Abstract: A method for recommending service stations for vehicles based on a users route or location is disclosed. The method comprises mapping a user's current location, collecting fuel prices from stations that are within a predetermined distance from the user's location and displaying the location of at least one service station, based at least in part on fuel prices. The method also could include mapping the user's route and collecting fuel prices from a second set of stations that are within the user's route and displaying the location of the stations based on the fuel prices. This method may be linked to a vehicle navigation system which in turn may track the amount of fuel left in the vehicle and recommend service stations when the amount of fuel remaining in the vehicle reaches a minimum threshold. The method could also be implemented through a wireless communications network where a short messaging system can determine the parameters for recommending a service station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improved control of intelligent network-based user features is provided. In this regard, the invention relates to a system and method useful for managing a user profile of a virtual private network system, such as an eVPN system, through manipulation of a mobile device, e.g. a mobile phone. In one form, short message service (SMS) messages can be used to facilitate such control.

Abstract: One or more video server components of an apparatus that play one or more videos at one or more mobile phones while one or more phone calls associated with the one or more mobile phones are on hold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for secure traffic light interruption. A purpose of this invention is to allow for the use of a secure system to allow the interruption of the traffic light signals by emergency (and other authorized) vehicles. An objective of this invention is to allow for the use of a more secure system than the currently installed strobe only traffic light interruption (changing) systems. This invention integrates additional wireless technologies to assure that only authorized users trigger the traffic light changes that typically make it safer for emergency vehicles when they approach a traffic light.

Abstract: A remote control device is located in an environment proximate to conditions to be monitored and actions to be implemented. The remote control device is able to receive and transmit wireless text based communications. A user employing a wireless communication device that supports text based messaging can transmit a control message containing a predetermined command to the remote control device. After preferably authenticating the user, the remote control device initiates a predetermined action based on receipt of a corresponding command.

Abstract: A short message service request to receive one or more notifications of any one or more weather alerts that occur during a time period in one example is received from a mobile station. A notification of a weather alert, of the one or more notifications of the any one or more weather alerts, is sent to the mobile station upon an occurrence of the weather alert during the time period.

Abstract: One or more X10 gateway components of an apparatus in one example communicate one or more messages between one or more mobile communication devices and one or more module components.

Abstract: An exemplary vehicular apparatus includes a radio frequency receiver adapted for receipt of signals transmitted from intelligent street sins. A computer receives recovered digital data from the receiver, where the digital data represents information contained in the signals received by the receiver. The computer parses the digital data into separate fields and identifies a first field containing a first value that represents a predetermined type of vehicle for which the information contained in the other fields is relevant. The computer compares the first value with a stored value in memory to determine if the information contained in the other fields is relevant to the vehicle and recovers the information contained in the other fields if it is determined that the other fields are relevant to the vehicle.

Abstract: A node in the telecommunication network supports location and direction services that are especially suited for wireless subscribers. Location coordinates such as determined by the global positioning satellite system are entered by a subscriber from the location to be marked. The node stores the coordinates and compares the marked location to the current coordinates of a subscriber making a request for directions to find the first location, e.g. the subscriber's parked car. The node provides the requesting subscriber with directions for proceeding from the current location to the first location. Subscribers other than the subscriber entering the location coordinates may also access the stored location information and obtain directions to the marked location to facilitate a meeting of subscribers at a location previously marked by a subscriber.

Abstract: Information is obtained from a database based on a query from a wireless subscriber's device that does not support direct communications with the database. A first e-mail message containing the first query is received at a workstation. Determined from the first e-mail message are the address of the first subscriber, whether the subscriber has a limited bandwidth capability, and the requested information by the subscriber. A response to the requested information is obtained from a database. The response is parsed in accordance with predetermined rules to limit the amount of data contained in a second message if the subscriber has been determined to have a limited bandwidth capability. The second message is transmitted to the first subscriber's address.