Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting unintentional calls placed to a call center. In some implementations, a device with telephone capability recognizes that it is being used to place a call, and automatically collects information usable to estimate whether the call is intentional or unintentional. The device may make the estimate, or may send the collected information to the recipient of the call. When a call is estimated to be unintentional, the device may signal the user of the device, or may inform the recipient of the call that the call is suspected to be unintentional, or both. The collected information may include outputs from one or more sensors, such as an accelerometer, a microphone, a camera, or a biometric sensor. A button press initiating a call may be considered in the context of other usage of the device to estimate whether the call was intentional or unintentional.

Abstract: A device and method for providing a portable wireless communication device having an external device interface, and which is capable of intelligently configuring itself to operate according to one of a plurality of operating modes according to the needs of an individual user are disclosed. An exemplary device comprises an interface configured to communicatively couple the portable wireless communication device with an external device, and circuitry configured to record an instance of a first operation configuration, detect a coupled external device, predict a most likely next operation mode responsive to recording the instance of the first operation configuration, configure the portable wireless communication device to operate according to a first operating mode in response to the predicted the most likely next operation mode, and communicate with the external device.

Abstract: In an example system for operating a call center, personal profiles of clients of a service of the call center are maintained. At least some of the profiles include contact information for entities in a trusted network designated by the respective clients. When a contact is received at the call center relating to a particular one of the clients, the call center automatically selects on of the designated entities to contact. The automatic selection may be made based on one or more of a number of factors, for example the location of the designated entity, the nature of the incident that prompted the initial contact to the call center, skills possessed by the designated entities, or other factors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically converting digital content from an incompatible to a compatible target DRM scheme are disclosed. In one embodiment, a user device transmits a request to a content server for digital content, the request including a target DRM scheme compatible with the user device. The content server determines that the requested target DRM scheme is incompatible with the native DRM scheme of the content server. A DRM matching server obtains the requested content from the content server and converts the content from the native DRM scheme to the target DRM scheme. The DRM matching server transmits the reformatted content to the user's device. Alternatively, the DRM matching server transmits the reformatted content to the content server, which transmits it to the user device. A user device includes any device capable of utilizing digital content, including cellular telephones, PDAs, audio file players, and video content display devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting unintentional calls placed to a call center. In some implementations, a device with telephone capability recognizes that it is being used to place a call, and automatically collects information usable to estimate whether the call is intentional or unintentional. For example, the device may record the timing of presses of a button used to initiate the call, the force used to press the button, or other parameters. The device may analyze the information, or may forward at least some of the information to the call recipient for analysis. When a suspected unintentional call is detected, the device may signal the user of the device, or other actions may be taken.

Abstract: A user interface for a portable electronic device. In an example implementation, a first screen presents selections for launching applications executable by the portable device, the selections being presented in a plurality of horizontal screen regions, and a second screen presents selections related to stored contacts, these selections also being presented in a plurality of horizontal screen regions. Each of the first and second screens is accessible from the other by actuating a respective tab. A selection on the first screen may include an icon representing an application, and a textual description of the application, and the textual description may be prominent in relation to the icon. Actuating a selection on the second screen may access an individual contact screen that presents a chronological history of communications with the corresponding contact.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for connecting a caller to an alternate telephone number, such as 9-1-1, when a call to a private response center does not result in immediate assistance, or when it is recognized by the private response center that emergency services are needed at the caller's location. In one example, when the call to the private response center does not connect, the private response center may explicitly reject the call, causing the calling device to take action to call an emergency services telephone number, if needed. In another example, the call to the private response center may reach a customer service representative who recognizes that emergency services are needed. A signal is then sent to the calling device causing the device to call 9-1-1 directly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting unintentional calls placed to a call center. In some implementations, a device with telephone capability recognizes that it is being used to place a call, and automatically collects information usable to estimate whether the call is intentional or unintentional. For example, the device may record the timing of presses of a button used to initiate the call, the force used to press the button, or other parameters. The device may analyze the information, or may forward at least some of the information to the call recipient for analysis. When a suspected unintentional call is detected, the device may signal the user of the device, or other actions may be taken.

Abstract: Methods and systems for engaging isolated individuals. In an example implementation, a variety of historical information about a client is received, indicating that certain prior events have occurred in the life of the client. The historical information is stored in electronic storage, and one or more patterns are detected, using a specially programmed computer system, that relate the prior events occurring to the client to presumed indicators of the client's mood. A description of the one or more detected patterns is recorded in the electronic storage. In some implementations, it may be automatically recognized, based on the one or more detected patterns that one or more additional events presumed to indicate the possible onset of a negative mood on the part of the client have occurred, and one or more measures presumed to mitigate the negative mood on the part of the client may be applied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alternate communication paths for telephone calls. Calls directed to a telephone are relayed to a second electronic communication device, which may be a second telephone, based on the physical relationship of the telephone and the second device. According to one aspect, the physical relationship is automatically detected and compared with one or more conditions. When one of the conditions is met, an incoming call directed to the telephone is relayed to the second electronic communication device. Detection of the physical relationship may include detecting whether the telephone and the second device are in close proximity, whether one or both of the telephone and the second device is moving, or other aspects of the relationship.

Abstract: In an example system for operating a call center, personal profiles of clients of a service of the call center are maintained. At least some of the profiles include contact information for entities in a trusted network designated by the respective clients. When a contact is received at the call center relating to a particular one of the clients, the call center automatically selects on of the designated entities to contact. The automatic selection may be made based on one or more of a number of factors, for example the location of the designated entity, the nature of the incident that prompted the initial contact to the call center, skills possessed by the designated entities, or other factors.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for notifying an extended group of persons that a person has requested assistance from a private response center. In one example, an electronic communication is received from the first person, requesting assistance. One or more potential assisting persons are automatically identified as being in position to render assistance to the first person. An electronic message is sent to the one or more potential assisting persons indicating that the first person has requested assistance. The potential assisting persons may be identified based at least in part on their proximity to the first person, for example based on their interaction with the same cell of a cellular communications network, or based on global positioning system data. The electronic message may contain other information, such as information about the first person. In this way, the original caller may be assisted more quickly than would otherwise occur.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alternate communication paths for telephone calls. Calls directed to a telephone are relayed to a second electronic communication device, which may be a second telephone, based on the physical relationship of the telephone and the second device. According to one aspect, the physical relationship is automatically detected and compared with one or more conditions. When one of the conditions is met, an incoming call directed to the telephone is relayed to the second electronic communication device. Detection of the physical relationship may include detecting whether the telephone and the second device are in close proximity, whether one or both of the telephone and the second device is moving, or other aspects of the relationship. Relaying a call to the second device may be accomplished by call forwarding, a ring-no-answer treatment, three-way calling, or other methods.

Abstract: A response center or other entity maintains in electronic storage records of trust relationships between parties. In an example method of operating a call center, personal profiles of clients of a service of the call center are maintained. At least some of the profiles include contact information for entities in trusted networks of the respective clients. An inquiry can be received from an inquiring party, inquiring whether a particular entity is trusted by a particular client. An electronic message is automatically sent to the inquiring part indicating whether or not the particular entity is trusted. In some implementations, entities may be assigned levels of trustedness.

Abstract: A response center or other entity maintains in electronic storage records of trust relationships between parties. In an example method of operating a call center, personal profiles of clients of a service of the call center are maintained. At least some of the profiles include contact information for entities in trusted networks of the respective clients. An inquiry can be received from an inquiring party, inquiring whether a particular entity is trusted by a particular client. An electronic message is automatically sent to the inquiring part indicating whether or not the particular entity is trusted. In some implementations, entities may be assigned levels of trustedness.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alternate communication paths for telephone calls. Calls directed to a telephone are relayed to a second electronic communication device, which may be a second telephone, based on the physical relationship of the telephone and the second device. According to one aspect, the physical relationship is automatically detected and compared with one or more conditions. When one of the conditions is met, an incoming call directed to the telephone is relayed to the second electronic communication device. Detection of the physical relationship may include detecting whether the telephone and the second device are in close proximity, whether one or both of the telephone and the second device is moving, or other aspects of the relationship. Relaying a call to the second device may be accomplished by call forwarding, a ring-no-answer treatment, three-way calling, or other methods.

Abstract: A response center maintains personal profiles of clients of a service of the response center. At least some of the profiles include contact information for entities in trusted networks of the respective clients. At least some of those trusted network entities may also have designated second-level entities in their own trusted networks. In some applications, the response center utilizes this extended network of entities for the benefit of its clients. For example, the response center may request information from a second-level entity if the information is not available from the client or one of the client's trusted entities. In other examples, the response center may recruit members of the extended network for assistance in certain situations, or may use the extended network as an information distribution mechanism. Principles of the invention may apply to a private response center or a public center such as a public safety answering point.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an emergency ringing facility able to remotely override a silent mode of a wireless communication device are disclosed. The systems comprise profile-management applications residing on wireless devices and allowing one user of a wireless device to override a silent mode of a remote wireless device. The profile management application executed on the wireless device queries whether the silent mode of the remote wireless device can be overridden, and if so, communicates with a profile-management application executed on the remote device and overrides the silent mode of that device. In an alternative embodiment, a silent mode of a wireless device can be overridden by a profile management server. A profile-management application is executed on a profile-management server communicating with a profile-management application executed on a wireless device and requests the overriding of the silent mode of a remote wireless device.

Abstract: A system for licensing an application or feature for use on a wireless mobile device is disclosed. The wireless mobile device is provided to a user with a licensable application or feature, but the application or feature has not been fully authorized for use. When the wireless device receives a request to use the application or feature, the wireless device operates the requested application or feature, and generates an irrevocable license request. The license request is transmitted to a license server at a time convenient for the wireless device. The license server generates a license certificate to the application or feature, and transmits the license certificate to the wireless mobile device. The wireless device receives the license certificate, which is stored in local memory. Accordingly, the application or feature is now fully licensed for future operation on the wireless mobile device. The license server operates accounting processes to generate license reports and license accounting information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for notifying an extended group of persons that a person has requested assistance from a private response center. In one example, an electronic communication is received from the first person, requesting assistance. One or more potential assisting persons are automatically identified as being in position to render assistance to the first person. An electronic message is sent to the one or more potential assisting persons indicating that the first person has requested assistance. The potential assisting persons may be identified based at least in part on their proximity to the first person, for example based on their interaction with the same cell of a cellular communications network, or based on global positioning system data. The electronic message may contain other information, such as information about the first person. In this way, the original caller may be assisted more quickly than would otherwise occur.