LOCATION-BASED MESSAGING SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A method of providing location-based messaging, said method comprising:
- finding one or more positional characteristics of a set of wireless message-receiving devices;
finding one or more subsets of wireless message-receiving devices, the members of which subsets have similar positional characteristics;
identifying said subset as a group on the basis of those individuals sharing similar positional characteristics;
calculating an average location for each group; and
sending each member of each group, the same group-specific message appropriate to the average location of the group.
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Abstract
Apparatus for supporting a location-based application is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a plurality of mobile devices which report their locations to an application computer. The application computer then periodically or occasionally sends the mobile devices a message (textual, speech, photo or video etc.) which depends upon the reported location of the mobile device. A problem with known apparatus of this type arises when a plurality of users are partaking in the same location-based application together, but receive different messages because their positions are not identical. The location-based application supporting apparatus disclosed here overcomes this problem by first identifying mobile devices which are moving as a group, and then sending all members of that group the same location-based message. The solution is of particular utility in relation to located information, advertising, or reviews for shops, restaurants etc., located games, located educational experiences and location tourism.
41 Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of providing location-based messaging, said method comprising:
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finding one or more positional characteristics of a set of wireless message-receiving devices; finding one or more subsets of wireless message-receiving devices, the members of which subsets have similar positional characteristics; identifying said subset as a group on the basis of those individuals sharing similar positional characteristics; calculating an average location for each group; and sending each member of each group, the same group-specific message appropriate to the average location of the group. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A computer arranged in operation to support a location-based application, said computer comprising:
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a wireless receiver arranged in operation to receive one or more positional characteristics of a set of wireless message-receiving devices; a data processor arranged in operation to; i) find one or more subsets of wireless message-receiving devices, the members of which subsets have similar positional characteristics; ii) identify said subsets as groups; and iii) calculate an average location for each group; a wireless transmitter arranged in operation to send the same group-specific message appropriate to the average location of the group to each member of each group. - View Dependent Claims (7)
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Specification