Method and apparatus for device location sensitive data routing

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for device location sensitive data routing. In one embodiment of the present invention, a signal from a portable, electronic device identifies a user. In this embodiment, a sensor detects the signal and relays the identification information along with information about electronic communications devices available at the location to a routing device. The routing device reroutes electronic communications to the physical location of the user. In one embodiment, the signal is a radio emanation. In another embodiment, the signal is an infrared emanation. In yet another embodiment, the signal is transmitted over a connection line which couples the portable, electronic device to the sensor. In one embodiment, phone calls are rerouted to a phone located near the portable, electronic device. In another embodiment, e-mail messages are rerouted to a general purpose computer located near the portable, electronic device. In one embodiment, a cellular phone is attached to a non-wireless phone line. In one embodiment, the user configures the routing device to perform an action when the user's location becomes known to the routing device. In another embodiment, the user configures the routing device to perform an action when the user's location becomes unknown to the routing device. In one embodiment, the user configures the routing device to send an e-mail. In another embodiment, the user configures the routing device to update a web page.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.