a9 United States
`a2y Patent Application Publication (o) Pub. No.: US 2010/0138481 A1
`
`US 20100138481A1
`
`Behrens 43) Pub. Date: Jun. 3, 2010
`(54) DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING (52) US.ClL .o 709/203; 709/224
`SOCIAL NETWORKS THROUGH THE USE
`OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY
`(76) Inventor: Philip Behrens, Sperryville, VA (57) ABSTRACT
`Us) The invention relates to a portable electronic device, compris-
`] ing means (c) for scanning continuously/repeatedly for UIDs
`lc)lolgiesligoéi?:::: Address: sent out by other devices and recording these UIDs in a log;
`1 419133 7th Str. NW and means (d) for transferring the recorded UIDs to a server
`. . or another device (f);
`Washington, DC 20007 ’
`asiingtot, and to a method for establishing-server-based communi-
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/598,425 cation options, whereby:
`(a) portable electronic devices containing identifiers
`(22) PCT Filed: Apr. 30, 2008 (UIDs) record identifiers that are transmitted wirelessly
`and non-directionally by other portable electronic
`(86) PCT No.: PCT/EP08/55394 devices,
`(b) the identifiers (UIDs) are transferred to a server, and
`§ 371 (0)(), (c) the identifiers (UIDs) are used by a server to provide
`(2), (4) Date: Oct. 30, 2009 communication between users of the devices containing
`Related U.S. Application Data Moret::elrdifizfizisertlltlfotf i;]filzzze?orzcgerzsfi and method for
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/024,794, filed on Jan. establishing contact wirelessly with a second compatible
`30, 2008. device, where the device comprises
`means (a) for automatically establishing non-directional
`(30) Foreign Application Priority Data contact as well as the transfer of one or more first data
`packets between the device and one or more target
`Apr. 30,2007 (DE) coevennee 102007 020 296.4 device(s); and
`L . . means (b), which (following an automatic, non-directional
`Publication Classification contact as well as the transfer of one or more first data
`(51) Int.CL packets between the device and one or more target
`GO6F 15/173 (2006.01) devices) allows the user to transfer one or more direc-
`GO6F 15/16 (2006.01) tional second data packets.
`
`UIDs are transferred wirelessly
`
`Device 1
`
`UID#1 Device 2
`with UID#2
`
`UID#2
`
`with UID#1 <
`
`Device 1 uploads
`its ‘seen log’
`
`account:
`UID#1
`Seen list (UID#1):
`
`-UID#X
`-UID#Y
`-UID#2 (new})
`
`the ‘seen
`
`The server uses the UIDs from
`
`UID2 seen log:
`-UID#1
`
`Device 2 uploads
`its ‘seen log’
`
`account:
`UID#2
`
`Seen list (UID#2}:
`
`-UID#X
`-UID#Y
`-UID#1 (new)
`
`logs’ to create ‘seen lists’
`
`Google Exhibit 1006
`Google v. SecCommTech
`
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`US 2010/0138481 A1l
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`DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING
`SOCIAL NETWORKS THROUGH THE USE
`OF WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY
`
`[0001] The invention relates to a device and method for
`establishing contact electronically through the use of wireless
`technology. More particularly, the invention relates to a
`device and a method through which contact is automatically
`established between users who come into proximity of one
`another.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0002] Inthis day and age, mobile phones have become an
`integral part of the daily lives of hundreds of millions of
`people. Electronic messaging such as SMS (short messaging
`service) or E-Mail through the use of mobile devices is also
`becoming increasingly common, particularly among younger
`people. However, the exchange of personal contact informa-
`tion, which is required for establishing electronic communi-
`cation (telephone, SMS, instant messaging, e-mail) occurs
`largely in conventional, non-electronic manner. Phone num-
`bers as well as electronic addresses are often still communi-
`cated verbally or on paper. At times, a cell phone will be
`handed to the person with whom such contact is desired, in
`order to let that person enter his own number or e-address. An
`exception is the ability of some mobile devices to transmit
`electronic business cards to compatible devices, using infra-
`red or Bluetooth transmission, for example. Internet forums
`provide a means to establish contacts electronically. How-
`ever, these are accessed through the help of computers and are
`bound to Internet portals.
`
`[0003] Sharing one’s personal phone number or e-mail
`address with someone usually represents a step which cannot
`be reversed very easily. Therefore, most people think twice
`before giving out their personal contact information to strang-
`ers, often preferring to get acquainted a bit first. Moreover, it
`is normally not possible to contact strangers through mobile
`devices, since one would not have the coordinates for doing
`so. Current electronic communication systems thus do not
`offer a viable alternative to approaching strangers in person.
`[0004] Ithas, for some time been possible to make acquain-
`tances using various forms of Internet-based communication.
`Countless Internet services offer to bring users into contact
`with one another based on a variety of criteria, such as, for
`example, common interests, gender, age, regional location, as
`well as combinations thereof. Examples include Internet
`forums, messaging boards and online dating services.
`[0005] In recent years, emerging online social network
`websites have focused on allowing users to build their own
`individual online social networks by adding known friends or
`acquaintances to their own personal profiles or user accounts.
`This is typically achieved through users searching for names
`of friends who may already have registered with the service.
`If a friend is not yet a member of that service, the user may
`disclose that person’s e-mail address to let the service contact
`that person. The service then sends an e-mail to the person,
`asking whether he or she would like to join the service as well
`as the initiating user’s friend list. By displaying, more or less
`openly, users’ friendlist to others, many of these services also
`encourage their users to contact their friends’ friends. This
`can lead to rapidly growing friendlists. In some cases, it has
`even resulted in users attaining hundreds and even thousands
`of “friendships™ on such a site. As a measure of preventing
`
`Jun. 3, 2010
`
`this kind of “friendship inflation”, some services implement
`access filters, proposing friendships more in accordance to
`common interests, age or user locality. This can lead to more
`meaningful friendlists.
`
`[0006] A growing concern on social networking sites has
`been the misuse for purposes of delivering unsolicited com-
`munication (spam) for commercial, personal or criminal pur-
`poses.
`
`[0007] An object of the present invention is therefore to
`provide a device and a method through which users may come
`into electronic contact with one another on the basis of their
`individual, dynamic localities. A further object of the present
`invention is to use wireless technology for providing special
`communication layers through the help of which users may
`come into contact with one another on the basis of past and/or
`present proximities in relation to one another. Said commu-
`nication layers are also intended to provide an alternative to
`the disclosure of personal contact information that is typically
`required for electronic communication. Such a communica-
`tion layer may be viewed as a kind of sand box for generally
`open and unrestricted communication, which may also be
`shielded from the other functions provided by the devices.
`
`[0008] Ina first aspect, the present invention therefore pro-
`vides a device for establishing contact wirelessly with a sec-
`ond compatible device, comprising:
`
`[0009] Means (a), for automatically establishing non-direc-
`tional contact as well as the transfer of one or more first data
`packets between the device and one or more target device(s);
`and
`
`[0010] Means (b), which (following an automatic, non-
`directional contact as well as the transfer of one or more first
`data packets between the device and one or more target
`devices) allows the user to transfer one or more directional
`second data packets.
`
`[0011] According to the present invention, “automatically
`establishing non-directional contact” is to mean that the user
`does not specify with which device(s) a contact is to be made,
`but rather that all receptive devices are addressed, similar to a
`radio broadcast. In this context, the term “contact” merely
`describes an active connection between the device and at least
`one target device, regardless of the duration thereof. Specifi-
`cally, the reception of non-directional, first data packets does
`not require a response by a receiving device. The device may
`also be adjusted in such a way that a search for receptive
`devices (within range) is conducted automatically and that
`contact is established automatically, or that such receptivity is
`to be induced by the user.
`
`[0012] According to the invention, “automatically estab-
`lishing non-directional contact as well as the transfer of one or
`more first data packets” is to mean that the user may allocate
`or furnish specific information (e.g. photo, logo, sound,
`video) for establishing a first contact via first data packets;
`thereby not specifying which devices are to receive this data.
`[0013] Herein, no specific distinction is made between the
`terms “data” and “data packets”.
`
`[0014] Therefore, through means of the inventive device
`according to the first aspect, contact may be established with
`at least one target device. In general, the target device will be
`a compatible device of another user with whom a contact
`could or should occur. Both the device and the target device
`may be mobile phones or other types of electronic devices.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
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`US 2010/0138481 A1l
`
`[0015] The term “target device” is herein used to refer to a
`further inventive device, or a device that is compatible with
`the inventive device. It is further used to indicate such a device
`carried by a third user.
`
`[0016] The term “third user” is used herein to indicate a
`further user.
`[0017] In general, the means (a), and (b) are capable of
`
`transmitting as well as receiving electromagnetic radiation on
`one or more frequencies. This frequency or these frequencies
`may, in general, differ from those typically used in mobile
`phones and other portable electronic devices, such as GSM,
`UMTS, Bluetooth and WLAN.
`
`[0018] Preferably, one or more frequencies in one of the
`license-free ISM-bands are used (e.g. 2400 MHz to 2500
`MHz or 433.05 MHz to 434.79 MHz). Frequency-hopping
`techniques can serve to prevent interference, such as that
`resulting from other devices using the same frequency ranges.
`Furthermore, checksum verification and/or encryption may
`be employed to maintain data integrity.
`
`[0019] Anestablished contact may be displayed or signaled
`on the inventive device, and, if applicable, on the target
`device. This can specifically include optical, acoustic or
`mechanical signals, such as vibration mechanisms.
`
`[0020] The automatic establishment of contact through
`means (a) may be initiated by the user, or it may be established
`automatically, subject to settings or pre-adjustments on the
`device. This concerns one or more targeted first data packets.
`Once a contact is established between the inventive device
`and at least one target device (i.e. the devices are able to “see”
`one another), data may be exchanged.
`
`[0021] Preferably, the inventive device comprises an elec-
`tronic component wherein the means (a) and (b) are con-
`tained. According to the invention, this means that a connec-
`tion between the said electronic component, and the rest of
`the device exists, at least temporarily. Specifically, the said
`electronic component can be integrated in the device,
`attached to the remainder of the device (by means of a plug or
`cable connection), or it may be connected wirelessly to the
`remainder of the device.
`
`[0022] Themeans (a)are preferably equipped in such a way
`that a detection of the presence of at least one target device
`within a minimum and/or maximum distance is made pos-
`sible. Specifically, the means (a) can be set in such a way that
`aminimum and/or maximum distance between the device and
`at least one target device may be selected, and within which
`establishing a contact is possible. This distance can vary
`greatly. In general, the distance will not be more than 5 km.
`Preferably, the maximum distance will be 1 km. More pref-
`erable is a distance of 100 m. In an especially preferred
`embodiment, this distance will be 50 m and, even more so, 20
`m.
`
`[0023] The maximum distance can be adjusted through
`predefined signal strengths of the electromagnetic radiation,
`for example. Such a setting may also be influenced through
`software. By using software, further information can be taken
`into account. This can include information relating to the
`geographical location of the devices, derived from additional
`means including GPS, for example.
`
`[0024] In an especially preferred embodiment of the first
`aspect, the inventive device comprises means (c) for deter-
`mining its own location. It is preferred, that the means (a) are
`able to determine the distance between the device and a target
`device, the location of which may be ascertained.
`
`Jun. 3, 2010
`
`[0025] Preferably, the inventive device has an identifier
`(ID), which can be transferred to at least one target device.
`This identifier contains information for identifying the device
`(and thus its user).
`
`[0026] Preferably, the identifier is unique, especially to
`each device of'its type, and unchangeable. The identifier may
`stem from the serial number of the electronic component, for
`example. In general, the identifier allows the device to recog-
`nize another device as well as to specifically respond to
`another device (or its user). The identifier also serves to allow
`the user of such a device or target device to block out other
`users from his device, in order to stop the other user from
`further contacting him, for example. Blocked identifiers are
`preferably stored on the device (the one that should block out
`the other). This allows users to demarcate, or mark them-
`selves off, in what is generally intended to be an open, uncon-
`trolled and unrestricted setup.
`
`[0027] In general, the identifier is either transmitted simul-
`taneously with the first data packets, or before.
`
`[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect, the
`inventive device can store the identifier, and/or further data,
`from one or more target devices. Preferably, the inventive
`device allows a transfer of this information onto external
`storage. The device identifier contains information for iden-
`tifying the device.
`
`[0029] The device can be equipped in such a way that first
`and second data packets may only be transferred after recep-
`tion of the identifier and, if applicable, verification thereof.
`[0030] According to settings on the inventive and target
`devices, second data packets that have been selected or fur-
`nished by the respective users may be transferred in one or
`both directions. Also possible is the directional communica-
`tion between three and more devices.
`
`[0031] Preferably, the means (a) and (b) permit controlling
`the content of data and/or the transmission of data to the at
`least one target device by the user.
`
`[0032] This data, especially in the form of first data packets,
`may include pictures, text, logos, videos, sounds as well as
`live video signals (e.g. from a camera built into the mobile
`device). Furthermore, the first data packets can include ques-
`tions or messages that have been prepared or structured by
`software. These can serve to address common interests, spe-
`cific questions or other information. In general, such infor-
`mation will be transferred to the target device, where it may
`be answered manually or automatically. Such a reply can be
`made subject to settings on the target device or to profiles
`containing information pertaining to pre-configured answers
`or responses, for example.
`
`[0033] Moreover, the exchange of data may be processed
`and structured in accordance with filters. Preferably, such
`filters are implemented and configurable through software.
`[0034] Preferably, the user of the inventive device may, at
`any time, view or scroll through received data from other
`devices/users. He may decide which data he wishes to keep or
`delete.
`
`[0035] Preferably, the inventive device is able to display (or
`notify) whether another device, of which it has previously
`stored the identifier and possibly received other data from, is
`within its range (therefore has reentered its range). Prefer-
`ably, a required proximity may be specified or predefined for
`this. The display or notification can be an optical, acoustic or
`mechanical signal, for example. If so desired, the user of the
`inventive device may transmit further contact information.
`This could, for example, include a phone number, mobile
`
`
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`US 2010/0138481 A1l
`
`phone number, e-mail or instant messaging address. Once
`again, this contact information may be accepted or blocked by
`the receiver.
`
`[0036] Transferred data (received and/or sent) may be
`stored by the devices involved for a predefined period of time.
`[0037] More specifically, data which has been transferred
`automatically (without active involvement by the user) may
`remain stored on the device. This may be governed by settings
`which are selected by the user, or be made dependent on the
`device’s storage capacity.
`
`[0038] If so desired by the user, the device can memorize
`another device solely on the basis of the other device’s iden-
`tifier. Therefore, communication is in principle possible on
`the basis of the inventive device-specific frequency, and with-
`out an exchange of further contact data, so long as the devices
`are in range of one another.
`
`[0039] In a second aspect, the invention also relates to a
`method for establishing contact wirelessly between the inven-
`tive device and at least one target device, whereby:
`
`[0040] means (a) automatically establish non-directional
`contact as well as transfer one or more first data packets
`between the device and one or more target device(s), and
`[0041] means (b) (after automatically and non-direction-
`ally establishing contact and transferring one or more first
`data packets between the device and one or more target device
`(s)) transfer one or more second data packets, directed and
`controllable by the user of the device.
`
`[0042] Several preferred and non-limiting embodiments
`are described in the following.
`
`[0043] According to the second aspect of the invention, the
`device sends out non-directional first data packets, preferably
`compressed, at specific intervals (e.g. milliseconds to several
`seconds). These first data packets may contain a content-type
`of information (e.g. text, photos, logos, video or live video
`signals) which has been predefined by the user, in general
`along with the device’s own identifier.
`
`[0044] If he so desires, a user who has received such non-
`directed first data packets (generally together with the send-
`er’s identifier), may actively contact the person whom he has
`received these first data packets from. The following non-
`limiting embodiments are applicable in such a case.
`
`[0045] In a first embodiment of the first aspect, a device
`according to the invention transmits second data packets
`(through which the third user wishes to make contact) using
`the same frequency and encryption level that were used for
`the undirected transmittal of the first data packets and the
`identifier. In this case, the identifier of the device or target
`device are included in the second data packets. In such a case,
`the inventive devices can be programmed in such a way that
`they are able to verify the identifiers enclosed in data packets
`and to ignore data addressed to a different identifier than its
`own. In this context, the term “ignore” means that the data is
`either not stored or deleted.
`
`[0046] A second embodiment of the first aspect differs
`from the first in that additional encryption is used. This can
`involve the identifier of the receiving device for encrypting
`the second data packets. In such a case, the involved devices
`should be capable of encrypting directional data packets in
`such a way that the data will be decrypted only by the device
`with the corresponding recipient identifier.
`
`[0047] In athird embodiment of the first aspect, the inven-
`tive device sends the directional data packets using a different
`frequency. Directional data packets will therefore be trans-
`
`Jun. 3, 2010
`
`mitted on different frequencies than non-directional data
`packets. Encryption may be used independently thereof.
`
`[0048] Inafourth embodiment of the first aspect, the inven-
`tive device transmits the directional data packets using a
`different transmission path than that which is used for non-
`directional data packets. This could include Bluetooth or
`Wireless LAN (ad-hoc mode), for example. Insuch a case, the
`recipient can accept the second data packets in accordance
`with any security measures of the used transmission path.
`
`[0049] In a fifth embodiment of the first aspect, the inven-
`tive device transmits the second data packets via an Internet
`portal which has been configured accordingly. While this
`could require that the inventive devices be connected to the
`Internet, the online portal could also redirect such communi-
`cation through different types of connections, including SMS
`or MMS, for example.
`
`[0050] In a sixth embodiment of the first aspect, the inven-
`tive device transmits the second data packets via communi-
`cation paths which are typically operated by mobile phone
`carriers. In this case, the carrier provides a connection
`through which the second data packets are transmitted (in
`accordance to the recipient’s approval).
`
`[0051] There can be combinations of these non-limiting
`embodiments as well.
`
`[0052] A common factor of all inventive devices and meth-
`ods presented here lies in their ability to provide a means for
`communication to occur, independently of, and without
`requiring, the user’s personal contact data. This allows a user
`to be in contact with a third person for as long (and only as
`long) as he wishes to. In general, the identifiers are used for
`this purpose; the device provides a way to block unwanted
`identifiers, thereby preventing unwanted communication at
`any time.
`
`[0053] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a
`portable electronic device, comprising
`
`[0054] means (c) for scanning continuously/repeatedly
`for UIDs sent out by other devices and recording these
`UIDs in a log; and
`
`[0055]
`
`Server.
`
`[0056] These means can be in the form of software and/or
`hardware.
`
`[0057] Electronic devices according to the third aspect thus
`continuously/repeatedly transmit unique identifiers (UID)
`via non-directed wireless radio frequency transmission.
`Devices that are equipped with the means provided by the
`third aspect of the invention may scan continuously/repeat-
`edly for UIDs transmitted by other devices within range.
`
`[0058] Ina preferred embodiment of the present invention,
`the device contains means (e) for transmitting continuously/
`repeatedly one or more unique identifiers (UID) via non
`directional wireless radio frequency signals.
`
`[0059] When such a device receives another device’s UID,
`it records that UID and measures the length of time during
`which it continues to receive that UID. The device stores the
`received UID, along with the time, date and duration of the
`reception. It stores this information in what shall herein be
`referred to as a “seen log”. A device’s seen log will contain
`information regarding which UIDs have been received (or
`“seen”) by the device. It may also contain information regard-
`ing when and for how long a UID will have been received.
`
`means (d) for transferring the recorded UIDs to a
`
`
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`US 2010/0138481 A1l
`
`[0060] The following definitions are used in the present
`invention:
`[0061] Unique identifier (UID): A code, number, address or
`
`other symbol that uniquely identifies an AC device, and, by
`association, the owner of the AC device. Specifically in regard
`to the third aspect of the invention, a UID may consist of or
`include a MAC (media access control) address, Bluetooth
`Device Address (i.e. BD_ADDR), or other unique or quasi-
`unique identifier. In general, it may be hardware-bound and
`unchangeable, as well as software-based and possibly modi-
`fiable by the user.
`
`[0062] Seen log: A log representing receptions of UIDs.
`May include information related to UID receptions, such as,
`for example, time, date, duration and location of UID recep-
`tions. May also include further information, or links thereto,
`such as those related to UID receptions, or those possibly
`deemed relevant by a user. A seen log may specifically
`include information pertaining to spatial locations of UID
`receptions. Furthermore, a seen log may include any form of
`information stemming from user input, such as to mark spe-
`cific events, for example.
`
`[0063] Seen list: A list containing more or less processed,
`interpreted, and/or structured information stemming from
`one or more seen log(s). The information contained in a seen
`list may be linked, combined or otherwise put into relation
`with friend lists, such as, for example, those used by online
`social networking sites. A seen list may also reflect informa-
`tion and/or choices from users, and could be modifiable by
`users. Seen lists may provide information in a variety of ways,
`including personal and/or customized information for indi-
`vidual users. It may also include information to be displayed
`to specific groups of users, as well information that may be
`made accessible to anyone.
`
`[0064] Claimed UIDs and unclaimed UIDs: UIDs which
`have been linked to user accounts may herein be referred to as
`“claimed UIDs”, while those that have not may be referred to
`as “unclaimed UIDs”.
`
`[0065] UID account: The term “UID account” may also be
`used herein to describe a kind of online user account that has
`been linked to a given UID by the server. The server may
`receive such a UID (to be able to link it) as contained in
`another device’s seen log or through a user supplying his
`device’s UID to it (the server).
`
`[0066] Unclaimed account: A user account which is gener-
`ated on the basis of an unclaimed UID may herein be referred
`to as an “unclaimed account”.
`
`[0067] Associate: The term “associate” is used herein to
`indicate an association of two or more UIDs and thereby the
`corresponding device users through server-based user
`accounts. Such associations may, for example, be used for
`providing server-based communication or options there for,
`including social networking or messaging functions.
`
`[0068] Generally, a device’s seen log will represent infor-
`mation pertaining to which devices have come into range of
`the used wireless transmission, as well as when and how
`often.
`
`[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, the device of
`the third aspect of the invention may also store information
`regarding its location at the time of a UID reception. Such
`information may be obtained from any available source,
`including Cell-IDs from mobile network operators, position
`determining equipment using Cell ID techniques, U-TDOA,
`
`Jun. 3, 2010
`
`A-GPS, E-CID, AOA, standard global positioning system
`equipment (GPS), WLAN access point based positioning,
`etc.
`
`[0070] Information regarding the device’s location at the
`time of a UID reception may also include or be derived from
`any form of user input, such as through key or touch-screen
`entries, “gestures”, device movements (e.g. via accelerom-
`eter), vocal input, etc.
`
`[0071] According to the invention, the device may also
`store further information relating to the reception of a UID,
`and specifically information relating to the time, date and/or
`locality of a UID reception. The device preferably stores this
`information in a manner that links the information to events
`recorded in the seen log. Preferably, this manner can include
`some form of user input, perhaps marking a particular point in
`time. This can also include the storing of photos, video and/or
`audio material. Furthermore, it may also include information
`regarding phone calls, messaging or Internet activity, which
`may stand in some relation to events stored in the seen log.
`[0072] The term “server” may herein be substituted for
`“online service”, indicating Internet-based services which are
`provided to the users, or potential users.
`
`[0073] According to a preferred embodiment of the third
`aspect of the invention, the device provides its seen log infor-
`mation to a server, along with its own UID. This may occur
`via any kind of data-capable connection, including GSM,
`GPRS, UMTS, LAN or Wireless LAN, for example. It may
`occur in any form, including a direct, single-purpose upload,
`or bundled with other data, or in combination with other
`electronic transfers, such as e-mail, SMS, MMS, etc. Further-
`more, the device may also transfer the seen log information to
`other electronic devices, such as personal computers, for
`example, which, in turn, can upload or forward the said infor-
`mation to a server. Devices may also distribute seen log
`information in a peer-to-peer (P2P) fashion. Accordingly, any
`other computing device, including a personal computer, may
`assume, in part or entirely, the functions of the server. In the
`case that P2P is used, the devices may handle the server’s
`processing function described herein in a decentralized fash-
`ion.
`
`[0074] According to embodiments of the invention, once
`such seen log information is received by the server, the server
`may store the information in a manner that is linked to the
`corresponding device’s UID. Preferably, the server analyzes
`and further processes the seen log information.
`
`[0075] In general, each UID corresponds to one user
`account. However, a UID may also be linked to more than one
`user account, such as through different servers or online ser-
`vices. A user account, in turn, may also be linked to more than
`one UID. Furthermore, a UID may correspond to separate
`user accounts on different servers or online services.
`
`[0076] The server preferably associates or links a user
`account to every UID it receives. The server may link UIDs in
`various ways. For example, a user may connect to the server
`through a web browser to supply his device’s UID in order to
`open (create) a new user account, or to append an existing
`one. In such a case, the device to be used (having the UID)
`will not need to connect to the server for this part of the
`process.
`
`[0077] There are various ways a user may obtain his
`device’s UID. For example, he may be able to access this
`information directly on his device. As such, many cell phones
`produced by the Nokia company will display such informa-
`tion if the user enters a special code directly on the device
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`US 2010/0138481 A1l
`
`(“*#2820#” for BD_ADDR or “*#62209526#” for WLAN
`MAC Addresses). An additional, separate device may also be
`used to access a device’s UID. This could include a computer,
`PDA, or cell phone, for example. In certain cases, manufac-
`turers will also provide the information in the form of a sticker
`on the device or manual.
`
`[0078] Inapreferred embodiment, the server automatically
`generates new user accounts for any unclaimed UlDs that it
`receives. The server may receive such (unclaimed) UIDs con-
`tained in uploaded seen logs, for example.
`
`[0079] A useraccount which is generated on the basis of an
`unclaimed UID may herein be referred to as an “unclaimed
`account”.
`
`[0080] The user ofa device may herein be referred to as the
`“user” of