Abstract: Methods for responding to a potential incident are provided in which data about the potential incident is received from a first remote sensing unit. Additional remote sensing units are identified that may have additional data about the potential incident, and additional data about the potential incident is received from at least some of these additional remote sensing units. The totality of the received data is then analyzed, and at least one remote entity is automatically notified regarding the occurrence of the potential incident.

Abstract: A disposable electronic device includes a housing, a user interface in the housing and a short range, unlicensed wireless transceiver in the housing. A controller is configured to control the user interface and the short range, unlicensed wireless transceiver. A non-replaceable, non-rechargeable battery also is provided in the housing. New forms of disposable, proximity-based communications systems, devices and methods thereby may be provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing virtual posting services. Methods include receiving content from a communications device located in a geographic proximity that is serviced by an access node, storing the content in a storage device that is in communication with the access node, and tracking an amount of time the content item is stored. If the amount of time does not reach a pre-established threshold, the methods include transmitting the content to another communications device in response to detecting the presence of the other communications device within the geographic proximity and in response to an inquiry from the other communications device.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for multiple reminder and sub-events for calendar items. Exemplary embodiments include a method including creating an event having an event time in the electronic calendar, creating a first reminder associated with the event and configured to activate at a first time prior to the event and creating another reminder associated with the event and configured to activate at a second time prior to the event and after the first time. Additional exemplary embodiments include a method including identifying deadlines associated with the sub-events, setting a reminder for each of the deadlines associated with the sub-events, setting a sound attribute for each of the reminders, and activating the reminder for each of the deadlines associated with the sub-events. An activation two reminders having a common deadline can have a unique sound attribute.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the creation of vehicle sound fonts, for utilizing the vehicle sound fonts to augment the engine sounds of a vehicle, and for establishing a network for sharing and controlling the playback of vehicle sound fonts and other media. The systems install in automobiles and play simulated engine sounds of other recorded vehicles in a controlled manner synchronized with the engine spark frequency of the playback vehicle. Automobiles with these systems may network together to share media and to coordinate playback in a synchronized manner among all vehicles of the network.

Abstract: A disposable electronic device includes a housing, a user interface in the housing and a short range, unlicensed wireless transceiver in the housing. A controller is configured to control the user interface and the short range, unlicensed wireless transceiver. A non-replaceable, non-rechargeable battery also is provided in the housing. New forms of disposable, proximity-based communications systems, devices and methods thereby may be provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and computer program products for implementing condition alert services are provided. A method includes receiving information elements from a source that identify a condition, aggregating the information elements from the source with information elements from other sources that identify the same condition, and creating a composite file that includes the aggregated information elements representing each of the sources. The method also includes generating a condition alert from the composite file and transmitting the condition alert to a recipient communications device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing virtual posting services. Methods include receiving content from a communications device located in a geographic proximity that is serviced by an access node, storing the content in a storage device that is in communication with the access node, and tracking an amount of time the content item is stored. If the amount of time does not reach a pre-established threshold, the methods include transmitting the content to another communications device in response to detecting the presence of the other communications device within the geographic proximity.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer program products for real-time high dynamic range (HDR) imaging are provided. A method includes creating a first HDR image file for a subject image captured from a first angle and at a first time increment (T1). The first HDR image file is created by a first image capturing device. The method also includes receiving a second HDR image file for the subject image captured from a second angle at T1, creating a first composite HDR image file by combining elements of the first HDR image file with elements of the second HDR image file, and generating a first three-dimensional HDR image from the composite HDR image file. The second HDR image file is received in real-time, such that the first three-dimensional HDR image reflects the subject at T1.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for interfacing multiple plain old telephone system (POTS) devices with multiple cellular devices in communication with a cellular network to enable efficient communication among these devices. In a broad sense, the system includes an interface configured to function as a bridge between the POTS devices and the cellular devices. The interface selectively routes call attempts from a POTS device to one of a group of cellular devices which connect the calls from the POTS device over the cellular network. The interface may be configured to detect a key sequence for selecting a particular cellular device in the group during an outgoing call attempt from the POTS device. The interface then routes the outgoing call to the selected cellular device. The interface may also be configured to detect a telephone number entered into the POTS device during an outgoing call attempt and route the outgoing call to a particular cellular device based on criteria pre-programmed in the interface.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for the management of an audio environment with multiple audio sources. According to various embodiments described herein, real-time audio from multiple sources is received. A speaker is identified for each of the audio sources. Upon detecting a change from a first audio source to a second audio source, an identification of the speaker associated with the second audio source is provided. According to various embodiments, a recording of the real-time audio may be made and descriptors inserted to identify each speaker as the audio source changes. Real-time feedback from the speakers regarding characteristics of the audio may be received and corresponding adjustments to the audio made.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for automatically setting an alert mode on a wireless device. Scheduling data is received which defines a predetermined period utilized to set the alert mode. The scheduling data may be received either by direct input in the wireless device or alternatively from an external edge device, such as a network server, in a communications network. In response to receiving the scheduling data, an alert mode on the wireless device is automatically set for the predetermined period. The alert mode may include a silent alert mode on the wireless device. The wireless device may include a sensor for receiving data indicative of a current external state. The sensor data may include location data, temperature data, and ambient noise data. The received sensor data may be utilized to automatically trigger the setting of an alert mode in the wireless device.

Abstract: Virtual media environments are provided. A first set of media components is received and modified to create a first virtual media instance. The first virtual media instance is provided to a user via at least one media output device. Media parameters corresponding to the user are updated based on the first virtual media instance. A second set of media components is also received. The second set is modified based on the updated media parameters to create a second virtual media instance.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing personalized dissemination of information are provided. A method includes receiving personal information elements for a subject, and applying business rules to the personal information elements, data elements designated for publication by a source of the data elements, and a database of information strings. The information strings include words and phrases that are commonly recognized across a populace. In response to application of the business rules, the method also includes selecting one or more of the data elements from the source, one or more of the personal information elements, and an information string from the database of information strings. The method further includes constructing a contextually relevant output string that is relevant to the subject. The output string includes portions of the selected information string, data elements, and personal information elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the creation of vehicle sound fonts, for utilizing the vehicle sound fonts to augment the engine sounds of a vehicle, and for establishing a network for sharing and controlling the playback of vehicle sound fonts and other media. The systems install in automobiles and play simulated engine sounds of other recorded vehicles in a controlled manner synchronized with the engine spark frequency of the playback vehicle. Automobiles with these systems may network together to share media and to coordinate playback in a synchronized manner among all vehicles of the network.

Abstract: Customized transactional cards are created in one of various ways. The card holder may obtain a blank transactional card already having an encoded account number, create a customized design, and then apply the customized design to the blank transaction card such as by printing the design onto a label to be applied to the blank transactional card or directly onto the card. The card holder may obtain a blank transactional card which has not yet been authorized with an account number, create a customized design, apply the customized design to the transactional card, and at some point send the transactional card to the card issuer where it can be authorized by having an account number applied to it and then returned to the card holder. The card holder may access a web site to create a customized design and then the card issuer creates the transactional card according to the customized design and sends the transactional card having an encoded account number to the card holder.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining an offer for a sale of a desired product or a service are provided. The method includes iteratively transmitting a first signal including a first data message using a mobile transceiver device. Each of the first data messages includes information relating to the desired product or service. The method further includes receiving at least one of the first signals having the first data message and determining whether a product or service provider has the desired product or service available for sale. Finally, the method includes transmitting a second signal including a second data message to the mobile transceiver device. The second data message includes an offer to sell the desired product or service.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium for securely providing communications between devices and networks are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, an interface device for providing communications between a first communications network and a device associated with a second communications network comprises an input, an output, logic, and a security program to restrict access to the input or the output of the interface device, connected devices or associated communication networks. The one or more inputs of the interface device receive data in a first format from the first communications network. The logic translates the data to a second format compatible with the second communications device. The translated data is then transmitted to the device associated with the second communications network via the one or more outputs. The security program determines whether a device or user is authorized to receive data prior to granting access to the data.

Abstract: Interface devices for facilitating communications between devices and communications networks are provided. According to one aspect, a destination interface device for providing communications between a first device and a second device comprises one or more inputs, one or more outputs, and logic. The one or more inputs of the destination interface device receive data in a first format from a source interface device. The logic translates the data to a second format compatible with the second device. The translated data is then transmitted to the second device via the one or more outputs. The destination interface device may subscribe to the source interface device for access to enhanced features as well as for access to data associated with communications networks and devices.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium for interfacing devices with communications networks are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a first communications network and a device associated with a second communications network comprises one or more inputs, one or more outputs, and logic. The one or more inputs of the interface device receive data in a first format from the first communications network. The logic translates the data to a second format compatible with the second communications device. The translated data is then transmitted to the device associated with the second communications network via the one or more outputs. The first and second formats may comprise rich media content.