Abstract: Information exchange systems and methods (“IES”) are described that allow users of portable devices to initiate exchanges of information with a simple gesture. Detection of this gesture causes the host device to perform a number of actions including one or more of selecting data for an exchange transaction, identifying one or more destination devices to receive the selected data, transferring the selected data to the destination devices, and receiving complementary or corresponding data from the destination devices. The IES thus avoids the requirement for users to perform time consuming and error prone interactions involving complex operations with a device interface in order to initiate data exchanges.

Abstract: A method of operating a telephone system includes receiving an incoming call to an operator of a machine. The operator has access to a telephonic device. A circumstance associated with operation of the machine is sensed. It is decided, dependent upon the sensed circumstance, whether to place the call to the telephonic device.

Abstract: A method of displaying map information includes providing an electronic two-dimensional map of points of interest. A section of the map is displayed on a screen such that at least one of the points of interest has a map location lying outside of the displayed section. An indication is provided on the displayed section. The indication is indicative of the map location of the at least one point of interest. The indication is disposed at a place within the displayed section that is closest to the map location of the at least one point of interest.