Abstract: A self-distribution method and system for distributing information content among network connected devices includes receiving a query having a code against a database from a wireless communications device, the code uniquely representing one of an advertising campaign, a product, or a service. A result set is generated by querying the database, forwarding a link associated with the result set to a user-preferred remote location, the link being sent in an electronic message. The link directs a user to a first version of information content. A plurality of options to purchase user-preferred items from the first version of information content include “purchase now” and “purchase later” features. A reminder message is forwarded to the wireless communications device if a user at the remote location selects the “purchase later” feature. The user is enabled to conduct a purchase transaction from the remote location or the wireless communications device.

Abstract: A method of presenting targeted advertising in a situational network includes receiving a plurality of advertisements from at least one advertising entity. An indication of an occurrence of a situation is obtained. Devices corresponding to a plurality of individuals are automatically connected to a situational network established in response to the situation. At least one of the advertisements is provided to at least one of the individuals based on determining an affiliation of the individual to the situation.

Abstract: Techniques are provided that extend the capabilities of mobile phone devices to automatically assign media content items to “contacts” list entries. Thus, if a mobile device user indicates the desire to purchase a media content item to be assigned to or associated with another mobile device user (e.g., an entry in a contacts list), the experience of acquiring that media content item and making the assignment can be seamless reducing the number of tedious manual steps to accomplish that task.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking electronic information includes the steps of: encrypting an electronic file stored on a hardware storage device; attaching or incorporating with the file a standalone executable program that implements a request for a decryption key accompanied by tracking information when an attempt is made to access the file; verifying the tracking information by a central processing unit; if the tracking information is verified as acceptable, providing the decryption key; and if the tracking information is not verified as acceptable, modifying the file to include a record of the failed attempt to access the file and the tracking information, and storing the modified file on the hardware storage device.

Abstract: A method for providing notifications to an individual within a multi-dimensional personal information network includes obtaining itinerary information corresponding to a first individual within a multi-dimensional personal information network. A second individual that is included in a projection of the multi-dimensional personal information network that also includes the first individual is identified. Itinerary information corresponding to the second individual is obtained. One or notifications based on the itinerary information corresponding to the first individual and the itinerary information corresponding to the second individual are provided to the first individual.

Abstract: The current invention provides a system for distributing content data to user locations. The content data preferably includes digital video data that is available on demand from a requesting location. A system server stores user accounts and generated customized program schedules for the user account based on user criteria which includes user preferences. Authorized users access their accounts to modify user criteria and to select program transmissions. Preferably, a computer and a television set receive program transmissions from a system network, wherein the computer provides a logical interface between the television set and content data transmitted over the system network.

Abstract: Provided are techniques and apparatuses for determining the geographic location of a node on a network. In a representative embodiment, a data packet is received over the network from a second node, the data packet including a network identifier for the second node and a Time-To-Live (TTL) field that has a value, with the value of the TTL field for the data packet indicating a maximum additional number of hops that could have been made by the data packet. A probe packet addressed to the network identifier for the second node is then sent, the probe packet also including a TTL field. The initial value for the TTL field of the probe packet is set based on the value for the TTL field of the data packet.

Abstract: A mobile subscriber can elect to grant permission for the release to a requesting party of information relevant to the mobile subscriber release information. In order to make the decision to provide the information to the requesting party, the mobile subscriber can first determine if the request is being made from a trusted source. If the identity of the requesting party is hidden, the requesting party can be queried to release their identity to be used in conjunction with the permission request to the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: A method for generating financial plans for an individual includes requesting and receiving one or more data feeds from an individual's personal information aggregator. One or more financial plans for the individual are generated based on the data contained in the received data feeds.

Abstract: A method of aggregating an individual's healthcare information under the individual's control in a personal information aggregator includes receiving a request from a healthcare-related entity to provide the individual's healthcare information. Authorization is received from the individual to receive and store the healthcare information. One or more data feeds containing the individual's healthcare information are received from the healthcare-related entity. At least a portion of the healthcare information contained in the data feeds is stored under the control of the individual.

Abstract: A self-distribution method for distributing information content among network connected devices of a communications network includes receiving a query having a code against a database from a wireless communications device, the code uniquely representing one of an advertising campaign, a product, or a service. The method also includes generating a result set by querying the database with the code, forwarding a link associated with the result set to a user-preferred remote location, the link being sent in an electronic message, wherein activation of the link directs a user to a first version of information content of the result set. A plurality of options to purchase user-preferred items from the first version of information content, the options including at least “purchase now” and “purchase later” features. A reminder message is forwarded to the wireless communications device if a user at the remote location selects the “purchase later” feature.

Abstract: A method of creating a projection of a situational network includes creating, by an event node server, an event node in a multi-dimensional personal information network, where the event node corresponds to a situation. A projection of nodes of the situational network is formed using geographic locations of a plurality of devices corresponding to nodes in the multi-dimensional personal information network. An invitation is transmitted to establish a link with the event node server to the devices corresponding to each node in the projection. A response is received from at least one of the devices accepting the invitation to establish a link with the event node server. A link with each device accepting the invitation is established.

Abstract: A method of providing location based service information in a situational network includes establishing the situational network linking a plurality of individuals in response to an indication of an occurrence of a situation. Information related to availability of a service at a plurality of service locations affected by the situation is received, where the service is provided by one or more of a plurality of service providers An individual location associated with each of the plurality of individuals is determined. The available service locations that are in closest proximity to the individual location of the respective individuals is transmitting to each of the individuals based on the availability of the service.

Abstract: A method of sharing information related to an emergency event using a situational network includes establishing a situational network having multiple access levels in response to an indication of the occurrence of an emergency event. Access to information related to the emergency event is provided based on an access level of a participant in the situational network, where the access level is automatically obtained based on the role of the participant relative to the emergency event. Communication between participants of the situational network is facilitated based on the access level of the participants.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of distributing and reproducing infrared signals within a digital network is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a control unit for digitizing a received infrared signal command from a wireless remote and transmitting the digitized signal over the digital network. The apparatus also-comprises at least one transceiver device coupled to the network and identified by the control unit to receive the digitized signal and reproduce the infrared signal as originally received. The transceiver device can provide the reproduced infrared signal to at least one electronic device located within a vicinity of the transceiver device.

Abstract: A method of obtaining navigation information includes creating a first itinerary for a navigation route corresponding to a travel event for a first individual. Navigation information is searched for related to at least one location along the first itinerary via a situational network established with a plurality of devices corresponding to other individuals searching for navigation information. The navigation information found in the searching is received. The first itinerary is altered based on the received navigation information.

Abstract: A method for providing notifications to an individual within a multi-dimensional personal information network includes obtaining itinerary information corresponding to a first individual within a multi-dimensional personal information network. A second individual that is included in a projection of the multi-dimensional personal information network that also includes the first individual is identified. Itinerary information corresponding to the second individual is obtained. One or notifications based on the itinerary information corresponding to the first individual and the itinerary information corresponding to the second individual are provided to the first individual.

Abstract: A method for sending personal information based on an identifier includes receiving the identifier from a portable identification device. A personal information aggregator is identified based on the identifier. Authorization is received to send one or more data feeds comprising personal information to the personal information aggregator. The authorized data feeds are sent to the personal information aggregator.

Abstract: A system for delivering an educational program to a participant at a remote site and for monitoring participation therein. The system includes a server computer, a client computer and prompting means to monitor participation by the participant. The server computer has educational program software and interacts with the client computer in order to make an educational presentation to the participant. If the participant does not adequately respond, the prompting means terminate the educational program.

Abstract: A method of forming a situational network includes receiving an indication of an occurrence of a situation. A first set of connections are established with devices corresponding to a plurality of individuals, where the connections are established based on a determination that the plurality of individuals are affected by the occurrence of the situation. A second set of connections between two or more of the devices corresponding to the plurality of individuals is facilitated, where the first set and second set of connections are used at least in part to exchange information related to the situation among at least a subset of the individuals corresponding to the devices of the second set of connections.