A method and system for automatic authentication and ownership management

Abstract

A method and system for verifying that a user is the owner of a digital listing associated with a WiFi access point. The user claims ownership of a WiFi access point associated with a digital listing of an entity / item / place / business entity so that an online service provider can verify and register the user as the owner of the WiFi access point. After verification, the user owns the WiFi access point and its associated digital listing and configures the listing. The system includes an item information system that receives and stores WiFi access point data and associated item data; an owner registration and transfer system that receives owner registration data and ownership change requests and stores ownership history; and an authentication system that receives authentication requests and generates responses based on information stored in the system or a connected system.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 023,876, filed May 13, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003] field

[0004] The present invention relates to a method and system for automated authentication and management of ownership. More specifically, the present invention relates to authenticating a user as the owner of a WiFi access point, which may be associated with a public entity, object, location, or business entity. The present invention is applicable at least in the information and communications technology industry.

[0005] background

[0006] A local business entity provides a directory to an online service provider. The online service provider stores business information, such as contacts, images, descriptions, reviews, and local item listings, in an electronic format (e.g., a searchable database). The electronic format of the business information is provided to one or more users in the form of an online content listing, i.e., a digital listing.

[0007] Businesses can gain greater exposure to customers by ensuring their listings are listed in online directories. Online service providers such as SiteNear, Yahoo, and Yelp offer online directories through web and mobile application interfaces, allowing users to perform advanced searches for individuals and businesses. Online service providers obtain their listings through crowdsourcing. Through online service providers, the general public can access all listings stored on their servers at high speed. Online service providers can also use external data sources that store listings to obtain listings.

[0008] To modify a listing on a listing website, a representative of a business entity navigates to the website, finds their business entity listing, and, after verifying they are the owner of the business entity, clicks a button allowing them to modify the business entity listing. To ensure the accuracy of the listing, online service providers sometimes require the representative to agree to the terms of an online agreement. This agreement states that the representative represents the authority to make decisions on behalf of the company. Some online service providers may only require the representative to pay a fee without requiring a representation that they have the authority to modify the listing.

[0009] Problems arise when a visitor to a website or mobile app claims to have the authority to make changes to a listing when they don't actually have such authority. Compounding the problem is that online service providers often allow changes to standard listings without charging a fee. Furthermore, these changes take effect immediately, without editorial review. Visitors claiming authority to make changes to listings could be allowed to modify listings in ways that could damage a company's reputation or divert customers. Such unauthorized changes could render an online service provider's listings unreliable. Consumers could easily be misled or frustrated by incorrect information. Therefore, online service providers need a method to ensure that changes to listings are valid and legal.

[0010] U.S. Patent 8,353,018 B2 teaches a method for owner verification. In this method, an online service provider uses information related to the user and a digital listing to generate a verification code. The online service provider then provides the verification code to the owner of the digital listing using the contact information provided in the digital listing. If the user owns the digital listing, they can receive the verification code using the contact information on the listing. The user can then verify ownership by sending the verification code to the online service provider via a website. The user can then modify the listing. Using this verification code method, after the user provides the verification code to the online service provider, they can change their contact information. Because this verification code method requires the verification code to be stored, it is vulnerable to security breaches where records containing the verification code are leaked to the public. If the user does not have access to the contact address or verification code, and the verification code is short, the user can attempt to guess the verification code. If the user successfully guesses the verification code, they pass verification.

[0011] Therefore, there is a hitherto unresolved need in the industry to address the above-mentioned deficiencies and shortcomings, so that the list owner can be effectively authenticated and the modification and management of the online list can be ensured to be effective and legal. The system and related methods disclosed herein can fill such gaps and provide a complete and practical solution.

[0012] The approaches described in this section could be pursued, but are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches described in this section qualify as prior art.

[0013] Summarize

[0014] The present application addresses the above-mentioned shortcomings. In one aspect, the present application provides a method and system for verifying whether a user is the owner of a digital list associated with a WiFi access point. A user claims ownership of a WiFi access point associated with a digital list of entities / items / places / businesses, so that an online service provider can verify the user and register the user as the owner of the WiFi access point. After verification, the user owns the WiFi access point and its associated digital list and can configure the list. The system includes an item information system that receives WiFi access point data and related item data and stores the WiFi access point data and item data; an owner registration and transfer system that receives owner registration data and ownership change requests and stores ownership history; and an authentication system that receives authentication requests and generates responses based on information stored in the system or a connected system.

[0015] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating an automatic authentication and ownership management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2a A flow chart illustrating a method for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point by checking WiFi connectivity.

[0018] Figure 2b A flow chart illustrating a method for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point by entering a password for the WiFi connection.

[0019] Figure 2c A flow chart illustrating a method for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point by matching a password with passwords stored in a database.

[0020] Figure 2d A flowchart illustrating a method for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point by changing the WiFi password and verifying the management authority of the WiFi access point.

[0021] Figure 2e A flow chart illustrating a method for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point by configuring the WiFi access point using a displayed password.

[0022] Figure 3a Example A list of numbers screen that displays a table where the user can create or edit a list of numbers.

[0023] Figure 3b Example A WiFi list interface that displays a list of detected WiFi access points.

[0024] Figure 4Example One enables users to Figure 3b After selecting a WiFi access point from the list displayed in the Digital List Management interface, submit a request to update the digital list.

[0025] Figure 5 Is a graphical user interface for a list of numbers.

[0026] Figure 6a Flowchart illustrating a method for automatically verifying the owner of a list of numbers that do not have an owner.

[0027] Figure 6b is used Figure 6a A flowchart of an example of a method.

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A graphical user interface for a list of numbers that is claimed and owned by another user.

[0029] Figure 8 Example GUI where a user can request ownership transfer from an existing owner to themselves.

[0030] Figure 9a A flow chart illustrating a method for requesting an ownership transfer in which the transfer ownership request can be denied without requiring ownership verification.

[0031] Figure 9b A flowchart illustrating a method for requesting an ownership transfer, in which ownership verification is required and then the transfer ownership request is rejected.

[0032] Figure 10 Shows Figure 1 Further component block diagram of the system.

[0033] Detailed description

[0034] Herein, to satisfy statutory requirements, the technology of the present application will be described in detail. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent application. On the contrary, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter may also be specifically presented in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to those described herein, and in combination with other current or future technologies. In addition, although the terms "step" and / or "module" may be used herein to refer to different elements of the method employed, these terms should not be interpreted as requiring any particular order to be followed between the steps disclosed herein, unless the order of each individual step is explicitly described herein. Accordingly, this specification and the drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0035] The following description includes systems, methods, techniques, instruction sequences, and computer program products that embody illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the various embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention. However, it will be apparent that one skilled in the art can practice the embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention without these specific details. In general, well-known instruction instances, protocols, structures, and techniques do not need to be shown in detail.

[0036] Additionally, it should be noted that some aspects may be described as processes using flowcharts, job diagrams, structure diagrams, or block diagrams. Although some operations in the flowcharts are described as serial processes, many operations can be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of some operations can be rearranged. Structures and functions presented as separate components in the example configurations may also be combined structures or components in implementation. Similarly, structures and functions presented as a single component may be separated into different components in implementation.

[0037] The various operations of the example methods described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more processors that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions described herein. As used herein, a "processor-implemented module" refers to a hardware module implemented using one or more processors.

[0038] Similarly, the methods described herein can be implemented at least in part by a processor, where one or more specific processors are examples of hardware. For example, at least some operations of a method can be performed by one or more processors or processor or computer-implemented modules. In addition, one or more processors can also operate to support the performance of related operations in a "cloud computing" environment or as "software as a service" (SaaS). For example, at least some operations can be performed by a group of computers (as an example of a machine including a processor), and these operations can be accessed via a network (e.g., the Internet) and one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., application program interfaces (APIs)).

[0039] In some example embodiments, the processor or processor-implemented modules may be located in a single geographic location (e.g., in a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other example embodiments, the processor or processor-implemented modules may be distributed across multiple geographic locations.

[0040] Computer-executable program instructions can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a processor, or other programmable data processing device to produce a specific machine, such that the instructions executed on the computer, processor, or other programmable data processing device create a device for implementing one or more functions specified in a flowchart block or blocks. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory, which can direct the computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions capable of executing one or more functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. As an example, an embodiment of the present disclosure can provide a computer program product comprising a computer-usable medium containing computer-readable program code or program instructions, wherein the computer-readable program code is suitable for being executed to implement one or more functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device to cause a series of operating elements or steps to be executed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer can provide elements or steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0041] "Storage media" may refer to one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, and / or other computer-readable media for storing information. The term "computer-readable media" includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, and various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying instructions and / or data.

[0042] Throughout the specification and following claims, the word "comprising" is used synonymously with "including" and is inclusive or open-ended (i.e., does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or methodological acts) unless the context requires otherwise.

[0043] 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. 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. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0044] As used in this specification, singular articles include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally used in its broadest sense, that is, meaning "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0045] The following abbreviations may be found in the specification and / or drawings and are defined as follows:

[0046] The term WiFi refers to a family of wireless networking technologies based on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, which are commonly used for local area networking and internet access for devices. Compatible devices can connect to each other, as well as to wired devices and the internet, through wireless access points. Different versions of Wi-Fi are specified by various IEEE 802.11 protocol standards. In the present invention, WiFi may refer to any current IEEE 802.11 standard or any future IEEE 802.11 standard, and wireless communication transceivers may comply with any current IEEE 802.11 standard or any future IEEE 802.11 standard. A WiFi access point is a wireless access point that is compatible with IEEE 802.11 and certified by the Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) Alliance.

[0047] A "WiFi access point" is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using WiFi or related standards. In this application, unless otherwise specified, it refers to a conceptual feature point in a WiFi network. In the following, the terms "WiFi access point" and "WiFi" are often used interchangeably.

[0048] There are currently hundreds of millions of WiFi access points around the world providing wireless access services. However, there is currently no advertising method or system whereby someone can deliver advertisements / messages to wireless devices based on WiFi access points within minutes and broadcast them almost instantly in the vicinity of the WiFi access points, thereby providing proximity marketing and advertising services.

[0049] The present invention provides a system / method for sharing digital listings and information using WiFi access points. This system can be referred to as a "platform" and / or "the platform" for marketing and advertising using digital listings associated with WiFi access points. This system / platform integrates and manages WiFi access points, digital listings, and listing owners, coordinating them to achieve reliable and authentic digital listing and information sharing. This offers advantages in terms of infrastructure costs, as Wi-Fi networks are often already available and shared among many applications.

[0050] For example, an owner of a grocery store with an associated WiFi access point in Times Square, New York, who wishes to place an advertisement that can be immediately broadcast and sent to visitors to Times Square, may use the system / platform of the present invention to achieve this goal by managing a list of relevant numbers associated with the WiFi access point for nearby mobile phones and / or other wireless devices.

[0051] The described methods and systems can be used to manage ownership of WiFi access points 22 in an online platform, and they can also be used to manage ownership of digital lists associated with WiFi access points 22 in an online platform. The terms "owner of a WiFi access point" and "owner of a digital list" are often used interchangeably. Similarly, the terms user, user account, and account are often used interchangeably.

[0052] refer to Figure 1 , a business listing information 101, also called an online listing, is provided to an online service provider 102. The provider of the business listing information 101 can be a local company, a directory publisher, or any individual who wishes to provide online services for local business entities, individuals, or objects and add them to a website or mobile application provided by the online service provider 102. The business listing information 101 can be any digital information of a business entity, individual, or object. For example, the business listing information 101 can be digital information of a restaurant, such as a local McDonald's restaurant, a hospital, a school, a drug store, a Starbucks coffee shop, an office, a car, a bicycle, a desk, a window, a mountain, a lake, a dog, a boy, a girl, etc. The online service provider 102 provides the business listing information 101 in an electronic form, such as a searchable database 120 ( Figure 10 ), stores complete information of the business listing information 101. The electronic form of the business listing information 101 is provided to one or more users 104 as digital listing content 103.

[0053] Business entities for which new business listings are being created should install an attached WiFi access point 22 ( Figure 10 ). A user near a business entity can use his or her WiFi transceiver 130 to detect the WiFi access point 22. Upon detecting the WiFi access point 22, the online service provider 102 can display the digital listing content 103 of the business listing information 101 to the user 104.

[0054] Alternatively, user 104 may enter a keyword that matches one of the words in business listing information 101. In response, online service provider 102 displays digital listing content 103 of the business listing information that matches the keyword to user 104. For example, if user 104 enters "McDonald's," a list of local McDonald's restaurants may be displayed to user 104. If user 104 is near a McDonald's restaurant whose business listing information 101 is in online service provider 102's database 120, online service provider 102 may display digital listing content 103 of the McDonald's restaurant to user 104.

[0055] Online service provider 102 can identify user 104 using a user identifier. The user identifier can be a string of letters, numbers, other characters, or any combination thereof. Online service provider 102 can identify business listing information 101 using a listing identifier. The listing identifier uniquely identifies business listing information 101. The listing identifier can be part of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) where the listing can be found, or it can be a hidden value known only to online service provider 102. The listing identifier can be a string of letters, numbers, or other characters.

[0056] like Figure 10 As shown, WiFi access point 22 has an electronic silicon chip that stores a BSSID in its non-volatile memory 24, as well as one or more antennas 26 for transmitting and receiving RF signals. A wireless device 28 is provided in the system and has one or more antennas for transmitting and receiving RF signals to and from surrounding WiFi access points. One or more backend servers 110 of online service provider 102 store the necessary information for all items and WiFi access points in the system. Therefore, when wireless device 28 obtains ID information from one or more WiFi access points, it can identify the corresponding associated digital list by passing the ID to backend server 110. Online service provider 102 can identify WiFi access point 22 with a unique WiFi identifier. A WiFi identifier can be a string of letters, numbers, other characters, or any combination thereof. This ID uniquely identifies the WiFi access point. In one example, the WiFi identifier can be an SSID (Service Set Identifier), which is a primary name associated with 802.11 wireless local area networks (WLANs), including home networks and public hotspots, and is used by client devices to identify and join wireless networks. In another example, the WiFi identifier is a BSSID (Basic Service Set Identifier), a 48-bit tag that conforms to the MAC-48 convention. In another example, the WiFi identifier is a combination of a BSSID and a postal code or country code.

[0057] When a user wishes to access and manage digital listing content (e.g., via a website or application), the user is typically required to register with the service or application. During registration, the user selects, creates, or is otherwise provided with one or more user credentials that identify the user. When accessing or logging into a service or application after initial registration, the user is authorized to use the service or application by providing authentication using single-factor authentication, two-factor authentication, or any other form of authentication.

[0058] Various aspects of the technology described herein are generally directed to systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for authenticating a user using automatic WiFi association and authentication to manage digital listing content 103 for a service or application provided by an online service provider 102 .

[0059] Online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership

[0060] 1. WiFi access permission verification (connected to the listed WiFi, no password required)

[0061] Figure 2a A method 200 for online verification of ownership of a WiFi access point is shown, which can be used by an online service provider 102 to verify, in one embodiment of the present invention, that a user 104 is the true owner of a selected WiFi access point 22. In step 202, the online service provider 102 receives a request from a user claiming to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22. Upon receiving the request from the user claiming to be the owner of the WiFi access point 22 selected in step 202, the online service provider 102 determines in step 204 whether the user's wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30.

[0062] If the wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30, the webpage / application 142 provided by the online service provider 102 checks in step 206 whether the user's wireless device 28 is connected to the same WiFi access point 22. If it is determined in step 206 that the user's wireless device 28 is connected to the same WiFi access point 22, the request is approved and the user is confirmed as the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 in step 208. This verification only occurs when the user's wireless device 28 is already connected to the selected WiFi access point 22. Here, the fact that the wireless device 28 is already connected to the WiFi access point 22 means that the wireless device 28 has been authenticated by the WiFi access point 22 and can receive wireless network services provided by the WiFi access point 22. Once the user is authenticated, the provided online service may choose to save the user as the authenticated owner of the WiFi access point 22 in a database 134, which may be stored on the wireless device 28 or on a remote server.

[0063] In one example of an embodiment, when a user selects Figure 3bWhen a WiFi is selected from the WiFi list in the GUI of presentation 118 and claims to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22, the webpage / application 142 will check whether the selected WiFi access point 22 is the same as the WiFi access point 22 to which the user's wireless device 28 is connected. The selection will be successful only if the user's wireless device 28 is already connected to the selected WiFi.

[0064] 2. WiFi access permission verification (enter the password and confirm the connection with this password)

[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2b A method 210 for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point is shown, which can be used by an online service provider 102 to verify that a user is the true owner of a selected WiFi access point 22. In step 212, the online service provider receives a request from the user claiming to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22. After receiving the request from the user claiming to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22 in step 212, the online service provider 102 determines in step 214 whether the user's wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30. If the wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30, a webpage / application 142 provided by the online service provider 102 allows the user to provide a password for connecting to the selected WiFi access point 22 in step 216. In step 218, the online service provider receives the password provided by the user. In step 220, the webpage / application 142 verifies whether the password provided for the selected WiFi access point 22 is correct by connecting to WiFi using the WiFi access module 30 of the wireless device 28 using the provided password. If the provided password can be used to successfully authenticate and connect to the selected WiFi access point 22, the request is approved and the user is verified as the true owner of the WiFi access point 22. Once the user is authenticated, the online service provider may choose to save the user as a verified owner of the WiFi access point in a database 134, which may be located at the wireless device 28 or a remote server. If the password provided cannot be used to successfully authenticate a connection to the selected WiFi access point 22, the request is denied. In one example of an embodiment, when the user logs in from Figure 3bWhen a user selects a WiFi access point 22 from the list of WiFi access points displayed in the online service provider 102 and claims to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22, the webpage / application 142 provided by the online service provider 102 may require the user to enter the password of the selected WiFi access point 22, and the webpage / application 142 will check whether the password provided for the selected WiFi access point 22 is correct by connecting to the WiFi using the provided password. If the provided password can be used to successfully authenticate the connection to the selected WiFi access point 22, then the user is authenticated as the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22. If the provided password cannot be used to successfully authenticate the connection to the selected WiFi access point 22, authentication is rejected.

[0066] 3. WiFi access permission verification (enter password and compare password with password stored in database) In another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2c A method 224 for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point is shown. The online service provider 102 can use this method 224 to verify that a user is the true owner of a selected WiFi access point 22. In step 226, the online service provider receives a request from the user claiming to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22. Upon receiving the request from the user claiming to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22 in step 226, the online service provider 102 determines in step 228 whether the user's wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30. If the wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30, the webpage / application 142 provided by the online service provider 102 prompts the user to enter the password for the WiFi access point 22 in step 230. In step 232, the online service provider 102 receives the password provided by the user. In step 234, the online service provider compares the password with the WiFi passwords stored in the database 120 and determines whether the two passwords are identical. If the entered password matches the password stored in the online service provider's database 120, the list server can confirm in step 236 that the user is the owner of the WiFi access point 22, and therefore the owner of the digital list. Once the user is authenticated, the online service provider may choose to save the user as the authenticated owner of the WiFi access point in a database 134, which may be located at the wireless device 28 or a remote server.

[0067] 4. WiFi administrator authority verification (enter two different passwords within the specified time, the owner must change the WiFi password)

[0068] In another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2dA method 238 for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point is shown. The online service provider 102 can use this method 238 to verify that a user is the true owner of a selected WiFi access point 22. In step 240, the online service provider receives a request from the user claiming to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22. Upon receiving the request from the user claiming to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22 in step 240, the online service provider 102 determines in step 242 whether the user's wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30. If the wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30, in step 244, a webpage / application 142 provided by the online service provider 102 provides the user with an option to enter a first password for the selected WiFi access point 22. The user can then provide the first password to connect to the selected WiFi access point 22. In step 246, the online service provider receives the first password provided by the user. In step 248, the webpage / application 142 verifies whether the first password provided for the selected WiFi access point 22 is correct by attempting to connect to the WiFi using the provided first password using the WiFi access module 30 of the wireless device 28, and checks whether the connection is successful.

[0069] If the provided first password successfully authenticates the connection to the selected WiFi access point 22, then in step 250, the webpage / application 142 provided by the online service provider 102 provides the user with the option to enter a second password for the selected WiFi access point 22 within a specified timeframe. The second password must be different from the first password, requiring the user to change the password for the WiFi access point 22 to the second password and provide the second password for a second connection authentication within a timeframe of, for example, 30 minutes. In step 252, the online service provider receives the second password provided by the user. In step 254, the webpage / application 142 verifies that the provided second password for the selected WiFi access point 22 is correct by using the WiFi access module 30 of the wireless device 28 to attempt to connect to WiFi using the provided second password and check whether the connection is successful. If the provided second password successfully authenticates the connection to the selected WiFi access point 22, then in step 256, the request is approved, confirming that the user is the legitimate owner of the WiFi access point 22. Between providing the two passwords, the user may be allowed to try several other passwords that do not work. As long as the interval between the two successful verifications of the two different passwords is within the time limit, the request is approved and the user is verified as the true owner of the WiFi access point 22. Once the user is verified, the online service provider may choose to save the user as a verified owner of the WiFi access point in a database 134, which may be located at the wireless device 28 or a remote server. In one example of an embodiment, when the user Figure 3bWhen selecting a WiFi access point from the list of WiFi access points displayed in the webpage, the user may be asked to enter a first password for the WiFi access point 22. The webpage / application 142 will then verify that the first password provided for the selected WiFi access point 22 is correct by connecting to the WiFi access point 22 using the first password. If the first password can be used to successfully authenticate and connect to the selected WiFi access point 22, the user will be required to provide a second password to connect to the WiFi access point 22 within a certain time limit after the first successful authentication. The second password must be different from the first password. The webpage / application 142 will then verify that the second password provided for the selected WiFi access point 22 is correct by connecting to the WiFi access point 22 using the second password. If the second password can be used to successfully authenticate and connect to the selected WiFi access point 22, the request is approved and the user is authenticated as the true owner of the WiFi access point 22. If the second password provided cannot be used to successfully authenticate and connect to the selected WiFi access point 22, the request is denied.

[0070] 5. WiFi access permission verification (enter the password provided by the website / app)

[0071] In another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2eA method 258 for online authentication of WiFi access point ownership is shown, which can be used by an online service provider 102 to verify that a user is the true owner of a selected WiFi access point 22. In step 260, the online service provider receives a request from the user claiming to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22. Upon receiving the request from the user claiming to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22 in step 260, the online service provider 102 determines in step 262 whether the user's wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30. If the wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30, then in step 264, a webpage / application 142 provided by the online service provider 102 displays a password generated by the online service provider 102 to the user in the display interface 118, allowing the user to change the password of the WiFi access point 22 to the password displayed by the webpage / application 142 in order to provide WiFi service. In step 266, the user changes the password of the WiFi access point 22 to the password displayed by the webpage / application 142 in order to provide WiFi service. After the password change is complete, in step 268, the webpage / application 142 receives a ready signal from the user indicating that the password has been changed. For example, the ready signal can be a click of a ready button provided by the webpage / application 142 of the online service provider 102. In step 270, the webpage / application 142 uses the WiFi access module 30 of the wireless device 28 to attempt to connect to the WiFi access point 22 using the displayed password and checks whether the connection is successful. If the displayed password can be used to successfully authenticate the connection to the selected WiFi access point 22, then in step 272, the request is approved and the user is verified as the true owner of the WiFi access point 22. The online service provider may choose to save the user as a verified owner of the WiFi access point in a database 134, which can be located at the wireless device 28 or at a remote server. If the displayed password cannot be used to successfully authenticate the connection to the selected WiFi access point 22, then the request is denied.

[0072] In one example of an embodiment, when a user selects Figure 3b When the WiFi access point 22 is selected from the WiFi access point list in the GUI of the system to claim to be the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22, the above-described and Figure 2a-2e Any of the methods described in can be used to verify ownership. For example, when using Figure 2eWhen the method in FIG. 1 is used, a password is displayed. The user must configure their WiFi access point 22 to use the displayed password as the password for accessing the WiFi service. After the password change is complete, the user sends a ready signal to the webpage / application 142. The ready signal can be a click of a ready button provided by the webpage / application 142 of the online service provider 102. After receiving the ready signal, the webpage / application 142 checks whether the password displayed for the selected WiFi access point 22 is correct by connecting to WiFi using the displayed password. If the displayed password can be used to successfully authenticate the connection to the selected WiFi access point 22, the user is authenticated as the owner of the selected WiFi access point 22. If the displayed password cannot be used to successfully authenticate the connection to the selected WiFi access point 22, the authentication is rejected.

[0073] Business listing information and WiFi association

[0074] The business entity for which the new business listing information is created should have an attached WiFi access point 22 installed inside or nearby. The user must be close to the local business entity and its WiFi access point 22 so that the wireless device 28 being used by the user can detect the WiFi signal from the local business entity's WiFi access point for ownership management of the business listing information 101.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, when a user wishes to create new business listing information 101 on a website or mobile application provided by an online service provider 102, the user first logs into the service or application using a computing device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, smart bracelet or watch, computer, PDA, etc.) having a WiFi communication transceiver module. The computing device can access the Internet. In some embodiments, the wireless communication transceiver can comply with any current IEEE 802.11 standard or any future IEEE 802.11 standard.

[0076] In one embodiment of the present invention, when a user wants to create new business listing information 101 on a website or mobile application provided by an online service provider 102, the user can choose not to log in but to use the service or application as a guest user using a specific computing device (e.g., a mobile phone, tablet computer, laptop PC, smart bracelet or watch, computer, PDA, etc.) with a WiFi access module 30.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present invention, the user can choose to create a new business listing information or edit the existing business listing information and associate the WiFi access point 22 with the business listing information. Figure 3aAs shown, the user can choose to add and create a new business listing named "Site". In the GUI, the user can enter the site name, description, address and picture. In addition, the user should select the WiFi access point 22 associated with the business listing by clicking the "Select WiFi" button. The user is then shown Figure 3b , which displays a list of WiFi access points detected by the WiFi module of the wireless device 28. The user can select a WiFi access point of a local business entity, and the selection should be saved by the website or mobile application to the database 120 of the online service provider 102. After selecting a WiFi access point from the business entity list, the user returns to Figure 3a When the user clicks Submit to submit the request to create a new digital listing, the commercial listing is created and saved in the database 120 of the online service provider 102. The selected WiFi access point is associated with the specific listing and the association is saved in the database 120. Information related to the selected WiFi is stored in the database 120 of the online service provider.

[0078] The digital list can be created or added by the owner of a business entity or the owner of a WiFi access point 22. The digital list can be created or added by any user. In one example, a customer dining at a restaurant can add a digital list for the restaurant and associate the restaurant's WiFi access point with the digital list. In another example, a library owner can add a digital list for the library and associate the library's WiFi access point with the digital list.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, a list of numbers may already exist in the database 120 and may be displayed on a web page / application 142 provided by the online service provider 102. The user may choose to edit and update an existing list of numbers. In one example, the user may use Figure 4 GUI to edit an existing site. Figure 4 In the example, the user can click “Select Wi-Fi” to enter the page and select a Wi-Fi access point 22 from the digital list. For example, the user can enter Figure 3b The page shown in FIG. 1 shows a list of nearby detected WiFi access points. The user can then select a WiFi access point 22. When the user clicks Figure 4After submitting a request to update the number list by clicking the "Update" button in the , the selected WiFi access point 22 will be associated with the number list, and the association will be updated and saved in the database 120 of the online service provider 102. In one embodiment of the present invention, once a WiFi access point 22 has been associated with an existing number list provided by the online service provider 102, the association is not allowed to be changed. The user can choose to edit and update the existing number list that is already associated with the WiFi access point 22. In one example, the user can use Figure 4 22 to edit an existing site that is already associated with a WiFi access point 22, however, because the user is not allowed to select another WiFi access point 22 for this site, the "Select WiFi" function is disabled or hidden. With this embodiment, the current owner of the WiFi access point 22 only needs to edit and update the same digital list, even if the WiFi access point 22 is associated with another person's digital list, the WiFi access point 22 is moved to another location or used for a different business, or the ownership of the WiFi access point 22 is transferred to another person. WiFi access points associated with only one digital list

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, only one digital list associated with a WiFi access point 22 is allowed. Figure 3b When a WiFi access point 22 is selected from the WiFi access point list displayed in the webpage / application 142, the webpage / application 142 will check whether the selected WiFi access point 22 is associated with another digital list. If the selected WiFi access point 22 is not associated with any digital list, the selection is successful. Otherwise, the selection is not allowed.

[0081] Only allow WiFi owners to associate WiFi with a list of numbers

[0082] In another embodiment of the present invention, only the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 is allowed to associate the WiFi access point 22 with a newly created or existing digital list, and the online service provider 102 uses one of the online authentication methods for WiFi access point ownership described above to verify that the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22. After selecting the WiFi access point 22 to be associated with the digital list, the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership is used to verify that the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22. Once the user is verified as the true owner of the WiFi access point 22, the WiFi access point 22 can be associated with the digital list. In one example of using the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership to verify that the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22, the user may be required to connect to the WiFi access point 22 when associating the WiFi access point 22 with the digital list. In one example, when the user selects the WiFi access point 22 from the WiFi access point 22, the user may be required to connect to the WiFi access point 22 when associating the WiFi access point 22 with the digital list. Figure 3bWhen selecting a WiFi from the WiFi list displayed in the webpage / application 142, the webpage / application 142 will check whether the selected WiFi access point 22 is the same as the WiFi access point 22 to which the user's wireless device 28 is connected. The selection is successful only if the user's wireless device 28 is already connected to the selected WiFi. Here, the device being connected to the WiFi access point 22 means that the device has been authenticated by the WiFi access point 22 and can receive the wireless network services provided by the WiFi access point 22. Other embodiments of the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership described above for verifying that the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 can also be used here.

[0083] Title application without a digital list of owners

[0084] In the web and in the application, a digital list can be associated with a WiFi access point 22. In the following, we focus only on digital lists associated with WiFi access points 22. In order for a user to manage a digital list, the user needs to be the owner of the digital list; equivalently, the user needs to be the owner of the associated WiFi access point 22. The user is the owner of the WiFi access point 22, which is equivalent to saying that the user is the owner of the digital list. The terms "owner of the WiFi access point" and "owner of the digital list" are often used interchangeably. The described methods and systems can be used to manage ownership of WiFi access points 22 in an online platform, and they can also be used to manage ownership of digital lists associated with WiFi access points 22 in an online platform. Likewise, the terms user, user account, and account are often used interchangeably.

[0085] If the user owns a WiFi access point and can prove that he is the real owner of the WiFi access point, then we can link the user's account to the WiFi access point and thus to the merchant listing.

[0086] In one embodiment, when the online service provider displays one of the searchable listings to the user online, the online service provider also gives the user the option to claim ownership of the listing. In one embodiment, the option is in the form of a checkbox. In another embodiment, the option is presented as a button or any other structure that allows the user to make a selection.

[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, a user may want to claim ownership of a digital listing that is not already owned by any user. The digital listing has an associated WiFi access point 22 located at the business entity for which the business listing information is being created. The user must be in close proximity to the business entity and the WiFi access point 22 so that the wireless device 28 being used by the user can detect the WiFi signal from the business entity's WiFi access point 22 when creating or editing the business listing information 101.

[0088] After logging into a specific service or application, the user opens the digital list content 103 to enter the GUI of the digital list content 103 . Figure 5 An example of a GUI is given in FIG. 1 , which is provided by an online service provider 102. In this example, the digital listing is associated with a WiFi access point 22 with an SSID of ARRIS-345D. The GUI for the digital listing content 103 provides the user with the option of claiming to be the owner of the digital listing content 103. For example, in Figure 5 In the , users can click the "Claim This Site" button to enter the page claiming to be the owner of this digital list.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the option to claim to be the owner of the digital list content 103 is selected, for example, Figure 6a As shown, by clicking Figure 5 , the webpage / application 142 uses the methods 200, 210, 224, 238, or 258 described above for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point to verify that the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital listing. Specifically, the method 600 begins at step 602, where the online service provider receives a request from the user claiming to be the owner of the digital listing associated with the WiFi access point 22. Upon receiving the request from the user claiming to be the owner of the digital listing associated with the WiFi access point 22 at step 602, the online service provider 102 determines at step 604 whether the user's wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30. If the wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30, then at step 606, the online service provider uses one of the methods (200, 210, 224, 238, or 258) described above for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point to determine whether the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22. If it is determined and verified that the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22, then in step 608, the online service provider approves the claim request and saves the user as the owner of the digital list in the database 134, and the user is authorized to manage the digital list. If it is determined that the wireless device 28 does not have a wireless access module, then in step 610, other methods are used to attempt to verify whether the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22.

[0090] An example 600 of using an online verification method for WiFi access point ownership to verify that a user is the true owner of a WiFi access point 22 associated with a digital listing, and thus for automatic owner verification of a digital listing that does not yet have an owner, uses the method 200 and Figure 6b. In step 606a, the online service provider determines whether the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 by having the webpage / application 142 provided by the online service provider 102 check whether the user's wireless device 28 is connected to the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list. If the user is determined to be the true owner of the WiFi access point 22, then in step 608, the online service provider approves the claim request, stores the user as the owner of the digital list in the database 134, and authorizes the user to manage the digital list. Essentially, the request is approved and the user is verified as the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list only if the user's wireless device 28 is connected to the selected WiFi access point 22. Here, the device being connected to the WiFi access point 22 means that the device has been authenticated by the WiFi access point 22 and can receive wireless network services provided by the WiFi access point 22. If it is determined that the wireless device 28 does not have a wireless access module, then in step 610, other methods are used to attempt to verify that the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 and / or approve the claim request and store the user as the owner of the digital list in the database 134.

[0091] In one example of using an online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership to verify that a user is the true owner of a WiFi access point 22 associated with a digital list, upon receiving a request from a user claiming to be the owner of a WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list, a webpage / application 142 provided by the online service provider 102 provides the user with the option to enter a password for the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list. The user will provide a first password for connecting to the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list. The webpage / application 142 will then verify that the provided first password for the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list is correct by connecting to the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list using the WiFi access module 30 of the wireless device 28. If the provided first password successfully authenticates the connection to the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list, the user will be required to change the password for the WiFi access point 22 to a second password and provide the second password for a second connection authentication within a certain time limit, such as within 30 minutes. The second password must be different from the first password. Between providing the two passwords, the user may be allowed to try several other passwords that do not work. As long as the interval between two successful verifications of two different passwords is within the time limit, the request is approved and the user is authenticated as the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list. The timer 140 is used for timing.

[0092] Other examples of methods for online authentication of ownership of a WiFi access point that can be used to verify that the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 can be found in the above paragraphs.

[0093] Transfer ownership of a digital list from the current owner to the new owner

[0094] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is already an existing owner of digital listing content 103 provided by an online service provider. A user may wish to claim to be the new owner of the digital listing and replace the existing owner. The digital listing has an associated WiFi access point 22, which is located at the business entity for which the business listing information was created.

[0095] The user is in proximity to the business entity and its WiFi access point 22 so that the wireless device 28 being used by the user can detect the WiFi signal from the local business entity's WiFi access point 22 when claiming to be the new owner of the business listing information 101 for the business entity.

[0096] When a user logs into a specific service or application and wishes to claim the new owner of the business listing information 101 on a website or mobile application provided by the online service provider 102, the user opens the digital listing content 103 to enter the GUI of the digital listing content 103. The user can then claim ownership of the digital listing or request a transfer of ownership from an existing owner, thereby becoming the new owner.

[0097] Figure 7 An example of a GUI for a digital list provided by an online service provider 102 is given in FIG. In this example, the digital list is associated with a WiFi access point 22 with an SSID of ARRIS-345D. The digital list content 103 has been claimed and owned by another user, which is why Figure 7 The status is displayed as "claimed". The user wishes to claim to be the new owner of the digital list content 103. In this case, the user can select the option provided by the webpage / application 142 to start the claim process. In one example of the embodiment, the user can click on a link or URL to start the claim process. In one example of the embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the user can click a button called "Request Ownership" to initiate the claim process and request a transfer of ownership from the existing owner, making the user the new owner.

[0098] Figure 9a A method 900 for claiming to be the new owner of digital listing content 103 in one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Figure 9aAs shown, at step 902, the user selects an option provided by the webpage / application 142 to begin the claiming process. At step 904, after the user selects the option provided by the webpage / application 142 to begin the claiming process and requests that ownership be transferred from the existing owner to the user, the online service provider 102 receives a request from the user for ownership of the digital listing associated with the WiFi access point 22.

[0099] After the online service provider 102 receives the request, the webpage / application 142 of the online service provider 102 determines whether the user's wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30 in step 906. If the wireless device 28 has a WiFi access module 30, in step 908, the webpage / application 142 of the online service provider 102 uses the method for online verification of ownership of WiFi access points described above to verify that the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list. Once the online verification of ownership of WiFi access points verifies that the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list, an ownership transfer request is sent to the existing owner or displayed on the display 118 in step 910. In the ownership request, the user can provide a comment explaining why he or she wishes to claim ownership.

[0100] Providing options for existing owners

[0101] After displaying the ownership transfer request to the current owner in step 910, the online service provider 102 displays options to the existing owner on the display 118 in step 912. The options provided by the online service provider 102 to the existing / current owner using the app or website include: a) Accept; b) Reject. Other options may also be provided.

[0102] Option a). Accept

[0103] If the existing owner accepts using option a)., the ownership request from the requesting user is approved and the ownership of the digital listing content 103 is transferred to the user and the new ownership is saved in the database 120 of the online service provider 102 in step 914 .

[0104] Option b). Reject

[0105] If the existing owner takes option b). to reject, the rejection is successful and the ownership of the digital list content 103 is not changed and the ownership request from the user is rejected at step 916.

[0106] 2: Automatic online verification of WiFi ownership before rejection

[0107] If the existing owner is Figure 9aOption b) rejection is adopted in step 912 of the method shown, Figure 9b Another method 901 for claiming to be the new owner of the digital list content 103 in one embodiment of the present invention is shown. If the existing owner adopts option b) to deny, in step 918, the webpage / application 142 uses the method of online verification of ownership of the WiFi access point as described above to verify that the existing owner is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list. Once the online verification of ownership of the WiFi access point verifies that the existing owner is the true owner of the WiFi access point 22 associated with the digital list, the ownership transfer request is successfully denied and the ownership of the digital list content 103 is not modified, and in step 920, the ownership request from the user is denied. All other steps are the same as Figure 9a The steps of the method shown in are similar.

[0108] Optional Additional Options In addition to options a). Accept and b). Reject, the online service provider 102 may also provide other options, such as option c). No response within the time limit, option d). Dispute request, etc.

[0109] If the existing owner fails to successfully exercise option a) within the time limit, e.g. 10 days, or rejects the ownership request without exercising option b), option c) will automatically be deemed to have been exercised by the existing owner.

[0110] Option c). No response within the deadline

[0111] 1: Give up ownership

[0112] In one embodiment of the present invention, if the existing owner does not respond within the time limit of option c)., the existing ownership of the digital list content 103 is removed, the digital list content 103 is no longer owned by any user, and the corresponding status is updated and saved in the database 134.

[0113] 2: Transfer ownership to the new user

[0114] In another embodiment of the present invention, if the existing owner adopts option c). without responding within the deadline, option a). is automatically accepted and the ownership of the digital listing content 103 is transferred to the user who sent the ownership request, and the new ownership is saved in the database 120 of the online service provider 102.

[0115] Option d). Dispute Request

[0116] If the existing owner chooses option d) to dispute the request, the existing owner can send a dispute request with an optional comment to the moderator of the online service provider 102 explaining the reason for the dispute. The moderator of the online service provider 102 can investigate the transfer request and take additional measures regarding ownership of the WiFi access point 22. For example, the moderator of the online service provider 102 can prohibit the user from claiming the digital listing or prohibit the user from claiming any digital listing. The moderator of the online service provider 102 can approve the transfer request and transfer ownership of the digital listing to the requesting user. Alternatively, the moderator of the online service provider 102 can deny the transfer request and maintain ownership of the digital listing unchanged.

[0117] Although various embodiments of the disclosed method and system for automatic authentication and management of ownership have been shown and described, modifications may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a program embodied thereon and executable by a processor to perform an online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership, the method comprising: receiving, at a wireless device, a request from a user for ownership of the WiFi access point; Providing the user with the option to enter a first password; receiving the first password input by the user; Using the first password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; After the user changes the password of the WiFi access point to a second password, within a time limit after verifying that the WiFi access module is successfully connected to the WiFi access point using the first password, the WiFi access module is connected to the WiFi access point using the second password, wherein the second password is different from the first password; and If the second password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

2. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership further comprises: receiving a request from a user to create a digital list; Creating the digital list and storing the digital list in a database; and An association relationship between the digital list and the WiFi access point is established, and the association relationship is stored in the database.

3. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 1 , wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership further comprises: receiving a request from a user to update a list of numbers; Updating the number list and saving the number list in a database; and An association relationship between the digital list and the WiFi access point is established, and the association relationship is stored in the database.

4. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform an online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership, the method comprising: receiving, at the wireless device, a request from a user for user ownership of a selected WiFi access point; Providing the user with the option to enter a first password; receiving the first password input by the user; Using the first password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; and If the first password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

5. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 4, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership further comprises: receiving a request from a user to create a digital list; Creating the digital list and storing the digital list in a database; and An association relationship between the digital list and the WiFi access point is established, and the association relationship is stored in the database.

6. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 4, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership further comprises: receiving a request from a user to update a list of numbers; Updating the number list and saving the number list in a database; and An association relationship between the digital list and the WiFi access point is established, and the association relationship is stored in the database.

7. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform an online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership, the method comprising: receiving, at the wireless device, a request from the user for user ownership of the selected WiFi access point; Display the password to the user; After the user changes the password of the WiFi access point to the displayed password, the WiFi access module is controlled to connect to the WiFi access point using the password; If the password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

8. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 7, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership further comprises: receiving a request from a user to create a digital list; Creating the digital list and storing the digital list in a database; and An association relationship between the digital list and the WiFi access point is established, and the association relationship is stored in the database.

9. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 7, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership further comprises: receiving a request from a user to update a list of numbers; Updating the number list and saving the number list in a database; and An association relationship between the digital list and the WiFi access point is established, and the association relationship is stored in the database.

10. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform an online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership, the method comprising: receiving, at the wireless device, from a user a request for ownership of a selected WiFi access point from the user; checking whether the selected WiFi access point is the same as the WiFi access point to which the user's wireless device is connected; and If the selected WiFi access point is the same as the WiFi access point to which the user's wireless device has been connected, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

11. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 10, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership further comprises: receiving a request from a user to create a digital list; Creating the digital list and storing the digital list in a database; and An association relationship between the digital list and the WiFi access point is established, and the association relationship is stored in the database.

12. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 10, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership further comprises: receiving a request from a user to update a list of numbers; Updating the number list and saving the number list in a database; and An association relationship between the digital list and the WiFi access point is established, and the association relationship is stored in the database.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform a method for authenticating or verifying ownership of a digital list associated with a WiFi access point, the method comprising: Providing a user with an option at a wireless device to claim ownership of a digital list associated with a WiFi access point; receiving, at a wireless device, a user's request for ownership of the digital list; Using an online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership to verify whether the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point; and If the user is verified as the true owner of the WiFi access point, the request is approved and the user is saved in the database as the verified owner of the digital list.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: Providing the user with the option to enter a first password; receiving the first password input by the user; Using the first password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; After the user changes the password of the WiFi access point to a second password, within a time limit after verifying that the WiFi access module is successfully connected to the WiFi access point using the first password, the WiFi access module is connected to the WiFi access point using the second password, wherein the second password is different from the first password; and If the second password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: Providing the user with the option to enter a first password; receiving the first password input by the user; Using the first password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; and If the first password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: Display the password to the user; After the user changes the password of the WiFi access point to the displayed password, using the password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; and If the password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: receiving, at the wireless device, from a user a request for ownership of a selected WiFi access point from the user; checking whether the selected WiFi access point is the same as the WiFi access point to which the user's wireless device is connected; and If the selected WiFi access point is the same as the WiFi access point to which the user's wireless device has been connected, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform a method for requesting a transfer of ownership of a digital list associated with WiFi access points from an existing owner to a user, the method comprising: providing a user at the wireless device with an option to claim a digital listing associated with the WiFi access point and having an existing owner to become the new owner; receiving, at a wireless device, a request from a user for ownership of the digital list; Using an online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership to verify whether the user is the true owner of the WiFi access point; and If the user is verified as the true owner of the WiFi access point, the ownership request is sent or displayed to the current existing owner.

19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: Providing the user with the option to enter a first password; receiving the first password input by the user; Using the first password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; After the user changes the password of the WiFi access point to a second password, within a time limit after verifying that the WiFi access module is successfully connected to the WiFi access point using the first password, the WiFi access module is connected to the WiFi access point using the second password, wherein the second password is different from the first password; and If the second password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: Providing the user with the option to enter a first password; receiving the first password input by the user; Using the first password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; and If the first password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

21. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: Display the password to the user; After the user changes the password of the WiFi access point to the displayed password, using the password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; and If the password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

22. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: receiving, at the wireless device, from a user a request for ownership of a selected WiFi access point from the user; checking whether the selected WiFi access point is the same as the WiFi access point to which the user's wireless device is connected; and If the selected WiFi access point is the same as the WiFi access point to which the user's wireless device has been connected, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

23. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a program embodied thereon executable by a processor to perform a method for an existing owner to process an ownership transfer request for a digital list associated with a WiFi access point sent from a user, the method comprising: Presenting the existing owner with options to a. accept and b. decline; an option to receive a selection from said existing owner; If the existing owner selects option a. Accept, the ownership of the digital list is transferred to the user, and the new ownership of the digital list is saved in the database; If the existing owner selects option b. reject, verifying whether the existing owner is the true owner of the WiFi access point using an online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership; and If the existing owner is verified as the true owner of the WiFi access point, the user's ownership request is denied and the existing ownership of the digital list is retained.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 23, further comprising: If the existing owner does not select either option a. Accept or b. Reject within a time limit, the existing owner is deleted from the database as the owner of the digital list.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 23, further comprising: If the existing owner does not select either option a. Accept or b. Reject within the time limit, the ownership of the digital list is transferred to the user, and the new ownership of the digital list is saved in the database.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 23, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: Providing the user with the option to enter a first password; receiving the first password input by the user; Using the first password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; After the user changes the password of the WiFi access point to a second password, within a time limit after verifying that the WiFi access module is successfully connected to the WiFi access point using the first password, the WiFi access module is connected to the WiFi access point using the second password, wherein the second password is different from the first password; and If the second password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

27. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 23, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: Providing the user with the option to enter a first password; receiving the first password input by the user; Using the first password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; and If the first password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

28. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 23, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: Display the password to the user; After the user changes the password of the WiFi access point to the displayed password, using the password to control the WiFi access module to connect to the WiFi access point; and If the password can be used to connect the WiFi access module to the WiFi access point, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

29. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 23, wherein the online authentication method for WiFi access point ownership comprises: receiving, at the wireless device, from a user a request for ownership of a selected WiFi access point from the user; checking whether the selected WiFi access point is the same as the WiFi access point to which the user's wireless device is connected; and If the selected WiFi access point is the same as the WiFi access point to which the user's wireless device has been connected, it is confirmed that the user is the real owner of the WiFi access point.

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