Abstract: A location stamp automatically attached to messages indicates location information such as longitude and latitude information from a GPS device. The location stamp helps a receiver to identify the location of the sender or a transaction, identify the sender, and provides context to the message that further indicates the messages meaning. Applications of the location stamp include authentication of the location of a sender or a transaction and identifying the location of a sender for a search and rescue.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for selectively using a local area network and a wide area network in a hybrid network system. A mobile unit receives information, for example positioning information from Global Positioning System satellites. Upon receiving information, the mobile unit associates the information with either a WAN category or a LAN category. Information in the WAN category are transmitted to a WAN computer via a wide area network and information in the LAN category is transmitted to a LAN computer via a local area network. A user may specify which network he wants to use. Alternatively, the mobile unit may be programmed with criteria by which it can categorize the received information. The WAN computer and the LAN computer may be coupled, allowing a user to access the LAN computer via the WAN or the WAN computer via the LAN.

Abstract: Presented are a method and a system by which an individual can obtain usage information of a vehicle. A mobile unit, which may be located inside a vehicle, receives data from a part of the vehicle (e.g., the odometer) and/or Global Positioning System satellites and derives parameters such as the velocity and the travel distance from the received data. Using these parameters, the mobile unit may determine time information such as the amount of time the vehicle is traveling, in idle, or in a parked state within a given time period. Alternatively, the mobile unit may transmit the parameters to a remote computer, which then determines the time information. When a user submits a query requesting a parameter or a mathematical operation on a parameter, either the mobile unit or a remote computer prepares a response and transmits the response to the appropriate user interface.

Abstract: A mobile device is configured to periodically report its tracking data. A rule set is applied to the tracking data. Based upon the application of the rule set, appropriate actions are taken.

Abstract: Presented are a method and a system by which an individual can obtain usage information of a vehicle. A mobile unit, which may be located inside a vehicle, receives data from a part of the vehicle (e.g., the odometer) and/or Global Positioning System satellites and derives parameters such as the velocity and the travel distance from the received data. Using these parameters, the mobile unit may determine time information such as the amount of time the vehicle is traveling, in idle, or in a parked state within a given time period. Alternatively, the mobile unit may transmit the parameters to a remote computer, which then determines the time information. When a user submits a query requesting a parameter or a mathematical operation on a parameter, either the mobile unit or a remote computer prepares a response and transmits the response to the appropriate user interface.

Abstract: Presented is a method and apparatus for selectively using a local area network and a wide area network in a hybrid network system. A mobile unit receives information, for example positioning information from Global Positioning System satellites. Upon receiving information, the mobile unit associates the information with either a WAN category or a LAN category. Information in the WAN category are transmitted to a WAN computer via a wide area network and information in the LAN category is transmitted to a LAN computer via a local area network. A user may specify which network he wants to use. Alternatively, the mobile unit may be programmed with criteria by which it can categorize the received information. The WAN computer and the LAN computer may be coupled, allowing a user to access the LAN computer via the WAN or the WAN computer via the LAN.