Automatic Localization of Devices

• US 20080133791A1
• Filed: 12/05/2006
• Published: 06/05/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Chiloyan, John, Hodges, Stephen
• Granted Patent: US 7,860,516 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 710/33
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/22 Processing or transfer of terminal data, e.g. status or physical capabilities

Abstract

A device is described which changes its operation dependent upon the location of the device. The device accesses parameters which are specific to its location and uses these to determine how the operation of the device should be changed.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a device comprising:

accessing location specific data corresponding to a location of said device; and

changing an operating parameter of said device based on said location specific data.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the location specific data comprises rules relating to the operation of said device at said location.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein accessing location specific data corresponding to a location of said device comprises:

receiving a message comprising said location specific data.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein accessing location specific data corresponding to a location of said device comprises:

accessing a data store; and

reading said location specific data from said data store.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein said data store is remote from said device and wherein accessing said data store comprises:

accessing said data store via a network.

6. A method according to claim 1, further comprising:

identifying said location of said device.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein identifying said location of said device comprises:

receiving a message from a network; and

identifying said location from said message.

8. A method according to claim 6, wherein identifying said location of said device comprises:

determining a network to which said device is connected; and

identifying said location based on said network.

9. A method according to claim 6, wherein identifying said location of said device comprises:

receiving a signal at said device; and

determining said location based on said signal.

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein said signal comprises one of:

a GPS signal and an RF signal transmitted by an RF beacon.

11. A method according to claim 6, wherein identifying said location of said device comprises:

determining an access point to which said device is connected; and

identifying said location based on said access point.

12. A method according to claim 1, wherein said operating parameter relates to one of:

electromagnetic emissions, transmission frequencies, reception frequencies, transmission power, audible alerts, encryption, power consumption, privacy and selection of software.

13. A method according to claim 1, wherein said device is an electronic device.

14. A method according to claim 13, wherein said electronic device is a portable device.

15. One or more device-readable media with device-executable instructions for performing steps comprising:

accessing location specific data corresponding to a location of a device; and

changing an operating parameter of said device based on said location specific data.

16. A device comprising:

a processor; and

a memory arranged to store executable instructions which when executed cause the processor to;

access location specific data corresponding to a location of said device; and

change an operating parameter of said device based on said location specific data.

17. A device according to claim 16, further comprising:

a location detection circuit.

18. A device according to claim 16, wherein said device is an electronic device.

19. A device according to claim 18, wherein said device is a portable device.