Abstract: A mobile user apparatus useful for obtaining services wirelessly, such as for transfer of items or transport modalities to a prescribed location. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a wireless-enabled device which can cause transmission of a message to a third party to provide the desired service at a location previous specified by a global positioning system (GPS) or similar position determining apparatus of the user apparatus. In one variant, the user apparatus can communicate wirelessly with other user mobile devices to receive location information, and cause provision of the desired services at the received location.

Abstract: A mobile user apparatus useful for conducting payment transactions wirelessly, such as at point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device that includes a short-range radio frequency device, that produces a transmission to a point of sale apparatus, including information relating to an account of the user of the mobile apparatus that is to be charged for the payment. In one variant, the mobile apparatus includes a GPS-based apparatus configured to generate location-related data and use this data as part of the transaction.

Abstract: Computerized information acquisition and processing apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a video apparatus with image capture and digitization capability, and multiple wireless interfaces for accomplishing various purposes, including e.g., streaming the digitized video data to another device for viewing and/or storage thereon. In one variant, one of the wireless interfaces is a short range passive RFID-based interface which generates replies to interrogation signals, the replies including user-specific information.

Abstract: Computerized apparatus useful for obtaining and displaying information. In one embodiment, the computerized apparatus includes a network interface, display device, and speech recognition apparatus configured to receive user speech input and enable performance of various tasks, such as obtaining desired information relating to indoor entities, maps or directions, or any number of other topics. The downloaded data may also, in one variant, be displayed with contextually related advertising or other content.

Abstract: Transport apparatus which includes computerized apparatus useful for obtaining and displaying information. In one embodiment, the computerized apparatus includes a network interface, display device, and speech recognition apparatus configured to receive user speech input and enable performance of various tasks via a remote entity, such as obtaining desired information relating to maps or directions, or any number of other topics. The downloaded data may also, in one variant, be displayed with contextually related advertising or other content.

Abstract: Computerized apparatus for obtaining and displaying information, such as for example directions to a desired entity or organization. In one embodiment, the computerized apparatus is configured to receive user speech input and enable performance of various tasks, such as obtaining desired information relating to indoor entities, maps or directions, or any number of other topics. The obtained data may also, in various variants, be displayed in various formats and relative to other entities nearby.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining and displaying information, such as directions to a desires entity or organization. In one embodiment, the method makes use of a computerized apparatus configured to receive user speech input and enable performance of various tasks, such as obtaining desired information relating to indoor entities, maps or directions, or any number of other topics. The obtained data may also, in one variant, be displayed with contextually related advertising or other content.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for obtaining and displaying information. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a network interface, display device, and speech recognition apparatus configured to receive user speech input and enable performance of various tasks via a remote entity, such as obtaining desired information relating to maps or directions, or any number of other topics. The downloaded data may also, in one variant, be displayed with contextually related advertising or other content.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for obtaining and displaying information. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a network interface, display device, and speech recognition apparatus configured to receive user speech input and enable performance of various tasks via a remote entity, such as download of digital music such as MP3s. The downloaded may also, in one variant, be transmitted to a personal user device, such as via a wireless interface.

Abstract: A computerized information and display apparatus useful for providing information to a user via a display. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor and network interface and computer readable medium having at least one computer program disposed thereon, the at least one program being configured to receive a speech input from the user, and obtain information relating to the input. In one variant, at least a portion of the information is obtained via the network interface from a remote server, and the apparatus includes two components in wireless communication with one another.

Abstract: Computerized apparatus and methods for obtaining and displaying information, such as for example directions to a desired entity or organization. In one embodiment, the computerized apparatus is configured to receive user speech input and enable local performance of various tasks, such as obtaining desired information relating to entities, maps or directions, or any number of other topics. The obtained data may also, in various variants, be displayed in various formats and relative to other entities nearby.

Abstract: A mobile user apparatus and associated methods useful for conducting and enabling payment transactions wirelessly, such as at point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device that includes a short-range radio frequency device that communicates with a point of sale apparatus, including information relating to an account of the user of the mobile apparatus that is to be charged for the payment. In one variant, the information stored on the mobile device is further configured to receive transaction data wirelessly in return. In another variant, user biometric data is used to authenticate the transaction.

Abstract: An endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescensce data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for delivering agents including nanostructures, radionuclides, medication, and ligands is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for obtaining a biopsy of intestinal tissue is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, apparatus for detecting the presence of one or more molecular species is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises at least one imaging device, a processor, and a means for collecting and transmitting data, delivering agents, obtaining a biopsy, detecting molecular species, and/or generating ultrasonic waveform data.

Abstract: An improved endoscopic device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to obtain and store or transmit one or more types of data such as visual image data, laser autofluorescensce data, or ultrasonic waveform data. In another aspect of the disclosure, a probe for autonomously operating within an intestinal tract of a living human is disclosed. In one embodiment, the probe includes: a data processor; an antigen detector; and a communications device. In one variant, the processor comprises at least one sleep mode configured to place at least portions of the probe in a reduced state of power consumption based at least one of (i) a detection of a prescribed antigen; and/or (ii) an absence of a detection of a prescribed antigen.

Abstract: A mobile user apparatus and associated methods useful for conducting payment transactions wirelessly, such as at point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device that includes a short-range radio frequency device, such as an active-mode capable device, that generates a transmission to a point of sale apparatus, including information relating to an account of the user of the mobile apparatus that is to be charged for the payment. In one variant, the information stored on the mobile device is further configured to receive transaction data wirelessly in return.

Abstract: Methods useful for conducting payment transactions wirelessly, such as at point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device that includes a short-range passive radio frequency transceiver that when interrogated by a reader at the point-of-sale, issues a reply including information relating to an account of the user of the mobile apparatus that is to be charged for the payment. In one variant, the mobile user apparatus is further configured to instantiate a user interface window on its display such as for e.g., entry of a password.

Abstract: A mobile user apparatus and associated methods useful for conducting payment transactions wirelessly, such as at point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device that includes a short-range passive radio frequency transceiver that when interrogated by a reader at the point-of-sale, issues a reply including information relating to an account of the user of the mobile apparatus that is to be charged for the payment. In one variant, the information stored on the mobile device is further configured to receive transaction data wirelessly in return.

Abstract: A mobile user apparatus and associated methods useful for conducting payment transactions wirelessly, such as at point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device that includes a short-range radio frequency device, such as an active-mode capable device, that generates a transmission to a point of sale apparatus, including information relating to an account of the user of the mobile apparatus that is to be charged for the payment. In one variant, the information stored on the mobile device is further configured to receive transaction data wirelessly in return.

Abstract: A computerized information apparatus useful for providing information to a user via a display. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor and network interface and computer readable medium having at least one computer program disposed thereon, the at least one program being configured to receive a speech input from the user, and obtain information relating to the input. In one variant, at least a portion of the information is obtained via the network interface from a remote server. An information and control system for personnel transport devices. In one embodiment, the information and control system is coupled to the elevator system of a building, and includes a touch panel input device, a flat panel display having a touch sensitive screen, and speech recognition and synthesis systems serving each elevator car. The speech recognition and synthesis systems and input device(s) are operatively coupled to a processor and storage devices having a plurality of different types of data stored thereon.

Abstract: Methods useful for conducting payment transactions wirelessly, such as at point-of-sale locations. In one embodiment, the mobile user apparatus is a cellular-enabled mobile device that includes a short-range passive radio frequency transceiver that when interrogated by a reader at the point-of-sale, issues a reply including information relating to an account of the user of the mobile apparatus that is to be charged for the payment. In one variant, the mobile user apparatus is further configured to instantiate a user interface window on its display such as for e.g., entry of a password.