Abstract: A system, method, Application Programming Interface (API) and device for discovering a location of a device, for example, to provide location information for a Location Based Service (LBS). The device includes a memory, a display, and a processor operably coupled to the memory and the display. The processor may be arranged to provide a user interface (UI) on the display, retrieve location cues in response to a location request, forward location cues to a location server and receive location information back from the location server. The location information may be a location query page associated with a new place ID if the location cues do not correspond to the location server cues or the location information may be a previously discovered place ID associated with the server location cues if one or more of the location cues correspond to one or more of the server's location cues.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gathering, organizing and displaying contact information in a mobile communications network. In one embodiment, a method for operating a mobile communication network includes an information server and a mobile communications device coupled to the service via a wireless connection. The method comprises transmitting a location identifier message including a current location from the mobile communications device to the server via the wireless link. The mobile device also transmits a list of contacts to the server via the wireless link. The contacts are matched with the location using a location database maintained for other mobile communications devices in order to generate a list of proximate users. Alternatively, the contact list can be based upon cognitive or psychographic proximity (versus merely physical proximity). The list of proximate users is transmitted to the mobile communications device, and the list is displayed in an easily perceived fashion based on user preferences.

Abstract: A system, method, Application Programming Interface (API) and device for discovering a location of a device, for example, to provide location information for a Location Based Service (LBS). The device includes a memory, a display, and a processor operably coupled to the memory and the display. The processor may be arranged to provide a user interface (UI) on the display, retrieve location cues in response to a location request, forward location cues to a location server and receive location information back from the location server. The location information may be a location query page associated with a new place ID if the location cues do not correspond to the location server cues or the location information may be a previously discovered place ID associated with the server location cues if one or more of the location cues correspond to one or more of the server's location cues.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for routing a message to a communications device. These systems and methods may receive a message via a communications channel, convert the message into a uniform media format, identify at least one of the following: at least one user communications device to receive the message and at least one communications channel for delivering the message, then convert the uniform media formatted message for at least one communications protocol and then forward the message formatted for the at least one communications protocol to the at least one user communications device via at least one communications channel. In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, messages sent in one communications protocol via a communications channel may be delivered to a user in a different communications protocol via a different communications channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a common interface for multiple applications and/or functions in a mobile communication device (MCD). In one exemplary embodiment, this common interface is provided by including one or more micro-servers within the MCD and capable of receiving and processing information from other functions, both internal and external to the mobile communication device. A micro-browser is also optionally resident on the MCD and in communication with the micro-server(s), the latter acting as an application server and as a proxy between the browser and external network agents such as web or carrier servers. The micro-server(s) can also act as a gateway to at least one asynchronous communication channel, and hence allows for more efficient browsing by the MCD.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing privacy during video or other communication across a network. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed wherein digital video camera is coupled to a network via a processing server. The digital video camera generates one or more digital images that are processed by the processing server, including identifying and obstructing any artifacts (e.g., faces, hands, etc.) in the images. The processing also optionally includes the tracking of the artifacts in the images as they move within the image, as well as search for new faces that may enter the field of view. In another embodiment of the invention, video conferencing is performed over a network between two or more users. Images are generated by digital video cameras and processed by video servers. During the videoconference, one or more users may select a video (and audio) muting mode during which any artifacts of interest in the images (or portions thereof) are identified and obscured.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gathering, organizing and displaying contact information in a mobile communications network. In one embodiment, a method for operating a mobile communication network includes an information server and a mobile communications device coupled to the service via a wireless connection. The method comprises transmitting a location identifier message including a current location from the mobile communications device to the server via the wireless link. The mobile device also transmits a list of contacts to the server via the wireless link. The contacts are matched with the location using a location database maintained for other mobile communications devices in order to generate a list of proximate users. Alternatively, the contact list can be based upon cognitive or psychographic proximity (versus merely physical proximity). The list of proximate users is transmitted to the mobile communications device, and the list is displayed in an easily perceived fashion based on user preferences.

Abstract: In order to reduce or eliminate ergonomic inefficiencies arising when an automated information agent is accessed from a device having a streamlined graphical user interface, the present invention provides a mechanism for selecting and interacting with automated information agents over a text-based messaging network by means of a conversational interface that can respond to queries in accordance with the location of the device. A server sends an electronic message identifying each of a plurality of agents to the device. The streamlined graphical user interface displays an agent selection screen showing identity information for each of the plurality of agents identified in the electronic message. The device includes an input mechanism capable of accepting a user's selection of an agent. Upon receiving a first input specifying a first selected agent, the device displays an agent interaction screen for the first selected agent.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a haptic feedback for enabling a visually impaired person to mentally visualize an image that includes at least one line. Graphical information data corresponding to the image is stored. A portable, handheld device including position sensing means is manually movable by the visually impaired person through an adjacent space, for providing a position signal representative of a current position within the space to where the device is moved by the person. The stored graphical information data is compared with the position signal to generate a haptic output activation signal when the current position of the device is determined to overlap an image line. The position signal in the space is relatable to the stored graphical information. A tactile feedback mechanism in the portable device is responsive to the haptic output activation signal for providing to the person a tactile indication to create a mental image that the current position of the device is at a line of the image.

Abstract: A technique to electronically deliver a message from a sender to an intended recipient based on tracking movement of a mobile object, including obtaining a message provided by the sender, obtaining a location designated by the sender for delivery of the message, tracking a specified mobile object having a position-determining device that determines its own current position, and which transmits its then current position at preset time intervals, determining from the transmitted current position whether the specified mobile object has reached the designated location, and initiating a procedure for automatic delivery of the message electronically to the intended recipient upon the specified mobile object being determined to have reached the designated location.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for routing a message to a communications device. These systems and methods may receive a message via a communications channel, convert the message into a uniform media format, identify at least one of the following: at least one user communications device to receive the message and at least one communications channel for delivering the message, then convert the uniform media formatted message for at least one communications protocol and then forward the message formatted for the at least one communications protocol to the at least one user communications device via at least one communications channel. In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, messages sent in one communications protocol via a communications channel may be delivered to a user in a different communications protocol via a different communications channel.