Method and apparatus for providing an association between a location and a user

An approach is provided for assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle. The approach involves monitoring at least one device, one or more communications between at least one user and at least one contact of the at least one user. The approach also involves processing and/or facilitating a processing of sensor information associated with the at least one device, the at least one user, the at least one contact, or a combination thereof to determine location information. The approach further involves updating or recommending an update of at least one contact record for the at least one contact based, at least in part, on the location information.

BACKGROUND

Service providers and device manufacturers (e.g., wireless, cellular, etc.) are continually challenged to deliver value and convenience to consumers by, for example, providing compelling network services. One area of interest has been recommending location updates to users for their contacts based on communication content, contextual information and sensor information. However, service providers encounter difficulties while simplifying the task of updating location information for a contact by changing the typical user triggered interaction to a machine triggered system with location-contact mapping.

SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Therefore, there is a need for an approach for assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle.

According to one embodiment, a method comprises monitoring at least one device, one or more communications between at least one user and at least one contact of the at least one user. The method also comprises processing and/or facilitating a processing of sensor information associated with the at least one device, the at least one user, the at least one contact, or a combination thereof to determine location information. The method further comprises updating or recommending an update of at least one contact record for the at least one contact based, at least in part, on the location information.

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 monitor at least one device, one or more communications between at least one user and at least one contact of the at least one user. The apparatus is also caused to process and/or facilitate a processing of sensor information associated with the at least one device, the at least one user, the at least one contact, or a combination thereof to determine location information. The apparatus is further caused to update or recommend an update of at least one contact record for the at least one contact based, at least in part, on the location information.

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 monitor at least one device, one or more communications between at least one user and at least one contact of the at least one user. The apparatus is also caused to process and/or facilitate a processing of sensor information associated with the at least one device, the at least one user, the at least one contact, or a combination thereof to determine location information. The apparatus is further caused to update or recommend an update of at least one contact record for the at least one contact based, at least in part, on the location information.

According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for monitoring at least one device, one or more communications between at least one user and at least one contact of the at least one user. The apparatus also comprises means for processing and/or facilitating a processing of sensor information associated with the at least one device, the at least one user, the at least one contact, or a combination thereof to determine location information. The apparatus further comprises means for updating or recommending an update of at least one contact record for the at least one contact based, at least in part, on the location information.

For various example embodiments, the following is applicable: An apparatus comprising means for performing a method of any of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Examples of a method, apparatus, and computer program for assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle 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 unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1is a diagram of a system capable of assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle, according to one embodiment. Presently, users are required to manually enter (i.e., typing or voice commands) address information for one or more contacts. Despite this process is fairly simple, users consider it to be cumbersome and are not interested in doing it. Since the existing method is a straightforward command initiated approach by the users, many users forget to perform those actions at the moments it should have been done. As a result, the task accumulates and ends of being cumbersome. Hence, there is a need for a process that alerts users at the right time to associate an address with a contact, so that users never have to manually enter a contact's full address.

To address this problem, a system100ofFIG. 1introduces the capability to recommend assignment of locations to one or more contacts in a mobile device through sensors analysis and context determination. In one scenario, the system100makes it easy for users to have addresses associated to contacts in their phone by making them more contextual, i.e., happening at the most relevant moment and device triggered, not user triggered. The system100enables a user to provide an input, such as, “drive to contact ABC from my phonebook” rather than providing specific location information, needless to mention location information can be lengthy and complicated. System100prevents users from manually typing addresses for their phonebook contacts as they are prompted to approve the association between a contact and a location when contextually relevant. System100promotes driver safety by preventing users from complex typing while driving.

As shown inFIG. 1A, the system100comprises user equipment (UE)101a-101n(collectively referred to as UE101) that may include or be associated with applications103a-103n(collectively referred to as applications103) and sensors105a-105n(collectively referred to as sensors105). In one embodiment, the UE101has connectivity to an identification platform109via a communication network107, e.g., a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, the identification platform109performs one or more functions associated with assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle.

As shown inFIG. 1A, the system100comprises of UE101. In one embodiment, the UE101may include, but is not restricted to, any type of a mobile terminal, wireless terminal, fixed terminal, or portable terminal. Examples of the UE101, may include, but are not restricted to, a mobile handset, a wireless communication device, a station, a unit, a device, a multimedia computer, a multimedia tablet, an Internet node, a communicator, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a notebook computer, a netbook computer, a tablet computer, a Personal Communication System (PCS) device, a personal navigation device, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a digital camera/camcorder, an infotainment system, a dashboard computer, a television device, or any combination thereof, including the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the UE101may support any type of interface for supporting the presentment of one or more recommended routes towards at least one destination. In addition, the UE101may facilitate various input means for receiving and generating information, including, but not restricted to, a touch screen capability, a keyboard and keypad data entry, a voice-based input mechanism, and the like. Any known and future implementations of the UE101may also be applicable. In one embodiment, the UE101may be included, embedded within, or communicatively connected to the one or more vehicles (e.g., vehicle129). In one embodiment, the at least one or more vehicles129includes at least one autonomous vehicle, at least one highly-assisted driving vehicle, or a combination thereof.

The UE101may further include applications103. Further, the applications103may include various applications such as, but not restricted to, location-based service application, navigation application, content provisioning application, camera/imaging application, media player application, social networking application, calendar applications, multimedia application, and the like. In one embodiment, the applications103are installed within the UE101. In one example embodiment, a location-based service application installed in the UE101enables the identification platform109to determine, for example, position, destination, heading, speed, context, identification, type, or any combination thereof, for one or more of the UE101, such as vehicles. In another embodiment, the camera/imaging application installed in the UE101enables the identification platform109to determine one or more contacts. In one example embodiment, the camera/imaging application may perform face recognition of one or more users. The cameras associated with the at least one UE101and/or the at least one vehicle may take pictures of the one or more users. Then, the identification platform109may recognize the one or more users by linking the pictures to some external database (e.g., any social networking websites), thus making the association to the user easier. In a further embodiment, the applications103enables the identification platform109to process communication information and/or contextual information and/or sensor information to determine at least one location for at least one contact.

The system100also includes one or more sensors105, which can be implemented, embedded or communicatively connected to the UE101and/or vehicle129. The sensors105may be any type of sensor. In certain embodiments, the sensors105may include, for example, but not restricted to, a global positioning sensor for gathering location data, such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensor, Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) for gathering distance data, a network detection sensor for detecting wireless signals or receivers for different short-range communications (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, Near Field Communication (NFC) etc.), temporal information sensors, a camera/imaging sensor for gathering image data (e.g., the camera sensors may automatically capture traffic flow information and/or traffic light information for analysis purpose), and the like. In one scenario, where cellular connectivity is not available, direct communication between UE101and vehicle possible through Bluetooth, WI-FI or other mechanisms. In another embodiment, the sensors105may include light sensors, oriental sensors augmented with height sensor and acceleration sensor (e.g., an accelerometer can measure acceleration and can be used to determine orientation of the UE101), tilt sensors, e.g. gyroscopes, to detect the degree of incline or decline of the vehicle along a path of travel, an electronic compass to detect a compass direction, moisture sensors, pressure sensors, etc. In a further example embodiment, sensors about the perimeter of the vehicle may detect the relative distance of the vehicle from lane or roadways, the presence of other vehicles, pedestrians, traffic lights, potholes and any other objects, or a combination thereof. In one scenario, the sensors105may detect weather data, road condition, traffic information, or a combination thereof. In one example embodiment, the UE101may include Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers to obtain geographic coordinates from satellites119for determining current location and time associated with the UE101. Further, the location can be determined by an Assisted Global Positioning (A-GPS), Cell of Origin, a wireless signal triangulation system, or other location extrapolation technologies. In another example embodiment, the one or more sensors may provide in-vehicle navigation services, wherein one or more location based services may be provided to the at least one UE101associated with the at least one user of the vehicle and/or at least one other UE101associated with the at least one vehicle. In one example embodiment, the one or more sensors105in the UE101or vehicle129enable determination, for example, position, destination, speed, type and identification, or any combination thereof, for the UE101or vehicle129. In another embodiment, the one or more sensors105enable determination the status situation in one or more road segments, such as traffic or weather. In another embodiment, the one or more sensors105enable determination of context of the UE101or vehicle129.

In one embodiment, the identification platform109may be a platform with multiple interconnected components. The identification platform109may include one or more servers, intelligent networking devices, computing devices, components and corresponding software for assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle. In addition, it is noted that the identification platform109may be a separate entity of the system100, a part of the one or more services115a-115n(collectively referred to as services115) of the services platform113, or the UE101.

In one embodiment, the identification platform109allows a user to intuitively assign a location to one or more contacts by monitoring the context around this user and making relevant recommendations. The identification platform109may implement certain triggers for recommending a user to associate an address with a person/contact in address book. In one scenario, the identification platform109may process communication information and/or contextual information associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle to determine the user is dropping off friend (e.g., Steve) at his home ABC. The identification platform109determines current position for at least one user and their contacts either via the car's position or via any location based device (e.g., sensors105) being carried by the user. The car sensors detect Steve entering and/or leaving the vehicle. Subsequently, the identification platform109may alert the user to assign home ABC to Steve.

In one embodiment, the identification platform109may implement several methods to increase the likelihood of suggesting the most relevant contact(s). The identification platform109may monitor several parameters and show an ordered list to the user. In one scenario, the identification platform109may monitor meta-data of user's communications (e.g., SMS, calls, emails, etc.) to understand who the user has been recently in touch with. In another scenario, the identification platform109may monitor the content of those communications to be able to evaluate through a semantic analysis who the user is likely to meet and where. In one example embodiment, a user and his friend are exchanging SMS about meeting at the friend's office to go together to a concert. The identification platform109may process the content of the communication to identify the friend, the possible concert they might be going (via geographic database111), etc. Then, the identification platform109may detect via sensors105that the user have reached the office location and picked his friend, whereupon the identification platform109may recommend the user to associate the office location with the friend. In one scenario, the recommendation may appear on the head unit interface of at least one vehicle, the mobile device interface, or a combination thereof. In this scenario, it is assumed that the mobile device and vehicle are linked via communication network107so that vehicle's sensor information can be used by the identification platform109to trigger the notification on the most relevant device for the user.

In one embodiment, the identification platform109may rank the one or more contacts. In one scenario, the identification platform109may deprioritize contacts whose addresses are already known. In another scenario, the identification platform109may deprioritize a user's partner or close friends because the frequency of communication with those people may not be relevant for the people/address matching (i.e., even if the user's wife has sent the last 5 SMS, this does not mean she should be suggested as the highly suggested person). Further, a user and his family members (e.g., wife, children, etc.) may share similar location information. In one scenario, the identification platform109makes it easy for the users to set their destination, as users are able to select a person as their destination.

In one scenario, knowing contacts' addresses may assist the identification platform109in determining places for meetups, e.g., for a dinner or a night out. Further, knowing the contact's addresses may influence proposed routes in some scenarios (e.g., if the user has time, he may pass by a friend and say hi). In addition, knowing the contact's addresses could be relevant information for destination prediction (e.g., if some address is associated to a person, it likely has a higher relevance).

In one embodiment, the geographic database111may store and manage data for one or more contacts associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle, mapping data, local events data (e.g., concerts), weather data, or a combination thereof. The information may be any multiple types of information that can provide means for aiding in the content provisioning and sharing process.

The services platform113may include any type of service. By way of example, the services platform113may include mapping services/application, navigation services/application, travel planning services/application, route calculation services/application, notification services/application, social networking services/application, content (e.g., audio, video, images, etc.) provisioning services/application, application services/application, storage services/application, contextual information determination services/application, location based services/application, information (e.g., weather, news, etc.) based services/application, etc. In one embodiment, the services platform113may interact with the UE101, the identification platform109and the content provider117to supplement or aid in the processing of the content information. In one embodiment, the services platform113may be implemented or embedded in the identification platform109or in its functions.

By way of example, the services115may be an online service that reflects interests and/or activities of users. The services115allow users to share contact information, location information, activities information, contextual information, historical user information and interests within their individual networks, and provides for data portability. The services115may additionally assist in providing the identification platform109with information on travel plans of at least one user, activity information of at least one user, user profile information, and a variety of additional information.

The content providers117a-117n(collectively referred to as content provider117) may provide content to the UE101, the vehicle129, the identification platform109, and the services115of the services platform113. The content provided may be any type of content, such as, image content, textual content, audio content (e.g., audio notification), video content (e.g., visual notification), etc. In one embodiment, the content provider117may provide content that may supplement content of the applications103, the sensors105, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the content provider117may provide or supplement the mapping services/application, navigation services/application, travel planning services/application, route calculation services/application, notification services/application, social networking services/application, content (e.g., audio, video, images, etc.) provisioning services/application, application services/application, storage services/application, contextual information determination services/application, location based services/application, information (e.g., weather, news, etc.) based services/application, local map data, or any combination thereof. By way of example, the content provider117may provide content that may aid in determining current location of at least contact in real-time. In one embodiment, the content provider117may also store content associated with the UE101, the identification platform109, and the services115of the services platform113. In another embodiment, the content provider117may manage access to a central repository of data, and offer a consistent, standard interface to data, such as, a repository of location information for one or more contacts, location information for one or more road segments, and so on. Any known or still developing methods, techniques or processes for assigning at least one location to at least one contact may be employed by the identification platform109.

In one embodiment, the at least one or more vehicles129includes at least one autonomous vehicle, at least one highly-assisted driving vehicle, or a combination thereof. In one example embodiment, one or more users are riding an autonomous vehicle (i.e., a sell=driving taxi), and may dictate their travel destinations to the autonomous vehicle. The at least one user may use this opportunity to save his/her friends' destinations as their home. To do that, the at least one user may connect to the vehicle to retrieve those addresses, provided he/she has the necessary access rights (granted by the car and his/her friends).

FIG. 1Bis a diagram of the geographic database111of system100, according to exemplary embodiments. In the exemplary embodiments, POIs and map generated POIs data can be stored, associated with, and/or linked to the geographic database111or data thereof. In one embodiment, the geographic or map database111includes geographic data121used for (or configured to be compiled to be used for) mapping and/or navigation-related services, such as for personalized route determination, according to exemplary embodiments. For example, the geographic database111includes node data records123, road segment or link data records125, POI data records127, radio generated POI records129, and other data records131, for example. More, fewer or different data records can be provided. In one embodiment, the other data records131include cartographic (“carto”) data records, routing data, traffic signal data, and maneuver data. One or more portions, components, areas, layers, features, text, and/or symbols of the POI or event data can be stored in, linked to, and/or associated with one or more of these data records. For example, one or more portions of the POI, event data, or recorded route information can be matched with respective map or geographic records via position or GPS data associations (such as using known or future map matching or geo-coding techniques), for example.

In exemplary embodiments, the road segment data records125are links or segments representing roads, streets, parking areas, or paths, as can be used in the calculated route or recorded route information for determination of one or more personalized routes, according to exemplary embodiments. The node data records123are end points corresponding to the respective links or segments of the road segment data records125. The road link data records125and the node data records123represent a road network, such as used by vehicles, cars, and/or other entities. Alternatively, the geographic database111can contain path segment and node data records or other data that represent pedestrian paths or areas in addition to or instead of the vehicle road record data, for example.

The road link and nodes can be associated with attributes, such as geographic coordinates, traffic lights, street names, address ranges, speed limits, turn restrictions at intersections, and other navigation related attributes, as well as POIs, such as gasoline stations, hotels, restaurants, museums, stadiums, offices, automobile dealerships, auto repair shops, buildings, stores, parks, parking areas (attributes on which parking areas are critical) etc. The geographic database111can include data about the POIs and their respective locations in the POI data records127. The geographic database111can also include data about places, such as cities, towns, or other communities, and other geographic features, such as bodies of water, mountain ranges, etc. Such place or feature data can be part of the POI data127or can be associated with POIs or POI data records127(such as a data point used for displaying or representing a position of a city). In addition, the geographic database111can include data from radio advertisements associated with the POI data records127and their respective locations in the radio generated POI records129. By way of example, a street is determined from the user interaction with the UE101and the content information associated with the UE101, according to the various embodiments described herein.

The geographic database111can be maintained by the content provider in association with the services platform113(e.g., a map developer). The map developer can collect geographic data to generate and enhance the geographic database111. There can be different ways used by the map developer to collect data. These ways can include obtaining data from other sources, such as municipalities or respective geographic authorities (e.g., schedules for traffic light signals). In addition, the map developer can employ field personnel to travel by vehicle along roads throughout the geographic region to observe features and/or record information about them, for example. Also, remote sensing, such as aerial or satellite photography, can be used.

As mentioned above, the geographic database111can be a master geographic database, but in alternate embodiments, the geographic database111can represent a compiled navigation database that can be used in or with end user devices (e.g., UEs101) to provided navigation-related functions. For example, the geographic database111can be used with the UE101to provide an end user with navigation features. In such a case, the geographic database111can be downloaded or stored on the UE101, such as in the applications103, or the UE101can access the geographic database111through a wireless or wired connection (such as via a server and/or the communication network107), for example.

In one embodiment, the end user device or UE101can be an in-vehicle navigation system, a personal navigation device (PND), a portable navigation device, a cellular telephone, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a watch, a camera, a computer, and/or other device that can perform navigation-related functions, such as digital routing and map display. In one embodiment, the navigation device UE101can be a cellular telephone. An end user can use the device UE101for navigation functions.

FIG. 2is a diagram of the components of the identification platform109, according to one example embodiment. By way of example, the identification platform109includes one or more components for assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle. 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 one embodiment, the identification platform109comprises one or more monitoring modules201, logic203, ranking modules205, assignment modules207, recommendation modules209and presentation modules211, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the monitoring module201may monitor communication information at meta-data-level and/or at semantic level to identify the at least one contact associated with the at least one device, the at least one vehicle, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the monitoring module201may monitor communication between a user and at least one contact of the at least one user to cause an association between at least one location and the contact. In a further embodiment, the monitoring module201may detect at least one picking-up (e.g., user entering) and/or at least one dropping-off (e.g., user leaving) of one or more contacts from the at least one vehicle via sensors105. In another embodiment, the monitoring module201may determine change in location information for one or more contacts.

In one embodiment, the logic203may process communication information, contextual information, sensor information, or a combination thereof associated with at least one device, at least one vehicle, or a combination thereof. Then, the logic203may determine an association between at least one location and at least one contact associated with the at least one device, the at least one vehicle, or a combination thereof. The at least one location includes, at least in part, at least one current location, at least one destination location, at least one drop-off location, at least one pick-up location, at least one parking location, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the logic203may determine that at least one suggested location is not an actual location of the at least one contact.

In one embodiment, the ranking module205may rank of one or more contacts based, at least in part, on location information. In one example embodiment, the ranking module205may rank a contact lower amongst the other contacts if the contact already has a location assigned to it. In another embodiment, the ranking module205may rank one or more contacts based, at least in part, on identification information. In one example embodiment, the ranking module205may rank a contact lower amongst the other contacts if the contact is a family member (e.g., wife) because they may have similar location. In a further embodiment, the ranking module205may highly rank at least one contact with assigned location for location refinement. In one scenario, the monitoring module201may provide the ranking module with information on the change in location for the at least one contact, whereupon the ranking module205may highly rank the contact for speedy location update.

In one embodiment, the logic203may provide the assignment module207with information on association between one or more location and one or more contacts. Then, the assignment module207may assign at least one location to at least one contact. In another embodiment, the monitoring module201may provide the assignment module207with updated location information for at least one contact, whereupon the assignment module207may replace the old address with new address. In one scenario, the assignment may be based, at least in part, on user selection, confidence level, pre-set criteria, or a combination thereof. In another scenario, the identification platform109may constantly run in the background to try to validate the addresses in the database (e.g., phonebook) and may associate a confidence level to those addresses which varies over time. In one example embodiment, user A always goes to visit Joe at XYZ location. The nearby devices and/or communication metadata and/or sensor information indicates the XYZ location to be Joe's residential address. At this point, the identification platform109may determine the confidence indicator to be close to 100%. On the other hand, tier some contacts whom the user have not met for a long time, the confidence indicator may be low because the contacts living or working at that particular location has not been recently validated, in one scenario, the identification platform109may implement outdated location information while starting guidance. For example, a user may provide instructions to a device associated with a vehicle “Drive me to John's office”. Then, the identification platform109may determine that John's office has not been recently validated and may notify the user “Last known office location for John was XYZ but this information is from January 2012 and has not been validated since then”, Pursuant to the notification, the identification platform109may present the user h options, such as, would you want to:i. Drive there?ii. Call the associated phone number?iii. Cancel the navigation.

In one embodiment, the recommendation module209may recommend at least one location to the at least one contact based, at least in part, on sensor information (e.g., proximity to the location), contextual information, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the recommendation module209may recommend at least one route, at least one meeting location, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the location information of one or more contacts.

In one embodiment, the presentation module211obtains information and/or updates from the other modules. Then, the presentation module211continues with generating a presentation of at least one notification for assigning the at least one location to the at least one contact. In another embodiment, the presentation module211may present at least one user interface for updating at least one suggested location to the at least one actual location. The user interface includes graphical user interface (GUI), and employs various application programming interfaces (APIs) or other function calls corresponding to the applications103of UE101, thus enabling the display of graphics primitives such as menus, buttons, data entry fields, etc., for generating user interface elements. In one scenario, the location may be updated based, at least in part, on user interaction, wherein the one or more interactions with the at least one user interface element causes panning of the location information (e.g., street number). Further, the presentation of the at least one user interface include a list of proximate locations to the at least one suggested location. The user can select a location from the list via a touch based input and/or a voice based input.

The above presented modules and components of the identification platform109can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. Though depicted as a separate entity inFIG. 1, it is contemplated that the identification platform109may be implemented for direct operation by respective UE101. As such, the identification platform109may generate direct signal inputs by way of the operating system of the UE101for interacting with the applications103. In another embodiment, one or more of the modules201-211may be implemented for operation by respective UEs, as the identification platform109, or combination thereof. Still further, the identification platform109may be integrated for direct operation with the services115, such as in the form of a widget or applet, in accordance with an information and/or subscriber sharing arrangement. The various executions presented herein contemplate any and all arrangements and models.

FIG. 3is a flowchart of a process for updating or recommending an update of location information for at least one contact of the at least one user, according to one example embodiment. In one embodiment, the identification platform109performs the process300and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown inFIG. 13.

In step301, the identification platform109may monitor at least one device, one or more communications between at least one user and at least one contact of the at least one user. In one embodiment, the monitoring of the one or more communications includes, at least in part, a meta-data analysis, a semantic analysis, or a combination thereof of the one or more communications. In one scenario, the identification platform109may monitor at least one users' communication in the background. The monitoring may occur at metadata-level (who called/messaged whom, when and for how long) or at a semantic level (by extracting next actions and locations), thus determining a user's context. In one example embodiment, Rick is exchanging some emails, call and SMS with Brad about the concert they will attend on Monday. On that day, Rick calls Brad to tell him he will pick him up at his office before going to the concert. Upon arrival Rick sends an SMS to Brad. The identification platform109recognizes the context of a car parked and some ongoing communication channels between Rick and Brad, hence it suggests Rick to assign this location to Brad. Rick accepts and assigns it to Brad.

In step303, the identification platform109may process and/or facilitate a processing of sensor information associated with the at least one device, the at least one user, the at least one contact, or a combination thereof to determine location information. In one embodiment, the sensor information is collected from one or more sensors associated with the at least one device, one or more vehicles, or a combination thereof. In one scenario, the processing of the data may take place at various locations (e.g., cloud, car, smartphone, smartwatch, any computing device with the necessary power and memory). In one example embodiment, the identification platform109may perform the processing in the cloud since multiple devices could report their status and upload data to the cloud. Then, the identification platform109may manage the storage of that data and compute the output.

In step305, the identification platform109may update or recommend an update of at least one contact record for the at least one contact based, at least in part, on the location information. In one example embodiment, John is exchanging some emails, call and SMS with Mike about the concert they will attend on Tuesday. On that day, John is picking up Mike at his office before going to the concert. After arriving at the office location, John sends an SMS “I am waiting downstairs”. The identification platform109recognizes the context of the parked vehicle and the semantics used in the SMS. As a result, the identification platform109suggests the user to assign this location to Mike as his office address. John can accept and assign the location to Mike. Then, they drive to the concert together. After the concert, John brings Mike home and when the car stops, Mike says bye and leaves the car. The identification platform109detects this change in context, and suggests assigning the location to Mike. John confirms and sets Mike Home with one click.

FIG. 4is a flowchart of a process for determining potential contacts and ranking or filtering the potential contacts, according to one example embodiment. In one embodiment, the identification platform109performs the process400and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown inFIG. 13.

In step401, the identification platform109may determine one or more potential contacts based, at least in part, on the one or more communications, the sensor information, the location information, or contextual information or a combination thereof. In one example embodiment, the identification platform109may monitor communication between a user and his/her contacts to determine the contact the user is meeting. In one scenario, the identification platform109may present a ranked list of possible contacts. The identification platform109may apply filtering to refine the suggestion list. In another example embodiment, a user arrives at a certain location. At this point, the user may decide to More that location, whereupon he/she may select a “store location” button on the user interface of the at least one UE101and/or at least one vehicle. Using the same techniques described, the vehicle and/or UE101may offer the ranked list of suggested contacts.

In step403, the identification platform109may present the one or more potential contacts to the at least one user on at least one user interface. In one embodiment, the one or more interactions in the at least in one user interface selects the at least one contact from among the one or more potential contacts. In one embodiment, the main objective is to keep an up-to-date contact list, with the addresses that matter to people. One of the important reasons to have an updated contact list is that user can issue commands to his navigation system such as “find theater's near Mark's home” instead of “find theaters near ABC 123 Street”, which requires the user to know the address accurately and speak it loud and clearly. Saying Mark's home is probably less error-prone since it's shorter and easy.

In step405, the identification platform109may rank or filter the one or more potential contacts based, at least in part, on one or more criteria. In one embodiment, the updating or the recommending of the update of the at least one contact record is further based, at least in part, on the ranking or the filtering. In another embodiment, the ranking, the filtering, or a combination thereof is based, at least in part, on whether the at least one contact record already includes address information for the at least one contact, on relationship information between the at least one and the at least one contact, or on a combination thereof.

FIG. 5is a flowchart of a process for determining and/or updating and/or recommending location information based, at least in part, on user activities, according to one example embodiment. In one embodiment, the identification platform109performs the process500and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown inFIG. 13.

In step501, the identification platform109may process and/or facilitate a processing of the sensor information, the one or more communications, or a combination thereof to determine whether the at least one user is engaged in a passenger drop-off activity, a passenger pick-up activity, a parking activity, a contact meet-up activity, or a combination thereof. In one scenario, the sensors105such as car occupancy sensors (to detect pick-up/drop-off) or proximity sensors (activated when meeting a contact) determine reaching a location. In one example embodiment, the identification platform109may determine multiple passengers in at least one vehicle via sensors105(e.g., seat sensors etc.). The identification platform109may identify each passenger via sensors105(e.g., device identifier, subscription information, IMEI, etc.). Then, once the driver drops at least one passenger at a particular location (e.g., GPS sensors etc.), the identification platform109may suggest to associate the location to at least one leaving passenger. Further, the identification platform109may provide ranking (i.e., suggest those contacts at the top of the ranked list) for the one or more passengers in at least one vehicle. Any additional parameters detected via sensors105may help in finding out which passenger left the car, then it should be used to fine tune the ranking. For example, the identification platform109may detect that the person leaving was the only woman in the car (via voice detection sensors when saying goodbye) or via the phones paired with the car, etc.

In step503, the identification platform109may initiate the determining of the location information, the updating of the at least one contact record, the recommending of the update of the at least one contact record, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the passenger drop-off activity, the passenger pick-up activity, the parking activity, the contact meet-up activity, or a combination thereof. In one example embodiment, the identification platform109may determine at least one user dropping off at least one passenger. Then, the identification platform109may present a notification message with the following content:1. Do you want to assign this address “Main Street 24” to a phonebook's contact? User selects “Yes.”2. Pick the desired contact below:JoeMikeFredNo, Cancel.

Further, the identification platform109may provide the user with an option to refine the address if the at least one vehicle is not parked exactly at his friend's home address. In another example embodiment, the identification platform109may determine at least one user is waiting for someone in his car (e.g., context of a parked vehicle) or on foot. Then, the identification platform109may suggest assigning the location to a person though the algorithm has not accurately determined which person to assign to. Since the user has time while waiting, he/she could simply pick a contact from his/her phonebook without having to type anything.

FIG. 6is a flowchart of a process for confirming and/or refining location information, according to one example embodiment. In one embodiment, the identification platform109performs the process600and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown inFIG. 13.

In step601, the identification platform109may present the at least one user interface to the at least one user for confirming, refining, or a combination thereof of the location information. In one embodiment, the updating of the at least one contact record, the recommending of the updating of the at least one contact record, or a combination thereof is based, at least in part, on the confirming, the refining, or a combination thereof. In one example embodiment, the at least one suggested address may not be the correct address. For instance, the car is not parked in front of the house or the contact lives in a pedestrian area or the pedestrian entrance is different from the car entrance, and so on. Hence, the identification platform109allows a user to manually change the address by manually modifying the location information (e.g., editing the street number, street name or picking a nearby location on the map). The user may be able to add extra details if he/she wishes (e.g., floor number, apartment number). The identification platform109offers a dedicated interface making this operation easy, with close zoom level, visible street names and numbers.

In step603, the identification platform109may process and/or facilitate a processing of the location information, the one or more communications, the sensor information, contextual information, or a combination thereof to determine one or more location refinement options. In one embodiment, the one or more refinement options include, at least in part, one or more alternate addresses or one or more alternate components of the one or more alternate addresses. In one example embodiment, a user drops off his friend at ABC location, but the friend actually works at XYZ location. The identification platform109may suggest ABC location as the potential office location but will also suggest a list of nearby streets including XYZ Street as refinement options. In one scenario, a user may have previously entered address for at least one contact, but the contact has changed his/her location. Then, the identification platform109may generate suggestions on whom to assign a location from the contact list. In one example embodiment, the identification platform109may rank some users low if they already have address assigned to them. In another example embodiment, the identification platform109may rank a contact higher if the presence of the contact is detected in the vehicle, or if the user had recent interactions with a contact, as this make him/her a more likely candidate for the address association. In one scenario, location information (e.g., from GPS) can be reverse geo-coded, giving an address to match a possible contact. The user can confirm that the address matches the contact with a single OK (or refine the address with minor typing). The refinement can also be done in the form of tagging address is home or work, etc.). Such information can be detected by analysis at semantic level.

In step605, the identification platform109may present one or more refinement options in the at least one user interface. In one example embodiment, the identification platform109may present a list of alternative addresses (e.g., a list of the closest streets). Then, the user may change the suggested address by selecting one of the alternative addresses. Further, the presentation module211provides GUIs that allows users to manually change the street number and/or street name. Thereby easing the process of refining addresses for at least one user.

FIG. 7is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of determining at least one user to assign at least one location based on communication content, according to one example embodiment. In one embodiment, the identification platform109may monitor communication content between users and their contacts, including location updates, relevant sensor information, or a combination thereof. In one scenario, user1sends an SMS via his/her UE101to the UE101of contact1(step701). Then, contact1sends a response to user1via his/her UE101(step703). User1also has telephone and/or SMS conversation with contact2via their respective UE101s(steps705,707and709). Pursuant to the communication user1reaches a specific location (step711), whereupon user1communicates with contact1via SMS (step713). The identification platform109constantly monitors communication content between user1and his/her contacts. The identification platform109may analyze the text from user1to contact1that “he/she is coming to pick contact1at the office.” The identification platform109may determine that user1has reached the office location of contact1based on sensor information received from sensor105. Further, SMS from user1“I am waiting outside” and response SMS from contact1that “ok, I come down in 3 minutes” (step715) increases the confidence level, and the identification platform109may recommend an assignment of the current location as the office location of contact1instead of contact2(step717). In such manner, the identification platform109performs semantic analysis to select at least one contact from a group of contacts to assign a location.

FIG. 8is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of determining at least one user to assign at least one location based on communication meta-data, according to one example embodiment. In one embodiment, the identification platform109may monitor user's communication meta-data, location updates, relevant sensors' information, temporal information, or a combination thereof. In one scenario, when user1interacts with contact1and contact2over a communication network, the content of the communication is not the only information that is exchanged. User1also sends data about the communication that allows the communication to successfully reach its intended recipients. The data about the communication may include sender's location, sender's UE101identifier (e.g., subscription information, IMEI, etc.), recipients location, recipients UE101identifier, and so on. In one example embodiment, user1may communicate with contact1via SMS and telephone call (steps801and803). User1may also communicate with contact1via SMS (steps805and807). Pursuant to the communication user1reaches a specific location (step809), whereupon user1communicates with contact2via SMS (step811and813). The identification platform109detects that users1communicates with contact2upon arrival at the new location, such context detection may cause the identification platform109to suggest the new location to contact2(step815). Further, the identification platform109may suggest user1to save the current address to the most likely contact based, at least in part, on pre-set criteria (i.e., communication meta-data, location updates, and relevant sensor information) and existing information in the cloud and UE101. In another example embodiment, the identification platform109may recognize contact2as user1's wife, whereupon the identification platform109may implement light filtering to de-prioritize contact2since it already has location (e.g., residential address, official address) assigned to it.

FIG. 9Ais a diagram that represents a scenario wherein the identification platform109recognizes and assigns a location to at least one user based on communication meta-data and/or communication content and/or user movement, according to one example embodiment. In one scenario, user1travels from his home901towards user2's location907. The identification platform109receives location information of user1from sensor105associated with device903and vehicle905. In addition, the identification platform109may monitor the meta-data of user's communications and/or the content of those communications to determine whom user1is likely to meet and where. The identification platform109determines that user1and user2are exchanging SMS about meeting at user2's office to go a concert together. The identification platform109may detect proximity between the mobile devices of user1and user2to determine that user2has been picked-up at location907. Then, the identification platform109may cause a presentation of a notification in device903of user1for assigning location907as the office of user2. The identification platform109also detects via sensor105(e.g., context of parked vehicle905at the concert location) that user1and user2are at the concert location909. Then, user1drops-off user2at location911. The identification platform109may consider the time factor (e.g., nighttime) and may cause a presentation of a notification in device903of user1for assigning location907as the home of user2.

FIG. 9Bis a diagram that represents a scenario wherein at least one user is advised to update contact record based, at least in part, on drop-off activity, pick-up activity, meeting-activity, or a combination thereof. In one example embodiment, user1travels from his home913towards user2's location919. The identification platform109may determine user1picking-up user2from location919. Then, the identification platform109may present a notification message to the user's UE101915and/or vehicle917with the following content:1. Do you want to assign this address “Main Street 24” to a phonebook's contact? User1selects “Yes.”2. Pick the desired contact below:AlbertPeteFrankNo, Cancel.

FIG. 10is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of identifying and assigning a location to at least one user based on communication meta-data and/or communication content, according to one example embodiment. In one scenario, user1sends an SMS via his/her UE101to the UE101of user2(step1001). Then, user1and user2have telephone conversation via their respective UE101s(step1003). The identification platform109may monitor the meta-data of user's communications and/or the content of those communications to determine that user1and user2are meeting at user2's office to go a concert together. Pursuant to the conversation user1reaches the office location of user2(step1005). The car sensors detect an entry of at least one additional passenger (i.e., user2). Then, the identification platform109saves the office location and notifies user1to associate the office location with user2(step1007). Then, user1may approve the association between the office location and user2(step1009). The identification platform109detects via sensor105(e.g., context of parked vehicle at the concert location) that user1and user2are at the concert location (step1011). The identification platform109may not reach any specific triggers as the car sensors detect both the users leaving the vehicle for a certain time period. Afterward, user1drops-off user2at her home (step1013). The car sensors may detect that the passenger is leaving, whereupon the identification platform109may save the location (step1015) and notify user1to assign the location as the home of user2. Then, user1may approve the association between the home location and user2(step1017).

FIG. 11is a ladder diagram utilized in the process of determining and assigning at least one location to at least one pedestrian user, according to one example embodiment. In such scenarios, the context may be detected via UE101handshake, UE101proximity detection, voice recognition (e.g., users greeting each other), and so on. In one scenario, user1sends an SMS via his/her UE101to the UE101of user2(step1101). Then, user1and user2have telephone conversation via their respective UE101s(step1103). Pursuant to the conversation user1walks to the office location of user2(step1105). The identification platform109may detect that the users are at the same location through geo-fencing. Further, the identification platform109may listen to other sensors to confirm that the users are together (e.g., voice, movements, etc.). Then, the identification platform109may trigger an association proposal message to user1based on the confidence level that the users have met. If the confidence level is high the identification platform109may save the location and may notify user1to associate the location to contact2(step1107). Then, user1may approve the association between the office location and user2(step1109).

The processes described herein for assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle 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. 12illustrates a computer system1200upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Although computer system1200is depicted with respect to a particular device or equipment, it is contemplated that other devices or equipment (e.g., network elements, servers, etc.) withinFIG. 12can deploy the illustrated hardware and components of system1200. Computer system1200is programmed (e.g., via computer program code or instructions) to assign at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle as described herein and includes a communication mechanism such as a bus1210for passing information between other internal and external components of the computer system1200. 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 system1200, or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle.

A bus1210includes one or more parallel conductors of information so that information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus1210. One or more processors1202for processing information are coupled with the bus1210.

A processor (or multiple processors)1202performs a set of operations on information as specified by computer program code related to assign at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle. The computer program code is a set of instructions or statements providing instructions for the operation of the processor and/or the computer system to perform specified functions. The code, for example, may be written in a computer programming language that is compiled into a native instruction set of the processor. The code may also be written directly using the native instruction set (e.g., machine language). The set of operations include bringing information in from the bus1210and placing information on the bus1210. The set of operations also typically include comparing two or more units of information, shifting positions of units of information, and combining two or more units of information, such as by addition or multiplication or logical operations like OR, exclusive OR (XOR), and AND. Each operation of the set of operations that can be performed by the processor is represented to the processor by information called instructions, such as an operation code of one or more digits. A sequence of operations to be executed by the processor1202, such as a sequence of operation codes, constitute processor instructions, also called computer system instructions or, simply, computer instructions. Processors may be implemented as mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical, chemical, or quantum components, among others, alone or in combination.

Computer system1200also includes a memory1204coupled to bus1210. The memory1204, such as a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device, stores information including processor instructions for assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle. Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the computer system1200. 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 memory1204is also used by the processor1202to store temporary values during execution of processor instructions. The computer system1200also includes a read only memory (ROM)1206or any other static storage device coupled to the bus1210for storing static information, including instructions, that is not changed by the computer system1200. Some memory is composed of volatile storage that loses the information stored thereon when power is lost. Also coupled to bus1210is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device1208, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk or flash card, for storing information, including instructions, that persists even when the computer system1200is turned off or otherwise loses power.

Information, including instructions for assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle, is provided to the bus1210for use by the processor from an external input device1212, 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 system1200. Other external devices coupled to bus1210, used primarily for interacting with humans, include a display device1214, 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 device1216, 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 display1214and issuing commands associated with graphical elements presented on the display1214, and one or more camera sensors1294for capturing, recording and causing to store one or more still and/or moving images (e.g., videos, movies, etc.) which also may comprise audio recordings. In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments in which the computer system1200performs all functions automatically without human input, one or more of external input device1212, display device1214and pointing device1216may be omitted.

In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)1220, is coupled to bus1210. The special purpose hardware is configured to perform operations not performed by processor1202quickly enough for special purposes. Examples of ASICs include graphics accelerator cards for generating images for display1214, cryptographic boards for encrypting and decrypting messages sent over a network, speech recognition, and interfaces to special external devices, such as robotic arms and medical scanning equipment that repeatedly perform some complex sequence of operations that are more efficiently implemented in hardware.

Computer system1200also includes one or more instances of a communications interface1270coupled to bus1210. Communication interface1270provides 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 link1278that is connected to a local network1280to which a variety of external devices with their own processors are connected. For example, communication interface1270may be a parallel port or a serial port or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In some embodiments, communications interface1270is 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 interface1270is a cable modem that converts signals on bus1210into 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 interface1270may 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 interface1270sends 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 interface1270includes a radio band electromagnetic transmitter and receiver called a radio transceiver. In certain embodiments, the communications interface1270enables connection to the communication network107for assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle to the UE101.

Network link1278typically provides information communication using transmission media through one or more networks to other devices that use or process the information. For example, network link1278may provide a connection through local network1280to a host computer1282or to equipment1284operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment1284in turn provides data communication services through the public, world-wide packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly referred to as the Internet1290.

A computer called a server host1292connected to the Internet hosts a process that provides a service in response to information received over the Internet. For example, server host1292hosts a process that provides information representing video data for presentation at display1214. It is contemplated that the components of system1200can be deployed in various configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host1282and server1292.

At least some embodiments of the invention are related to the use of computer system1200for implementing some or all of the techniques described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by computer system1200in response to processor1202executing one or more sequences of one or more processor instructions contained in memory1204. Such instructions, also called computer instructions, software and program code, may be read into memory1204from another computer-readable medium such as storage device1208or network link1278. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory1204causes processor1202to perform one or more of the method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware, such as ASIC1220, 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 link1278and other networks through communications interface1270, carry information to and from computer system1200. Computer system1200can send and receive information, including program code, through the networks1280,1290among others, through network link1278and communications interface1270. In an example using the Internet1290, a server host1292transmits program code for a particular application, requested by a message sent from computer1200, through Internet1290, ISP equipment1284, local network1280and communications interface1270. The received code may be executed by processor1202as it is received, or may be stored in memory1204or in storage device1208or any other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In this manner, computer system1200may 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 processor1202for execution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host1282. 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 system1200receives 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 link1278. An infrared detector serving as communications interface1270receives the instructions and data carried in the infrared signal and places information representing the instructions and data onto bus1210. Bus1210carries the information to memory1204from which processor1202retrieves and executes the instructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. The instructions and data received in memory1204may optionally be stored on storage device1208, either before or after execution by the processor1202.

In one embodiment, the chip set or chip1300includes a communication mechanism such as a bus1301for passing information among the components of the chip set1300. A processor1303has connectivity to the bus1301to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory1305. The processor1303may 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 processor1303may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus1301to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor1303may 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)1307, or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC)1309. A DSP1307typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor1303. Similarly, an ASIC1309can 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 chip1300includes 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 processor1303and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory1305via the bus1301. The memory1305includes 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 assign at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle. The memory1305also 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)1403, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)1405, and a receiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit1407provides a display to the user in support of various applications and mobile terminal functions that perform or support the steps of assigning at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle. The display1407includes display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone). Additionally, the display1407and display circuitry are configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal. An audio function circuitry1409includes a microphone1411and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone1411. The amplified speech signal output from the microphone1411is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC)1413.

A radio section1415amplifies power and converts frequency in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a mobile communication system, via antenna1417. The power amplifier (PA)1419and the transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to the MCU1403, with an output from the PA1419coupled to the duplexer1421or circulator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA1419also couples to a battery interface and power control unit1420.

The encoded signals are then routed to an equalizer1425for compensation of any frequency-dependent impairments that occur during transmission though the air such as phase and amplitude distortion. After equalizing the bit stream, the modulator1427combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface1429. The modulator1427generates a sine wave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission, an up-converter1431combines the sine wave output from the modulator1427with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer1433to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is then sent through a PA1419to increase the signal to an appropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA1419acts as a variable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP1405from information received from a network base station. The signal is then filtered within the duplexer1421and optionally sent to an antenna coupler1435to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna1417to 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 terminal1401are received via antenna1417and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA)1437. A down-converter1439lowers the carrier frequency while the demodulator1441strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer1425and is processed by the DSP1405. A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)1443converts the signal and the resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker1445, all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU)1403which can be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU).

The MCU1403receives various signals including input signals from the keyboard1447. The keyboard1447and/or the MCU1403in combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone1411) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU1403runs a user interface software to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal1401to assign at least one location to at least one contact associated with at least one device and/or at least one vehicle. The MCU1403also delivers a display command and a switch command to the display1407and to the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU1403exchanges information with the DSP1405and can access an optionally incorporated SIM card1449and a memory1451. In addition, the MCU1403executes various control functions required of the terminal. The DSP1405may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP1405determines the background noise level of the local environment from the signals detected by microphone1411and sets the gain of microphone1411to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the user of the mobile terminal1401.

The CODEC1413includes the ADC1423and DAC1443. The memory1451stores 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 device1451may 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 card1449carries, for instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card1449serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal1401on a radio network. The card1449also contains a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobile terminal settings.

Further, one or more camera sensors1453may be incorporated onto the mobile station1401wherein the one or more camera sensors may be placed at one or more locations on the mobile station. Generally, the camera sensors may be utilized to capture, record, and cause to store one or more still and/or moving images (e.g., videos, movies, etc.) which also may comprise audio recordings.