Abstract: A method for coordinating the sharing of contacts between a directory terminal (104) and a portable communication device (102) is implemented in one embodiment when the directory terminal receives from the portable device a request to conduct a directory sharing session and a communication device identifier. The directory terminal retrieves screen interface information associated with the identifier and renders a user interface on a display screen (101) of the directory terminal based on the retrieved information. The directory terminal receives a first set of contact records from the portable communication device, wherein each contact record includes a contact name and at least one contact entry. The directory terminal searches a second set of contact records to find contact records containing contact names included in contact records of the first set. Contact entries for common contact records are conveyed to the portable communication device for automatic association with the first set.

Abstract: A server includes a communications adapter; a controller and a datastore. The controller receives a first user input via a user interface to associate at least one image attribute with a contact. Thereby, responsive to receiving an image from an electronic apparatus, the controller automatically processes the image to identify at least one feature of the image that corresponds to the image attribute, and associates the image with the contact based on the image attribute; and communicates the image to the contact via the communications adapter. The datastore is suitable for storing digital information, and is communicatively coupled to the controller.

Abstract: A method and system for managing an electronic device is provided. The method includes detecting (404) a change in orientation of a first electronic device, which is performed by the first electronic device. The method also includes communicating (406) the change in the orientation from the first electronic device to a second electronic device associated with the first electronic device, via a wireless link. Further, the method includes modifying (408) a first set of services available at the second electronic device, based on the change of orientation of the first electronic device.

Abstract: A method (300) for allocating mobile station resources. The method can include receiving a message (120) over a wireless communications network (110) from an authorized user requesting reservation of communication resources on the mobile station (105), and automatically reserving the mobile station communication resources in accordance with the request. Receiving the message over the wireless communications network can include receiving the message on a slave mobile station. The message can be received from a master mobile station (115). In one arrangement the message can include a mobile station calendar entry. The calendar entry can be received in response to initiating a call on the mobile station. The call can be, for example, a selective dynamic group (SDG) call.

Abstract: A system (160) and method (400) is provided for validating a location of a tracking device. The method can include monitoring (902) a set of signal strengths (600) to one or more personal area networks (104) and one or more cellular towers (110), generating (906) a Radio Frequency Time Profile RFTP (700) from the set of signal strengths, comparing (908) the RFTP o coverage variation limits (720) of one or more pre-calibrated paths, and signaling (910) an alert if the set of signal strengths are not within the coverage variation limit of the one or more pre-calibrated paths. The RFTP is a time series of the signal strengths between the tracking device and the one or more PANs resulting from a change in location of the tracking device.

Abstract: A server includes a communications adapter; a controller and a datastore. The controller receives a first user input via a user interface to associate at least one image attribute with a contact. Thereby, responsive to receiving an image from an electronic apparatus, the controller automatically processes the image to identify at least one feature of the image that corresponds to the image attribute, and associates the image with the contact based on the image attribute; and communicates the image to the contact via the communications adapter. The datastore is suitable for storing digital information, and is communicatively coupled to the controller.

Abstract: A method (600) of communicating that can include, responsive to receiving an image (125), automatically processing the image to associate the image with a contact, and communicating the image to the contact. Receiving the image can include capturing the image with an image capture device (215). The method also can include associating a message with the image, and automatically communicating the message with the image. At least one image attribute can be associated with the contact. In such an arrangement, processing the image can include identifying at least one feature of the image that corresponds to the image attribute. Responsive to identifying that a feature of the image corresponds to the image attribute, the message can be automatically associated with the image.

Abstract: A method (10) and system (200, 400, or 500) of call reverse can include initiating (12) a call by an originating party (204) to a terminating party (208), comparing (14) rate plans, and automatically reversing (26) the call if a rate plan for the terminating party is currently more economical than a rate plan for the originating party. The method can compare (22) rate plans at a server (206) having rate plan information for the parties. Alternatively, the method can send (16) rate plan information for the originating to the terminating party and compare rate plans at the terminating party. The method can pre-store (20) rate plan information for the originating party at a memory at the terminating party. The method can also use (24) Caller ID to detect a call from the originating party and compare pre-stored rate plan information for the originating party stored at the terminating party.

Abstract: A method and system of providing information associated with a previously visited location. The method can include the steps of monitoring the location of the mobile unit, receiving at the mobile unit information from one or more points of interest as the mobile unit engages the points of interest in which the information is associated with the points of interest and storing the information associated with the points of interest in a database that is accessible for a predetermined amount of time after the receipt of the information. The method can also include the step of storing the information into one of a predetermined number of categories based on how the mobile unit engages the points of interest.

Abstract: A method (300, 400) of providing selective access to media content (224). The method can include, for at least one user, receiving an access certificate (114) that authorizes the user to access the media content based on the user's presence in a particular zone (110) at a particular time. Further, a determination can be made whether the user is authorized to access the media content. The user can be provided access to the media content when the user is authorized to access the media content. The user can be declined access to the media content when the user is not authorized to access the media content.

Abstract: A method (400, 500) of propagating an alert (116). The alert can be received on a first communication device (102). The alert can be associated with data indicating at least one peer-to-peer propagation parameter. Further, the alert can be automatically communicated from the first communication device to at least a second communication device in accordance with the peer-to-peer propagation parameter via peer-to-peer communications.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (200) and system (100) for providing a passenger profile. The method can include the steps of receiving (212) one or more passengers having mobile units (112) in a vehicle (110) in which at least some of the mobile units have been programmed with passenger profiles and receiving (214) the passenger profiles from the mobile units. The method can also include the step of informing (216) at least the driver of the vehicle of the passenger profiles once the passenger profiles are received. As an example, setting one or more parameters of the vehicle can be based on the received passenger profiles. In addition, setting the parameters of the vehicle based on the received passenger profiles may restrict the operation of the vehicle in a predefined manner.

Abstract: A wireless communications device (200) that has a battery power source (330) and that has a power source monitor (332) that produces a low energy notification upon determination of a low energy condition within the battery. The wireless communications device further has a notification list specifying at least one other communications device to receive the low energy notification message. The wireless communications device (200) also has a notification transmitter (316, 314, 304) for transmitting the low energy notification message to communications devices held by other users (504, 506, 508, 512) that are in the list. The low energy notification message has at least one destination address to which the low energy notification message is to be sent. The wireless communications device (200) further serves as a proxy or surrogate relay for other wireless communications devices (200) to provide a robust communications system.

Abstract: A method (400) of conducting a financial transaction. The method can include receiving from each of a plurality of credit providers an offer (130) indicating an incentive (125) available to a user for using an established credit account to make payment for the financial transaction at a point-of-sale terminal (110), and presenting the offers to the user. The user can be prompted to select one of the established credit accounts to make payment for the financial transaction.

Abstract: A method for coordinating the sharing of contacts between a directory terminal (104) and a portable communication device (102) is implemented in one embodiment when the directory terminal receives from the portable device a request to conduct a directory sharing session and a communication device identifier. The directory terminal retrieves screen interface information associated with the identifier and renders a user interface on a display screen (101) of the directory terminal based on the retrieved information. The directory terminal receives a first set of contact records from the portable communication device, wherein each contact record includes a contact name and at least one contact entry. The directory terminal searches a second set of contact records to find contact records containing contact names included in contact records of the first set. Contact entries for common contact records are conveyed to the portable communication device for automatic association with the first set.

Abstract: A method (400) of selecting a financial account to be used to make a payment and a mobile station (105) that may implement the method. The method can include identifying at least one of a plurality of user profiles during a payment transaction at a point-of-sale terminal (110). The method also can include selecting from a plurality of available financial accounts at least one financial account that is associated with the identified user profile and making the payment using the selected financial account.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method (200) and apparatus (700 and 800) for identifying individuals in a crowd. The method comprises the steps of selecting an identification signal (204), sending the identification signal (206) to the electronic device (802) of an individual/individuals to be identified by using an electronic device (702), available with the user; and selectively activating (208) the electronic device (802). The user can identify the individual based on the activated electronic device.

Abstract: A method is provided for interacting with a consumer in a shopping establishment. The method includes communicating a notification to a wireless communications device located in a shopping establishment and belonging to a consumer. The notification identifies a retail item having a negotiable purchase price or a special purchase price based on a consumer profile, a consumer shopping list, a prior consumer purchase, or a consumer buying trend. The notification also identifies a retail item having a special purchase price based on a total quantity existing in an inventory, a special purchase price only available during certain times of a day, or a special online purchase price. The method also includes determining whether a consumer wants to negotiate a purchase price for a retail item. The method further includes negotiating a purchase price for the retail item if the consumer wants to negotiate a purchase price for the retail item.

Abstract: A method and system for managing an electronic device is provided. The method includes detecting (404) a change in orientation of a first electronic device, which is performed by the first electronic device. The method also includes communicating (406) the change in the orientation from the first electronic device to a second electronic device associated with the first electronic device, via a wireless link. Further, the method includes modifying (408) a first set of services available at the second electronic device, based on the change of orientation of the first electronic device.

Abstract: A method (10) and system (200, 400, or 500) of call reverse can include initiating (12) a call by an originating party (204) to a terminating party (208), comparing (14) rate plans, and automatically reversing (26) the call if a rate plan for the terminating party is currently more economical than a rate plan for the originating party. The method can compare (22) rate plans at a server (206) having rate plan information for the parties. Alternatively, the method can send (16) rate plan information for the originating to the terminating party and compare rate plans at the terminating party. The method can pre-store (20) rate plan information for the originating party at a memory at the terminating party. The method can also use (24) Caller ID to detect a call from the originating party and compare pre-stored rate plan information for the originating party stored at the terminating party.