Abstract: A method for monitoring and reporting sound pressure level exposure for a user of a first communication device (104) is implemented in one embodiment when the device measures a sound pressure level (SPL) of the surrounding environment. The device stores at least the SPL measurement in a memory, producing an SPL exposure record, and displays a visual representation of the SPL exposure record on a display screen (212). In another embodiment, the SPL is measured by a second communication device (102) and combined with a known SPL for an output audio transducer (306) of the second device, producing a user sound exposure level. The user sound exposure level is transmitted to the first communication device. The user is notified when the user sound exposure level exceeds a predetermined threshold. A server (112) may also be used to track SPLs over time and recommend corrective action when exposure limits are exceeded.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and reporting sound pressure level exposure for a user of a first communication device (104) is implemented in one embodiment when the device measures a sound pressure level (SPL) of the surrounding environment. The device stores at least the SPL measurement in a memory, producing an SPL exposure record, and displays a visual representation of the SPL exposure record on a display screen (212). In another embodiment, the SPL is measured by a second communication device (102) and combined with a known SPL for an output audio transducer (306) of the second device, producing a user sound exposure level. The user sound exposure level is transmitted to the first communication device. The user is notified when the user sound exposure level exceeds a predetermined threshold. A server (112) may also be used to track SPLs over time and recommend corrective action when exposure limits are exceeded.

Abstract: A point of sale device (102) establishes a short range secure radio link (105) with a wireless payment device (104) to complete a transaction. The point of sale device transmits the transaction information to the wireless payment device (304) so the a user of the wireless payment device can approve the transaction (306). Upon approving the transaction, the wireless payment device transmits payment information to the point of sale device (308). The point of sale device uses the payment information to contact the appropriate payment source (110) to record the transaction. Upon the payment source confirming the transaction, the brand of the financial institution, card associations, and affinity groups acting as the payment source is announced so as to be observable by those in the vicinity of the point of sale device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (300) and system (100) for delivering messages. The method can include the steps of receiving (314) a message from a sender, selectively storing (316) the message from the sender and notifying (322) a user of a target portable electronic device (134) of the message when the target portable electronic device reaches a predetermined geographic location. The method can also include the step of tracking (312) the target portable electronic device with a positional tracking unit (218). The selectively storing step can include storing (318) the message in at least one of a communications network component (118, 126) or a storage unit (212) in the target portable electronic device.