Abstract: A first smartphone or electronic device may predict the location of a second electronic device using low power wireless interfaces, trilateration techniques, and global positioning system coordinates. A smartphone may detect the presence of a second electronic device using low power wireless interfaces and then communicate the predicted location to another smartphone. The low-power wireless interface may communicate in conformance with DASH7, Bluetooth, or RFID. Additional smartphones may join a search for a second electronic device with the assistance of a social networking application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involve a plurality of first devices, and a second device movable relative thereto. According to one aspect, the first and second devices respectively transmit first information and second information containing unique identification codes, the first information also containing position information. The devices collectively include circuitry that estimates distances therebetween, one of the first and second information including the estimate. According to a different aspect, one of the second device and each first device transmits its identification code, and the devices collectively include circuitry that determines two successive sets of estimates representing respective distances between the second device and each first device. One of the second device and each first device transmits information that includes both estimates for that first device, and identification codes for the second device and that first device.

Abstract: A first electronic device may begin communicating with a second electronic device in response to detecting that the second electronic device is within communication range of a low-power wireless interface of the first electronic device. The first device may receive, via the low-power wireless interface, information about a status and/or profile of the second electronic device. The first device may generate a promotion customized based on the received information. The low-power wireless interface 114 may communicate in conformance with ISO 18000-7. The first electronic device may send, via the low-power wireless interface information about a status and/or profile of the first electronic device to the second electronic device. The second electronic device may request a promotion based on the profile and/or status of the first electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involve a plurality of first devices, and a second device movable relative thereto. According to one aspect, the first and second devices respectively transmit first information and second information containing unique identification codes, the first information also containing position information. The devices collectively include circuitry that estimates distances therebetween, one of the first and second information including the estimate. According to a different aspect, one of the second device and each first device transmits its identification code, and the devices collectively include circuitry that determines two successive sets of estimates representing respective distances between the second device and each first device. One of the second device and each first device transmits information that includes both estimates for that first device, and identification codes for the second device and that first device.

Abstract: A tag responds to receipt of a short-range wireless signal by altering the operation of a transmitter that transmits long-range wireless signals containing a unique tag identification, and conforming to a satellite or cellular network communication protocol. According to a different aspect, a tag responds to receipt of a short-range wireless signal by altering operation of a receiver that receives long-range wireless signals containing positioning information, the tag determining location information from the positioning information. According to another aspect, a tag responds to receipt of a short-range wireless signal by altering operation of a sensor section having a sensor responsive to a condition.

Abstract: To provide prompt notification of delivery of an express mailing to the addressee thereof, the page number of a person to be notified upon delivery of the express mailing is communicated to an express mail tracking network and to an operations center of a wireless paging service. When the paging operations center learns of the delivery, either from the tracking network or from a page message transmitted from the delivery site, the person to be notified is paged by the operations center.