A mobile network architecture with personalized instant information access

There is a need to provide a mobile network architecture that delivers quality concurrent access to personalized information and services - whether distributed by the broadcast media, over the Internet or via the telephone. Current information appliances either lack adequate display capabilities (e.g. cellular phones) or mobility (e.g. WebTV). Nevertheless, in the near future, the volume of information accessed through appliances will exceed that through PCs and therefore many consumer electronics devices will have to be network-enabled. We present an architecture for ubiquitous access to personalized information services on appliances through a mobile link (PAMLink). PAMLink is a cell phone-centric mobile network architecture and access method developed to add the envisioned information access capabilities to any PAMLink enabled consumer electronics device or vehicle. Besides providing a wireless communication link, the cellular phone is used to identify the user as well, conveniently enabling personal profiles. Thus, information is provided to the user in a highly customized form according to the end-user's profile and to the appliance being used.