10-26 2007-05-03 Terry Paul Anderson Method and system for granting access to personal information
US20080104705A1 (en) * 2006-10-30 2008-05-01 Microsoft Corporation Setting group policy by device ownership

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220254072A1 (en) * 2021-02-09 2022-08-11 Red Hat, Inc. Providing context for software deployments using augmented reality
US11663749B2 (en) * 2021-02-09 2023-05-30 Red Hat, Inc. Providing context for software deployments using augmented reality

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0809763D0 (en) 2008-07-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP4802873B2 (en) Browsing management device, management method thereof, and program
CN1474986A (en) System and method for providing supervision of plurality of financial services terminals
CN102542006A (en) Method for transmitting personal content and content player
JP2001325440A (en) Electronic commercial transaction system, server device, client device and connecting terminal to be used therefor
US9331964B2 (en) System, method, and apparatus for using a virtual bucket to transfer electronic data
JP6782794B2 (en) Internet portal system and how to use it
JP2015082140A (en) Onetime password issuing device, program, and onetime password issuing method
KR20080030723A (en) Methods for performing credit card associated service using communication terminal
JP2016181171A (en) Information processing apparatus, system, method, and program
CN109479054A (en) Service provider system, services communication system, service providing method and recording medium
GB2460433A (en) Providing information over a communications network
US11823240B2 (en) Efficient updates of biometric data for remotely connected devices
US20140372375A1 (en) Contact data sharing
CN109388558A (en) A kind of method, apparatus, equipment and storage medium managing electronic equipment
KR101024370B1 (en) Integrated Messenger Banking Method by Using Personal Financial Management System
JP7095290B2 (en) Information provision program, information processing device, information provision method and information provision system
JP2006155536A (en) Simple authentication reservation system and method by qr code reader-equipped internet connectable portable terminal using individual qr code
JP2003030356A (en) Method and system for data service, device and method for data processing, and computer program
KR101040745B1 (en) Method for opening to mobile communication with USIM
JP4230655B2 (en) Direct debit system
NL2026199B1 (en) A method of registering, by a server, a customer for a loyalty program, using a payment means, such as a payment card, of said customer, as well as a related server.
KR20090057198A (en) Integrated messenger banking system by using personal financial management system
JP2004038392A (en) Management system using calling card information, program for realizing function of this system, and recording medium
GB2412211A (en) Device and user registration
KR20020013958A (en) The rental management method and system using internet

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)