HK1115686A - Method and system for enabling reception of targeted services to a handheld communication device - Google Patents

Description

Method and system for transmitting information in communication system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to information transfer within a network, and more particularly, to a method and system for achieving targeted service reception for handheld devices.

Background

Wireless technology is changing the way people connect to networks by virtue of the freedom that wired connections cannot provide. Application to handholdingExisting wireless connection protocols on communication devices, e.g. bluetooth^®Small-sized, low-cost wireless solutions may be provided that can be used to support connections between computers, mobile phones, and/or other portable and handheld communication devices. Bluetooth wireless technology is an international, open standard that allows smart devices to communicate wirelessly with each other within a small range. Bluetooth^®Technology-enabled bluetooth^®Compatible devices, e.g. Bluetooth^®A computer, computer mouse, computer keyboard, speaker or handheld communication device may support its own communication connections without the use of cables, wired cables or any direct manipulation by the user. Currently, Bluetooth^®Technology has been applied to a variety of commercial products including, for example, notebook computers, PDAs, cellular phones, keyboards, printers, etc.

Being usable for transceiving audio and/or video information, Bluetooth^®Handheld communication devices such as mobile phones and PDAs are becoming more complex. However, by Bluetooth^®Connected to Bluetooth^®The transfer of data, such as audio and video data, between devices requires increased power consumption and provides data rates that are less than those provided by high speed connections. In addition, existing wireless connection standards for use with handheld communication devices, such as Bluetooth^®Standards can only be used over a limited range of distances.

Limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches to the art will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through the description herein and with reference to the drawings.

Disclosure of Invention

A system and/or method is provided for achieving targeted service reception for a handheld device, substantially as shown in and/or described in connection with the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for transmitting information in a communication system, comprising:

the first wireless handheld communication device detects a first wireless network at a first location, the first wireless network including a first wireless access device;

the first wireless handheld communication device establishes communication connection with the first wireless network through the first wireless access device;

in exchange for the first wireless handheld communication device receiving wireless target services provided by the first wireless network at the first location when the first wireless handheld communication device is within an operating range of the first wireless network at the first location, the first wireless handheld communication device is assigned free access to use the first network to access another network communicatively connected to the first wireless network at the first location.

In the method of the present invention, the first location comprises a commercial establishment.

In the method of the present invention, the wireless target service includes an advertisement related to a service provided by the commercial association.

In the method of the present invention, the first location comprises a store.

In the method of the present invention, the wireless targeting service includes an advertisement related to an item offered by the store.

In the method of the present invention, the method further comprises receiving, by the first radio access device, at least one of the following information from the first wireless network at the first location: voice, video and data.

In the method of the present invention, the method further includes storing the identity information of the first wireless handheld communication device after the first wireless handheld communication device is assigned access to the first wireless network.

In the method of the present invention, the method further comprises, when the first wireless handheld communication device enters the operating range of the first wireless network at the first location, allocating to the first wireless handheld communication device access to the first wireless network at the first location based on the stored identity information of the first wireless handheld communication device.

In the method of the present invention, the method further comprises assigning the first wireless handheld communication device access to the first wireless network at the first location valid for a limited period of time.

In the method of the present invention, the method further comprises denying the first wireless handheld communication device access to the first wireless network at the first location when the first wireless handheld communication device refuses to accept at least a portion of the wireless target service provided by the first wireless network.

In the method of the present invention, the method further comprises providing information to an administrator of the first wireless network regarding wireless target services preferred by the user of the first wireless handheld communication device.

In the method of the present invention, the method further comprises receiving from the first wireless network a wireless target service that conforms to the preferred criteria of the first wireless handheld communication device user.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for communicating information in a communication system, comprising:

at least one processor configured to enable a first wireless handheld communication device to detect a first wireless network at a first location, the first wireless network comprising a first wireless access device;

the at least one processor is configured to enable the first wireless handheld communication device to establish a communication connection with the first wireless network through the first wireless access device;

in exchange for the first wireless handheld communication device being assigned free access to access using the first wireless network to access another network communicatively connected to the first wireless network at the first location, the at least one processor enables the first wireless handheld communication device to receive wireless target services provided by the first wireless network at the first location when the first wireless handheld communication device is within an operating range of the first wireless network at the first location.

In the system of the present invention, the first location comprises a commercial establishment.

In the system of the present invention, the wireless target service includes an advertisement related to a service provided by the commercial association.

In the system of the present invention, the first location comprises a store.

In the system of the present invention, the wireless targeting service includes an advertisement related to an item provided by the store.

In the system of the present invention, the at least one processor is configured to receive, by the first radio access device, from the first wireless network at the first location, at least one of: voice, video and data.

In the system of the present invention, the at least one processor is configured to store identity information of the first wireless handheld communication device after the access right to the first wireless network is assigned.

In the system of the present invention, when the first wireless handheld communication device enters the operating range of the first wireless network at the first location, the at least one processor is configured to assign the first wireless handheld communication device access to the first wireless network at the first location according to the stored identity information of the first wireless handheld communication device.

In the system of the present invention, the at least one processor is configured to assign access to the first wireless handheld communication device to the first wireless network at the first location that is valid for a limited time.

In the system of the present invention, the at least one processor is configured to deny the first wireless handheld communication device access to the first wireless network at the first location when the first wireless handheld communication device refuses to accept at least a portion of the wireless target service provided by the first wireless network.

In the system of the present invention, the at least one processor is configured to provide information to an administrator of the first wireless network regarding wireless target services preferred by a user of the first wireless handheld communication device.

In the system of the present invention, the method further comprises the at least one processor receiving wireless target service from the first wireless network that conforms to the first wireless handheld communication device user's preferred criteria.

The above and other advantages, features and innovations of the present invention, as well as details of the illustrated embodiments, will become more apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of communications between a plurality of handheld communication devices in an ad-hoc network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of ad-hoc networks including handheld communication devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating information transfer between handheld communication devices according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating information transfer between handheld communication devices according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating wireless information transfer of a handheld communication device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 6 is a flow chart of exemplary steps for communicating information in a network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to a receiving method and system for implementing a target service for a handheld device. In one embodiment of the invention, a handheld communication device detects a first network at a first location and establishes a communication connection with the detected first network. The handheld communication device may then use the first network in exchange for allowing the first network to send information to it regarding where the first network is located. The first network may be located in a store, for example, in a mall, or in a department of the store. The information addressed to the first handheld communication device may be, for example, advertisement and offer information relating to the location where the first network is located. In exchange for the handheld communication device allowing the second network to send information to it regarding where the second network is located, the handheld communication device may be located in another store, for example, in a mall, or in another department of the store.

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of communication between a plurality of handheld communication devices in an ad-hoc network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 1, the ad-hoc network 100 may include a plurality of handheld communication devices, such as handheld communication devices 102, 104, and 106. The handheld communication devices 102, 104 and 106 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic and/or code and may transmit information wirelessly in the ad-hoc network 100. For example, the handheld communication devices 102, 104, and 106 may communicate voice or data between each other over an extended range without the aid of network devices such as access points, base stations, bridges, routers, and/or switches to effectuate such communication. This extended range may be much greater than that provided by bluetooth.

In one embodiment of the invention, the handheld communication devices 102, 104 and 106 may communicate data in the ad-hoc network 100 using Instant Messaging (IM). For example, in the initial information of the ad-hoc network 100, the handheld communication device 102 may detect the presence of the handheld communication device 104. The handheld communication devices 102 and 104 may then exchange identity information related to each of the devices 102 and 104 and/or identity information related to the corresponding users of the devices 102 and 104. For example, the handheld communication devices 102 and 104 may exchange user identity information. After the handheld communication devices 102 and 104 exchange the identity information of the respective users and verify the identity of the other, a connection may be established for wirelessly exchanging data between the handheld communication devices 102 and 104. In one embodiment of the invention, the connection may be used to filter (filter) message sessions, such as instant message sessions between devices.

After the IM wireless connection between the handheld communication devices 102 and 104 is established, the device 102 and/or the device 104 may detect a third handheld communication device 106 that is within the operating range of the handheld communication devices 102 and 104. After the handheld communication device 102 and/or the handheld communication device 104 detects the handheld communication device 106, identity information will be exchanged between the handheld communication device 106 and the handheld communication device 102 and the handheld communication device 104. The handheld communication device 106 may then be allowed to enter the ad-hoc network 100 and establish IM communications between the handheld communication devices 102, 104, and 106.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the handheld communication devices 102, 104 and 106 may each communicate with the wireless router 108. The wireless router 108 may be communicatively connected to the internet 110. In this regard, one or more of the handheld communication devices 102, 104 and 106 may operate in both the ad-hoc network 100 and a network infrastructure comprising, for example, a wireless router 108 and one or more devices communicatively connected to the Internet 110.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a plurality of ad-hoc networks including handheld communication devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 2, the communication architecture 200 may include ad-hoc networks 202 and 212. The ad-hoc network 202 may include a plurality of handheld communication devices, such as handheld communication devices 204, 206, and 208. Each of the handheld communication devices 204,206, and 208 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code and may transmit information wirelessly within an extended range of the ad-hoc network 202. For example, the handheld communication devices 204, 206, and 208 may communicate voice or data between each other over an extended range, but without the aid of network devices such as access points, base stations, bridges, routers, and/or switches. This extended range may be much greater than that provided by bluetooth.

Similarly, the ad-hoc network 212 may include a plurality of handheld communication devices, such as handheld communication devices 214, 216 and 218. Each of the handheld communication devices 214, 216 and 218 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic and/or code and may transmit information wirelessly in the ad-hoc network 212. For example, handheld communication devices 214, 216 and 218 may communicate voice or data between each other over an extended range, but without the aid of network devices such as access points, base stations, bridges, routers and/or switches. This extended range may be much greater than that provided by bluetooth.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the handheld communication devices 204, 206 and 208 may communicate data wirelessly using Instant Messaging (IM) over an extended area in the ad-hoc network 202 when they are within each other's operating range. Similarly, the handheld communication devices 214, 216 and 218 may communicate data in the ad-hoc network 212 using, for example, Instant Messaging (IM). One or more of the handheld communication devices 204, 206, and 208 in the ad-hoc network 202 and one or more of the handheld communication devices 214, 216, and 218 in the ad-hoc network 212 may communicate with the wireless routers 210 and 220, respectively. Wireless routers 210 and 220 may be communicatively coupled to a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) 222. In this regard, one or more of the handheld communication devices 204,.. 208 may communicate information to one or more of the handheld communication devices in the ad-hoc network 202 and also to one or more of the handheld communication devices in the ad-hoc network 212 simultaneously via the wireless routers 210, 220 and the WLAN 222. Similarly, one or more of the handheld communication devices 214, 220, 218 may communicate information in the ad-hoc network 212 and may also communicate information with one or more of the handheld communication devices in the ad-hoc network 202 via the wireless routers 210, 220 and the WLAN 222.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating information transfer between handheld communication devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 3, handheld communication devices 302 and 304 may form an ad-hoc network 300. In this regard, the handheld communication devices 302 and 304 may exchange information without the use of intermediate communication devices such as access points, base stations, bridges, routers, and/or switches to facilitate communications therebetween. The handheld communication devices 302 and 304 may include, for example, cellular telephones or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). In addition, the handheld communication devices 302 and 304 may also transmit Low Bit Rate Data (LBRD)306 and/or voice data 308. LBRD 306 may be exchanged, for example, in the process of establishing an Instant Messaging (IM) connection between handheld communication devices 302 and 304.

In operation, the handheld communication device 302 may detect the presence of the handheld communication device 304 when the handheld communication device 304 is within the operating range of the handheld communication device 302. The handheld communication devices 302 and 304 may then exchange identity information associated with each of the devices 302 and 304 and/or identity information associated with the corresponding users of the devices 302 and 304. After the handheld communication devices 302 and 304 exchange the identity information of the respective users and complete the authentication of the other, a connection may be established between the handheld communication devices 302 and 304 for wirelessly exchanging LBRD 306 and/or voice information 308.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating information transfer between handheld communication devices according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 4, handheld communication devices 402 and 404 may comprise a communication architecture 400. The communication architecture 400 may also include the internet or WLAN 406. The handheld communication devices 402 and 404 may exchange information via the internet or WLAN 406. The handheld communication devices 402 and 404 may include, for example, cellular telephones or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). In addition, handheld communication devices 402 and 404 may transmit Low Bit Rate Data (LBRD)408 and 412, and/or voice data 418 and 414.

For example, LBRD 408 may be communicated between internet/WLAN 406 and handheld communication device 402 and LBRD 412 may be communicated between internet/WLAN 406 and handheld communication device 404. Similarly, voice data 418 may be communicated between the internet/WLAN 406 and the handheld communication device 402, and voice data 414 may be communicated between the internet/WLAN 406 and the handheld communication device 404. LBRDs 408 and 412 may be exchanged during the process of establishing an Instant Messaging (IM) connection, for example, between handheld communication devices 402 and 404 via internet/WLAN 406.

In operation, the handheld communication device 402 may detect the presence of the handheld communication device 404 via the internet/WLAN 406. The handheld communication devices 402 and 404 may then exchange identity information associated with each of the devices 402 and 404 and/or identity information associated with the corresponding users of the devices 302 and 304. After the handheld communication devices 402 and 404 have exchanged the respective user's identity information and completed authentication of the other, a connection may be established between the handheld communication devices 402 and 404 via the internet/WLAN 406 for wirelessly exchanging LBRDs 408 and 412 and/or voice information 418 and 414.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the handheld communication device 402 may store identity information of the handheld communication device 404 before pairing (pairing) the devices 402 and 404 or establishing any connection or communication between the devices 402 and 404 when the handheld communication device 404 is within the operating range of the handheld communication device 402. In this regard, the handheld communication device 404 may be a device that is "pre-authorized" to communicate with the handheld communication device 402. When the handheld communication device 404 is a pre-authorized device to communicate with the handheld communication device 402, an ad-hoc network connection may be established between the devices 402 and 404 once the handheld communication device 402 detects the handheld communication device 404.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating wireless information transfer of a handheld communication device according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 5, the communications architecture 500 may include a handheld communications device 502 and the internet or WLANs 504, 506, and 508. The communication device 502 may comprise suitable circuitry, logic, and/or code and may communicate information wirelessly within the communication architecture 500. The internet or WLANs 504, 506, and 508 may be accessed through access points at corresponding locations. The internet or WLANs 504, 506, and 508 may be the same WLAN, accessed through different access points at different locations. When an access point associated with a particular location is used to access the internet, it will trigger the receipt of a message relating to that particular location.

For example, information may be communicated between the Internet or WLANs 504, 506 and 508 and the handheld communication device 502. In operation, the handheld communication device 502 may detect the presence of the internet/WLAN 504 when within an operating range of an access point communicatively coupled to the internet/WLAN 504. The handheld communication device 502 then establishes a communication connection with the internet/WLAN 504. The handheld communication device 502 may then use the internet/WLAN 504 to send messages and information to the internet and other communication devices connected to the internet. In exchange for using the internet/WLAN 504, an entity (entity) providing access to the internet/WLAN 504 may send messages to the handheld communication device 502 regarding the entity. For example, the entity may be a store in a mall and the message may be an advertisement related to the store that provides access to the internet/WLAN 504.

When the handheld communication device 502 roams from one location to another, the handheld communication device 502 may detect internet/WLANs associated with the other locations. For example, when the handheld communication device 502 moves from a store that provides access to the internet/WLAN 504 to a store that provides access to the internet/WLAN 506, the handheld communication device 502 may detect the internet/WLAN 506 and establish a communication connection with the internet/WLAN 506. Handheld communication device 502 may then use internet/WLAN 506 in exchange for receiving a message from a location associated with internet/WLAN 506, such as advertising information for the store (which may provide access to internet/WLAN 506). Similarly, the handheld communication device 502 may also roam to another location, such as a store that provides access to the internet/WLAN 508, and establish a connection in exchange for receiving messages/advertisements related to the store (which may provide access to the internet/WLAN 508).

In one embodiment of the invention, the different locations may be different departments within the same store. When the handheld communication device 502 roams from one department to another, the handheld communication device 502 may receive advertisements and messages related to that particular department in exchange for using the internet/WLAN in that department. Information about the visited department/store/location may be collected and based thereon, a particular advertisement may be sent to the user of the handheld communication device 502.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the different locations may each record the identity of the handheld communication device 502 and use it to send future marketing information. The handheld communication device may register with a location and be authorized whenever the handheld communication device comes within range of the internet/WLAN at that location, allowing it to use the internet/WLAN at that location.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart of exemplary steps for communicating information in a network in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in fig. 5 and 6, the handheld communication device 502 roams to a location and detects the internet/WLAN at the current location at step 602. The location may be a commercial establishment in which the wireless access device is broadcasting the internet/WLAN. Then, in step 604, the handheld communication device 502 establishes a connection with the internet/WLAN at the current location via the wireless access device. At step 606, the handheld communication device 502 receives a message regarding the current location. The message may include, for example, advertising and marketing information, as well as other messages related to the services provided by the current location. The current location may be a commercial establishment, such as a store in a mall or a department in a store, and the message relates to the merchandise offered by the store or the department in the store. Once the handheld communication device 502 accepts the message, it may use the internet/WLAN at the current location at step 608. While the handheld communication device is roaming, the handheld communication device determines whether a new location has been reached at step 610. If it is at the new location, the handheld communication device will return to step 602 to determine whether the internet/WLAN is available at the new location. Furthermore, if not at the new location, the handheld communication device will continue to use the internet/WLAN at the current location.

In one embodiment of the invention, when the handheld communication device first establishes a connection with the internet/WLAN at a location, identity information associated with the handheld communication device may be stored. Whenever the handheld communication device enters the operating range of the internet/WLAN at the location, the handheld communication device will be authorized, based on the stored identity information, to allow it to establish a connection with the internet/WLAN at the location. In some embodiments, access to the internet/WLAN at that location may only be available for a limited period of time. In addition, the handheld communication device may also deny acceptance of at least a portion of the message from the location, in which case the handheld communication device will be denied access to the internet/WLAN at the location.

In one embodiment of the present invention, when a user of a handheld communication device desires access to the internet/WLAN, the user may provide preferred services and products to a network administrator at a location providing the internet/WLAN access. When the user of the handheld communication device attempts to connect to the internet/WLAN at that location, only those messages that are relevant to the set preference criteria can be sent to the handheld communication device.

Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention may be practiced in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where elements are spread across different interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system, or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein, is suited to use the invention. An example of a combination of hardware and software can be a general-purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.

One embodiment of the invention may be implemented as a board level product, as a single chip, as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), or with different levels of integration in a single chip, independent of the rest of the system. The degree of integration of the system is largely determined by speed and cost. Because of the promiscuous nature of modern processors, the use of commercially available processors is possible, which may be implemented external to an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) of the present system. Alternatively, if the processor is used as an ASIC core, the commercially available processor can be implemented as part of an ASIC with various functions performed by firmware.

The present invention can also be embedded in a computer program product, which comprises all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein, and which when loaded in a computer system is able to carry out these methods. Computer program in the present context means any expression, in any language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability or, directly or indirectly, or both: a) conversion to another language, code or notation; b) rendered in different material forms to perform a particular function.

While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

1. A method for communicating information in a communication system, comprising:

the first wireless handheld communication device detects a first wireless network at a first location, the first wireless network including a first wireless access device;

the first wireless handheld communication device establishes communication connection with the first wireless network through the first wireless access device;

in exchange for the first wireless handheld communication device receiving wireless target services provided by the first wireless network at the first location when the first wireless handheld communication device is within an operating range of the first wireless network at the first location, the first wireless handheld communication device is assigned free access to use the first network to access another network communicatively connected to the first wireless network at the first location.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first location comprises a commercial establishment.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the wireless target service comprises an advertisement related to a service provided by the commercial association.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first location comprises a store.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the wireless targeting service comprises an advertisement related to an item offered by the store.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving, by the first wireless access device, from the first wireless network at the first location, at least one of: voice, video and data.

7. A system for communicating information in a communication system, comprising:

at least one processor configured to enable a first wireless handheld communication device to detect a first wireless network at a first location, the first wireless network comprising a first wireless access device;

the at least one processor is configured to enable the first wireless handheld communication device to establish a communication connection with the first wireless network through the first wireless access device;

in exchange for the first wireless handheld communication device being assigned free access to access using the first wireless network to access another network communicatively connected to the first wireless network at the first location, the at least one processor enables the first wireless handheld communication device to receive wireless target services provided by the first wireless network at the first location when the first wireless handheld communication device is within an operating range of the first wireless network at the first location.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first location comprises a commercial establishment.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the wireless targeting service comprises an advertisement related to a service provided by the commercial association.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the first location comprises a store.