Data communications between short-range enabled wireless devices over networks and proximity marketing to such devices
US8005057B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2008 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W84/12
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for allowing short-ranged communication devices to communicate with each other using the Internet. Cell servers are provided in a first and second zones linked to the Internet and adapted for transmitting voice and other digital data over the Internet such as using VoIP. The method includes registering users of short-range enabled devices, such as Bluetooth cell phones, with a communication system and storing a device identifier along with a user ID and password. A contact list is stored for each registered user. The method includes a registered user entering a cell serviced by a server, the server discovering the user's device, logging the user into the system based on the device identifier and an entered user ID and password, receiving a communication request to chat with one of the listed contacts, and establishing a communication session using time previously awarded to the user for receiving marketing content.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.