Abstract: A method (400, 500) and a system (100) of conducting transactions for acquisition of virtual items. The method can include receiving from a user (108) a request to acquire the virtual item. Responsive to an identity indicator (112) that is exclusively unique to an identity confirmation device (110) being communicated from the identity confirmation device, a determination can be made whether the identity indicator corresponds to the user. Responsive to determining that the identity indicator corresponds to the user, the virtual item can be provided to the user. The method also can include receiving from a user a request to acquire the virtual item, receiving from an identity confirmation device an identity indicator exclusively unique to the identity confirmation device, and communicating the request and the identity indicator from the client device to a server (104).

Abstract: A method (400, 500) and a system (100) of conducting transactions for acquisition of virtual items. The method can include receiving from a user (108) a request to acquire the virtual item. Responsive to an identity indicator (112) that is exclusively unique to an identity confirmation device (110) being communicated from the identity confirmation device, a determination can be made whether the identity indicator corresponds to the user. Responsive to determining that the identity indicator corresponds to the user, the virtual item can be provided to the user. The method also can include receiving from a user a request to acquire the virtual item, receiving from an identity confirmation device an identity indicator exclusively unique to the identity confirmation device, and communicating the request and the identity indicator from the client device to a server (104).

Abstract: A communications terminal (200) including a user interface communicably coupled to a controller is configured to form a group of contacts. In one embodiment, the terminal displays only contacts having at least two attributes in common. In another embodiment, the terminal displays a group of contacts having a social relationship with at least two degrees of social separation relative to a user associated with the group. In another embodiment, a group of contacts is formed upon initiation of an application at the terminal, wherein all contacts in the group are associated with terminals running the same application and are also engaged in a common activity.

Abstract: A system and method for customizing communication in a social television framework is described. The method includes retrieving a current context data set corresponding to multiple users, wherein the current context data set includes a user profile component and a media content component. A customized mark set is determined based on an analysis of the current context data set, and at least one of the marks in the customized mark set is sent to a client end device to be experienced by at least one of the users.

Abstract: A method of prepaying for usage time for a communication device can include increasing an available balance of a prepaid account linked to a communication device of a first user by a designated amount responsive to a request from a second user (910) and allocating a portion of the available balance of the prepaid account that is attributable to the designated amount for communicating with a designated user (915). The method further can include paying charges resulting from communications between the communication device of the first user and the designated user from the allocated portion of the available balance of the prepaid account (925).

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 for locating a wireless communications device WCD (102). The method includes the step of receiving at the WCD (102) a wireless transmission comprising a first auto-location trigger signal. The WCD (102), responsive to the first auto-location trigger signal, operates in an auto-location mode. The auto-location mode includes the automatic collection and communication of predetermined first data, such as audio, video, and GPS location data. After the automatic collection and communication step of the first data is complete, the WCD (102) enters into a standby mode. The standby mode continues until a state detection device (206) of the WCD (102) detects a change in the state of the WCD (102). These changes in state are exclusive of the wireless transmission comprising the first auto-location trigger signal. The change(s) in state produce a second auto-location trigger signal, which causes the automatic collection and communication of a second data that is the same or similar to the first data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for handling scheduling conflicts. The method can include a step of conveying scheduled events to a mobile communication device. Times associated with the events can be analyzed to determine potential conflicts. A set of previously established conflict resolution rules can be applied to the potential conflicts. Recommendations for resolving the potential conflicts can be generated based upon the applied rules. A notification of the potential conflicts and the generated recommendations can be presented to a user of the mobile device through an interface of the mobile communication device. The notifications and recommendations can occur a sufficient time before the potentially conflicting events occur to permit anticipatory actions to be taken to alleviate the conflicts before their occurrence.

Abstract: A method (300) for providing an audio message (105). The method can include detecting at least one external parameter (125, 130, 135). Detecting the external parameter can include detecting a time, a location or a station identifier. Detecting the location can include receiving a signal from a network node (110) or a beacon (115), or receiving location information from a positioning system (240). In one arrangement, detecting the external parameter can include detecting a plurality of identifiers, such as a time, a location and/or a station identifier. The external parameter can be processed to identify at least one audio attribute (265) associated with a voice persona. An audio message then can be generated based, at least in part, on the audio attribute. Identifying the audio attribute can include identifying at least a second audio attribute associated with a background sound.

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 (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 method (500) for dynamically creating a communication group. The method can include identifying a first contact (100) and automatically identifying a plurality of contacts (110, 120, 130, 140, 150) within a number (N) of levels removed from the first contact. The first contact can be included as one of the plurality of contacts or excluded from such plurality of contacts. The method further can include selecting at least a portion of the identified contacts to include within the communication group. Identifying the first contact can include processing an image that includes first contact. In another arrangement, a selection of the first contact from a contact list can be received. In yet another arrangement, a selection of the first contact from a recent call list can be received.

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 (400, 500) of identifying a route traveled. The method can include, while traveling away from an initial location (115), detecting a unique identifier for each of a plurality of wireless communication devices (125) along the route. The method also can include presenting an indicator (210) that indicates a relative distance from at least one of the wireless communication devices while traveling toward the initial location. Detecting the unique identifier for each of the plurality of wireless communication devices can include detecting a media access control (MAC) identifier or an Internet protocol (IP) address for at least one of the communication devices.

Abstract: A communication system (100) dynamically manages a plurality of objects (105). Each object (120) has a communication device (145) placed within or in close proximity to the object (120) for communicating a plurality of object information (245). A group controller (220) communicates with the communication device (145) and takes over responsibility for communication within the communication system (100) for the communication device (145) when the object location (130) comes within a communication range of the group controller (220).

Abstract: A system and method for customizing communication in a social television framework is described. The method includes retrieving a current context data set corresponding to multiple users, wherein the current context data set includes a user profile component and a media content component. A customized mark set is determined based on an analysis of the current context data set, and at least one of the marks in the customized mark set is sent to a client end device to be experienced by at least one of the users.

Abstract: A portable, personal apparatus (200) having native wireless two-way communications capability (202) along with a primary-purpose native capability and at least one auxiliary-purpose native capability detects (101) an inputting of data as corresponds to that auxiliary-purpose native capability.

Abstract: A method of tracking objects uses an anchor beacon that can emit a broadcast over a range that is detectable by an object tracking device. The object tracking device can automatically detect a presence or absence of the broadcast. When the broadcast is present, the object tracking device can take no action. When the broadcast is absent, the object tracking device can determine a current location for the object tracking device and can convey an OTA communication to a tracking server. The OTA communication can indicate the absence of the broadcast and can also including the current location. The tracking server can selectively send a notification to a previously designated communication device to notify a user that the object tracking device is outside the range.

Abstract: A method for tracking objects in a way that conserves power resources. The method can establish a designed range defining a safe area based upon the broadcast signal of an anchor beacon. When the tracking device is within the designed range, the tracking device can be placed in a mode of low power consumption. Should the tracking device move outside of the designated range, then the tracking device can be placed in mode for active tracking. The level of power consumption can be achieved by only enabling a WAN transceiver in the active tracking mode.