Abstract: A home relationship is established between a device and a network by storing an ownership record in the device that identifies the network, and storing in the network a device identifier that identifies the device. Thereafter, communication is established between the device and the network. The ownership record is then transmitted from the network to the device, and automatic access to the device is granted to the network once the device verifies the transmitted ownership record against the ownership record stored in the device. In addition, the device identifier is transmitted from the device to the network, and automatic access to the network is granted to the device once the network verifies the transmitted device identifier against the device identifier stored in the network.

Abstract: A method and system for directing content to a plurality of devices provide one of the devices as a controller, form a network between the controller and other devices of the plurality of devices, and send from the controller to the other devices a play request for the content. The play request includes a content source address and a content type. The other devices can locate a content source using the content source address and receive the content. The controller and the other devices can then play the received content. In this manner, a network of devices can be formed for the purpose of sharing or directing content in real-time. The other devices can be directed to receive the content directly from the content source or through the controller. Alternatively, the controller can be the content source. The ease and efficiency in which content is shared is thus significantly increased.

Abstract: In a method for synchronized multi-perspective image capture, an ad hoc network is formed between a plurality of image capture devices. A leader is then selected from the plurality of image capture devices. The leader sends the other image capture devices (termed “followers”) a capture message. In response to the capture message, the follower image capture devices synchronously capture images of a common subject matter. The follower image capture devices send their respective captured images to the leader. The leader then consolidates the captured images. In this manner, simultaneous and/or synchronized multi-perspective image capture of a common subject matter is accomplished without requiring expensive or specialized devices.

Abstract: A method for automatically sending a captured data to a phone call participant using a communication device having a data capture apparatus, includes initiating a communication session to a participant, such as a phone call; initiating a data capture event during the communication session, such as capturing an image; and automatically transmitting the captured data to the participant concurrently with the communication session.

Abstract: A method for providing information with digital images includes receiving a digital image of a subject, the digital image including as metadata a geographic position of the subject and other information associated with generating a path to the subject. A path to the subject from the source location can then be generated based on a geographic position of the source location and the metadata included with the digital image. The metadata can be stored on a mobile device and an alert provided when the mobile device is near the geographic position of the subject or if a trajectory of the mobile device does not match the generated path. Relationships with other digital images having associated metadata may also be included. Thus, users have the ability to use their image capture devices to intelligently share digital images of subjects and knowledge of the subjects, delivering greater value from these devices.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a computer-implemented method and system for allowing a user to distribute an application in an electronic device to at least one specified recipient. The method according to the present invention includes invoking a share function in the electronic device by the user, and in response to the user invoking the share function, transmitting automatically an install image associated with the application to the at least one specified recipient. According to the present invention, the install image is an installable copy of the application.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a workflow for an object are described. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention include sending workflow information to at least one mobile device operated by a recipient of the object. The workflow information associates the object with the at least one mobile device and includes sender-generated metadata identifying a sender of the object. The present invention also includes detecting the object using the at least one mobile device when the object is delivered to the recipient. The present invention also includes receiving from the at least one mobile device user-generated metadata associated with the object, wherein the sender-generated and user-generated metadata facilitate in monitoring the object in the workflow. As a result, the object is accurately and reliably monitored in the workflow.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer program products for receiving input from a multi-function momentary switch by providing feedback from a user interface for each function associated with the switch. According to one method, alphanumeric input values are associated with a momentary switch. Each of the alphanumeric input values is associated with a different active time duration for the switch and at least two of the alphanumeric input values are associated with a same alphanumeric text entry mode. A duration of time the switch is in the active state is monitored. At least one of tactile and audible feedback is provided each time the duration of time matches a duration associated with an alphanumeric input value. The alphanumeric input value associated with the alphanumeric text entry mode and duration for the last feedback provided is selected as input from the switch.

Abstract: Reassigning direction-related keys in a handheld device is disclosed. Activation of one of at least two direction-related keys on a rotatable panel of a hand held device is detected, wherein the activation is based on user input for navigating a display of the handheld device. A rotation-based position of the rotatable panel is detected. A different direction is assigned to the direction-related key based on the rotation-based position of the rotatable panel.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for automatically annotating pictures in an image-capture device. The system includes an image capture system that is configured to capture an image. A memory is coupled to the image capture system and is configured to maintain a user-specific database. A processor is coupled to the memory and is configured to annotate the image with a tag based on data from the user-specific database.

Abstract: A system and method for sending an image are described. An exemplary system includes a communication device having an image capture device is configured to capture the image. A memory is coupled to the image capture device and is configured to maintain an address book having an address of a recipient. An input system is coupled to the memory and is configured to receive an input indicating a recipient. An image transmit manager is coupled to the input system and is configured to receive the input and associate the input to the address of the recipient, and in response to associating the input with the address for the recipient, to automatically transmit the image to the recipient using the address.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for transmitting data utilizing a plurality of communication applications simultaneously in a communication device supporting the plurality of communication applications, and a communication device for implementing the method. The method according to the present invention includes establishing a first communication session between a user of the communication device and a recipient via a first communication application supported by the communication device, invoking a second communication application to transmit data to the recipient via the second communication application during a communication session concurrent with the first communication session, and, in response to invoking the second communication application, automatically retrieving communication information related to the recipient and necessary to establish the concurrent communication session via the second communication application.

Abstract: A method and system for utilizing an image capture device for obtaining information relating to an item having a barcode corresponding to a barcode number is described. The method and system includes capturing an image of the barcode and converting the image of the barcode to the barcode number. The barcode number is used to access a category of information related to the item and that may include information for at least one other product having a different barcode number. In another aspect, the method and system include providing information related to the item. In this aspect, data indicating the barcode number is received. The barcode number being determined based on an image captured of the barcode. The barcode is utilized to remotely access the category of information related to the item and including information for at least one other product having a different barcode number. At least a portion of the information is returned.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing context-based, hierarchical security for a mobile device includes storing a hierarchy of security actions for at least of one of protecting data stored on the mobile device and preventing unauthorized use of the mobile device. The hierarchy includes multiple levels. Each level may include at least one context-based security action. At least one security action associated with a first security level is performed in response to the existence of a first context associated with the first security level. At least one security action associated with a second security level is performed in response to the existence of a second context associated with the second security level.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the invention provide a method and system for processing operations associated with resources on a local network. Aspect of the invention include receiving periodic messages containing resource information from network devices connected to the local network, wherein the resource information includes user-requestable services offered by the network device, and data stored by the network device having a mime type. The resource information from each of the messages and a timestamp are stored in a repository. From the stored timestamp and resource information it can be determined which user-requestable services and data having a mime type were available on the network over a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and network for automatic registration of a new device first establishes a “home” relationship between the new device and a network server, such that no additional configuration is required by a user of the new device to communicate over a network once the relationship is established. Next, registration information for the new device is automatically obtained, and can include information concerning the user of the new device, which can already be known to the network server, the new device itself obtainable directly from the new device, and the network server. The network server then establishes a connection with a registration server and sends the registration information to it. In this manner, the new device is automatically registered with very little, if any, input from the user. Other services can be provided to the new device by the registration server utilizing the “home” relationship.

Abstract: An image-based navigation method and system are provided. In response to a user request submitted to a navigation system, the image-based navigation system provides directions to the user, wherein the directions include one or more route segments, and at least one digital image of a view along at least one of the route segments. In a further aspect, the directions are provided to the user by displaying a map of the route along with the route segments, wherein when each of the route segments is displayed, any images associated with the corresponding route segment are also displayed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing group interaction modes in a local area network (LAN) for attendees of an event having mobile devices capable of communicating with the local area network is disclosed. One aspect includes providing a shared data pool on the LAN with data created by a provider of the event prior to the event; and providing the LAN with a group mode. The group mode includes functions for enabling attendees to create user data pools on the LAN from their mobile devices during the event; enabling a mobile device to upload digital image data captured during the event to the LAN for storage in the corresponding user data pools; and enabling a mobile device to download the data stored in both the shared data pool and other attendee's user data pools for storage, such that one attendee receives the digital image data submitted by the other attendees.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are disclosed for controlling data transmission based on power cost. A power cost per unit data associated with successfully sending data from a wireless mobile device to a remote endpoint in a communications network is determined. The determined power cost per unit data is compared to a first threshold. Transmission of data from the wireless mobile device to the remote endpoint is delayed based on a determination that the power cost per unit data exceeds the first threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing special relationships between mobile devices has been disclosed. The method and system configures a plurality of contact classes for a mobile device, where each contact class comprises associated properties, and assigning at least one contact to one of the contact classes. The communication between the mobile device and the contact is based on the associated properties for the assigned contact class. The associated properties can include messaging type, parameters for data access, parameters for access to sensitive information, and image access by quality level. Contact and access control information can then be directly exchanged between the mobile device and the contact. The contact can obtain an account with the mobile and its associated devices without needing to visit each associated device. The contact and access control information thus only needs to be entered once for each user.