A Method of Communication.

Field of Invention

This invention relates to a method of communication based on a unique identifier. An example of such identifier is a motor vehicle registration number, name or email address although it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to these.

Object of the Invention

The object of the invention is to provide the public with a useful choice. Some preferred embodiments may provide a specific benefit, however if so this should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of claims. The embodiments are simply examples of one or more non-limiting ways to implement the overarching inventive concept defined by the independent claim.

Definitions

The term "comprising" or variations thereof used in relation to a number of features should not be taken to exclude the possibility of other non-listed features. Other features may or may not be present. The term is therefore to be interpreted in a non- limiting manner.

Summary of the Invention

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a method of

communication comprising:

a) keeping a record of users on a computerised device wherein each user is recorded against a respective unique alpha-numeric identifier for:

• a vehicle; or

• a sporting event; or

• a social event; and

b) receiving portable communications device app initiated messages from one or more of the users targeting one or more other of the users wherein such messages have been addressed by the sending user(s) with the respective identifier(s); and

c) processing the messages to match them to the user(s) they are

addressed to and causing them to be communicated to the targeted user(s) by way of another instance of the app.

Optionally the unique identifiers comprise motor vehicle license plate numbers/codes and at least some of the messages relate to displeasure at driving behaviour or a desire to meet the recipient of the message.

Optionally the unique identifiers comprise 'must be displayed' regulatory authority issued alphanumeric sequences for watercraft or aircraft registrations.

Optionally the unique identifiers comprise alpha-numeric sequences for participation in or entry to a sporting event.

Optionally the unique identifiers comprise alpha-numeric sequences for participation in or entry to a social event.

Drawing

Some preferred forms of the invention will be described below by way of example and with reference to Figure 1 , which schematically illustrates a motor vehicle registration number based computerised communication system.

Detailed Description

User's 1 to the system download an app 2 and each operate it to create a password protected user account. As part of this they upload details for at least the registration (license plate) number of their motor vehicle. The account and other information is retained on a centralised server 3.

When a user is out and about the person may encounter a motor vehicle and determine to send it a message. More specifically, example one of the users, being the vehicle's driver 4, may have performed a dangerous, discourteous or illegal manoeuvre and another of the users, being the initiating user 5, may wish to express displeasure. The initiating user 5 accesses the app 2 by way of a smart phone 6 or other portable communications device and sends a text or voice message to the app of the smart phone 7 of the driver 4. This is done using the licence plate number of the vehicle as the recipient address. The message is duly sent, received by the server, and passed onto the driver's app. If the driver has the app running then the message may be picked up right away, otherwise it may be delivered and read when the driver next turns the app on. A reply message may be sent to the app of the initiating user 5, depending on whether the driver 4 wishes to respond.

In some embodiments of the invention the app 2 may cause, by way of the server 3, an email to be sent to an address registered by the driver. The email addresses of the initiating user and the driver, and indeed all other users, may be kept confidential, with only the server 3 recording what they are.

Preferably the app 2 and server 3 use an existing communications network, such as the internet to deliver and receive the messages. Although the server 3 connects to the internet and channels the messages through an ISP, this should still be taken as the server acting to send and receive messages.

While the system has particular usefulness for venting displeasure at those who drive in an unsafe or improper manner, it can also be used for other forms of

communication. For example a user may operate the app to communicate positive messages to someone found attractive in a nearby motor vehicle; and thereby initiate a meet-up. The system can also be used to ask nearby drivers travel directions, or to just communicate generally between people travelling in a convoy, etc.

In some embodiments of the invention the system may be used to send and receive smart phone app initiated messages between participants, e.g. contestants, in a sporting event such as a foot race. And in some cases the messages may be between spectators of the event. In either case the users will have their event identification code visible for others to see and use as a recipient address. The system can also be used in a similar way by participants at a social (e.g. cultural) event, for example a music concert or festival.

In some embodiments of the invention the app is able to work with a camera built into a smart phone to capture an image of a unique identifier, for example a motor vehicle license plate number. The plate is 'text recognised' by the system to avoid users having to key or speak (e.g. using voice recognition) a recipient address into the app. Optionally the server 3 has a computer searchable database of the users and their unique identifiers, together with email and other details. Users may be charged for the app or alternatively, or optionally, the system may derive revenue by way of advertising via the app. Users may also access the system by way of a web site, although in preferred embodiments it is at least predominantly smart phone or tablet driven.

In further embodiments of the invention road transport or road user authorities may text recognise license plate numbers and communicate to drivers by way of the app.

While some preferred forms of the invention have been described by way of example it should be appreciated the modifications and improvements can occur without departing from the scope of the following claims.