US6675017B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Location blocking service for wireless networks
Assignee: Google LLC
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Filing: 2000-06-30
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Granted: 2004-01-06
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Expires: 2020-06-30
Abstract
Abstract The invention disclosed is a location blocking service for use in a wireless network that tracks the location and identity of network users, such as networks complying with enhanced 911 standards. The service provides a network user with the ability to prevent the location of her wireless handheld device from being disclosed to parties other than the wireless network provider and PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points). The network user blocks the forwarding of location information by signaling to the wireless handheld device when the location information originates from the wireless handheld device, or by signaling to the network when the location information originates from the wireless handheld device or the network. Primary components of the present invention include at least one user interface and at least one location block processor provisioned in the wireless handheld device and/or the wireless network. The user interface prompts the user of the handheld device to enter the commands that the send the signals to the device or network.
Inventors
- 👤 Samuel N. Zellner
- 👤 Mark J. Enzmann
- 👤 Robert T. Moton, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 14:41
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W8/00; H04W8/02; H04W8/08; H04W8/16; H04W12/00; H04W12/02; H04W4/00; H04W4/02; H04W4/029; H04L; H04L67/00; H04L67/50; H04L67/52; H04W12/06; H04W4/90; H04W76/00; H04W76/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
86 words
A wireless handheld device for use in a wireless network comprising: a location system that provides location information of the wireless handheld device; a user interface that prompts a user to prevent inclusion of the location information in transmissions generated by the wireless handheld device; and a location block processor in communication with the location system and the user interface, wherein the location block processor receives directions from the user interface to prevent inclusion of the location information from the transmissions and disables the location system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
86 words
A wireless handheld device for use in a wireless network comprising: a location system that provides location information of the wireless handheld device; a user interface that prompts a user to prevent inclusion of the location information in transmissions generated by the wireless handheld device; and a location block processor in communication with the location system and the user interface, wherein the location block processor receives directions from the user interface to prevent inclusion of the location information from the transmissions and disables the location system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The wireless handheld device of claim 1 , wherein the location system is a global positioning system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The wireless handheld device of claim 1 , wherein the location block processor overrides the directions to disable the location system when the transmissions are directed to a public safety answering point.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
82 words
A wireless network comprising: a plurality of wireless handheld devices; a location system that provides location information on the plurality of wireless handheld devices; a user interface that prompts users to enter commands to remove location information from transmissions generated by the plurality of wireless handheld devices; and a location block processor in communication with the plurality of wireless handheld devices, the location system, and the user interface, wherein, in response to the commands, the location block processor disables the location system.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
82 words
A wireless network comprising: a plurality of wireless handheld devices; a location system that provides location information on the plurality of wireless handheld devices; a user interface that prompts users to enter commands to remove location information from transmissions generated by the plurality of wireless handheld devices; and a location block processor in communication with the plurality of wireless handheld devices, the location system, and the user interface, wherein, in response to the commands, the location block processor disables the location system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The wireless network of claim 4 , wherein the location system is a wireless access protocol location service.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The wireless network of claim 4 , wherein the location system is global positioning systems provisioned on the plurality of wireless handheld devices.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The wireless network of claim 4 , wherein the user interface is a menu system provided on the plurality of wireless handheld devices.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The wireless network of claim 4 , wherein the user interface is an interactive voice response system provisioned in the wireless network.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The wireless network of claim 4 , wherein the location block processor overrides the commands to remove the location information when the transmissions are directed to a public safety answering point.
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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) | 2007-01-05 | 2007-07-07 | 2008-01-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-01-05 | 2011-07-07 | 2012-01-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-01-05 | 2015-07-07 | 2016-01-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |