Abstract: A method and system locates a mobile terminal addressed in a location service request using an overlay identity. According to one aspect of the invention a location service client accesses a first subscriber database, thereby providing said overlay identity, in order to derive a cellular identity of said mobile terminal. According to another aspect of the invention the location service client accesses a location service server in order thereby providing said overlay identity. The location service server initiates a privacy check using said overlay identity and in response receives a cellular identity. The cellular identity then may be used to request a location service to enhance functionality.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for determining the identity of a user associated with a wireless device located near a geographic location at a specific time. In response to the occurrence of an event at a geographic location, a request can be issued by a wireless provider to users of wireless devices to provide the geographic locations of their respective devices and their identities to one or more entities. Upon receiving an affirmative response to the request, the wireless provider communicates information to the entities allowing the entities to contact the users to solicit information regarding the occurrence of the event. A wireless provider may send a request for authorization to users of wireless devices to provide geographic locations when the wireless device enters a predefined geographic area.

Abstract: Provided are a social network service providing system and method for setting a relationship between users based on a motion of a mobile terminal, and a distance determined by a user. The social network service providing system may include a request receiver to receive, from a mobile terminal, a request generated in accordance with a motion of the mobile terminal, an information providing unit to provide location information of the mobile terminal, and distance information determined by a user of the mobile terminal, a mobile terminal identifying unit to identify at least one other mobile terminal based on the location information and the distance information, and a user information providing unit to provide information about a user of the at least one other mobile terminal.

Abstract: PDAs can be used to provide their users with various functions. One such function is the ability to contact other users who are stored in the PDA as contacts, for example by telephone of text message. The decision as to whether or not a particular user should be contacted may be influenced by the location of that user. For example, if a contact is nearby, then it may be more likely that the user of the PDA would want to contact them. The present invention provides a PDA on which the location of one or more contacts can be displayed. Furthermore, the location of a particular contact can be shown on a map on the screen of the PDA simply by tilting the PDA through a predetermined angle about a horizontal axis. Thus, the map can be displayed in an intuitive and straightforward manner.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for IP-based call answering point selection and routing. When an IP-based call is placed to an answering point such as, for example, a Public Safety Answering Point a location for the caller can not be determined using traditional DNIS and ANI based techniques. In the present invention, a geographic location (geolocation) for the caller is determined, from as IP address associated with the caller, using a database. The database comprises information obtained from a plurality of IP location sources (e.g. Skyhook Wireless Inc.'s Loki™, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandated WiFi™ hotspot registration data). An answering point is selected from a plurality of answering points as a function of the caller's location. The call is routed to the selected answering point and the caller's location information is provided to that answering point.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to methods, systems, and computer readable media for providing geo-location proximity updates to a presence system. One method includes intercepting a mobility management message associated with a mobile subscriber, wherein the mobility management message includes one or more network specific identifiers (NSIDs). A geo-location proximity descriptor is determined based on the one or more NSIDs. The geo-location proximity descriptor is communicated to a presence system.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a location based service (LBS) that updates a first version of information provided a mobile terminal responsive to a geo-query relative to a second, later version of information responsive to the geo-query by transmitting portions of the second version to the mobile terminal rather than all of the second version.

Abstract: An Interactive Tracking Virtual World (ITVW) system, may be utilized with other systems accessible through the Internet and/or a communications network. The ITVW system may be operable as an online game and/or to provide a virtual environment. ITVW system users (i.e., ITVW users) may be individuals or groups, such as parents and/or their children, which utilize the ITVW system for tracking an identity within the ITVW system. The ITVW system may also include ITVW system participants (i.e., ITVW participants), such as commercial business establishments, individuals and/or other entities associated with the ITVW system. The ITVW system collects an ITVW user's location information and location history.

Abstract: A method and system for personalized venue marketing is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an application that is resident on a mobile communication device of a patron sends personally identifiable information and the identifying device address to a server when the patron enters a venue. The server associates the identifying device address of the mobile device with the patron in a customer relations management (CRM) database for the venue. The identifying device address allows for tracking of the patron by WiFi sensors positioned throughout the venue.

Abstract: An unlocking method enabling a locking mechanism to be unlocked, includes the following step of: detecting whether an authentication instruction from a host mobile terminal is received. First, transmitting a location search instruction to a caller mobile terminal when the authentication instruction is received. Next, receiving a location of the caller mobile terminal generated in response to the location search instruction from the caller mobile terminal. Then, determining whether the caller mobile terminal is within a predetermined distance based on the location. Finally, unlocking the locking mechanism when the caller mobile terminal is within the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A network controller including processing circuitry may be configured to receive dynamic position information indicative of a three dimensional position of at least one mobile communication node, compare fixed position information indicative of fixed geographic locations of respective access points of a network to the dynamic position information to determine a relative position of the at least one mobile communication node relative to at least one of the access points based on the fixed position information and the dynamic position information, and provide network control instructions to at least one network asset based on the relative position.

Abstract: The system comprising a first communication device and a second communication device, wherein when the door is locked by the first communication device, a door locked message is displayed on the first communication device and/or the second communication device, wherein when the door is unlocked by the first communication device, a door unlocked message is displayed on the first communication device and/or the second communication device, and wherein the first communication device comprises a word processing implementer.

Abstract: Techniques for performing more accurate snap-to-road calculations using wireless access point data are disclosed. In one aspect, a corrected location corresponding to received location data is selected from a plurality of candidate map locations based on a correspondence between the access points visible to a device and the access points visible at the corrected map location. In another aspect, road vector data is augmented with access point data, and a corrected map location is selected based on a correspondence between the access points visible to the device, and the augmented road vector data.

Abstract: The communication device comprising a power-off notification implementer, a power-off location notifying implementer, a header displaying implementer, a footer displaying implementer, a zone leaving notifying implementer, and a zone entering notifying implementer.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of estimating the position of a user device (902), the method comprising: receiving signal data from a plurality of electromagnetic signal sources (W) having known locations; dividing the plurality of electromagnetic signal sources (W) into a plurality of groups (G1, G2, G3, G4, G5) of the signal sources; processing the received signal data to generate group position data representing the position of at least one group location (910, 912, 914, 916, 918), each group location being characteristic of the location of a respective group of the signal sources; and processing the group position data to generate position data representing an estimate of the position of the user device (902); and outputting the position data.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure describes techniques for providing a user of a source computing device with the ability to communicate with a destination communication device, while using a navigation application that provides directions to a geographical location associated with the destination communication device. Specifically, the source computing device may provide within the navigation application a mechanism, such as a selectable item, that upon selection allows the user to communicate with the destination communication device without exiting the navigation application that is providing directions to the geographical locations associated with the destination communication device.

Abstract: In a method data are collected about users of mobile telephones which are present within a plurality of defined cells between two specified points in time. For this purpose a list of telephone numbers of mobile telephones is retrieved from a data base, which mobile telephones were located in the defined cells between the two specified points in time. The list of telephone numbers is converted into unique numbers to avoid violation of privacy. Subsequently, the cells are defined in which the housing locations of the users of these mobile telephones are situated. This is effected by sending non-noticeable text messages to mobile telephones on various days at a number of different points in time at which most people are expected to be at home. Based on these text messages the locations of the mobile telephones are established.

Abstract: Transit delay can be automated and pushed directly to a mobile device of a user based on a rank of usefulness within the mobile device interface. The closest transit station to a user's current position may be determined. An implementation may receive a current status of a transit delay in respect to the nearby transit station. A notification relating to the transit delay may be displayed on a mobile device of the user based on a relative priority of the notification, relative to other notifications available to be displayed on a mobile device of the user.

Abstract: Methods for sharing athletic activities and systems incorporating the same, wherein some examples include receiving challenger data corresponding to a challenge initiated by challengers, communicating challenger data to challenge record servers, comparing challenger data to owner records to determine if challengers were victorious, and requesting challenge record servers to overwrite owner records if the challengers were victorious. Other examples may additionally or alternatively include storing on challenge record servers one or more server challenge datasets including owner records, receiving challenger data corresponding to challenges completed by challengers, comparing owner records to the challenger data to determine if the challengers were victorious, and overwriting the owner record if the challengers were victorious.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for utilizing one or more mobile devices to estimate distances between wireless access points (APs). Embodiments can, for example, enable mobile devices, wireless APs, and/or other systems to estimate a distance between two wireless APs using Round-Trip Time (RTT) measurements obtained by one or more mobile devices. The RTT measurements can be utilized based on whether one or more related Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) measurements exceed a threshold value. Embodiments can also utilize crowdsourcing to obtain distance estimation data (e.g., distance estimates, RTT and/or RSSI measurements, etc.) from one or more mobile devices and/or propagate a determined distance, based on the distance estimation data, to multiple devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal including an input unit; a communication unit; a location information unit configured to obtain location information related to the mobile terminal; and a controller configured to: receive a message and a recipient through the input unit, determine a location information transfer mode set for the recipient, receive a message transfer command through the input unit, transfer the message with the location information to the recipient through the communication unit in response to the message transfer command, when the location information transfer mode is a first transfer mode, and transfer the message without the location information to the recipient through the communication unit in response to the message transfer command, when the location information transfer mode set to the recipient is a second transfer mode.

Abstract: A computing device generates a plurality of visual indications of connections made between customers and service representatives by an automated dispatcher system. The computing device further provides animations of the plurality of visual indications moving on a map between customer locations associated with the customers and service representative locations associated with the service representatives.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes: an interface for reading out identification information regarding a communication carrier from a storage medium in which the identification information is stored; a communication unit for deciding the communication carrier based on the identification information read out by the interface and making communication by using the decided communication carrier; an authentication unit for making an authentication by using the identification information read out by the interface; a control unit for enabling a communicating operation by the communication unit according to a success in the authentication by the authentication unit; and a display control unit for allowing an authenticating display screen for making the authentication to be displayed onto a display apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for interactive property communication. In various embodiments, an interactive property communication system includes two or more property communication nodes (PCNs) each adapted for coupling to an electrical service. PCNs include a radio transceiver for communications with a broker service adapted for controlling communications with one or more PCNs.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems, methods, apparatuses, articles, etc. for mobile device locating in conjunction with localized environments. For certain example implementations, a method may comprise obtaining at a mobile device one or more signals comprising information indicative of a location thereof. The information may be transmitted to one or more servers. A location context identifier (LCI) may be received responsive to the transmitting, with the LCI corresponding to a localized environment at which the mobile device is located. The LCI may be transmitted to the one or more servers. Location-based data may be received responsive to the transmitting of the LCI, with the location-based data being associated with the LCI and pertaining to the localized environment. The location of the mobile device may be determined with respect to the localized environment based, at least in part, on the location-based data. Other example implementations are described herein.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to systems and methods for checking in at a business with a mobile computing device. For example, the mobile computing device may receive via a data network, location information for a venue. The mobile computing device may also determine whether a location of the mobile computing device is available. Conditioned upon the location of the mobile computing device being available, the mobile computing device may determine whether the location of the mobile computing device is within a threshold distance of the venue. Conditioned upon the location of the mobile computing device being within the threshold distance of the venue, the mobile computing device may send a check-in message to a server. The check-in message may indicate that the user of the mobile computing device is at the venue.

Abstract: A system and method for peer based localization system using radio technology, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi ad-hoc technology that enables mobile devices such as cell phones, smart phones, laptops, handheld communication devices, handheld computing devices, satellite radios, global positioning systems, PDAs, etc. to discover their physical location relative to one another. In addition, the peer based localization can use a plurality of radio technologies to increase the accuracy of the physical location estimates. Additionally or alternatively, the peer based localization technique can be combined with infrastructure based location techniques, such as triangulation, GPS, or infrastructure based Wi-Fi localization in order to transpose virtual coordinates into physical coordinates.

Abstract: Map tile data for displaying graphic elements of a web-based mapping system in a mobile computing device may be pre-fetched to the device based on an analysis of the historical uses of a mapping module at that mobile device. The mobile device may retrieve user mapping activity data and extract geographic location data from the mapping activity data. This geographic location data may then be used to retrieve map tile data that is related to another request for map tile data. This related map tile data may then be stored in cache storage to be retrieved during periods of reduced communication with a map tile server or other periods.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system of marker placement in a mapping environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a marker in a mapping environment using an algorithm based on an address data, placing the marker in the mapping environment adjacent to a physical location identified through the address data using the algorithm and automatically relocating the marker in the mapping environment to the physical location identified through the address data responsive to a user-provided marker movement. The method may also include generating a claimable marker movement request that identifies markers not claimed by any user in the mapping environment as candidates of relocation, processing a marker locking request when a claimable profile associated with the address data is claimed by a particular user and enabling the particular user to control future relocations of the marker when the user claims the claimable profile associated with the address data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules are provided. In particular, these methods and systems may store an entertainment profile of a user, wherein the entertainment profile identifies entertainment media characteristics of the user. It may then be determined that the user entered a predetermined range of a location. In response to this, a location-based rule that corresponds to the location and that defines an action to be taken may be automatically identified. Based on the location-based rule, the location, and the entertainment profile of the user, the action may be performed.

Abstract: A system and method can support a virtual private network based on a public telecommunication infrastructure. The virtual private network can receive a request from a caller for place a call to a callee via the virtual private network. The virtual private network can obtain at least one of presence status and location information of the callee. Then, the virtual private network can allow the caller to make a decision on whether or not to proceed with the call. The public telecommunication infrastructure can be based on a legacy network and an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network, and the virtual private network can obtain information from both the legacy network and the IMS network via a service broker.

Abstract: A system and device for enabling tracking and communication between units in a team, typically used for military or rescue operations. The system, known as Command and Control System, has a handheld central unit with a display for showing positions of team units and portable team units having GPS, compass and radio communication function for sending and receipt of positions and alarms and for receiving text messages, a display for showing own positions and bearings. The units have the ability to send data directly or relayed to each other. Each unit can be assigned one or more roles and can send or receive messages that instruct actions like, deletion of vital information or control of power consumption.

Abstract: A mobile communication device configured to communicate over a wireless network is further configured to generate detectable events in response to activities of a user of the mobile communications device. Underlying user activities are identified from the detected events. Personalized electronic diary entries are generated from the identified activities as indications of a user activity related to the detected event. The personalized electronic diary entries can be stored in a user retrievable collection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided that may be implemented in a mobile device to determine that the mobile device is located within a particular level of a multi-level physical structure based, at least in part, on a comparison of measured wireless signals and stored measurements of wireless signals.

Abstract: A situational and global context aware calendar, communications, and/or relationship management method and system is disclosed. The system is configured to receive non-calendaring related context information, and, based on that context information, to automatically determine one or more parameters of a meeting request.

Abstract: A method of validating cellular device location record accuracy is intended to validate and refine cellular carrier records accuracy for investigation and litigation purposes. Records provided by a cellular carrier and other information are analyzed to validate or refine a possible and/or estimated location of a specified cellular device during a specified time frame. More specifically, the location of a specified radio communications transceiver cell site is verified, a nominal cellular wireless signal coverage map is produced, and various pieces of information regarding potential service disruptions during the specified time frame are analyzed in order to produce a more accurate coverage map during the specified time frame for the purpose of quantitatively defining probable or potential locations for the specified cellular device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to facilitate device-to-device communication with a remote device registered with a communication network are described. One example method may include obtaining an identity information of the second device from an address book, submitting the identity information of the second device to a communication network, estimating device-to-device (D2D) proximity of the second device, generating an indication of the proximity of the second device relative to the first device, and initiating a device-to-device communication session with the second device when the indication is that the second device is proximate.

Abstract: A mobile station is configured to detect entry into a premises of an enterprise in response to short range or near field radio-frequency signals. The mobile station receives signals from one or more short range wireless beacons located in the premises, and the mobile station sends identifiers from the beacon signals to a location server. The location server processes the identifiers to determine location of the mobile station within the premises and sends information to the mobile station, for presentation to the user of a map of the premises showing the determined location of the mobile station within the premises. Entry detection also may be used to automatically check-in a customer/user of the mobile station with a system of the enterprise used by personnel of the enterprise at the premises to enable the personnel to customize interactions the customer while the customer is at the premises.

Abstract: In general, in one aspect, a mobile device can perform reverse geocoding based on context, in addition to latitude and longitude coordinates. The reverse geocoding can be used to determine in which geofence among multiple geofences the mobile device is located. Thus, the mobile device can be associated with a street address, a postal code, a named land feature, or a commercial, cultural, or political entity associated with the geofence. The context can include a pattern of movement, as well as an accuracy of the latitude and longitude coordinates. Information in the context can be compared to selection criteria of the geofence. A geofence having selection criteria that match the context the best can be selected.

Abstract: A method and service-related nodes for providing a deferred distance notification for at least two user devices. A Location-based gateway receives a request for a deferred distance notification for user devices, and sends a request to a Location enabler for the location of the user devices. The gateway receives location data from the Location enabler, and monitors the fulfillment of user device distance-related event criteria. When a user device distance-related event criterion is fulfilled, the gateway triggers the deferred distance notification, and sends the notification of the user device distance event to an application node. The application node sends a location request after which the Application node receives the notification. Distance notification can thus be provided to a user requesting a location-deferred service, such that the location of entire groups of users can be revealed to the requesting party.

Abstract: Map labels are dynamically downloaded to a wireless communication device for efficiently labelling a map displayed on the device. A method of dynamically downloading map labels to a wireless communications device includes steps of determining a size of label data for an area of interest and dynamically downloading the label data for the area of interest based on the size of the label data. Optionally, map labels can be dynamically downloaded based on a label prioritization scheme that takes into account the current position of the device. Optionally, the size of the label data can be determined from a map data index.

Abstract: A navigation system and method which provides direction to visitors in buildings or groups of buildings. The system includes a check-in computer for recording identification information and destination information of a person upon entry into a building, for interrogating a wireless communicator associated with the person to obtain a wireless identifier, and for storing the identification information, the destination information, and the wireless identifier in a record. The system further includes a plurality of navigation stations for receiving the wireless identifier along a route of the person, for determining directions to a next navigation station along the route based upon the destination information in the record, and for providing the directions to the person.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise systems and methods related to the provision of location based services via a mobile communications device. In different embodiments, a communication system is described, comprising a mobile communications device, a mobile communications base station, and a server computer system. The location of the device may be correlated with certain user preferences stored on the server computer system. In various embodiments, components of the larger system are described. In some cases, various location related mapping functions for a device are discussed. In other embodiments, systems and methods which provide for activities to be undertaken based on the location of a device are described. In still other embodiments, the disclosure addresses systems and methods of efficiently determining the location of a mobile device. In some embodiments, different notification schemes based on the location of a device and specified preferences are described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for providing a mobile user interface on a mobile computing device. Specifically, among other things, embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented infrastructure comprising: determining a virtual space; generating a display of at least a first portion of the virtual space; sensing a movement in real space of the mobile computing device; determining a change in position in real space of the mobile computing device based upon the sensed movement; determining whether the change in position is within a predefined boundary; and determining a viewing perspective of a second portion of the virtual space based upon the determined change in position of the mobile computing device.

Abstract: The location of a mobile terminal associated with a user is determined using GPS or by monitoring signals generated and received by the mobile terminal, etc. Coordinates for at least one hot spot defined by the user are accessed to determine whether the location of the mobile terminal is within the hot spot. When an incoming contact is received for the user, a determination is made as to whether there are any contact routing rules associates with the user. If so, the record of contact routing rules associated with the user is accessed and the contact is routed to at least two designated devices simultaneously, each designated device associated with a different telephone number.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for performing a wireless location of a mobile communication device for detecting, monitoring and/or controlling one or more interactive mobile services capable of being activated by a user of the mobile device. When the mobile device is operated by the user, a wireless location is performed for determining whether such an interactive service, requested by the user, can be provided to the user. In one embodiment, a determination is made as to whether the mobile device resides in a container, e.g., a vehicle, for determining whether the interactive mobile service can be accessed by the user.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and image displaying method therein, by which a display of object relevant information included in a preview image can be effectively controlled. The present invention includes receiving an input of the image externally, obtaining object relevant information of each of a plurality of objects, displaying the inputted image in a manner of displaying the object relevant information of each of a plurality of the objects within the inputted image, receiving an input of a sort command signal for sorting the object relevant information externally, and sorting and displaying the object relevant information of each of a plurality of the objects according to the input of the sort command signal to correspond to at least one of a distance, a direction and a category of each of a plurality of the objects.

Abstract: A digitally stored map can indicate the signal quality for each of the map's regions. A device can determine its location, speed, and direction using global positioning system (GPS) and other sensors. Based on this information, the mobile device can predict a field of locations within which the device will probably be located within a specified future time frame. Based on both the information indicating signal quality and the probable future field of locations, the device can estimate a moment at which the device will probably begin to suffer from low-quality or absent signal. Using this prediction, the device can proactively perform a variety of anticipatory remedial actions. For example, the device can begin allocating a greater portion of currently available wireless network communication bandwidth to the reception of data packets that represent content that is being streamed to the device, so that the device can proactively buffer those packets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for resolving an ambiguity with regard to a mobile device's location are described. In various embodiments, when a level of ambiguity with regard to the location of a mobile device is detected, and the level of ambiguity is above a threshold, an ambiguity resolution request signal is generated and transmitted. In this manner, a wireless terminal needing help in determining its location reliably may request such help but at other times may determine its own location without assistance. In some embodiments the ambiguity resolution request signal includes information, e.g., location probabilities, on one or more locations which are under consideration as possible locations of the mobile device. A device responding to the ambiguity resolution request provides information allowing the mobile device confronted with a location ambiguity to eliminate at least on location under consideration or to generate a new probability for one or more locations under consideration.

Abstract: A system may enable vehicle operators to request information automatically along the route of travel by transmitting information requests, tied to the vehicle's current position, to a server. The server may store a plurality of informational files associated with particular global positioning system coordinates. Upon receipt of a request, the files associated with a particular position may be located and transmitted to the vehicle. The files may be stored as audio files so the user may listen to the files without being distracted while driving the vehicle.