Systems and methods for determining, collecting, and using geographic locations of internet users
US7451233B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 24, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2101/69
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of determining a geographic location of an Internet user involves determining if the host is on-line, determining ownership of the host name, and then determining the route taken in delivering packets to the user. Based on the detected route, the method proceeds with determining the geographic route based on the host locations and then assigning a confidence level to the assigned location. A system collects the geographic information and allows web sites or other entities to request the geographic location of their visitors. The database of geographic locations may be stored in a central location or, alternatively, may be at least partially located at the web site. With this information, web sites can target content, advertising, or route traffic depending upon the geographic locations of their visitors. Through web site requests for geographic information, a central database tracks an Internet user's traffic on the Internet whereby a profile can be generated. In addition to this profile, the central database can store visitor's preferences as to what content should be delivered to an IP address, the available interface, and the network speed associated with that IP addres…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.