WO2014134680A1

WO2014134680A1 - A method for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location

Info

Publication number: WO2014134680A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/000218
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew David SNELL; Christopher Ernest SHACKLETON
Original assignee: Rollercoaster Digital Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-03-06
Filing date: 2014-03-06
Publication date: 2014-09-12

Abstract

A computer-implemented method (300) for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location, the computer-implemented method (300) comprising receiving location data indicative of the location of the at least one user; and selecting, via at least one database connection, location specific content data in accordance with display parameters, including in relation to the location data.

Description

A METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING REAL TIME CONTENT TO AT LEAST ONE USER ACCORDING TO THEIR LOCATION

Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to displaying content and in particular to a computer- implemented method, a server, and a computer readable storage medium for communicating real time content.

[002] The invention has been developed primarily for use in displaying advertisements and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[003] In recent times, advertisers have adopted the use of video to display advertisements in, for example, shopping centres, on public transport or in public transport terminals, sports and entertainment venues, as well as in other public areas. Such advertising technology is typically realized via the use of digital displays that become effectively digital or video billboards to display, oftentimes, a plurality of different advertisements that can each be displayed at predetermined time intervals. However, such advertising technology does not provide the ability to implement changes to the advertising information being displayed in real time.

[004] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[005] The invention seeks to provide a computer-implemented method, a server, and a computer readable storage medium for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative. Preferably the present invention relates to displaying content and in particular to a computer-implemented method, a server, and a computer readable storage medium for communicating real time content to at least one user according to display parameters. This can related to the location, or a combination of location with the date and time, or other relevant factors [006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer- implemented method for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location, the computer-implemented method comprising:

- receiving location data indicative of the location of the at least one user; and

- selecting, via at least one database connection, location specific content data in accordance with display parameters, including in relation to the location data or a combination with the date and time, and other relevant factors.

[007] Preferably display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more of: Date and time, Identification of user data, Priority, Elevation, Light readings, Restricted material, wherein a modified location specific content data is available. These other display parameters separately and in combination add distinctive different synergistic effects and controls of the display parameter by creating the particular modified location specific content data.

[008] Advantageously, location specific content data being provided to the at least one user in real time affords the at least one user the opportunity to take advantage of any events, goods or services that may be available within the vicinity of the at least one user's location in real time.

[009] Advantageously, a content provider can benefit from offering events, goods or services to the at least one user when the at least one user is in the vicinity of the content provider or a public area or outlet displaying the location specific content associated with the content provider.

[010] Preferably, the computer-implemented method further comprises:

- sending the location specific content data to the at least one user in real time.

[011] Preferably, the computer-implemented method further comprises:

- outputting the location specific content data to a display device for displaying to the at least one user.

[012] Advantageously, location specific content data being provided to the at least one user for display on the display device in real time affords the at least one user with a visual indication of any events, goods or services thai may be available within the vicinity of the at least one user's location in real time.

[013] Preferably, the location data is received from a location sensing means.

[014] Preferably, the location sensing means comprises a GPS receiver or similar. [015] Advantageously, the location of the at least one user can be determined by GPS.

[016] Preferably, the location sensing means comprises an RFID reader for reading RFID tag data.

[017] Advantageously, the location of the at least one user, being for example an occupant of a vehicle, can be determined by an RF!D reader located within the vehicle receiving RFID tag data transmitted from an RFID tag located at a known location.

[018] Preferably, the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to a wireless network access point.

[019] Advantageously, the location of the at least one user, being for example an occupant of a vehicle, can be determined by a wireless enabled electronic device located within the vehicle receiving a radio signal when the vehicle is in proximity to a wireless network access point or hotspot located at a known location.

[020] Preferably, the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to one or more cell towers.

[021] Advantageously, the location of the at least one user, being for example an occupant of a vehicle, can be determined using a technique known as multilateration to calculate the differences in time for a signal transmitted from an electronic device configured for cellular communication that is located within the vehicle to travel to each cell tower of known location when the vehicle is in proximity to the cell towers.

[022] Preferably, calculating location specific content data comprises receiving the location data via a data network interface.

[023] Preferably, the computer-implemented method further comprises:

- receiving identification data indicative of at least one content provider; and

- verifying the identity of the at least one content provider as a registered content provider in accordance with the identification data..

[024] Advantageously, the content provider being a registered content provider can add new content as content data or update existing content data stored within the database and file store through the at least one database connection and server connection as required.

[025] Preferably, the computer-implemented method further comprises:

- receiving statistical data indicative of the number of the at least one users receiving the location specific content data; and - revising the content data in accordance with the statistical data.

[026] Advantageously, the statistical data can be monitored and the content data stored on the at least one database connection revised in accordance with the statistical data to ensure greater effectiveness when delivering the revised content data in real time to the at least one user.

[027] Preferably, the computer-implemented method further comprises:

- sending the statistical data to at least one content provider providing the content.

[028] Preferably, the computer-implemented method further comprises:

Updating the content data via the at least one database connection in accordance with the revised content data.

[029] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location, the server comprising:

- a processor for processing digital data; - a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus;

- a data network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus: and

- at least one database connection for retrieving digital data including content data, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to:

- receive, via the data network interface, location data indicative of the location of the at least one user; and

- select, via the at least one database connection, location specific content data in accordance with the location data.

[030] Preferably, the server further comprises a display device coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

- send, via the data network interface, the location specific content data to the at least one user. [031] Preferably, the server further comprises 3 display device coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

- output the location specific content data to the display device for displaying to the at least one user.

[032] Preferably, the location data is received from a location sensing means. [033] Preferably, the location sensing means comprises a GPS receiver.

[034] Preferably, the location sensing means comprises an RFID reader for reading RFID tag data.

[035] Preferably, the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to a wireless network access point.

[036] Preferably, the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to one or more cell towers

[037] Preferably, selecvting location specific content data comprises receiving the location data via a data network interface.

[038] Preferably, the at least one database connection is further configured to include content provider registration data, the processor being further controlled by the computer program code to:

- receive, via the data network interface, identification data of at least one content provider; and

- verify, using the content provider registration data retrieved from the at least one database connection, the identity of the at least one content provider as a registered content provider in accordance with the identification data.

[039] Preferably, the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

- receive, via the data network interface, statistical data indicative of the number of the at least one users receiving the location specific content data; and

- revise the content data in accordance with the statistical data.

[040] Preferably, the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

- send, via the data network interface, the statistical data to at least one content provider providing the content.

[041] Preferably, the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to: - update the content data via the at least one database connection in accordance with the revised content data.

[042] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable storage medium for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location, the computer readable storage medium comprising computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising instructions for:

- receiving, via a data network interface, location data indicative of the location of the at least one user; and

- selecting, via at least one database connection, location specific content data in accordance with the location data.

[043] Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for:

- sending, via the data network interface, the location specific content data to the at least one user.

[044] Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for:

[045] Preferably, the location data is received from a location sensing means.

[046] Preferably, the location sensing means comprises a GPS receiver.

[047] Preferably, the location sensing means comprises an RFID reader for reading RFID tag data.

[048] Preferably, the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to a wireless network access point.

[049] Preferably, the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to one or more cell towers.

[050] Preferably, calculating location specific content data comprises receiving the location data via a data network interface.

[051] Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for:

- receiving, via the data network interface, identification data indicative of at least one content provider; and - verifying, using content provider registration data retrieved from the at least one database connection, the identity of the at least one content provider as a registered content provider in accordance with the identification data.

[052] Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for:

- receiving, via the data network interface, statistical data indicative of the number of the at least one users receiving the location specific content data; and

- revising the content data in accordance with the statistical data.

[053] Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for:

- sending, via the data network interface, the statistical data to at least one content provider.

[054] Preferably, the computer readable storage medium further comprises instructions for:

- updating the content data via the at least one database connection in accordance with the revised content data.

[055] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a client computing device for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location, the client computing device comprising:

- a processor for processing digital data;

- a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus; and

- a data network interface for sending and receiving digital data and being coupled to the processor via the bus, wherein the processor is controlled by the computer program code to:

- send, via the data network interface, to a server, location data indicative of the location of the at least one user; and

- receive, via the data network interface, location specific content data from the server, the location specific content data being in accordance with the location data.

[056] In one form the location specific content data can be received by the server selecting and providing to the at least one user. [057] In another form the location specific content data in accordance with the display parameters including the location data can be included in the database and the at least one user can select the location specific content data from the database. As the database can be a lookup table this could be on the portable device of the at least one user.

[058] Preferably, the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

- send, via the data network interface, the location specific content data to the at least one user in real time.

[059] Preferably, the client computing device further comprises a display device coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to: - output the location specific content data to the display device for displaying to the at least one user.

[060] Preferably, the client computing device further comprises a location sensing means, the location means being configured for obtaining the location data.

[061] Preferably, the location sensing means comprises a GPS receiver.

[062] Preferably, the location sensing means comprises an RFID reader for reading RFID tag data.

[063] Preferably, the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to a wireless network access point.

[064] Preferably, the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to one or more cell towers.

[065] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[066] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[067] Fig. 1 shows a computing device on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[068] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary client computing device configured for receiving location specific content data in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [069] Fig. 3 shows a network system of computing devices on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the network system comprises (i) an application server, or (ii) a web server;

[070] Fig. 4 show steps of a computer-implemented method for communicating real time content to users according to their location in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[071] Fig. 5 show additional steps of the computer-implemented method of Fig. 4:

[072] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary system for communicating real time content to users according to their location via a cellular or wireless communication interface in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[073] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary system for communicating real time content to users according to their location via a local area network (LAN) in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[074] Fig. 8 shows an exemplary system for communicating real time content to users according to their location via physical transfer means in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[075] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

GENERAL COMPUTING DEVICE

[076] Fig. 1 shows a general computing device 100 on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented. In particular the steps of a computer-implemented method 300 of communicating real time content to users according to their location may be implemented as computer program code instructions executable by the computing device 100. The computer program code instructions may be divided into one or more computer program code instruction libraries, such as dynamic link libraries (DLL), wherein each of the libraries performs a one or more steps of the method. Additionally, a subset of the one or more of the libraries may perform graphical user interface tasks relating to the steps of the computer- implemented method 300. [077] The computing device 100 comprises semiconductor memory 110 comprising volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) or read only memory (ROM). The memory 110 may comprise either RAM or ROM or a combination of RAM and ROM.

[078] The computing device 100 comprises a computer program code storage medium reader 130 for reading the computer program code instructions from computer program code storage media 120. The storage media 120 may be optical media such as CD-ROM disks, magnetic media such as floppy disks and tape cassettes or flash media such as USB memory sticks.

[079] The computing device 100 further comprises an I/O interface 140 for communicating with one or more peripheral devices. The I/O interface 140 may offer both serial and parallel interface connectivity. For example, the I/O interface 140 may comprise a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), Universal Serial Bus (USB) or similar I/O interface for interfacing with the storage medium reader 130. The I/O interface 140 may also communicate with one or more human input devices (HID) 160 such as keyboards, pointing devices, joysticks and the like. The I/O interface 140 may also comprise a computer to computer interface, such as a Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) interface, for interfacing the device 100 with one or more personal computer (PC) devices 190. The I/O interface 140 may also comprise an audio interface for communicate audio signals to one or more audio devices 1050, such as a speaker or a buzzer.

[080] The computing device 100 also comprises a data network interface 170 for communicating with one or more computer networks 180. The network 180 may be a wired network, such as a wired Ethernet™ network or a wireless network, such as a Bluetooth™ network or IEEE 802.11 network. The network 180 may be a local area network (LAN), such as a home or office computer network, or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet or private WAN.

[081] The computing device 100 comprises an arithmetic logic unit or processor 1000 for performing the computer program code instructions. The processor 1000 may be a reduced instruction set computer (RISC) or complex instruction set computer (CISC) processor or the like. The computing device 100 further comprises a storage device 1030, such as a magnetic disk hard drive or a solid state disk drive.

[082] Computer program code instructions may be loaded into the storage device 1030 from the storage media 120 using the storage medium reader 130 or from the network 180 using the data network interface 170. During the bootstrap phase, an operating system and one or more software applications are loaded from the storage device 1030 into the memory 1 10. During the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the processor 1000 fetches computer program code instructions from memory 1 10, decodes the instructions into machine code, executes the instructions and stores one or more intermediate results in memory 110.

[083] In this manner, the instructions stored in the memory 110, when retrieved and executed by the processor 1000, may configure the computing device 100 as a special-purpose machine that may perform the functions described herein.

[084] The computing device 100 also comprises a video interface 0 0 for conveying video signals to a display device 1020, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), cathode-ray tube (CRT) or similar display device.

[085] The computing device 100 also comprises a communication bus subsystem 150 for interconnecting the various devices described above. The bus subsystem 150 may offer parallel connectivity such as Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), conventional Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and the like or serial connectivity such as PCI Express (PCIe), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (Serial ATA) and the like.

SERVER

[086] Fig. 3 shows a general system 200 comprising a network of computing devices 100 on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented. The system 200 is offered to content providers as a service to target users, hereinafter referred to as a target audience, in a location-specific manner.

[087] As shown in Fig. 3, the system 200 comprises a server 210 in the form of an application server (see Fig. 3 (i)) for serving one or more client computing devices 220 or portable devices and one or more general computing devices 100 running a browser application 280 over a data network 180, or a web server (see Fig. 3 (ii)) for serving one or more client computing devices 220 and one or more general computing devices 100 running a browser application 280 over the Internet 230.

[088] The server 210 comprises the basic components described above for the general computing device 100 (see Fig. 1 ). The server 210 further comprises a database connection with a database 270 for storing digital data. The database 270 may comprise digital data relating to content provided by the content providers in the form of events, goods and/or services. To subscribe to the service, the content providers are first required to register their details. Such details are stored on the database 270 as content provider registration data. In a preferred embodiment, content providers can subscribe to use the system 200 and obtain a license key according to the number of advertising campaigns they are running on the system 200, and the numbers of display devices the campaigns are being displayed on. [089] As will become apparent from the disclosure herein, the server 210 may be adapted for several tasks, including calculating and sending location specific content data to the client computing devices 220, calculating verification data to verify the identity of a content provider as a registered content provider, and the like.

[090] In the case of a web server 210, the web server 210 is provided with a web server application 240 for receiving requests, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP) requests, and serving hypertext web pages or files in response. The web server application 240 may be, for example the Apache™ or the Microsoft ^[M IIS HTTP server. The web server 210 is also provided with a hypertext preprocessor 250 for processing one or more web page templates 260 and data from one or more databases 270 to generate hypertext web pages. The hypertext preprocessor may, for example, be the PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) or Microsoft Asp'^M hypertext preprocessor. The web server 210 is also provided with web page templates 260, such as one or more PHP or ASP files.

[091] Upon receiving a request from the web server application 240, the hypertext preprocessor 250 is operable to retrieve a web page template, from the web page templates 260, execute any dynamic content therein, including updating or loading information from the one or more databases 270, to compose a hypertext web page. The composed hypertext web page may comprise client side code, such as Javascript, for Document Object Model (DOM) manipulating, asynchronous HTTP requests and the like.

[092] General computing devices 100 are provided with a browser application 280, such as the Mozilla Firefox™ or Microsoft internet Explorer™ browser applications. The browser application 280 requests hypertext web pages from the web server 210 and renders the hypertext web pages on a display device 1020.

[093] In preferred embodiments, the database 270 is a Microsoft SQL server.

CLIENT COMPUTING DEVICE

[094] Client computing devices 220 may be used in the manners described herein in for transmitting to the server 210 location data that is indicative of the location of the target audience, and making available real time content specific to the location of the target audience. The client computing device 200 will be able to receive content data and display parameters from the server 210 and transmit statistic data to the server 210 upon connection.

[095] The client computing device 220 comprises the basic components described above for the general computing device 100 (see Fig. 1 ). In addition to these basic components, and as shown in Fig. 2, the client computing device 220 may further comprise of a sensor interface 1040 which in one form can be an analog to digital (A/D) converter for converting analog signals received from one or more sensors into a digital signal for processing by the processor 1000. The client computing device 220 is operably connected to a power supply of the building or vehicle within which the client computing device 220 is located. It will be appreciated that the power to the client computing device 220 may be overridden as desired using, for example, an override switch (not shown).

Sensors

[096] In a preferred embodiment, and as shown in Fig. 2, the one or more sensors of the client computing device 220 include a location sensing means for establishing the location of the client computing device 220, a light sensor 450 and a motion sensor 460 for controlling the lighting conditions and the orientation, respectively, of the display device 1020 operatively connected to the client computing device 220.

Location Sensing Means

[097] In one embodiment, the location sensing means is provided in the form of a global positioning system (GPS) capability. In the case of GPS, the client computing device 220 may be, for example, a dedicated GPS navigational device or similar comprising an inbuilt GPS receiver 420, or a laptop PC, PDA, tablet or smart phone comprising an inbuilt GPS receiver 420.

[098] In one embodiment, the location sensing means is provided in the form of a cellular interface. In this case, the client computing device 220 may be, for example, a laptop PC, PDA, tablet or smart phone, in which the cellular interface is configured for 2G, 3G, or 4G cellular communications. As such, while the client computing device 220 is turned on. the geographical location of the client computing device 220 can be determined using a technique known as multilateration to calculate the differences in time for a signal to travel from the client computing device 220 to each of several surrounding cell towers 400.

[099] In one embodiment, the location sensing means is provided in the form of a wireless interface such as a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth™ interface. In this case, the client computing device 220 may be, for example, a laptop PC, PDA, tablet or smart phone in which the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth™ interface enables the client computing device 220 to connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN) resource such as the internet 230 via a wireless network access point 4 0 or hotspot.

[0100] In one embodiment, the location sensing means is provided in the form of a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader or transceiver 430, which is mounted within the client computing device 220. in this case, the client computing device 220 is mounted within a vehicle. RFID tags may be suitably placed at one or more locations along the route taken by the vehicle. Such locations may include, but are not limited to, locations such as by the side of the road , car parks, and the like. In the case of vehicles such as, for example, buses, and trains, the route is predetermined, such that the RFID tags can be positioned along the route at key locations that the content provider is offering an event, goods or services.

[0101] In use, the RFID transceiver 430 in the client computing device 220 transmits radio waves which are received by the RFID tags and are either replied back to the RFID transceiver 430 if the RFID tags are passive tags or transmitted back to the RFID transceiver 430 as modified radio waves if the RFID tags are active RFID tags. RFID systems typically come in three configurations. One is a Passive Reader Active Tag (PRAT) system that has a passive reader which only receives radio signals from active tags (battery operated, transmit only). The reception range of a PRAT system reader can be adjusted from 1 -2,000 feet. Thereby allowing for great flexibility in applications such as asset protection and supervision. Another configuration is an Active Reader Passive Tag (ARPT) system that has an active reader, which transmits interrogator signals and also receives authentication replies from passive tags. Finally, there is the Active Reader Active Tag (ARAT) system in which active tags are awoken with an interrogator signal from the active reader. A variation of this system could also use a Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) tag which acts like a passive tag but has a small battery to power the tag's return reporting signal.

[0102] For each location sensing means, the location data is received by the server 210 via the data network interface 170, and then stored in the database 270.

CONTENT PROVIDER COMPUTING DEVICE

[0103] As shown in Fig. 2, the system 200 has the general computing device 100 (see Fig. 1 ) with the browser 280 which makes up interface that the content providers will use to enable them to add content or revise their existing content stored on the database 270 via the network 180 or Internet 230.

METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING REAL TIME CONTENT TO USERS

[0104] Fig. 4 shows a computer implemented method 300 for communicating real time content to users according to their location. The method 300 is executed by one or more computing devices 100, and in particular one or more computing devices 220 connected into a data network, as substantially shown in Figs. 6 to 8.

[0105] The computer-implemented method 300 starts at step 310, where the server 210 is adapted to receive location data indicative of the real time location of a user. The real time location of the user may be determined via any one of a number of ways. In one embodiment, the location data corresponding to the location of the user is received from the location sensing means. [0106] As per step 340 the location specific content data is made available according to the display parameters including the location data to the at least one users.

[0107] In one form the server 210, having received the location data of the user, is then adapted to access content data from the database 270, according to step 320 of the computer- implemented method 300. In the preferred embodiment, the content data relates to contents in the form of events, goods and/or services that may be offered by one or more content providers. The location specific content data thus relates to events, goods and/or services being provided by the content providers in the current geographical location of the user.

[0 08] The server 210 is then adapted to send the location specific content data to the client computing device 220 of the user in real time according to step 350 of the computer- implemented method 300.

[0109] In another form as shown in step 345 the location specific content data is received via the data network interface from the server, with the location specific content data being in accordance with the display parameters including in relation to the location data.

[0110] The location specific content data in accordance with the display parameters including the location data is included in the database and the at least one user can select the location specific content data from the database. As the database can be a lookup table this could be on the portable device or client computing device 220 of the at least one user. Therefore the client computing device 220 in this form is making the locatianal and timed display decisions based on the display parameters stored on the client computing device 220 which were pushed from the the data network. The location specific content data can then be displayed on the display of the client computing device 220 according to step 350 of the computer-implemented method 300 to provide a visual indication of the events, goods and/or services that are on offer to the user in that location.

Revise or Add Content Data

[011 1] The content provider can add new content data and/or revise the existing content data stored on the database 270 in light of statistical data received from an advertising campaign conducted at a particular location. In this case, the corresponding content provider must first log in to the application or web server 210 using a network-enabled content provider via a secure network gateway/firewall 295.

[0112] To add new content or revise existing content to the database 270, the corresponding content provider must first log in to the server 210 using a network-enabled content provider via a secure network gateway 295 over the network 180. Such encryption requires the content provider to input identification data that the processor 1000 of the server 210 can use to corroborate with the content provider registration data stored on the database 270 to yield verification data verifying the identity of the content provider as a registered content provider.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, and as shown Fig. 5, the server 210 is adapted to receive the statistical data, according to additional step 360 of the computer-implemented method 300. The statistical data, in one example, is indicative of the number of users that have received the location specific content data associated with the content being provided at that particular location. The statistical data can either be sent to the content provider in real time according to additional step 370 of the computer-implemented method 300 to enable the content provider to review the statistical data to ascertain whether an advertising campaign in that particular location has been successful or not. Alternatively, the processor 1000 of the server 210 can be controlled by the computer code to calculate revised content data according to a comparison of the statistical data and the content data existing on the database 270, according to additional step 380 of the computer-implemented method 300. At additional step 390 of the computer-implemented method 300, the processor 1000 is then controlled by the computer code to update the content data stored in the database 270 with the revised content data.

[0114] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the statistical data may show a positive result indicative of a successful advertising campaign or a negative result. In either case, the content data stored on the database 270 can be revised accordingly.

[0115] Administrators of the system 200 can also access the server 210 using a network- enabled computing device (not shown) via a secure network gateway/firewaii 295. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that such administrators will have a higher level of access than other users in order to manage and monitor the system 200.

MOBILE LOCATION

[0116] In the case of mobile locations, the client computing devices 220 are configured for installing within vehicles, particularly public transportation vehicles, such as taxis, buses, trains, trams, ferries, ships, boats, aircraft, and the like. Each of these vehicles is equipped with at least one display device 1020 that will be suitably located internally or externally of the vehicle to enable the passengers of the vehicle to view the content associated with that being displayed by one or more registered content providers that have subscribed to use the system 200. For client computing devices 220 that rely on GPS to provide the location of the users, the GPS transceiver 420 in the vehicle-mounted client computing device 220, receives a signal that provides exact location coordinates of the client computing device 220.

[0117] For client computing devices 220 that rely on RFID to provide the location of the users, the RFID transceiver 430 in the vehicle-mounted client computing device 220, transmits a signal and the response from the one or more RFID tags (not shown) will identify the current location along the route the vehicle is travelling.

FIXED LOCATION

[0118] In one embodiment, the client computing devices 220 are configured for installing within stores in which the registered content providers can target an audience within the vicinity of the stores information specific to certain events, goods and/or services that they may be offering in that location es part of their advertising campaign.

[0119] In one embodiment, the client computing devices 220 are configured for mounting to billboards or display panels located at positions alongside a road, or located within a public area, such as, for example, a shopping mall, a train station, bus station, or airport, a public building such as a museum, or gallery, a sports or recreation venue, or simply, in a public park or area where the general public are likely to congregate.

[0120] In both of the embodiments described above, location specific content can be delivered to a network of stores, billboards or display panels located locally, nationally, or even internationally, to specifically target audiences at these locations in real time. Such location specific content can thus be delivered at a precise time according to when, for example, an event is due to take place, thereby providing greater flexibility than traditional advertising methods, ensuring the most impact and greatest reach.

USE

[0121] The system 200 will now be described in terms of exemplary situations in which the system 200 can be employed.

Cellular/Wi-Fi Network

[0122] Referring specifically to Fig. 6, in one embodiment, the content provider uses access to the web server 210 via the Internet 230 in order to first verify the content providers status as a registered content provider. The connection is secured by virtue of the network gateway/firewall 295, requiring the content provider to provide identification data, in the form of, for example, a username and password. The processor 000 of the web server 210 then corroborates the identification data with the content provider registration data stored on the database 270 to yield verification data verifying the identity of the content provider as a registered content provider.

[0123] Once the identity of the registered content provider has been confirmed, the content provider can revise the content stored in the database 270 according to, for example, a new advertising campaign targeted to a specific geographical location that may be offered at a set time of the day for a desired period of time. The content data is subsequently processed by the processor 1000 according to the location where the revised content is to be displayed by considering the location data received from the client computing device 220 being indicative of the physical location of the client computing device 220, and of thus the users to whom the advertising campaign is to be presented. For example, the client computing device 220 may be located at a fixed location, or at a mobile location, such as for example, mounted within a vehicle.

[0124] After processing, the resultant location specific content is then received by the client computing device 220 from the server 210 via a cellular network, using one or more cell towers 400, or via a wireless network, using one or more Wi-Fi access points 410. The location specific content data received by the client computing device 220 is then displayed as location specific content on one or more displays 1020 operably connected to the client computing device 220 according to the current location of the client computing device 220.

[0125] In the case of a fixed location, the client computing device 220 will make available the location specific content data according to the display parameters from the server 210 by virtue of it being in the range of at least the same cell towers 400 and Wi-Fi access points 4 0.

[0126] In the case of a mobile location, where the location of the client computing device 220 can vary, the client computing device 220 will receive the location specific content data from the server 210 as soon as the vehicle is in the vicinity of a cell tower 400 or Wi-Fi access point 410. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that in the case of Wi-Fi access points 4 0, these may be located within the vehicle, such as, for example, a personal hotspot, or the like.

[0127] In one embodiment, the display 1020 is located within the vehicle for viewing by the passengers. In this arrangement, when the vehicle is a public transport vehicle that is on a predetermined route, the location specific content can be delivered to the passengers according to particular locations along that route to inform the passengers of a relevant event that may be happening at that location, possibly at a convenient time around when the vehicle arrives at that location. The display 1020 may be a touch screen display configured to include interactive information to enable the target audience to access a directory of content providers and the related location-specific content appropriate for that location. The location specific content may be displayed on the display device 1020 together with one or more QR codes to enable the target audience to access, via their smart phone or other suitably enabled electronic device, further information about the content provider and/or the location -specific content. Such QR codes could be used by the target audience for the purposes of redeeming against an event, goods or services being offered by the registered content provider. [0128] In one embodiment, the client computing device 220 is configured to send the location specific content data to one or more electronic devices 440 for displaying the location specific content. The client computing device 220 may be configured to send the location specific content data via a network 180 or via the Internet 230. Such electronic devices 440 may include, but are not limited to, PCs, laptops, PDAs, smart phones, tablets, and the like.

[0129] In one embodiment, the display 1020 is located externally of the vehicle for viewing by pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles in the vicinity of the vehicle. In this arrangement, pedestrians or occupants of other vehicles can learn of the advertised event.

[0130] The client computing device 220 is configured to send statistical data corresponding to the advertising campaign, and/or status data indicative of the status of the client computing device 220 to the server 2 0 via the cellular or wireless network over the internet 230. The statistical data and status data is then sent from the server 210 to the database 270 for storage therein for later reporting and analysis by. for example, the registered content provider, or the administrator of the system 200.

LAN Network

[0131] Referring specifically to Fig. 7, in one embodiment, the location specific content data is sent from the server 210 to the client computing device 220 via a local area network (LAN) 180 as opposed to via the Internet 230. In this arrangement, the system 200 is designed to be used in applications where security requirements prohibit data transmission via the Internet 230. The LAN network 180 is configured to transmit the data via a wireless protocol using one or more Wi-Fi access points 410. The location specific content data received by the client computing device 220 is then displayed as location specific content on one or more displays 1020 operably connected to the client computing device 220 according to the current location of the client computing device 220. The content provider can access the server 210 to verify their status as a registered content provider and to add/revise content by virtue of the direct connection between the content provider and the LAN network 80.

Physical Upload using Storage Media

[0132] Referring specifically to Fig. 8, in one embodiment, the location specific content data is physically sent by the content provider to the client computing device 220 through the use of storage media 120, as opposed to being sent across a network 180 or the Internet 230. It will be appreciated that the storage media 120 may include any one of the storage media devices described above, in this arrangement, the client computing device 220 recognizes the storage media 120 using suitable encryption, to then allow the location specific content data to be uploaded to the client computing device 220 for display on the display device 1020. ADVANTAGES

[0133] The system for communicating real time content to users according to their location provides a number of benefits, including:

[0134] Users, namely a targeted audience, can receive real time content such as information about events, or goods and services that are happening in their current location in real time. Such location specific content can be received while the audience is travelling in a vehicle configured to receive the information or while they are in the vicinity of a fixed location, such as a store.

[0135] The location specific content can be delivered to a network of stores, billboards or display panels located locally, nationally, or even internationally, to specifically target audiences at these locations in real time. However priority display can occur to allow emergency broadcast message to take priority over all other content.

[0136] The location specific content can be delivered at a precise time according to when, for example, an event is due to take place, thereby providing greater flexibility than traditional advertising methods, ensuring the most impact and greatest reach.

[0137] Registered content providers can target audiences at a particular location with advertising specific to the events, goods and/or services that are currently being offered in that location in real time. The targeted audience is more likely to act on an advertised event when they are in the vicinity of that advertised event, enabling registered content providers to maximize their advertising expenditure.

[0138] Registered content providers can receive statistic data based on advertising campaigns conducted in particular locations, and can revise the location specific content data in that location in real time to ensure greater effectiveness in that location. By virtue of the location specific content being delivered electronically to the corresponding client computing devices 220, the content provider is able to minimize the cost that would otherwise be incurred by delivering the content manually.

[0139] Registered content providers can create multi-staged advertising campaigns that can be delivered at minimum cost across a network 180. This is particularly relevant in the case of large corporations or franchises that operate nationally, or internationally.

[0140] Registered content providers can receive statistical data about advertising campaigns conducted in specific locations in real time, and can adjust the content that is being delivered to that location in light of a positive or negative outcome to the advertising campaign. Interpretation

Social graph

[0141] The term social graph as used herein is a data structure comprising one or more connections describing the relationships between individuals (and the relationships between individuals online in one embodiment) and is defined explicitly by the one or more connections.

Bus

[0142] In the context of this document, the term "bus" and its derivatives, while being described in a preferred embodiment as being a communication bus subsystem for interconnecting various devices including by way of parallel connectivity such as Industry Standard Architecture (ISA), conventional Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) and the like or serial connectivity such as PCI Express (PCIe), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (Serial ATA) and the like, should be construed broadly herein as any system for communicating data.

in accordance with:

[0143] As described herein, 'in accordance with' may also mean 'as a function of and is not necessarily limited to the integers specified in relation thereto.

Composite items

[0144] As described herein, 'a computer implemented method' should not necessarily be inferred as being performed by a single computing device such that the steps of the method may be performed by more than one cooperating computing devices.

[0145] Similarly objects as used herein such as 'web server', 'server', 'client computing device', 'computer readable medium^' and the like should not necessarily be construed as being a single object, and may be implemented as a two or more objects in cooperation, such as, for example, a web server being construed as two or more web servers in a server farm cooperating to achieve a desired goal or a computer readable medium being distributed in a composite manner, such as program code being provided on a compact disk activatable by a license key downloadable from a computer network.

Database:

[0146] In the context of this document, the term "database" and its derivatives may be used to describe a single database, a set of databases, a system of databases or the like. It can also be used to include a "lookup table" or something similar that is more of a static database. This can be on a remote server or on a user portable device. The system of databases may comprise a set of databases wherein the set of databases may be stored on a single implementation or span across multiple implementations. The term "database" is also not limited to refer to a certain database format rather may refer to any database format. For example, database formats may include MySQL, MySQLi . XML or the like.

Wireless:

[0147] The invention may be embodied using devices conforming to other network standards and for other applications, including, for example other WLAN standards and other wireless standards. Applications that can be accommodated include IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs and links, and wireless Ethernet.

[0148] In the context of this document, the term "wireless" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any wires, although in some embodiments they might not. In the context of this document, the term "wired" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices are coupled by electrically conductive wires.

Processes:

[0149] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining'', "analysing" or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

Processor:

[0150] In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing device" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors.

[0151] The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM.

Computer-Readable Medium:

[0152] Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be included in a computer program product. A computer program product can be stored on a computer usable carrier medium, the computer program product comprising a computer readable program means for causing a processor to perform a method as described herein.

Networked or Multiple Processors:

[0153] In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

[0154] Note that while some diagram(s) only show(s) a single processor and a single memory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art will understand that many of the components described above are included, but not explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventive aspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

Additional Embodiments:

[0155] Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer-readable carrier medium. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause a processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium.

Carrier Medium:

[0156] The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term "carrier medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "carrier medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.

Implementation:

[0157] It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

Means For Carrying out a Method or Function

[0158] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a processor device, computer system, or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention. Connected

[0 59] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Embodiments:

[0160] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment^'' or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0161] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0162] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. Specific Details

[0 63] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[0164] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Different Instances of Objects

[0165] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Comprising and Including

[0166] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0167] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[0168] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given ebove are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[0169] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[0170] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the advertising industry.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location, the computer-implemented method comprising:

- selecting, via at least one database connection, location specific content data in accordance with display parameters, including in relation to the location data.

2. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more other display parameters including Date and time, wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

3. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more other display parameters including Identification of user data, wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

4. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more other display parameters including Priority, wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

5. A computer-implemented method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more other display parameters including Elevation, wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

6. A computer-implemented method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more other display parameters including Light readings, wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

7. A computer-implemented method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more other display parameters including Restricted material, wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

8. A computer-implemented method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

making available the location specific content data to the at least one user according to the display parameters including the location data.

9. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising the location specific content data being received by the server selecting and providing to the at least one user.

10. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising the location data being included in the database and the at least one user can select the location specific content data from the database.

1 1. A computer-implemented method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

12. A computer-implemented method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the location data is received from a location sensing means.

13. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the location sensing means comprises a GPS receiver or similar.

14. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the location sensing means comprises an RFID reader for reading RF!D tag data.

15. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to a wireless network access point.

16. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to one or more cell towers.

17. A computer-implemented method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein calculating location specific content data comprises receiving the location data via a data network interface.

18. A computer-implemented method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - receiving identification data indicative of at least one content provider; and

- verifying the identity of the at least one content provider as a registered content provider in accordance with the identification data.

19. A computer-implemented method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising:

- receiving statistical data indicative of the number of the at least one users receiving the location specific content data; and

- revising the content data in accordance with the statistical data.

20. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising:

- sending the statistical data to at least one content provider.

21. A computer-implemented method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising:

22. A server for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location, the server comprising:

- a processor for processing digital data;

- a memory device for storing digital data including computer program code and being coupled to the processor via a bus;

- select, via at least one database connection, location specific content data in accordance with the location data.

23. A server as cleimed in claim 22, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

- providing, via the data network interface, the location specific content data to the at least one user in accordance with display parameters, including in relation to the location data.

24. A server as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to: display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more of other display parameters including: Date and time wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

25. A server as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to: display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more of other display parameters including Identification of user data wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

26. A server as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to: display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more of other display parameters including Priority wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

27. A server as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to: display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more of other display parameters including Elevation wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

28. A server as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 27, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to: display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more of other display parameters including Light readings wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

29. A server as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to: display parameters includes in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more of other display parameters including Restricted material wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

30. A server as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 29, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to further comprising: making available the location specific content data to the at least one user according to the display parameters including the location data.

31. A server as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code further comprising the location specific content data being received by the server selecting and providing to the at least one user.

32. A server as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 31 , wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code further comprising the location data being included in the database and the at least one user can select the location specific content data from the database.

33. A server as claimed in claim 32, further comprising a display device coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

34. A server as claimed in claim 32 or 33, wherein the location data is received from a location sensing means.

35. A server as claimed in claim 34, wherein the location sensing means comprises a GPS receiver.

36. A server as claimed in claim 34, wherein the location sensing means comprises en RFID reader for reading RFID tag data.

37. A server as claimed in claim 34, wherein the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to a wireless network access point.

38. A server as claimed in claim 34, wherein the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to one or more cell towers.

39. A server as claimed in claim 32, wherein calculating location specific content data comprises receiving the location data via a data network interface.

40. A server as claimed in claim 32, wherein the at least one database connection is further configured to include content provider registration data, the processor being further controlled by the computer program code to: - receive, via the data network interface, identification data indicative of at least one content provider providing the content; and

- verify, using the content provider registration data from the at least one database connection, the identity of the at least one content provider as a registered content provider in accordance with the identification data.

41. A server as claimed in claim 32, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

- receive, via the data network interface, statistical data indicative of the number of the at least one users receiving the location specific content data; and - revise the content data in accordance with the statistical data.

42. A server as claimed in claim 41 , wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

- send, via the data network interface, the statistical data to at least one content provider.

43. A server as claimed in claim 42, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

- update the at least one database connection in accordance with with the revised content data.

44. A computer readable storage medium for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location, the computer readable storage medium comprising computer program code instructions recorded thereon, the computer program code instructions being executable by a computer and comprising instructions for:

- receiving, via a data network interface, location data indicative of the location of the at least one user; and - selecting, using via at least one database connection, location specific content data in accordance with the location data.

45. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 44, further comprising instructions for:

46. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 44, further comprising instructions for:

47. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 44, wherein the location data is received from a location sensing means.

48. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 47, wherein the location sensing means comprises a GPS receiver.

49. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 47, wherein the location sensing means comprises an RFID reader for reading RFID tag data.

50. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 47, wherein the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to a wireless network access point.

51. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 47, wherein the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to one or more cell towers.

52. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 44, wherein calculating location specific content data comprises receiving the location data via a data network interface.

53. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 44, further comprising instructions for:

- receiving, via the data network interface, identification data indicative of at least one content provider; and

- verifying, using content provider registration data retrieved from the at least one database connection, the identity of the at least one content provider in accordance with the identification data.

54. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 44, further comprising instructions for:

- receiving, via the data network interface, statistical data indicative of the number of the at least one users receiving the location specific content data; - revising the content data in accordance with the statistical data.

55. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 44, further comprising instructions for:

56. A computer readable storage medium as claimed in claim 44, further comprising instructions for:

- updating the at least one database connection with the revised content data.

57. A client computing device for communicating real time content to at least one user according to their location, the client computing device comprising:

- a processor for processing digital data;

- receive, via the data network interface, location specific content data from the server, the location specific content data being selected by the server according to a comparison of content data and the location data.

58. A client computing device as claimed in claim 47, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

send, via the data network interface, the location specific content data to the at least one according to display parameters.

59. A client computing device as claimed in claim 48, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to: provide display parameters including in relation to the location data and a combination with one or more of:

a. Date and time

b. Identification of user data

c. Priority

d. Elevation

e. Light readings

f. Restricted material

wherein a modified location specific content data is available.

60. A server as claimed in claim 48, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to further comprising:

61. A server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code further comprising the location specific content data being received by the server selecting and providing to the at least one user.

62. A server as claimed in claim 47, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code further comprising the location data being included in the database and the at least one user can select the location specific content data from the database.

63. A client computing device as claimed in claim 48, further comprising a display device coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is further controlled by the computer program code to:

- output the location specific content data to the display device for displaying to the at least one user according to the display parameters.

64. A client computing device as claimed in claim 48, further comprising a location sensing means, the location means being configured for obtaining the location data.

65. A client computing device as claimed in claim 54, wherein the location sensing means comprises a GPS receiver.

66. A client computing device as claimed in claim 54, wherein the location sensing means comprises an RF!D reader for reading RFID tag data.

67. A client computing device as claimed in claim 54, wherein the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to a wireless network access point.

68. A client computing device as claimed in claim 54, wherein the location sensing means is adapted to determine the location of the at least one user from their proximity to one or more cell towers.