Abstract: A method of selecting an optimal mode of determining location in a social networking system which uses mobile communications devices such as cellular telephones. The system may select GPS, aGPS if the communications device is so enabled, or cellular telephone triangulation, depending upon equipment and operability. A hybrid employing both GPS and also aGPS may be utilized. Once determined, location may be displayed graphically using a map. Those functions of the social networking dependent upon member location may then be implemented. The internet may be employed as a communications link.

Abstract: A system for advising the operator of a transportation vehicle to impending travel conditions responsive to proximity to the area affected by the travel conditions. The system has location determination capability such as a GPS system and a source of travel condition advisory messages. When a travel condition advisory message is received and the vehicle is in the affected area, an audible signal is delivered within the transportation vehicle. Apparatus of the system may be self-contained and located aboard the transportation vehicle or alternatively may comprise message transmission apparatus located externally of the transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring progress of at least two parties who have agreed to meet at a predetermined destination substantially at the same time. The system tracks location of each party and estimates remaining time or distance or both of each party to the destination. Querying of each party as to location may be adjusted as to frequency of polling for example based on changing progress towards the destination. Location or remaining time or distance to the destination may be communicated to each of the parties. The system may establish a new predetermined destination based on updated progress of the parties.

Abstract: A location based remote guidance system suitable for supervising tours of a locale being undertaken by tourists. The system may transmit and annunciate messages relating to points of interest throughout the locale and also to availability of supporting goods and services, all based on proximity to the tourists. The system may utilize stationary beacons disposed throughout the locale to ensure reliability of location based messages. The system may be operated as a commercial service which supervises self-guided tours by subscribers solicited directly by the operator of the system, and also on a compensated basis which supervises self-guided tours undertaken by subscribers solicited by other tourist related commercial entities.

Abstract: Addition of a wireless out-of-band communications channel to a WAN enabling expeditious communication to a WAN data processor from a NOC. A wireless network device which may be one of a router or a switch comprises a communications port which may be for example a network device console port or a universal serial bus (USB) port may be communicably connected to a wireless console communications device (WIFIC). Management programming entered into a data processor at the NOC may be functional to direct communications directly to the wireless network device using a wireless communications link which avoids the usual in-band communications channel.

Abstract: A system for advising the operator of a transportation vehicle to impending travel conditions responsive to proximity to the area affected by the travel conditions. The system has location determination capability such as a GPS system and a source of travel condition advisory messages. When a travel condition advisory message is received and the vehicle is in the affected area, an audible signal is delivered within the transportation vehicle. Apparatus of the system may be self-contained and located aboard the transportation vehicle or alternatively may comprise message transmission apparatus located externally of the transportation vehicle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring progress of at least two parties who have agreed to meet at a predetermined destination substantially at the same time. The system tracks location of each party and estimates remaining time or distance or both of each party to the destination. Querying of each party as to location may be adjusted as to frequency of polling for example based on changing progress towards the destination. Location or remaining time or distance to the destination may be communicated to each of the parties. The system may establish a new predetermined destination based on updated progress of the parties.

Abstract: A method of selecting an optimal mode of determining location in a social networking system which uses mobile communications devices such as cellular telephones. The system may select GPS, aGPS if the communications device is so enabled, or cellular telephone triangulation, depending upon equipment and operability. A hybrid employing both GPS and also aGPS may be utilized. Once determined, location may be displayed graphically using a map. Those functions of the social networking dependent upon member location may then be implemented. The internet may be employed as a communications link.