CH692076A5 - Telephone network access method for a common interest group uses information in server data base - Google Patents

Abstract

The mobile telephones (1) of a common interest group access a data base (50) in a server (5) and contains all details of the users.These details can be personal details together with phone numbers and e mail addresses. The data base is accessed via a telephone network (3)

Description

       

  



  The present invention relates to a method with which users of terminals can find members of a common interest group, and an apparatus for carrying out the method.



  Personal portable terminals are already known under the name "Lovegetty", which allow the selection of a user-specific parameter, for example a color, and which produce a sound when another device in which the same parameter has been selected is nearby , Such devices are used as toys and only allow a selection of parameters (e.g. colors) within a very limited predefined list stored in the device.



  In addition, so-called newsgroups are known on the Internet, in which Internet users with common interests can send and receive messages. There are thousands of active newsgroups worldwide for almost every conceivable interest, making it possible to search and find Internet users with very similar interests worldwide. However, since many Internet users remain anonymous, such newsgroups are hardly suitable for physically meeting people with common interests and / or needs.



  An aim of the invention is to propose a method with which members of a common interest group can be found.



  According to the present invention, these goals are achieved in particular by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments also emerge from the dependent claims and the description.



  In particular, these goals are achieved in that at least one database is formed in which a large number of interest groups are stored, at least certain members of these interest groups being users of mobile devices, the database being stored in at least one server that can be reached from a radio network, and that a message is sent to at least one member of one of the interest groups when he is close to another member of the same interest group.



  This has the advantage that members who are registered in an interest group are informed as soon as other members of this interest group are in the area.



  In a variant, the location of all members registered in an interest group is continuously monitored by a server which, according to predefined criteria, sends a message each time two members of a common interest group are close to one another.



  In another variant, at least certain mobile devices have a contactless interface in the vicinity and even search for other devices from members of common interest groups in the reachability area.



  Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with the aid of the single attached drawing. It shows:



  1 shows an example of a system in which the method according to the invention can be used.



  Although this invention describes the specific case of implementation in a GSM mobile radio network in more details, the person skilled in the art will understand that this method can also be used with other types of radio networks, for example with AMPS, TDMA, CDMA, TACS, PDC, HSCCD, GPRS, EDGE or UMTS mobile radio networks, or with pager systems, or also in a contactless LAN or in a local network according to Bluetooth can be used. In addition, the method according to the invention can also be used in a broadcast radio network, for example with radio and / or video receivers, for example DAB or DVB receivers (digital audio broadcasting or digital video broadcasting).



  1 shows a radio network 3 in which various mobile devices 1 are registered in a schematic manner. The mobile devices 1 are preferably WAP-capable mobile radio devices (Wireless Application Protocol) or MeXE devices and preferably comprise a known radio part, a display 10 and known input and playback means. An identification module 11, for example a SIM or WIM card (Subscriber Identification Module or WAP Identification Module) is preferably connected to the terminal 1 via a contact area 12 and contains a processor in which user-specific data are stored.

   As explained later, in addition to known GSM and / or WAP data, this data includes the following information:
 Information 13 about the interest group in which the terminal user is registered,
 possibly one or more certificates 14 issued by third parties for the authentication of belonging to certain interest groups,
 - A certificate 15 for the authentication of the end user in the mobile network.



  The mobile device 1 can also be integrated in a wristwatch, in a chip card or in a key ring. In this case, the display 10, the card 11 and the voice communication part can be omitted. In one variant, the mobile device consists of a radio receiver, for example a DAB or DVB radio receiver.



  At least certain mobile devices 1 also preferably include a contactless interface 18, which allows contactless connections in the close range (for example a few meters or a few hundred meters). In a preferred variant, the contactless interface consists of a radio interface, for example a Bluetooth interface or an inductive interface. In another variant, the contactless interface consists of an infrared interface, for example according to the IrdA protocol. The contactless interface can be integrated, for example, into the housing of the mobile device 1, into the battery pack (not shown), into the identification module 11 and / or into an additional module (not shown).

   Jini components (trademark of SUN) can also be used to ensure the synchronization of devices that communicate via the contactless interface.



  The system also comprises at least one Internet terminal 2, for example a PC, a laptop, a media phone or a WAP-compatible mobile phone, which is connected to the Internet or WAP network 4.



  A server 5 connected to the mobile radio network 3 and preferably also to the Internet 4 contains a database 50 in which a large number of interest groups are stored. Each interest group comprises a list of members registered by means of certificates and preferably a description, for example a group name and / or a more precise description of the interest group.



  The interest groups in the database 50 can preferably be organized in a hierarchy. In this way, for example, different groups can be grouped in groups with similar interests, which facilitates the research of relevant groups and enables a search for partners with similar but not identical interests. Each member can preferably form new interest groups or groups of interest groups through various conceivable procedural steps, it being possible to offset the production and / or administration of an interest group.



  The server 5 also preferably includes location determining means 51 or can access such location determining means. The location determining means can provide information about the location of the users of terminals 1. In a first variant, these location determining means simply consist of the home file HLR (Home Location Register) of the mobile radio network 3, in which information about the cell of the network in which the user is currently located is available. In another variant, the user location within a cell is determined more precisely on the basis of signals from different base stations. In another variant, the location of each mobile device 1 is determined using a location determining means integrated in the mobile device, for example using a GPS receiver (Global Positioning System).



  The server 5 also includes a database 52, in which member and / or interest group-specific transmission criteria are stored. For each member, this database defines when a report has to be sent, for example from which distance to the next member of each interest group or which members are excluded.



  The server 5 can be managed, for example, by the operator of the mobile radio network 3. In this case, the registration of a member in an interest group and / or the sending of a message can be offset by the named operator, for example with the monthly telephone bill or by debiting a prepaid account on the identification module 11 of the member. An order code can also be linked to certain interest groups so that the registration can be carried out easily and can be offset by the manager of this group using the method described in patent application WO 9 828 900.



  The server 5 can, however, also be managed by other companies which are financed, for example, by subscriptions or advertising and which receive the information about the user location either directly from suitably equipped subscribed users or from the operator of the mobile radio network 3.



  In addition, the method can also be used internationally by connecting several servers 5, which are managed, for example, by several operators in different countries or regions. In this case, a member can find other members of common interest groups even when they are abroad or in an area that is not covered by their home network operator. Information from the database 50 and / or 52 can also be marketed, for example by the information broker.



  We will now describe the method according to the invention in more detail.



  A terminal user who wants to find other members with common interests must first be registered in the relevant interest groups.



  In order to register itself, the user of a terminal can, in a first variant, call up a directory of groups available in the database 50 on the display 10 of his mobile device 1 and select the interest groups that are of interest to him. The group directory can, for example, be made available by WAP services.



  In another variant, the user can send a registration message, for example an SMS (Short Message System), USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Datas) or WAP message, a GPRS package or an email to the server 5. In this case, the registration message contains an interest group identification, which was made known, for example, by advertising. This registration message is preferably signed using the certificate 15 and preferably in the identification module 11 so that the server 5 can check the identity of the user and the integrity of the message.



  In another variant, the user can register with one or more interest groups with an Internet terminal 2, for example with a PC, a laptop, a palmtop or a WAP-compatible mobile phone.



  In yet another variant, the user can also register with an interest group by telephone (for example automatically with a voice message from a voice server), by fax, or by letter.



  At least certain interest groups are preferably looked after by a manager. This group manager can preferably decide which users are allowed to register in the group. A group manager can preferably register members themselves in a group. In this way, for example, the administration of a school or university can register all students and former students who use a mobile device in the school group in order to simplify future contacts between students. A company can also group all employees in a group of companies.



  The registration in an interest group can preferably be certified by the manager of this group with an electronic certificate stored in the database 50 or preferably in the identification module 11. For example, the administration of a school can distribute a certificate to all former students so that these former students can reliably authenticate themselves as such.



  If the necessary trust relationships exist, certificates generated by third parties can also be used.



  Registration in an interest group can preferably be limited in time, the maximum registration time being defined by the manager of each group and / or by the operator of the server 5. If registration in a certain group is chargeable, the fee charged may depend on the registration period.



  The members of an interest group can preferably determine the sending criteria for reports themselves. For example, you can determine when messages have to be sent to you. This selection can preferably be made independently for each group and is stored in the database 52.



  For example, for each interest group, a member can choose to automatically receive a notification whenever there is another member of that group nearby. For other groups, he can define that he only wants to receive reports on request and if he so requests. Other transmission criteria for reports can also be time-dependent ("I only want to receive messages during the day") and / or location-dependent ("I only want to know whether company colleagues are nearby when I am abroad").

   For example, it can be defined for certain interest groups and / or for certain group members that a message only has to be sent if the members are at predefined meeting points, the interest groups also being operated by operators of these meeting points (e.g. department stores, train stations, airports, entertainment venues, etc .) can be managed.



  The transmission criteria can preferably be predefined by the operator of the server 5 and / or by the manager of the interest group.



  In addition, the sending criteria in the database 52 can also specify the maximum distance between members up to which a message must be sent. This distance can preferably be determined by the radio network operator, by the group managers and / or by the members.



  In addition, members can preferably only register in an existing group temporarily, for example only for a one-off person search. Conversely, members of a group can temporarily log out of a group if they no longer want to receive a message and if they also do not want their presence to be signaled to other members. Group managers can preferably restrict this right to temporarily register or deregister in a group.



  The members can also store a member profile in the database 50. In this case, this database contains identification features which enable the members to be identified. These features can be, for example, an image of the subscriber and / or include his hair color, the type and color of his car, his car identification, etc. These features preferably also include the member's phone number and / or email address so other members of a common interest group can contact him. In a variant described further below, these features also include an identification of the member, which can be used for a connection via a contactless interface in the close range.

   For example, this identification can be used for communication via a Bluetooth interface.



  Each member can preferably determine which characteristics may be sent to other members of a common interest group. For example, a member may choose to remain anonymous to other members of a first common interest group so that they only receive the message that a group member is nearby. In a second group, he can specify that, for example, only his telephone number may be communicated, while additional identification features may be sent to members of a third group. In other groups, for example, he can only communicate one alias.



  We will now describe a first main variant of the invention.



  In this first variant, the server 5 continuously receives information from the location determination means 51 about the location of all registered users of terminals 1. A suitable program in the server 5 then checks whether certain transmission criteria in the database 52 are met and whether members of common interest groups are in one certain distance from each other.



  Depending on the transmission criteria, this test is carried out continuously for all possible pairs of members, or only on request if a member queries the server 5 for other members of common interest groups.



  When the server finds 5 broadcast criteria that are met, that is, when two members of a common interest group are close to each other, a message is prepared and sent to one or both members. Depending on the variant and / or the defined sending criteria, this message can consist, for example, of an SMS, USSD, WAP, GPRS or e-mail message.



  As an alternative, this message can also be transmitted using a broadcast method, for example data accompanying a program, in a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) program.



  The member who has received a message that signals the presence of another member of a common interest group can then decide whether, for example, to reject this message if he is not looking for contact or, on the contrary, to contact the other member by phone or directly Set connection. For a telephone connection, the member can use the phone number and / or email address of the other member, which is preferably included in the notification. In a variant, a directory, for example a WAP whitebook, can be used to find the other member's telephone number or email address. This connection can preferably be established using a suitable program, by means of a simple menu selection and without the message recipient having to enter the telephone number again.

   The suitable program can also be transmitted as an applet within the message, for example.



  If the member wants to get in touch directly with the other member of a common interest group, he can identify this with the user characteristics contained in the message depending on the user settings, such as the color of the car and the license plate number.



  The member preferably also has a memory area in his identification module 11 or in his terminal 1, in which he can save these user characteristics in a directory.



  The terminal user who has received a message from the server 5 that another member of a common interest group is nearby can also contact this mobile subscriber directly via the contactless interface in the vicinity 18. The message sent by the server 5 preferably contains that identification of the other members which is necessary for data transmission via this contactless interface.



  If membership of an interest group is certified by a certificate 14, the message between the members can preferably be signed with this certificate. In this way, each member can check the authenticity of the other members.



  We will now describe a second main variant of the invention in more detail.



  In this second variant, at least certain end devices 1 can search for other mobile devices in the vicinity via the named contactless interface in the vicinity (“poll query”). If another device answers this query (automatically or after confirmation by the user), the database 50 can be used to check whether this other terminal belongs to the member of a common interest group. If additional security is required, the certificate 14 of the other device can also be checked in the identification module 11. If a member of a common interest group is found and identified in this way, a message can be sent to him via the named contactless interface and / or via the radio network 3.



  This method can be used, for example, to find people with common interests, for example, to find former student colleagues in a foreign city, to find teammates for a game, to organize appointments, to find and attend congress participants authenticate etc.



  Server 5 can also be used to send messages to all members of an interest group.
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<tb> Head Col 1: No
<tb> Head Col 2: part
<tb> <SEP> 1 <SEP> member's mobile device
<tb> <SEP> 10 <SEP> display (LCD, VRD)
<tb> <CEL AL = L> 11 <CEL AL = L> Identification module (SIM, WIM)
<Tb> <September> 12 <September> Contact area
<Tb> <September> 13 <September> Interest Group
<tb> <CEL AL = L> 14 <SEP> Certificate for inclusion in a group
<tb> <SEP> 15 <SEP> certificate of the member
<tb> <SEP> 18 <CEL AL = L> Contactless interface: IrdA, Bluetooth
<tb> <SEP> 2 <SEP> Internet terminal (PC, laptop, WAP device, ...)
<tb> <CEL AL = L> 3 <SEP> radio network: GSM, UMTS, ...
<tb> <SEP> 4 <SEP> Internet, WAP, ...
<Tb> <September> 5 <September> Server
<tb> <CEL AL = L> 50 <SEP> Interest group database
<tb> <SEP> 51 <SEP> location determining means (ELDIS)
<tb> <SEP> 52 <CEL AL = L> transmission criteria
<Tb> </ TABLE>


    

Claims (40)

  1. A method for finding members (1) of a common interest group using a mobile device, characterized in that  that at least one database (50) is formed, in which a large number of interest groups are stored, at least certain members of these interest groups being users of mobile devices, the database being stored in at least one server (5) that can be reached from a radio network (3),  and that a message is sent to at least one member (1) of one of the interest groups if it is in the vicinity of another member of the same interest group. Second  Method according to claim 1, characterized in that  that location determining means (51) are provided which monitor the respective location by a large number of members (1),  and that the named message is prepared by the named server (5) if it determines, based on the results of the named location determining means, that two members of the same interest group are close to one another. 3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that said location determining means (51) determine the location of members with signals from a location-determining satellite. 4. The method according to claim 2, in which said location determining means (51) determine the location of members with signals from a plurality of base stations in the radio network (3). 5th  Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the named message is sent as a Short Message System SMS message. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the named message is sent as an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data USSD message. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said message is sent as a General Packet Radio System GPRS packet. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said message is sent as an Internet Protocol IP packet. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the said message is sent as an electronic mail email. 10th  Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that certain members of one of the interest groups determine that a message should be sent to you each time a member of the same interest group is nearby. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that certain members of one of the interest groups determine that they only want to receive messages when they send a special request to the named server (5). 12th  Method according to claim 1, characterized in that  that at least certain named mobile devices have a contactless interface (18) in the vicinity,  and that these mobile devices send the said message via the named contactless interface as soon as they find another mobile device in the area which belongs to a member of the same interest group. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the members can register themselves in one of the interest groups. 14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the members can register with their mobile device in one of the interest groups. 15th  Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the members can register in one of the interest groups with a registration message prepared with their mobile device. 16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the members can register with a voice message in one of the interest groups. 17. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the members can register via the Internet (4) in one of the interest groups. 18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that third parties register members in one of the interest groups. 19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the membership of a member to one of the interest groups is certified. 20th  A method according to claim 19, characterized in that the membership of a member of one of the interest groups is certified by third parties. 21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that third parties store a registration certificate in the named database (50). 22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that third parties store a registration certificate (13) in the mobile device (1) of the named members. 23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that at least certain members are only temporarily registered in one of the interest groups. 24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the registration in one of the interest groups is limited in time. 25th  Method according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that    that the named database (50) is managed by the operator of the named radio network (3),    and that the registration in one of the interest groups and / or the sending of a named message is charged by the named operator. 26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the named database (50) is managed by third parties. 27. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the named message is electronically signed. 28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the said message is electronically encrypted. 29th  Method according to one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the maximum local distance between members of a common interest group for sending the named message is determined by the manager of the named interest group. 30. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the maximum local distance between members of a common interest group for sending the named message is determined by the named member. 31. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that certain members of one of the interest groups temporarily prevent them from being sent messages about the presence of members of the same interest group. 32nd  Method according to one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that certain members of one of the interest groups temporarily prevent messages about their current location from being sent to other members of the same interest group. 33. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the named message contains identification features that enable identification of the named member in the vicinity. 34. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that the named message contains the telephone number of the named member nearby. 35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that the named telephone number is not displayed. 36th  Method according to one of claims 34 to 35, characterized in that the member who has received a named message can establish a connection with the named member nearby without typing in the phone number of this member. 37. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 36, characterized in that the named message contains an identification of the named member nearby, which is necessary for a connection via a contactless interface in the vicinity. 38. The method according to claim 37, characterized in that said contactless interface (18) is a Bluetooth interface in the vicinity. 39th  Method according to one of Claims 37 to 38, characterized in that the named member who has received a named message connects directly to the nearby member via the named contactless interface (18). 40. Device for carrying out the method according to one of claims 2 to 39, with which members of one of the interest groups can find other members of the same interest groups, comprising:  the at least one server (5) which can be reached from the radio network (3) and in which the at least one database (50) is stored, in which the large number of interest groups is stored, these interest groups comprising mobile radio subscribers,  the location determining means (51) to monitor the location of the members,  Sending means for sending messages when a large number of members of a common interest group are simultaneously at a predefined local distance from one another.