초록 ▼

A geographic based communications service system that includes a network and a plurality of access points connected to the network and arranged at known locations in a geographic region. One or more service providers or information providers may be connected to the network to provide services or inf

A geographic based communications service system that includes a network and a plurality of access points connected to the network and arranged at known locations in a geographic region. One or more service providers or information providers may be connected to the network to provide services or information on the network. A mobile user (MU) may use a portable computing device (PCD) to connect to the network and access information or services from the network. The PCD may be configured to transmit a signal indicating a presence of the PCD as well as identification information indicating the mobile user. Upon detection of the wireless signal by a first access point in proximity to the PCD, and upon receipt of the identification information indicating the user of the PCD, the first access point may transmit the identification information, as well as the known geographic location of the first access point, to one or more providers on the network. The known geographic location of the first access point indicates the approximate location of the PCD of the mobile user. A first information provider may receive this information and provide content information or services to the mobile user. For example, the first information provider may select content information dependent upon the known geographic location of the first access point and demographic information or past activities of the mobile user of the PCD. The first information provider may then provide the selected content information through the network and through the first access point to the PCD of the mobile user.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [42.]42. A carrier medium for carrying signals in a geographic-based network system, wherein the carrier medium is operable to carry:identification information indicating a user of a portable computing device;a known geographic location of the portable computing device as indi

[ What is claimed is:] [42.]42. A carrier medium for carrying signals in a geographic-based network system, wherein the carrier medium is operable to carry:identification information indicating a user of a portable computing device;a known geographic location of the portable computing device as indicated by a first access point in the geographic-based network system communicating with the portable computing device; andinformation which is provided to the portable computing device, wherein the information is dependent upon the known geographic location of the portable computing device and demographic information of the user of the portable computing device.