English:
[0001] Since the United States Government made the NAVSTAR satellite constellation's timing signals available for civilian use in the 1980s, location-based services have become increasingly popular. Many automobile manufacturers now offer global positioning satellite (GPS)-based locator devices as an option. These units are typically integrated into the vehicles' dashboard console. Also, other companies make aftermarket GPS devices for mounting in automobiles, boats and other vehicles, and even hand held devices for hiking, exploring or other recreational uses. Such GPS devices offer relatively high accuracy and universal availability and thus provide an acceptable solution for relatively inexpensive, precise positioning.
[0002] In order to meet FCC enhanced 911 (E911) requirements and to provide consumers with a mechanism for accessing location information using an appliance they already, own, commercial mobile radio service providers (CMRSPs) have prompted their device manufacturers to integrate GPS receivers into phones, PDAs and other communication appliances supported by their networks. As a result, users are able to view map and location information directly on their phones, PDAs, etc.. The capability and accuracy of the devices are constrained by native memory of the device. Also, the data used by the devices is static and therefore becomes outdated quickly.
[0003] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for implementing user-initiated location-based services through messages according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0004] Figure 2 is a message-based map output to a user computing device including a sender location according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0005] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for performing user-initiated location-based services through messaging from a user perspective according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0006] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for providing user-initiated location-based services through messaging from a provider perspective according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0007] Figure 5 is block diagram illustrating components of a system for providing user- initiated location-based services through messaging according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0008] Figure 6 is an exemplary interface window of a messaging client according to an exemplary embodiment; and
[0009] Figure 7 is an exemplary interface window of a content viewer plug-in for displaying location-based services according to an exemplary embodiment.
[0010] The following description is intended to convey a thorough understanding of the embodiments described by providing a number of specific embodiments and details involving user-initiated location-based services through messaging. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments and details, which are exemplary only.
[0011] As used herein, the term "messaging" will be interpreted broadly to include sending a message through an instant messaging client, such as AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, etc., as well as sending messages through short message service (SMS) such as with a mobile phone or other communication device. Therefore, sending a message in the context of this disclosure and claims may include sending either type of message with a phone, PDA, computer or other communication device.
[0012] Referring now to Figure 1 , a schematic diagram of a system for implementing user- initiated location-based services through messages according to an exemplary embodiment. The system comprises a first user communication device 10 in communication with a second user computer 20 via a communication network 15. In a preferred embodiment, the first user communication device may be a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone, PDA, messaging device or other portable communication device. In a preferred embodiment, the user communication device 10 may be equipped with a locator function such as, for example, a GPS receiver that is operable to determine a location of the first user communication device 10 at an instant in time based on timing signals received from the GPS satellite constellation 5. In various other embodiments, the first user communication device 10 may not comprise a locator function itself, but rather may be capable of requesting location information from a locator device, such as GPS device (not shown), that is in electrical communication with the first user communication device 10, or a location service which may be available through network 15 (e.g., location service using wireless tower triangulation techniques). In various embodiments, the first user communication device 10 may be equipped with a software client, such as an instant messaging client. Alternatively, or in combination, the first user communication device 10 may send messages using SMS protocol,
[0013] In at least one exemplary embodiments, the first user communication device 10 includes a send location function that may be configured to send the device's 10 location upon request in a message to a designated recipient. This may be done during a messaging session, automatically at the start of a session, or as a means of starting a messaging session/sending a message. That is, if the first user communication device 10 is running a messaging client, the client may have a "send location" control for permitting a user to selectively cause the client to send the user's location. If the first user communication device is messaging using SMS, "send location" may be an option available when sending text messages. That is, the user may be prompted "Send location?" or alternatively, the user may select "send location" from a list of available message attributes.
[0014] It should be appreciated that although, for ease of illustration purposes, the network 15 depicted in Figure 1 is shown as a single network path between the first user communication device 10 and the second user computer 20, the network 15 may actually be comprised of various combinations of radio (e.g., cellular), landline and/or satellite-based PSTN or IP networks. For example, the first user communication device 10 may broadcast an RF signal containing a message to a cellular tower. The tower in turn may pass this signal to a land or satellite-based network for delivery to the intended recipient. The recipient may interface to the network 15 using a DSL, cable, fiber, Tl or T3 landline, an 802. Hx, RF, IR, or other wireless connection, or using another connection protocol as is well known.
[0016] In various embodiments, the message from the sender may include a network identifier that is generated based on the sender's location. In a preferred embodiment, a URL may be generated either at the sender's device 10 or at an intermediary site on the network 15. The URL preferably contains data fields that allow a graphic map to be created and displayed in a browser client of the recipient device 20 upon selection by the recipient. In various embodiments, the graphic map may include an icon or other graphic representation of the location of the sender's device 10 along with information corresponding to the geographic area surrounding the sender.
[0017] Referring now to Figure 2, a message-based map output 25 to a user computing device including a sender location according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted in this Figure. As discussed above, in various embodiments, when a sender sends a message including the sender's location to a recipient, a URL may be generated and appended to the message based on the location data. In various embodiments, the message may include a hypertext link with a label such as "click here to view sender's location" or "click here to access map." In a preferred embodiment, selecting the provided link may invoke a content browser, such as an Internet content browser, that opens a window on the recipient's device displaying a map, such as the map output 25 depicted in the Figure. In various embodiments, the map may provide a graphic image, such as the name "Ed" and corresponding male icon shown in the map output 25 of Figure 2. In various embodiments, the map may include the location of businesses, assets, features or other items that are in the area surrounding the sender's location. In various embodiments, the map output 25 may include user controls that allow the viewer to zoom in or out, pan, and even to obtain directions to various features listed on the map, such as, for example, driving directions.
[0018] Referring now to Figure 3, this Figure provides a flow chart of an exemplary method for performing user-initiated location-based services through messaging from a user perspective according to an exemplary embodiment. The method begins in block 100. In block 105, the user captures his/her location. In various embodiments the user may select a control on his/her communication device that causes his device to obtain the current location of the device. In a preferred embodiment, this may be accomplished by obtaining location information from a GPS receiver in the user's device. Alternatively, the user's device may obtain the location information from another GPS-enabled device in communication with the user's device. In block 110, the location information is sent in a message to the recipient. In various embodiments, the steps in blocks 105 and 110 may be merged into a single step. That is, when the user selects a "send location" function, the device may obtain its location and send the location in a message to a designated recipient.
[0019] In block 115, a network identifier may be created based on the location captured in block 105. In various embodiments, if GPS is the source of the location data, the data is typically in a national marine electronics association (NMEA) 0183 format. Thus, in block 115, the GPS-generated data may be reformatted into a URL. That is, using a mapping program that accepts latitudinal and longitudinal inputs, a URL may be generated that causes graphic map content to be generated when selected and that may contain an area include the sender's location information. In various embodiments, the URL may be generated at the sender's communication device and simply placed in the message. In various other embodiments, the GPS information may be forwarded to an intermediate party along the network, either in its native NMEA 0183 format or after reformatting. The intermediate party may be a network-based map content provider. The intermediate party may generate a URL based on the location information, append the URL to the message and pass the message on to the recipient over the network in accordance with the sender's instructions. In various embodiments, the URL may contain additional information, such as an address of the map content provider (e.g., www.rmapcompany.com), and an identifier associated with the sender (e.g., a phone number). This additional information may be automatically inserted into the message (from local storage at the sender's device 10) or may be manually specified by the sender in the course of sending the message.
[0020] In block 120, the recipient receives the message. This may comprise receiving a new message notification if the message is an SMS-based message, or the message itself may appear in the user's messaging client if the sender and recipient are communicating over one or more well known instant messaging clients. In various embodiments, the network identifier may be visible to the recipient in a portion of the message. In a preferred embodiment, the network identifier may be a URL. In block 125, the recipient selects the network identifier. In a preferred embodiment, the recipient selects the URL with his mouse, stylus or other input device, thereby invoking a browser client and transmitting the information in the URL to the service provider specified in the URL. In various embodiments, in block 130, the services provider may generate a graphic map display based on information in the URL and transmit this graphic map display to the recipient for output in a window of the browser client. In various embodiments, the graphic map may comprise a dynamic web page including interactive elements (e.g., Javascript). This graphic map may include a terrain and/or street map and may preferably show the location of the sender as an icon, or other identifiable character so that the recipient can pinpoint the sender's location with sufficient specificity. In various embodiments, the graphic map may be a map similar to that depicted in Figure 2. The method stops in block 135.
[0021] Referring now to Figure 4, this Figure is a flow chart of an exemplary a method for providing user-initiated location-based services through messaging from a provider perspective according to an exemplary embodiment. While the flow chart of Figure 3 details the steps from the perspective of the service user, this flow chart by contrast does so from the perspective of the provider.
[0024] It should be appreciated that in the method of Figure 4, the service provider may perform one or all of the steps recited therein. For example, in various embodiments, the sending user's communication device may generate a properly formatted message including a URL to be delivered directly to the recipient, either as an SMS message or an instant message. In such embodiments, the service provider may typically provide the functionality that allows the communication device to generate the URL and may provide the content when the recipient selects the network identifiers as well as the actual wireless connection to the network when applicable. However, in other embodiments, the service provider may merely provide the functionality, i.e., application, plug-in or software that enables the sender to generate messages including location information but a third party, such as geographic information service (GIS). Internet content providers such as a Yahoo, Google, Mapquest, etc., may generate the electronic content including the graphic map when the recipient selects the network identifier from the delivered message. As is well known, a wireless service provider typically only provides the portion of the service that is charged for. For example, in sending a text message, the wireless provider may charge for the data bytes sent or a per message charge. However, if the recipient is not one of the provider's subscribers, the provider does not receive revenue for delivering the message. Similarly, if the sender is using an instant message client, the provider may typically charge either on a byte or time basis for data sent from and received by the user's device. Thus, from this it can be inferred that the provider may be providing services only to the extent that it can be involved in the movement of the message. Thus, in the context of block 220 in Figure 4, delivering the message to the recipient may actually comprise delivering the message from the provider's network to another network, such as a PSTN or Internet backbone network which handles the final delivery of the message.
[0025] Referring now to Figure 5, this Figure depicts a block diagram illustrating components of a system 300 for providing user-initiated location-based services through messaging according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 300 may be comprised of a plurality of modules for performing various system functionality. Each module may comprise a separate software program, a sub-program of a single program, hardware executing software, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), components of an integrated device, or distributed components in one or more distinct devices. Moreover, the modules depicted in Figure 5 are exemplary only. Various embodiments may utilize additional or fewer modules and may even use different modules than those shown in the Figure. These modules are meant to be exemplary of the functionality performed by system according to the various embodiments of the disclosure.
[0026] The system 300 depicted in Figure 5 includes a location identifier module 305, a network identifier module 310, a messaging client module 315, a content generator module 320, a control module 325 and a communication module 330. The control module 325 may comprise a central processing unit (CPU) of a computer system, a digital signal processor (DSP), an ASIC, a combination of hardware and software and may even be representative of a real time kernel of a control program for facilitating user-initiated location-based services through messaging.
[0027] In various embodiments, the location identifier module 305 may be adapted to provide a location of a user's communication device upon request. As discussed herein, the location identifier module 305 may communicate with a GPS transceiver communicatively coupled to the user's communication device and through one or more communication protocols may request the location information from the locator device. In various embodiments, the location identifying module 305 may format the location information into a suitable format for use with the system. In various other embodiments the request for the location information may specify a format.
[0028] The network identifier module 310 may take the information supplied by the location identifier module 305 and convert that information into a network identifier, such as a URL, that when selected may cause a content provider to output content in the form of a graphic map based on the location information obtained by the location identifier module 305. In various embodiments, this network identifier module 310 may append this network identifier directly into a message destined for a specified recipient. The network identifier may have access to a data store which includes information such as the address of the mapping service provider and/or an identifier associated with the sending device (e.g., a phone number or user ID).
[0029] In various embodiments, the messaging client module 315 may permit the user to send messages over the provider's network. The messaging client module 315 may be a plug-in capable messaging client such as are well known. Alternatively, the messaging client module 315 may be an SMS protocol supported by the user's communication device.
[0030] In various embodiments, the content generator module 320 may comprise a network-based content portal, such as in the preferred embodiment, a Internet- based map content provider. In various embodiments the content generator module 320 may be controlled by the messaging service provider, while in various other embodiments, a third party may maintain the content generator module 320. In such embodiments, where the module 320 is maintained by a third party, the network identifier module 310 may format the network identifier in a manner that is compatible with the third party's content generator module 320. In various embodiments, when a message recipient selects a network identifier contained in the message, a content viewing client may be invoked and the recipient may be directed to a network site associated with the identifier. In various embodiments, the identifier may act as a query to the content generator module 320, which, in response may generate content in accordance with one or more field specified in the identifier. However, in other embodiments, the content may already be created — that is after the network identifier is created — so that the identifier may be simply a network reference to static content and therefore contains only an address to the content. In a preferred embodiment, the content generator module 320 may generate a graphic map and output the map to the recipients client application, the map including a location encompassing the location information specified in the network identifier and a visual indicator of the location of the sender within the area encompassed by the graphic map.
[0031] The communication module 330 may permit communication between networks such as between a radio (cellular) network and a landline network (PSTN, ATM, etc.). Thus, the communication module 330 may comprise a network interface, gateway, router and/or other suitable hardware and combinations of hardware and software. The communications module 330 may relay messages between subscribers on the same provider network or may merely facilitate a portion of the communication path between the sender and the recipient, such as the wireless portion only if the recipient is connected to a land-based network or another provider's network.
[0032] Referring now to Figure 6, this Figure depicts an exemplary interface window 400 of a messaging client according to an exemplary embodiment. The window 400 in the Figure illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which messages are sent via an instant messaging client. Such clients are well known. The messaging client may be running on a computer, mobile telephone, PDA or other wired or wireless communication device. The interface window 400 includes a new message notification and a message requesting the recipient to click a link 410 in the message to view the sender's location. It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the link 410 may not display the full URL, but rather may be a word, graphic image or other object. As is well known, in hypertext markup language (HTML) any object may be coded to a particular URL in a manner transparent to the user. The exemplary URL 410 depicted in the Figure illustrates how the URL itself may be encoded to contain one or more parameters or input fields (e.g., delimited by "+" sign) thereby enabling it to function as query to the target domain when selected.
[0033] Figure 7 is an exemplary interface window 500 of a content viewer plug-in for displaying location-based services according to an exemplary embodiment. In various embodiments, the interface window 500 may be an Internet browser if the recipient is using a computer to access the message. In various other embodiments, the interface window 500 may be a WAP, or other type of standardized or proprietary mobile device content browser that supports graphic images. In various embodiments, the browser client interface window 500 may be invoked automatically when the recipient selects the network identifier (URL) included in the received message, such as in the example of Figure 6. In a preferred embodiment, the window 500 displays a graphic map 505. The graphic map 505 may preferably include an icon 510 or other identifier that shows the location of the message sender relative to the other area shown on the graphic map 505. This may also display other items of interest such as businesses, landmarks, or other assets that are in proximity to the sender. Also, in various embodiments the recipient can access typical map functionality through the content viewer plug-in's interface window such as zooming in and out, panning, obtain directions to/from one or more locations displayed on the map 505, etc.
[0034] It should be appreciated that although the various embodiments discussed here have been described in the context of messages being sent from a mobile communication device to an computer device, that the principles set forth herein are equally applicable to environments where users are sending messages from a non-mobile computer to another non-mobile computer or when messages are sent between two mobile devices only.
[0035] It should also be appreciated that although in the preferred embodiments, location may be derived from a GPS device, in various other embodiments, a different mechanism may be used for locating purposes. For example, various commercial mobile radio service providers (CMRSPs) may use triangulation between transceiver towers, or even a single transceiver tower, or other non-satelHte based methods for obtaining location information. In various embodiments, GPS-type precision may not be required.
[0036] In the preceding 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 additional embodiments may be implemented, without departing from the broader scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

中文:
[0001]因为美国政府在二十世纪八十年代使得NAVSTAR卫星星座的定时信号可用于民用,因此基于位置的服务变得日益流行。许多汽车制造商现在提供了基于全球定位卫星(GPS)的定位器设备选项。通常将这些单元集成到车辆的仪表板控制台中。而且,其他公司制造用于安装在汽车、船、以及其他车辆中的车体组件(aftermarket)GPS设备以及甚至用于徒步旅行、勘探、或者其他娱乐性使用的手持式设备。这样的GPS设备提供了相对高的精确度和普遍可用性,并且因此提供了对相对便宜且精确定位的可接受的解决方案。
[0002]为了满足FCC增强911(E911)要求并且向客户提供用于利用他们已有的装置来访问位置信息的机构,商用移动无线电服务提供商(CMRSP)已经促使他们的设备制造商将GPS接收机集成到电话、PDAs、以及他们的网络所支持的其他通信装置中。结果,用户能够在他们的电话、PDA等等上直接查看地图和位置信息。设备的能力和精确度受到该设备的本地内存的限制。而且,设备所使用的数据是静态的并且因此很快过时。
[0003]图1是根据示例性实施例的用于通过消息来实现用户发起的基于位置的服务的系统的示意图;
[0004]图2是根据示例性实施例的到用户计算设备的包括发送者位置的基于消息的地图输出;
[0005]图3是根据示例性实施例的从用户的视角来看用于通过发消息(messaging)来执行用户发起的基于位置的服务的示例性方法的流程图;
[0006]图4是根据示例性实施例的从提供商的视角来看用于通过发消息来提供用户发起的基于位置的服务的示例性方法的流程图;
[0007]图5是图示根据示例性实施例的用于通过发消息来提供用户发起的基于位置的服务的系统的组件的框图;
[0008]图6是根据示例性实施例的发消息客户端的示例性界面窗口;以及
[0009]图7是根据示例性实施例的用于显示基于位置的服务的内容查看器插件的示例性界面窗口。
[0010]以下描述意在传达对通过提供多个特定实施例所描述的实施例以及涉及通过发消息来进行用户发起的基于位置的服务的细节的透彻理解。然而,应当理解,本发明并不局限于这些特定实施例和细节,它们仅是示例性的。
[0011]如在这里所使用的,术语′′发消息′′将被广义地解释成包括通过即时消息客户端来发送诸如AOL即时信使、雅虎信使等的消息以及诸如利用移动电话或者其他通信设备通过短消息服务(SMS)来发送消息。因此,在该公开和权利要求的上下文中发送消息包括利用电话、PDA、计算机、或者其他通信设备来发送任一类型的消息。
[0012]现在参考图1,图1是根据示例性实施例的用于通过消息来实现用户发起的基于位置的服务的系统的示意图。该系统包括第一用户通信设备10,第一用户通信设备10经由通信网络15与第二用户计算机20进行通信。在优选实施例中,第一用户通信设备可以是诸如移动电话、PDA、发消息设备、或者其他便携式通信设备的移动通信设备。在优选实施例中,用户通信设备10可以配备有定位器功能,诸如可操作的根据从GPS卫星星座5接收到的定时信号来确定第一用户通信设备10的即时位置的GPS接收机。在各种其他实施例中,第一用户通信设备10可以不包括定位器功能本身,而是能够从诸如GPS设备(未示出)的与第一用户通信设备10进行电子通信的定位器设备请求位置信息或者请求通过网络15可获得的位置服务(例如,利用无线塔三角测量技术的位置服务)。在各种实施例中,第一用户通信设备10可以配备有诸如即时发消息客户端的软件客户端。替代地或者组合地,第一用户通信设备10可以利用SMS协议发送消息。
[0013]在至少一个示例性实施例中,第一用户通信设备10包括发送位置功能,该发送位置功能可以被配置成在请求时在消息中将设备10的位置发送到指定接收者。这可以在发消息会话期间进行、在开始会话时自动进行、或者作为开始发消息会话/发送消息的方式进行。也就是说,如果第一用户通信设备10正在运行消息客户端,那么该客户端可以具有用于允许用户选择性地使该客户端发送用户的位置的′′发送位置′′控制。如果第一用户通信设备利用SMS发消息,那么当发送文本消息时′′发送位置′′可以是可用的选项。也就是说,可以提示用户′′发送位置?′′,或者替代地,用户可以从可用消息属性列表中选择′′发送位置′′。
[0014]应当理解,虽然为了便于说明的目的,图1中图示的网络15仅被示为在第一用户通信设备10与第二用户计算机20之间的单个网络路径,但是网络15实际上可以包括基于无线电(例如蜂窝)、地面通信线、和/或卫星的PSTN或IP网络的各种组合。例如,第一用户通设备10可以将包含消息的RF信号广播到蜂窝塔。该塔可以进而将该信号传递到基于地面或卫星的网络以传递至期望接收者。该接收者可以利用DSL、电缆、光纤、T1或T3地面通信线、802.11x、RF、IR、或者其他无线连接或者利用众所周知的另一连接协议而与网络15对接。
[0016]在各种实施例中,来自发送者的消息可以包括根据发送者位置生成的网络标识符。在优选实施例中,可以在发送者的设备10处或者网络15上的中间点处生成URL。该URL优选包含数据字段,该数据字段允许在接收者选择时在接收者设备20的浏览器客户端上创建并显示图形地图。在各种实施例中,图形地图可以包括发送者的设备10的位置的图标或者其他图形表示以及与该发送者周围的地理区域相对应的信息。
[0017]现在参考图2,在该图中图示了根据示例性实施例的到用户计算设备的包括发送者位置的基于消息的地图输出25。如上所讨论的,在各种实施例中,当发送者将包括发送者的位置的消息发送到接收者时,可以生成URL并且根据位置数据将URL附加到消息上。在各种实施例中,该消息可以包括具有诸如′′点击这里以查看发送者的位置′′或者′′点击这里以访问地图′′的标记的超文本链接。在优选实施例中,选择所提供的链接可以调用诸如因特网内容浏览器的内容浏览器,该内容浏览器在显示地图的接收者的设备上打开窗口,诸如该图中所述的地图输出25。在各种实施例中,该地图可以提供诸如图2的地图输出25中所示的姓名′′Ed′′和相应男性图标的图形图像。在各种实施例中,该地图可以包括在发送者的位置周围区域中的商业、资产、特征、或者其他项目的位置。在各种实施例中,地图输出25可以包括用户控制,该用户控制允许查看器放大或缩小、平移、并且甚至获得诸如例如驱动方向的指向地图上所列的各种特征的方向。
[0018]现在参考图3,该图提供了根据示例性实施例的从用户的视角来看用于通过发消息来执行用户发起的基于位置的服务的示例性方法的流程图。该方法开始于框100。在框105中,用户捕获他的/她的位置。在各种实施例中,用户可以选择对使他的设备获得该设备的当前位置的他的/她的通信设备的控制。在优选实施例中,这可以通过从在用户的设备中的GPS接收机获得位置信息来实现。替代地,用户的设备可以从与该用户的设备进行通信的另一GPS使能设备获得位置信息。在框110中,在消息中将该位置信息发送到接收者。在各种实施例中,可以将框105和110中的步骤合并成单个步骤。也就是说,当用户选择了′′发送位置′′功能时,该设备可以获得它的位置并且在消息中将该位置发送到指定接收者。
[0019]在框115中,网络标识符可以根据在框105捕获的位置来创建。在各种实施例中,如果GPS是位置数据的源,那么该数据通常是国家海洋电子协会(NMEA)0183格式。因此,在框115中,可以将GPS生成的数据重新格式化成URL。也就是说,利用接收纬度和经度输入的绘图程序,可以生成URL,该URL使在选择时生成图形地图并且可以包含包括发送者的位置信息的区域。在各种实施例中,URL可以在发送者的通信设备处生成并且仅放入消息中。在各种其他实施例中,可以将GPS信息以其原有的NMEA 0183格式或者在重新格式化之后沿着网络转发到中间方。该中间方可以是基于网络的地图内容提供商。该中间方可以根据位置信息生成URL、将该URL附加到消息上、并且根据发送者的指令通过网络将该消息传递到接收者。在各种实施例中,URL可以包含诸如地图内容提供商(例如,www.rmapcompany.com)的附加信息以及与发送者相关联的标识符(例如,电话号码)。该附加信息可以自动插入到消息(来自发送者的设备10的本地存储器)中或者可以在发送该消息的过程中由发送者手动指定。
[0020]在框120中,接收者接收该消息。这可以包括如果该消息是基于SMS的消息则接收新消息通知,或者如果发送者和接收者正在通过一个或多个众所周知的即时发消息客户端进行通信则该消息本身可以出现在用户的发消息客户端中。在各种实施例中,网络标识符在该消息一部分中可以为接收者可见。在优选实施例中,网络标识符可以是URL。在框125中,接收者选择网络标识符。在优选实施例中,接收者利用他的鼠标、指示笔、或者其他输入设备来选择URL,从而调用浏览器客户端并且将该信息在URL中传送到在该URL中指定的服务提供商。在各种实施例中,在框130中,服务提供商可以根据URL中的信息生成图形地图显示,并且将该图形地图显示传送到接收者用于在浏览器客户端的窗口中输出。在各种实施例中,该图形地图可以包括含有交互元素(例如,Java脚本)的动态网页。该图形地图可以包括地形和/或街道地图并且优选地将发送者的位置示为图标或者其他可标识的字符,以便接收者可以以足够的特定性精确定位发送者的位置。在各种实施例中,该图形地图是与图2中所图示的地图相似的地图。该方法在框135结束。
[0021]现在参考图4,该图是根据示例性实施例的从提供商的视角来看用于通过发消息来提供用户发起的基于位置的服务的示例性方法的流程图。虽然图3的流程图对从服务用户的视角来看的步骤进行了详述,但是相反该流程图是从提供商的视角进行的。
[0024]应当理解,在图4的方法中,服务提供商可以执行其中所述的一个或所有步骤。例如,在各种实施例中,发送用户的通信设备可以生成包括URL的适当格式化的消息,以作为SMS消息或者即时消息直接传递到接收者。在这样的实施例中,服务提供商通常可以提供允许通信设备生成URL的功能,并且当接收者选择网络标识符时可以提供该内容并且当无线连接可用时提供与网络的实际无线连接。然而,在其他实施例中,服务提供商可以仅仅提供下述功能,即使得发送者能够生成包括位置信息而并非第三方的消息的应用、插件、或者软件,诸如地理信息服务(GIS)。当接收者从所传递的消息选择了网络标识符时,诸如Yahoo、Google、Mapquest等等的因特网内容提供商可以生成包括图形地图的电子内容。众所周知,无线服务提供商通常仅提供收费服务的部分。例如,在发送文本消息的过程中,无线提供商可以对所发送的数据字节收费或者收取每个消息费用。然而,如果接收者不是提供商的用户中的一个,那么提供商不接收用于传递消息的收入。类似地,如果发送者正在利用即时消息客户端,那么提供商通常基于字节或者时间对从用户设备发送的以及由用户的设备接收到的数据收费。因此,由此可推断出提供商可以仅在该提供商在消息的移动中能够涉及到的服务的程度上提供服务。因此,在图4中的框220的上下中,将消息传递到接收者实际上可以包括将来自提供商的网络的消息传递到另一网络,诸如用于对消息的最终传递进行处理的PSTN或者因特网骨干网。
[0025]现在参考图5,该图图示了根据示例性实施例的用于对通过发消息来提供用户发起的基于位置的服务的系统300的组件进行说明的框图。该系统300可以包括用于执行各种系统功能的多个模块。每个模块可以包括独立的软件程序、单个程序的子程序、执行软件的硬件、一个或多个专用集成电路(ASIC)、集成设备的组件、或者在一个或多个不同设备中的分布式组件。此外,图5中所示的模块仅仅是示例性的。各种实施例可以利用另外的或者更少的模块并且甚至可使用与图中所示那些不同的模块。这些模块意在是根据该公开的各种实施例的系统所执行的功能的示例。
[0026]图5中所示的系统300包括位置标识符模块305、网络标识符模块310、发消息客户端模块315、内容生成器模块320、控制模块325、以及通信模块330。控制模块325可以包括计算机系统的中央处理单元(CPU)、数字信号处理器(DSP)、ASIC、硬件和软件的组合,并且甚至可以表示用于通过发消息促进用户发起的基于位置的服务的控制程序的实时内核。
[0027]在各种实施例中,位置标识符模块305可以适于在请求时提供用户的通信设备的位置。如这里所讨论的,位置标识符模块305可以与GPS收发器进行通信并且可以通过一个或多个通信协议从定位器设备请求位置信息,所述GPS收发器通信地耦合到用户的通信设备。在各种实施例中,位置标识模块305可以将该位置信息格式化成适当格式用于与该系统一起使用。在各种其他实施例中,对位置信息的请求可以指定格式。
[0028]网络标识符模块310可以获得由位置标识符模块305提供的信息并且将该信息转换成诸如URL的网络标识符,当该网络标识符被选择时,它可以使内容提供商根据由位置标识符模块305获得的位置信息以图形地图的形式输出内容。在各种实施例中,该网络标识符模块310可以将该网络标识符直接附加到目的地是指定接收者的消息上。网络标识符可以对数据存储进行访问,该数据存储包括诸如绘图服务提供商的地址和/或与发送设备相关联的标识符(例如,电话号码或者用户ID)的信息。
[0029]在各种实施例中,发消息客户端模块315可以允许用户通过提供商的网络发送消息。发消息客户端模块315可以是诸如为公知的能够发消息的客户端的插件。替代地,发消息客户端模块315可以是由用户的通信设备支持的SMS协议。
[0030]在各种实施例中,内容生成器模块320可以包括诸如在优选实施例中的基于因特网的地图内容提供上的基于网络的内容门户。在各种实施例中,发消息服务提供商可以对内容生成器模块320进行控制,而在各种其他实施例中,第三方可以保持内容生成器模块320。在由第三方保持模块320的这样的实施例中,网络标识符模块310可以按照与第三方的内容生成器模块320兼容的方式对网络标识符进行格式化。在各种实施例中,当消息接收者选择了包含在该消息中的网络标识符时,可以调用内容查看客户端并且可以将接收者引向与该标识符相关联的网站。在各种实施例中,标识符可以起对内容生成器模块320的查询的作用,该内容生成器模块320作为响应可以根据在标识符中指定的一个或多个字段而生成内容。然而,在其他实施例中,内容可以是已被创建——这是在创建了网络标识符之后——使得标识符可以仅仅是对静态内容的网络指涉(reference),并且因此仅包含该内容的地址。在优选实施例中,内容生成器模块320可以生成图形地图并且将该地图输出到接收者客户端应用,该地图包括包含在网络标识符中指定的位置信息的位置以及发送者在图形地图包含的区域之内的位置的视觉指示器。
[0031]通信模块330可以允许在诸如无线电(蜂窝)网络和地面线网络(PSTN、ATM等等)之间的网络之间的通信。因此,通信模块330可以包括网络接口、网关、路由器和/或其他适当硬件、以及硬件和软件的组合。通信模块330可以在相同提供商网络上的用户之间中继消息,或者可以仅仅促进在发送者与接收者之间的通信路径的一部分,诸如仅当接收者与基于陆线的网络或者另一提供商的网络相连接时的无线部分。
[0032]现在参考图6,该图图示了根据示例性实施例的发消息客户端的示例性界面窗口400。在该图中的窗口400说明了经由即时发消息客户端来发送消息的示例性实施例。这样的客户端是公知的。发消息客户端可以运行在计算机、移动电话、PDA、或者其他有线或无线通信设备上。界面窗口400包括新消息通知以及请求接收者点击该消息中的链接410以查看发送者的位置的消息。应当理解,在各种实施例中,链接410可以不显示完整的URL,而可以是词、图形图像、或者其他对象。众所周知,在超文本标记语言(HTML)中可以按照对用户透明的方式将任何对象编码成特定URL。该图中所示的示例性URL410说明了URL本身可以如何被解码成包含一个或多个参数或者输入字段(例如,由′′+′′符号界定),从而当选择了该URL时使得它能够起对目标域的查询的作用。
[0033]图7是根据示例性实施例的用于显示基于位置的服务的内容查看器插件的示例性界面窗口500。在各种实施例中,如果接收者正在利用计算机来访问该消息,那么界面窗口500可以是因特网浏览器。在各种其他实施例中,界面窗口500可以是WAP、或者支持图形图像的其他类型的标准化的或者专有的移动设备内容浏览器。在各种实施例中,诸如在图6的示例中,当接收者选择了包括在所接收到的消息中的网络标识符(URL)时可以自动调用浏览器客户端接口窗口500。在优选实施例中,窗口500显示图形地图505。该图形地图505可以优选地包括示出了消息发送者相对于在图形地图505上所示的其他区域的位置的图标510或者其他标识符。这还显示其他感兴趣的项目,诸如商业、地标、或者接近于发送者的其他资产。而且,在各种实施例中,接收者可以通过内容查看器插件的界面窗口来访问典型的地图功能,诸如放大和缩小、平移、获得去往/来自在地图505上显示的一个或多个位置的方向。
[0034]应当理解,虽然在将消息从移动通信设备发送到计算机设备的上下文中已经描述了这里讨论的各种实施例,但是在这里阐述的原理同样适用于用户将消息从非移动计算机发送到另一非移动计算机或者当仅在两个移动设备之间发送消息时的环境。
[0035]还应当理解,虽然在优选实施例中可以从GPS设备得到位置,但是在各种其他实施例中,不同机构可以用于定位目的。例如,各种商用移动无线电服务提供商(CMRSPs)可以使用在收发器塔之间的三角测量、或甚至单个收发器塔、或者用于获得位置信息的其他非基于卫星的方法。在各种实施例中,可以不要求GPS型精确度。
[0036]在前述说明书中,已参考附图对各个优选实施例进行了描述。然而,很明显的是在不脱离如权利要求所阐述的本发明的更宽广范围的情况下可以对本发明做出各种修改和改变,并且可以实现另外的实施例。因此,该说明书和附图应当视为说明性而非限制性的意义。