Patent · US Expired

Geographic based communications service

US6259405A · kind A · utility

708Cited by
18References
49Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 3, 1999
Grant dateJul 10, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 3, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04M2215/7435
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A geographic based communications service system that includes a network and a plurality of access points connected to the network and arranged at known locations in a geographic region. One or more service providers or information providers may be connected to the network to provide services or information on the network. A mobile user (MU) may use a portable computing device (PCD) to connect to the network and access information or services from the network. The PCD may be configured to transmit a signal indicating a presence of the PCD as well as identification information indicating the mobile user. Upon detection of the wireless signal by a first access point in proximity to the PCD, and upon receipt of the identification information indicating the user of the PCD, the first access point may transmit the identification information, as well as the known geographic location of the first access point, to one or more providers on the network. The known geographic location of the first access point indicates the approximate location of the PCD of the mobile user. A first information provider may receive this information and provide content information or services to the mobile user…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.