Method and apparatus for personal asset management

An approach is provided for personal asset management. The approach involves causing, at least in part, a determination of one or more devices to be part of one or more groups. The approach further involves processing and/or facilitating a processing of a determination of one or more datasets to be stored on the one or more devices. The approach also involves causing, at least in part, the one or more datasets to be synchronized among the one or more devices that are part of the one or more groups. The approach additionally involves causing, at least in part, a cryptographic connection between the one or more devices to be established.

BACKGROUND

Service providers (e.g., wireless and cellular services) and device manufacturers are continually challenged to deliver value and convenience to consumers by, for example, providing compelling network services and advancing the underlying technologies. One area of interest has been the realm of asset management regarding tracking and locating items that belong to a user or group, as well as allowing these items to access personal data that is available in a cloud computing environment.

SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Therefore, there is a need for an approach for creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information.

According to one embodiment, a method comprises causing, at least in part, a determination of one or more devices to be part of one or more groups. The method also comprises processing and/or facilitating a processing of a determination of one or more datasets to be stored on the one or more devices. The method further comprises causing, at least in part, the one or more datasets to be synchronized among the one or more devices that are part of the one or more groups. The method additionally comprises causing, at least in part, a cryptographic connection between the one or more devices to be established.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code for one or more computer programs, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause, at least in part, the apparatus to cause, at least in part, a determination of one or more devices to be part of one or more groups. The apparatus is also caused to cause, at least in part, a determination of one or more devices to be part of one or more groups. The apparatus is further caused to cause, at least in part, the one or more datasets to be synchronized among the one or more devices that are part of the one or more groups. The apparatus is additionally caused to cause, at least in part, a cryptographic connection between the one or more devices to be established.

According to another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium carries one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause, at least in part, an apparatus to cause, at least in part, a determination of one or more devices to be part of one or more groups. The apparatus is also caused to cause, at least in part, a determination of one or more devices to be part of one or more groups. The apparatus is further caused to cause, at least in part, the one or more datasets to be synchronized among the one or more devices that are part of the one or more groups. The apparatus is additionally caused to cause, at least in part, a cryptographic connection between the one or more devices to be established.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for causing, at least in part, a determination of one or more devices to be part of one or more groups. The apparatus also comprises means for processing and/or facilitating a processing of a determination of one or more datasets to be stored on the one or more devices. The apparatus further comprises means for causing, at least in part, the one or more datasets to be synchronized among the one or more devices that are part of the one or more groups. The apparatus additionally comprises means for causing, at least in part, a cryptographic connection between the one or more devices to be established.

For various example embodiments, the following is applicable: An apparatus comprising means for performing the method of any of originally filed claims1-10.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Examples of a method, apparatus, and computer program for creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information are disclosed. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the invention. It is apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details or with an equivalent arrangement. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid

FIG. 1is a diagram of a system capable of creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information, according to one embodiment. Consumers surfing the internet have little or no control over the profile information that is gathered about them on the internet. Consumers have a mechanism to capture and configure their own behavioral data via a central database such as a Personal Profile Stronghold (PPS). An implementation of PPS can be built on top of any generic information management system such that users can manage their data and information from a central location and enable all of their assets to have access and be updated according to this central database. A PPS profile is a profile that stores information regarding a user's preferences and history of usage of various devices and internet websites, as well as what information may be shared with others, and any organizational schemes that a user may define. The PPS profile may be fully customizable and editable depending on a user's personal preferences. The PPS profile may also act as a means to link contact information and other social networking media, as well as other information that may be stored in an alternative database. The PPS may act as a firewall of sorts in that it limits what data is accessible by others, and by what means. These preferences and groupings may be further defined, as discussed below.

Users typically own more than one device. These devices may vary and be a mobile device such as a cell phone, a laptop, tablet computer, or other electronic device such as a desktop computer, television, camera, etc. Other assets such as wallets, cars, purses, any general belonging may be tagged with an RFID tag or some other short range asset management means so that the item may be tracked and considered as a device for the remainder of this discussion. These devices, together, form a personal cloud of all consumer devices together running PPS endpoints. The personal cloud is also an authenticated, cryptographically protected, and hosted PPS endpoint solely for that user's use.

Users need a simple method to determine what profile resources to share with whom. It would, therefore be advantageous to provide an easy to use interface for users to have full control over their personal profile data including: Personal Data Resource Management, Personal Group Management, and Personal Sharing Management.

To address this problem, a system100ofFIG. 1introduces the capability to create an inventory of assets and enable the assets to have access to a central database of information. Users of the system100can manage their affiliation with groups of contacts, or organize their contacts that may be loaded from the contact information available from external sources such as, but not limited to, Outlook, Gmail, Facebook, etc. In the PPS, users can manage their relationship with groups, manage all of their devices and instruct them to receive data, manage data in general, create data resource packages, assign data resource packages to be cached on specific devices, share data resource packages with groups or individuals, etc.

A trusted app agent may be built on top of the PPS and a set of low-cost tags such as RFID, Zigbee, NFC, etc. that allows the user to easily tag an item they own. Based on the tags, the user may then create an inventory of those items that includes, for example, sku#, color, device name, purchase date, person's sentiment toward the item, photo of the item, person's review of the item, the precise location of the item at this time, etc. The item can have a software compass that helps the user find the specific item by using any of the above tagging technologies along with triangulation. Building the trusted app agent on top of the information database enables the ability to synchronize data and actions across all Personal Cloud end-points (items belonging to the user in the personal cloud) and allow for all of these items to have access to the PPS.

In one embodiment, the system100includes one or more user equipment (UEs)101a-101n(e.g., also collectively referred to as UEs101) having trusted apps107a-107n(e.g., also collectively referred to as trusted app107) capable of detecting a local sensor103a-103n(e.g., also collectively referred to as local sensor103) that is, for instance, a tag or transponder using a short range communication link (e.g., near field communication (NFC) such as RFID, Bluetooth®, etc.). The local sensor103can then be tracked or located through the UEs101that are equipped with, for instance, a directional antenna or other detector tuned to the local sensor103. The local sensor may be on board the UE101or remote. As used herein, the term “remotely locate” refers to the capability a UE101athat is outside of the normal tracking range of the local sensor103to track the local sensor103by enabling other UEs101b-101nthat are nearby the out-of-range local sensor103to relay tracking or location information of the local sensor103to the UE101aover, for instance, a communication network105. In this way, the UE101acan navigate to the local sensor103based on the location information provided by one or more of the UEs101b-101n, thereby advantageously reducing the burden (e.g., device resources burden) associated with searching for the out-of-range local sensor103without the aid of the other UEs101b-101n. In other words, the system100connects or otherwise links the UEs101a-101nso that one or more of the UEs101a-101bcan provide local sensor103tracking information to other ones of the UEs101a-101nwhen a particular one of the UEs101a-101nis out of local tracking range of the local sensor103.

In yet another embodiment, the UE101aand/or the asset management platform109detects all of the UE101's that are part of the user's personal cloud and based on the local sensors103will enable access by the UE101to update its information or have access to information stored at the information database113such as contact information queried from a social networking service111or other email service, or various user preferences. The trusted app107enables the user to control the information management and have access to the information database by way of the asset management platform109.

In the PPS115, the user has full control over *ALL* personal data that is gathered about a user while the user is accessing the various websites on the internet. This includes all search terms, click throughs, web pages visited, etc. The system100enable user to easily and explicitly define which personal data to collect or no, manage personal data resources, manage contact and group resources, manage sharing permissions, grant access to groups or individuals to specific personal data resources, update access to groups or individuals to specific personal data resources, remove access to groups or individuals to specific personal data resources, etc.

A user can also set an alarm, so if an item moves farther than a certain distance from a sensor (like the mobile phone, or sensor at home) then the user is notified (e.g. alarm goes off or gets email, etc). A user, therefore, could determine where the user last left an item or if the user's wallet has moved farther away from a location than the user would like. A notification could also be incorporated into a mechanical device such as a buzzer on a bracelet.

Personal asset management enriches the value of the user's profile such that information regarding what assets the user has as part of his personal cloud may be aggregated as data that may be used to target advertisers and publishers for sale of information about the user or to directly advertise to the user via UE101or some other medium.

In various embodiments, the system100enables the user to keep a detailed inventory of all items owned. In the trusted app107, vendor registration card capability may be implemented to enable the consumer to register their product easily and automatically with a manufacturer, for example. This will enable warranties and customer support for their products. From a product maker's perspective, the registration data is extremely important to be able to identify a consumer. Product makers can now have an opportunity to open a dialogue with the consumer through the use of the system100and may create new offers of questionnaire answering, focus groups, etc. to the market segment of users who are known to own their products.

Big box retailers often have loyalty plans designed to bring consumers back to the their retail stores by giving them incentives in the form of (1) cash back, (2) points that can be used for discounts, or (3) coupons. With the PPS115, the trusted app107keeps track of all value earned by the consumer in terms of retailer points, analyzes the consumer's profile, identifies and pulls the vendor's best deals that are relevant for their consumer, enables the consumer to visualize the points gathered, and enables the consumer to exchange vendor specific points for retailer points which can then be exchanged for other vendor points (in effect, it allows the consumer to use retailer points across vendors within the retailer loyalty network).

The economic goal of a cross vendor loyalty plan establishment is to improve relationships between demand and supply by providing new and better ways for the former to engage with and drive the latter. This is not possible when all the tools of engagement are provided by suppliers, and all those tools are different. For example, most customers today carry around up to dozens of “loyalty” cards and key-ring tags, each with its own vendor-provided means for controlling interactions and providing benefits. These inconvenience both buyers and sellers, and limit the intelligence that can be gathered and put to use by either party.

But, with the PPS115discussed above, buyers could have the ability to advertise their shopping lists to the sellers with which they have relationships. Buyers could establish and maintain loyalty on their own terms and in their own ways. Customers could express preferences and advertise demand in a manner that is improved to the point where sellers could reduce money wasted on advertising and other forms of guesswork. With PPS is would also be easy for customers to say what they'll pay for what they want, on their own terms (and to pay on the spot, if the terms are mutually agreeable). Vendor relationship management tools and services may enable many of the above possibilities by pulling information from detected internet usage.

In various embodiments, customer loyalty networks may be used to reduce conflicts of interest. A loyalty network might select one competitor in each retail market segment. For example, American Airlines would include American Airline points that work only for AA and the partner rewards network. Consumers find this restrictive. In a cross vendor loyalty plan, for example, plan points enable consumers to dynamically choose to use and apply their points across even competing vendors. In the same way countries manage exchange rates between countries, the loyalty plan provider manages the point exchange rate between the plan points and the store's points system. The system of course monitors and eliminates arbitrage situations.

From a reward perspective, the trusted app will account for retailer points from a multitude of activities including:

(1) purchasing products

(3) responding to questionnaires

(4) participating in focus groups

(5) making more healthy choices for health points

(6) making more safe driving choices for driver insurance points

Based on a user's PPS profile, and the deals available in an anonymous profile marketplace, the retailer plan privately selects the best method for the consumer to be rewarded (cash, points, coupons, etc.).

In the cross loyalty vendor plan, relationships must be voluntary, users must enter relationships with vendors as independent actors, users must be the points of integration for their own data, users must have control of data they generate and gather, users must be able to share data selectively, voluntarily, and control the terms of its use, users must be able to assert their own terms of engagement and service, and users must be free to express their demands and intentions outside of any one company's control.

The above mentioned cross loyalty vendor plan provides tools for individuals to manage relationships with organizations. These tools are personal. Individuals are the collection centers for their own data, so that transaction histories, health records, membership details, service contracts, and other forms of personal data are no longer scattered throughout a forest of silos. Users have the ability to share data selectively, without disclosing more personal information than the individual allows. Users have the ability to control how their data is used by others, and for how long. Users have the ability to assert their own terms of service, reducing or eliminating the need for organization-written terms of service that nobody reads and everybody has to “accept” anyway. Users have a means for expressing demand in the open market, outside any organizational silo, without disclosing any unnecessary personal information. Users also are platforms for business by opening the market to many kinds of third party services that serve buyers as well as sellers. And relationship-managing tools are based on open standards, such as open APIs (application program interfaces), and open code. This supports a rising tide of activity that will lift an infinite variety of business boats, plus other social goods.

In various embodiments, personal data can be collected in any of the following ways: communication logging (HTTP, Email, SMS, IM, Skype, etc.), device sensor logging (activity, GPS, photos, audio, etc.), personal data entry (forms entry, contextual data entry, etc.), personal profile data extraction (demographic, firmographic, behavioral, etc.), for example.

Each collection mechanism is a functional flow that can constitute PPS. Users may have control over each of these collection mechanisms by choosing to invoke a certain functional flow or not by way of the trusted app107. If the user elects to invoke collection mechanism through a certain functional flow, then there will be a simple end user license agreement that defines exactly what data they are collecting. From a simplicity perspective, the user can choose, at a macro level, the collection template to use via a slider in a user interface, for example (e.g. Minimal, Medium, Complete). The user can then elect to use the functional flow configuration interface to further customize by enabling/disabling specific behavioral attributes from being collected.

Users may have the ability to visualize any raw data that is collected such as log data, profile data, device data, etc. by way of the trusted app107. Personal Data can be packaged by date interval, time interval, geospatial extent, functional flow that generated the data, specific attribute, speed, direction, etc. Users may also create new packages, and manage personal data that was manually entered such that the data may be updated and deleted through a web form.

In various embodiments, users may import contacts from other sources like Outlook, Gmail, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. The trusted app107may review the contacts and remove any duplicate entries and merge the contacts. The user may create groups of contacts by dragging and dropping contacts into one or more groups using the trusted app107that interfaces with the PPS115. The user may use a group view to look at a specific group and what contacts are associated with the group as well as what personal data resources are available to the group. The user may also have the ability by way of a contact view user interface to look at all the groups that a particular contact belongs to and view all of the personal data resources a contact has access to.

In various embodiments, the user may manage any sharing of personal or contact data by assigning personal data resources to one or more groups. Each of these grants allows the user to customize the package by time, geospatial extent, functional flow, attribute, etc. While viewing Personal Data, a user can easily update data sharing in context. User own and control all aspects of their own data in an easy to use interface on their own user hosted personal cloud of devices.

FIG. 1is a diagram of a system100capable of creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information, according to one embodiment. Technology-based tracking and locating services (e.g., RFID or GPS based lost-and-found services) are becoming increasingly popular among consumers, particularly for locating easily lost or stolen items such as electronics, keys, pets, cars, and the like. Other approaches that provide for longer range tracking (e.g., GPS-enabled tags and transponders). As described with respect toFIG. 1, the system100includes one or more local sensors103that can be attached, embedded, or otherwise associated with items so that the items may be tracked or located via a remote lost-and-found service. In one embodiment, the local sensor103is a transponder (e.g., an RFID tag, a near field communication (NFC) tag, etc.) comprising, at least in part, a small microchip that is attached to an antenna. By way of example, such transponders come, for instance, in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and forms and can be read through most materials with the exception of conductive materials like water, metal, and the like.

It is noted that there are generally two types of transponders, passive transponders and active transponders, both of which may be used as local sensors103. Passive transponders are generally smaller, lighter, and less expensive than active transponders and can be applied or attached to objects in harsh environments. They are also maintenance free and can last for years. Passive transponders are only activated when within the response range of a transponder reader or detector (e.g., the directional antenna or detector of the UE101described above). In one embodiment, the transponder reader or detector emits a low-power radio wave field that is used to power the passive transponder so as to pass on any information (e.g., information to identify the local sensor103) that is contained in the transponder. Moreover, the information in passive transponders is often static and generally includes, for instance, information for specifying a static identification code. Because information in the passive transponder is static and not programmable, the trusted app107and/or the asset management platform109may dynamically associate the static identification code with a paired UE101so that the paired UE101can be located or grant visibility rights because it is associated with the local sensor103.

As shown inFIG. 1and as previously described above, the UEs101a-101bhave connectivity to each other over the communication network105for sharing location and related information about the local sensor103. It is contemplated that the system100may support any number of UEs101up to the maximum capacity of the communication network105. For example, the network capacity may be determined based, at least in part, on available bandwidth, available connection points, and/or the like. The UEs101a-101nmay further include a location sensor such as a GPS module, assisted GPS module (a-GPS), or the like for determining its location with respect to, for instance, one or more GPS satellites. In addition or alternatively, the UEs101a-101nmay use any other location determination technology well-known in the art such as cellular triangulation, Wifi-based location determination, etc.

In one embodiment, the UE101is any type of mobile terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal including a mobile handset, station, unit, device, multimedia computer, multimedia tablet, Internet node, communicator, desktop computer, laptop computer, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), audio/video player, digital camera/camcorder, positioning device, television receiver, radio broadcast receiver, electronic book device, game device, or any combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the UE101can support any type of interface to the user (such as “wearable” circuitry, etc.) to present local tracking information (e.g., provided by local sensor manager107) as well as for presenting mapping or navigation obtained via onboard location sensors (e.g., GPS receivers) or remotely provided by other UEs101and/or external location-based services.

By way of example, the communication network105of the system100includes one or more networks such as a data network, a wireless network, a telephony network, or any combination thereof. It is contemplated that the data network may be any local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), a public data network (e.g., the Internet), short range wireless network, or any other suitable packet-switched network, such as a commercially owned, proprietary packet-switched network, e.g., a proprietary cable or fiber-optic network, and the like, or any combination thereof. In addition, the wireless network may be, for example, a cellular network and may employ various technologies including enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), wireless LAN (WLAN), Bluetooth®, Internet Protocol (IP) data casting, satellite, mobile ad-hoc network (MANET), and the like, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the system100links the UEs101a-101n, the local sensors103a-103n, the asset management platform109, the social networking service111, the information database113and the PPS115over a combination of the longer range cellular network and data network (e.g., the Internet) of the communication network105and the local connections between one or more of the UEs101a-101n(e.g., via the local sensor manager107) and the local sensor103to provide the remote lost-and-found service described herein.

In one embodiment, the trusted app107and the asset management platform109interact according to a client-server model to provide the functions of the inventory management of assets and the enablement of the assets to have access to the information database113. More specifically, either of the trusted app107or the asset management platform109alone or in combination may perform any of the functions of the system100described herein. It is noted that the client-server model of computer process interaction is widely known and used. According to the client-server model, a client process sends a message including a request to a server process, and the server process responds by providing a service. The server process may also return a message with a response to the client process. Often the client process and server process execute on different computer devices, called hosts, and communicate via a network using one or more protocols for network communications. The term “server” is conventionally used to refer to the process that provides the service, or the host computer on which the process operates. Similarly, the term “client” is conventionally used to refer to the process that makes the request, or the host computer on which the process operates. As used herein, the terms “client” and “server” refer to the processes, rather than the host computers, unless otherwise clear from the context. In addition, the process performed by a server can be broken up to run as multiple processes on multiple hosts (sometimes called tiers) for reasons that include reliability, scalability, and redundancy, among others.

FIG. 2is a diagram of the components of an asset management platform109, according to one embodiment. By way of example, the asset management platform109includes one or more components for creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information. It is contemplated that the functions of these components may be combined in one or more components or performed by other components of equivalent functionality. In this embodiment, the asset management platform109includes a communication module201, an asset detection module203, an asset location module205, an asset update module207, a profile update module209and a contact duplication detection module211.

In various embodiments, the asset management platform109communicates with the other network components of the system100by way of the communication module201. The asset detection module203determines what assets (UEs101) are tagged and considered to be part of the user's personal cloud. The asset location module205is used to determine the location of UEs101, and may cause the communication module201to send a notification that a particular asset is out of a range specified range from a predetermined location or undetectable. If the monitoring or tracking information generated by the asset location module205indicates that the UE101is out of range of the either a receiver or transmitter of the asset location module205, then the local sensor103may interact with the asset location module205to alter the visibility of the local sensor. In one embodiment, the change of profile is triggered after the local sensor103has been out of range for a predetermined period of time. In another embodiment, the profile trigger and/or the predetermined period of time may be based on other contextual information (e.g., time of day, location, date, etc.) associated with the local sensor103and/or the item associated with the local sensor103. For example, if the item associated with the local sensor is a set of car keys, the out-of-range determination may not be triggered if the asset location module205determines from contextual information that the user is taking a walk rather than drive. For example, the determination may be made on based on the user obtaining walking directions rather than driving directions in a navigation service. Accordingly, if the asset location module204infers that the user is walking and, therefore, may not need to take the car keys during the walk. Therefore, an out-of-range determination by the asset location module205would be expected and would not trigger an out of range notification associated with the car keys. It is contemplated that the user, the service provider, network operator, and the like may create policies for selecting and determining when contextual information and how contextual information should influence the asset location module. This information may be stored in the PPS115or the information database113, for example.

If, however, the asset location module205determines that the out-of-range determination is valid, the communication module201can then interact with the location asset location module205to receive any location information associated with the local sensor103is transmitted by the UEs101detecting the local sensor103. In one embodiment, the UEs101may report any detection or location information to the asset management platform109, which can then report the location of the UE101. The asset management platform109can, for instance, identify a paired UE101by consulting pairing information stored in the information database113or the PPS115.

Next, the asset location module205can direct the communication module201to present any location information received by the asset location module205. In one embodiment, this location information is received as a set of location coordinates generated by the other UEs101, for example. In addition or alternatively, the location information may include the Cell-ID of the UE101detecting the local sensor103. In certain embodiments, the trusted app107presents the location information by interacting with other location-based services such as mapping and navigation services. In this way, the trusted app107may indicate the location of the local user103and then provide navigation instructions to reach the location.

In various embodiments, the asset management platform109causes the asset update module207to update the determined assets with information available in the PPS115which acts as a gateway between information stored in the information database113, as well as being a source of gathered information based on a user's usage of a particular asset, many assets, internet usage, contact information, preferences, etc. The asset update module207may also grant access for a UE101to access the PPS115to view or edit information available on the PPS115without uploading the information to the UE101.

In various embodiments, the profile update module209determines usage of the assets that are assigned to a user and stored in the user's personal cloud. Based on the usage, the profile update module209determines a favorite of the UE's101and causes the favorite to be so designated. The profile update module209will, therefore, update the user's profile stored in the PPS115to reflect this change. The profile update manager209may also determine appropriate ranges of distances from which the locations of the UE's101may vary from expected locations based on historical usage and movement, for example, and store this information in the user's profile. The user may then alter this information to reflect his own personal preferences. The profile update module209may also communicate with external sources to determine contact information and update contact information accordingly. The contact information may be organized into groups for easier access by the user.

The contact duplication detection module211reviews any incoming contact information and compares the incoming contact information with any pre-existing contact information. The contact duplication detection module211, if it detects and duplicate entries, may alert the user that a duplicate entry exists and ask the user if the existing entry should be replaced, or simply overwrite a duplicate entry with the updated information. Such preferences may be set in the profile update module209by way of the trusted app107.

FIG. 3is a flowchart of a process for creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the asset management platform109performs the process300and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown inFIG. 14. It is contemplated that the asset management platform109may perform all or a portion of the process300alone or in combination with the trusted app107. In step301, the asset management platform determines one or more devices to be part of one or more groups. Next, in step303, the asset management platform determines one or more datasets which may be a contact list or other user preferences or stored information that are to be stored on the one or more devices. The process continues to step305in which the asset management platform synchronizes the one or more datasets among the one or more devices that are part of the one or more groups. Then, in step307, the asset management platform establishes a cryptographic connection between the one or more devices. The process continues to step309in which the asset management platform109processes personal data regarding the one or more devices that comprises at a date interval of usage, a time interval of usage, a geospatial location, a functional flow, a specific attribute, a speed, and/or a direction of movement. The asset management platform, in step311shares this personal data with the one or more devices. Next, in step313, the asset management platform109causes the personal data to be stored as part of the one or more datasets in the PPS115and/or the information database113.

The process continues to step315in which the asset management platform109uses the personal data to generate a usage profile and/or a map of the one or more devices relative to one another. With this usage profile, in step317, the asset management platform109identifies at least one of the one or more devices to be identified as a favorite device based on the usage profile. Next, in step319, the asset management platform109enables the user to manage the one or more groups and/or the one or more datasets by way of a user interface.

The process continues to step321in which the asset management platform109pairs at least one of the one or more devices with one or more local sensors. Next, at step323, the asset management platform109determines when the local sensor is beyond a predetermined distance from the device. Then, in step325, the asset management platform109indicates a change in a status of the local sensor based on the determination. The position of the one or more devices with respect to the one or more local sensors is determined based on a short range communication link between the device and the local sensor, and the position of the one or more devices with respect to the one or more local sensors may be determined by triangulating the location of the one or more devices. The process continues to step327in which the asset management platform109causes an update of the one or more data sets and detects any duplicate data entries in the one or more datasets store on the one or more devices. Then, in step329, the asset management platform removes the determined duplicate data entries found in the dataset when the one or more datasets are synchronized or updated.

FIGS. 4A-4Dare diagrams of user interfaces representing various functional flows for creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information, according to various embodiments. By way of example, the functional flows correspond to the execution of one or more interface screens for enabling interaction between the user and the asset management platform109. Particularly, the functional flows pertain to the various means by which a user is able to control the retrieval and/or collection of user profile information within the information space. This includes the means for enabling the user to manage relationships with organizations, select which data to share and which data to conceal, control how data is used by others (e.g., vendors) and for how long, and other functions. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the various interfaces may support the establishment or generation of a user profile information record and/or a personal profile stronghold for use over an information space.

FIG. 4Apresents an interface for enabling the configuration of personal data by way of manual entry, i.e., as a web-based form. The interface400features a firmographic information data entry section403, which includes various fields for capturing information pertaining to the user's occupational or employer status. For example, the user may select one or more drop down menus to indicate a specific role, industry, location size, organization size, number of locations and headquarters country and state information. Also, an education history data entry section405includes various fields for capturing information pertaining to the user's educational background. For example, the user may enter the names of the various schools attended from the Primary to Graduate level. Various other fields are also presented for receiving data regarding the year of graduation as well as the GPA of the user at the various stages of their education. The interface400features one or more data sharing control buttons406aand406b, which are associated with the firmographic information section403and education history section405respectively. When the user selects a data sharing control button, a data view435(illustrated inFIG. 4D) for enabling user selection of one or more groups and/or contacts to be associated with specific elements of data is caused to be presented as part of the functional flow.

It is noted that the information can be updated (e.g., added or deleted) at the discretion of the user. In addition, one or more action buttons are featured for supporting user interaction, including a “PREV” action button407for reverting back to a prior instance of input at various of the fields, an “UPDATE” action button409for accepting any data input to the various fields and a “CANCEL” action button411for cancelling any data entry operations.

FIG. 4Bpresents an interface for enabling the configuration and management of group related data related to the user. The interface414features a user defined group list section416. Selection of a particular group also enables selection of an associated contact list415for displaying the various contacts associated with the group. By way of example, when the user selects the defined group entry “Judo”417from the list416, the user's martial arts class members are presented in the contacts section415. The user can also add or delete entries to the lists417and415, such as by selecting a “CREATE” link419or selecting a “DELETE” icon420respectively.

An “IMPORT CONTACTS” link421is also available for selection for enabling the user to import contacts from other sources via the information space. For example, contacts from an e-mail application, customer relationship management tool, online contact database or a social networking site may be imported and organized into one or more groups. Groups and contacts can also be merged and/or synchronized across applications. It is noted that the functional flow supports. The functional flow may also support drag and drop execution of contacts into one or more groups, i.e., by way of touch screen input. As mentioned previously, this input as received from the user may be the basis of one or more computations for affecting additional executions of the asset management platform109.

FIG. 4Cpresents an interface for enabling the configuration and management of shared resources. The interface424features a user defined group list416, along with a resources list425for indicating one or more resources associated with a select group entry. By way of example, when the user selects the user defined “Family” group entry423, all resources associated for that group are listed in section425. In the example, the resources include various categories for representing the storage of records, documents and photos. While not shown, user selection of a given resource entry results in a listing of the various records, documents and photos. Additional file types may also be maintained as resources, including audio, video and one or more executable applications—i.e., a tax preparation application.

A user may select a “PRIVATE” link431to filter the resource list425for display of only private resources. In addition, an “ALL” link433may be selected for displaying all groups within the group list416. While not shown, selection of a particular group entry results in a listing of additional information regarding the group. This may include for example, a contact number, e-mail address, primary point of contact, etc. It is noted that drag and drop execution may be supported. Also, the user/consumer is able to customize data packages (for retrieval and/or collection of profile information) on the basis of time, geo-spatial extent, functional flow, specific attribute, etc.

FIG. 4Dpresents an interface for enabling the configuration of personal data control and updating. Reference is made again to interface400ofFIG. 4A, which is shown by way of example in miniaturized form inFIG. 4D. The configuration interface400, as discussed above, features one or more data sharing control buttons406aand406b, which are associated with the firmographic information section403and education history section405respectively. When the user selects a data sharing control button, a data view435for enabling user selection of one or more groups and/or contacts to be associated with specific elements of data is caused to be presented as part of the functional flow. By way of example, the data view435presents a matrix, featuring numerous columns and rows that represent various data elements (inputs) of the various configuration screens. Under the present scenario, the columns correspond to one or more user defined groups maintained in the group list16ofFIG. 4B, i.e., Judo, Work, etc. The rows that span across particular column corresponding to a particular attribute name or data entry field of the firmographic section403. This includes a row for the role, industry, location size, etc.

A user may select or deselect a matrix entry in order to enable or disable the sharing of the corresponding attribute in the matrix with a particular group. For example, for the column437representing the Judo group designation, only the role attribute is selected for inclusion and sharing with contacts that fall into this group. For the column439representing the Work group designation, however, all of the attributes of the firmographic section403are selected for inclusion and sharing with the contacts that fall into this group. This feature may be executed at any point in the functional flow for affecting the sharing or unsharing of specific information within the information space. It is noted also that this feature allows users to easily update their data setting features within context of the specific category of information to be impacted by the selection (or lack thereof).

As mentioned previously, the above described functional flows and corresponding response input provided by a user during execution of said flows dictates the means of data collection and/or level of access to data by respective interacting nodes within the information space. From the standpoint of a vendor related interaction, the user is able to indicate and control how they want to share their user profile information while still engaging with the vendor for specific reasons—i.e., to explore products, make purchases, etc.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bare diagrams of distribution of controlled user profile information and energy optimization in multi-level computational architecture, according to various embodiments. As seen inFIG. 5A, the computation distribution starts at a component501. Each component may execute a set of closures that constitute a computation branch. For example, the branch501is composed of closures503a-503d, wherein every two consecutive closures are connected via a connector and computational branches are communicating via connectors as well. For example, connectors505a-505cconnect closures503a-503d. Connectors may also transfer information and data associated with a closure and its execution results to the next closure in the branch or to other branches. Additionally, connectors may function as links between related branches that constitute a distributed computation.

In one embodiment, connectors may contain information about parameters such as security requirement and/or capabilities, functional flows, distribution maps, links between closures and architectural levels, etc. Arrows connecting closures to connectors and connectors to next closures show the functional flow adopted based on the parameters. As seen inFIG. 5A, the closures have been distributed from component501to component507via communication between connector505aand connector511a. The computation branch of component507includes closures509a-509ccommunicating via connectors511band511c, while branches501and507communicate via connectors505aand511a. Similarly, a third branch513has been formed of closures515a-515cbeing executed at component513and connected by connectors517band517c, while the branch communicates with other branches via connector517a.

In one embodiment, the initial branch501may be in a UE101, the second branch507in a component of the network105, and the third branch in another component of the same network105, a different infrastructure, in a cloud, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 5Bshows a computation distribution together with various parameters affecting the distribution. As seen inFIG. 5B, the computation distribution starts at a component531of an architectural level. Each component may execute a set of closures that constitute a computation branch. For example, the branch531is composed of closures533a-533d, wherein every two consecutive closures are connected via a connector and computational branches are communicating via connectors as well. For example, connectors535a-535cconnect closures533a-533dand connector571connects branches547and559, connectors551a-551cconnect closures549a-549dconnectors563a-563cconnect closures561a-561d. Connectors may also transfer information and data associated with a closure and its execution results to the next closure in the branch or to other branches. Additionally, connectors may function as links between related branches that constitute a distributed computation.

In one embodiment, connectors may contain information about parameters such as capabilities including security requirements and availability, a cost function, functional flow specifications, distribution maps, links between closures and architectural levels, etc. Arrows connecting closures to connectors and connectors to next closures show the functional flow adopted based on the parameters. For example, star signs541a-541d,557a-557c, and569a-569b, represent security rules imposed on the closures and the signs545a-545brepresent the security rules imposed on superclosures by the user of UE101, default by the manufacturer of UEs101, by the network105, by the clouds (combination of UEs101), or a combination thereof, and associated with each closure533a-533d,549a-549c, and561a-561crespectively. Additionally, blocks539a-539d,555a-555c, and567a-567crepresent signatures for one or more closures, and blocks543a-543brepresent supersignatures for one or more superclosures. In the example ofFIG. 5B, the signature539ashows the signature for closure533abased on the rules541a. In one embodiment, if signature539ais in accordance with rules541, the signature is validated and the closure533acan be distributed, however if signature539acontradicts any rule of rules541a, the closure533awill be identified as invalid by the authentication module207.

In one embodiment, the block543arepresents a supersignature composed of a set of signatures539a-539dand block545arepresents combined security rules of component547of the multi-level computation architecture. In this embodiment, if the authentication module207detects a contradiction between the supersignature543aand the rules545a, the super signature543ais decomposed into its root elements (e.g.539a-539d) and the authentication module207verifies the root signatures against rules545a. The verification may lead to finding one or more invalid root elements (e.g. closures539a-539d).

In one embodiment, a closure or a group of closures may lack access to security rules for the verification of their signatures. For example, inFIG. 5Bthe closure561cis signed with signature567cwith no rules. In this embodiment as seen by arrow573, the authentication module207may tag the closure561cas invalid so that the distributed computation component that is executing branch559bypass the closure561cwithout executing the computation561c. The final results from closure execution of the three branches531,547, and559are aggregated by result aggregator575and forwarded to the requesting device.

FIGS. 6A-6Care diagrams of user interfaces utilized in the processes ofFIG. 3, according to various embodiments. For example purposes, the figures are described from the perspective of a use case scenario of a user interacting with a vendor via an information space to review various loyalty program incentives, offers and points as accumulated. The executions as described are performed with respect to the asset management platform109ofFIG. 1.

InFIG. 6A, the user accesses data regarding their loyalty program involvement with a specific vendor TV World, such as by way of a loyalty program information interface603. The display of the device600includes various data elements, including an icon609for indicating the specific vendor the loyalty information corresponds to, a product description section605for displaying details of the offer and/or product, a total cost notification607for indicating the post discounted cost to the user for taking advantage of a particular offer, a value indicator619for monetizing the offer and a loyalty points indicator621for representing the balance of points accumulated.

The user may select from various action buttons for interacting with the functional flow, and thus impacting operation of the asset management platform109. A “PURCHASE” action button613enables the user to initiate a purchase transaction with the vendor for purchasing the item from TV World. A “CANCEL” action button617enables the user to exit from the loyalty program information interface603. When the user selects a “DIFFERENT VENDOR” action button615, an exchange rate comparison interface624is caused to be presented to device600as shown inFIG. 6B.

The exchange rate comparison interface624presents all of the various vendors623-627and their respective offers available to the user based on the product of interest, i.e., the television as described in section605inFIG. 6A. For a first vendor TV World623, the user is being offered a $30 discount629to be applied toward the purchase of the television, which corresponds to 1093 points631. For a second vendor Media Land, the user is being offered a $45 discount633corresponding to 2000 Media Points635, which is the name given to points via that vendors loyalty program. A third vendor bestTV627offers a $2 discount637corresponding to only 50 Best Points639. The user may quickly scan the various options and determine that the Media Land incentive is best by way of comparison. In response to this determination, the user selects the Media Land logo to activate another interface screen638for showing the details of the selected offer, as presented inFIG. 6C.

Having selected the particular offer of interest, the details presented to the interface638of the device include the logo for the vendor625, a total cost indicator respective to the newly selected vendor/offer641, the monetary value indicator649for the offer, associated loyalty points balance651. In addition, one or more action buttons643-647enable the user to facilitate a purchase, select a different vendor or cancel the interaction altogether.

It is noted that vendors, retailers and the like often have loyalty plans designed to bring consumers back to the their retail stores by giving them incentives in the form of (1) cash back, (2) points that can be used for discounts, or (3) coupons. The above described system100ofFIG. 1provides a personalized, secure platform for enabling selective engagement with vendors that performs the following:1. Enables the user/consumer to keep track of all value earned in terms of points;2. Analyzes the consumer's profile information for enabling processing and generation of one or more computations within the information space;3. Based on the user profile information and loyalty program information, the system identifies and pulls the vendor's best deals that are relevant for their consumer;4. Enables the consumer to visually review the points, incentives and offers gathered,5. Enables the consumer to exchange vendor specific points by way of an exchange mechanism for other vendor points; comparative value calculations are performed for arbitration and reconciliation purposes.
In effect, the user is able to redeem and use loyalty points across vendors within the within the cloud. Of note, the loyalty points accumulated by a respective user may pertain to one or more of the respective vendors, a provider of the asset management platform109(e.g., a wireless communication company), or a combination thereof. The vendor loyalty program may be a basis for sharing information from the PPS115with the UEs101of the system100. When a user's assets or devices are determined to be part of the user's personal cloud, the user may decide what information is to be shared and updated among its devices. As such, the vendor will have access to those devices that are determined to be part of the cloud and those that the user decides to share his information such as device usage, location, ownership, etc. with. When the user, by way of trusted app107, decides to allow access to the devices, and allow the devices to be updated and/or have access to the PPS information, a vendor may also then have the ability to access any shared information that the user allows.

FIGS. 7A-7Bare diagrams of computation distribution among devices, according to various embodiments. In one embodiment, inFIG. 7A, the backend environment700is a network infrastructure. The backend environment may also be a virtual run-time environment within a cloud719associated with the owner of UE101aor on another UE101nassociated with the user. The backend environment700may include one or more components (backend devices)721and one or more Application Programming Interface (API) such as a convenience API707that may include APIs tailored to the software development environments used (e.g. JAVA, PHP, etc.). Furthermore, UEs101aand101nmay include client APIs705aand705b. Each API enables interaction between devices and components within another device or an environment. For example, backend API709enables interaction between the backend device721and Agent5, and convenience API707enables interaction between the backend device721and agents Agent3and Agent4, wherein each agent is a set of processes that handle computation closures within the backend environment700. APIs705aand705benable interaction between UE101aand agent Agent1, and UE101nand agent Agent2respectively. As seen in the example ofFIG. 7A, Agent3works under PHP while Agent4is a JAVA process. Each of the UEs101aand101nhas a computation closure environment713aand713bwhich may be part of a cloud719. Arrows715a-715erepresent distribution path of computation closures among the environments713a,713band the computation closures store717. The computation closures store717is a repository of computation closures that can be accessed and used by all the UEs101and infrastructure components having connectivity to the backend environment700.

In one embodiment, the backend device721may be equipped with a closure recycling and marshaling component711that monitors and manages any access to the computation closures store717. In other embodiments the closure recycling and marshaling (i.e. standardization for uniform use) may be a function of the asset management platform109.

In one embodiment, the computation closures within environments713a,713band the computation closures store717may be composed based on anonymous function objects and automatically created by a compiling system using methods for generating anonymous function objects such as lambda expressions.

FIG. 7Bis an expanded view of a computation closure environment713as introduced inFIG. 7A. The computation closure environment713may be composed of one or more computation closure generating components. In one embodiment the computation closure environment713has a services infrastructure723that provides various services for the user of the UE101. The services may include any application that can be performed on the UE101such as, games, music, text messaging, voice calls, etc. In one embodiment, the services infrastructure723provides support for closure distribution under the supervision of the asset management platform109as discussed inFIG. 1,FIG. 2, andFIG. 3. The agent Agent1retrieves the computation closures required by the services infrastructure723from the computation closures store749and stores the newly generated computation closures by the services infrastructure723into the computation closures store749for distribution purposes per arrow741.

In another embodiment, the computation closure environment713has a developer experience module727that provides various tools for a developer for manipulating services offered by the UE101. The tools may include standardized and/or abstract data types and services allowing the developers to chain processes together across development platforms. In one embodiment, the developer experience module727provides cross platform support for abstract data types and services under the supervision of the asset management platform109as discussed inFIG. 1. The agent Agent2retrieves the computation closures required by the developer experience module727from the computation closures store749and stores the newly generated computation closures by the developer experience module727into the computation closures store749for distribution purposes per arrow743.

In yet another embodiment, the computation closure environment713has a scalable computing module731that provides an abstract wrapper (i.e. monadic wrapper) for the transmitting closures501. This abstraction provides computation compatibility between the closures501and the UE101. The abstract wrapper may provide scheduling, memory management, system calls and other services for various processes associated with the closures501. These services are provided under the supervision of the asset management platform109as discussed inFIG. 1. The agent Agent3retrieves the computation closures required by the scalable computing module731from the computation closures store749and stores the newly generated computation closures by the scalable computing module731into the computation closures store749for distribution purposes per arrow745. In one embodiment, the backend environment700may access the computation closures store749and exchange/transmit one or more computer closures747between the computation closures store749and the backend computation closures store717.

FIG. 8is a diagram showing a process as a combination of primitive computation closures, according to one embodiment. Process800consists of closure primitives801a-801d. The closure primitives801a-801d, which are similar to geometric icon closures ofFIG. 5, are combined with each other into process800by combinators803a-803d. The object805represents the execution requirements including process states under which the execution of closures801a-801dcombined by combinators803a-803dwill result in the process800.

In one embodiment, distribution of process800includes distribution of closures801a-801d, combinators803a-803dand the process states805as independent elements into, for instance, an infrastructure environment700. The independent closures801a-801dfrom infrastructure environment700may be distributed into different components where they may be executed.

FIG. 9is a diagram of process distribution from a device to another device, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the device101ais a UE associated with the user. The UE101amay include a user context903which is being transmitted among devices. Agent1and agent2are processors that calculate and handle computation closures within the user context903. The number of agents may be different in different devices based on their design, functionality, processing power, etc. Block905represents an Object as a set of computation closures, closure_1, closure_2, . . . , and closure_n, where each closure is a component of a larger process, for example, related to a service provided to the user by the user equipment107a. Each closure is a standalone process that can be executed independently from the other closures. In the example ofFIG. 9, the filtering process907extracts closure_1from the closure set Object via filtering the set (shown in block909). The extracted closure_1is added to a computation closure store913using the exemplary Put command911.

It is assumed, in this example, that component700of an infrastructure level is selected by the asset management platform109as a destination for closure distribution from UE101a, based on the availability of sufficient security. The extracted computation closure, closure_1is transmitted to component700following the assignment of a distribution path.

In one embodiment, the component700receives the computation closure closure_1and extracts it from the computation closure store913using the Get command915. The extracted closure_1is projected into a closure with the user device context and the object917is produced. The block919represents the reconstruction of the closure into the initial context by a component in charge of the execution. The aggregated context may then be executed in the run-time environment921of component700by Agent3.

In another embodiment, the UE101aand component700may exchange places and the distribution is performed from the component700to UE101aor both devices may be UEs. In this embodiment the decomposition and aggregation processes are similar to the above example.

FIG. 10is a diagram of computation closure allocation/mapping, according to one embodiment. The diagram ofFIG. 10shows a commonly accessible memory address space1001formed between a UE101aas a client and the backend device700as a component of a computation infrastructure.

In one embodiment, the UE101amay include RDF store1003, which holds computation closures for processes associated with the UE101a. Similarly the backend device700may includes a RDF store1013, which holds computation closures associated with processes related to device700, UEs101, or any other devices having connectivity to device700or cloud719.

In other embodiments, the Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs)1005in UE101aand1015in backend device700may be used to identify names or resources accessible to their respective devices via the communication network105. Additionally, UE101aand backend device700may have rule sets1007aand1017athat include security rules imposed on device similar to rules569a-569bofFIG. 5B. It is noted that the rule base1007aof UE101amay be a subset of the rule base1017aof the backend device700, wherein the rules1017ais a subset of a superset of rules managed by a cloud719. Furthermore, the legacy codes and signature lattices associated with each device may be stored in legacy code memory areas1009aand1009b, respectively, on UE101aand1019aand1019b, respectively, on backend device700.

In one embodiment, UE101amay be provided with a non-volatile memory space1011as a closure store. The closure store1011may include a set of closure primitives shown as geometric objects, similar to primitives of sets801or803ofFIG. 8. Similarly, the backend device800may be provided with a non-volatile memory space1021as a closure store. The closure store1021may also include a set of closure primitives shown as geometric objects. In one embodiment, the closure store1011is a subset of closure store1021determined, at least in part, based on one or more criteria such as time of access, frequency of access, a priority classification, security settings, etc. The geometric shapes of closure stores1011and1021have been each divided into two groups of solidly filled geometric shapes (representing signed closures) and unfilled geometric shapes (representing unsigned closures). Since non-volatile memories are costly and require extensive resources (e.g. power consumption) compared with volatile memories (such as1007a,1007b,1017a, and1017b), the capacity of non-volatile memory on a UE101is limited. However, a backend device700, serving high numbers of users, may be equipped with larger volumes of non-volatile memory spaces. Because of the limited capacity of non-volatile memory spaces on UEs101, and also because differing levels of security setup on various devices, only a subset of the closure store1021is stored locally at the closure store1011for local use by the UE101a. In order to minimize the number of times a UE101needs to retrieve one or more primitives from closure store1021of UE101, the subset1011is determined based on one or more criteria. In one embodiment, the closure store1011may be determined as a set of the most frequently accessed closure primitives of closure store1021by UE101. In another embodiment, the closure store1011may be determined as a set of the most recently accessed closure primitives of closure store1021by UE101. In other embodiments, various combined conditions and criteria may be used for determining subset1011from set1021as the content of closure store for UE101. Furthermore, the closure stores1011and1021may be periodically synchronized. The synchronization of closure stores ensures that any changes (addition, deletion, modification, etc.) in closure primitives and in root elements of the signature lattice of closure store1021are reflected in the closure store1011.

In one embodiment, for execution of a closure set801(a subset of closure store1011) associated with a process on UE101, the set801can be transmitted under the supervision of the asset management platform109and after verification of the security of closures and capabilities of the destination component, to the backend device700which is a component of the infrastructure (the distribution path shown as arrow1023). The asset management platform109may then inform the processing components of the UE101, the backend device700or a combination thereof (the processing components are not shown), that the security of closure primitives has been approved and the closures are ready for execution. Alternatively, the asset management platform109may determine that the closures are not approved from point of view of the security and terminate their distribution and execution.

In one embodiment, any changes on the closure store1021of the backend device700(e.g., addition, deletion, modification, etc.) may first enter the URIs1015via the communication network105. The changes may then be applied from URIs1015on closure store1021shown by arrows1027a-1027d. Similarly, the closure store1011is updated based on the content of the closure store1021and the updates are shared with other authorized components within UE101(e.g. with URIs1005as shown by arrows1025a-1025d).

FIG. 11Ais a diagram of a user interface1101for managing detected assets in a user's personal cloud, according to one embodiment. The user interface1101has a list of assets1103that the user may select by choosing any of buttons1105. When the asset or UE101is selected, the user may elect to view more details about that asset, or the user may select which groups of contacts1107may have access, or be accessed from the selected device1105. For example, if the user wants phone1to be have access to information relating to family and friends, but not work, then the user would select family and friends, then the user would highlight these items in the access section1107. As a security feature, it may, therefore be possible to block view of work from a phone1, for example, to keep kids from meddling with work email should they grab the phone1. The selected asset, therefore, would also be able to be updated with information regarding the selected access data. Further, by granting access, the access groups may be able to receive information from the selected device such as usage or location, if that information is elected to be shared. For example, a vendor may be selected that may have an interest in the usage, timing and location of the device for advertising purposes, or another user, such as a parent may want to have access to similar information for security purposes. But, the user of the PPS may elect to block certain transfer of information by withholding access to the asset for specific data if the user so chooses.

FIG. 11Bis a diagram of a user interface1111for managing detected assets in a user's personal cloud, according to one embodiment. The user interface1111has a list of assets1113that the user may select by choosing any of buttons1115. The assets1113are UE101's that are detected by the asset management platform109when they are within range of the local sensor103. The user may select any of the assets, elect to view more details about that asset, or may designate that the selected asset is part of group or the user's personal cloud at1117, for example. If the asset is determined to be part of the user's personal cloud, the user may choose the update button1119to update the selected device with updated contact information and/or other user preferences, or information about other devices that are part of the user's personal cloud, for example.

FIG. 12is a user interface1201in which a UE101is no longer within range of the local sensor103, according to one embodiment. Accordingly, a description711does not include a directional heading or distance provided in the user interface1201between the asset and the user. Additionally, the user interface1201includes an alert1213to inform the user that the local sensor associated with the home keys (and, therefore, most likely the home keys as well) has been outside the range of the local sensor manager for 20 mins (which, in this example, is the predetermined time for determining that an item is lost). Based on the alert, an option1215to “Check Sensor Location” can be used to determine whether the local sensor has sent its location to the asset management platform109through, for instance, any nearby UEs101. The lost profile for the local sensor103can be automatically activated when the local sensor103is out of range of the paired UE101for over the predetermined period of time. In one embodiment, activating the lost profile automatically makes the local sensor detectable, but not directly viewable, by other UEs101that might be nearby. These nearby UEs101can then report the location of the local sensor103to asset management platform109.

The processes described herein for enabling users to control the sharing of user profile information with respect to vendors based on user participation in, or value derived from, one or more vendor loyalty programs may be advantageously implemented via software, hardware, firmware or a combination of software and/or firmware and/or hardware. For example, the processes described herein, may be advantageously implemented via processor(s), Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc. Such exemplary hardware for performing the described functions is detailed below.

FIG. 13illustrates a computer system1300upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Although computer system1300is depicted with respect to a particular device or equipment, it is contemplated that other devices or equipment (e.g., network elements, servers, etc.) withinFIG. 13can deploy the illustrated hardware and components of system1300. Computer system1300is programmed (e.g., via computer program code or instructions) to create an inventory of assets and enable the assets to have access to a central database of information as described herein and includes a communication mechanism such as a bus1310for passing information between other internal and external components of the computer system1300. Information (also called data) is represented as a physical expression of a measurable phenomenon, typically electric voltages, but including, in other embodiments, such phenomena as magnetic, electromagnetic, pressure, chemical, biological, molecular, atomic, sub-atomic and quantum interactions. For example, north and south magnetic fields, or a zero and non-zero electric voltage, represent two states (0, 1) of a binary digit (bit). Other phenomena can represent digits of a higher base. A superposition of multiple simultaneous quantum states before measurement represents a quantum bit (qubit). A sequence of one or more digits constitutes digital data that is used to represent a number or code for a character. In some embodiments, information called analog data is represented by a near continuum of measurable values within a particular range. Computer system1300, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information.

A bus1310includes one or more parallel conductors of information so that information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus1310. One or more processors1302for processing information are coupled with the bus1310.

Computer system1300also includes a memory1304coupled to bus1310. The memory1304, such as a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device, stores information including processor instructions for creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information. Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the computer system1300. RAM allows a unit of information stored at a location called a memory address to be stored and retrieved independently of information at neighboring addresses. The memory1304is also used by the processor1302to store temporary values during execution of processor instructions. The computer system1300also includes a read only memory (ROM)1306or any other static storage device coupled to the bus1310for storing static information, including instructions, that is not changed by the computer system1300. Some memory is composed of volatile storage that loses the information stored thereon when power is lost. Also coupled to bus1310is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device1308, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk or flash card, for storing information, including instructions, that persists even when the computer system1300is turned off or otherwise loses power.

Information, including instructions for creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information, is provided to the bus1310for use by the processor from an external input device1312, such as a keyboard containing alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, a microphone, an Infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, a touch screen, or a sensor. A sensor detects conditions in its vicinity and transforms those detections into physical expression compatible with the measurable phenomenon used to represent information in computer system1300. Other external devices coupled to bus1310, used primarily for interacting with humans, include a display device1314, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic LED (OLED) display, a plasma screen, or a printer for presenting text or images, and a pointing device1316, such as a mouse, a trackball, cursor direction keys, or a motion sensor, for controlling a position of a small cursor image presented on the display1314and issuing commands associated with graphical elements presented on the display1314. In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments in which the computer system1300performs all functions automatically without human input, one or more of external input device1312, display device1314and pointing device1316is omitted.

Computer system1300also includes one or more instances of a communications interface1370coupled to bus1310. Communication interface1370provides a one-way or two-way communication coupling to a variety of external devices that operate with their own processors, such as printers, scanners and external disks. In general the coupling is with a network link1378that is connected to a local network1380to which a variety of external devices with their own processors are connected. For example, communication interface1370may be a parallel port or a serial port or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In some embodiments, communications interface1370is an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a digital subscriber line (DSL) card or a telephone modem that provides an information communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. In some embodiments, a communication interface1370is a cable modem that converts signals on bus1310into signals for a communication connection over a coaxial cable or into optical signals for a communication connection over a fiber optic cable. As another example, communications interface1370may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN, such as Ethernet. Wireless links may also be implemented. For wireless links, the communications interface1370sends or receives or both sends and receives electrical, acoustic or electromagnetic signals, including infrared and optical signals that carry information streams, such as digital data. For example, in wireless handheld devices, such as mobile telephones like cell phones, the communications interface1370includes a radio band electromagnetic transmitter and receiver called a radio transceiver. In certain embodiments, the communications interface1370enables connection to the communication network105for creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information to the UE101.

Network link1378typically provides information communication using transmission media through one or more networks to other devices that use or process the information. For example, network link1378may provide a connection through local network1380to a host computer1382or to equipment1384operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment1384in turn provides data communication services through the public, world-wide packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly referred to as the Internet1390.

A computer called a server host1392connected to the Internet hosts a process that provides a service in response to information received over the Internet. For example, server host1392hosts a process that provides information representing video data for presentation at display1314. It is contemplated that the components of system1300can be deployed in various configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host1382and server1392.

At least some embodiments of the invention are related to the use of computer system1300for implementing some or all of the techniques described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by computer system1300in response to processor1302executing one or more sequences of one or more processor instructions contained in memory1304. Such instructions, also called computer instructions, software and program code, may be read into memory1304from another computer-readable medium such as storage device1308or network link1378. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory1304causes processor1302to perform one or more of the method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware, such as ASIC1320, may be used in place of or in combination with software to implement the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software, unless otherwise explicitly stated herein.

The signals transmitted over network link1378and other networks through communications interface1370, carry information to and from computer system1300. Computer system1300can send and receive information, including program code, through the networks1380,1390among others, through network link1378and communications interface1370. In an example using the Internet1390, a server host1392transmits program code for a particular application, requested by a message sent from computer1300, through Internet1390, ISP equipment1384, local network1380and communications interface1370. The received code may be executed by processor1302as it is received, or may be stored in memory1304or in storage device1308or any other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In this manner, computer system1300may obtain application program code in the form of signals on a carrier wave.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequence of instructions or data or both to processor1302for execution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host1382. The remote computer loads the instructions and data into its dynamic memory and sends the instructions and data over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system1300receives the instructions and data on a telephone line and uses an infra-red transmitter to convert the instructions and data to a signal on an infra-red carrier wave serving as the network link1378. An infrared detector serving as communications interface1370receives the instructions and data carried in the infrared signal and places information representing the instructions and data onto bus1310. Bus1310carries the information to memory1304from which processor1302retrieves and executes the instructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. The instructions and data received in memory1304may optionally be stored on storage device1308, either before or after execution by the processor1302.

In one embodiment, the chip set or chip1400includes a communication mechanism such as a bus1401for passing information among the components of the chip set1400. A processor1403has connectivity to the bus1401to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory1405. The processor1403may include one or more processing cores with each core configured to perform independently. A multi-core processor enables multiprocessing within a single physical package. Examples of a multi-core processor include two, four, eight, or greater numbers of processing cores. Alternatively or in addition, the processor1403may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus1401to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor1403may also be accompanied with one or more specialized components to perform certain processing functions and tasks such as one or more digital signal processors (DSP)1407, or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC)1409. A DSP1407typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor1403. Similarly, an ASIC1409can be configured to performed specialized functions not easily performed by a more general purpose processor. Other specialized components to aid in performing the inventive functions described herein may include one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), one or more controllers, or one or more other special-purpose computer chips.

In one embodiment, the chip set or chip1400includes merely one or more processors and some software and/or firmware supporting and/or relating to and/or for the one or more processors.

The processor1403and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory1405via the bus1401. The memory1405includes both dynamic memory (e.g., RAM, magnetic disk, writable optical disk, etc.) and static memory (e.g., ROM, CD-ROM, etc.) for storing executable instructions that when executed perform the inventive steps described herein to create an inventory of assets and enable the assets to have access to a central database of information. The memory1405also stores the data associated with or generated by the execution of the inventive steps.

Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main Control Unit (MCU)1503, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)1505, and a receiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit1507provides a display to the user in support of various applications and mobile terminal functions that perform or support the steps of creating an inventory of assets and enabling the assets to have access to a central database of information. The display1507includes display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone). Additionally, the display1507and display circuitry are configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal. An audio function circuitry1509includes a microphone1511and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone1511. The amplified speech signal output from the microphone1511is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC)1513.

A radio section1515amplifies power and converts frequency in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a mobile communication system, via antenna1517. The power amplifier (PA)1519and the transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to the MCU1503, with an output from the PA1519coupled to the duplexer1521or circulator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA1519also couples to a battery interface and power control unit1520.

In use, a user of mobile terminal1501speaks into the microphone1511and his or her voice along with any detected background noise is converted into an analog voltage. The analog voltage is then converted into a digital signal through the Analog to Digital Converter (ADC)1523. The control unit1503routes the digital signal into the DSP1505for processing therein, such as speech encoding, channel encoding, encrypting, and interleaving. In one embodiment, the processed voice signals are encoded, by units not separately shown, using a cellular transmission protocol such as enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), etc., as well as any other suitable wireless medium, e.g., microwave access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), wireless fidelity (WiFi), satellite, and the like, or any combination thereof.

The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer1525for compensation of any frequency-dependent impairment that occur during transmission though the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizing the bit stream, the modulator1527combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface1529. The modulator1527generates a sine wave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission, an up-converter1531combines the sine wave output from the modulator1527with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer1533to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is then sent through a PA1519to increase the signal to an appropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA1519acts as a variable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP1505from information received from a network base station. The signal is then filtered within the duplexer1521and optionally sent to an antenna coupler1535to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna1517to a local base station. An automatic gain control (AGC) can be supplied to control the gain of the final stages of the receiver. The signals may be forwarded from there to a remote telephone which may be another cellular telephone, any other mobile phone or a land-line connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), or other telephony networks.

Voice signals transmitted to the mobile terminal1501are received via antenna1517and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA)1537. A down-converter1539lowers the carrier frequency while the demodulator1541strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer1525and is processed by the DSP1505. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)1543converts the signal and the resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker1545, all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU)1503which can be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The MCU1503receives various signals including input signals from the keyboard1547. The keyboard1547and/or the MCU1503in combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone1511) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU1503runs a user interface software to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal1501to create an inventory of assets and enable the assets to have access to a central database of information. The MCU1503also delivers a display command and a switch command to the display1507and to the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU1503exchanges information with the DSP1505and can access an optionally incorporated SIM card1549and a memory1551. In addition, the MCU1503executes various control functions required of the terminal. The DSP1505may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP1505determines the background noise level of the local environment from the signals detected by microphone1511and sets the gain of microphone1511to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the user of the mobile terminal1501.

The CODEC1513includes the ADC1523and DAC1543. The memory1551stores various data including call incoming tone data and is capable of storing other data including music data received via, e.g., the global Internet. The software module could reside in RAM memory, flash memory, registers, or any other form of writable storage medium known in the art. The memory device1551may be, but not limited to, a single memory, CD, DVD, ROM, RAM, EEPROM, optical storage, magnetic disk storage, flash memory storage, or any other non-volatile storage medium capable of storing digital data.

An optionally incorporated SIM card1549carries, for instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card1549serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal1501on a radio network. The card1549also contains a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobile terminal settings.