HK1143884A - Method and system of providing event content sharing by mobile communication devices - Google Patents

Description

Method and system for providing sharing of event content by mobile communication devices

RELATED APPLICATIONS

Priority of U.S. patent application serial No. 11/849,008 (attorney docket No. 20070330), filed on 31/8/2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Wireless communication technologies provide users with the convenience of mobility and the ever-expanding trend of capacity. Such convenience has caused an increasing number of subscribers to widely adopt an acceptable communication mode for business and personal use in communication using voice and data services. As wireless communication devices become more complex, their features have expanded from just placing and receiving calls to other enhanced services downloaded from music to navigation systems. To support navigation services, cellular phones are equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) technology to broadcast their location. Given the competitive landscape of the telecommunications industry, service providers are continually challenged to develop new products and services. However, a new few applications have been developed to take advantage of this information about the user's location.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method of providing enhanced communication services using location information to improve user experience.

Drawings

Various exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system capable of providing event content shared by mobile communication devices, according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a process for sharing event content via a mobile communication device regarding participation by a user of the mobile communication device, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram for identifying an event attended by a user of a mobile communication device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram for accessing event content using a Web-based application in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a mobile communication device participating in an event using a user interface according to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a computer system that may be used to implement various exemplary embodiments.

Detailed Description

An apparatus, method and software for providing event content sharing are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various exemplary embodiments. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram format in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the exemplary embodiments.

Although the various embodiments are described with respect to Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and Short Messaging Service (SMS) protocols, it is contemplated that these embodiments have applicability to other equivalent protocols.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system capable of providing sharing of event content by mobile communication devices according to an example embodiment. The communication system 100 includes an event content sharing platform 101 for enabling users attending a common event to share information or content about the event. That is, users can share or otherwise interact with information as a temporary social network. As used herein, "content" refers to text, images, audio, video, or any combination thereof. In this scenario, the platform 101 includes a content module 103, and according to one embodiment, the content module 103 communicates with an MMS (multimedia message service) and SMS (short message service) message center 105 to allow users within an event venue 109 to share content in a set of mobile communication devices 107a-107 n. The SMS service enables short text messages in the devices 107a-107n to be transmitted in a store and forward manner. These short text messages can be delivered in time, typically using an out-of-band packet, low bandwidth delivery mechanism at any point. Similarly, MMS is a store and forward mechanism that supports media delivery. Such content is uploaded from one or more mobile communication devices 107a-107n to the content module 103 via the wireless network 111 and stored in the content database 113. Wireless networks can utilize various technologies including time division multiple access (TMDA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and the like. Venue 109 represents a location where users gather to participate in an organized event; for example: stadiums, parks, urban areas of parades, small towns in festivals. The events may include: concerts, sporting events, festivals, parades, etc.

Identifying an event based on the user location of the devices 107a-107 n; the location and event database 117 is accessed to determine a particular event. As shown, the event and presence (presence) service module 115 consults a database 117, which according to one embodiment, may be one or more third party event databases.

The platform 101 monitors and tracks the aggregation of users using the event and presence service module 115. The module 115 provides status information regarding the location of the various devices 107a-107n with respect to the venue 109. The event and presence service module 115 captures presence information or availability (availabilities) of users of the devices 107a-107 n. By way of example, once a device exits the venue 109, the presentation module 115 removes the device from the list of active users attending the event.

In an exemplary embodiment, each mobile communication device 107a-107n includes a location module 119, and the location module 119 acquires location (or position) information using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and thus functions as a GPS receiver. The location module 119 communicates with a constellation 121 of satellites 121 that transmit very low power interference resistant signals that are received by the GPS receiver 119. At any point on the earth, the GPS receiver 119 is able to receive signals from a plurality of satellites (e.g., 6 to 11). In particular, the GPS receiver 119 is capable of determining a three-dimensional geographic position from signals acquired from at least four satellites. Measurements from globally located satellite tracking and monitoring stations are incorporated into the orbit model for each satellite to calculate accurate orbit or clock data. The GPS signals are transmitted by two spread spectrum microwave carrier signals shared by the GPS satellites 121. The device 107a needs to recognize signals from at least four satellites 121, decode the ephemeris and clock data, determine the pseudoranges for each satellite 121, and calculate the position of the receiving antenna.

Using GPS technology, the wireless devices 107a-107n are able to determine their locations very accurately and conveniently. And the system 100 can use assisted-GPS (a-GPS) to reduce GPS signal loss due to obstructions between the GPS receiver 119 and the satellites 121. When operating in the A-GPS mode, the system 100 provides an improvement in the observed geographic location of buildings or obstructions. Assistance data may be communicated from the wireless network 111 to the devices 107a-107n, which in an exemplary embodiment may include: ephemeris data, differential GPS correction data, time division data, and/or other helpful data. Using the helpful (or auxiliary) data, the location module 119 performs geo-location calculations. The geographic location data is then transmitted to the platform 101 on a periodic or on-demand basis. The transmission of the geographical location data does not occur frequently. The transmission of the geographical location data is more concise because it is true that the location is not pseudorange data. Likewise, the wireless devices 107a-107n can more intelligently request assistance data because the devices 107a-107n themselves can determine when the ephemeris data is no longer valid.

Each wireless device 107a-107n uses the display 123 to present a map graphic, for example, of a predetermined size (e.g., street block wide, mile wide, etc.). The wireless devices 107a-107n also include a processor 125 and memory 127 configured to store and execute instructions for supporting event content sharing services, as well as other communication functions.

The event content sharing platform 101 also makes content stored in the content database 113 available to the computing device 129. The computing device 129 may be a Personal Computer (PC), laptop, palmtop, workstation, Web appliance, or the like. Device 129 communicates with web site 131 over data network 133, which includes the global internet. With this arrangement, information to be shared among the devices 107a-107n can be browsed via a Web browser or other Web-based application.

According to one embodiment, the platform 101 identifies users located within the venue 109 using location information from GPS-enabled wireless devices. The location information is compared to known locations of events; in an exemplary embodiment, a predetermined proximity to the predetermined location is established to filter out users that are near the location but are not actually participants. When an individual enters a venue, a text message will be pushed into their mobile communication device 107a-107n (e.g., a cellular phone) with information that requires easy uploading of pictures, videos, and sent to the content module 115. All individuals with compatible wireless devices within the venue 109 can upload text, pictures, and video. The content module 115 can aggregate all image (or picture), video and text information. It is noted that the user can browse the information via a Web browser, either inside or outside of the venue 109.

In an exemplary embodiment, the platform 101 can provide event related advertisements. For example, if the event is a concert, the upcoming concert and the performer's CD (compact disc) may be advertised. Unlike conventional approaches, this approach allows for more targeted advertising, i.e., based on users participating in a particular event.

In one embodiment, the platform 101 can enable a large group of users (e.g., strangers and friends/family, etc.) to send information about a particular ongoing event. This forms an "ad hoc" network of users who are together experiencing communication.

The operation of the event content sharing platform 101 in one embodiment is explained next.

Fig. 2 is a process flow diagram for sharing content related to an event engaged in by a user of a mobile communication device via the mobile communication device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In step 201, a mobile communication device (e.g., device 107a) moves within a predetermined proximity of an event location. The device 107a receives a text notification of the target event, per step 203. By way of example, the notification can specify event-related information and instructions on how to share content: (1) event name, (2) how to upload a short description of text, pictures, and videos about the event, (3) how to view short descriptions of other text, pictures, and videos contributed to the event by other users, and (4) any needed advertisement disclaimers to comply with anti-spam/legitimacy requirements.

Further, the device 107a receives a prompt (e.g., a yes/no prompt) to allow the user to indicate a desire to participate in the service (step 205). If the user indicates a desire to participate (as in step 207), the user, via the device 107a, can generate content regarding the event. For example, at steps 209 and 211, the user can write down a text description, take a photograph, and/or record a brief video of the event for upload to the content module 103 within the event content sharing platform 101.

In step 213, the user can determine whether to browse content from other users. If so, the device 107a retrieves the content as in step 215. At this point, the user can choose to provide a comment about the retrieved content, which is uploaded accordingly (step 217-221).

According to one embodiment, when the event ends, the ability to send messages, pictures, and video via the wireless devices 107a-107n ends. However, the user is still able to browse multimedia messages via a Web browser on the wireless devices 107a-107n or the PC 129.

Fig. 3 is a process flow diagram for identifying an event attended by a user of a mobile communication device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. First, at step 301, the platform 101 detects that the device 107a is in the vicinity of the other devices 107b-107 n. Parameters relating to the number of nearby areas and devices may be set such that a minimum number of users are presented and the number of suitable devices 107a-107n are presented (e.g., GPS enabled, capable of taking pictures and videos, etc.). The location of the event is determined based on the location information of the other devices 107b-107n, as in step 303. The platform 101 queries the location name based on GPS coordinates (i.e., reverse geocode operation). The platform 101 uses the location and current time to identify the event per step 305. In particular, the event and presentation service module 115 accesses the location and event database 117 to determine the subject event. For example, the database 117 can store event descriptions (e.g., type and name) as well as location and time.

As described above, users outside of the venue location 109 can share content generated by the mobile communication devices 107a-107 n.

FIG. 4 is a process flow diagram for accessing event content using a Web-based application in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. In this scenario, a user of computing device 129 can enter an address, such as a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), of website 131 using a Web-based application (e.g., a browser), pursuant to steps 401 and 403. The browser can also present the user with the option to participate in any discussion or comments about the exchanged content at step 405. If the user chooses to participate (as in step 405), the user enters comments for submission to website 131 (step 407).

It is contemplated that a user of computing device 129 can browse content from multiple events simultaneously. In this way, events can be categorized by topic (rock concert, football match and bazaar) and location. When a user views an event message on device 129, they can receive advertisements that target future events in the same general area.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a mobile communication device participating in an event using a user interface, according to an example embodiment. In this scenario, the mobile device 501 includes a display 503, the display 503 configured to present content generated for a particular event. In one embodiment, a user of the mobile device 501 can enter information via cursor buttons 505 or a keyboard 507. Also, these cursor buttons 505 or keys of the keyboard 507 can control the image pickup function or the audio recording function.

Upon entering the event venue 109, the device 501 presents an event notification menu 509. Text box 511 provides information for events and instructions related to content sharing. In addition, menu 513 displays an upload button 513 to transfer locally generated content to platform 101 using text or multimedia messages (e.g., SMS and MMS). Also, the user can select the download button 515 to retrieve the shared content.

In addition, the device 501 can receive advertisements 517 targeted to event participants.

The processes described above relating to providing event content using an integrated set top box can be implemented via software, hardware (e.g., general processor, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, Application Specific Integrated (ASIC) circuitry, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.), firmware, or a combination thereof. Exemplary hardware for performing the described functions is described in detail below.

FIG. 6 illustrates a computer system 600 upon which exemplary embodiments are implemented. For example, the processes described herein are implemented using computer system 600. Computer system 600 includes a bus 601 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor 603 coupled to bus 601 for processing information. Computer system 600 also includes a main memory 605, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 601 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 603. Main memory 605 can also be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions by the processor 603. Computer system 600 further includes a Read Only Memory (ROM)607 or other static storage device coupled to bus 601 for storing static information and instructions for processor 603. A storage device 609, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is coupled to bus 601 for persistently storing information and instructions.

Computer system 600 is coupled via bus 601 to a display 611, such as a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), liquid crystal display, active matrix display or plasma display, the display 611 being used to display information to a computer user. An input device 613, such as a keyboard including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus 601 for communicating information and command selections to the processor 603. Another type of user input device is cursor control 615, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to processor 603 and for controlling cursor movement on display 611.

According to an embodiment, the processes described herein are performed by computer system 600 in response to processor 603 executing an arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 605. Such instructions can be read into main memory 605 from another computer-readable medium, such as the storage device 609. Execution of the arrangement of instructions contained in main memory 605 causes the processor 603 to perform the process steps described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the instructions contained in main memory 605. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the exemplary embodiment. Thus, the illustrative embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

Computer 600 also includes a communication interface 617 coupled to bus 601. The communication interface 617 provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 619. The network link 619 is connected to a local network 621. For example, communication interface 617 may be a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) card or modem, an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a telephone modem, or any other communication interface to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of communication line. As another example, communication interface 617 may be a Local Area Network (LAN) card (e.g., for Ethernet)^TMOr an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) network) to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, communication interface 617 sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information. Also, the communication interface 617 may include peripheral interface devices such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a PCMCIA (personal computer memory card International Association) interface, and the like. Although a single communication interface 617 is depicted in fig. 6, multiple communication interfaces can be used.

The network link 619 typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link 619 may provide a connection through a local network 621 to a host 623, the host 623 having connectivity to a network 625 (e.g., a Wide Area Network (WAN) or the global packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the "Internet") or a data device operated by a service provider. Local network 621 and network 625 both use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals to communicate information and instructions. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link 619 and through the communication interface 617, which communicate digital data with the computer system 600, are exemplary forms of carrier waves carrying information and instructions.

The computer system 600 can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), the network link 619, and the communication interface 617. In the Internet example, a server (not shown) transmits requested code belonging to an application program for implementing an exemplary embodiment through the network 625, the local network 621 and the communication interface 617. The processor 603 may execute the transmitted code as it is being received and/or store the code in the storage device 609, or other non-volatile storage for later execution. In this manner, computer system 600 may obtain application code in the form of a carrier wave.

The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to the processor 603 for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, including but not limited to: non-volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as the storage device 609. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory 605. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise bus 601. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, optical, or electromagnetic waves, such as those generated during Radio Frequency (RF) and Infrared (IR) data communications. General forms of computer-readable media include, for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave or any other medium from which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in providing instructions to a processor for execution. For example, the instructions for carrying out at least part of the various exemplary embodiments may initially be borne on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. In such a scenario, the remote computer loads the instructions into main memory and sends the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem of a local computer system receives the data on the telephone line and uses an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal and transmit the infrared signal to a portable computing device, such as a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) or a laptop. An infrared detector on the portable computing device receives the information and instructions carried by the infrared signal and places the data on a bus. The bus transfers data to main memory, from which the processor retrieves and executes instructions. The instructions received by main memory can optionally be stored on storage device either before or after execution by processor.

In the foregoing specification, various preferred embodiments have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto, and other embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims (28)

1. A method, comprising:

detecting a plurality of mobile communication devices within a predetermined location;

identifying an event corresponding to the predetermined location and a current time;

notifying the mobile communication device to enable exchange of content regarding the event; and

receiving the content from one or more of the mobile communication devices,

wherein the content is accessible by the mobile communication device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the content comprises text, images, audio, video, or a combination thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the content is exchanged via a Short Message Service (SMS) protocol or a Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

positioning information is received from one of the mobile communication devices to determine a location of the event.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

accessing a third party event database to identify the event.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the content is accessible by a computing device separate from the mobile communication device.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the computing device is configured to run a Web-based application to access the content, the computing device receiving an advertising message targeted based on the event.

8. A system, comprising:

an event and presence service module configured to detect a plurality of mobile communication devices within a predetermined location and identify an event corresponding to the predetermined location and a current time, wherein the event and presence service module is further configured to notify the mobile communication devices to enable exchange of content regarding the event; and

a content module configured to receive the content from one or more of the mobile communication devices, wherein the content is accessible by the mobile communication devices.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the content comprises text, images, audio, video, or a combination thereof.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the content is exchanged via a Short Message Service (SMS) protocol or a Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the event and presence service module is further configured to receive positioning information from one of the mobile communication devices to determine the location of the event.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein a third party event database is accessed to identify the event.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the content is accessible by a computing device separate from the mobile communication device.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising:

a website configured to provide the content to the computing device, wherein the computing device is configured to run a Web-based application to access the content from the website and receive advertising messages targeted based on the event.

15. A method, comprising:

generating positioning information;

transmitting the location information to an event content sharing platform via a wireless network, the event content sharing platform configured to detect a plurality of mobile communication devices within a predetermined location to identify an event corresponding to the predetermined location and a current time;

receiving a notification about the event from the event content sharing platform;

generating content related to the event in response to the notification; and

transmitting the content to the event content sharing platform.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the content comprises text, images, audio, video, or a combination thereof.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the content is transmitted via a Short Message Service (SMS) protocol or a Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol.

18. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

receiving a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal to generate the positioning information.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein a third party event database is accessed to identify the event.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the content is accessible by a computing device separate from the mobile communication device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the computing device is configured to run a Web-based application to access the content, the computing device receiving an advertising message targeted based on the event.

22. An apparatus, comprising:

a location module configured to generate location information to communicate the location information to an event content sharing platform via a wireless network, the event content sharing platform configured to detect a plurality of mobile communication devices within a predetermined location to identify an event corresponding to the predetermined location and a current time; and

a processor configured to receive a notification about the event from the event content sharing platform and generate content related to the event in response to the notification, wherein the content is transmitted to the event content sharing platform.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the content comprises text, images, audio, video, or a combination thereof.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the content is transmitted via a Short Message Service (SMS) protocol or a Multimedia Message Service (MMS) protocol.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein the location module is configured to receive Global Positioning System (GPS) signals to generate the location information.

26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein a third party event database is accessed to identify the event.

27. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the content is accessible by a computing device separate from the mobile communication device.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the computing device is configured to run a Web-based application to access the content, the computing device receiving an advertisement message targeted based on the event.