Abstract:
A communication management method enabling selective wireless communications. The method comprises providing a reference profile data and detecting presence of a device by transmission of at least a portion of a primary profile data by the device. The primary profile data comprises an identifier, a pseudo name, contact details and/or preferences and bio-data of the device&#39;s user. The method also involves determining distance of the device from a reference location and initiating communication with the device in response to the device being within a reference distance from the reference location and/or at least a portion of the primary profile data matching at least a portion of the reference profile data.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 11/625,692 filed Jan. 22, 2007, and claims the benefit thereof. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless communications. More specifically, the present invention relates to selective wireless communication among devices. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    Many prior art media devices can receive radio broadcasts from sources including FM, AM or satellite broadcasts. Signals can be transmitted from one source to another via physical means or, increasingly, wirelessly. Typically, signals that are convertible into data, audio sounds, visuals or text are transmitted between devices via a cable or a wire. Transmission of signals via cables or wires restricts the distance of signal transmission as well as increases cost of communication. 
         [0004]    The rapid pace of development in communications technology has seen wireless communication become an integral part of our lives. A wireless connection, detection or communication involves the linkage of two or more devices without the use of physical wires. Typically, wireless connection, detection or communication utilizes spread-spectrum or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation technology based on radio waves to enable communication between devices within a defined area. Wireless communication technology gives users mobility to move around freely within the defined area while still being able to communicate with other wireless devices within the same defined area. 
         [0005]    Such wireless connection, detection and communication ability is increasingly incorporated into a wide variety of different devices including computers, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handphones or cellphones and media devices (for example, audio devices, video devices as well as audiovisual devices). Wireless communications has become increasingly popular in the home due to increasing ease of installation. Public businesses such as coffee shops, fast food restaurants and shopping malls are also beginning to offer wireless access enabling wireless connection, detection and communication; and at some locations, even as a free service. Additionally, several major cities around the world have or are starting to build large wireless network projects. 
         [0006]    Typically, wireless devices within the same defined area are able detect and communicate with each other indiscriminately. The user of a first wireless device often has little opportunity, if at all, to specifically select or restrict the detection and communication with a second wireless device. The indiscriminate detection and communication between wireless devices often results in a host of inconveniences and disadvantages including undesired or time-wasting communication with other users, loss of privacy and reduced information security. 
         [0007]    In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a system and method for enabling a wireless device (and its user) to selectively define conditions or criteria for, and thus control, the detection and communication with other wireless devices. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a communication management method comprising providing a reference profile data, detecting presence of a device by detecting transmission of at least a portion of a primary profile data sent by the device, and determining distance of the device from a reference location. The method further comprises initiating communication with the device in response to at least one of the device being within a reference distance from the reference location and at least a portion of the primary profile data matching at least a portion of the reference profile data. 
         [0009]    In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a communication management system comprising means for providing a reference profile data, means for detecting presence of a device by detecting transmission of at least a portion of a primary profile data sent by the device, and means for determining distance of the device from a reference location. The system further comprises means for initiating communication with the device in response to at least one of the device being within a reference distance from the reference location and at least a portion of the primary profile data matching at least a portion of the reference profile data. 
         [0010]    In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is disclosed a device-readable medium having stored therein a plurality of programming instructions, which when executed, the instructions cause the device to provide a reference profile data, detect presence of a device by detecting transmission of at least a portion of a primary profile data sent by the device, determine distance of the device from a reference location, and initiate communication with the device in response to at least one of the device being within a reference distance from the reference location and at least a portion of the primary profile data matching at least a portion of the reference profile data. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the invention are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of wireless communication of signals in accordance with one aspect of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic view of wireless communication of signals from a single source to multiple destinations in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  illustrate other embodiments of the invention in which a plurality of rebroadcasts of signals occur; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic view of wireless communications of signals between multiple devices in accordance with another aspect of the present invention; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  shows a wireless communication method implementable by one of the devices of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    With reference to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention for providing a system and a method for selective detection and communication between devices are described hereinafter. 
         [0018]    Systems and methods for wireless detected and communication between devices are known in the art. Typically, detection occurs when two devices are brought together within a pre-determined range or distance. However, devices currently on the market are unable to specifically set criteria or conditions for authorizing detection and communication between devices. This therefore results in indiscriminate detection and communication between devices, which is often undesirable, inconvenient or disadvantageous for a user of the device. The system and method for selective detection and communication between devices as provided by the present invention therefore allows the user of the device to selectively detect, allow detection thereof and/or communicate with a second device. 
         [0019]    For purposes of brevity and clarity, description of the invention is limited hereinafter to devices capable of selectively detecting, allowing detection thereof and communicating with other devices. This however does not preclude various embodiments of the invention from other applications that require a similar operating performance. Functional and operational principles upon which embodiments of the invention are based on remain the same throughout the various embodiments. 
         [0020]    The device is preferably a standalone device which can include audio playback, telecommunication or personal digital assistant (PDA) functionalities. Alternatively, the device is a dongle couplable to an audio device, a telecommunication device, a PDA or a similar device. 
       Dedicated and Broadcast Use 
       [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the user of a first device  10  can opt to only transmit a dedicated signal from the first device to a second device  20 ; in this instance, the second device  20  will be the only receiving device for the first device  10 . The second device  20  decodes the signal from the first device  10  to provide the user of the second device  20  with the appropriate/desired information. As set forth below in further detail, in a preferred embodiment, the information transmitted by the second device  20  as well as the information received by the first device  10  can be specifically selected or chosen by individual respective users of the first device  10  and the second device  20 . 
         [0022]    As used herein, the term “dedicated” is used to refer to a closed network, whereby only users of that network may have ready access to the decoding and/or decrypting technology to access the communicated signals. A “closed” network can refer to a network that employs proprietary technology that is not directly interoperable with other standards-based networks, or that adds an additional layer of encoding onto standards-based networks. A “closed network” also encompasses a private network that can only be used by authenticated or authorized devices; e.g. outsider use may be prohibited and enforced through cryptographic means. A closed network is thus distinct from an open network such as Bluetooth, whereby any device that is Bluetooth-enabled may (in the absence of proprietary encoding or encryption) receive and process that signal. 
         [0023]    Information stored in the device may also be encrypted to provide a further layer of security to information communication between devices. Encryption can be used to secure information communications and stored information. Digital communications accommodate the use of encryption. As consumers continue to move from wireline to wireless communications devices, the use of encryption has become more important to the end user in some contexts. 
         [0024]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the user of the first device  10  can opt to set the first device  10  to broadcast. As such, enabled third parties in the range of transmission of the first device  10 , such as the user of a third device  30  and potentially others, can opt to set their respective devices to detect and receive signals from the first device  10 , or on a channel on which the first device  10  is set to transmit. The third device  30  can now decode the signal transmitted from the first device  10  to provide the user of the third device  30  with the appropriate/desired information. 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the user of the first device  10  can also opt to set the first device  10  to receive from other transmitting devices, including the second device  20  and the third device  30 . 
       Rebroadcasting 
       [0026]    The system and method of the present invention can also be used in the context of rebroadcasting. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the user can set the first device  10  on broadcast, the user of the second device  20  which is receiving the signals can opt to set the second device  20  to receive the signals from the first device  10  and to simultaneously re-broadcast the same signals to other users&#39; devices (for example, the third device  30  and a fourth device  40 ). Alternatively, the second device  20  can simultaneously receive signals from the first device  10  as well as transmit information, in a form of data signals, already stored within the second device  20  to other users&#39; devices (for example, the third device  30  and the fourth device  40 ). 
         [0027]    Rebroadcasting may be undertaken before, after and during decoding of original signals. If the signals have been decoded prior to rebroadcasting, the signals will be encoded again prior to retransmission. Preferably, the encoding produces the same original signal. Alternatively, the encoding produces a modified signal. 
         [0028]    Rebroadcasting thus allows the user of the third device  30  who is out of the range of the first device  10  but in the range of the re-broadcast of the second device  20  to receive the appropriate signals from the first device  10  via the second device  20 . Likewise, if the user of the third device  30  opts to set the third device  30  to re-broadcast, the user of the fourth device  40 , who is out of the range of the broadcast of the first device  10  and the rebroadcast of the second device  20 , can opt to set the fourth device  40  to receive the appropriate signals from the first device  10  via the second device  20  and the third device  30 . For each broadcasting option as described above, the users of the second device  20 , the third device  30  and the fourth device  40  can also set their respective devices to receive signals which are being broadcasted and rebroadcasted. 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention that enables use with the simultaneous reception and transmission/broadcast of different audio sounds. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the user of the first device  10  can set the first device  10  to transmit or broadcast a certain signal  50 . The user of the second device  20  can set his device to receive the transmission/broadcast of the signal  50  from the first device  10 . The user of the second device  20  can simultaneously opt to set the second device  20  to transmit or broadcast a different signal  52  on a different channel which can be received by users of, for example, the third device  30  and the fourth device  40  provided that they have set their respective devices to receive the transmission or broadcast of the signal  52  on that channel from the user of the second device  20 . 
         [0030]    The setting of the first device  10  to transmit or to simultaneously transmit and receive can be selected manually by the user of the first device. Alternatively, the setting of the first device  10  to receive, to transmit or to simultaneously transmit and receive is performed automatically upon detection of signals from another device, such as the second device  20  or the third device  30 . 
         [0031]    Preferably, the device also enables use in multi-channel transmission or broadcast (simultaneous or otherwise). With multiple users transmitting in a limited range, the implementation of the wireless transmission may be made un-dedicated channels which users may opt to receive either: 
         [0032]    i. automatically via hunting and/or frequency hopping; or 
         [0033]    ii. manually by tuning to specific frequencies denoted by: 
         [0034]    a. discrete channels denoted by numbers (e.g. Channel 1, Channel 2, etc); 
         [0035]    b. discrete channels denoted with colors (e.g. Red, Green, Blue); or 
         [0036]    c. other methods consistent with those known to persons of skill in the art. 
         [0037]    In order to identify the mode in which the device is operating (transmitting, broadcasting, re-broadcasting or receiving), the user of the device can opt to set either cues on his device or cues to be displayed/received on third parties&#39; device to allow third parties to identify the mode in which the device is operating. The cues could take various forms or combination of forms such as:
       a. visual cues, including text, colored indicators or lights, which will indicate the various modes in which the device is operating; and   b. sound cues which will indicate the various modes in which the device is operating. Such sounds can either be heard audibly or through use of the device.
 
(For example, the first device  10  is set to broadcast. The first device  10  flashes a blue light which users of other Devices (e.g. the second device  20  and the third device  30 ) can see and then opt to set the second device  20  and the third device  30  to receive the first device&#39;s broadcast.)
       
 
       Restriction of Communication Based on Range 
       [0040]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first device  10  is able to restrict communication with the second device  20  based on distance. A user of the first device  10  can opt to program the first device  10  to communicate with other devices, such as the second device  20 , within a pre-determined or pre-selected distance (hereinafter referred to as a “detecting range”). Preferably the first device  10  is also programmed to communicate with the second device  20  when the first device  10  comes within a pre-determined distance from the second device  20  (hereinafter referred to as a “detectable range”). More preferably, the detecting range and the detectable range are each independently adjustable. For the first device  10  to communicate with the second device  20 , the second device  20  must preferably have a detectable range within the detecting range of the first device  10 . 
         [0041]    Provided the second device  20  is within the detecting range of the first device, the first device  10  is still able to communicate with a third device  30  that is out of the detecting range of the first device  10  but still within the detecting range of the second device  20 . Preferably, the user of the first device  10  is able to select both the detecting range of the first device  10  as well as the detecting range of the second device  20 , thereby allowing the user of the first device  10  to control the ability full or total detecting range of the first device  10 . 
         [0042]    The detecting range of the first device  10  is optionally dependant on a signal strength of the second device  20 . Alternatively, the detecting range of the first device is dependant on a signal strength of the third device  30 . Further alternatively, the detecting range of the first device  10  is dependent on the signal strength of the second device  20  and the signal strength of the third device  30 . 
         [0043]    By selecting the detecting range, the user of the first device  10  is able to selectively restrict his communication with other devices based on a distance criterion. 
       Restriction of Communication Based on Stored Information Fields 
       [0044]    The user of the first device  10  can opt to restrict ability of the first device  10  to communicate with the second device  20  based on content of data stored within information fields of the second device  20 . 
         [0045]    Devices, such as the second device  20 , are able to store data. Data can be classified within different information fields, including, but not limited to: 
         [0046]    a. User profile 
         [0047]    b. User unique identifier (ID) or pseudonym 
         [0048]    c. User online profile 
         [0049]    d. Device unique identifier (ID) 
         [0050]    Preferably, the user of the second device  20  stores data within each and every information field. Alternatively, the user of the second device  20  only stores data within selected information fields. 
         [0051]    A single information field typically consists of a number of data fields. For example, the information field of “user profile” can contain data fields including, but not limited to: 
         [0052]    a. Name of user 
         [0053]    b. Age of user 
         [0054]    c. Gender of user 
         [0055]    d. Hobbies of user 
         [0056]    e. Address of user 
         [0057]    f. Food preferences of user 
         [0058]    g. Preferred friends of user 
         [0059]    h. Likes of user 
         [0060]    i. Dislikes of user 
         [0061]    The user of the second device  20  can opt to allow the user of the first device  10  to have access to all of the stored data within the second device  20 . Alternatively, the user of the second device  20  can restrict or limit access to the stored data within the second device  20 . 
         [0062]    Preferably, the first device  10  is able to receive data stored within the second device  20  and thereafter analyze the received data to one of authorize or reject further communication with the second device  20 . Further preferably, authorization or rejection of further communication with the second device  20  is determined by both the detecting range of the first device and received data by the first device  10 . 
         [0063]    The user of the first device  10  can opt to construct an inclusive list of user IDs. The first device  10  is therefore authorized or enabled to communicate with a device with a user ID found within the inclusive list. Alternatively, the user of the first device  10  can opt to construct an exclusive list of user IDs. The first device  10  is barred or disenabled to communicate with a device having a user ID found within the exclusive list. 
         [0064]    Communication between the first device  10  and the second device  20  is performed by a communication method  100  implemented by the first device  10  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In a step  110  of the communication method  110 , the first device  10  detects the presence of the second device  20 . The first device  10  preferably detects the second device  20  because the second device  20  is of the same device type or model. Alternatively, the first device  10  detects the presence of all devices, including the second device  20 , within the detecting range of the first device  10 . Further alternatively, the first device  10  detects all devices found on a same network or an approved network. 
         [0065]    In a step  112 , the first device  10  retrieves data from the second device  20 . The data retrieved includes, but is not limited to, data from the previously mentioned information fields. In a step  114 , the first device  10  detects the user ID of the second device  20 . If the user ID of the second device  20  is found within the inclusive list of the first device  10 , the first device  10  authorizes further communication with the second device  20 . Alternatively, if the user ID of the second device is found within the exclusive list of the first device  10 , the first device  10  then bars further communication with the second device  20 . 
         [0066]    In a step  116 , the first device  10  detects the data stored within a number of pre-selected data fields of the second device  20 . The first device  10  then authorizes or rejects further communication or data exchange in a step  118 . Preferably, the first device  10  authorizes or rejects further communication and/or data exchange with the second device  20  based on detected user ID of second device together with the detected data. Alternatively, the first device  10  authorizes or rejects further communication and/or data exchange with the second device  20  solely based on detected user ID of the second device. Further alternatively, the first device  10  authorizes or rejects further communication and/or data exchange based solely on detected data. 
         [0067]    The quantity, type and/or content of requisite matching data (otherwise known as criteria) for the authorization of further communication between the first device  10  with the second device  20  is determined or selected by the user of the first device  10 . In other words, the user of the first device  10  is able to dictate the number of and the content of data fields of the second device  20  that must first match before authorizing the further communication with the second device  20 . 
         [0068]    As previously mentioned, the user of the second device  20  is able to restrict access to selected data fields by the user of the first device  10 . This restriction is typically done to protect the second user&#39;s privacy and relative anonymity. 
         [0069]    Therefore, the user of the first device  10  can preferably opt to enable a start of an initial (or initiation) phase of further communication with the second device  20  based on a partial match of selected requisite data. During the initial phase, the user of the first device  10  can opt to request for additional data from the second device  20 . Preferably, the request is programmed to be carried out automatically by the first device  10 . Further preferably, authorization or rejection of further communication or data exchange occurs upon detection and matching of selected requisite data. 
         [0070]    The second device  20  can be coupled to the Internet. The second device  20  is able to download or retrieve data from the Internet. For example, the second device  20  is able to download an online user profile such as a Facebook® or Flicker® profile. The first device  10  is able to retrieve the online user profile of the second device. The retrieval of the online user profile of the second device by the first device  10  preferably occurs simultaneously with the retrieval of the user ID of the second device  20 . Alternatively, the retrieval of the online user profile of the second device  20  by the first device  10  occurs independently without the retrieval of the user ID of the second device  20 . 
         [0071]    A device in a more preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates functionalities of both the first device  10  and the second device  20 . More preferably the device incorporating the functionalities of both the first device  10  and the second device  20  performs these functionalities concurrently or simultaneously. 
       Location-Based Communication 
       [0072]    The first device  10  is detectable by a network base station or device. Preferably, the base station is located at a fixed location. The base station has a pre-determined detection range. Preferably, the detection range of the base station is manipulatable or adjustable by an operator or user. 
         [0073]    Preferably, the first device  10  is detectable by the base station upon entering the detection range of the base station. Upon detection of first device  10 , the base station communicates with the first device  10 . The base station is able to transmit data or information to the first device  10 . The data or information is preferably location specific. The data fields of data or information includes, but is not limited to: 
         [0074]    a. Advertisements 
         [0075]    b. Weather forecasts 
         [0076]    c. Selected shops and shopping promotions 
         [0077]    d. Neighboring restaurants 
         [0078]    e. Traffic and road conditions 
         [0079]    Preferably, the user of the first device  10  can choose to receive or not to receive the data provided by the base station. Further preferably, the user of the first device  10  is able to set conditions or parameters for data transmitted from the base station. For example, the user of the first device  10  can opt to receive data from only the data field of traffic and road conditions or only from the data field of neighboring restaurants. 
         [0080]    The first device  10  can opt to transmit received data from the base station to the second device  20  that is out of the detection range of the base station but within that of the first device  10 . The detecting range of the second device  20  is optionally dependent on a signal strength of the first device  10 . 
         [0081]    In the foregoing manner, embodiments of a device capable of selective detection and communication with other devices are described. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and/or modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.