WO2002069662A1 - Systeme et procede de communication pour determiner la localisation - Google Patents

Systeme et procede de communication pour determiner la localisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002069662A1
WO2002069662A1 PCT/GB2001/005494 GB0105494W WO02069662A1 WO 2002069662 A1 WO2002069662 A1 WO 2002069662A1 GB 0105494 W GB0105494 W GB 0105494W WO 02069662 A1 WO02069662 A1 WO 02069662A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
location
information
message
user
receiving
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2001/005494
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Gillespie
Nectar Efkarpidis
Original Assignee
Pollen Mobile Limited
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
Priority claimed from GB0104867A external-priority patent/GB0104867D0/en
Priority claimed from GB0106026A external-priority patent/GB0106026D0/en
Application filed by Pollen Mobile Limited filed Critical Pollen Mobile Limited
Publication of WO2002069662A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002069662A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/029—Location-based management or tracking services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50—Network services
    • H04L67/52—Network services specially adapted for the location of the user terminal

Definitions

  • aspects of the invention relate to location determination and location based communication systems and a method and apparatus for performing the same. Aspects of the invention relate to a communication system and method of communication.
  • the invention finds particular, but not exclusive, application in device location determination and location based communication systems, and particular application for mobile devices. However, it will be appreciated that various aspects of the invention can find application in numerous other uses wherever location determination and location based communication services are required.
  • Preferred examples relate to a system and method for determining the location of a user requiring access to services, aspects of the system requiring the location information.
  • Location determination systems can generally determine the physical location of a device with respect to the earth's surface to within the measurement accuracy of the system, which normally ranges between 50m to 10m for GPS, with special adaptations of GPS systems achieving position determination to within 5m. GPS services generally do not provide accurate position determination in the vertical plane, for example to determine the location of the device in a multi-storey building.
  • the systems generally generate co-ordinates referenced against some grid of some granularity covering the area of the earth's surface in which the service is provided.
  • the co-ordinates produced by the location determining system are normally cross-referenced against other data sets that relate coordinates to known physical locations.
  • a sufficiently sophisticated system is required to translate, for example the GPS output of a global positioning coordinate, to a meaningful physical location.
  • Cellular phones and the cellular phone network service providers or operators possess various technologies which can also be used to determine the location of cellular phone on a network, the majority of which are based on a sophisticated triangulation method based on the network communications between the fixed transmitters and the cellular phone device.
  • Location based information systems and the required location determination technology to provide the essential location data into these systems would require a high degree of accuracy regarding the reported location, which will also include location determination in the vertical plane, a feature which is not available in either GPS or triangulation methods.
  • These approaches are expensive and require the co-operation of the network provider in order to function.
  • Such approaches which seek to determine the user's geographic position in relation to the earth's surface automatically in real time or near real time, are thought to be or will be subject to stringent privacy and data protection legislation regarding their use. It is thought that none of these services are readily available to businesses and services.
  • the services merely deliver Latitude and Longitude data to fix the user's current location on the earth's surface. This information must then be cross-referenced with other geographically based data sets, for example geographic location of bank ATMs, to provide useful services.
  • the present invention seeks to address problems identified in the known systems.
  • an apparatus for identifying a location for a device in a location-based communication system comprising means for receiving a predetermined location identifier from the device.
  • a location for the device can easily and accurately determined.
  • the system can have recourse to other systems, for example GPS systems or maps or lists showing venues at particular locations to identify the location for the device.
  • the location identifier need not be restricted to information regarding geographical location, but can be given context in that the location identifier can identify a particular venue, for example a bar or shop. There may be many venues at a particular geographical location and thus even determining the spatial coordinates of the device might not identify the actual location of the device. Also knowing the type of venue, for example bar or shop, means that relevant information or services can be provided to the device on the basis of the type of venue.
  • a predetermined location identifier for a location, the recognition by the apparatus of the location information sent by the device is facilitated.
  • the use of a predetermined location identifier gives better results than if, for example the user of the device were simply to send a "freestyle" message indicating the location. In that case, it would be necessary to analyse the message and try to match the content of the message to a location known to the system. Clearly, the chances of success for such a system is much reduced compared with a system where there are pre-defined location identifiers used by both the system and the user.
  • the actual identifier location identifier may include a reference to the location, for example "ABIOC" for the location identifier for ALL BAR ONE at Oxford Circus, or may have no apparent reference to the location, for example a number. It is envisaged that the location identifier could comprise the telephone number which the user calls to register in the system. In such an example, a different telephone number would be allocated to each location, for example each venue. By knowing the telephone number called by the user, the system would know the user's location.
  • the user will actually be present at the venue having the location identifier when he declares the identifier to the system, but in some cases the device might be at a different location. For example, the user might request information about a particular location before arriving there. This would clearly not be possible for a system which determined the spatial location of the device, for example a GPS based system.
  • aspects of the invention find particular application where the device is mobile, in that it changes its location from time to time.
  • Examples of the invention can therefore provide a mechanism to determine the user' s location in the context of their current or intended activities, and which is preferably independent of the type of device or network used, for example it can operate on existing GSM networks using SMS text messaging.
  • Examples of the invention provide a declarative location determination system, in which the user, through apre-defined mechanism of identifiers (or "call-signs") where such identifiers are related to the required locations, is able to communicate their location in a predictable manner to the service they wish to use.
  • the apparatus comprises means for receiving a message from the device, the message including the location identifier.
  • the device comprises a mobile telephone, but other devices capable of communicating with the apparatus could be used, for example PDAs or a portable computer.
  • the user may therefore send a message using the telephone.
  • the message including the location identifier may be in any suitable form, for example an SMS text message.
  • a broad aspect of the invention provides apparatus for identifying a location for a device in a location-based communication system, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a predetermined location identifier from the device.
  • the apparatus includes a database comprising a plurality of location identifiers.
  • the system preferably manages a location based communication system for a plurality of different locations, each having a location identifier.
  • information in the database is searchable.
  • the database is searchable by the user from the device.
  • the apparatus may include means for receiving a search request from the device, and sending information regarding the location identifier to the device.
  • the location identifiers may become known to the user in a number of ways, for example visual advertisements in the press or at the venue itself. However, it is preferable for the system to include a search function so that the user can determine a location identifier for use.
  • the system may include a feature to allow the user to browse the location identifiers.
  • the user might be able to browse a list of locations which are linked to identifiers, and/or the system may include a search function in which
  • ' users can search for identifiers using, for example, keywords.
  • Preferably information in the database is arranged hierarchically.
  • the identifiers may be arranged in the hierarchy according to type of venue, for example bar or shop, and/or by location, for example, city, road, or nearest underground station.
  • the hierarchical structure of the identifiers is also important where the system provides information or services based on the location identifier. If there is no information or service in the system associated with a particular identifier, information or services associated with related identifiers (for example parent, child
  • the system may return to the user information regarding banks associated with the identifier for a nearby location.
  • the system may provide the service of putting the user into communication with another user in the same location. For example, the user might be in a bar having a location identifier and request information regarding other users in the same bar. If there are no other users having declared the same location identifier, the system can, using the hierarchical database, indicate to the user other users in bars nearby which have different location identifiers.
  • afurther aspect of the invention provides apparatus for use in a context-based communication system, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a predetermined context identifier from a device, and further including a database including a plurality of context identifiers, wherein the identifiers in the database are arranged hierarchically.
  • the context may comprise the location and thus the context identifier may be equivalent to the location identifier discussed above.
  • the context identifier may, however, relate to other subject matter, for example interests of the user of the device, so that information may be sent to the user relating to that subject matter, and/or communication between users having similar interests can be facilitated.
  • the hierarchy is based on geographical relationships. For example, where the identifiers relate to locations, a "parenf'node in the hierarchy of "London” might include “children” nodes of London boroughs, or underground stations.
  • Arranging the location identifiers in a hierarchical manner allows for user determination of a required call sign by searching and browsing through the hierarchy, as well as a roaming function in which the system can deliver the required service within the requested location, or if necessary within a location that is a superset, subset or is adj acent to, or is otherwise related to the requested location.
  • the service may connect the user with another user who has requested the service at the parent level of the location of the user has requested the service.
  • a particular location of interest to a user might not have a dedicated location identifier.
  • the apparatus includes means for receiving information from the device regarding a location, and means for generating a location identifier relating to that location.
  • This feature is of particular use where the database of location identifiers is searchable, and in particular where the database is in hierarchical form.
  • the system may receive information from the user regarding the location in the hierarchy for the new location.
  • the apparatus includes means for sending information or services to a device based on the location identifier.
  • the system further includes means for sending location based information or services based on the location identifier.
  • the information or service may be provided to the device which sent the identifier, or could be provided to other devices. For example, when a user declares that he is to be identified with a particular location, the system might notify all of the other users which are identified with the particular location (or related locations)
  • a further aspect of the invention provides apparatus for use in a communication system for providing location-based information or services, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a predetermined location identifier from a communication device, and means for providing information and/or a service, the information and/or service being related to the location identifier.
  • the apparatus can provide information or services to the user on the basis of the location information given to the apparatus.
  • a broad aspect of the invention provides, an apparatus for providing location-based information or services, the apparatus comprising means for receiving information from a device and means for providing data to a device, the data being related to a location identifier.
  • the information received from the device may comprise a device identifier for identifying a device to which information or services are to be provided and/or the information could include a predefined system instruction.
  • the apparatus comprises a plurality of location identifiers and a hierarchy of terms associated with the identifiers.
  • the information and/or service provided is associated with a term hierarchically related to the location identifier.
  • the information may be, in fact, associated only with a related term in the apparatus.
  • the user requests weather information relating to a particular city in England.
  • the system does not include weather information about that city, but it does include information about the weather in the county of the city (the county is a parent of the city in the hierarchy in this example).
  • Information regarding the weather in the county could be sent to the user.
  • the system may include information regarding the weather in another place in the same county as the city (in this example the other place is a sibling of the city in the hierarchy). This information could be sent to the user.
  • the information and/or service provided includes one or more of a message, a multimedia message and a computer program.
  • the information sent may include a text message, a visual message (or a combination) and/or a moving image or text.
  • the apparatus is adapted to receive a communication from the device, the communication including one or more of a message, a multimedia message, a computer program and an instruction.
  • the user can send various types of communication to the system.
  • These communications may instruct the system to carry out some function, which may comprise sending data to the device, and/or to a further device. Content of the communication may be sent to a further device.
  • the apparatus includes means for enabling communication between the device and a further device.
  • the service provided may include enabling communication between users of the system.
  • the apparatus includes means for identifying a further device identified by a location identifier related to the location identifier of the device.
  • the location identifier of the further device is the same as the location identifier of the first device, indicating that the devices are at the same location.
  • communication between users at a location can be enabled.
  • the further device may have a location identifier related to the identifier of - l i the first device by a hierarchical relationship in a hierarchical database of identifiers. In this way, communication between users in nearby locations can be facilitated.
  • the apparatus comprises means for sending to a device a designation of a further device.
  • the designation preferably includes a name allocated to the further device. Such names can be chosen by the users when they register in the system. In some cases the designation may include contact details of the further user, but it is preferred for the anonymity of the users to be maintained.
  • the device designation(s) may be sent to the user who has just declared the location identifier, and/or to users who have already declared that location identifier.
  • the users can then communicate with each other through the system using the device designations to direct their communications.
  • the apparatus comprises means for receiving a message from a device, the message including a device designation.
  • the system can be used for users to direct messages to other users of the system.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides apparatus for use in communication between two devices, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a message from a first device, the message including a designation of the second device and further including information for communication to the second device.
  • this aspect of the invention provides an addressing scheme that allows users and the system (for example the computers) to uniquely identify a given device.
  • a standard addressing system might be used, such as the IP addressing scheme operated on the Internet.
  • Standard DNS naming may also be used to "hide" difficult numerical addresses from human users. However, even DNS names are difficult to enter using most mobile device keys. Therefore it may be more appropriate to develop an alternative addressing scheme suitable for use by human users using mobile devices.
  • the apparatus further comprises means for sending the information to the second device.
  • the second device is a mobile device.
  • the device comprises a personal mobile communication device, preferably a mobile telephone.
  • the second device may comprise a fixed device.
  • the apparatus includes means for associating a designation with a device.
  • the designation may be determined by the user of the device and communicated to the apparatus.
  • the apparatus may be adapted to allocate a designation to the device.
  • the designation of the device is non-numerical.
  • the designation is an "alias" relating to the user of the device.
  • the apparatus comprises a user management and messaging server to handle the messages between the devices. Whilst it is possible to link certain mobile devices to Internet enabled systems by using protocols such as WAP, most phones in use at present are not fitted with WAP capability. However, in Europe and other areas, most GSM mobile telephones are capable of supporting the SMS text messaging service.
  • the system described preferably provides a method for interaction between mobile devices and other devices that is compatible with a wide range of data protocols.
  • a broad aspect of the invention provides, a method for interacting with a remote device including sending information to a remote system, the information including a message and ID information relating to the remote device.
  • the device comprises a mobile telephone.
  • the apparatus comprises an addressing scheme, an interface, a user management and messaging server and client software. Each of those components may be provided independently by the invention.
  • the information may comprise one or more commands or messages, together with, preferably a user's details , and/or ID information for the device to which the information is to be sent.
  • the format may comprise a particular messaging or command protocol, for example HTTP commands, email or SMS.
  • the information sent to the system includes an ID identifying the device to which the command is to be sent; the apparatus may include a database linking the ID to a specific device, for example its address.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method of controlling a remote device, the method comprising receiving information including a code or keyword or other addressing system which indicates the remote device, and a message, translating the message into a command for the remote device, and sending the command to the remote device.
  • An aspect of the invention provides a hierarchical database of terms, the terms comprising location identifiers for use in a location based communication system.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method of identifying a location for a device in a location-based communication system, the method comprising receiving a predetermined location identifier from the device.
  • the method comprises receiving a message from the device, the message including the location identifier.
  • the method comprises storing the location identifiers in a database, preferably hierarchically.
  • the method includes receiving information from the device regarding a location, and generating a location identifier relating to that location.
  • the method includes sending information or services to a device based on the location identifier.
  • the invention also provides a method of providing location-based information or services, the method comprising receiving a predetermined location identifier from a communication device, and providing information and/or a service, the information and/or service being related to the location identifier.
  • the method includes providing information and/or a service associated to a term hierarchically related to the location identifier.
  • the method includes receiving a communication from the device, the communication including one or more of a message, a multimedia message, a computer program and an instruction.
  • the method includes enabling communication between the device and a further device.
  • the method includes identifying a further device identified by a location identifier related to the location identifier of the device.
  • the method includes sending to a device a designation of a further device.
  • the method includes receiving a message from a device, the message including a device designation.
  • the invention also provides a method of facilitating communication between two devices, the method comprising receiving a message from a first device, the message including a designation of the second device and further including information for communication to the second device.
  • the method includes sending the information to the second device.
  • the method includes associating a designation with a device.
  • the invention also provides the use of a hierarchical database of location identifiers in a location based communication system.
  • a method of communicating with an information system comprising sending a location indicator to the system.
  • a method of determining a location indicator of a location based communication system including carrying out a search on the system to determine the location indicator.
  • the invention also provides a message for transmission in a communication system, the message comprising a location indicator.
  • the invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.
  • the invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.
  • examples of the invention can solve the problems identified with known systems sufficiently to allow for the delivery of a wide range of the anticipated mobile services.
  • Examples of the system rely on the allocation of unique "call signs" or code to specific physical locations and venues. These can be anything from clubs, bars, restaurants, through shops, shopping centres, public buildings, libraries and the like, to parks, football grounds and other open spaces (herein preferably referred to collectively as venues).
  • Each venue will preferably be allocated a unique call sign determined by such rules and standards are deemed relevant. All that is necessary is that preferably each call sign is unique. There is no need for the call sign to relate in any way to any characteristics of the venue (such as name, location, size), although these maybe used for ease of remembering.
  • a user of a mobile communication device wishes to receive a location based service, they initiate this process by sending an appropriate message to the appropriate business, indicating the call sign of the venue in which they are located.
  • an "appropriate message” could be a SMS text message, a voice call to an automated call system, a WAP-based interaction, or some other form of messaging suitable for use with a mobile communication device.
  • the receiving system preferably relates the call sign to its database of venues to determine the correct venue.
  • the system can then deliver suitable location aware information or services.
  • the system can also form the basis of a user-to-user interaction service based on current physical location, with all communications being routed through the service to allow people in the same venue to communicate with one another, possibly anonymously.
  • Examples of the system described comprise a Declarative, Real Time, Network and Service Independent, Contextual Location Determination System. It is declarative in that the user declares his position to the system via the use of call signs; it is real time in that the system can easily determine the user's location without recourse to other systems; it is network and service independent in that it requires no particular technology or service to be available other than messaging, and the system operates with either connection based services such as WAP, or store and forward systems such as SMS; it is contextual in that the location information is related to a physical venue or location, rather than a geo-spatial coordinate system.
  • a method of delivering to a user information or services dependant on a location comprising: receiving a call sign allocated to a location; and delivering information or services to the user relating to the call sign.
  • the method comprises receiving the call sign from the user's mobile communication device, preferably a cellular phone
  • a method of generating a call sign for a location comprising: receiving from a user information about the location; and creating a call sign for the location, preferably automatically and 'on-line'.
  • a method of determining a user's location comprising: receiving a call sign from the user; and using the call sign to determine the location of the user.
  • a method of enabling communication between users comprising: receiving a call sign from each of a plurality of users; enabling communication between users in dependence on the received call signs. 5.
  • a method of obtaining information or services dependant on a location comprising: sending a call sign allocated to a location; and receiving information or services.
  • Apparatus for delivering to a user information or services dependant on a location comprising: a receiver for receiving a call sign allocated to a location; and a transmitter for delivering information or services to the user relating to the call sign.
  • the apparatus comprises a database, including the call signs.
  • This feature may be provided independently.
  • the call signs are arranged into a hierarchy, preferably so that the system is navigable and/or searchable.
  • the call sign can, therefore, act as a "key" for obtaining access to information or other data relating to the location which has been allocated the call sign.
  • the invention provides a network and service independent communication system. In some examples, only messaging capabilities are required.
  • the whole system therefore may comprise: a code or 'call-sign' unique to the location; a mobile communication device for communication with a processing system; and the processing system including a database which stores call signs and related information and instructions.
  • Figure 1 shows components of the communication system
  • FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the system components for a GSM communications network
  • Figure 3 shows components of an example for use by multiple users.
  • Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the main components of the system 1. In the actual implementation the components used will depend on the nature of the technologies used.
  • the system comprises a communications device 2, a messaging infrastructure 3, a gateway 5, an application server 7 and a database 9 which contains, amongst other items, predetermined location identifiers.
  • a user wishing to access location dependent information or services uses the communications device 2 to send a message to the application server 7, sending the location identifier corresponding to the user's location.
  • the user also needs to identify himself. This is implicit in SMS in that there is an assumed one-to-one relationship between a user's telephone number and the user, and that the telephone number is sent with the message as the user identifier. Therefore user identifiers are sent with the location message, either explicitly or implicitly.
  • the database will therefore contain (if required) a user database keyed on these identifiers.
  • the database and application server may then provide authentication and authorization services.
  • the database may also contain information relating to the delivery of the requested services.
  • the predetermined location identifier sent by the communications device 2 (for which the location is to be determined) is passed via the messaging infrastructure 3 to the gateway 5, which enables the message to be received at the application server 7.
  • the application server 7 communicates with the database 9 to determine the required response or action based on the declared location of the communication device 2 and other factors specific to the information or service in question, which is then carried out. Other factors may be user rights to access the service (as described above), or previous actions by the user (such as would occur in a quiz or game) or actions by other users (as would occur in a game or chat service).
  • the application server 7 and database 9 will preferably maintain state information regarding the location of the communications device, requiring the user to declare a predetermined location identifier only once during a sequence of interactions.
  • the database 9 may also contain location specific data to be delivered to the communication device through the application server based on the registered location of the communication device.
  • the predetermined location identifier is obtained by the user
  • the predetermined location identifier is transmitted to the application server via the messaging infrastructure in a pre-defined manner
  • the application server determines the user ' s location and initiates the required response or action.
  • Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the system components 24 of an example which uses a GSM network 13 and mobile phone 11.
  • the system 24 comprises an application server 21 connected to a database 19.
  • the application server is a standard Internet based HTTP server.
  • the application server is connected to a SMS to HTTP gateway 23.
  • the gateway provides an interface between the HTTP service on the server 21 and the GSM network Short Message Service message centre (SMSC) 15.
  • SMS Short Message Service message centre
  • the database 19 contains the location identifiers used by the service.
  • a user, 17, can initiate a request for a service by sending a SMS message containing the location identifier to a published number.
  • the number in question can be that assigned to a GSM modem connected to a computer operated by the gateway provider, or a network provided "short code" that routes messages directly to the SMSC 15.
  • this example could either offer a service directly (operating at the application server 21) or could operate as a location determining service delivering location based information to other services.
  • the user may also identify other information, such as the service required.
  • other information such as the service required.
  • a single infrastructure could be used to deliver multiple services. For instance, weather information for a specific location with predetermined location identifier "A" could be requested by sending the message "WEATHER A", and traffic information for the same location could be requested by sending the message "TRAFFIC A" to the same SMS response number.
  • the system response could be routed through to the user via an SMS response number attached to the SMS request.
  • a description is now given of a location based gaming service, in which users in the same location compete in a quiz game.
  • Figure 3 below is a block diagram of the components of the service.
  • the, game is delivered via the popular SMS text messaging service available on most GSM phones.
  • any mobile communications data service could be used, such as iMode or WAP.
  • Figure 3 the components of Figure 2 are incorporated into a location based quiz product, as would be used by a pub or club or other entertainment venue.
  • the quiz is offered to customers in a given venues 27 and 29 such that users in each venue can compete against one another.
  • Figure 3 shows a configuration in which multiple quizzes operate simultaneously in a number of different locations.
  • the database 19 contains a set of identifiers, one for each venue participating in the quiz.
  • the users 31 and 33 in venue A, 27, wish to participate in a quiz in that venue, and the users 35 and 37 wish to participate in a quiz in venue B, 29.
  • the identifier for venue A is "A" and that for venue B is "B”.
  • Users 31 and 33 send the text message "QUIZ A” to the published SMS response number using Device 1 and Device 2 respectively, and users 35 and 37 send the text message "QUIZ B” to the same published SMS response number using Device 3 and Device 4.
  • the application server, 21, receives these messages and process them such that users 31 and 33 are added to the quiz operating in venue A, 27, and users 35 and 37 are added to the quiz operating in venue B, 29.
  • the stages of the process are: 1 .
  • User determines call sign of venue this may be displayed in the venue, or the user may have obtained it from an advertisement etc.) e.g. '"A"" or "B"
  • Receiving system server determines user's telephone number and location from the message. 5. Server adds user's information to application 6. Game commences
  • Server transmits series of questions to all participants via SMS messages.
  • Server maintains log of replies and calculates scores for each participant. 10.
  • At end of game server transmits results of game to participants via SMS.
  • This example merely demonstrates how the user would participate in a service. Note that many games in separate venues could be taking place simultaneously, with the call signs for each venue being used to segment user participation in each game.
  • the system as described can be used to provide a range of location sensitive services. These can be user-to-system interactions, or user-to-user interactions, or any other form of interactive service that can be delivered via a communications device.
  • Some examples of User to System services include:
  • Some examples of User to User services include: • Interactive gaming based on users' locations
  • the service as described would preferably be available in any location where the required network or other transport service is available. For instance if the location service were used in conjunction with a WAP service, then the service would be available in all locations where the WAP service could be used, which in turn is determined by factors such as network coverage, and signal strength.
  • the system can also be navigable and searchable, allowing the user to determine the correct call sign for their current venue by a set of answer-response queries.
  • the service requires the availability of a pre-assigned call sign for a specific venue, it is possible that a user may wish to use the service in a venue which has no call sign allocated.
  • the user could request a call sign for the venue, which could either be automatically generated in real time by the system, or processed "offline" by human intervention. If suitable additional information is provided (for example name of nearest city, nearest call sign to venue), the system could automatically insert the call sign into a hierarchical naming and navigation scheme as described above.
  • the service is exclusively "declarative", it is NOT possible for the system to message or interact with users who have not yet declared their presence to the system as required. This means that in the case of user to user interactions, only those users in a given venue who have declared themselves to the system can participate in these interactions. That is to say, this system preferably provides no method for automatically detecting the users location without user intervention. However it is the case at this time that such automatic location determination systems are almost certain to be subject to stringent and onerous data protection and privacy laws, especially in the European Union. Because preferred examples of the service is declarative, it will be by default an "opt-in" service that always has the user's permission to send messages to them.
  • the following example relates to establishing communication between one or more users or devices based on their predetermined location identifier.
  • the users can chat anonymously using text messages; the users can use their mobile phone to meet new people in the same location.
  • the user sends an SMS text message to a published number.
  • the text message comprises the word MAMJAM (the name of the service) and the ID of the place where the user wants to chat, for example MAMJAM LONDON.
  • the application server 21 receives this message and registers the device as associated with the location LONDON.
  • the system transmits a message back to the user which requests the user to declare a user name which will represent the user in communications with another user of the system.
  • the application server then queries the database 19 and finds another user who is also registered in LONDON. The application server will then send a message to user indicating that another user is available to chat. To chat with the other user, the user replies to the message.
  • This example of the system has been designed to avoid the necessity that the user is required to enter the other user's username. It is quite hard for users to correctly type the user's name. Therefore all that is required is to reply to the message to complete the initialisation of the conversation.
  • the system as described also provides functionality to select a user from a list of available users.
  • the user If the user wishes to chat to somebody different, the user sends a message to the system stating NEXT. The system will then find another user registered with the same location identifier.
  • the user sends the system a message having content END.
  • Ids can be determined by the user from advertising, in the press and/or the venue, or from a website which includes a searchable database of Ids.
  • the system includes further features activated by the user by sending commands as text messages. For example NAME is used to change the user name and CHATUP is sent if the user wants to receive examples of chatup lines.
  • the message received from the system comprises the chatup line and a number. To send the chatup line to the other user, the user sends a message comprising CHATUP and the number of the chatup line to be ' sent to the other user.
  • a list of the user names of users available for chatting for a particular location the user sends LIST.
  • the user sends CHAT followed by the user name of the user, or a number which is allocated to users on the list, for example CHAT HOTLIPS or CHAT 3.
  • the user In order to user the system, the user preferably buys credits.
  • the credits are then preferably used to chat on the system.
  • the credits are preferably bought using the user's phone. Alternatively, or in addition, the credits could be bought by buying a prepay card.
  • the credits are bought by calling a credit line, the charge of the call to the line buying the credits, for example each minute of the call might buy 150 credits.
  • the user calls using the device to be used in the system, and the credits are automatically credited for that device.
  • the user might call from a different device, for example a land line, identifying the device or user account to be credited.
  • Service or information provided by this system may be provided in a more efficient manner by utilising a hierarchical method of organising information, for example, location identifiers.
  • the system includes a FIND function; when a user sends a text message including FIND LONDON, the system returns a message to the user listing the available location identifiers.
  • aspects of the invention provide a location determination system in which the user of a service declares his location to the service by using a location identifier, such location identifier being related to a physical location.
  • a location identifier such location identifier being related to a physical location.
  • the identifiers are arranged in a hierarchy, in which some identifiers are parents or children of other identifiers, such relationships reflecting aspects of physical relationships in the real world.
  • the hierarchy is organised so as to allow for directed searching and/or browsing of the hierarchy to obtain a required identifier.
  • a number of users in the same location can interact with one another on some basis through use of the system.
  • a user may be delivered information or services of a location sensitive nature.
  • the hierarchical database of identifiers allows a user or users to interact based on locations within, adjacent or near to or containing the user's or users' declared location(s).
  • a further example describes a system for enabling communication between devices.
  • the system allows the customers of a venue such as a bar, club or restaurant to "send" messages directly from their mobile telephones using SMS text messaging to be displayed directly on another device situated in the venue.
  • the other device may be another customer's telephone, or a fixed screen in the venue.
  • a simple numerical addressing scheme is used.
  • An identification number for the device to be sent the message is displayed, for example where the device is a screen, the screen displays in a fixed position a unique identifying number.
  • the identification number is a designation for the device and is used at the application layer of the system to identify the device, for example the screen, uniquely to the system. Therefore the numbering scheme accommodates the total number of devices in the system.
  • the user sends and SMS message to a given telephone number with the device's identifying number. They may also send information, such as a username, to identify themselves.
  • the system effects the display of the contents of the user's message directly as a message on the device, for example the screen.
  • the system includes a gateway which, in this and other examples of the invention described herein, serves as a translator between the mobile network protocol and standard TCP/IP as used by the Internet.
  • a user management and messaging server is a proprietary system that translates the user's input into relevant actions, including access to the device.
  • the server may maintain a list of access rights, or user profiles, and may translate specific commands into particular actions.
  • the server also translates between the application level addressing scheme into specific physical addresses for the required device. It also sends .the relevant commands or messages to the device. This can be achieved by a number of mechanisms, such as email, HTTP commands, or some other messaging protocol.
  • the protocol chosen will determine the software requirements for each individual device. For example, where the device comprises a mobile telephone, an SMS message may be sent.
  • the gateway may translate the SMS message sent by the user to a standard internet HTTP request and send it to the user management server via the Internet, with security identifiers where appropriate.
  • the user management server stores the user' s telephone number (passed to the server by the SMS gateway with the original message) and the device with which they wish to communicate.

Abstract

La présente demande concerne un appareil destiné à la localisation d'un dispositif (2) dans un système de communication localisé. Cet appareil permet de recevoir un identificateur d'emplacement envoyé par le dispositif (2). Du fait que c'est le dispositif de l'utilisateur qui envoie les informations au système pour indiquer son emplacement, on peut déterminer l'emplacement du dispositif de l'utilisateur avec précision et éviter les problèmes potentiels liés à la protection de la vie privée de l'utilisateur.
PCT/GB2001/005494 2001-02-27 2001-12-12 Systeme et procede de communication pour determiner la localisation WO2002069662A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0104867.7 2001-02-27
GB0104867A GB0104867D0 (en) 2001-02-27 2001-02-27 Location determination system
GB0106026A GB0106026D0 (en) 2001-03-12 2001-03-12 Communication system
GB0106026.8 2001-03-12

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002069662A1 true WO2002069662A1 (fr) 2002-09-06

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2001/005494 WO2002069662A1 (fr) 2001-02-27 2001-12-12 Systeme et procede de communication pour determiner la localisation

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2002069662A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1445918A1 (fr) * 2003-02-07 2004-08-11 Siemens Information and Communication Networks Inc. Procédé et appareil pour déterminer la position d'un dispositif
DE10341581A1 (de) * 2003-09-09 2005-03-31 Siemens Ag Verfahren zum Übertragen von Informationen

Citations (4)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5682525A (en) * 1995-01-11 1997-10-28 Civix Corporation System and methods for remotely accessing a selected group of items of interest from a database
WO2000004730A1 (fr) * 1998-07-20 2000-01-27 Signalsoft Corp. Services fournis a abonne a site fixe
NL1013676A1 (nl) * 1998-11-27 2000-05-30 Ascii Corp Navigatiesysteem.
WO2001013069A1 (fr) * 1999-08-12 2001-02-22 Kivera, Inc. Procede et appareil pour fournir a des utilisateurs mobiles des services dependant de l'emplacement

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5682525A (en) * 1995-01-11 1997-10-28 Civix Corporation System and methods for remotely accessing a selected group of items of interest from a database
WO2000004730A1 (fr) * 1998-07-20 2000-01-27 Signalsoft Corp. Services fournis a abonne a site fixe
NL1013676A1 (nl) * 1998-11-27 2000-05-30 Ascii Corp Navigatiesysteem.
US6360164B1 (en) * 1998-11-27 2002-03-19 Ascii Corporation Navigation system
WO2001013069A1 (fr) * 1999-08-12 2001-02-22 Kivera, Inc. Procede et appareil pour fournir a des utilisateurs mobiles des services dependant de l'emplacement

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1445918A1 (fr) * 2003-02-07 2004-08-11 Siemens Information and Communication Networks Inc. Procédé et appareil pour déterminer la position d'un dispositif
US7248880B2 (en) 2003-02-07 2007-07-24 Siemens Communications, Inc. Methods and apparatus for determining a location of a device
DE10341581A1 (de) * 2003-09-09 2005-03-31 Siemens Ag Verfahren zum Übertragen von Informationen

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