U.S. patent application number 11/426295 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-19 for scheduling of rendering of location-based content.
This patent application is currently assigned to CORE MOBILITY, INC.. Invention is credited to Konstantin Othmer, Carl J. Stocklein.
Application Number | 20060236258 11/426295 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324725 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060236258 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Othmer; Konstantin ; et
al. |
October 19, 2006 |
SCHEDULING OF RENDERING OF LOCATION-BASED CONTENT
Abstract
Tickers are populated with location-based information that is
selected according to the geographic location of communication
devices and is scheduled for display on the tickers according to
specified criteria. Location-appropriate content is obtained either
in real-time from the network or from a local data store at the
communication device. Selected content is displayed according to
the occurrence of a triggering event or based on a schedule that
uses a score assigned to the content. In general location-based,
context-aware content can be displayed on tickers associated with a
variety of communication devices, including mobile communication
devices and "immobile" or stationary personal computers.
Inventors: |
Othmer; Konstantin;
(Mountain View, CA) ; Stocklein; Carl J.;
(Madison, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WORKMAN NYDEGGER;(F/K/A WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY)
60 EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
1000 EAGLE GATE TOWER
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84111
US
|
Assignee: |
CORE MOBILITY, INC.
1280 Villa Street
Mountain View
CA
94041
|
Family ID: |
46324725 |
Appl. No.: |
11/426295 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10916960 |
Aug 11, 2004 |
|
|
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11426295 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
|
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60494644 |
Aug 11, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/774 ;
340/8.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/72457 20210101;
H04M 1/72451 20210101; H04W 4/029 20180201; G06Q 30/0243 20130101;
H04W 4/02 20130101; H04M 1/72454 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/774 ;
340/825.49 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/00 20060101
G06F003/00 |
Claims
1. In a communication network that includes a ticker server and
communication devices having display devices on which tickers can
be rendered, a method for determining how to display content on the
tickers, comprising: identifying at least two content items,
including a first content item and a second content item, that are
available to be displayed on a ticker of a communication device,
wherein the first content item and the second content item are
location-based content items selected to correspond to specified
geographic locations of the communication device; using a
scheduling system of the communication device, assigning a first
score to a first content item and a second score to the second
content item, based on display rules associated with the first and
second content items, wherein the scores represent a measure of the
priority of the corresponding content items; and displaying at
least one of the first content item and the second content item in
a manner specified by the first score and the second score.
2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the manner specified
by the first score and the second score comprises the order in
which the first content item and the second content item are
displayed.
3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the manner specified
by the first score and the second score comprises the timing by
which the first content item and the second content item are
displayed.
4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the manner specified
by the first score and the second score comprises the relative
frequency by which the first content item and the second content
item are displayed.
5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the display rules
include display rules contained in metadata associated with the
first content item and the second content item.
6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein assigning the first
score and the second score comprises evaluating at least one of:
the strength of user preferences; time sensitivity of the content
items; degrees of relevance of the content items; proximity of the
communication device to the corresponding specified geographic
locations; how often the content items have previously been
displayed on the ticker; content provider business arrangements;
and marketing campaign rules.
7. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising obtaining
the location-based content by: receiving the location-based content
from a location-based ticker server; and storing the location-based
content in a local data store.
8. The method as recited in claim 7, further comprising filtering
the location-based content as the location-based content is
obtained.
9. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein filtering the
location-based content is performed in response to user input
explicitly accepting or rejecting certain location-based
content.
10. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising obtaining
the location-based content in response to the communication device
being moved to a location that is within range of a wireless
communication network.
11. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the wireless network
is a Bluetooth wireless access point.
12. The method as recited in claim 10, wherein the wireless network
is a wireless access point of the 802.11 wireless network
family.
13. In a communication device that includes a graphical display
device, a method for populating a ticker on the display device with
information selected in response to a triggering event, comprising:
determining that a triggering event has occurred; obtaining
location-based content that has been designated as being
appropriate for display in response to the triggering event,
wherein the location-based content is selected to correspond to a
specified geographic location of the communication device; and
displaying the location-based content on the ticker.
14. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein the triggering event
comprises at least one of: a specified time; and the communication
device being in a specified geographic location.
15. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein obtaining
location-based content comprises receiving the location-based
content from a ticker server in response to the triggering
event.
16. The method as recited in claim 13, wherein obtaining
location-based content comprises accessing the location-based
content that has been stored locally after having been received
from a ticker server prior to the triggering event.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising generating an
interactive presentation attribute of the ticker.
18. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein the interactive
presentation attribute comprises modifying an element of the ticker
in response to navigation commands generated as a user depresses
keys of a keypad of the communication device.
19. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein the interactive
presentation attribute comprises applying a transparency value to
the displayed ticker.
20. The method as recited in claim 17, wherein the interactive
presentation attribute comprises modifying the display of a
particular portion of the location-based content based on at least
one of the geographic location of the communication device and user
preferences.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/916,960, filed Aug. 11, 2004, which claims the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/494,644, filed
Aug. 11, 2003. This application is also related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/917,200, filed Aug. 11, 2004, and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled "Interactive User
Interface Presentation Attributes for Location-Based Content,"
which is filed on the same day as the present application. The
foregoing patent applications are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to communications
systems, methods and devices. More particularly, exemplary
embodiments of the invention concern systems and methods directed
to providing and scheduling the display of location-based,
context-aware content on a user device.
[0004] 2. Related Technology
[0005] The popularity of the Internet has given rise to a plethora
of information services as consumers have become accustomed to
accessing timely, personalized news and information. As a result,
demand for these types of content services continues to grow.
Scrolling information displays, referred to herein as "tickers,"
are one type of content distribution mechanism that can give a
viewer a quick, high-level update, and they have become commonplace
on the television news and on sports channels, providing viewers
with "at-a-glance" headlines, breaking news, weather reports,
sports scores and other updates.
[0006] One early example of a scrolling information display or
"ticker" on a personal computer (PC) system was that provided by
Pointcast. Through the Pointcast service, PC users could subscribe
to news and information channels of interest and receive periodic
updates on their computer displays, often in the form of a
scrolling information display at the bottom of the user's display
screen--commonly known as a ticker. An even earlier example of the
use of tickers in conjunction with a PC was the ticker provided by
gaming company Catapult Entertainment, Inc. The Catapult ticker, in
addition to providing information to users of the gaming system
about news and current events and gaming-related information such
as upcoming tournaments, high scores, and new software releases,
was also interactive through the use of the computer mouse. Rather
than being limited to the information in the ticker, the user could
click on an item in the ticker having a Universal Resource
Identifier (URI) associated with it, which would then cause a web
page to be displayed with additional information about that item.
More recently, through the use of messaging systems with
near-universal reach such as the Short Messaging System (SMS),
mobile workers can now receive up-to-the-minute business, financial
and customer information on their mobile devices from various news
and entertainment content providers and from many other information
sources, including corporate portals and customer relationship
management applications. Furthermore, tickers are beginning to
appear as a method for dynamic information display on mobile
communication devices, such as cellular telephones, personal
digital assistants (PDAs), and "smart" phones.
[0007] While the value of receiving personalized, timely
information in a condensed, quickly-read format such as a ticker is
indisputable, the information tickers known in the art could be
significantly improved. The continued, rapid growth of mobile
communication device use is a reflection of the mobile society in
which we live, and increasingly we rely on these devices for news
and other information in addition to staying in touch with
co-workers, friends and family. Furthermore, the location of a
mobile communication device having a connection to a network can be
easily determined through signal triangulation methods or other
methods, and the proliferation of GPS enabled devices fueled by
government regulatory requirements to improve public safety means
that the location of any cell phone or other mobile communication
device can be established. Smaller devices such as wristwatches
that can receive information updates promise to make it even more
convenient to always carry a mobile communication device, and as
applications for these devices such as messaging, calendars and
appointment reminders, news alerts, and traffic reports become more
popular, the mobile communication device is becoming a more
essential requirement for users to guide them through the day. As
users of these devices move around from home to work, in and out of
conference rooms and buildings, between terminals in an airport,
from neighborhood to neighborhood, city to city, and between states
and countries, they could benefit significantly from an information
service that takes into account their geographical location and
information preferences and then provides at-a-glance updates to
the user's device that are meaningful and useful to the user in
their current location. However, existing ticker services are not
capable of responding to the geographic location of the user or
providing information that is tailored to the current location of
the user.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In general, exemplary embodiments of the invention concern
systems and methods for providing location-based, context-aware
content to communication devices including mobile communication
devices and "immobile" or stationary personal computers, and
scheduling the display of the location-based content within a
ticker on the display of the communication device. While the
invention is applicable to immobile or "wired" communication
devices including computer systems, landline telephones,
televisions, and set top boxes, its application is particularly
well-suited to mobile wireless communication devices (referred to
hereinafter as "mobile communication device(s)" or "mobile
device(s)") such as laptop and notebook computers, cellular
telephones, PDAs, and any other mobile communication device having
a display device and enabled to wirelessly receive data.
[0009] More specifically, embodiments of the invention provide for
recognizing the geographical location of a communication device by
either receiving location information from the device or from the
network, or by receiving profile information input by a user of a
communication device as to the location of the device. The device
location is then correlated with either or both of user preferences
and location-based content pertaining to those preferences.
Corresponding promotions, local news, local event information and
other location-based content is then transmitted to a data store on
the device by a network server, or it is selectively retrieved from
a data store on the device in which location-based content that has
already been transmitted from external servers is stored pending
display on the device. In accordance with a scheduling system and
certain rules and preferences, the data received on the device is
scheduled for display and then displayed within the ticker on the
device at the appropriate time using specified formats and
presentation attributes. The methods of the invention are proactive
in that location-aware content is pushed to the device and/or
displayed within the ticker when the user enters or nears a
specified location without the need for the user to actively
request it.
[0010] In the exemplary embodiment, a cellular telephone user
subscribes to a location-based ticker service of the invention and
indicates preferences for categories of content by inputting the
preference via a user interface element on the cell phone. In this
case, the user could specify, for example, a preference for Peet's
coffee and indicate a desire to be notified each time a Peet's
coffee store is nearby. The preference is then stored for future
reference by the system. As the user changes location throughout
the day, the cell phone reports its geographical location or the
cell phone location is otherwise communicated periodically to a
location-based ticker server of the location-based ticker service,
and from time to time the ticker on the user's cell phone receives
content updates, including location-aware content, which is then
displayed on the ticker to the user. Alternatively, the
location-based ticker server can send a list of Peet's coffee shop
locations along with a message for display within the ticker, and
store it on the cell phone. Display rules may be received in
metadata associated with the content and stored on the cell phone;
these rules are then considered by the scheduling system as it
determines when the message from Peet's should be displayed in the
ticker. For example, based on the user's proximity to a Peet's
location, a message could scroll within the ticker that says
"Peet's coffee 2 blocks west". Determining a mobile device's
location is well understood in the art and can be done through a
number of means including GPS, assisted GPS, or RF triangulation.
The ticker scheduling system (described in more detail herein) uses
the device location and the information about the location of
Peet's coffee stores to determine what information to display on
the ticker. In accordance with such "proximity rules" and other
rules that may be stored on the cell phone, on the location-based
ticker server, or both, location-based content for the general
geographical area, such as a city, may be displayed, and as the
user changes location, the content displayed within the ticker may
become more finely tuned and specific to the user's current
location.
[0011] Member vendors of the location-based ticker service may
register information about their products and services, including
advertisements, promotional information and entertainment-related
information with the location-based ticker service. In this
example, Peet's Coffee, a member vendor of the location-based
ticker service, could register a promotional coupon with the
service, which is then transmitted to communication devices
located, for instance, in a particular region such as Northern
California. The promotional coupon is associated with metadata that
includes a proximity rule stating that if a user arrives at a
location within a specified distance of a Peet's retail store, the
information is to be displayed on the ticker of the user's device.
In this case, the Peet's promotional content may be downloaded at
any time--such as during an off-peak time for network
traffic--regardless of the user's current location, and stored on
the device pending display when the user reaches the location
specified in the proximity rule.
[0012] Alternatively, the Peet's promotional information may be
stored at the ticker server, and then downloaded to the data store
on the device in "real-time" or near real-time when the user
reaches the specified location. In this case, when the user's cell
phone travels near a Peet's Coffee location, the location-based
ticker server, having determined that there is a match between the
user's preference for Peet's, the user's current location, and the
location of the nearest Peet's, transmits data concerning the
nearest Peet's location to the ticker on the user's device. The
member vendor may specify one proximity rule for mobile
communication device users, and another proximity rule for
stationary or wired communication devices. Furthermore, other
characteristics of the user's device can be taken into account,
such as the speed at which it is moving. The speed and direction of
motion of the communication device can be determined through GPS
offsets or other methods, included in the geographical information
about the communication device, and reported to the location-based
ticker server or used to select location-based content stored
locally on the communication device. A third proximity rule can be
specified for devices in motion. For example, if the device is
moving faster than fifteen miles per hour, the proximity rules may
say that the Peet's promotional content should display if the
device is within three miles of a Peet's retail location.
[0013] According to this example, Peet's has further specified an
expiration time after which the coupon should not be transmitted to
the communication devices. Similarly, content transmission may also
commence based on time, and the time at which content is
transmitted to the device may or may not be independent of the
device location. In general, the ticker content can be transmitted
or displayed at a time or manner specified by a triggering event.
Examples of such triggering events include a specified time or
location. Upon the occurrence of the triggering event, content that
has been designated as being appropriate for the triggering event
(e.g., appropriate for the current time or location of the
communication device) is displayed on the ticker or transmitted to
the communication device.
[0014] Returning to the present example, in some cases the Peet's
data may be transmitted directly to a mobile communication device
without having first been aggregated at the ticker server. For
example, if the mobile device encounters a wireless access point of
a wireless local area network (WLAN), such as an 802.11 network,
the Peet's data can be transmitted directly to the mobile
device.
[0015] After the location-based content is transmitted to the
device using any of the aforementioned methods, the transmitted
data is indexed in a data store on the device according to its
attributes, and a scoring algorithm of the scheduling system
determines when and how the content will be displayed within the
ticker on the device. For example, because the user has indicated a
strong preference for Peet's coffee, and the user is only fifty
yards away from the retail store, the scheduling system, having
considered the device location, rules that may have been received
in metadata associated with the content, and user preferences,
determines that the content should be displayed within the ticker
immediately in a red font, and the device could emit an audible
tone and/or vibrate to notify the user that actionable content
pertaining to an important preference has arrived in the ticker.
Other presentation attributes of the location-based content are
also possible. Furthermore, because the location-based ticker
server is aware of the preferences of the user, in this case it
recognizes that there is a strong possibility that the user may
wish to take advantage of the promotional coupon, and it transmits
this supplemental content, including the promotional coupon, to
cache memory on the cell phone. The user may then click on the
Peet's ticker item to cause the supplemental content in cache
memory, including, for example, walking directions and the
promotional coupon, to be displayed on the cell phone screen or in
a web browser on the phone.
[0016] Significantly, the location-based, context-aware content can
be obtained from multiple content sources using any of a number of
data transmission modes or "bearers", depending on the
configuration of the device. For example, as the user changes
location, a cell phone equipped to communicate with a cellular
telephone system and to sense the wireless access points of both
Bluetooth and 802.11 networks may obtain stock quotes via an SMS
text message, art exhibit content via Bluetooth, and a discount
coupon from a nearby retailer associated with an 802.11 network.
Data from all of these sources can be transmitted to the device in
such a way as to avoid interfering with the other communication
services of the device and without the user having taken any
action. For example, a location-based content update can be sent to
the ticker on the cell phone when it is idle. The user can then
view, navigate, and interact with the location-based ticker items
while engaging in a telephone call or other communication session
by using one or more buttons or soft keys on the mobile device to
navigate the ticker.
[0017] In view of the foregoing, the systems and methods of the
invention can recognize the geographical location of a
communication device and based on the geographical location and
other considerations, populate a ticker running on the
communication device with location-based, context-aware content.
This represents a significant improvement over conventional ticker
systems, which fail to take the geographic location of the user
into account when populating tickers. Moreover, the ticker systems
of the invention are interactive in a way that has not been
possible using conventional ticker systems. The tickers of the
invention can display news, weather, advertisements, promotions,
tourist attraction information, conference room booking
information, and special event information, from multiple content
sources, to mobile communication device users and stationary
computer device users alike. MMS messages email messages and other
content may be sent to the ticker from external sources or the
device user might send them to his own ticker as a form of
"reminder" or "to do" list, for example. The content can be
personalized to varying degrees, depending on its source and the
method used to transmit it to the device.
[0018] These and other aspects of embodiments of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
description and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] In order that the manner in which the above-recited and
other advantages and features of the invention are obtained, a more
particular description of the invention briefly described above
will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which
are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are
not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention
will be described and explained with additional specificity and
detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating aspects of an
exemplary operating environment for embodiments of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating aspects of
location-based ticker client software.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an exemplary implementation of
a location-based ticker server.
[0023] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating aspects of a process for
registration and location of a mobile device.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a process for
transmitting location-based content to a communication device.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a process for
transmitting location-based content to a communication device.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating aspects of a scoring
algorithm for selecting and displaying content within a ticker on a
display device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe
various aspects of exemplary embodiments of the invention. It
should be understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and
schematic representations of such exemplary embodiments and,
accordingly, are not limiting of the scope of the present
invention, nor are the drawings necessarily drawn to scale.
[0028] In general, embodiments of the invention are concerned with
recognizing the geographical location of a communication device,
and based on the geographical location, user preferences, vendor
advertising campaign rules, device configuration and other
considerations, providing location-based, context-aware content to
a ticker on a communication device. Communication devices that may
be employed in conjunction with the invention include PCs,
televisions, landline telephones, cellular telephones, PDAs, laptop
computers and any other device having a display device and suitably
equipped to establish communication with a network. In particular,
exemplary embodiments of the invention are directed to the use of
mobile communication devices in conjunction with the invention.
However, the invention should not be construed to be limited to the
use of mobile communication devices. As noted previously, content
can be transmitted to the communication device using any of a
number of data transmission modes or "bearers" including, but not
limited to cellular networks, internet protocol (IP) networks such
as the Internet, the Short Message Service (SMS), satellite and
terrestrial radio broadcasts, the 802.11 family of wireless local
area networks, and Bluetooth networks. For convenience, 802.11
networks and Bluetooth networks may be referred to herein as
"wireless access points". Furthermore, various content delivery
mechanisms that operate in conjunction with a bearer are supported
by the ticker, including multimedia messaging service (MMS), really
simple syndication (RSS), and email, among many other content
delivery mechanisms.
[0029] Embodiments of the invention include content gateways
through which some content providers make content available to
users of the location-based ticker service. Other content
providers, such as product vendors with products and services to
advertise, may register with the location-based ticker system and
input marketing and advertising campaigns into the system. Methods
of the invention allow users to subscribe to the location-based
ticker service of the invention, express preferences for certain
types of content, and block other types of content. Filters
residing on the communication device manage receipt of
location-based content on the device in accordance with user
preferences. Depending on the metadata and other rules associated
with the transmitted advertising, promotions and other
location-based data, the data may then be scheduled for display
within the ticker on the device. Methods of the invention provide
for a scheduling mechanism that employs a scoring algorithm to,
among other things, reconcile the display rules of content
competing for display time in the ticker and determines which
content is displayed within the ticker, at what time, in what order
and with what frequency. Furthermore, the manner in which the
transmitted data is displayed can include a wide variety of content
presentation attributes, including the shape, size, speed and
location on the display screen of the ticker, multiple font
effects, and audible or tactile notifications indicating that new
location-based content has arrived at the ticker. Finally, the
methods of the invention provide an accounting system to track and
report activities associated with ticker usage.
I. Operating Environments and Associated Devices
[0030] With particular attention now to FIG. 1, one exemplary
implementation of an operating environment, denoted generally at
100, is indicated. Although this exemplary operating environment
comprises multiple types of networks, including a cellular
telephone network, wireless access points for 802.11 networks and
Bluetooth networks, and broadcast networks such as FM radio or
satellite radio, the invention may be employed in connection with
any other type of network and associated devices that are effective
in implementing or facilitating wireless communication or landline
communication. While FIG. 1 depicts a cellular telephone and
exemplary embodiments are directed to the use of cellular
telephones in conjunction with the invention, the invention should
not be construed to be limited to such devices. As previously
noted, PCs, televisions, landline telephones, cellular telephones,
PDAs, laptop computers and any other device suitably equipped to
establish communication with a network and having a display device
may be used to implement the methods of the invention. Accordingly,
the scope of the invention should not be construed to be limited to
the exemplary operating environment indicated in FIG. 1.
[0031] In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, the operating
environment 100 includes one or more mobile communication devices
101 configured to communicate with one or more networks and/or
network elements, including base transceiver station (BTS) 102 of
the cellular network, IP network 108, FM or satellite radio
broadcast network 112, 802.11 wireless access points 116, and
Bluetooth wireless access point 118. Mobile communication device
101 may determine its geographical location using positioning
techniques such as a global positioning system (GPS) or
wireless-assisted GPS, for which it uses one or more satellites
114. Its location can also be determined by other methods, such as
triangulation of the signal from the cell sites serving the mobile
device or by simply encountering an 802.11 or Bluetooth wireless
access point, which effectively positions the device.
Alternatively, the device location may be determined by querying
another server on the network that contains location information
about the device. The location of landline devices may be
explicitly specified by the device user through submission of an
information profile to the location-based ticker service. Mobile
communication devices 101 are further configured with ticker client
software that enables them, among other things, to communicate with
ticker server 300 that may be embodied, in one implementation, as a
server operating in conjunction with IP network 108. Ticker server
300 may further interface with other network elements, such as a
Short Message Service Center (SMSC) and various gateways to
implement the methods of the invention.
II. Multiple Bearers, Content Delivery Mechanisms and Receiving and
Displaying Location-Based Content
[0032] Directing attention now to FIG. 2, details are provided
concerning an example of ticker client software 200. Ticker client
software 200 resides on the communication devices used in
conjunction with the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, ticker
client software 200 is installed on mobile communication device
101, which is suitably equipped to establish a connection with one
or more networks and send and receive data. Ticker client software
200 operates in conjunction with a ticker server discussed in more
detail below.
[0033] Ticker client software may include filter 202, meta tagging
mechanism 204 and security system 206. Location-based content can
become available to ticker client software 200 operating on mobile
communication device 101 from multiple content sources and over
various types of network connections. In one case, content
providers may supply location-based content through various
gateways to ticker server 300 or content providers may
alternatively submit product and service content to the
location-based ticker server directly. In either case, the
location-based content may then be transmitted to ticker client
software 200 using any of a number of bearers for example, a data
connection over a cellular network, and SMS. Alternatively,
location-based content can be supplied to ticker client software
200 directly, without having first been aggregated at ticker server
300. For example, a user of mobile communication device 101 enabled
with ticker client software 200 and equipped with a Bluetooth
chipset may receive location-based content directly when it
encounters another Bluetooth device. Bluetooth is a wireless
technology typically used for short range communication of data and
voice from one device to another, usually within a small area. One
example of such an application would be the ability to receive into
the location-based ticker a detailed description of an art exhibit
being viewed by the user. In this case, the content sent to mobile
communication device 101 is both location-based and context-aware,
in that the device automatically senses the wireless access point
of the Bluetooth network and receives content specific to the
context, in this case an art exhibit. In addition to communicating
the ticker content directly to the device using one of the
aforementioned bearers, it could deliver it using any of a number
of content delivery mechanisms such as email. For example, when
mobile communication device 101 communicates with the Bluetooth
access point, it might provide its email address to the art exhibit
system. The system could then send specific content to that email
address with special codes indicating that it is to be interpreted
by the ticker software on that device. Mobile communication device
101 may further be configured to interact with the 802.11 family of
wireless local area networks, and when it encounters a wireless
access point of such a network it can similarly receive
location-based, context-aware content such as a promotional coupon
for a nearby restaurant, and then display it in the ticker at 12
p.m. or at another user-specified lunchtime. Ticker client software
200 may also monitor broadcast networks such as FM radio and
satellite radio and "pick and choose" content that is relevant to
the user.
[0034] Generally, the value of utilizing multiple bearers is that
some transmission mechanisms are better suited to delivering
certain types of content than others. In some cases, the
location-based ticker system may select a bearer based on the
nature of the content itself. For example, a very small data
payload that should be delivered in "real-time" or near real-time,
such as a local traffic alert, may be delivered using broadcast
SMS. Conversely, a data payload that is larger in size and that
contains personalized content, such as tourist site information
that includes a review of a nearby restaurant and a discount
coupon, may be delivered over an IP connection. In other
situations, the fastest way to obtain real-time data, such as a
baseball score, while using the least amount of communication
device overhead may be for the ticker client software to obtain the
baseball score from a satellite or terrestrial radio broadcast.
Furthermore, highly personalized content, regardless of the size of
the transmission, may be more appropriately delivered over a
cellular network using a data connection. It should be noted that
regardless of the location-based content source or bearer used, the
content is typically transmitted to mobile communication device 101
at a time when the device is not otherwise engaged in a
communication session to avoid any disruption in communication.
Content may also be transmitted at a time when network traffic load
is considered to be off-peak in order to conserve bandwidth, or a
bearer may be chosen based on network traffic loads.
[0035] In any case, when location-based content becomes available
from a source that is external to ticker client software 200,
filter 202 evaluates it to determine if it should be received.
Security element 206 further examines the available content to
ensure it is from a credible source. If filter 202 decides, based
on rules and preferences 210 that the content should be received,
and security 206 further endorses receipt of the content, meta
tagging module 204 may associate metadata with the content, which
describes the attributes of the content being received and which
may be in addition to metadata already associated with the content
by the content provider. The content is then received into data
store 208 and indexed in data store 208 according to its
attributes. The aforementioned rules and preferences 210 are
specified by the user upon registration and/or subscription with
the location-based ticker service to assist in controlling and
managing receipt and display of location-based content within the
ticker. Among other things, the user can express preferences for
certain types of content or the user may block receipt of certain
types of content or content sources. The user can further specify
preferences for the form taken by the ticker, such as its shape,
size, and location on the display of mobile communication device
101. Rules and preferences 210 can be modified by the user at any
time. In addition, the location-based ticker service can modify
what is displayed to the user based on a history of ticker items
the user has previously interacted with, thus inferring the user's
preferences. The history of the ticker activity, the explicit user
preferences and rules, and other criteria other than geographic
location, are referred to herein collectively as "user criteria,"
which can be used to filter incoming location-based content and to
determine whether and when to display the content on the
ticker.
[0036] Once received into data store 208, scheduler 212 determines
the time at which the location-based data will be displayed
relative to all of the data received and scheduled for display
within the ticker. In some cases, location-based content may be
displayed immediately after its receipt into data store 208, based
on the ticker server's knowledge of the device location. In other
cases, location-based content is received and stored in data store
208 for a period of time before it is displayed within the ticker.
In this case, content engine 224 of ticker client software 200 is
responsible for periodically checking the location of the device
and then interfacing with data store 208 to search for matches
between the current location of the device and available content.
In still other cases, the immediacy of an encounter between a WLAN
and the mobile communication device causes location-based content
to be received and displayed within the ticker. In all of these
cases, scheduler 212 is responsible for determining the timing and
order in which all of the available location-based content is
displayed in the ticker of mobile communication device 101.
[0037] In addition to location-based content received from sources
external to the mobile communication device 101, local applications
220 operating on the device 101 can also generate data and submit
it to scheduler 212 to be scheduled for display within the ticker.
For example, a calendar application may send an appointment alert
to scheduler 212 for display within the ticker. The scheduler is
able to take into account the time sensitivity of the data and
schedule its display within the ticker accordingly.
[0038] With continuing attention to FIG. 2, content manager 214
interfaces with data store 208 to manage the ticker content. For
example, the content manager keeps only the latest score in a
sports game and deletes previous versions. It also deletes old or
expired content or content that the user has viewed and should be
deleted based on rules contained in the metadata. In one example, a
news alert about a particular event may be stored and scheduled for
display in the ticker at a particular time. If updated content is
subsequently received in data store 208, content manager 214
ensures that the most recent news alert is displayed in place of
the older content already scheduled for display.
[0039] Rendering engine 216 of ticker client software 200 receives
input from rules and preferences module 210 concerning the look and
feel of the location-based content displayed on mobile
communication device 101. For example, the user may want the
location-based content to appear in the "traditional" ticker
format, wherein it scrolls horizontally across the bottom of the
display screen. Alternatively, the user may wish to view the
location-based content as a rotating, three-dimensional box, with
each face of the box showing a different category of location-based
content. The ticker may display special attributes such as
transparency, which allows the user to see through the ticker to
what is displayed behind it. The user may further specify that
certain categories of location-based content be displayed passively
within a scrolling, horizontal ticker, whereas other categories of
location-based content should be displayed in a more dramatic way,
such as with specialized font attributes, in a particular color,
and with accompanying animations, such as "entrance"
animations.
[0040] Presentation effects including contrasting font color, "new"
graphics, a change in the order of presented items and audible and
tactile alerts may be used to denote new location-based content
received. A "free form" ticker could be employed in which new,
location-based content "flies" onto the display screen without
being contained within the specified ticker format(s). Similarly,
location-based content can "fade in" or "fade out" from the display
screen, or "builds" may be used in which fragments of content are
displayed one after the other, rather than all at the same time,
until the complete content is displayed. In one example, rendering
engine 216 could be instructed to display a particular local
traffic update with an entrance animation that flies across the
display screen and flashes. The entrance animation could be further
accompanied by an audible or tactile notification, such as a ring
tone or device vibration to alert the user of a traffic accident on
the user's transportation route. Rendering engine 216 may further
implement numerous attributes and effects pertaining to the shape,
size, location, scroll speed, font attributes, color schemes and
themes of the location-based content displayed in the ticker and of
the behavior of individual location-based ticker items or
categories of location-based ticker items and render them on the
display of mobile communication device 101 accordingly.
III. Ticker Interaction and Use
[0041] With continuing reference to FIG. 2, the ticker of ticker
client software 200 may be interactive. Action dispatcher 218
manages user interaction with the ticker and interfaces with the
rest of the communication device on which the ticker is hosted in
response to user interaction with the ticker. In one case, the user
may employ ticker navigation effects, such as scrolling through the
ticker at a faster rate, skipping items, or even deleting ticker
items by pressing a single button on the mobile communication
device. User interaction with an item displayed within the ticker,
(a "location-based ticker item") such as by clicking on the item,
scrolling to it, highlighting it or otherwise selecting the item,
can cause a secondary action. In one example, a URI associated with
the location-based ticker item is launched when the user selects
the item, such as by clicking on the item, resulting in display of
a web page containing additional content about the item. In another
case, as the user approaches his favorite video store, he may
receive an advertisement in the ticker announcing the availability
of a new movie available for rent. Any of a number of content
delivery mechanisms, including multimedia messaging service (MMS)
and really simple syndication (RSS), can be supported by the
ticker, and in this example the advertisement may be sent using the
MMS as the content delivery mechanism. Selection of the
advertisement can give the user the option of downloading a Java
application for example, which is a movie trailer. The user may
then wish to send an email or other message to the store to reserve
the movie. The action dispatcher 218 interfaces with the
appropriate external systems to manage download of the java
application and dispatch of the message to the store. Once the
movie trailer is downloaded, it can be viewed on the communication
device. Another example of interactive ticker use is to conduct a
poll or a survey. Users leaving the premiere of a new movie could
be presented with a poll in the ticker. Clicking on certain items
in the ticker would indicate the user's response to the questions
in a poll. Similarly, users could receive a customer satisfaction
poll upon leaving a retail store from which they have purchased a
product or service. Additionally, selection of the previously
mentioned appointment notification displayed in the ticker can
cause the calendar application to be launched so the user can view
the full details of the impending appointment, and receive driving
directions to the appointment based on his current location.
[0042] Finally, ticker client software 200 employs usage accountant
222 to monitor and track the location-based data displayed within
the ticker and the various ways in which the user interacts with
the location-based ticker items. For example, selecting an
advertisement for a new restaurant may result in driving directions
being displayed in a WAP browser, and the user may further be
presented with an option for automatically dialing the restaurant
phone number to make a reservation. The usage accountant 222
monitors and reports on the transaction so the advertiser receives
feedback about response to the advertisement. In this case, whether
or not the user dials the phone number is a very important piece of
information for the advertiser. At the same time, the selection of
the ad by the user is accounted for so the advertiser of the
restaurant can be charged, as with pay-for-performance advertising
business models. In addition to monitoring and reporting on
transactions that result in billing activity, user interaction with
location-based items in the ticker is also aggregated in order to
better understand user preferences, supply the user with
location-based content which is even more finely tuned over time to
meet user needs, and to maximize the effectiveness of advertising
campaigns. The usage information is periodically reported to usage
accounting 304 of ticker server 300. Moreover, the user may view a
historical record of ticker items displayed and a history of
interaction with the ticker by selecting an icon in the ticker that
serves a web page or otherwise provides a report with the
historical ticker data to the user.
IV. Registration, Content Aggregation and Campaign Management
[0043] With reference now to FIG. 3, details are provided
concerning an exemplary implementation of ticker server 300. In the
exemplary embodiment, ticker server 300 operates in conjunction
with a plurality of content providers and mobile communication
devices 101. To gain access to the location-based content offered
by the plurality of content providers, ticker client software 200
resident on mobile communication device 101 registers with device
registration and location tracker module 312 of ticker server 300.
Using user interface elements of ticker client software 200, the
user of mobile communication device 101 may further express rules
and preferences concerning the type of location-based content in
which s/he is interested and the manner in which it should be
displayed within the ticker on the device. Once expressed, the
rules and preferences may be stored on mobile communication device
101 in rules and preferences module 210, in rules and preferences
module 308 of ticker server 300, or both. Along with specifying
rules and preferences, a user of a landline communication device
such as a PC or telephone may also indicate the geographical
location of the device by completing an information profile during
the registration process. Once initial registration is completed,
device location information can be provided to location tracker
module 312 and ticker client software 200 may begin receiving
location-based content.
[0044] In the exemplary embodiment, ticker server 300 aggregates
some content, but as previously noted, other content may be
delivered via other means to ticker client software 200 on mobile
communication device 101. Content providers may become members of
the location-based ticker service by registering with the service
using membership manager 310. Once registered, content can be
provided to the ticker server for distribution to registered mobile
communication devices 101. In some cases, content providers can
deliver content directly to the ticker client software, and in some
situations the user may be prompted to accept or reject the
location-based content that is available for provision directly to
the ticker client software.
[0045] With continuing attention to FIG. 3, content can be
delivered to ticker server 300 in various ways. First, content
providers, including large entertainment conglomerates such as MTV
and Disney, as well as smaller, independent content providers, may
feed content to the location-based ticker server through content
aggregator gateway 316 that provides a means for potentially
disparate content servers to interface with ticker server 300.
Content received via content aggregator gateway 316 may then be
stored in data store 314. Alternatively, vendors of products and
services may choose to input company and product information, as
well as advertising and promotions into campaign manager 306 of
ticker server 300. In another embodiment, a third party marketing
campaign management system may interface with ticker server 300 to
deliver content to data store 314. Campaign manager module 306
provides vendors and other content providers the capability to
create and manage marketing campaigns for their products and
services. Product and service information may be input via a web
page and can include details such as the message to appear on the
ticker, which customers should see which messages, product
descriptions, competitive comparisons, promotional discounts and
other information. Terms of use, pricing, promotion duration, and
other marketing and advertising campaign details can be specified,
implemented and updated using campaign manager 306. In some cases,
the content can be encrypted before it is transmitted to the
communication device. Decryption can be performed, for example, by
transmitting a key from a local access point in the network to the
mobile communication device at an appropriate time or location to
enable the mobile communication device to decrypt location-based
content that it already has.
[0046] Once the encrypted content is downloaded to data store 208
of ticker client software 200 (reference FIG. 2), when the device
arrives at the specified location and at the specified time,
campaign manager 306 can initiate transmission of a key to the
communication device to "unlock" the content such that it can be
displayed within the ticker. Campaign manager 306 further provides
capability for receiving feedback from usage accountant 222 of
ticker client software 200 (see FIG. 2) and reporting on how many
users have responded to vendor campaigns by interacting with the
ticker. In any case, metadata, such as target user demographics and
terms and conditions, may be provided along with the content
provided to ticker server 300. For example, an automobile
manufacturer may specify that its advertisement for a newly
released vehicle be sent to communication devices within a certain
proximity to a dealership to encourage the user to stop by to view
the new vehicle. It may further specify the age of the recipient
and also send a special promotional offer to users who are previous
buyers from the manufacturer and whose lease agreements are close
to expiring
[0047] Security and authentication module 302 provides a variety of
security services, including secure registration and authentication
both for communication device users and for content providers, as
well as monitoring the source of incoming content to ensure that
only credible, registered users are interacting with the
location-based ticker server and that only authenticated content is
delivered to the ticker client.
[0048] Usage accounting module 304 performs a variety of processes
related to tracking the use of the content provided to ticker
client software 200, including receiving usage data from usage
accountant 222 (depicted in FIG. 2) of ticker client software 200
and exporting usage data to external billing, reporting, and
campaign management systems.
[0049] Turning now to FIG. 4, one embodiment of a process 400 is
illustrated that is concerned with initial registration and
location of mobile communication device 101. In operation, mobile
communication device 101, which is configured with ticker client
software 200, establishes a network connection in the conventional
manner. At stage 402, ticker client software 200 is invoked in
response to the user powering on mobile communication device 101 or
by pressing a button, a soft key or issuing a verbal command to the
device. At stage 404, the user is prompted by ticker server 300,
which has established communication with ticker client software
200, to register with the location-based ticker service. At stage
406, the user provides registration information, including billing
address, device information, and content preferences, including
ticker and content presentation attributes, and any other
information requested by ticker server 300 in conjunction with
location-based ticker service registration requirements. Upon
completion of stage 406, ticker client software 200 of mobile
communication device 101 is prepared to receive location-based
content. At stage 408, location tracker 312 of ticker server 300
(see FIG. 3) obtains location information for mobile communication
device 101. In one case, mobile communication device 101 determines
its location using any of the aforementioned positioning techniques
known in the art and reports its location to location tracker 312.
In other cases, location tracker 312 may query one or more network
elements, such as a home location register (HLR), a visiting
location register (VLR) or another element in the network to obtain
location information for mobile communication device 101.
[0050] Turning attention now to FIG. 5, a process for providing
location-based content from ticker server 300 to ticker client
software 200 on mobile communication device 101 is illustrated. In
one embodiment of the invention, location-based content can be
selected for scheduling and display from local data store 208, from
ticker server data store 314, or both. In operation, ticker client
software is invoked at stage 500 either automatically by powering
on mobile communication device 101, pressing a button or soft key
on the device, or by a voice command. At stage 502 the ticker
client software establishes its location. Once the geographical
location of mobile communication device 101 is determined by ticker
client software 200, the process can proceed along two different
paths and the paths can be executed simultaneously. At stage 504
the ticker client reports its location to location tracker 312, of
location-based ticker server 300, which causes a query to run at
stage 506 against data store 314 to search for relevant
location-based content. At stage 508 a decision is made as to
whether there is a match between available content and the user's
location and/or preferences. If a match is found, at stage 510 the
content can be sent to data store 208 of ticker client software 200
using any of a number of transmission methods previously mentioned.
In some cases, content that is low priority may be transmitted to
ticker client software 200 at a time that is determined to be an
off-peak time for network traffic, that is, the location-based
ticker server has access to information about network loads such
that it can determine peak and off-peak times with regard to
traffic load and transmit the content accordingly based on its
priority. Although not depicted, filter module 202, meta tagging
module 204 and security module 206 may be employed to validate the
source of the content and associate metadata with the content
before it is stored in data store 208. Meanwhile, at stage 512,
having established the location of the device, content engine 224
can query data store 208 of ticker client software 200 to search
for relevant content already stored on the device pending display,
and for newly received location-based content. The process
continues at stage 514 where it is determined whether any of the
content in data store 208 is a match for the user's current
location and/or preferences. If it is determined that there is a
match, the content is sent to scheduler 212 at stage 516 and
prepared for display within the ticker.
[0051] With reference now to FIG. 6, a process is illustrated for
receiving location-based content via a broadcast medium, an 802.11
network or a Bluetooth network. In one embodiment, invoking the
ticker client software at stage 600 causes it to automatically
attempt to detect a wireless access point. At the same time as it
is attempting to detect wireless access points at stage 602, at
stage 604 it can also monitor various types of broadcasts, such as
FM broadcasts or satellite radio broadcasts for relevant,
location-based content. At stage 606, ticker client software
determines if any wireless access points are available from which
to receive location-based content. If wireless access points are
available, they can begin sending content to ticker client
software. At stage 608, ticker client software filters incoming
location-based content for relevancy and credibility. In one
embodiment, the user can be prompted by security module 206 of
ticker client software 200 to explicitly approve incoming content
as depicted at stage 610, however this stage is not required and
rules pertaining to approval of content can be specified by the
user. In this case, if the user rejects the incoming content, the
process returns to stage 602 and 604 wherein ticker client software
"monitors" various broadcasts and continues to look for wireless
access points. If the incoming content is accepted by the user at
stage 610, the process continues to stage 614 in which the content
is sent to the data store of the ticker client software. Although
not depicted, meta tagging module 204 may assign metadata to the
incoming content describing its attributes so it can be properly
indexed in data store 208. The content is then sent to the
scheduler and scheduled for display within the ticker.
V. Content Priority Scores
[0052] With reference to FIG. 7, details are provided concerning
the process of using an algorithm employed by scheduler 212 of
ticker client software 200 (see FIG. 2) to determine the timing,
order, and frequency with which location-based content received
into data store 208 is displayed within the ticker. Conditions such
as strength of user preferences, time sensitivity of the content,
degrees of relevance of the content, proximity to a location
pertaining to the content, how often the content has been shown,
content provider business arrangements, marketing campaign rules
and other conditions are evaluated and a numerical value reflecting
the priority of the location-based content is assigned to the
content. Content with the highest score is displayed within the
ticker on mobile communication device 101 first, and if the score
surpasses a certain priority threshold, presentation attributes,
such as contrasting font colors or notifications may be applied to
the displayed content.
[0053] For example, three items (advertisement for Peet's coffee,
updated stock quote, and an ad for McDonalds) are identified as
being candidates for display on the ticker at stage 700. The
scoring system calculates a relevance score for each item at
process 702 based on a number of system-defined attributes; in this
case proximity, user preferences (our user loves coffee and follows
the stock market), and the advertising rate paid by the advertiser
are the attributes considered in the calculation. The process 702
of calculating the relevance score includes calculating a value
vector for each of these three attributes for each item in stage
704. Using a scale from 0 to 100 as an example, the score for
Peet's might be (50, 100, 50) since the user is a few blocks from
the coffee shop, has specified a strong preference for Peet's brand
coffee, and the advertising fee being paid by Peet's is in the
middle of the range of advertising fees paid. For the stock quote,
the value vector might be (0, 100, 0), since proximity does not
apply and no advertising fee is being paid, and for the McDonalds
ad the value vector is (0, 0, 75) since the user is not near a
McDonalds, nor has the user expressed a preference for McDonalds,
but McDonalds is paying a very high advertising rate to promote
their new product in the ticker display.
[0054] Given these three value vectors, an attribute weighting is
then applied in stage 706 of the process 702 of calculating the
relevance scores. In this example, proximity is most important and
has a weight of 100, user preferences are the next most heavily
weighted attribute with a weight of 80, and the advertising fees
paid are assigned a weight of 50. A score can now be calculated for
each of these items, which will determine the order in which the
items are displayed in the ticker according to stage 708. In
addition, the relevance scores can be used to determine in stage
710 whether to apply presentation attributes to the items when they
are displayed on the ticker in stage 712. The calculations for
these items in this example are as follows: Peet's:
50*100+100*80+50*50=15500; Stock quote: 0*100+100*80+0*50=8000;
McDonalds: 0*100+0*80+75*50=3750.
[0055] Thus, in this example, the Peet's item would be displayed
first, the stock quote second, and McDonald's last. These scores
can also be used to determine how often to show content. In this
example, the device might show the Peet's coffee item twice as
often as the stock quote, and four times as often as the McDonald's
item. Of course other scoring systems and scheduling systems could
be used, and the specific parameters can be highly customized for
the particular application.
VI. Telecommunication Devices and Computing Environments
[0056] Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in
connection with a special purpose or general purpose
telecommunications device, including wireless telephones and other
telephony-enabled mobile devices, landline telephones, or special
purpose or general purpose computers that are adapted to have
telecommunications or data networking capabilities such as cable
set top boxes or PCs. Embodiments within the scope of the present
invention also include computer-readable media for carrying or
having computer-executable instructions or electronic content
structures stored thereon, and these terms are defined to extend to
any such media or instructions that are used with
telecommunications devices.
[0057] By way of example, and not limitation, such
computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or
other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic
storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or
store desired program code in the form of computer-executable
instructions or electronic content structures and which can be
accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, or other
computing device.
[0058] When information is transferred or provided over a network
or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless,
or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer or
computing device, the computer or computing device properly views
the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such a
connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium.
Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope
of computer-readable media. Computer-executable instructions
comprise, for example, instructions and content which cause a
general purpose computer, special purpose computer, special purpose
processing device or computing device to perform a certain function
or group of functions.
[0059] Although not required, aspects of the invention have been
described herein in the general context of computer-executable
instructions, such as program modules, being executed by computers
in network environments. Generally, program modules include
routines, programs, objects, components, and content structures
that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract
content types. Computer-executable instructions, associated content
structures, and program modules represent examples of program code
for executing aspects of the methods disclosed herein.
[0060] The described embodiments are to be considered in all
respects only as exemplary and not restrictive. The scope of the
invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather
than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within
the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *