Patent ID: 7254406
Filing Date: 2007-08-07
Classification: H04L,H04W

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting selected proximate mobile devices comprising the steps of: a) accepting the unique identifier of a mobile device, the profile to be associated with the person transporting this mobile device and the profile(s) of other persons transporting mobile devices for which detection is sought; b) storing the unique identifier and the profiles in a separate central database; c) detecting proximate mobile devices by periodically initiating detection of proximate Bluetooth-enabled devices; establishing Bluetooth piconets with such proximate Bluetooth-enabled devices that are within range; obtaining such proximate mobile devices' globally unique 48-bit Bluetooth devices address (BD ADDR); and initiating connection to the central database application through a local network access point or through a commercial wireless carrier/operator infrastructure; d) submitting to the separate central database application the unique identifiers of the detected and detecting mobile devices; e) determining whether or not such unique identifiers have profiles stored in the central database; f) comparing and evaluating the profiles associated with the persons transporting the proximate mobile devices to determine whether the data comprising the profiles matches when profiles are available for both detecting and detected mobile devices; g) notifying the person(s) transporting mobile devices that a proximate match based on their profile is detected; h) effecting an exchange of information between proximate mobile devices when the comparison and evaluation of the profiles determines that there is a match.