Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, data regarding the position and operation of a vehicle is gathered by a GPS unit and an On Board Diagnostic (“OBD”) port, respectively. This data is wirelessly transmitted by a wireless transceiver located in the vehicle. The transmitted data from multiple vehicles is received by a remote processor. The data is processed and selectively shared with users of a public web interface, in accordance with user preferences. A user selects the type of data that may be shared and the specified persons, classes of persons or public with whom particular data or types of data may be shared. In some cases, data gathered by the OBD ports and GPS units is transmitted to a host server of a social network, and selectively shared over the social network in accordance with that network's policies.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, data regarding the position and operation of a vehicle is gathered by a GPS unit and an On Board Diagnostic (“OBD”) port, respectively. This data is wirelessly transmitted by a wireless transceiver located in the vehicle. The transmitted data from multiple vehicles is received by a remote processor. The data is processed and selectively shared with users of a public web interface, in accordance with user preferences. A user selects the type of data that may be shared and the specified persons, classes of persons or public with whom particular data or types of data may be shared. In some cases, data gathered by the OBD ports and GPS units is transmitted to a host server of a social network, and selectively shared over the social network in accordance with that network's policies.

Abstract: A weather forecasting umbrella includes a display device in the umbrella's handle that provides a visual indication of the day's weather, such as the probability of precipitation. The display device may take the form of one or more lamps that emit a color, or flash at a varying rate, to indicate forecast weather conditions. The weather forecast that is displayed is preferably obtained using a wireless receiver built into the umbrella that receives data via a wireless paging or cell broadcast network. A display screen may be used to display forecasted information in more detail, including the likelihood of precipitation and/or the forecast high and low temperature for the day.

Abstract: A wireless data processing module for use with a portable audio or video player. The module connects to the expansion port connector on an existing player which provides an interface port for exchanging data and control signals between the auxiliary module and the player. The module includes a radio receiver for receiving data signals from a wireless data transmission network that are temporarily stored in a cache memory. A controller responsive to operating commands accepted from a user interoperates with the player to selectively play program content that is persistently stored by the player and to render selected data signals in the cache memory in an audible or visual form perceptible to said user, thereby supplementing the content available to the user with recently produced content provided via the wireless network.

Abstract: An interactive virtual character which represents a real or imagined human or animal having perceptible attributes that are interactively varied by a processor in response data acquired from command accepted from a user as well as by data received from a remote source that is broadcast via a wireless data network. In the preferred embodiment, commands from the user select articles of clothing to be worn by the virtual character and the processor causes the virtual character to smile if the user-selected clothing is suitable for the weather specified by the data received from the remot source, and to frown if the selections are not suitable.

Abstract: A reflective LCD, electronic ink or electrophoretic display panel presents a five day weather forecast representative of weather forecast data transmitted to the display location via a commercial paging service from a remote server. The server obtains forecast data from a commercial weather service, reformats selected data into compressed encoded data for efficient transmission in data packets simulcast to remote display devices via the paging network.

Abstract: Remote, non-verbal interpersonal communication is facilitated between communication stations located remotely from each other. A first communication station registers proximity of a user thereto and communicates to a second communication station a signal indicative of the registered proximity. The first communication station also registers a physical gesture and communicates a signal indicative of the gesture to the second communication station. The second communication station, in turn, receives the signals and, in response thereto, produces a visual output indicative of proximity and of the gestural input.

Abstract: Remote, non-verbal interpersonal communication is facilitated between communication stations located remotely from each other. A first communication station registers proximity of a user thereto and communicates to a second communication station a signal indicative of the registered proximity. The first communication station also registers a physical gesture and communicates a signal indicative of the gesture to the second communication station. The second communication station, in turn, receives the signals and, in response thereto, produces a visual output indicative of proximity and of the gestural input.