Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining traffic conditions using wireless devices. A number of signals from the vehicles traveling in selected routes are received by several wireless communication networks via the wireless devices. The total number of signals received are used to compare if there are sufficient number of vehicles traveling on the selected routes. If so, then the location information of the moving vehicles at various times is determined by the wireless communication network and forwarded to a central computer. The central computer coordinates with the wireless communications network for information needed to compute traffic data. The central computer computes the velocity of the moving vehicles and a traffic profile is created based on the velocity and location information of the moving vehicles. Furthermore, the traffic profile is sent to the moving vehicles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to a method and apparatus for determining whether each mobile station in a pre-defined group of two or more mobile stations is in compliance with acceptable location criteria. A group tracking server receives mobile station tracking information including a mobile station identifier for each mobile station. The server also receives current location coordinates corresponding to the mobile station identifier for each mobile station from a locator device. A relative location of each mobile station relative to one or more pre-determined targets the calculated. The acceptable location criteria for each mobile station relative to the one or more pre-determined targets is retrieved from a location criteria database.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide an advanced scheduling and messaging system in which information about an appointment is received from a user. Information about an attendee associated with the appointment, including attendee notification information, is also received. When it is determined that the user will be late for the appointment, an attendee notification message is automatically generated using the attendee notification information. Appointment time information and appointment location information can also be received by the scheduling system along with user location information. It can then be determined if the user will be late for the appointment based on the user location information, the appointment location information, the appointment time information and a time associated with the user location information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering a greeting from a group of individuals to an individual or another group of individuals is disclosed. Recipient information, contributor information, billing information, and an input from each contributor are received by the system. The system composes the greeting using the contributor inputs and delivers the greeting to the recipient in the form of an audio or multimedia greeting. All the contributors can simultaneously provide their input to the greeting or individual contributors can connect to the system (at any time before a pre-determined time limit) and add an input to the greeting after reviewing the prior inputs of other contributors.

Abstract: At least one method is disclosed for transferring a chat session involving a mobile information device from a first chat server to a second chat server. The method includes receiving at the second chat server a transfer request. The method also includes establishing connectivity between the mobile information device and the second chat server, and releasing connectivity between the mobile information device and the first chat server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending messages to a portable device. The apparatus broadcasts query signals and receives an identification code from a portable device as a reply. The identification code can identify a portable device user, user preferences and portable device capabilities. Messages of various formats are retrieved from local and/or remote messaging systems based on the identification code. The apparatus can send the retrieved messages to the portable device and receive messages from the portable device.

Abstract: A prize awarding device and method that awards a prize over a communications network. The prize award device generates a prize code for a contest prize winning call which is based on the call information of the contest prize winning call. The call information may include the location of the winning caller, the location of the party being called, a duration of the winning call, and time of day the winning call is placed and the like. The prize code may further be based on demographic information of the calling and/or called party. Based on the prize code, the prize award device selects a prize.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product that reduces calling costs for a wireless phone through the use of multiple mobile identification numbers (MINs). The wireless phone is associated with multiple MINs, which are stored in a profile on the wireless phone network or within the wireless phone. A rate table is used to determine which MIN will incur the lowest calling costs. This MIN is selected for communications between the wireless phone and the wireless phone network.

Abstract: A method for transferring money is described. This method can include providing a cash card having stored thereon an amount of money; making a telephone call to a predetermined telephone number using the cash card as a payment device for the telephone call; dialing a predetermined suffix to the predetermined telephone number followed by a desired dollar amount; debiting the cash card by the desired dollar amount; and, crediting an account associated with the predetermined telephone number by the desired dollar amount.

Abstract: At least one method is disclosed for an information device to participate in a chat session. A disclosed exemplary method includes obtaining information regarding at least one state variable and applying a predetermined decision logic to the state variable information. The disclosed method also includes identifying a chat trigger from the application of the predetermined decision logic to the state variable information, identifying a chat group associated with the chat trigger, and seeking connectivity between an information device and the chat group associated with the chat trigger.

Abstract: A universal resource locator (URL) code scanning and storing device and method for scanning a code to generate a URL, storing the URL, and later uploading URLs from a list of selected previously stored URLs to an Internet access device. The URL scanning and storing device may also store additional textual and audio comments corresponding to stored URLs. Once the URL is uploaded to the Internet access device, the Internet access device may then use the URL to access information, such as a web-site relating to the URL, via the Internet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus can enter a call into a lottery, if the call is eligible. A group of individuals or other entities associated with the call for purposes of the lottery is identified; and if the call has won the lottery, at least one member of group is advised of the group's winning status. The odds of winning a lottery for the call can be adjusted based on a participation history for at least one member of the group. The participation history can include a past number of calls made or total call time logged by the caller, etc. Thus, for example, groups of frequent users of a communication service can be rewarded with increased odds of winning a lottery each time a request for communication services is made and communication services are provided.

Abstract: A network interface device that allows a user to simultaneously receive/send a plurality of calls from/to a telecommunications network by multiplexing/demultiplexing the calls on a single telephone line. The network interface device allows for the provisioning of an extra line on demand to the user for incoming and outgoing purposes. The network interface device further selectively connects the calls with a plurality of devices in accordance with each devices availability and the stored preferences of the party receiving the call. When a call ends, the network interface device terminates the temporary virtual line assignment.

Abstract: An emergency breakthrough system allows users to break through a busy signal, using an automated rather than operator assisted technique. Upon receipt of a busy signal, rather than hanging up and dialing an operator to gain a manual assistance for third party call breakthrough, the calling party is able to keypad an enablement request, such as *85, requesting emergency call breakthrough. After that entry, the system awaits a breakthrough passcode, such as a four digit number, which if validated permits the user to breakthrough the busy signal and reach the called party, without operator intervention. Predesignated numbers can gain automated access by ANI identity of the calling number.

Abstract: An individual transfers money from a cash card (or the account that the cash card is tied to) by making a wireless phone call to another individual. A combination of a MONDEX style card with the individual phone cards are used for this purpose. This electronic cash (“ecash”) ecash/phone card is inserted into the phone to activate it for billing use and serves as the basis for a cash transaction. For example, person A makes a telephone call to person B and dials a suffix after the number to indicate the transaction and the amount. For example, one could transfer money to another card or account holder from one's card by dialing their number followed by CASH#200# to transfer 200 dollars to the other account. The card is then capable of being used as a cash card to make purchases or as a phone card to make calls. A database links the identity of the caller to the cash account and the transaction appears as part of a bank statement or as part of a wireless phone bill.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rewarding communication service users can enter a call into a lottery, if the call is eligible. A party associated with the call for purposes of the lottery is identified; and if the call has won the lottery, the lottery winner is advised of the winning status. The odds of winning a lottery for the call can be adjusted based on a participation history for the associated party including a history of past lottery prizes won and refused. Thus, a lottery winner can be given the opportunity to refuse a lottery prize won in return for a chance to win a better prize in a future lottery. Prizes won by the lottery winner can also be matched to the lottery winner's preferences and/or the lottery winning call.