Patent · US Active

Methods of locating data spots and networks and user equipment for using the same

US8914041B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
0References
37Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 20, 2010
Grant dateDec 16, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 24, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04W4/02
  • WIPO fieldDigital communication
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Methods determine data spots in a network by identifying a transmission resource and its characteristics so as to determine geography of a data spot. Users are then directed to, locate, and/or move to the data spot and retrieve desired content. Users may be directed to the determined data spot, with a map or compass. Transmission resources include ad hoc hotspots for need by sideloading network users in a communicative proximity. Methods may match characteristics of the requesting network user with determined transmission resources to position a data spot. Example methods may be configured based on amounts of network resources consumed, third-party costs to a user, maximizing user experience by providing nearer and faster data spots, and/or any other desired criteria. Different portions of the methods may be performed by the network, the user, and/or third-parties, to reduce network burden while supplying users with desired content through data spots.

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