WO2002069662A1

WO2002069662A1 - Communication system and method for location determination

Info

Publication number: WO2002069662A1
Application number: PCT/GB2001/005494
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Gillespie; Nectar Efkarpidis
Original assignee: Pollen Mobile Limited
Priority date: 2001-02-27
Filing date: 2001-12-12
Publication date: 2002-09-06

Abstract

The application describes an apparatus for identifying a location for a device 2 in a location-based communication system. The apparatus receives a predetermined location identifier from the device 2. By arranging for the user of the device to send information to the system declaring his location, the location of the user's device can accurately be determined and potential problems regarding privacy of the user can be avoided.

Description

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LOCATION DETERMINATION

Aspects of the invention relate to location determination and location based communication systems and a method and apparatus for performing the same. Aspects of the invention relate to a communication system and method of communication.

The invention finds particular, but not exclusive, application in device location determination and location based communication systems, and particular application for mobile devices. However, it will be appreciated that various aspects of the invention can find application in numerous other uses wherever location determination and location based communication services are required.

Preferred examples relate to a system and method for determining the location of a user requiring access to services, aspects of the system requiring the location information.

There is widespread interest in location determination systems, especially for use with mobile (cellular) phones, and other portable computing devices. At this time, however, few if any of the many proposed systems are readily available. With respect to the current generation of GSM mobile phones, no such system is readily available.

Many businesses wish to deliver products and services to users of mobile communication devices (such as cellular phones) based on the user's current physical location. Existing technologies for the determination of the user's precise location are mainly based on techniques such as triangulation of signals, for example from fixed transmitters, or use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite services.

Location determination systems can generally determine the physical location of a device with respect to the earth's surface to within the measurement accuracy of the system, which normally ranges between 50m to 10m for GPS, with special adaptations of GPS systems achieving position determination to within 5m. GPS services generally do not provide accurate position determination in the vertical plane, for example to determine the location of the device in a multi-storey building.

The systems generally generate co-ordinates referenced against some grid of some granularity covering the area of the earth's surface in which the service is provided.

To attempt to draw conclusions about the current or intended activities, wants or needs of the user of the mobile device, the co-ordinates produced by the location determining system are normally cross-referenced against other data sets that relate coordinates to known physical locations. Thus, a sufficiently sophisticated system is required to translate, for example the GPS output of a global positioning coordinate, to a meaningful physical location.

Furthermore, these systems require upgrades to either or both the mobile device and the network, and cannot be used with existing GSM mobile phones.

Cellular phones and the cellular phone network service providers or operators possess various technologies which can also be used to determine the location of cellular phone on a network, the majority of which are based on a sophisticated triangulation method based on the network communications between the fixed transmitters and the cellular phone device.

Location based information systems, and the required location determination technology to provide the essential location data into these systems would require a high degree of accuracy regarding the reported location, which will also include location determination in the vertical plane, a feature which is not available in either GPS or triangulation methods. These approaches are expensive and require the co-operation of the network provider in order to function. Such approaches, which seek to determine the user's geographic position in relation to the earth's surface automatically in real time or near real time, are thought to be or will be subject to stringent privacy and data protection legislation regarding their use. It is thought that none of these services are readily available to businesses and services.

Furthermore, as indicated above, the services merely deliver Latitude and Longitude data to fix the user's current location on the earth's surface. This information must then be cross-referenced with other geographically based data sets, for example geographic location of bank ATMs, to provide useful services.

The present invention seeks to address problems identified in the known systems.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for identifying a location for a device in a location-based communication system, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a predetermined location identifier from the device.

By having the device send the location identifier, a location for the device can easily and accurately determined. There is no requirement for the system to have recourse to other systems, for example GPS systems or maps or lists showing venues at particular locations to identify the location for the device.

Also, the location identifier need not be restricted to information regarding geographical location, but can be given context in that the location identifier can identify a particular venue, for example a bar or shop. There may be many venues at a particular geographical location and thus even determining the spatial coordinates of the device might not identify the actual location of the device. Also knowing the type of venue, for example bar or shop, means that relevant information or services can be provided to the device on the basis of the type of venue.

By having a predetermined location identifier for a location, the recognition by the apparatus of the location information sent by the device is facilitated. The use of a predetermined location identifier gives better results than if, for example the user of the device were simply to send a "freestyle" message indicating the location. In that case, it would be necessary to analyse the message and try to match the content of the message to a location known to the system. Clearly, the chances of success for such a system is much reduced compared with a system where there are pre-defined location identifiers used by both the system and the user.

The actual identifier location identifier may include a reference to the location, for example "ABIOC" for the location identifier for ALL BAR ONE at Oxford Circus, or may have no apparent reference to the location, for example a number. It is envisaged that the location identifier could comprise the telephone number which the user calls to register in the system. In such an example, a different telephone number would be allocated to each location, for example each venue. By knowing the telephone number called by the user, the system would know the user's location.

It is envisaged that the user will actually be present at the venue having the location identifier when he declares the identifier to the system, but in some cases the device might be at a different location. For example, the user might request information about a particular location before arriving there. This would clearly not be possible for a system which determined the spatial location of the device, for example a GPS based system.

Aspects of the invention find particular application where the device is mobile, in that it changes its location from time to time.

Examples of the invention can therefore provide a mechanism to determine the user' s location in the context of their current or intended activities, and which is preferably independent of the type of device or network used, for example it can operate on existing GSM networks using SMS text messaging.

Examples of the invention provide a declarative location determination system, in which the user, through apre-defined mechanism of identifiers (or "call-signs") where such identifiers are related to the required locations, is able to communicate their location in a predictable manner to the service they wish to use.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for receiving a message from the device, the message including the location identifier.

Preferably the device comprises a mobile telephone, but other devices capable of communicating with the apparatus could be used, for example PDAs or a portable computer. The user may therefore send a message using the telephone. The message including the location identifier may be in any suitable form, for example an SMS text message.

While the invention has particular application to mobile devices which, by definition, can change their location, it is envisaged that aspects of the invention will also have application where the device is less mobile, or not mobile at all. Thus a broad aspect of the invention provides apparatus for identifying a location for a device in a location-based communication system, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a predetermined location identifier from the device.

Preferably the apparatus includes a database comprising a plurality of location identifiers. The system preferably manages a location based communication system for a plurality of different locations, each having a location identifier.

Preferably information in the database is searchable. Preferably the database is searchable by the user from the device. Thus the apparatus may include means for receiving a search request from the device, and sending information regarding the location identifier to the device.

5 The location identifiers may become known to the user in a number of ways, for example visual advertisements in the press or at the venue itself. However, it is preferable for the system to include a search function so that the user can determine a location identifier for use.

10 For example, where the location identifiers include a reference to the location itself, the system may include a feature to allow the user to browse the location identifiers.

Alternatively, or in addition, the user might be able to browse a list of locations which are linked to identifiers, and/or the system may include a search function in which

^' users can search for identifiers using, for example, keywords.

15

Preferably information in the database is arranged hierarchically.

There are several important advantages in the location identifiers being arranged in a hierarchy. Firstly, searching of the database of location identifiers by the user is

20 facilitated. Secondly, if the user cannot find a location identifier corresponding exactly to the location of interest, he can choose a related identifier in the hierarchy. The identifiers may be arranged in the hierarchy according to type of venue, for example bar or shop, and/or by location, for example, city, road, or nearest underground station.

25.

The hierarchical structure of the identifiers is also important where the system provides information or services based on the location identifier. If there is no information or service in the system associated with a particular identifier, information or services associated with related identifiers (for example parent, child

30 or sibling) could be used. If for example, the user has sent the system a location identifier and requested information regarding the nearest banks. There may be no "bank" information stored in the system for that particular identifier. The system may return to the user information regarding banks associated with the identifier for a nearby location. In a further example, the system may provide the service of putting the user into communication with another user in the same location. For example, the user might be in a bar having a location identifier and request information regarding other users in the same bar. If there are no other users having declared the same location identifier, the system can, using the hierarchical database, indicate to the user other users in bars nearby which have different location identifiers.

This feature is of particular importance and is provided independently. Thus afurther aspect of the invention provides apparatus for use in a context-based communication system, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a predetermined context identifier from a device, and further including a database including a plurality of context identifiers, wherein the identifiers in the database are arranged hierarchically.

The context may comprise the location and thus the context identifier may be equivalent to the location identifier discussed above. The context identifier may, however, relate to other subject matter, for example interests of the user of the device, so that information may be sent to the user relating to that subject matter, and/or communication between users having similar interests can be facilitated.

Preferably the hierarchy is based on geographical relationships. For example, where the identifiers relate to locations, a "parenf'node in the hierarchy of "London" might include "children" nodes of London boroughs, or underground stations.

Arranging the location identifiers in a hierarchical manner allows for user determination of a required call sign by searching and browsing through the hierarchy, as well as a roaming function in which the system can deliver the required service within the requested location, or if necessary within a location that is a superset, subset or is adj acent to, or is otherwise related to the requested location. For example, in a peer-to-peer service, the service may connect the user with another user who has requested the service at the parent level of the location of the user has requested the service.

A particular location of interest to a user might not have a dedicated location identifier.

Preferably the apparatus includes means for receiving information from the device regarding a location, and means for generating a location identifier relating to that location.

This feature is of particular use where the database of location identifiers is searchable, and in particular where the database is in hierarchical form. The system may receive information from the user regarding the location in the hierarchy for the new location.

Preferably the apparatus includes means for sending information or services to a device based on the location identifier.

Thus preferably the system further includes means for sending location based information or services based on the location identifier. The information or service may be provided to the device which sent the identifier, or could be provided to other devices. For example, when a user declares that he is to be identified with a particular location, the system might notify all of the other users which are identified with the particular location (or related locations)

Thus a further aspect of the invention provides apparatus for use in a communication system for providing location-based information or services, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a predetermined location identifier from a communication device, and means for providing information and/or a service, the information and/or service being related to the location identifier.

Thus the apparatus can provide information or services to the user on the basis of the location information given to the apparatus.

A broad aspect of the invention provides, an apparatus for providing location-based information or services, the apparatus comprising means for receiving information from a device and means for providing data to a device, the data being related to a location identifier.

The information received from the device may comprise a device identifier for identifying a device to which information or services are to be provided and/or the information could include a predefined system instruction.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a plurality of location identifiers and a hierarchy of terms associated with the identifiers.

Preferably the information and/or service provided is associated with a term hierarchically related to the location identifier.

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Thus the information may be, in fact, associated only with a related term in the apparatus. In an example, the user requests weather information relating to a particular city in England. The system does not include weather information about that city, but it does include information about the weather in the county of the city (the county is a parent of the city in the hierarchy in this example). Information regarding the weather in the county could be sent to the user. Alternatively, or in addition, the system may include information regarding the weather in another place in the same county as the city (in this example the other place is a sibling of the city in the hierarchy). This information could be sent to the user. Preferably the information and/or service provided includes one or more of a message, a multimedia message and a computer program.

For example, the information sent may include a text message, a visual message (or a combination) and/or a moving image or text.

Preferably the apparatus is adapted to receive a communication from the device, the communication including one or more of a message, a multimedia message, a computer program and an instruction.

Thus preferably the user can send various types of communication to the system.

These communications may instruct the system to carry out some function, which may comprise sending data to the device, and/or to a further device. Content of the communication may be sent to a further device.

Preferably the apparatus includes means for enabling communication between the device and a further device.

Thus the service provided may include enabling communication between users of the system.

Preferably the apparatus includes means for identifying a further device identified by a location identifier related to the location identifier of the device.

Preferably the location identifier of the further device is the same as the location identifier of the first device, indicating that the devices are at the same location. Thus communication between users at a location can be enabled.

In situations, for example where there is no other device registered as having the same identifier, the further device may have a location identifier related to the identifier of - l i the first device by a hierarchical relationship in a hierarchical database of identifiers. In this way, communication between users in nearby locations can be facilitated.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for sending to a device a designation of a further device.

Thus, the user can be advised of other users in the same or a similar location. The designation preferably includes a name allocated to the further device. Such names can be chosen by the users when they register in the system. In some cases the designation may include contact details of the further user, but it is preferred for the anonymity of the users to be maintained.

The device designation(s) may be sent to the user who has just declared the location identifier, and/or to users who have already declared that location identifier.

Preferably the users can then communicate with each other through the system using the device designations to direct their communications.

Preferably the apparatus comprises means for receiving a message from a device, the message including a device designation.

The system can be used for users to direct messages to other users of the system.

This system for sending messages to another device is of particular importance, and is provided separately. Thus a further aspect of the invention provides apparatus for use in communication between two devices, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a message from a first device, the message including a designation of the second device and further including information for communication to the second device. Preferably this aspect of the invention provides an addressing scheme that allows users and the system (for example the computers) to uniquely identify a given device. A standard addressing system might be used, such as the IP addressing scheme operated on the Internet. Standard DNS naming may also be used to "hide" difficult numerical addresses from human users. However, even DNS names are difficult to enter using most mobile device keys. Therefore it may be more appropriate to develop an alternative addressing scheme suitable for use by human users using mobile devices.

In this way, two users can communicate anonymously using the relevant designations for the devices.

Preferably the apparatus further comprises means for sending the information to the second device.

Preferably the second device is a mobile device. Preferably the device comprises a personal mobile communication device, preferably a mobile telephone. Alternatively, the second device may comprise a fixed device.

Preferably the apparatus includes means for associating a designation with a device.

The designation may be determined by the user of the device and communicated to the apparatus. Alternatively, the apparatus may be adapted to allocate a designation to the device.

Preferably the designation of the device is non-numerical. Preferably the designation is an "alias" relating to the user of the device.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a user management and messaging server to handle the messages between the devices. Whilst it is possible to link certain mobile devices to Internet enabled systems by using protocols such as WAP, most phones in use at present are not fitted with WAP capability. However, in Europe and other areas, most GSM mobile telephones are capable of supporting the SMS text messaging service. The system described preferably provides a method for interaction between mobile devices and other devices that is compatible with a wide range of data protocols.

A broad aspect of the invention provides, a method for interacting with a remote device including sending information to a remote system, the information including a message and ID information relating to the remote device.

In preferred embodiments, the device comprises a mobile telephone. Preferably the apparatus comprises an addressing scheme, an interface, a user management and messaging server and client software. Each of those components may be provided independently by the invention.

The information may comprise one or more commands or messages, together with, preferably a user's details , and/or ID information for the device to which the information is to be sent. The format may comprise a particular messaging or command protocol, for example HTTP commands, email or SMS. Preferably the information sent to the system includes an ID identifying the device to which the command is to be sent; the apparatus may include a database linking the ID to a specific device, for example its address.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of controlling a remote device, the method comprising receiving information including a code or keyword or other addressing system which indicates the remote device, and a message, translating the message into a command for the remote device, and sending the command to the remote device. An aspect of the invention provides a hierarchical database of terms, the terms comprising location identifiers for use in a location based communication system.

A further aspect of the invention provides a method of identifying a location for a device in a location-based communication system, the method comprising receiving a predetermined location identifier from the device.

Preferably the method comprises receiving a message from the device, the message including the location identifier. Preferably the method comprises storing the location identifiers in a database, preferably hierarchically.

Preferably the method includes receiving information from the device regarding a location, and generating a location identifier relating to that location.

Preferably the method includes sending information or services to a device based on the location identifier.

The invention also provides a method of providing location-based information or services, the method comprising receiving a predetermined location identifier from a communication device, and providing information and/or a service, the information and/or service being related to the location identifier.

Preferably the method includes providing information and/or a service associated to a term hierarchically related to the location identifier.

Preferably the method includes receiving a communication from the device, the communication including one or more of a message, a multimedia message, a computer program and an instruction.

Preferably the method includes enabling communication between the device and a further device.

Preferably the method includes identifying a further device identified by a location identifier related to the location identifier of the device.

Preferably the method includes sending to a device a designation of a further device.

Preferably the method includes receiving a message from a device, the message including a device designation.

The invention also provides a method of facilitating communication between two devices, the method comprising receiving a message from a first device, the message including a designation of the second device and further including information for communication to the second device.

Preferably the method includes sending the information to the second device.

Preferably the method includes associating a designation with a device.

The invention also provides the use of a hierarchical database of location identifiers in a location based communication system.

Further provided by the invention is a method of communicating with an information system, the method comprising sending a location indicator to the system.

Further provided is a method of determining a location indicator of a location based communication system, the method including carrying out a search on the system to determine the location indicator.

The invention also provides a message for transmission in a communication system, the message comprising a location indicator.

The invention also provides a computer program and a computer program product for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, and a computer readable medium having stored thereon a program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

The invention also provides a signal embodying a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein, a method of transmitting such a signal, and a computer product having an operating system which supports a computer program for carrying out any of the methods described herein and/or for embodying any of the apparatus features described herein.

The invention extends to methods and/or apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Any feature in one aspect of the invention may be applied to other aspects of the invention, in any appropriate combination. In particular, method aspects may be applied to apparatus aspects, and vice versa.

Furthermore, features implemented in hardware may generally be implemented in software, and vice versa. Any reference to software and hardware features herein should be construed accordingly.

Where reference is made to "means for" carrying out a particular function, preferably that means is provided by a suitably programmed computer. Specifically, the means can be provided by a processor and/or memory store as appropriate. In summary, examples of the invention can solve the problems identified with known systems sufficiently to allow for the delivery of a wide range of the anticipated mobile services.

Examples of the system rely on the allocation of unique "call signs" or code to specific physical locations and venues. These can be anything from clubs, bars, restaurants, through shops, shopping centres, public buildings, libraries and the like, to parks, football grounds and other open spaces (herein preferably referred to collectively as venues).

Each venue will preferably be allocated a unique call sign determined by such rules and standards are deemed relevant. All that is necessary is that preferably each call sign is unique. There is no need for the call sign to relate in any way to any characteristics of the venue (such as name, location, size), although these maybe used for ease of remembering.

When a user of a mobile communication device wishes to receive a location based service, they initiate this process by sending an appropriate message to the appropriate business, indicating the call sign of the venue in which they are located.

In this context, an "appropriate message" could be a SMS text message, a voice call to an automated call system, a WAP-based interaction, or some other form of messaging suitable for use with a mobile communication device.

The receiving system preferably relates the call sign to its database of venues to determine the correct venue. The system can then deliver suitable location aware information or services.

The system can also form the basis of a user-to-user interaction service based on current physical location, with all communications being routed through the service to allow people in the same venue to communicate with one another, possibly anonymously.

Examples of the system described comprise a Declarative, Real Time, Network and Service Independent, Contextual Location Determination System. It is declarative in that the user declares his position to the system via the use of call signs; it is real time in that the system can easily determine the user's location without recourse to other systems; it is network and service independent in that it requires no particular technology or service to be available other than messaging, and the system operates with either connection based services such as WAP, or store and forward systems such as SMS; it is contextual in that the location information is related to a physical venue or location, rather than a geo-spatial coordinate system.

Various preferred features of embodiments of aspects of the invention have been described above. According to various broad aspects of the invention, there is provided:

1. A method of delivering to a user information or services dependant on a location comprising: receiving a call sign allocated to a location; and delivering information or services to the user relating to the call sign.

Preferably the method comprises receiving the call sign from the user's mobile communication device, preferably a cellular phone

2. A method of generating a call sign for a location comprising: receiving from a user information about the location; and creating a call sign for the location, preferably automatically and 'on-line'.

3. A method of determining a user's location comprising: receiving a call sign from the user; and using the call sign to determine the location of the user.

4. A method of enabling communication between users, the method comprising: receiving a call sign from each of a plurality of users; enabling communication between users in dependence on the received call signs. 5. A method of obtaining information or services dependant on a location comprising: sending a call sign allocated to a location; and receiving information or services.

6. Apparatus for delivering to a user information or services dependant on a location comprising: a receiver for receiving a call sign allocated to a location; and a transmitter for delivering information or services to the user relating to the call sign.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a database, including the call signs. This feature may be provided independently. Preferably the call signs are arranged into a hierarchy, preferably so that the system is navigable and/or searchable. The call sign can, therefore, act as a "key" for obtaining access to information or other data relating to the location which has been allocated the call sign.

In a broad aspect, the invention provides a network and service independent communication system. In some examples, only messaging capabilities are required.

The whole system, therefore may comprise: a code or 'call-sign' unique to the location; a mobile communication device for communication with a processing system; and the processing system including a database which stores call signs and related information and instructions. These features may be provided independently or in combination.

Preferred features of aspects of the present invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows components of the communication system;

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the system components for a GSM communications network; and

Figure 3 shows components of an example for use by multiple users. Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the main components of the system 1. In the actual implementation the components used will depend on the nature of the technologies used.

The system comprises a communications device 2, a messaging infrastructure 3, a gateway 5, an application server 7 and a database 9 which contains, amongst other items, predetermined location identifiers.

A user wishing to access location dependent information or services uses the communications device 2 to send a message to the application server 7, sending the location identifier corresponding to the user's location.

As well as identifying the location, the user also needs to identify himself. This is implicit in SMS in that there is an assumed one-to-one relationship between a user's telephone number and the user, and that the telephone number is sent with the message as the user identifier. Therefore user identifiers are sent with the location message, either explicitly or implicitly. The database will therefore contain (if required) a user database keyed on these identifiers. The database and application server may then provide authentication and authorization services. The database may also contain information relating to the delivery of the requested services.

The predetermined location identifier sent by the communications device 2 (for which the location is to be determined) is passed via the messaging infrastructure 3 to the gateway 5, which enables the message to be received at the application server 7.

The application server 7 communicates with the database 9 to determine the required response or action based on the declared location of the communication device 2 and other factors specific to the information or service in question, which is then carried out. Other factors may be user rights to access the service (as described above), or previous actions by the user (such as would occur in a quiz or game) or actions by other users (as would occur in a game or chat service).

The application server 7 and database 9 will preferably maintain state information regarding the location of the communications device, requiring the user to declare a predetermined location identifier only once during a sequence of interactions.

The database 9 may also contain location specific data to be delivered to the communication device through the application server based on the registered location of the communication device.

Preferably the interaction with the system would proceed along the following lines:

• The predetermined location identifier is obtained by the user

• The predetermined location identifier is transmitted to the application server via the messaging infrastructure in a pre-defined manner

• The message is transmitted to the application server via the gateway

• The application server determines the user ' s location and initiates the required response or action.

A preferred example for use with GSM mobile telephones and Short Messaging Service (SMS) text messaging will now be described with reference to Figure 2

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of the system components 24 of an example which uses a GSM network 13 and mobile phone 11.

As shown in Figure 2, the system 24 comprises an application server 21 connected to a database 19. The application server is a standard Internet based HTTP server. The application server is connected to a SMS to HTTP gateway 23. The gateway provides an interface between the HTTP service on the server 21 and the GSM network Short Message Service message centre (SMSC) 15.

The database 19 contains the location identifiers used by the service.

A user, 17, can initiate a request for a service by sending a SMS message containing the location identifier to a published number. The number in question can be that assigned to a GSM modem connected to a computer operated by the gateway provider, or a network provided "short code" that routes messages directly to the SMSC 15.

As described, this example could either offer a service directly (operating at the application server 21) or could operate as a location determining service delivering location based information to other services.

When declaring a location to the system by sending an SMS containing a predetermined location identifier, the user may also identify other information, such as the service required. Thus a single infrastructure could be used to deliver multiple services. For instance, weather information for a specific location with predetermined location identifier "A" could be requested by sending the message "WEATHER A", and traffic information for the same location could be requested by sending the message "TRAFFIC A" to the same SMS response number. The system response could be routed through to the user via an SMS response number attached to the SMS request. As an example of how the service operates, a description is now given of a location based gaming service, in which users in the same location compete in a quiz game. Figure 3 below is a block diagram of the components of the service.

For the purposes of this example, the, game is delivered via the popular SMS text messaging service available on most GSM phones. However, any mobile communications data service could be used, such as iMode or WAP.

In Figure 3, the components of Figure 2 are incorporated into a location based quiz product, as would be used by a pub or club or other entertainment venue. The quiz is offered to customers in a given venues 27 and 29 such that users in each venue can compete against one another. Figure 3 shows a configuration in which multiple quizzes operate simultaneously in a number of different locations.

The database 19 contains a set of identifiers, one for each venue participating in the quiz. The users 31 and 33 in venue A, 27, wish to participate in a quiz in that venue, and the users 35 and 37 wish to participate in a quiz in venue B, 29. The identifier for venue A is "A" and that for venue B is "B".

Users 31 and 33 send the text message "QUIZ A" to the published SMS response number using Device 1 and Device 2 respectively, and users 35 and 37 send the text message "QUIZ B" to the same published SMS response number using Device 3 and Device 4.

The application server, 21, receives these messages and process them such that users 31 and 33 are added to the quiz operating in venue A, 27, and users 35 and 37 are added to the quiz operating in venue B, 29.

The stages of the process are: 1 . User enters venue where game is taking place. 2. User determines call sign of venue (this may be displayed in the venue, or the user may have obtained it from an advertisement etc.) e.g. '"A"" or "B"

3. User initiates dialogue with service by sending SMS containing call sign.

4. Receiving system server determines user's telephone number and location from the message. 5. Server adds user's information to application 6. Game commences

7. Server transmits series of questions to all participants via SMS messages.

8. Users respond to questions with reply messages containing answers.

9. Server maintains log of replies and calculates scores for each participant. 10. At end of game server transmits results of game to participants via SMS.

This example merely demonstrates how the user would participate in a service. Note that many games in separate venues could be taking place simultaneously, with the call signs for each venue being used to segment user participation in each game.

The operation of the service requires the user to determine the correct location identifier. This can be done through a number of mechanisms. Location identifiers may be displayed in particular venues, such as bars and clubs, banks, shops etc. The identifiers may be published, on a web site or in a magazine or newspaper, or other publishing or advertising medium. Alternatively the user may be able to search the database of available identifiers, a process that can be made efficient by use of a hierarchical arrangement of the identifiers.

The system as described can be used to provide a range of location sensitive services. These can be user-to-system interactions, or user-to-user interactions, or any other form of interactive service that can be delivered via a communications device.

Some examples of User to System services include:

• Information regarding location of required services, such as banks, restaurants, etc. within a given walking or driving distance of the current location.

• News and other information services relevant to the current location.

• Special offers, promotions or other marketing services requiring location specific information

Some examples of User to User services include: • Interactive gaming based on users' locations

• Interactive chat services

• Matchmaking services based on user profiles, activities and locations

The service as described would preferably be available in any location where the required network or other transport service is available. For instance if the location service were used in conjunction with a WAP service, then the service would be available in all locations where the WAP service could be used, which in turn is determined by factors such as network coverage, and signal strength.

In order for the service to function, the user requires some means of determining the correct call sign for their current location. A number of mechanisms could be used to achieve distribution of this information. For instance, relevant venues could be issued with material such as window stickers etc. indicating their call sign. Call signs could be advertised in publications, listing services and other media.

By arranging the call signs into a suitable hierarchy then the system can also be navigable and searchable, allowing the user to determine the correct call sign for their current venue by a set of answer-response queries.

This would also allow for user directed interaction with the location based service. For instance the user could search for all pubs in a given geographical area which are part of the desired service and receive back a set of call signs.

As the service requires the availability of a pre-assigned call sign for a specific venue, it is possible that a user may wish to use the service in a venue which has no call sign allocated. In this case the user could request a call sign for the venue, which could either be automatically generated in real time by the system, or processed "offline" by human intervention. If suitable additional information is provided (for example name of nearest city, nearest call sign to venue), the system could automatically insert the call sign into a hierarchical naming and navigation scheme as described above.

By this method the user could participate in location based services in venues for which no call sign is currently available.

Note that where the service is exclusively "declarative", it is NOT possible for the system to message or interact with users who have not yet declared their presence to the system as required. This means that in the case of user to user interactions, only those users in a given venue who have declared themselves to the system can participate in these interactions. That is to say, this system preferably provides no method for automatically detecting the users location without user intervention. However it is the case at this time that such automatic location determination systems are almost certain to be subject to stringent and onerous data protection and privacy laws, especially in the European Union. Because preferred examples of the service is declarative, it will be by default an "opt-in" service that always has the user's permission to send messages to them.

The following example relates to establishing communication between one or more users or devices based on their predetermined location identifier. The users can chat anonymously using text messages; the users can use their mobile phone to meet new people in the same location.

For example, to enter into a location based 'chat' service, the user sends an SMS text message to a published number. The text message comprises the word MAMJAM (the name of the service) and the ID of the place where the user wants to chat, for example MAMJAM LONDON.

The application server 21 receives this message and registers the device as associated with the location LONDON. Optionally, the system transmits a message back to the user which requests the user to declare a user name which will represent the user in communications with another user of the system.

The application server then queries the database 19 and finds another user who is also registered in LONDON. The application server will then send a message to user indicating that another user is available to chat. To chat with the other user, the user replies to the message.

This example of the system has been designed to avoid the necessity that the user is required to enter the other user's username. It is quite hard for users to correctly type the user's name. Therefore all that is required is to reply to the message to complete the initialisation of the conversation. However the system as described also provides functionality to select a user from a list of available users.

If the user wishes to chat to somebody different, the user sends a message to the system stating NEXT. The system will then find another user registered with the same location identifier.

To stop receiving messages from the service, the user sends the system a message having content END.

In this example, there are two types of ID (location identifier). Bar and club venue Ids and City Ids. Ids can be determined by the user from advertising, in the press and/or the venue, or from a website which includes a searchable database of Ids. The system includes further features activated by the user by sending commands as text messages. For example NAME is used to change the user name and CHATUP is sent if the user wants to receive examples of chatup lines. The message received from the system comprises the chatup line and a number. To send the chatup line to the other user, the user sends a message comprising CHATUP and the number of the chatup line to be ^' sent to the other user. A list of the user names of users available for chatting for a particular location, the user sends LIST. To chat with someone on the list, the user sends CHAT followed by the user name of the user, or a number which is allocated to users on the list, for example CHAT HOTLIPS or CHAT 3.

In order to user the system, the user preferably buys credits. The credits are then preferably used to chat on the system. The credits are preferably bought using the user's phone. Alternatively, or in addition, the credits could be bought by buying a prepay card.

Preferably the credits are bought by calling a credit line, the charge of the call to the line buying the credits, for example each minute of the call might buy 150 credits. Preferably, the user calls using the device to be used in the system, and the credits are automatically credited for that device. Alternatively, or in addition, the user might call from a different device, for example a land line, identifying the device or user account to be credited.

Service or information provided by this system may be provided in a more efficient manner by utilising a hierarchical method of organising information, for example, location identifiers.

This would permit a user to search for information and users related to a location. Preferably the system includes a FIND function; when a user sends a text message including FIND LONDON, the system returns a message to the user listing the available location identifiers.

It will be understood that the present invention has been described above purely by way of example, and modification of detail can be made within the scope of the invention. Aspects of the invention provide a location determination system in which the user of a service declares his location to the service by using a location identifier, such location identifier being related to a physical location. Preferably the identifiers are arranged in a hierarchy, in which some identifiers are parents or children of other identifiers, such relationships reflecting aspects of physical relationships in the real world. Preferably the hierarchy is organised so as to allow for directed searching and/or browsing of the hierarchy to obtain a required identifier.

Preferably a number of users in the same location can interact with one another on some basis through use of the system.

Preferably a user may be delivered information or services of a location sensitive nature.

Preferably the hierarchical database of identifiers allows a user or users to interact based on locations within, adjacent or near to or containing the user's or users' declared location(s).

A further example describes a system for enabling communication between devices.

In the example, the system allows the customers of a venue such as a bar, club or restaurant to "send" messages directly from their mobile telephones using SMS text messaging to be displayed directly on another device situated in the venue. The other device may be another customer's telephone, or a fixed screen in the venue.

A simple numerical addressing scheme is used. An identification number for the device to be sent the message is displayed, for example where the device is a screen, the screen displays in a fixed position a unique identifying number. The identification number is a designation for the device and is used at the application layer of the system to identify the device, for example the screen, uniquely to the system. Therefore the numbering scheme accommodates the total number of devices in the system.

To interact with the system, the user sends and SMS message to a given telephone number with the device's identifying number. They may also send information, such as a username, to identify themselves. In this example, the system effects the display of the contents of the user's message directly as a message on the device, for example the screen.

The system includes a gateway which, in this and other examples of the invention described herein, serves as a translator between the mobile network protocol and standard TCP/IP as used by the Internet. This could be a WAP gateway, a proprietary system or a third party gateway such as those that translate between SMS text messaging and HTTP protocols.

A user management and messaging server is a proprietary system that translates the user's input into relevant actions, including access to the device. For example the server may maintain a list of access rights, or user profiles, and may translate specific commands into particular actions. The server also translates between the application level addressing scheme into specific physical addresses for the required device. It also sends .the relevant commands or messages to the device. This can be achieved by a number of mechanisms, such as email, HTTP commands, or some other messaging protocol. The protocol chosen will determine the software requirements for each individual device. For example, where the device comprises a mobile telephone, an SMS message may be sent.

For example, the gateway may translate the SMS message sent by the user to a standard internet HTTP request and send it to the user management server via the Internet, with security identifiers where appropriate.

The user management server stores the user' s telephone number (passed to the server by the SMS gateway with the original message) and the device with which they wish to communicate.

The example given above shows that this system could be used for a variety of applications, such as venue based interactive messaging, inter-venue gaming, and many other similar applications.

Each feature disclosed in the description, and (where appropriate) the claims and drawings may be provided independently or in any appropriate combination.

Claims

Claims:

1. Apparatus for identifying a location for a device in a location-based communication system, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a predetermined location identifier from the device.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises means for receiving a message from the device, the message including the location identifier.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, including a database comprising a plurality of location identifiers.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein information in the database is searchable.

5. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein information in the database is arranged hierarchically.

6. Apparatus for use in a context-based communication system, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a predetermined context identifier from a device, and further including a database including a plurality of context identifiers, wherein the identifiers in the database are arranged hierarchically.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the hierarchy is based on geographical relationships.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including means for receiving information from the device regarding a location, and means for generating a location identifier relating to that location.

9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including means for sending information or services to a device based on the location identifier.

10. Apparatus for use in a communication system for providing location-based information or services, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a predetermined location identifier from a communication device, and means for providing information and/or a service, the information and/or service being related to the location identifier.

11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of location identifiers and a hierarchy of terms associated with the identifiers.

,

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the information and/or service provided is associated with a term hierarchically related to the location identifier.

13. Apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the information and/or service provided includes one or more of a message, a multimedia message and a computer program.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is adapted to receive a communication from the device, the communication including one or more of a message, a multimedia message, a computer program and an instruction.

15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including means for enabling communication between the device and a further device.

16. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, including means for identifying a further device identified by a location identifier related to the location identifier of the device.

17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising means for sending to a device a designation of a further device.

18. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising means for receiving a message from a device, the message including a device designation.

19. Apparatus for use in communication between two devices, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a message from a first device, the message including a designation of the second device and further including information for communication to the second device.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising means for sending the information to the second device.

21. Apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the second device is a mobile device.

22. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 21 , including means for associating a designation with a device.

23. Apparatus according to any of claim 17 to 22, wherein the designation of the device is non-numerical.

24. A hierarchical database of terms, the terms comprising location identifiers for use in a location based communication system.

25. A method of identifying a location for a device in a location-based communication system, the method comprising receiving a predetermined location identifier from the device.

26. Method according to claim 25, comprising receiving a message from the device, the message including the location identifier.

27. Method according to claim 25 or claim 26, comprising storing the location identifiers in a database, preferably hierarchically.

28. Method according to any of claims 25 to 27, including receiving information from the device regarding a location, and generating a location identifier relating to that location.

29. Method according to any of claims 25 to 28, including sending information or services to a device based on the location identifier.

30. Method of providing location-based information or services, the method comprising receiving a predetermined location identifier from a communication device, and providing information and/or a service, the information and/or service being related to the location identifier.

31. Method according to any of claims 25 to 30, including providing information and or a service associated to a term hierarchically related to the location identifier.

32. Method according to any of claims 25 to 31, including receiving a communication from the device, the communication including one or more of a message, a multimedia message, a computer program and an instruction.

33. Method according to any of claims 25 to 32, including enabling communication between the device and a further device.

34. Method according to any of claims 25 to 33, including identifying a further device identified by a location identifier related to the location identifier of the device.

35. Method according to any of claims 25 to 34, comprising sending to a device a designation of a further device.

36. Method according to any of claims 25 to 35, comprising receiving a message from a device, the message including a device designation.

37. Method of facilitating communication between two devices, the method comprising receiving a message from a first device, the message including a designation of the second device and further including information for communication to the second device.

38. Method according to claim 37, further comprising sending the information to the second device.

39. Method according to any of claims 35 to 38, including associating a designation with a device.

40. Use of a hierarchical database of location identifiers in a location based communication system.

41. A method of communicating with an information system, the method comprising sending a location indicator to the system.

42. A method of determining a location indicator of a location based communication system, the method including carrying out a search on the system to determine the location indicator.

43. A message for transmission in a communication system, the message comprising a location indicator.

44. A computer program product adapted to carry out a method as claimed in any of claims 25 to 42.

45. A computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program product as claimed in claim 44.

46. A signal tangibly embodying a computer program product as claimed in claim 44.

47. A method of transmitting a signal as claimed in claim 46.

48. A method substantially as described herein having reference to the figures.

49. Apparatus substantially as described herein having reference to and as shown in the figures.

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