Creation and use of public and private groups in a location sharing application

US10380664B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Bryan Trussel · Seattle, US
• James Stanton · Grosse Ile Township, US
• Steve Miller · Millville, US
• Craig Link · Seattle, US
• Yahor Pushkin · Redmond, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 15, 2014
• Grant date: Aug 13, 2019
• Expiry date: Sep 2, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/0639
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A mobile application uses computer-readable instructions for exchanging, viewing or providing location sharing information in a context of a public group, a private group or both. The location sharing information may be made available to aid or enhance commerce-related activities performed by a merchant, a consumer or both. In another embodiment, a method for authenticating a private group permits an authenticating user to restrict the private group and selectively allow subsequent participants restricted access to the private group.