Dynamic virtual beacon methods and apparatus
US9967803B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W72/542
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus relating to use of actual and/or virtual beacons are described. Virtual beacons are virtual in that an actual beacon need not be transmitted but a rather a virtual beacon transmitter at a desired location may be considered to transmit virtual beacons. Beacon transmitter information indicates transmission power and location of actual and virtual beacon transmitters as well as information to be communicated by virtual beacons and is dynamically updated based on device movement, a schedule and/or the locations of devices in a group. Virtual personal beacons, virtual group beacons and virtual scheduled beacons are supported. A virtual personal beacon transmitter location is updated as the location of a device corresponding to the person moves. Reception of a virtual beacon is reported in a message sent to a wireless terminal or a component of the wireless terminal which acts upon receiving an indication of beacon reception.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.