WO2018165722A1

WO2018165722A1 - A method of projection of real venues and real visitors of venues to an internet-based virtual space through a web server by virtue of wireless, wired or data connection, including unique connection and verification process

Info

Publication number: WO2018165722A1
Application number: PCT/AZ2017/000002
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elchin ASKAROV
Original assignee: Askarov Elchin
Priority date: 2017-03-13
Filing date: 2017-03-13
Publication date: 2018-09-20

Abstract

A method of reflection of real venues and real visitors of venues in a virtual space through wireless, wired and data connection whereas the venues and the visitors are connected to a web server through virtual profiles. This method comprises two ways of connection of venues and visitors to the web server such as connection through the router by using a common IP address block and connection through GPS by using common territorial location data. Connection by using a common IP address block can be also performed in two ways. If a venue has got its own static IP address, then this address is to be used. In other cases, a unique IP block generated on the VPN server are to be used. Venues, data of which is stored on the server, are projected on the special website and the mobile application as a venue profile with interactive floor or area plan. Visitors, who attend the venue in real circumstances, are needed to perform wireless or GPS connection (depending on a venue), and as a result of this connection they are shown on the appropriate floor or area plan of the venue profile on the special website and the mobile application.

Description

A METHOD OF PROJECTION OF REAL VENUES AND REAL VISITORS OF VENUES TO AN INTERNET-BASED VIRTUAL SPACE THROUGH A WEB SERVER BY VIRTUE OF WIRELESS, WIRED OR DATA CONNECTION, INCLUDING UNIQUE CONNECTION AND VERIFICATION PROCESS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a method of projection of data from real world (including venues, visitors of venues and various processes) to a virtual space through unique connection method, and usage of such data for purposes of social networking. The invention relates to method of usage of wireless, wired and data connections, as well as Global Positioning System (GPS) from its technical point of view and social networking from point of view of potential usage.

2. Background information

Through the last decade social networks became integral part of life of a vast number of people all over the world. Information exchange is a core feature of all social networking platforms. There are different types of information that can be accessible via such platforms, and one of these types is information about location.

Most people usually are tending to share information, which restaurant, club, hotel and etc. they visited, also there is a high demand on feedbacks regarding particular venue. The "Check- in" system is considered to be the most popular in a way to share one's location. On the other side, specific platforms, such as Foursquare Swarm or Tripadvisor, concentrate information regarding venues, as well as feedbacks.

Despite the high popularity of the known location sharing systems, this field of social networking lacks some important features. Firstly, none of the location sharing services guarantee authenticity of user's location information. In other words, anyone could make check-in wherever he or she wants without actually being at that particular venue at that particular time. Moreover, there is no variety of virtual interaction between visitors of the same venue. Normally, users of a social network or location sharing services are connected on the basis of friendship and follows. It means that a user can see where his friends check in, but is not able to see who are the people around him (or her) at the venue. Also, in a typical social network there is no special method of interaction between visitors of a venue. Users keep in touch with other users regardless of their location. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to be a genuine reflection of real venues, objects and people in a virtual platform. The structure of the invention is designed in order to provide this reflection in a maximally accurate way. Apart from reflection, the present invention provides opportunity to communicate within a projection of a real area in a virtual space.

There are provided systems and methods for projection of real life venues and visitors of those venues in a virtual space by virtue of specific functions of wireless, wired and data connections. One of the specific features of the present invention is organisation of connection between venues and visitors through a unique system which functions via verification of unique data of venues within a special virtual platform. Moreover, usage perspective of the present invention comprises the unique method of social networking, providing that people can interact with those, who are around in a real time mode. One more specific feature of the invention, that it lets people perform within a virtual space those actions, which are normally done within real circumstances. Ability of people to interact within the facilities of the invention makes the projection of venues and visitors more accurate and more useful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically shows the process of initial approval of a venue profile on a server;

FIG. 2 schematically shows alternative options of connection between the venue and the server;

FIG. 3 schematically shows the process of connection of a user to the venue in a virtual area in case if this user attends the venue in real circumstances;

FIG. 4 schematically presents how a user can see projection of the venue being inside and outside of the venue.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description to the attached drawings will demonstrate specific features of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognise that the present invention may be embodied as a method, system, or computer program product. Consequently, the present invention may have a form of a combination of software aspects. On the other side, the present invention deals with various new methods of usage of hardware. The present invention may be embodied in the form of a computer program product or mobile software application. At the same time the present invention is designed to use a row of features of hardware technologies.

The present invention comprises a method of projection of real venues and real visitors of venues to an internet-based virtual space. For the purposes of the present invention, the projection is made possible through a web server with the necessary data stored in it and through a website and a mobile application, through which users are able to connect to the venues.

Computer program codes for performing operations of the present invention may be written in PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor, Ruby, .NET, Phyton and other similar programming languages (for web connections) as well as Java, Swift and other similar programming languages may be used for mobile applications. A special program written in PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor or another similar programming languages is also a crucial part of the invention, for the reason, that this program arrange links between servers, devices and virtual accounts. Real time mode in the programs for the purposes of the present invention may be provided by using Node.js, Socket i.o. or other similar real time environments.

Details of the present invention are described below with reference to the schematic illustrations. Each block of the illustrations presents an integral part of the present invention. In general, the following drawings present four main processes: connection of real venues to the virtual space via Internet, i.e. location of real venue information at the special server slot; approval of real venue data and following activation of the venue in the virtual space; connection of users to the venue in the virtual space; final projection from users' point of view.

FIG. 1 demonstrates a schematic illustration of a way of connection of venues to the server. 100 is a venue and 110 is a venue manager, who acts in the following process on behalf of the venue. For the purposes of the present invention, venue 100 has it's own profile on the website 120, therefore when the virtual space is decribed, then the venue 100 means the profile of the venue 100 on the website 120.

The venue manager 110 enables Internet connection and connects to the website 120 (for the purposes of this invention hereinafter the term "website 120" will infer a website or a mobile application) which is based on the server 130. After connection to the website 120 the venue manager 110 enters special section 121, designed for venue managers. In the section 121 the venue manager 110 firstly enters the sub- section 121 A. The sub- section 121 A is designed in order to enter general information regarding the venue such as name of the venue, social network links, address, logo, photos and etc.

After completing filling sub-section 121A the venue manager 110 enters the subsection 121B. Here the venue manager 110 has possibility to create a floor (area) plan of the venue by using special models of seats, tables and etc, if it is necessary.

After completing filling sub- section 121B the venue manager 110 sends all the information to the administrator 140 for approval (request 121C).

After receiving the request 121C the administrator 140 checks the data entered by the venue manager 110. Furthermore, the administrator 140 has the alternative to reject or to approve the request 121 C.

In case of rejection of the request 121C the venue manager 110 returns to the subsections 121A and 121B in order to correct flaws.

FIG. 2 comprises a schematic demonstration of the different ways of connection of the venue 100 to the server 130 and following projection of the venue 100 on the website 120. In case of approval of the request 121C by the administrator 140 the venue manager

110 receives the notification 210. The notification 210 can be transmitted via email or in the special panel on the website 120. The notification 210 consists of three alternative options for connection of the venue 100 to the server 130: connection through a VPN server (FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C), connection through the Global Positioning System (GPS) (FIG. 2D) and connection through static IP (FIG. 2E).

FIG. 2B and 2C demonstrate the option of connection through a VPN server.

In the scenario of FIG. 2B the venue manager 110 connects to the website 120 through the router 240. For the purposes of the present invention the router 240 should support Point- to-Point Tunnelling Protocol Virtual Private Network Client (PPTP VPN), or Open VPN Client, or Internet Protocol Security (IPSec), or Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol (L2TP), or other VPN tunnelling protocol. In the scenario of FIG 2. the router 240 supports PPTP VPN technology.

After choosing the option of connection through a VPN server the venue manager 110 receives the notification 230. Within the notification 230 the venue manager 110 generates the following unique VPN credentials: the login and the password, the VPN Internet Protocol (IP) address 231 and the special IP block 232, which is reserved for the particular venue. These credentials are necessary to establish connection between the venue 100 and the VPN Server 220.

It is crucial to note that the VPN IP address 231 is used by all other venues as well, however the IP block 232 is unique for the particular venue. For instance, the VPN IP address 231 is vpn.x.com. And the IP block 232 is, for instance, a block of single IP addresses from 11.0.13.1 to 11.0.13.255. For the purposes of this invention, it is also possible that one venue uses more than one IP block, if necessary.

In order to establish connection with the VPN server 220 the venue manager 110 enters configuration menu of the router 240. Firstly, the venue manager 110 establishes the IP block 232 in the sub-menu 241 of the router 240 configuration menu. As soon as it is established, the router 240 will provide IP addresses from the IP block 232 to anyone who connects the router 240. Thus, for example, if the IP block 232 is 11.0.13.1/24, then the IP addresses of users, who connect the router 240 will be 11.0.13.1, 11.0.13.2, 11.0.13.3 and etc. Afterwards, the venue manager 110 enters the sub-menu 242 of the router 240 configuration menu. In the scenario of FIG. 2 the sub-menu 242 is a PPTP VPN menu. The venue manager 110 sets up the login, the password and the VPN IP address 231.

Finally, the venue manager 110 enters the sub-menu 243, which is a routing sub-menu. Here the venue manager 110 enables that all wireless connections to the router 240 should be routed through VPN tunnel. As a result of this action all traffic through the router 240 is directed to the VPN server 220.

As soon as the venue manager 110 completes all three above-mentioned steps in the the router 240 configuration menu., the venue 100 is properly connected to the VPN server 220.

The next step is the reflection of the above-mentioned connection on the website 120. It is described in the FIG. 2C. As soon as the website 120 is located at the server 130, but the venue 100 is connected to the VPN server 220 then it is necessarry to establish link between the server 130 and the VPN server 220. This link is established through the special program 230. The program 230 is written in PHP (or any other similar) programming language, embedded to the coding of the website 120 and located on the server 130. One of the tasks of the program 230 is the automatical regocnition of the connection of venues through the VPN IP adress 231 and unique IP blocks (in this scenario, the IP block 232) to the VPN server 220. As soon as the venue 100 has completed the steps, mentioned in the FIG. 2B the program 230 performs the signal and as a result of this signal the profile of the venue 100 on the website 120 becomes active.

In the scenario of FIG. 2D the option of connection through GPS is chosen by the venue manager 110. After choosing this option the world map 250 provided by a worldwide mapping service (i.e. Google Maps) is opened on the screen of the device of the venue manager 110.

The venue manager 110 by virtue of a computer mouse or any other similar pointing device selects the particular area on the world map 250 - the territory 251. Then the venue manager 110 sends the information on the selection to the administrator 140. In case of rejection of the location by the administator 140 the venue manager 110 receives the explanation and notification 210 for a new request. As soon as the information on the location is approved by the administrator 140, it is stored on the server 130 and the the profile of the venue 100 on the website 120 becomes active.

This scenario is more suitable for open air venue, such as parks, boulevards, streets and etc.

In the scenario of FIG. 2E the option of connection through static IP is chosen by the venue manager 110. This option is suitable in case of the venue 100 has its own IP address, i.e. the address that is permanently assigned to a venue. In the scenario of FIG. 2E the venue manager 110 connects to the website 120 through the router 260 linked with the static IP address 270. In this case, the venue manager 110 enters the static IP address 270 of the venue 100 to the special section of the website 120 and sends the information to the administrator 140. In case of rejection of the static IP details by the administator 140 the venue manager 110 receives the explanation and notification 210 for a new request. As soon as the information on the static IP address 270 is approved by the administrator 140, it is stored on the server 130 and the the profile of the venue 100 on the website 120 becomes active.

Summarizing the FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, up to this stage the profile of the venue 100 has been activated in the website 120 through one of the three above-mentioned alternative methods. This activation means that the floor plan (or map) of the venue 100 is shown on the website 120. The following drawings will demonstrate how visitors of the venue 100 will connect to the profile of the venue 100 on the website 120. FIG. 3 schematically demonstrates how a single visitor can connect to a venue through the established system. In all case of user's connection to the venue one condition is compulsory - the user should be present at the venue in real circumstances. This is a base principle that provides genuine projection of a venue together with its visitors. FIG. 3A demonstrates the scenario whereas the venue 100 is connected to the server

130 via VPN connection option (as shown in FIG. 2B, FIG. 2C).

In the scenario of FIG. 3A the user 300 enters the venue 100 in real circumstances. In order to be connected to the venue 100 on the website 120 the user 300 establishes connection through the router 240 via mobile device or portable computer. As soon as the connection is established, the user 300 automatically connects to the VPN Server 220 starts to use an IP address from the IP block 232. Afterwards the program 230 recognises the IP block 232, i.e. the program 230 recognises that the user 300 is located at the venue 100. As a result of this recognition, the information on the location of the user 300 is sent to the server 130. Then the web-site 120 with the floor plan of the venue 100 opens as a default page on the screen of the device of the user 300.

The user 300 confirms his presence at the venue 100 on the website. For better accuracy of projection, if it is applicable, the user 300 can select his place (seat) on the floor plan of the venue 100 (see 121B in FIG.l). As soon as the confirmation is made, the user 300 will appear active on the profile of the venue 100 on the website 120. Any third user will be able to see on the website 120 that user 300 is currently at the particular place within the venue 100. If the user 300 is not registered on the website 120, he will be seen as an unknown person.

The user 300 will be seen at the profile of the venue 100 until user 300 leaves the venue 100 (given that internet connection and devices work properly). There is no need to check in or check out. In case if the user 300 is registered on the website 120 and downloaded the app of the website 120, he will be able just to connect to the wireless network in order to connect with the venue.

FIG. 3B demonstrates the scenario whereas the venue 100 is connected to the server 130 via GPS connection option (as shown in FIG. 2D).

In this scenario, the device of the user 300 needs to fulfil two main conditions: to have location settings enabled and to have the mobile application of the website 120 installed. In this case if the user 300 enters the territory 251, then the program 230, gets the information on the location of the user 300 from the mobile application of the website 120, then recognises the territory 251 as a territory of the venue 100, and finally sends the information on the location of the user 300 to the server 130.

Afterwards, the user 300 appears active on the profile of the venue 100 on the website 120. Any third user will be able to see on the website 120 that user 300 is currently at the particular place within the venue 100. If the user 300 is not registered on the website 120, he will be seen as an unknown person.

The user 300 will be seen at the profile of the venue 100 until user 300 leaves the territory 251 (given that GPS, internet connection and devices work properly and the mobile application is functioning). FIG. 3C demonstrates the scenario whereas the venue 100 is connected to the server

130 via static IP connection option (as shown in FIG. 2E).

In the scenario of FIG. 3C the user 300 enters the venue 100 in real circumstances. In order to be connected to the venue 100 on the website 120 the user 300 establishes connection through the router 260 linked with the static IP address 270 via mobile device or portable computer. As soon as the connection is established, the user 300 automatically starts to use the static IP address 270. Afterwards the program 230 recognises static IP address 270., i.e. the program 230 recognises that the user 300 is located at the venue 100. As a result of this recognition, the information on the location of the user 300 is sent to the server 130. Then the web-site 120 with the floor plan of the venue 100 opens as a default page on the screen of the device of the user 300.

The user 300 confirms his presence at the venue 100 on the website. As soon as the selection is made, the user 300 will appear active on the profile of the venue 100 on the website 120. Any third user will be able to see on the website 120 that user 300 is currently at the particular place within the venue 100. If the user 300 is not registered on the website 120, he will be seen as an unknown person.

The above-mentioned detailed description of the FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 demonstrate that the program 230 is a crucial multi-task part of the invention. In order to highlight the main functions of the program 230 and for the better understanding of the invention, these functions are one more time described in the FIG. 3D. The main functions of the program 230, depending on the method of the above-mentioned scenarios are the following: (a) establishing connection of a venue to the special server through unique IP address linked with a VPN server; (b) determining location of a user by recognising that a user is connected to a venue through the unique IP block, stored on the server; (c) determining location of a user by virtue of GPS data provided from the mobile application and recognising that this user is connected to a particular venue, territorial coordinates of which are stored on the server.

FIG. 4 schematically demonstrates how a venue a visitors of the venue are projected in a virtual space and how this projection is perceived by the visitors.

FIG. 4A demonstrates a full projection of the venue 100 with its visitors to virtual space. Vistor 1, Visitor 2 and Visitor 3 attend the venue 100 in real circumstances. As soon as the Visitor 1, the Visitor 2 and the Visitor 3 are connected to the profile of the venue 100 through one of the three methods described in FIG. 3, i.e. to the server 130, each of them they can see all visitors of the venue 100 on the screen of their devices on within a floor plan or map within the website 120 . Thus, the real environment within the venue 100 is projected in the device of every visitor.

FIG. 4B demonstrates how a user can see the projection of the venue 100 being outside of it. The Non-visitor 1 is outside of the venue 100 in real circumstances. The non-visitor 1 enters the profile of the venue 100 on website 120, where the non-visitor 1 is able to see the floor plan or the map of the venue 100, the availability of seats and visitors of the venue 100. However, the Non- visitor 1 is not able to connect to the venue 100 and interact with Visitor 1 or Visitor 2 unless the Non-visitor 1 is outside of the venue 100, is not connected to an appropriate router or has not entered at the appropriate territory. This function provides authentic projection of a venue to a virtual space, as a result of which only those who really attend a venue can be seen on the virtual projection of this venue.

Summarising the steps described in FIG. 1, 2, 3 and 4, there is a real venue (a building or a venue in open air) with real visitors inside from the one side, and a virtual projection of this venue, visitors and visitors' location, from the other. The invention provides us with the method of projection of a real venue (floor plan or a map) and information on visitors (registered user profile or unknown profile) to a virtual space. The above-described method of connection will help people to see on their devices whom they actually can see in a real life around themselves. Through the above-described method people will be able to interact with other people and with the venues, to make various actions that are normally performed in real life.

The above description of the invention shows that various technologies can be used for performing concepts of the present invention. Furthermore, a person of ordinary skills in the art would understand that modifications can be made in form and details without departing from the essence and scope of the invention. Therefore, the described embodiments should in no way be understood as restrictive.

The schematic illustrations in the Figures demonstrate various embodiments of the present invention. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. The one skilled in the art will understand, that different changes may be made and some parts of the invention may be replaced by alternatives without departing from the scope of the invention. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, but the invention will include all embodiments set out by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of projection of a real venue to an Internet-based virtual space, comprising: establishing connection between the venue and a virtual private network (VPN) server through a wireless local area network (WLAN) router supporting Point- to-Point Tunnelling Protocol Virtual Private Network Client technology, whereas the router settings provide that all the devices connected to the router will use common IP address block, information on which is stored on a web server;

establishing a link between the VPN server and the web server through a program written in a PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor or another similar programming language (PHP Program) and located on the web server, whereas a special website is located on the web server and a mobile application is connected to the web server, whereas the venue connected in the above-mentioned way is displayed in a special way within the website and within the mobile application after being properly connected to the VPN server through the router.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the router supports Open Virtual Private Network Client technology.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the router supports Internet Protocol Security technology.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the router supports Layer 2 Tunnelling Protocol technology.

5. A method of projection of a real venue to an Internet-based virtual space, comprising: establishing connection between the venue and a web server, whereas the unique territory is chosen for the venue on the map and information on this territory is stored on the web server as a territory of the venue, whereas the venue connected in the above-mentioned way is displayed in a special way within a special website located on the web server and within a mobile application connected to the web server.

6. A method of projection of a real venue to an Internet-based virtual space, comprising: establishing connection between the venue and a web server, whereas the unique static IP block is chosen for the venue and information on this IP block is stored on the web server, whereas the venue connected in the above-mentioned way is displayed in a special way within the website which is located on the web server and within a mobile application connected to the web server.

7. A method of projection of a visitor of a venue to an Internet-based virtual space, comprising: establishing connection between the visitor and a VPN server through the visitor's mobile device and wireless local area network (WLAN) router in a venue, whereas the visitor is connected to the WLAN router and uses an IP address from a certain IP address block, information on which is stored on the web server as an IP block of the venue;

determining through a program written in a PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor or another similar programming language (PHP Program) and located on a web server the IP address of the visitor, consequently determining the visitor's location in accordance with the IP address block and sending information on the visitor's location to the web server on which a website is located and to which a mobile application is connected;

showing within the website and within the mobile application the information on the visitor's location in accordance with the data provided by the PHP program, i.e. locating visitor's profile within a profile of the venue within the website and within the mobile application.

8. The method of claim 7 providing that the visitor is shown absent from the venue on the website and application as soon as the visitor left the venue, i.e. disconnected with the WLAN router.

9. A method of projection of a visitor of a venue to an Internet-based virtual space, comprising:

establishing connection between the visitor and a web server through the visitor's mobile device, whereas location settings of the visitor's mobile device are enabled and the special mobile application is functioning on the visitor's mobile device, whereas the visitor enters the particular territory, information on which is stored on the web server; determining through a program, written in a PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor or another similar programming language (PHP Program) and located on the web server, the location of the visitor by virtue of the mobile application, consequently determining the venue, where the visitor is located and sending information on the visitor's location to the web server on which a website is located and to which a mobile application is connected;

showing within the website and the mobile application the information on the visitor's location in accordance with the data provided by the PHP program, i.e. locating visitor's profile within a venue profile within the website and the mobile application.

10. The method of claim 9 providing that the visitor is shown absent from the venue on the website and application as soon as the visitor left the venue, i.e. left the particular territory.

11. A method of projection of a visitor of a venue to an Internet-based virtual space, comprising: establishing connection between the visitor and a web server through the visitor's mobile device and wireless local area network (WLAN) router in the venue, whereas the router is linked with a static IP address, information on which is stored on the web server as a static IP address of the venue, whereas the visitor is connected to the WLAN router and uses an IP address from this static IP address block;

determining through a program written in a PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor or another similar programming language (PHP program) and located on the web server that the IP address of the visitor belongs to the static IP of the venue, consequently determining the venue, at which visitor is located and sending information on the visitor's location to the web server on which a website is located and to which a mobile application is located;

showing within the website and the mobile application the information on visitor's location in accordance with the data provided by the PHP program, i.e. locating visitor's profile within a venue profile within the website and the mobile application.

12. The method of claim 11 providing that the visitor is shown absent from the venue profile within the website and the application as soon as the visitor left the venue, i.e. disconnected with the WLAN router.