US6414635B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Geographic-based communication service system with more precise determination of a user's known geographic location
Assignee: Meta Platforms Inc
•
Filing: 2000-10-23
•
Granted: 2002-07-02
•
Expires: 2020-10-23
Abstract
Abstract A geographic based communications service system that includes a network and a plurality of access points connected to the network and arranged at known locations in a geographic region. One or more service providers or information providers may be connected to the network to provide services or information on the network. Content provided by the service providers may be based on the known geographic location of the user of a portable computing device (PCD). The known geographic location may be determined with a high degree of precision, using one or more access points and one of several different techniques. In one embodiment, the geographic location of the PCD may be determined within a radius of ten feet. Access points may be configured to determine the bearing of a signal received from a PCD, as well as the strength of the signal transmitted by the PCD. Access points may also be configured to send and receive signals with time stamps. These time stamps may be used to calculate signal travel time, thereby allowing a determination of the distance between an access point and a PCD. Each access point may include location circuitry. The location circuitry may include both analog and digital circuitry configured to perform the various methods used to determine the precise geographic location.
Inventors
- 👤 Brett B. Stewart
- 👤 James W. Thompson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 08:32
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S5/00; G01S5/02; G01S5/12; G01S13/00; G01S13/74; G01S13/87; G01S13/878; H; H04; H04L; H04L67/00; H04L67/01; H04L67/04; H04L67/50; H04L67/52; H04L67/53; H04W; H04W12/00; H04W12/08; H04W64/00; H04W12/60; H04W12/63; H04W4/00; H04W4/02; H04W64/006; H04W84/00; H04W84/02; H04W84/10; H04W84/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 117
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
88 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a relative geographic location of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point; wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine the geographic location of the portable computing device using the known geographic location of the at least one access point and the relative geographic location of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine an approximate distance of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine an approximate bearing of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine an approximate bearing and distance of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
43 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors using the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located or proximate to.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
67 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to provide information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device to a service provider; wherein the service provider is operable to provide geographic-based services to a user of the portable computing device based on the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
63 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 8 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors using the geographic location of the portable computing device; wherein the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device includes information regarding the one or more vendors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
63 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 8 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a first vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located or proximate to; wherein the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device includes information regarding the first vendor location.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
49 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 8 , wherein the user of the portable computing device is physically located proximate to a first vendor; wherein the service provider is operable to provide information to the portable computing device, wherein the information corresponds to the first vendor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
20 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 11 , wherein the information comprises advertising of the first vendor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
84 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim wherein the user of the portable computing device is physically located at or proximate to a first vendor location of a first vendor; wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine the first vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located; wherein the service provider is operable to provide information to the portable computing device, wherein the information corresponds to the first vendor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
90 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to provide information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device to a service provider; wherein the service provider is operable to determine a proximity of the at least one access point to one or more vendors using the geographic location of the portable computing device; wherein the service provider is operable to provide geographic-based services to a user of the portable computing device based on said determined proximity.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the geographic location of the portable computing device includes a latitude and longitude of the location of the portable computing device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
57 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , further comprising a memory which stores map information of the first geographic area of the at least one access point; wherein a proximity of the portable computing device to a vendor is determined using the map information and the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
48 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point includes location circuitry; wherein the location circuitry is operable to determine the geographic location of the portable computing device in the second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
66 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine the geographic location of the portable computing device using at least one of: signal strength of a signal from the portable computing device, time stamps of data packets transmitted between the portable computing device and the at least one access point, and triangulation techniques.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
72 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to measure the signal strength of a signal received from said portable computing device, wherein said signal strength is useable in determining a distance from the at least one access point to the portable computing device, wherein said signal strength is used in determining the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
128 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein one or more of the at least one access point and the portable computing device is configured to transmit and receive data packets, wherein each of said data packets includes a time stamp; wherein one or more of the at least one access point and the portable computing device is configured to determine a distance between the at least one access point and the portable computing device based on at least a first time stamp and a second time stamp, wherein said first time stamp is included in a data packet transmitted by the at least one access point and said second time stamp is included in a data packet transmitted by the portable computing device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
51 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein said plurality of access points includes a first access point and a second access point, wherein said first access point and said access point are configured to determine the geographic location of said portable computing device using triangulation techniques.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
38 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of access points is configured for detecting said portable computing device responsive to said portable computing device entering said first geographic area.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
48 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to transmit the geographic location of said portable computing device to a memory associated with said portable computing device, thereby advising said portable computing device of its location.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
56 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to provide directions to a specified location responsive to a query from said portable computing device, said directions to said specified location based at least in part upon the geographic location of said portable computing device.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
46 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to determine a direction of motion of said portable computing device based on two or more determinations of the geographic location of said portable computing device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
42 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to transmit information to said portable computing device, wherein said information is dependent upon the geographic location of said portable computing device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
53 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to transmit information to said portable computing device, wherein said information is dependent upon the geographic location of said portable computing device and demographic information of the user of said portable computing device.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein a perimeter of said second smaller geographic area is within 10 feet of said portable computing device.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein a perimeter of said second smaller geographic area is within 5 feet of said portable computing device.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein said second smaller geographic area comprises a concentric ring region centered around the at least one access point.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
60 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 1 , wherein the geographic location of the portable computing device is useable to determine a proximity of the portable computing device to a vendor; wherein targeted advertising of the vendor is provided to the portable computing device in response to the proximity of the portable computing device to the vendor.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
165 words
A geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a relative geographic location of the portable computing device relative to the known geographic location of the at least one access point, wherein the at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner in a first geographic area of the at least one access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine the geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
165 words
A geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a relative geographic location of the portable computing device relative to the known geographic location of the at least one access point, wherein the at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner in a first geographic area of the at least one access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine the geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
65 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 32 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine the geographic location of the portable computing device using the known geographic location of the at least one access point and the relative geographic location of the portable computing device relative to the known geographic location of the at least one access point.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
38 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 32 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine an approximate distance of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
38 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 32 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine an approximate bearing of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
40 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 32 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine an approximate bearing and distance of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
43 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 32 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors using the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
43 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 32 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located or proximate to.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
67 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 32 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to provide information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device to a service provider; wherein the service provider is operable to provide geographic-based services to a user of the portable computing device based on the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
63 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 39 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors using the geographic location of the portable computing device; wherein the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device includes information regarding the one or more vendors.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
63 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 39 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a first vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located or proximate to; wherein the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device includes information regarding the first vendor location.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
49 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 39 , wherein the user of the portable computing device is physically located proximate to a first vendor; wherein the service provider is operable to provide information to the portable computing device, wherein the information corresponds to the first vendor.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 42 , wherein the information comprises advertising of the first vendor.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
86 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 39 , wherein the user of the portable computing device is physically located at or proximate to a first vendor location of a first vendor; wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine the first vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located; wherein the service provider is operable to provide information to the portable computing device, wherein the information corresponds to the first vendor.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
67 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 32 , wherein the at least one access point stores map information of the first geographic area of the at least one access point, wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine the proximity of the portable computing device to a vendor using the map information and the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
66 words
The geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 32 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine the geographic location of the portable computing device using at least one of: signal strength of a signal from the portable computing device, time stamps of data packets transmitted between the portable computing device and the at least one access point, and triangulation techniques.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for providing a geographic-based communications service in a network system, wherein the network system includes a plurality of wireless access points coupled to a network and arranged at known geographic locations, the method comprising: a portable computing device communicating in a wireless manner with a first access point, wherein the first access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point; and determining a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
95 words
A method for providing a geographic-based communications service in a network system, wherein the network system includes a plurality of wireless access points coupled to a network and arranged at known geographic locations, the method comprising: a portable computing device communicating in a wireless manner with a first access point, wherein the first access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point; and determining a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , wherein the first access point determines the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , wherein said determining includes determining an approximate distance of the portable computing device relative to the first access point.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , wherein said determining includes determining an approximate bearing of the portable computing device relative to the first access point.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , wherein said determining includes determining an approximate bearing and distance of the portable computing device relative to the first access point.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , wherein said determining includes: determining a relative geographic location of the portable computing device relative to the first access point; and determining the geographic location of the portable computing device using the known geographic location of the first access point and the relative geographic location of the portable computing device relative to the first access point.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , further comprising: providing geographic-based services to a user of the portable computing device based on information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method as recited in claim 53 , further comprising: determining a proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors using the geographic location of the portable computing device; wherein the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device includes information regarding the one or more vendors.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method as recited in claim 53 , further comprising: determining a first vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located or proximate to; wherein the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device includes information regarding the first vendor location.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method as recited in claim 53 , wherein the user of the portable computing device is physically located proximate to a first vendor; wherein said providing provides information to the portable computing device, wherein the information corresponds to the first vendor.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as recited in claim 56 , wherein the information comprises advertising of the first vendor.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
76 words
The method as recited in claim 53 , wherein the user of the portable computing device is physically located at or proximate to a first vendor location of a first vendor; the method further comprising: determining the first vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located; wherein said providing geographic-based services comprises providing information to the portable computing device, wherein the information corresponds to the first vendor.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , wherein the geographic location of the portable computing device includes a latitude and longitude of the location of the portable computing device.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , further comprising: determining a proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors, wherein said determining a proximity uses the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 60 , wherein the first access point determines the proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method as recited in claim 60 , wherein said determining the proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors includes using map information of the first geographic area of the at least one access point and the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , wherein said determining a geographic location of the portable computing device includes using at least one of: signal strength of a signal from the portable computing device, time stamps of data packets transmitted between the portable computing device and the at least one access point, and triangulation techniques.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , further comprising: transmitting the geographic location of the portable computing device to a memory associated with said portable computing device, thereby advising the portable computing device of its location.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , further comprising: receiving a query from the portable computing device regarding directions to a specified location; and providing the directions to the specified location, wherein the directions to the specified location are based at least in part upon the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
51 words
he method as recited in claim 47 , further comprising: performing two or more determinations of the geographic location of the portable computing device; and determining a direction of motion of the portable computing device based on the two or more determinations of the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , further comprising: providing information to the portable computing device, wherein said information is dependent upon the geographic location of said portable computing device.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , further comprising: providing information to the portable computing device, wherein said information is dependent upon the geographic location of said portable computing device and demographic information of the user of said portable computing device.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , wherein a perimeter of said second smaller geographic area is within 10 feet of said portable computing device.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , wherein a perimeter of said second smaller geographic area is within 5 feet of said portable computing device.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , wherein said second smaller geographic area comprises a concentric ring region centered around the first access point.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method as recited in claim 47 , further comprising: determining a proximity of the portable computing device to a vendor using the geographic location of the portable computing device; providing targeted advertising of the vendor to the portable computing device in response to determining the proximity of the portable computing device to the vendor.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
158 words
A shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations in the shopping mall, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area; wherein a proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors in the shopping mall is operable to be determined using the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
158 words
A shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations in the shopping mall, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area; wherein a proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors in the shopping mall is operable to be determined using the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
90 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a relative geographic location of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point; wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine the geographic location of the portable computing device using the known geographic location of the at least one access point and the relative geographic location of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
40 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine an approximate distance of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
40 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine an approximate bearing of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
42 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine an approximate bearing and distance of the portable computing device relative to the at least one access point.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
45 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors using the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
40 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein a vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located or proximate to is operable to be determined.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
69 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to provide information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device to a service provider; wherein the service provider is operable to provide geographic-based services to a user of the portable computing device based on the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
65 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 80 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a proximity of the portable computing device to one or more vendors using the geographic location of the portable computing device; wherein the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device includes information regarding the one or more vendors.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
65 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 80 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine a first vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located or proximate to; wherein the information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device includes information regarding the first vendor location.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
51 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 80 , wherein the user of the portable computing device is physically located proximate to a first vendor; wherein the service provider is operable to provide information to the portable computing device, wherein the information corresponds to the first vendor.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
22 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 83 , wherein the information comprises advertising of the first vendor.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
88 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 80 , wherein the user of the portable computing device is physically located at or proximate to a first vendor location of a first vendor; wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine the first vendor location of a plurality of possible vendor locations in which the portable computing device is located; wherein the service provider is operable to provide information to the portable computing device, wherein the information corresponds to the first vendor.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
92 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to provide information regarding the geographic location of the portable computing device to a service provider; wherein the service provider is operable to determine a proximity of the at least one access point to one or more vendors using the geographic location of the portable computing device; wherein the service provider is operable to provide geographic-based services to a user of the portable computing device based on said determined proximity.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
35 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the geographic location of the portable computing device includes a latitude and longitude of the location of the portable computing device.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
59 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , further comprising a memory which stores map information of the first geographic area of the at least one access point; wherein a proximity of the portable computing device to a vendor is determined using the map information and the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
50 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point includes location circuitry; wherein the location circuitry is operable to determine the geographic location of the portable computing device in the second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
68 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is operable to determine the geographic location of the portable computing device using at least one of: signal strength of a signal from the portable computing device, time stamps of data packets transmitted between the portable computing device and the at least one access point, and triangulation techniques.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
74 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , herein the at least one access point is configured to measure the signal strength of a signal received from said portable computing device, wherein said signal strength is useable in determining a distance from the at least one access point to the portable computing device, wherein said signal strength is used in determining the geographic location of the portable computing device.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
130 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein one or more of the at least one access point and the portable computing device is configured to transmit and receive data packets, wherein each of said data packets includes a time stamp; wherein one or more of the at least one access point and the portable computing device is configured to determine a distance between the at least one access point and the portable computing device based on at least a first time stamp and a second time stamp, wherein said first time stamp is included in a data packet transmitted by the at least one access point and said second time stamp is included in a data packet transmitted by the portable computing device.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
53 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein said plurality of access points includes a first access point and a second access point, wherein said first access point and said access point are configured to determine the geographic location of said portable computing device using triangulation techniques.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
40 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein each of said plurality of access points is configured for detecting said portable computing device responsive to said portable computing device entering said first geographic area.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
50 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to transmit the geographic location of said portable computing device to a memory associated with said portable computing device, thereby advising said portable computing device of its location.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
58 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to provide directions to a specified location responsive to a query from said portable computing device, said directions to said specified location based at least in part upon the geographic location of said portable computing device.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
48 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to determine a direction of motion of said portable computing device based on two or more determinations of the geographic location of said portable computing device.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
44 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to transmit information to said portable computing device, wherein said information is dependent upon the geographic location of said portable computing device.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
55 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the at least one access point is configured to transmit information to said portable computing device, wherein said information is dependent upon the geographic location of said portable computing device and demographic information of the user of said portable computing device.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
31 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein a perimeter of said second smaller geographic area is within 10 feet of said portable computing device.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
31 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein a perimeter of said second smaller geographic area is within 5 feet of said portable computing device.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
32 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein said second smaller geographic area comprises a concentric ring region centered around the at least one access point.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
61 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the geographic location of the portable computing device is useable to determine a proximity of the portable computing device to a vendor; wherein advertising of the vendor is provided to the portable computing device in response to the proximity of the portable computing device to the vendor.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
66 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein the geographic location of the portable computing device is useable to determine a proximity of the portable computing device to a vendor; wherein the access point is operable to provide advertising of the vendor to the portable computing device in response to the proximity of the portable computing device to the vendor.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
48 words
The shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system as recited in claim 73 , wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate using wireless Ethernet; wherein the at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device using wireless Ethernet.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
127 words
A shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations in the shopping mall, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
127 words
A shopping mall-based geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations in the shopping mall, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
125 words
An airport-based geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations in the airport, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
125 words
An airport-based geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations in the airport, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
125 words
A geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations in a mass-transit station, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
125 words
A geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations in a mass-transit station, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
127 words
A geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner using wireless Ethernet, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point using wireless Ethernet, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
127 words
A geographic-based communications service system, comprising: a portable computing device, wherein said portable computing device is configured to communicate in a wireless manner; a network; a plurality of wireless access points coupled to said network and arranged at known geographic locations, wherein at least one of the plurality of access points is configured to communicate with the portable computing device in a wireless manner using wireless Ethernet, wherein the at least one access point is operable to communicate with the portable computing device in a first geographic area of the first access point using wireless Ethernet, wherein the at least one access point is further configured to determine a geographic location of the portable computing device in a second smaller geographic area within the first geographic area.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-07-01 | 2005-12-31 | 2006-07-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-07-01 | 2009-12-31 | 2010-07-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-07-01 | 2013-12-31 | 2014-07-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |