Abstract: A disposable electronic device includes a housing, a user interface in the housing and a short range, unlicensed wireless transceiver in the housing. A controller is configured to control the user interface and the short range, unlicensed wireless transceiver. A non-replaceable, non-rechargeable battery also is provided in the housing. New forms of disposable, proximity-based communications systems, devices and methods thereby may be provided.

Abstract: Location-blocking and identity-blocking services that can be commercially offered by a service promoter, e.g., a cellular service provider or a web advertiser. In the identity-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the current physical location of a mobile subscriber (i.e., a cellular phone operator) to a third party (e.g., a web advertiser) subscribing to the identity-blocking service. However, the service promoter may not send any identity information for the mobile subscriber to the third party. On the other hand, in the location-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the mobile subscriber's identity information to the third party, but not the current physical location of the mobile subscriber. Blocking of the mobile subscriber's identity or location information may be desirable for privacy reasons, to comply with a government regulation, or to implement a telecommunication service option selected by the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using location information associated with wireless devices. The system includes a wireless device, a location system, and a feature server. The wireless device includes any wireless apparatus having wireless communications capabilities. The location system can generate location information pinpointing the location of the wireless device. The feature server can use the location information to determine whether to execute an action in accordance with subscriber rules. A large number of applications may be implemented to execute the action via a number of communication channels, including without limitation, a wireless communications network, a computer network, and a public switched telephone system, for example.

Abstract: Electronic cards include a package having vertical and horizontal dimensions of a standard credit card, and including first and second opposing faces. A flat panel display extends over the first face. A dynamic magnetic encoder is provided on the second face. A user input device also is provided on the package. A processor is provided in the package that is configured to display a substantially full size image of a credit card on the flat panel display, and to control the dynamic magnetic encoder to provide magnetic stripe information for the credit card, in response to user selection of the credit card via the user input device. Accordingly, the look (image) of a credit card can be emulated, as well as the magnetic stripe information that would be provided by the credit card, in response to user selection of the credit card.

Abstract: Provided are methods for executing an action in response to a request for a service using location information in conjunction with service-specific parameters. A user may request a provider of a specified service (e.g., taxi, plumber, pharmacist, etc.). In evaluating the request, providers may be evaluated based on the location information in addition to service-specific parameters. An action in response may include merely displaying selected service provider(s) in response to the request, or acting on behalf of the user by communicating with a selected service provider.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using location information associated with wireless devices. The system includes a wireless device, a location system, and a feature server. The wireless device includes any wireless apparatus having wireless communications capabilities. The location system can generate location information pinpointing the location of the wireless device. The feature server can use the location information to determine whether to execute an action in accordance with subscriber rules. A large number of applications may be implemented to execute the action via a number of communication channels, including without limitation, a wireless communications network, a computer network, and a public switched telephone system, for example.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling one or more monitoring devices in a user's household in the event of emergency so as to more productively monitor the emergency situation on a real-time basis. The monitoring devices may include a number of multimedia instruments such as a telephone with an answering machine, a computer with a built-in digital camera, a video recording device, a cellular phone with an integrated digital camera, etc. An emergency service provider may remotely activate the monitoring devices in the user's vicinity upon receiving an emergency help request from the user, and receive the information sent by the monitoring devices to enable the service personnel to plan appropriate response to the emergency at hand. Such an arrangement allows for better monitoring of the user's vicinity in an emergency situation without the need for prolonged user participation in narrating or describing the emergency situation.

Abstract: Location-blocking and identity-blocking services that can be commercially offered by a service promoter, e.g., a cellular service provider or a web advertiser. In the identity-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the current physical location of a mobile subscriber (i.e., a cellular phone operator) to a third party (e.g., a web advertiser) subscribing to the identity-blocking service. However, the service promoter may not send any identity information for the mobile subscriber to the third party. On the other hand, in the location-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the mobile subscriber's identity information to the third party, but not the current physical location of the mobile subscriber. Blocking of the mobile subscriber's identity or location information may be desirable for privacy reasons, to comply with a government regulation, or to implement a telecommunication service option selected by the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is described for allocating limited network access according to priorities designated for requested transactions of wireless communications. The wireless network has a number of access links for transmitting transactions for wireless communications. A plurality of wireless communications devices request transmission of transactions on the wireless network. A designated priority level is associated with each transaction. In response to the transaction requests, an access control manager in the wireless network schedules transmission of transactions when all of the plurality of access links are occupied, by authorizing a transmission of a transaction of higher priority than another transaction that is being transmitted, and discontinuing the transmission of the transaction of lower priority.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for audibly annunciating at a device information transmitted over a telephone network. The information is transmitted in the form of a modulated signal to the device wherein the modulated signal is representative of the information. The apparatus includes a receiver for capturing a ring signal and a modulated signal representative of information transmitted over a telephone network during an interval between the ring signal and a subsequent ring signal; a converter in communication with the receiver for converting the modulated signal into a stream of audible signals; and a speaker in communication with the converter for producing audible sounds corresponding to the stream of audible signals representative of the information received over the telephone network.

Abstract: A method for pricing wireless communications services on a wireless network is described. A selection of a plurality of priorities available for transmitting a wireless communication transaction on a wireless network is provided, wherein the priority to be selected corresponds to the speed and allowable delay by which the transaction is to be transmitted. Transactions of lower priority are temporarily discontinued in favor of higher priority transactions when network capacity reaches a predetermined level. An amount is charged for the wireless communication transaction at a price corresponding to the priority and duration to be selected.

Abstract: Location based security rules are provided for preventing unauthorized access to a device, application, system, content, and/or network, etc. The location-based security rules enable a user, computing device, system, etc. to access the requested item or information when the user provides proper identification information. The proper identification information is based in part on the location of the user and/or the user's access request.

Abstract: A process integrated messaging system is provided. The system typically includes messaging interface logic, parsing logic, analyzing logic, and database interface logic. The messaging interface logic receives a first message via a messaging client from an originating party regarding a record. The parsing logic parses the first message into its component parts. The analyzing logic examines the component parts of the message and provides a decision signal in response to the contents of the component parts of the message. The database interface logic receives the decision signal, interfaces to a database, and instructs the database to update the record in accordance with the decision signal. The database controls a number of records, each of the records tracking a process and steps associated with the process. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention include methods, systems, and storage mediums for optimizing a device. The method includes detecting a suboptimal condition associated with the device and analyzing the suboptimal condition in light of selected operator preferences and device-related data. In response to the analysis, the method includes modifying a configuration of the device, the current state of said device, a current state of a networked device associated with said device, or a configuration of a networked device associated with said device. Alternatively, in response to the analyzing, the method includes notifying the operator of the suboptimal condition. The selected operator preferences include at least one of personality settings, expert level settings, communications means settings, intrusion level settings, and reactive/predictive settings.

Abstract: A method for processing packages is provided. A package is received at an intermediate shipping site and a delivery authorization status corresponding to the package is determined based on a threshold of some characteristic of the package. The package is delivered if the authorization status is that delivery is acceptable and the package is not delivered if the authorization status is that delivery is not acceptable. The acceptability of the package for delivery is determined by a response that an addressee provides to an electronic message notification of package availability. The electronic response preferably contains some authenticating information regarding the package.

Abstract: One embodiment of a representative system for web integrated interactive voice response includes an interactive voice response system adapted to provide a plurality of voice menus to a user over a telephone and a graphical user interface system adapted to provide a plurality of menus in a graphical format to the user over a network connection. Information provided in the voice menus corresponds to information provided in the menus in the graphical format and is responsive to commands received by the graphical user interface system from the user. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and a method for testing a communication network. The inventive method transmits a first signal from a first point to a second point of the communication network, where the first and the second points are remotely located. The inventive method further includes recording a first time value of the transmitting of the first signal using a first clock, receiving a second signal at the second point of the communication network, and recording a second time value of the receiving using a second click. The first clock and the second clock operate from a substantially similar reference. The method may further include comparing the first signal and the second signal as a function of the first and second time values. Also, the method may determine at least one performance characteristic of the communication network based on the comparison.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method, system, and storage medium for providing control over transactions. The method includes prompting a primary user to input financial notification data. The financial notification data is used to define transaction controls associated with a secondary user. The method also includes receiving and storing the financial notification data. The method further includes receiving data relating to a financial transaction from a point of sale. The data is associated with the secondary user. The method also includes retrieving financial notification data related to the financial transaction and sending a notification to the point of sale based upon the data relating to the financial transaction.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method, system, and storage medium for providing information storage services to a service application user via a service provider. The method includes presenting options to the service application user operable for specifying a duration of time for storing an information element at a remote location. The method further includes receiving a selection from the service application user in response to options presented and assigning a storage period to the information element based upon the selection. Embodiments also include a system and a storage medium.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method, system, and storage medium for transmitting enhanced originator information over a communications network. The method includes receiving information elements selected by an originator terminal from a database. The information elements retrieved are based upon a service plan and/or a terminal capability associated with a recipient terminal. The method also includes transmitting a communication including the information elements to the recipient terminal prior to establishing a communications session with the recipient terminal. The transmission is conducted over at least one of: an Internet Protocol network, a public switched telephone network, a wireless local area network, a wireless network, a cable network, a fiber optic network, a video network, and a satellite network.