WO2014016637A1

WO2014016637A1 - Message relay system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2014016637A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/002298
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Richards
Original assignee: Anthony Richards
Priority date: 2012-07-23
Filing date: 2012-09-13
Publication date: 2014-01-30

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for relaying electronic messages from at least one sender system to at least one mobile communication device such that the relayed message is relevant to a user of the mobile communication device and is transmitted when the user is in proximity to a location associated with the message.

Description

Message Relay System and Method

Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to corresponding United States provisional application serial number 61/674,815 filed 7/23/2012 entitled 'Location Based Messaging' naming the same inventor, the specification of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to systems and methods for relaying messages and more particularly to systems and methods for relaying messages from a sender system to a mobile communication device.

Background of the Invention

[0003] The proliferation of mobile devices throughout all segments of society has been accompanied by an increased reliance on electronic messaging as a means of communicating with mobile device users. As a result, mobile device users face bombardment of their devices with messages of all types from a wide variety of message senders. A majority of the messages will prove to be of no interest to the mobile device user, or will be received at a time inconvenient for the mobile device user to respond.

[0004] Systems and methods for matching messages to interests of the mobile device users to whom the messages are sent would be desirable. Further desirable would be systems and methods for transmitting messages to mobile device users at times and places convenient for the mobile device users to respond.

[0005] Providing such systems and methods calls for a solution to the technical problem of synchronizing message content with user interests and also synchronizing user alerts with the user's proximity to a location convenient for response. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the invention solve the aforementioned problems by providing methods and systems for relaying an electronic message from at least one sender system to at least one mobile device such that relayed message corresponds to an interest of the mobile device user and the mobile device user is alerted to the interesting message when the mobile device is in proximity of a location associated with the message.

Description of the Drawing Figures

[0007] These and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description of the invention considered in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:

[0008] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a message relay system according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0009] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a message relay system of the type illustrated in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention

[00010] Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for relaying messages according to an embodiment of the invention;

[00011] Fig. 4 is a is a flowchart illustrating a method for relaying messages according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[00012] For purposes of this specification, the terms 'mobile computing device', 'mobile device' and 'mobile phone' refer to any computing device capable of communication while the device is being transported from one location to another.

FIG. 1 Simplified Block Diagram

[00013] Fig. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a system 100 for relaying messages from a sender system 400 to a mobile communication device 200 according to an embodiment of the invention. System 100 comprises a message subsystem 120, a user subsystem 128, and a location subsystem 130. Message subsystem 120, user subsystem 128 and location subsystem 130 operate under control of at least one processor 117 to transfer

information and data from one subsystem to another via a system bus 180.

[00014] In operation, system 100 selects message content to be relayed from message sender system 400 to mobile device 200, The message content is selected based on two factors: a) messages relayed are related to an interest of the mobile device user 301, and b) the user is alerted to the relayed message content when the mobile device is located proximal to a location corresponding to the message content.

[00015] According to one embodiment of the invention system 100 is configured to communicate with message sender system 400 via the Internet 5. System 100 is further configured to communicate with at least one mobile device 200 via an air interface 143. System 100 is further configured to communicate with a second communication device 300 via the Internet 5. Message sender system 400 comprises a source of message content to be provided to mobile communication device 300 via message relay system 100. Message sender system 400 provides message content to message

subsystem 120 of system 100 for relay to mobile device 200.

[00016] User 301 operates a second communication device 300, for example a desktop computer system configured for communication via the Internet 5 to access user subsystem 128 of system 100. User 301 provides user identifying information to user subsystem 301 sufficient to comprise a unique user identifier. User 301 further provides an identifier for the user's mobile device 200 sufficient to enable system 100 to communicate with mobile device 200. User 301 further provides, directly or indirectly, information indicating user preferences. User subsystem 128 receives the user identifier, the mobile device ID and stores the two identifiers in association with each other. User subsystem 128 categorizes the user preferences and stores the categories in association with the user identifier.

[00017] According to some embodiments of the invention, system 100 provides a message to a user's mobile device based on two criteria. First, user interest has been determined to be related to content of the message. And second, a user's mobile device is determined to be within a range of a location associated with the message content. In one embodiment of the invention the message is provided to mobile device 200 when the above conditions are satisfied. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the message is provided to to mobile device 200 when the first conditions is satisfied. However, user 301 is not alerted to the presence of the message until mobile device 200 is within a range of the location associated with the message content.

[00018] For purposes of this specification, the term 'user' refers to the individual operator of mobile communication device 200 to whom messages are addressed for delivery to mobile device 200. Typically the user of device 200 will be the individual identified as the device owner in a network provider's accounting system. However, a user of device 200 need not be the owner for purposes of the invention. For example, the user may be a family member, an employee or have some other relationship to the owner of mobile device 200 by which that user is the addressee for messages delivered to mobile device 200.

User Subsystem

[00019] User subsystem 128 connects system 100 to second

communication device 300 for communication with user 301 via the Internet. For example, an individual user 301 employs a first mobile communication device such as device 200 for mobile telephonic communication, text messaging and other functions typically provided by a mobile cellular telephone, personal digital assistant or the like. The same individual 301 employs a second communication device 300 comprising, e.g., a

conventional desktop computer for browsing the Internet.

[00020] The invention is not limited with respect to type of

communication device comprising second communication device 300. In one example configuration second communication device 300 comprises a computing device configured to communicate with user subsystem 128 via a wired or wireless Internet connection. Examples of suitable devices to comprise 300 include laptop computers, desktop computers, net-book computers, i-pads and like devices, cellular telephones, smart phones, web servers under control of third parties, web enabled telephones and any other communication device equipped for communication via the Internet 5.

[00021] Web Portal

[00022] In an example implementation, user subsystem 128 includes a web server configured to enable user 301 to communicate with system 100 via a conventional web browser operated by a keyboard, mouse, stylus or other input device associated with second communication device 200. The user may interact with pages of a web site provided by the server to accomplish any of the following: obtain information, register with system 100 to receive location based messages, provide user preference information, 'opt-in' to tracking the user's browsing activity or to download a location application (or 'app') for transfer to the user's mobile device.

[00023] During the registration process user 301 provides a unique identifier for the user's mobile communication device. System 100 identifies user 301 by a unique userjd associated with the unique mobile device identifier. A userjd can comprise a user's name, nickname, user name or other suitable identifier. System 100 uses the mobile device identifier to establish a communication link with mobile device 200. System 100 receives the user information and the mobile device identifier and stores the information in a user database such that a reference to one may be cross referenced to the other.

[00024] An example of a suitable device identifier includes but is not limited to an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. An IMEI number uniquely identifies mobile communication devices comprising GSM, WCDMA, and iDEN mobile phones, as well as some satellite phones. To provide the IMEI number a user may locate the number typically found printed inside the battery compartment of the mobile communication device and provide the number to user subsystem 128.

User Information

[00025] User subsystem 128 also receives information about user 301 from 2nd communication device 300. User subsystem 128 uses the information to determine the user's interests, preferences, or other personal characteristics for the purpose of selecting messages of interest to user 301. For example, user 301 may indicate his or her interests on a form provided by user subsystem 128 via a web page accessed by user 301 via 2nd communication device 300. In that case user subsystem 128 compares the interests indicated on the form to the categories of message content received by message subsystem 120 from message sender system 400. System 100 selects messages for relay to mobile device 200 based on the results of the comparison.

Message Subsystem

[00026] Message subsystem 120 connects system 100 to a message sender system 400 via a wide area network such as the Internet. Message sender system 400 comprises a system configured to provide message content to be relayed to at least one mobile device. For example, message sender system 400 may be under control of any person, organization, government, group, store, agency or other entity and operated to provide electronic messages for delivery to mobile devices for any purpose. For example, sender system 400 may comprise a server system configured to serve content for relay to mobile devices of consumers, customers, clients or other third parties.

[00027] According to one embodiment sender system 400 comprises a marketing system configured to cooperate with message relay system 100 to relay messages comprising promotional content, discount coupons, special announcements and the like to mobile devices of potential consumers and customers. While examples of the invention are discussed herein in the context of promotional and commercial messages, the invention is not so limited. Virtually any type of electronic message and message content, including business, personal, family and social messages may be relayed from a message sender to a mobile communications device in accordance with the principles of the invention.

[00028] According to an example embodiment of the invention, message sender system provides the following to message subsystem 120 : 1. a message identifier, 2. message content, and 3. a message category. A message identifier is any indicator uniquely identifying a message to system 100. Message identifiers may be assigned using any identification scheme as long as messages are uniquely identifiable.

[00029] Message content is that portion of a message understandable to a message receiver. Examples of types of message content contemplated for various embodiments of the invention include, but are not limited to advertising content, for example, offers of goods or services for sale. Further examples include informational, educational, business, entertainment and social content, such as descriptions of historical sites near a location; tickets to an event or venue near a location, reminders, instructions, directions and the like.

[00030] According to some embodiments of the invention, messages are selected from the group comprising: advertisements, coupons, offers, discounts, and reminders. In that case the corresponding message bodies will typically comprise an offer, in textural form, related to , for example, an advertising campaign. Messages suitable for use with the present invention may comprise text, images, video, or sound content and combinations thereof. For example in an embodiment relying on a Multimedia Message Service (MMS) messages may include images, text, audio and video and these may be compiled, for example into slide-shows for display on a display device of mobile communication device 300. Messages may also comprise binary code or bit mapped images, for example, executable programs and bar code images.

[00031] Message subsystem 120 receives at least message content from sender system 400. In an alternative embodiment messages comprise a message content reference instead of message content. For example a message content reference may comprise an indicator that may be cross referenced to corresponding message content by means of a look up table or other cross reference mechanism. In that case, message subsystem 120 receives the indicator and looks up the corresponding message content using the indicator. It will be understood the invention is not limited with respect to any particular number of messages provided by message sender system 400. Embodiments of the invention provide sufficient storage to hold as many different messages as transmitted by a message sender 400.

[00032] In one embodiment of the invention when message content related to a user's interest is identified system 100 forms a message comprising the content and transmits the message to the user's mobile device. In one embodiment the message is transmitted to the user's mobile device when the device is within a range R of an associated location. In another embodiment of the invention the message of interest may be provided to the user's mobile device 200 at any time. However, the user's mobile device does not alert the user to the availability of the message until the user's device is within a range R of the associated location.

[00033] In some embodiments of the invention message sender 400 provides a category indicator in association with corresponding message content. The category indicator characterizes the message content in terms of subject matter. For example, message content may relate to an appetizer at a particular restaurant. In that case, th example content of message 401 may be classified as 'food'. Alternatively, the example message content may be categorized as relating to 'dining', or 'restaurants' or with any combination of the foregoing. At least one category is associated with each

corresponding message content received by message subsystem 120.

[00034] In one embodiment of the invention, message meta data identifies, categorizes and/or classifies the subject matter of the message body. The subject matter is classified to facilitate matching the portion of the message having meaning to a human to interests of a mobile device user.

[00035] Message contents are classifiable in a wide variety of ways.

For example, in one variation, message content is classified by subject matter such as "food", "apparel", "furniture", "appliances", etc. According to the foregoing scheme, for example, message content comprising text offering a discount on a particular appliance could be classified as "appliances".

[00036] In other embodiments, message content is classified according to an associated demographic. For example message content comprising an offer for free tailoring for mens suits would be classified as "male". A free baby portrait would be classified as "infant", etc. The types of classification schemes suitable for use with the invention are too numerous to mention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited with respect to classification scheme. Any classification scheme indicating or characterizing message content in any manner suitable for comparing the content to preferences of a user will be suitable for use in various embodiments of the invention.

[00037] In one embodiment of the invention message subsystem 120 further receives an indication identifying a geographic point, area or location to be associated with corresponding message content. In one embodiment the associated location is provided by message sender system 400. The following representative example illustrates how the associated location is used.

[00038] Message sender 400 comprises a computer system serving content for a nationwide chain of donut shops, 'Dan's Donuts'. A particular Dan's Donut shop is located at 111 Cruller Blvd. Dayton, Ohio. The

management of Dan's Donuts is testing a coffee cake product at Dan's Cruller Blvd. Location.

[00039] In that case Dan's Donuts 400 offers a promotion in the form of a free cup of coffee to encourage visitors to visit the Cruller Blvd. location to try the new product. Example message content comprises: 'Free cup of coffee with purchase of coffee cake'. In association with the message content Dan's Donuts computer system 400 provides message subsystem 120 with an indication of the location of Dan's Donut store at Cruller Blvd. In the example case, the location associated with the message content is 111 Cruller Blvd. Dayton, Ohio. However, the invention is not limited to street address as a location indicator. Other suitable indications of location include, but are not limited to latitude and longitude, GPS coordinates, zip code, Cartesian coordinates, World Geodetic System coordinates, and the like.

[00040] In some embodiments of the invention a location associated with message content is determined by system 100. System 100 stores a location in association with corresponding stored message content. Suitable location indicators comprise, but are not limited to street address, latitude longitude, zip code, grid coordinates or other geographic indicators suitable or adaptable for use with geographic information services (GIS), GPS or other electronic location services.

[00041] Location indications received by system 100 in association with corresponding message content are provided to location subsystem 130. Location subsystem 130 also stores location information related to mobile device 200. Location subsystem 130 compares the most recent location of mobile device 200 to the indication of location associated with message content. According to one embodiment of the invention, If location subsystem 130 determines mobile device 200 is within a given range of an associated locations, for example, within a mile of Dan's donuts on Cruller Blvd., and system 100 determines an association exists between Dan's Donut message content and the interests of a user, system 100 will forward the message about free coffee to the user's mobile device.

[00042] In another embodiment of the invention, system 100 relays

Dan's message about free coffee to mobile device 200 without waiting to determine whether mobile device 200 is located within a given range of Dan's donuts on Cruller Blvd. Instead, system 100 forwards the message after determining an association exists between the Dan's Donut message and the interests of the user of mobile device 200. However, the message is not displayed to the user of mobile device 200 until the user's device is determined to be within the given range of Dan's donuts on Cruller Blvd.

[00043] According to one embodiment of the invention, mobile device

200 is provided with an application program. The application program determines the distance between mobile device 200 and a location

associated with a message received by mobile device 200. When the program detects the mobile device is within a range of the location, the program causes mobile device 200 to alert the user. For example, the mobile device may emit an audible sound, light a visible indicator light or vibrate to alert the user to the associated message.

[00044] Regardless of the source of a location associated with message content, message subsystem 120 may provide the associated location to location subsystem 130 for use in determining distance of mobile device 300 to the location. In one embodiment, location subsystem 130 tracks the location of mobile device 200. Location subsystem 130 compares a location of mobile device 200 to a location associated with message content received from message sender system 400 to determine a distance between the locations. If mobile device 200 is within a range of a location associated with message content of interest to user 301, location subsystem 130 provides the content of interest to the mobile device 200 of user 301.

[00045] According to one example embodiment, system 100 provides a default range of 1 mile. In that case location subsystem 130 may transmit the message of interest to user 301 when the location of mobile device 200 is within 1 mile of the location associated with the message of interest. In alternative embodiments of the invention, user 301 is enabled to select the range for location subsystem 130. For example user 301 provides the range to user subsystem 128 using 2nd communication device 300. In other embodiments of the invention, mobile device 200 is equipped to enable user 301 to select the range used by location subsystem 130.

FIG. 2 System Block Diagram

[00046] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing further details of an embodiment of the system 100 illustrated in Fig. 1 in which like numerals refer to similar components. System 100 selects messages for relay to mobile communication device 300 based on at least one of two factors. The first factor is a relationship between message content and an interest of the mobile device user. The second factor is a location of the user's mobile device with respect to a location associated with a message.

[00047] System 100 comprises a message subsystem 120, a device subsystem 130 and a user subsystem 128. User subsystem 128 is configured to communicate with a second communication device 300. Message subsystem 120 is configured to communicate with a source of messages 400. Device subsystem 130 is configured to communicate with at least one mobile device 200. For purposes of this specification the term message refers to information of any kind and in any form transmitted from a source to a receiver. Examples of message services suitable for implementing various embodiments of the invention include but are not limited to media message service (MMS), mobile instant messaging (MIM), short message service (SMS) and text message service (TMS).

[00048] The invention is not limited to any particular type of message or message service. For example various embodiments of the invention include mobile coupons, bar codes including quick response (QR) codes, video images, sounds and tactile sensations such as vibrations. The term 'message content' as used herein refers to information to be transmitted, regardless of its form.

[00049] A message subsystem 120 includes a communication port 121 configured to couple subsystem 120 to a wide area network such as the Internet. Message subsystem 120 communicates with message sender system 400 to receive message content to be relayed to a user via the user's mobile device 200. Message subsystem 120 stores the received message content. For example message content is stored in a relational database 920 in association with a corresponding message category and a corresponding location.

[00050] User subsystem 128 includes a communication port 122 configured to communicate with a second communication device 300 via a wide area network such as the Internet 5. Communication port 122

communicates with 2nd communication device 300 to receive at least one of a user identifier and a device identifier. User and device identifiers uniquely identify corresponding users and devices respectively to system 100.

Communication port 129 provides received user and device identifiers respectively to user subsystem 128 and location subsystem 130.

[00051] In one example embodiment a user of a mobile

communication device 200 communicates with user subsystem 128 using second communication device 300. For example the user interacts with a website or web page provided by a server comprising user subsystem 128. The interactive web page enables the user to register to receive on the user's mobile communication device 300, selected messages content originating with sender 400.

[00052] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this specification a variety of communication port arrangements will be suitable for establishing the communication links described herein. For example, communication ports 121 and 122 may be implemented as separate devices or by a single device and may comprise a variety of communication port arrangements to communicate with sender system 400 and second communication device 30.

[00053] In one embodiment of the invention user subsystem 128 of system 100 creates a userjd for the and stores the userjd in, for example a relational database comprising a memory 928 included in user subsystem 128. The userjd entry is related in the database to the corresponding user's mobile communication device 200 . The mobile communication device is stored in association with the userjd such that the mobile communication device id provides a cross reference to the userjd and vice versa. [00054] Also stored in a memory of user subsystem 128 are indications of user interests. System 100 determines a user's interests in one of several possible ways. In one embodiment the user indicates the user's interest when communicating with user subsystem 128 of system 100 using second communication device 300 to interact with website 154. In another embodiment of the invention, the users interests are inferred by system 100 from the user activity while browsing the Internet or engaging in other on-line activity

[00055] For example, user subsystem 128 gathers information about the user's interactions with 2nd communications device 300. System 100 may request the user's consent to provide a tracking cookie for the purpose of gathering user data. The data about the user's activity is gathered and analyzed by a user preference analyzer. The analyzer draws inferences about the user's interests. In other embodiments the user's browser is equipped with widgets, buttons, or other interactive icons. These interactive items enable the user to indicate articles or content of interest encountered while browsing the Internet.

[00056] Regardless of its source, the user information is stored in a memory 928 of user subsystem 128. In one example embodiment a user's information is analyzed to determine categories of subject matter of interest to the user. The categories are stored in association with the corresponding user. In one embodiment of the invention, the categories associated with each user are compared to content categories associated with message content received from sender 400. The comparison is made to determine if any user's interests are related to. received message content.

[00057] In one embodiment a user interest analyzer 928 infers the user's interests or preferences. In that case, the user provides at least a userjd, user-name, alias or some other information identifying the user to subsystem 128. In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2 user subsystem 128 receives information related to the user's activity on second communication device 300. Analyzer 928 analyzes the received information to infer interests of the user. [00058] In one embodiment of the invention, system 100 tracks the activity of the user as the user interacts with a web browser of second communication system 300. In other embodiments information about a user is gathered from publicly available information. For example, some embodiments of the invention gather information about a user from various social websites such as Facebook, twitter, Linked-in and the like. According to some embodiments, the user information is assigned to at least one interest category based on the analysis. Interest categories are stored in association with the corresponding user ID.

[00059] Message content received from message sender 400 is associated with at least one corresponding category. The categories defining message content and the categories defining user interests are configured to allow automated comparison of the two. Stored messages comprising categories related to a user interest category are identified by system 100 as candidates for transmission to the user's mobile communication device.

[00060] In one embodiment of the invention a comparing unit 950 receives categories associated with users from user database 928 and message content categories from message database 920. Comparing unit 950 compares the categories to determine if any interests of a mobile device user are related to the content of any stored messages. If no relationship is found, no message content is prepared for transmission to a mobile device. If an interest category associate with a mobile device user relates to stored message content the related stored message content is retrieved and prepared for transmission to the corresponding mobile device 200.

[00061] In one embodiment of the invention a preference category associated with a user need not match exactly a message category to be considered related to the user's interests for purposes of selecting messages for transmission to a corresponding mobile device. A preference category related to the message category may also be considered a match. For example, a message-category comprises 'Broadway' is compared to a user preference category 'entertainment'. The comparison may identify the categories as related though they are not identical. [00062] In one example embodiment of the invention communication port 121 comprises a network interface controller integrated on a

motherboard of processor 117 and coupled for wired communication with message sender system 400 in accordance with an Ethernet communication standard . Alternatively, communication port 121 may be integrated with another component of system 100 or may be a separate component of system 100. Message subsystem 120 is configured to communicate with a message sender system 400 via the Internet using 1st communication port 121 (Comm 1). Communication port 121 communicates with message sender system 400 to receive a plurality of messages. Each received message comprises at least message content. The message content comprises a corresponding message to be relayed to a mobile

communication device. Communication port 121 provides the received message content to message subsystem 120.

[00063] Possible variations of communication port 121 include wireless communication adapters enabling system 100 and message subsystem 120 to communicate via an air interface with message sender system 400.

Alternative adapters 121 include those configured for communication with message sender system 400 via media other than Ethernet, for example those relying on Token Ring, Arcnet or another networking standard for communication.

[00064] According to one embodiment of the invention messages arriving at comm 1 are provided to a content analyzer 143. In one

embodiment of the invention content analyzer 143 comprises a text analyzer. Text analyzer 143 analyzes message content comprising text of received messages in order to classify, or categorize, each message according to a subject matter of its content. The text analyzer examines the text of each message in turn in search of one or more alphanumeric text strings, for example a word or sequence of words, which may be used to identify the purpose, nature or other characteristic of the message under examination. According to some embodiments of the invention, the text analyzer operates in association with a rule engine to apply a set of rules to the message in order to determine how to categorize the message. [00065] Text analyzer 143 is capable of generating more than one category for a message. According to some embodiments, text analyzer 143 associates a confidence indicator with each category in the set an indication of the level of confidence with which the text analyzer has determined that the message falls within that category. Typically, the confidence level is expressed as a percentage. Once a message is categorized an indication of its category and confidence level are stored in association with the message.

[00066] A location subsystem 130 of system 100 is configured to communicate with a mobile device 300 for example via a cellular network comprising an air interface between mobile device 300 and location

subsystem 130. System 100 further includes a radio frequency RF comm port 106. RF comm port 106 is configured for communication with mobile device 200 via an air interface using one or more conventional

radiotelephone communication technologies. Suitable technologies include, but are not limited to Digital Frequency Division Multiple Access ('Digital FDMA), Digital Narrow-band Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) including Global System for Mobile Communications GSM, and digital wide-band, or 'spread spectrum' systems including Code Division Multiple Access systems.

[00067] In one embodiment of the invention, a mobile device reports its location periodically to locating subsystem 130. In another embodiment of the invention, locating subsystem 130 determines the location of the mobile device. According to one embodiment of the invention, location subsystem 111 includes a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit capable of locating mobile devices based on a mobile device identifier received from a mobile device user.

[00068] To determine if a mobile device is in a vicinity of a location associated with a message, the location of the mobile device is compared to the location associated with the message. A distance D between the mobile device and the associated location is calculated. Next, D is compared to a range R associated with the location (See Fig. 2 at 266). if D is less than or equal to R the mobile device is considered in proximity to the location associated within the message, i.e., within range of the location. If D is greater than R the mobile device is not considered in proximity to the location associated with the message, i.e., out of range of the location associated with the message.

[00069] According to one embodiment of the invention, mobile communication device 200 periodically estimates its own location using a variety of techniques, including employing its own internal GPS system.

Mobile communication device 300 may then transmit its location to location subsystem 130 of system 100. In one embodiment of the invention, mobile device 300 transmits its location to system 100 periodically under control of an application program downloaded from system 100 to mobile device 200 and executing on a processor of mobile device 200. Mobile communication device 300 may transmit its position periodically at intervals determined by a program, or by a device operator.

[00070] In another alternative embodiment mobile device 200 is periodically polled for its location by system 100, or by other transceivers sufficiently proximal to mobile device 200 to establish a communication link using a short distance communication signal . Fig.2 illustrates a transceiver comprising access point AP 900 configured to establish a communication link with mobile device 200 via a short distance communication signal

Transceiver 900 is configured to communicate with system 100 using a longer distance communication signal such as a mobile cellular telephone signal .

[00071] In some embodiments of the invention AP 900 receives a location from mobile device 200 and relays the received location to system 100. In other embodiments access point 900 transmits it own location to system 100 when access point 900 detects the presence mobile device 200.

[00072] Table 1 provides examples of wireless communication approaches suitable for use with various embodiments of the invention. TABLE 1

[00073] Alternatively, mobile device 200 may transmit its location under in response to receiving a polling signal from system 100 or from a short range wireless transceiver in proximity to mobile device 200. In that case embodiments of the invention configure mobile device 200 for

communication via signals from a Wi-Fi hot spot as illustrated in Fig. 2 at 900. In one embodiment of the invention, mobile device 200 determines the distance between itself and each one of three cell towers. A conventional "triangulation" technique is then employed to determine location to within about 500 meters.

[00074] In one embodiment of the invention, mobile device location is accomplished using a Global Positioning System GPS to determine a position of mobile communication device 200 to within about five meters.

[00075] In one embodiment mobile communication device 300 is programmed to identify itself to transceivers comprising access points (AP) 900 fixed in place at various locations throughout an area. Each access point 900 may be programmed with its own corresponding fixed location. Each time mobile device 300 passes an access point in sufficiently close proximity for communication, device 300 may identify itself to a transmitter at the access point. The transmitter transmits the location associated with the access point, along with device identifying information to location subsystem 130 of system 100. Fig. 3 Method Flowchart

[00076] Fig.3 is a flowchart of a method for relaying messages according to an embodiment of the invention.

[00077] At 301 a system of the invention (example illustrated in Figs 1 and 2 at 100 ) receives the following from a message sender system: a) message content, b) a corresponding category for the content, c) a location associated with the content, and d) a range associated with the location.

[00078] At 303 the system receives user-provided information comprising a mobile device identifier and a user identifier.

[00079] At 305 the system determines the users interests. User interests may be determined in a variety of ways. For example a tracking cookie or other tracking mechanism is provided to the user's web browser. Information specific to the user is generated based on visited web pages, shopping cart contents, etc. The information is then reported to the alert system. The information is stored in association with the user identification code. The information is analyzed to make inferences about what the user is interested in based on the information gathered by the tracking cookie.

[00080] Alternatively the user visits a portal of system 100. An interactive from is available on the portal. The form comprises questions about user interests. Alternatively user interests are gathered by monitoring and recording the user's interaction with a browser of a computer, and/or with the user's mobile device,

[00081] Alternatively, the user's interests may be inferred from information on the user's Facebook page or from other social content related to the user and available on the Internet. In another embodiment of the invention, a user provides key words or other indicators of the user's interest, thereby directly expressing interest in certain types of content. In another embodiment a user's browser is equipped to presented the user with widgets, buttons or other interactive icons or devices as a means for the user to indicate interest in content encountered while browsing.

[00082] The information about the user is then analyzed by any of a variety of conventional techniques to determine user interests. In one embodiment of the invention, the user's interests are categorized and the categories stored in association with the user identification code. [00083] At 307 the user's interests are compared with the subject matter of received message content. In one embodiment of the invention message content is classified by subject matter. A category is assigned to the content and the category provided with the message content. The category is stored in association with the corresponding message content. In another embodiment a text analyzer of system 100 analyzes received message content to determine a category. In that case the category or categories assigned by the text analyzer are compared to determine if a relationship exists between the message category and the user's interests. If a relationship is identified the corresponding message is selected as a message of interest to the user.

[00084] At 309 if the user does not have an interest related to received message content, the system waits as new message content arrives. At 307 the method repeats as the system compares the user's interests to new message content.

[00085] At 309 if the user has an interest in received message content th e system selects the message content of interest and transmits the message content to the user's mobile device at 311. In one embodiment of the invention, the message content is downloaded from system 100 to the user's mobile device without alerting the user to the presence of the content.

[00086] At 313 the system determines if the user's mobile device is within the range received at 301 with the selected message content. To make the determination system 100 determines a distance between the user's mobile device location and the location associated with the message content. System 100 compares the distance to the range provided with the message content. If the distance from the user's mobile device to the location associated with the message is greater than the range system 100 waits until the user's mobile device is within the range. In one embodiment of the invention message content includes an expiration date and time. If the user's mobile device is not within the range by the message expiration date, the message is removed from the user's mobile device and the method ends. [00087] At 313 if the user's mobile device is within the range the message content is displayed, or made available for display on the user's mobile device.

[00088] In one embodiment of the invention, a location associated with message content is not provided by message sender system 400 to system 100. Instead system 100 receives the message content and system 100 categorizes the message content, When a user interest category is identified that relates to the category, the category is provided to a search engine. An example of a suitable search engine comprises an Internet 'yellow pages' or a similar search service or provider. A location in the vicinity of the user's mobile device is provided to the search engine along with the message category. The search engine returns addresses of advertisers in the category of the message and in the vicinity of the mobile device. In that case, location subsystem 130 determines the distance between the mobile device and at least one of the locations returned by the search engine.

FIG. 4 Method Flowchart

[00089] Fig. 4 illustrates a method according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. At 401 message content is received. A geographic location and range is associated with the message content.

[00090] At 403 system 100 identifies mobile devices within the range associated with the message content. For example, system 100 examines the contents of a device location database comprising device identifiers associated with respective corresponding devices. The database further includes a location associated with respective corresponding devices.

[00091] At 405 interests of the respective corresponding users of the mobile devices within the range are determined. For example, system 100 stores a user id in association with a device id for each respective

corresponding user. The user identifiers are associated with corresponding user interest categories. System 100 compares the categories associated with the user ids with a category associated with the message content to identify matching, or similar categories. Users having an interest in the message content are identified based on the results of the comparison. For example a user having an interest category related to a message content category is determined to have an interest in the message content.

[00092] At 407 if a user has an interest in the message content, the message content is transmitted at 409 to the mobile device of the corresponding user.

Claims

CLAIMS What is Claimed is:

1. A method for relaying message content from a message sender system to a mobile device comprising:

receiving the message content from the message sender;

determining if an interest of a user of the mobile device relates to the message content;

associating a location with the message content;

determining proximity of the mobile device to the associated location;

causing the mobile device to alert the user to the message content when the interest of the user relates to the message content and the mobile device location is proximal .the associated location.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein causing the mobile device to display the message content is carried out by transmitting the message content to the mobile device only when the mobile device is proximal to the associated location.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein causing the mobile device to display the message content is carried out by transmitting the message content to the mobile device if an interest of the user relates to the message content without regard to the proximity of the mobile device to the associated location.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein determining proximity of the mobile device to the associated location includes:

comparing the mobile device location to the associated location; determining a distance between a location of the mobile device and the associated location;

if the mobile device location is less than a range R, determining the mobile device to be proximal the associated location.

5. A method for relaying message content from a message sender system to a mobile device comprising:

receiving the message content, a location associated with the message content and a range R defining proximity to the associated location;

identifying mobile devices in the proximity of the associated location;

determining if a mobile device user has an interest in the message content;

for users of mobile devices in the proximity of the location and having an interest in the message content, transmitting the message content to the user's mobile device.

6. A system for relaying a message from a sender system to a mobile communication device comprising:

a first communication port configured to receive message content and a location associated with the message content from the sender system;

a second communications port configured to receive a mobile communication device identifier from a second communication device;

a locating subsystem receiving the device identifier from the second communications port, the locating subsystem establishing a communication link for relaying the content to the mobile device based at least in part on the device identifier.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the second communication port is further configured to receive an indication of user interest, the system further comprising:

a user interest analyzer providing an interest category for a corresponding indication of user interest;

a message content analyzer providing a content category for the message content;

a comparing unit for comparing the interest category to content category;

the comparing unit providing message content to the locating subsystem for relay to the mobile device based on the results of the comparison.

8. The system of claim 6 wherein the locating subsystem includes a communications port for receiving an indication of location of the mobile device.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein the indication of location comprises a location of a wireless access point acquiring a signal from the mobile device.

10. The system of claim 6 further comprising a distance analyzer receiving the location of the mobile device and the location associated with the message, the distance analyzer determining a separation distance between the mobile device and the location associated with the message.