WO2014013306A1

WO2014013306A1 - Method for a user to access predefined services

Info

Publication number: WO2014013306A1
Application number: PCT/IB2013/001525
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabrizio VEZZOLI
Original assignee: Vezzoli Fabrizio
Priority date: 2012-07-17
Filing date: 2013-07-15
Publication date: 2014-01-23
Also published as: ITBG20120036A1; EP2875481A1

Abstract

Method for a user having a terminal to access predefined services, comprising the steps of: placing a wireless access point in a station in proximity of an activity; said access point having a coverage area; automatically connecting said terminal to said wireless access point when said user is inside said coverage area; redirecting said terminal without requiring a password to only one set of hypertext pages associated with said activity; accessing the services offered by said set of hypertext pages.

Description

"Method for a user to access predefined services" DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a method for a user to access predefined services, and more particular it refers to the wireless transmission of contents or commands, via the Internet or local network, to all the peripherals connected.

Recently, the activity known as proximity marketing is gaining ground; this is a marketing technique that operates in a specific territory using communication technologies of visual and mobile type to promote the sale of products and services.

The simplest use interaction with the movement of people in a given area that activate an audio message when a person passes by.

Others, more advanced, make use of wireless transmission technologies to load advertising content onto Internet connection devices when these connect to them. In particular, users must read all the advertising content before being able to connect freely to the internet.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for a user to access predefined services, when a user moves close to a predefined place, where the services are associated with the place.

In accordance with the present invention, these objects and others are achieved by a method for a user having a terminal to access predefined services comprising the steps of: placing a wireless access point in a station in proximity of an activity; said access point having a coverage area; automatically connecting said terminal to said wireless access point when said user is inside said coverage area; redirecting said terminal without requiring a password to only one set of hypertext pages associated with said activity; accessing the services offered by said set of hypertext pages.

Further features of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

The advantages of this solution with respect to prior art solutions are numerous.

Currently, wireless (Wi-Fi) networks are known prevalently to allow connection to the Internet, both directly with a proper Wi-Fi router, and by accessing a hotspot to be able to navigate freely on the Internet.

Instead , upon connection the present invention sends the user, via a router access point, to a predefined website proposing services associated with the place in which connection took place.

The website can be on the Internet or on a local network.

In fact, connection allows access only to a set of correlated web pages, i.e. a hypertext document structure residing on a web server or on a local server.

In both cases, the set of hypertext pages can be navigated through a web browser.

The present invention does not refer to an Internet connection with which the user can navigate freely, but the user who enters with his/her terminal a hotspot, in accordance with the present invention, accesses only a set of hypertext pages that provide the services connected to that given hotspot. The hotspot is associated with an activity, intended as store, business, home, automatic distributor, etc.

The users, even if they have no credit or are not enabled for Internet navigation, by means of the present invention can access, free of charge, the services offered by the system, which can range over endless sectors.

The features and the advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a practical embodiment thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a system for a user to access predefined services in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 schematically shows the arrangement of access points in respective places, in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a variant of a system for a user to access predefined services in accordance with the present invention.

With reference to the accompanying figures, in an embodiment a system for a user to access predefined services in accordance with the present invention comprises a first wireless access point 10 of Wi-Fi type, which has a proper coverage area 1 1 and therefore defines an access area for a terminal 20 of a user.

The term terminal is intended as a mobile phone (smart), a tablet, a computer or other device that can connect to a wireless access point.

Therefore, a hotspot is present, i.e. an area in which it is possible to access the Wi-Fi network in Wi-Fi mode based on the specifications of the standard IEEE 802.1 1 , or other protocols.

Therefore, the access point 10 is a device that enables the mobile user to connect to a wireless network directly through his/her terminal.

The access point 10 is connected, in wired or wireless mode, to a router 12.

The router 12 is a device that routes data, divided into packets, between different networks and/or on the same network.

The router 12 routes data in the two directions with the Internet 13.

Alternatively, the access point 10 and the router 12 can be combined in a single device.

An Internet interconnection system, in accordance with the present invention, comprises multiple access points and in particular another access point 1 5 is represented in Fig. 1 .

The second wireless access point 15, for example of

Wi-Fi type, has a proper coverage area 16 and therefore defines an access area for a terminal 20 of a user.

The access point 15 is connected , in wired or wireless mode, to a router 1 7.

The router 17 routes data in the two directions with the Internet 13.

The user who enters the coverage area 1 1 of the first access point 10 with his/her terminal 20 connects to the Internet 13, and in particular is redirected to a predefined website represented, for example, in this case by the numeric reference 14. The term predefined website is intended as a set of hypertext pages also with multimedia content. In other words, the redirect does not go to the login page, but to the set of hypertext pages.

For example, if the user with his/her terminal 20 enters the coverage area 16 of the second access point 15, it connects to the Internet 13, and in particular is redirected to the predefined website represented , for example, in this case by the numeric reference 18.

Alternatively to the Internet connection to access only the predefined website, the connection is limited to access to a local server that has stored the set of hypertext pages showing the services offered by the activity that also manages the link.

The redirect to the predefined website of the user's terminal 20 redirects to a real and complete website, prevalently designed for mobile phones, but the system provides for automatic recognition of the peripheral that is connecting and therefore will automatically direct it to the best website created and optimized for the greatest accessibility and use.

For example, iPhones and iPod Touch devices will be redirected to the pages created specifically for maximum readability, telephones with Android operating systems, or other proprietary systems, will be automatically redirected to pages automatically adapted to this operating system, and computer will be redirected to the version of the same website created specifically for computers and with different browsers. Preferably, each access point 10 and 15 is positioned in the vicinity of a commercial activity, such as a store or equipment, or in proximity of a product, and is associated with the services offered by these activities.

For example, the access point 10 is placed in an activity 21 and the access point 1 5 is placed in an activity 22. The services offered by the activity 21 will be visualized on the terminal 20 of the user when he/she passes within its range of action, while the services offered by the activity 22 will be visualized on the terminal 20 of the user when he/she passes within its range of action.

Therefore, in the case of adjacent commercial activities, the system will behave on the basis of proximity and greater vicinity to the access point and will automatically connect to the service of the activity that is nearest.

The service set identifier, or SSI D, is the name with which a Wi-Fi network is identified by its users. The access points are normally configured to continuously announce their SS I D, so that the mobile devices for Wi-Fi transmission and reception can create a list of wireless networks available in the area in which they are located .

The system provides for SSID customization, for example WIFIME for commercial activities, WIFICAR for applications regarding automobiles, WIFIMEHOME for applications regarding homes, etc. , although SSI D customization according to company name is also possible.

Connection to the access point, where permitted by law, shall be left without any protection, given that access is only to a set of hypertext pages and not to the Internet. In fact, Internet navigation is not permitted.

Only if necessary for some regulations (foreign), the user will be provided with a password, or the necessary indications for access and, based on the now common settings of Wi-Fi receiver apparatus, the current prevalent setting for automatic recognition of the SSID networks to which the terminal is already connected will be used, so that after initial access, access takes place automatically even when a password is required.

Moreover, for the majority of terminals, upon connection to the access point, the page of the predefined website associated therewith will open automatically. In fact, the software of mobile phones and computers is normally designed so that, upon detecting a hotspot network they automatically open a login page and the system limits all navigation inside this login page. Otherwise, for simpler or less advanced terminals, it is necessary to open the browser and if necessary try to connect to any website, to be redirected to the predefined websites only.

If the access point is associated with a store, the predefined website will propose the items of greatest interest, or those with large discounts, or details of the items can be viewed .

It will be possible to save the pages and view them subsequently, or to proceed directly with the purchase, and the products chosen can be shared on the main social networks.

In the case of a purchase, payment can be made by entering a virtual POS (or PayPal or bank transfer) service, or other electronic payment systems, and only at this point will connection to the Internet be granted, limited only to the payment service.

In the case of purchase, both retailer and purchaser will receive an email from the system with the result of the payment and, by means of unique codes, can compare these to trace the transaction.

Each transaction is linked to a variable code selected by the system, with complex encryption, which in the case of effective payment will be indicated as approved both to the retailer and to the purchaser, the former through reception of confirmation from the banking or PayPal system, the latter through a message at the side of the code indicating that payment has been made. After the purchase, it is possible to access a "my purchases" menu and check the state of the purchase, for example waiting for payment, paid, shipped, delivered, etc.

Moreover, the website will contain, and it will be possible to download, brochures or leaflets or other documents, or to download files or songs, and to watch videos and other interactive services.

Saving of the page or the icon (depending on the device connected) allows the user to view the saved data also when he/she is not in the vicinity of the access point, and to interact in exactly the same way, thus continuing to view and purchase through his/her own internet connection.

Moreover, all techniques normally used in commerce can be applied, such as registering customers to build loyalty to the store to enable the retailer to send, after receiving consent, newsletters or special offers.

Besides accessing information associated with the Internet connection point, it is possible to provide the user with the possibility of controlling devices associated therewith.

As shown in Fig. 3, the access point 10, with its coverage area 11, is connected, in wired or wireless mode, to a router 12, which routes data in the two directions with the Internet 13 or local network. The access point 10 in this case is associated , for example, with a home 31 .

With respect to the previous cases, the predefined website offers the user a page (or website) with commands. For example, in a very simple case, it is possible to offer the command for opening a gate, or alternatively to offer a virtual remote control to command various devices. Transmission can be bidirectional and the user can therefore receive information, for example, from sensors or video cameras associated with it.

In particular, the predefined website 14 communicates with a router 30, which is connected to an electronic circuit 31 that receives a control signal from the router 30 and converts it into a control signal, for example, for opening a gate. Alternatively to the use of two routers 12 and 30, a single router 12 can be used.

The electronic circuit 31 can, for example, be the platform named "Arduino", or the platform named "Open picus", appropriately configured. These platforms are generic hardware devices, which can be adapted and programmed for a wide variety of applications, in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

This application of the present invention enables interfaces to be obtained for the management of home automation or for the management of automatic distributors, or other devices.

In this way, the user's terminal becomes the new remote control, avoiding duplicates of apparatus such as remote controls for opening gates or monitors for controlling the home.

For obvious reasons, the SSI D of these applications will be protected with passwords or cryptographic keys, but due to the principle of recognition of networks already used, access only requires to be configured once.

The fields of application of the present invention can be stores, trade fair stands, cars, advertising panels, exhibitions, museums, indications at entry points to towns or places of particular interest, personal and public services, reading of newspapers, books, game sharing , tourist itineraries and similar services, from and with suitable devices configured with the system.

Operation of the device according to the invention is evident from the description and illustration and, in particular, is substantially as follows.

In accordance with the present invention the router 12 (17, 30 and any others) must be programmed so that the redirect to the predefined website occurs.

In an example of embodiment of the present invention, DDWRT or Router OS Mikrotik firmware is used. The firmware is loaded into the router, the programming interface is entered (at the typical address 192.168.1 .1 ), with the usual credentials, which for obvious security reasons will subsequently be modified . Besides modifying the IP address of the router and blocking the LAN ports, only a limited number of MAC addresses will be enabled to allow maintenance, programming and updates to be carried out.

The item Services is selected, followed by the hotspot submenu, in which from the numerous services offered only Chillispot must be enabled.

Chillispot is an access point controller that uses a technique called Captive Portal, which forces a user connected to a network to visit a special webpage (only used for authentication) before being able to navigate. This is obtained by intercepting all packets, relating to addresses and ports, until the user opens his/her browser and attempts to access the Internet. At that moment the browser is redirected to a predefined web page.

In the present case, the redirect does not go to the login page, but to the set of hypertext pages specific to the connection made, as each connection is associated with only one set of hypertext pages.

The data to complete the information requested by Chillispot can be obtained by registering with the free service of the website worldspot.net, where changes can be made after registration.

In particular, the Shared key is the Shared key in

Chillispot, the Radius NAS ID, and must correspond to the name to be given to the hotspot, and the UAM Secret corresponds to the Chillispot UAM Secret field .

The redirect address (URL) will not be the one proposed by the worldspot service, but that of the predefined website.

All the routers, in accordance with the present invention, will operate as described in the present description and for this reason will all have a similar configuration, divided according to service and, once configured with the parameters obtained from the website worldspot.net, only the address will be changed to point to the address or service to be offered.

The services offered must also be enabled by entering in the UAM Allowed field and/or in the additional

Chillispot options field the addresses to which connection is allowed, for example: www.wifime. it, www.paypal.com, www.facebook.com, etc. , in order to activate payment or marketing systems.

The SSID of the router must be changed, for example renaming it WIFI ME, so that all the SS IDs of the routers have the same name, or customizing it with the name of the company or of the service and leaving the connection open, or in the case of restrictions required in some countries, protecting it with a password .

Therefore, from the main menu of the DDWRT interface, the name is substituted with WIFI ME.

It is specified that an example of embodiment of the present invention has been described , but that it would also be possible to use other firmware or devices to obtain the same result.

For example, UMTS modems with redirect could be used and a dedicated server could be created for direct management of the RADI US service, thereby disposing of the worldspot.net service and a specific apparatus could be created to perform the functions now obtained with the firmware DDWRT.

Currently, specific equipment designed to create hotspots is being used, where the usual login page is substituted by the initial access page of the predefined website or Network and subsequently, through a redirect, sent to an e-commerce site rather than an Internet website to visualize information of various nature.

Claims

CLAI MS

1 . Method for a user having a terminal to access predefined services, comprising the steps of: placing a wireless access point in a station in proximity of an activity; said access point having a coverage area; automatically connecting said terminal to said wireless access point when said user is inside said coverage area; redirecting said terminal without requiring a password to only one set of hypertext pages associated with said activity; accessing the services offered by said set of hypertext pages.

2. Method according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises the step of connecting directly and without a password only to a predefined website.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the step of connecting said terminal to an Internet network.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wireless access point and said predefined website are associated with a store or a company or a home or an automatic distributor.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said wireless access point is positioned in a store or in a company or in a home or in an automatic distributor or in mobility such as in trade fairs or on means of transport.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of accessing the services offered by said predefined website comprises the step of

5 offering the user items or services for sale associated with said wireless access point.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of redirecting said user to a predefined website comprises the step of identifying the

10 type of said terminal and said predefined website is adapted for said terminal.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, Λ . · · characterized in that the step of accessing the services offered by said predefined website comprises the step of 15 purchasing items or services for sale on said predefined website.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises the step of associating a plurality of wireless access points with a plurality of

20 activities and of identifying said plurality of access points with the same identification name.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of accessing the services offered by said predefined website comprises the step of

25 offering the user at least one control signal to operate at least one device connected to said network.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the step of offering the user commands to operate devices connected to said network comprises the step of associating said wireless access point with an electric device suitable to transform said at least one control signal into a command to said device connected to said network.