Network communication service with an improved subscriber model using digital certificates
US6571221B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W4/185
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A network communication service with an improved subscriber model. In one embodiment, a mobile user (MU), also referred to as a subscriber, may access the network service through a portable computing device (PCD) using a wireless (or wired) network interface card. Access points (APs) for the network may be widely distributed in various facilities. In one embodiment, the APs are arranged at known geographic locations and may provide geographic location information regarding the geographic location of the mobile user (MU). A digital certificate may be stored on the mobile user's PCD in order to allow access to the network. The digital certificate may store sponsorship information, including information regarding programs or entities in which the mobile user is a member or is affiliated. Each mobile user (subscriber) to the network service may have a “value bucket” which determines the amount of network access or service available to the user. Billing for access to the network communication service, i.e., the amount the “value bucket” is drained or filled, may be based on one or more of a number of factors, including information stored in the digital certificat…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.