Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer-readable media for reducing Near Field Communication (NFC) Peer Mode connection times are presented. According to one or more aspects, a mode switching interval associated with an NFC device discovery loop may be defined. A first portion of the mode switching interval may be assigned to polling operations. A second portion of the mode switching interval may be assigned to listening operations. The first portion and the second portion of the mode switching interval respectively may occupy less than all of the mode switching interval, and the second portion of the mode switching interval may be shifted in position within the mode switching interval for respective iterations of the NFC device discovery loop.

Abstract: A near field communications (NFC) device is disclosed that detects a presence of another NFC capable device within its magnetic field. The NFC device observes signal metrics of an observed detection signal at various intervals. The NFC device determines a statistical relationship based upon at least two first signal metrics from among the signal metrics to determine an estimate of at least one second signal metric from among the signal metrics. The NFC device compares a difference between the estimate of the signal metric of the at least one second signal metric and the at least one second signal metric. The NFC capable device makes a first determination that another NFC device is present within its magnetic field when the difference indicates that the at least one second signal metric is non-linearly related to the at least two first signal metrics.

Abstract: The present application relates to a near field communication (NFC) equipped device such as a mobile telephone. The device includes an NFC controller for controlling NFC operations of the device and a secure element for NFC applications and sensitive data. The secure element includes non-volatile memory which is used by the device to store non-volatile NFC data. The non-volatile NFC data is transferred between the secure element and the NFC controller by means of a single wire protocol interface and dedicated proprietary gates of a host controller interface, which dedicated gates are used for transferring the non-volatile NFC data to the secure element memory and retrieving the non-volatile NFC data from the secure element memory.

Abstract: A data transmitting and receiving apparatus includes a coil configured to transmit and receive data through inductive coupling, where a voltage drop across the coil constitutes a sensing signal. The apparatus further includes an input unit configured to generate transmission data and a replica signal in accordance with an input data signal, the transmission data being supplied to the coil. The apparatus still further includes a replica unit configured to generate a compensation signal in accordance with the replica signal, and an output unit configured to extract reception data from the sensing signal using the compensation signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for a software and hardware configuration that uses inductive coupling to allow a physical object to determine information describing another physical object. An inductor capacitor circuit acts as a transmitter as well as a receiver of inductive field. A voltage signal provided to an inductor in an object causes the inductor to generate inductive field received by another inductor in a second object. An object receiving inductive field from another object analyzes the inductive field to receive arbitrary data, including but not limited to data that can allow the receiving object to determine the identity of the object transmitting the inductive field. The object receiving the inductive field can also determine the distance between the receiving object and the transmitting object based on the strength of a signal generated by the inductive field.

Abstract: A communication system and communication method enable various types of near field communication. NFC communication apparatuses have two features in that each can perform communication in two communication modes and that each can perform data transmission at a plurality of transfer rates. The two communication modes consist of a passive mode and an active mode. In the passive mode, between the NFC communication apparatuses, for example, a first NFC communication apparatus transmits data to a second NFC communication apparatus by modulating electromagnetic waves generated by itself, while the second NFC communication apparatus transmits data to the first NFC communication apparatus by performing load modulation on the electromagnetic waves generated by the first NFC communication apparatus. Alternatively, in the active mode, either of the NFC communication apparatuses transmits data by modulating electromagnetic waves generated by itself.

Abstract: An apparatus for low-frequency signal detection and transmission in a short-distance communication field comprises: a PCB, a magnetic induction module for inducing low-frequency magnetic signal, and a low-frequency signal processing module for detecting low-frequency signal, the magnetic induction module and the low-frequency signal processing module being integrated onto the PCB. The magnetic induction module is connected with the low-frequency signal processing module. The PCB can be a SIM card PCB, a Micro-SIM card PCB, a TF card PCB, a SD card PCB, or a UIM card PCB, etc. This invention realizes low-frequency signal detection and transmission function of a SIM card, a TF card, a SD card, a UIM card, or any of other various memory cards mounted in a mobile phone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing wireless network performance by incorporating platform configuration and use case information. In one exemplary scheme, a client device provides the wireless network with an indications of impacted operations based on the client device's platform configuration. The wireless network can adjust the radio link to the client device so as to best accommodate the impacted operation. In one embodiment, a client device that includes a 3×3 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) (or 4×4, 2×2, etc.) and Bluetooth (BT) module identifies a subset of modulation and coding schemes (MCS) that are preferred for operation. The client device provides the identified subset to the WLAN access point (AP). Responsively, the WLAN AP selects a MCS, such that the client device's overall performance remains at an acceptable level. In another embodiment, the server/client can adjust MCS and/or active antenna chains based on the noise floor (NF) level.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure includes a system to generate a vehicle communication system. The vehicle communication system can determine which devices are within the vehicle. From this determination, the vehicle communication system may create a universal bus and hotspot where applications, data, multimedia information, and resources can be shared both with the vehicle and with the other devices in the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dummy touch screen system. The dummy touch screen system includes a host mobile terminal and a dummy touch screen. Here, the host mobile terminal includes a first touch screen unit having a first touch panel and a first display, a first application module driven by receiving a first touch signal generated by a touch of the first touch panel, a first display module receiving a first image signal output by a drive of the first application module, a first image communication module receiving a second image signal output by the drive of the first application module, and a first human interface device (HID) module transmitting a touch signal transmitted from the outside to the first application module.

Abstract: An appliance facilitates localization of a station (STA) in a network, for example, a short-range wireless network. An automatic response to a request for a measurement related communication is provided. The appliance can include a radio frequency (RF) interface and a media access control (MAC) section. The MAC section can receive the request and generate the automatic response immediately after a uniform period that is uniform among any such appliance within the network. The appliance performs only the generation of the automatic response, though the response can include additional information such as (x, y) coordinates of the appliance.

Abstract: There is disclosed means for in a communications device enabling an indirect communications channel between the communications device and at least one further communications device. A data service selected from a set of data services is associated with an identity code. The identity code identifies the communications device. Data related to the identity code is transmitted to a server. The data is preferably transmitted through a radio-frequency based communications interface. The identity code is broadcasting during a predetermined period of time and intended to be received by the at least one further communications device. The broadcast is preferably transmitted through a short-range non-radio frequency based communications interface.

Abstract: A master device transmits a beacon signal including information related to a proximity wireless communication area in a predetermined cycle by using a transmission power which allows the beacon signal to reach beyond the proximity wireless communication area. When a slave device receives the beacon signal from the master device, the slave device estimates a distance to the master device in accordance with the information of the beacon signal. When a wireless communication terminal is located within the proximity wireless communication area, the slave device is connected to the master device by using a proximity wireless communication.

Abstract: A supervisory mobile communication headset system comprises of a first mobile communication device and a mobile headset, each having an RF transceiver used to establish RF audio and RF supervisory communication between the first mobile communication device and the mobile headset, wherein when both devises carried by the user are within near communication proximity of the other. When the first mobile communication device moves away from communication proximity of the headset, the first mobile communication device in response to RF communication signal lose, it generates warning alarm signal(s) to remind the user to carry the mobile headset. The mobile communication device may securely be attached to the user limp with removal tamper detection circuitry.

Abstract: A communication device is disclosed. The device may be in particular a radio transmitter and a receiver that can operate with low power consumption and with improved interference rejection, therefore particularly suitable for use in low-power communication systems, such as wireless sensor networks and wireless body area networks. In one aspect, multiple frequency tones (carriers) are used to carry information from the transmitter, such that a RF signal having multiple radio frequency components is produced and transmitted. In the receiver, an envelope detector is still the RF down-converter. After down-converting intermodulation components are extracted containing amplitude, phase and frequency information of the multiple radio frequency components. This allows the desired signal (the baseband information) to be distinguished from the carriers and unwanted interference.

Abstract: Parameters that define the frequency raster points to be used in an unlicensed band are used to support operation of wireless devices in both licensed and unlicensed frequency bands. Corresponding signaling messages are used to exchange information regarding the device's capabilities, preferences, transmission power, etc. In one method, implemented in a wireless communication device (410) configured to operate in at least first and second frequency bands, a radio access network is accessed (510), using a first radio access mode and the first frequency band. The method further comprises transmitting (520) frequency raster data to the radio access network, wherein the frequency raster data corresponds to the second band, indicates a tuning capability of the wireless communication device (410), and comprises at least a first frequency index and a granularity indicator. Methods and apparatus for maintaining a database of access point capabilities in unlicensed bands are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a Doppler shift compensation scheme applicable in a high mobility communication system. In some examples, a Doppler shift compensation apparatus may include an angle measuring unit configured to measure Angle Of Arrival (AOA) information of a User Equipment (UE); a velocity calculating unit configured to calculate a velocity information of the UE based on the measured AOA information; a frequency shift estimating unit configured to estimate Doppler shift of the UE based on the measured AOA information and the calculated velocity of the UE; a frequency shift compensation triggering unit configured to trigger Doppler frequency shift compensation based on the estimated Doppler shift of the UE; and a frequency shift compensating unit configured to perform the Doppler frequency shift compensation based on a trigger instruction from the frequency shift compensation triggering unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for conserving battery power in a user equipment (UE) by idling the modem when it is not needed in an active state. Idling can occur (1) between a user request for content and the start of the content download; (2) after the content download; and (3) after additional dynamic content has been downloaded, further scripting has finished, or UE data has been uploaded to the network, but before another user request for content has been made. Grace timers can be used before the second and third opportunities to ensure that the modem is not idled while still in use, but also to minimize the time that the modem is in an active state but not being used. These timers can be fixed or dynamic and their duration based on historical trends or testing of particular content or content types.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applications of identification of variations of propagation path to transmit diversity control. Transmit diversity parameters may be modified according to detected dynamics, which may, for example, be related to changes in actual propagation and network conditions. Such dynamics may be referred to as mobility parameters. Mobility parameters may apply to variability in a propagation path due to any conditions. Determination of a mobility parameter may be conducted using one or more of multiple parameters available to the mobile terminal. Such feedback information indication, which is related to the propagation path conditions, may be provided to the apparatus, which would attempt to find a more desired mode of operation, which may lead to reduction in power and the improvement of the quality of transmission.

Abstract: Systems and methods that provide channel-adaptive antenna selection in multi-antenna element communication systems are provided. In one embodiment, a method that selects a subset of receive antennas of a receiver to receive a transmitted RF signal may include, for example, one or more of the following: establishing possible subsets of the receive antennas; determining sets of channel parameter statistics corresponding to the possible subsets of the receive antennas; computing output bit error rates of the receiver, each output bit error rate being computed based on at least one set of channel parameter statistics; selecting a particular possible subset of the receive antennas based upon a criterion predicated on the computed output bit error rates; and connecting one or more RF chains of the receiver to the receive antennas of the selected particular possible subset.

Abstract: Provided are a broadcast receiving apparatus which simultaneously receives a plurality of channels using a single tuner and tunes to a channel without affecting other channels when changing a channel, and a broadcast receiving method thereof. The broadcast receiving apparatus includes a radio frequency (RF) receiver receiving RF broadcast signals of a plurality of channels; an intermediate frequency (IF) converter converting the RF broadcast signals of the plurality of channels into IF signals, respectively; a plurality of signal processors separately processing and outputting the converted IF signals; a noise generator generating a noise signal corresponding to the IF signals; and a controller performing control to output the noise signal instead of the IF signals when at least one of the plurality of channels is changed according to user's input.

Abstract: A receiving circuit, method for receiving a signal, and use of a detection circuit and a control circuit of a receiving circuit of a node of a radio network is provided to deactivate an analog signal processing and/or determination of digital data from a signal received over an antenna of the node, when a stored current frame of the digital data has been recognized as valid, and to activate the analog signal processing and/or the determination, when the transmission of the current frame over an interface of the control circuit has been confirmed, whereby the control circuit is connected to the detection circuit and/or an input circuit for deactivation and activation, and whereby the detection circuit is formed to determine the digital data from the received signal.

Abstract: A polar receiver using injection-locking technique includes an antenna, a first filter, a first voltage-controlled oscillator, a first mixer, a frequency discriminator, a second filter, a third filter, a first analog-digital converter, a second analog-digital converter and a digital signal processing unit. Mentioned polar receiver enables to separate an envelope signal and a frequency-modulated signal from a radio frequency signal received from the antenna via the injection locking technique of the first voltage-controlled oscillator and the frequency discriminator. The envelope component and the frequency-modulated component can be digitally processed by the digital signal processing unit to accomplish polar demodulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receiving device and method for removing a mismatch in a wireless communication system, and to a low noise amplifier (LNA) therefor. According to the present invention, the receiving method for removing the mismatch comprises the steps of: distinguishing the type of input signal received through a wireless network; controlling such that a common bias is applied to transistors within a low noise amplifier, if said input signal is a wideband signal; and outputting a signal from which said mismatch has been removed, by using a current mirror mode in which current paths within said low noise amplifier are crossed.

Abstract: A cascode common source and common gate LNAs operating at 60 GHz are introduced and described. The cascode common source LNA is simulated to arrive at an optimum ratio of upper device width to the lower device width. The voltage output of the cascode common source LNA is translated into a current to feed and apply energy to the mixer stage. These input current signals apply the energy associated with the current directly into the switched capacitors in the mixer to minimize the overall power dissipation of the system. The LNA is capacitively coupled to the mixer switches in the I and Q mixers and are enabled and disabled by the clocks generated by the quadrature oscillator. These signals are then amplified by a differential amplifier to generate the sum and difference frequency spectra.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for controlling activity of a mobile device corresponding to a first user is provided. The method includes enabling an application to receive an indication of permitted usage from a second user. An indication of permitted usage of the mobile device is received via the application from the second user. Instructions are transmitted to the mobile communication device to disable or enable at least one functional component of the mobile device responsive to the indication of permitted usage. Further provided is a computing system including at least one memory configured to perform a procedure for controlling activity of a mobile device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to facilitate the secure storage of multimedia content (i.e. video with optional audio) on an internet cloud, and to grant the release of stored multimedia content to pre-authorized users and pre-authorized emergency dispatch personnel, only. A subscriber entity uses a secure user interface component to store a multimedia package containing important/relevant navigation and/or location information on a cloud database. In addition, the subscriber entity specifies whether or not emergency personnel are authorized to access the multimedia package during an emergency event, and whether or not a predefined highly trusted network of users may access the multimedia package following a conventional authorization procedure.

Abstract: A method and system for re-establishing a connection from a PSAP or 911 call center to a terminal of a 911 caller who has subscribed to IN services, for example, after a terminal of a 911 caller has been disconnected from the PSAP or 911 call center. If the call is dropped, the PSAP or 911 call center can, manually, or automatically via the system of the present invention, dial or cause to be dialed, a pre-determined prefix prior to dialing the number of the terminal of the 911 caller. In a separate embodiment of the method and system of the present invention, a separate parameter is used in CAMEL IDP and ISUP IAM to indicate the calling party category to identify that the call is originating from a PSAP or 911 call center.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a method and a system for processing prior services, the method includes that: an eNB and/or an MME carries a service priority indication in a message sent to a UE in mobile terminating call procedures for CSFB; and the UE sends a GERAN or a UTRAN a priority indication corresponding to a service when the GERAN or the UTRAN initiates the service. With the disclosure, a source network E-UTRAN can take full advantage of an existing message to carry service information to notify a UE, the UE forwards the information to a target network GERAN/UTRAN, so as to avoid failure of a high priority service in the target network.

Abstract: A method is provided for processing emergency service calls from a user device to a PSAP, the user device having an associated line number and being configured to originate calls from fixed and mobile access networks. The method includes determining whether a call from the user device originates from a home location in a fixed access network. When the call is determined to have originated from the home location in the fixed access network, the call is routed to the PSAP, where a location of the user device is determined based on the Automatic Number Identification (ANI) included in signaling associated with the call. When the call is determined not to have originated from the home location in the fixed access network, adding pseudo-ANI to signaling associated with the call and routing the call to the PSAP, where the location of the user device is determined based on the pANI.

Abstract: Dynamically selecting and facilitating stored caller information to a communications recipient device with a communications event, based on communication recipient credentials (e.g. MDN, etc.), preferences outlined in a subscriber profile associated with a relevant calling device, and other variables, e.g., time of day, etc. A subscriber provisions subscriber preferences and subscriber information associated with users of a subscribing communications device in to a subscriber profile, for use during a communications event. Subscriber preferences place restrictive conditions on stored subscriber information that may be transmitted with a communications event initiated by a corresponding communications device. A content collection node dynamically selects customized caller information via a subscriber information content collection process. Customized caller information is transmitted to appropriate recipient devices with a corresponding communications event.

Abstract: Automatic Location Information (ALI) data that is representative of a landline address is digitally retrieved, and automatically transferred to an emergency call taker over a wireless system emergency network. Importantly, the ALI information is determined based on association to a proximate location. Before an emergency call is initiated, additional environmental information, such as a RFID tag, location beacon, WiFi access point, Bluetooth device, or other communication signal with a known location, is included in the wireless session data exchange, used to match one or more location inputs to a fixed civic location (street address) which is used to dispatch emergency responders. Alternatively, the mechanism matches to a precise geodetic location (e.g., where no civic location is available).

Abstract: A system comprising a wearable device with a fall sensor responsive to the physical effect of a fall by a user wearing the device to generate a sensed-fall signal; a plurality of local communicators capable of receiving the sensed-fall signal and transmitting a fall alert; a base transmitter comprising a communications portal capable of initiating communication with a remote responder and establishing two-way voice communication between the remote responder and the user of the wearable device via the local communicators; the local communicators capable of establishing a perimeter and sending an alert if the wearable device is not within the perimeter boundary; a charging plate for induction charging the wearable device; and a mobile application adapted for use on a remote responder's mobile device, the mobile application capable of being activated by communication from the base transmitter to alert the remote responder of the fall or emergency event.

Abstract: A system for enhancing connectivity at a social network. The system is able to identify a user of a telecommunication network, to access charging records for the user pertaining to sessions over the telecommunication network, and to analyze the charging records for the user to determine a pattern of communication relating the user to another individual. The system is further able to determine that the user is a member of a social network, and to provide information regarding the determined pattern of communication to the social network.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for logging and reporting mobile device information is provided. The method includes receiving device activity information corresponding to use of a particular mobile device via a client executed on the particular mobile. The activity information is sorted based on at least one predetermined criterion, and the sorted activity information is reported to a user. The invention further provides a computer activity monitoring and reporting system.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method is described that includes receiving mobile device usage data directly from each of a plurality of mobile devices associated with a particular enterprise, aggregating the usage data from each of the plurality of mobile devices at a central database, and generating one or more mobile device usage reports based on the aggregated usage data.

Abstract: In order to manage a change in conditions of using a service associated with a communication in progress established by a user terminal (TU) within its communications network (RT), a server determines that the user's account does not permit the delivery of the service with a change in the conditions of using a service, after the receipt of a first request derived from a network element, said request comprising an identifier of the service regarding the communication and a parameter defining the change in conditions of using the service, and the server transmits to the network element a response containing a code indicating that the delivery of the service is authorized only with other conditions of using the service, in order for the network element to transmit to the server a second request containing another parameter defining another change in conditions of using the service.

Abstract: A mediation server which is able to communicate with a plurality of account managing servers (104) and mediates requests for issuing subscription information transmitted from a plurality of communication devices between each communication device and any one of the plurality of account managing servers (104), the mediation server comprising, a selection unit configured to select the account managing server to which the request is to be transmitted based on information regarding a current operational status of each account managing server stored in a database, when the request is received from the communication device, and a transmission unit configured to transmit the request for issuing the subscription information to the selected account managing server.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for point of use verified aircraft assembly time collection are disclosed herein. The disclosed method for manufacturing process control involves assigning a plurality of manufacturing tasks to an interactive voice response (IVR) menu associated with a manufacturing process control application. The method further involves selecting one of the plurality of manufacturing tasks assigned to the interactive voice response menu via a mobile telephone device of the user. In addition, the method involves receiving a confirmation response on the mobile telephone device from the manufacturing process control application indicating the manufacturing task selected. In one or more embodiments, the assigning of the plurality of manufacturing tasks involves assigning each manufacturing task to a number. In some embodiments, the number corresponds to a key on the keypad of the mobile telephone device.

Abstract: The embodiments relate to a system and/or method for handover within a heterogeneous network. The system for handing over a first mobile station between cells includes a small cell and a macro cell. The system includes a small cell gateway configured to serve a plurality of small cells. At least one of the plurality of small cells is a restricted small cell that restricts access to a limited number of mobile stations. The small cell gateway is configured to receive access information for the restricted small cell. The small cell gateway is configured to select a small cell among the plurality of small cells for serving the first mobile station in response to a handover request from a macro base station associated with the macro cell. The small cell gateway does not select the restricted small cell if the first mobile station is not included in the access information.

Abstract: Remote mobile device management is provided. A master user account is established based on a request from a master user and a request to associate a remote mobile device with the master user account is received. The remote mobile device is associated with the master user account and management information is received from the master user account that is associated with the remote mobile device including restriction activation information. A first indication of geographic location is received when the remote mobile device enters a defined geographic area. The system also provides for the restriction of at least one device capability of the remote mobile device based on the restriction activation information and the first indication of geographic location. A second indication of geographic location is received when the remote mobile device exits the defined geographic area and provides for restoration of the at least one device capability based on the second indication of geographic location.

Abstract: Remote mobile device management is provided. A master user account is established based on a request from a master user and a request to associate a remote mobile device with the master user account is received. The remote mobile device is associated with the master user account and management information is received from the master user account that is associated with the remote mobile device including restriction activation information. The management information includes restriction activation information and a time of restriction, and generally provides for the restriction of at least one device capability of the remote mobile device based on the restriction activation information and the time of restriction. The system further provides for restoration of the at least one device capability based on the time of restriction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for enabling a communication intended for a device to be automatically conveyed to a group of other devices within proximity of the device. A method may include determining at least one communication directed to at least one device and one or more other devices within a proximity of the at least one device. The method also comprises causing a conveying of the at least one communication to at least one of the one or more other devices based, at least in part, on a determination of a request to receive the at least one communication by the at least one of the one or more other devices.

Abstract: Secure storage of important/relevant information on a device and/or internet cloud is facilitated, and enables automatic transmission of that important/relevant information when certain user-defined criteria are met, e.g., when 911 is dialed on a corresponding subscriber device. A baseline data collection and maintenance interface enables a subscriber to provision important/relevant information (e.g. medical/emergency information) authorized for transmittal, intended recipients of data (e.g. emergency personnel), and one or more information exchange events (e.g., dialing 911 on a corresponding subscriber device), in to a subscriber information database. A trigger monitoring server monitors a subscriber device for the occurrence of one or more information exchange events defined in an affiliated subscriber information database.

Abstract: Disclosed are a base station device and a call connection method for reducing a call connection delay. According to the device and method; in ST301, a terminal acquires an identifier managed in a base station; in ST302, radio resource information required for a service desired by the terminal is decided; in ST303, by using the identifier acquired in ST301, the terminal transmits a request for establishing RRC connection to the base station. In ST304, according to the radio resource information received from the terminal, the base station decides the radio resource to be set for the terminal before authentication by an upper layer node, and the base station extracts information destined to the upper layer node. In ST305, the information destined to the upper layer node is transmitted to the upper layer node. In ST306, the setting contents of the radio resource decided in ST304 are transmitted to the terminal.

Abstract: A key separation method and device are provided in the embodiments of the present invention. The key separation method includes: when a User Equipment hands over from a source node to a target node, or when the User Equipment moves from the source node to the target node in idle state, determining whether or not the source node is a Home NodeB; and if the source node is a Home NodeB, triggering an Authentication and Key Agreement procedure according to the operator's policy, to update Ciphering Key and Integrity Key. By performing Authentication and Key Agreement procedure, the method and device of the embodiments seperate key of the source node from the key of the target node.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for sorting alert and offer messages on a mobile device. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method including receiving alert messages at a mobile device where each alert message contains transaction data associated with a transaction conducted with a merchant. Upon receiving the alert messages, the mobile device receives alert message sorting criteria from a user associated with the mobile device, sorts the alert messages according to the received offer sorting criteria, and displays the sorted alert messages.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for providing previews of voice calls are provided. A voice call from a communication device to a remote communication device is initiated, via a communication interface. Sound data is received via a microphone, prior to the voice call being established. Preview data is transmitted in association with the voice call to the remote communication device, via the communication interface, the preview data indicative of the sound data, and the preview data for presentation at the remote communication device prior to the voice call being established.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for enabling a communication intended for a device to be automatically conveyed to a group of other devices within proximity of the device. A method may include determining at least one communication directed to at least one device and one or more other devices within a proximity of the at least one device. The method also comprises causing a conveying of the at least one communication to at least one of the one or more other devices based, at least in part, on a determination of a request to receive the at least one communication by the at least one of the one or more other devices.

Abstract: Real-time parking availability system. The system includes a database including an inventory of parking spaces in a city including their location, size, and level of demand. A mobile phone is programmed for access to the database to locate a vacant space, to pay for a requested time duration in the space, and to update the database to remove the space from the database of available parking spots for the requested time duration. The parking spaces may accommodate an automobile or a plurality of bicycles.