Patent Publication Number: US-2016234637-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for leveraging overlapping group areas

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 13/785,879, filed Mar. 5, 2013, titled “Method and Apparatus for Leveraging Overlapping Group Areas,” the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     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 the development of services that leverage the increasingly popularity of users virtually interacting with one another using mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones and/or tablets) as evidenced by the increasing popularity of social networking services. In addition to interacting within virtual groups, users are also increasingly using devices in physically collocated groups. For example, in a park or on a university campus, there may be two or more groups of users forming different groups (e.g., one group may be viewing photos and another group may be playing a multiplayer videogame). However, in many instances, there is no interaction between the one or more groups despite their close proximity to one another. Accordingly, service providers and device manufacturers face significant technical challenges in providing a service that facilitates interaction among the groups. 
     Some Example Embodiments 
     Therefore, there is a need for an approach for determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. 
     According to one embodiment, a method comprises determining one or more shapes of one or more groups based, at least in part, on location information associated with one or more member devices of the one or more groups. The method also comprises causing, at least in part, a presentation of one or more representations of the one or more shapes in a location-based user interface. The method further comprises determining one or more applications, one or more content items, or a combination thereof being used at the one or more member devices. The method further comprises causing, at least in part, a presentation of one or more other representations of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof in the location-based user interface. 
     According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises at least one processor, and at least one memory including computer program code, 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 determine one or more shapes of one or more groups based, at least in part, on location information associated with one or more member devices of the one or more groups. The apparatus also causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more representations of the one or more shapes in a location-based user interface. The apparatus is further caused to determine one or more applications, one or more content items, or a combination thereof being used at the one or more member devices. The apparatus further causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more other representations of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof in the location-based user interface. 
     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 determine one or more shapes of one or more groups based, at least in part, on location information associated with one or more member devices of the one or more groups. The apparatus also causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more representations of the one or more shapes in a location-based user interface. The apparatus is further caused to determine one or more applications, one or more content items, or a combination thereof being used at the one or more member devices. The apparatus further causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more other representations of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof in the location-based user interface. 
     According to another embodiment, an apparatus comprises means for determining one or more shapes of one or more groups based, at least in part, on location information associated with one or more member devices of the one or more groups. The apparatus also comprises means for causing, at least in part, a presentation of one or more representations of the one or more shapes in a location-based user interface. The apparatus further comprises means for determining one or more applications, one or more content items, or a combination thereof being used at the one or more member devices. The apparatus further comprises means for causing, at least in part, a presentation of one or more other representations of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof in the location-based user interface. 
     Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. The invention is also capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagram of a system capable of determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram of the components of an interaction platform, according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 3-5  are flowcharts of processes for determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram of an example use case depicting the utilization of the processes of  FIGS. 3-5 , according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram of user interfaces utilized in the processes of  FIGS. 3-5 , according to various embodiments; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram of hardware that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram of a chip set that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram of a mobile terminal (e.g., handset) that can be used to implement an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS 
     Examples of a method, apparatus, and computer program for determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups 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. 1  is a diagram of a system capable of determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups, according to one embodiment. As previously discussed, one area of interest among service providers and device manufacturers has been the development of services that leverage the increasing popularity of users virtually interacting with one another using mobile devices (e.g., posting and/or sharing comments, pictures, videos, etc.) as evidenced by the increasing popularity of social networking services. In addition to interacting within virtual groups, users are increasingly using devices in physically collocated groups. By way of example, in a park or in on a university campus, there may be two or more groups of users forming different groups (e.g., one group may be sharing photos and another group may be playing a multiplayer videogame). However, in many instances, there is no interaction between the groups despite their close proximity to one another. 
     To address this problem, a system  100  of  FIG. 1  introduces the capability to determine a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and to provide services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the system  100  comprises one or more user equipment (UE)  101   a - 101   m  (e.g., mobile phones and/or tablets) (also collectively referred to as UEs  101 ) having connectivity to an interaction platform  103  via a communication network  105 . In one embodiment, the system  100  has been simplified to include four UE  101   s  (e.g.,  101   a - 101   d ), however, it is contemplated that any number of UEs  101  could be part of the two or more existing groups and/or the new group of users (e.g., UEs  101   b  and  101   c ). The UEs  101  also include or have access to one or more applications  107   a - 107   n  (also collectively referred to as applications  107 ). By way of example, the applications  107  include one or more media applications (e.g., applications for sharing music, photos, videos, etc.), one or more gaming applications, a mapping and/or navigation application, an augmented and/or mixed reality application, one or more social networking applications, an Internet browser, etc. 
     In one embodiment, the interaction platform  103  may include or be associated with at least one interaction database  109 , which may exist in whole or in part within the interaction platform  103 . In one example embodiment, the interaction platform  103  may exist in whole or in part within the UEs  101 , or independently. The interaction database  109  may include one or more representations of one or more shapes with vertices (e.g., any simple polygon), one or more representations of one or more applications (e.g., a camera icon for a photo sharing application or an avatar from a gaming application), one or more generic notifications regarding participating in a collaborative application  107  (e.g., “vacant slot here in 30 seconds as sorcerer,” “vacant slot here in 60 seconds as knight,” etc.), one or more media components for coordinating one or more large-scale media items (e.g., a large-scale image, video, musical arrangement, etc.), a list of predetermined gestures for increasing or decreasing a privacy level of the one or more existing groups, etc. 
     The UEs  101  are also connected to a services platform  111  via the communication network  105 . The services platform  111  includes one or more services  113   a - 113   p  (also collectively referred to as services  113 ). The services  113  may include a wide variety of services such as content provisioning services for one or more of the applications  107 . By way of example, the services  113  may include media related services (e.g., audio/video streaming, picture sharing, etc.), gaming services (e.g., online games), mapping and/or navigation services, social networking services, etc. The UEs  101 , the services platform  111 , and the services  113  also have connectivity to one or more content providers  115   a - 115   q  (also collectively referred to as content providers  115 ). The content providers  115  also may provision a wide variety of content (e.g., maps, games, media, etc.) to the components of the system  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, the applications  107  may utilize location-based technologies (e.g., global positioning systems (GPS), cellular triangulation, Assisted GPS (A-GPS), etc.) to make a request to one or more services  113  for location-based data (e.g., mapping and/or navigation information) based on a position relative to a UE  101 . For example, a UE  101  may include a GPS receiver to obtain geographic coordinates from the satellites  117  to determine its current location. In one embodiment, the interaction platform  103  can then use this information to determine one or more shapes of the one or more groups associated with the UEs  101 . 
     By way of example, the communication network  105  of system  100  includes one or more networks such as a data network (not shown), a wireless network (not shown), a telephony network (not shown), 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. 
     The UEs  101  are 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, notebook computer, netbook computer, tablet computer, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device, 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, including the accessories and peripherals of these devices, or any combination thereof. It is also contemplated that the UEs  101  can support any type of interface to the user (such as “wearable” circuitry, etc.). 
     In one embodiment, the system  100  determines one or more shapes of one or more groups (e.g., users sitting in a park) based, at least in part, on location information associated with one or more member devices of the one or more groups. More specifically, the one or more groups may include, at least in part, one or more physically collocated groups (e.g., users sitting in a park, users kicking a ball on a university campus, etc.), one or more virtual groups (e.g., members of a fan club, users on different floors of an office building, etc.), one or more groups of groups (e.g., respective groups of team fans of a super group “soccer fans”), or a combination thereof (e.g., a mixed group of physically and virtually present users). For example, as previously discussed, in the park example use case, there may be two or more groups of users forming different groups within the park (e.g., one group viewing photos and the other group playing a multiplayer videogame). Further, in one embodiment, the system  100  determines the one or more shapes so that the one or more respective locations of the one or more member devices represent one or more vertices of the one or more shapes (e.g., any simple polygon). By way of example, if the system  100  determines that there are three member devices in a group (e.g., UE  101   a -UE  101   c ), then the system  100  can determine that each member&#39;s device represents a vertex of a triangle. Likewise, if the system  100  determines that there are four member devices in a group (e.g., UE  101   a - 101   d ), then the system  100  can determine that each member device represents a vertex of a square and so forth. 
     In one or more embodiments, the system  100  causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more representations of the one or more shapes in a location-based user interface. For example, the system  100  can cause a presentation of the one or more shapes and/or locations of the currently active one or more groups in a two-dimensional map view or a three-dimensional augmented and/or mixed reality view on a UE  101  (e.g., a mobile phone). An illustrative example of the two different views is depicted in  FIG. 7 . 
     In one embodiment, the system  100  determines one or more applications, one or more content items, or a combination thereof being used at the one or more member devices. For example, the system  100  may determine that an application  107  is being used based, at least in part, on the application  107  contacting a service  113  or a content provider  115 , for example, via the communication network  105  to request additional information and/or data (e.g., location-based data). As previously discussed, the one or more applications may include one or more media sharing applications (e.g., applications for sharing photos, streaming videos, etc.), one or more gaming applications (e.g., memory games, multiplayer videogames, etc.), etc., and the one or more content items may include, at least in part, photos, music, videos, etc. In certain embodiments, the system  100  then causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more representations of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof in the location-based user interface. For example, the system  100  may present the one or more applications as one or more simplified glyphs (e.g., a camera for a photo sharing application, a music note for a music sharing application, etc.). 
     In one or more embodiments, if the system  100  determines that the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof are collaborative (e.g., a multiplayer videogame), then the system  100  can cause, at least in part, a presentation of information for participating in a collaborative use of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof. By way of example, the information may include a time, a location, a particular role, etc. associated with an upcoming vacant slot at one or more groups. In particular, the system  100  can cause, at least in part, the presentation of at least one notification in the location-based user interface such as “vacant slot here in 30 seconds as sorcerer.” Moreover, the system  100  may determine that the one or more applications, for example, are collaborative based, at least in part, on the nature of the application (e.g., a multiplayer gaming application), the number of users simultaneously using the application, or a combination thereof 
     In certain embodiments, the system  100  causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more large-scale media items based, at least in part, on at least a coordination of the one or more member devices. By way of example, if the system  100  determines that the one or more member devices are at an event (e.g., a sporting event), then the system  100  can cause, at least in part, each of the member devices to display at least one portion of a larger image (e.g., an American flag) indicating that the one or more member devices are all part of one or more groups. For example, the system  100  can associate one group of member devices with the stars of the flag and can associate a second group with the stripes of the flag. In another example use case, if the system  100  determines that the one or more member devices are located in an auditorium, for example, the system  100  can cause, at least in part, each of the member devices to produce a sound as part of a musical arrangement. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the system  100  can determine the location of the one or more member devices based, at least in part, on the location information associated with the one or more member devices (e.g., GPS coordinates), one or more social networking services (e.g., a user “check in”), or a combination thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the system  100  determines that there is an overlapping area between at least a first one of the one or more groups (i.e., a first group) and at least a second one of the one or more groups (i.e., a second group). In particular, the system  100  can determine the overlapping area based, at least in part, on the location information associated with the one or more member devices (e.g., one or more GPS coordinates). For example, in the park example use case, the system  100  can determine an overlap between the first group sharing photos and the second group playing a multiplayer videogame (e.g., online poker). The system  100  in certain embodiments then determines that a new device has entered the overlapping area (e.g., based on the GPS coordinates of the new device relative to the GPS coordinates of the existing member devices). In one or more embodiments, the system  100  determines to make available to the new device the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof associated with the first and second groups (e.g., one or more shared photos, at least one access to the multiplayer videogame, etc.). 
     In one embodiment, the system  100  determines at least a third one of the one or more groups (i.e., a third group) based, at least in part, on the overlapping area. As previously discussed, while there may not initially be any interaction between the one or more groups, the system  100  can facilitate interaction and inclusion among the members of the one or more groups by joining one or more members within the overlapping area into a third group (i.e., a new group). In certain embodiments, depending on the respective applications and/or content items, the system  100  can determine to make available to the third group one or more combined applications, one or more combined content items, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof associated with the first and second groups. By way of example, if the system  100  determines that the first group “A” is sharing vacation photos among the group and the second group “B” is playing a memory card game, then the system  100  can make available to the member devices of the third group “C” a version of the memory game incorporating the shared photos. In another example use case, if the system  100  determines that group “A” is sharing photos among the group and group “B” is sharing music, then the system  100  can make available to the member devices of the third group “C” videos incorporating the photos and the music. In a further example use case, if the system  100  determines that the users of group “A” are playing video game “X” and the users of group “B” are playing video game “Y”, then the system  100  can make available to the member devices of the third group “C” a version of videogame “X” incorporating characters and/or features of videogame “Y”, and/or vice-versa. 
     In one or more embodiments, the system  100  can process and/or facilitate a processing of the overlapping area to determine a degree of overlap. More specifically, the system  100  processes the location information associated with the one or more devices to determine the degree of overlap. In one embodiment, the system  100  can determine the degree of overlap based, at least in part, on the number of vertices within the overlapping area (e.g., three vertices may suggest a high degree of overlap). Consequently, in one embodiment, the system  100  causes, at least in part, at least one modification of the availability of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof to the new device based, at least in part, on the degree of overlap. By way of example, where the system  100  determines a high degree of overlap, the system  100  may make available to a new device (e.g., a device associated with a user entering the overlapping area) a greater number of photos, songs, videos, etc. associated with the member devices of the first and the second groups. In one embodiment, the system  100  can also cause, at least in part, at least one modification of the availability of the one or more combined applications, the one or more combined content items, or a combination thereof to the new device based, at least in part, on the degree of overlap. 
     Rather than absorbing any new device that enters the overlapping area, in one or more embodiments, the system  100  can first determine at least one plurality of one or more gestures associated with the one or more member devices of the first and second groups based, at least in part, on one or more sensors associated with the one or more member devices, user input, or a combination thereof. For example, a member of the first or second group noticing the presence of a new device whether visually or by one or more notifications from the system  100  may tilt his or her mobile device away from his or her body to subtlety suggest that the system  100  should decrease the level of privacy when one or more new users enter the overlapping area (i.e., allow a user to join). In contrast, the member may tilt his or her mobile device towards his or her body to suggest that the system  100  should increase the level of privacy (i.e., prevent a user from joining). In particular, the system  100  determines at least one plurality of the one or more gestures so that the system  100  detects the one or more gestures as a collective inclusion/exclusion gesture rather than as a random gesture done by a single member. As a result, in one or more embodiments, the system  100  determines to make available or unavailable to the new device the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the plurality of the one or more gestures. By way of example, the system  100  can cause, at least in part, a transmission of at least one invitation to the new device to join the one or more groups (e.g., the third group) and if the user of the new device accepts, then the system  100  can enable the user to download the respective one or more applications, respective one or more content items, or a combination thereof. Further, in certain embodiments, the system  100  can cause, at least in part, the one or more radios (e.g., Bluetooth® or wireless local area networks (WLAN)) associated with the one or more member devices to be hidden from the new device based, at least in part, on the determination to make the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof unavailable to the new device. Consequently, the user of the new device is hindered by the system  100  from easily detecting the one or more groups, which can help to protect the privacy of the one or more members of the one or more groups. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the same logic can also apply to system  100  making available the one or more combined applications, the one or more combined content items, or a combination thereof to the new device. 
     By way of example, the UE  101   s , the interaction platform  103 , the applications  107 , the interaction database  109 , the services platform  111 , the services  113 , the content providers  115 , and the satellites  117  communicate with each other and other components of the communication network  105  using well known, new or still developing protocols. In this context, a protocol includes a set of rules defining how the network nodes within the communication network  105  interact with each other based on information sent over the communication links. The protocols are effective at different layers of operation within each node, from generating and receiving physical signals of various types, to selecting a link for transferring those signals, to the format of information indicated by those signals, to identifying which software application executing on a computer system sends or receives the information. The conceptually different layers of protocols for exchanging information over a network are described in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model. 
     Communications between the network nodes are typically effected by exchanging discrete packets of data. Each packet typically comprises (1) header information associated with a particular protocol, and (2) payload information that follows the header information and contains information that may be processed independently of that particular protocol. In some protocols, the packet includes (3) trailer information following the payload and indicating the end of the payload information. The header includes information such as the source of the packet, its destination, the length of the payload, and other properties used by the protocol. Often, the data in the payload for the particular protocol includes a header and payload for a different protocol associated with a different, higher layer of the OSI Reference Model. The header for a particular protocol typically indicates a type for the next protocol contained in its payload. The higher layer protocol is said to be encapsulated in the lower layer protocol. The headers included in a packet traversing multiple heterogeneous networks, such as the Internet, typically include a physical (layer 1) header, a data-link (layer 2) header, an internetwork (layer 3) header and a transport (layer 4) header, and various application (layer 5, layer 6 and layer 7) headers as defined by the OSI Reference Model. 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram of the components of an interaction platform  103 , according to one embodiment. By way of example, the interaction platform  103  includes one or more components for determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. 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 interaction platform  103  includes a control logic  201 , a communication module  203 , a context module  205 , an analysis module  207 , a user interface (UI) module  209 , a synchronization module  211 , and a storage module  213 . 
     In one embodiment, the control logic  201  oversees tasks, including tasks performed by the communication module  203 , the context module  205 , the analysis module  207 , the UI module  209 , the synchronization module  211 , and the storage module  213 . For example, although the other modules may perform the actual task, the control logic  201  may determine when and how those tasks are performed or otherwise direct the other modules to perform the task. In one embodiment, the control logic  201  also may be used to determine to make available to the new device (e.g., a mobile phone or a tablet) the one or more applications (e.g., a photo sharing application), the one or more content items (e.g., shared photos), or a combination thereof associated with the at least first one of the one or more groups and the at least second one of the one or more groups. The control logic  201  may also be used to determine to make available to the at least a third one of the one or more groups one or more combined applications, one or more combined content items, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof. Further, the control logic  201  also may be used to cause, at least in part, at least one modification of the availability of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof to the new device based, at least in part, on the degree of overlap. 
     The communication module  203  in certain embodiments is used for communication between the UEs  101 , the interaction platform  103 , the applications  107 , the interaction database  109 , the services platform  111 , the services  113 , the content providers  115 , and the satellites  117 . In one embodiment, the communication module  203  also may be used to cause, at least in part, one or more radios associated with the one or more member devices (e.g., Bluetooth® or WLAN) to be hidden from the new device based, at least in part, on the determination by the system  100  to make the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof unavailable to the new device. 
     In one embodiment, the context module  205  is used to determine one or more shapes of one or more groups based, at least in part, on location information associated with one or member devices of the one or more groups. In particular, the context module  205  may determine the location information based, at least in part, on one or more location-based technologies (e.g., GPS, cellular triangulation, A-GPS, etc.), one or more location-based social networking services (e.g., a user “check in”), or a combination thereof. The context module  205  may also be used to determine the one or more groups based, at least in part, on one or more physically collocated groups (e.g., users sitting in a park), one or more virtual groups (e.g., members of a fan club), one or more groups of groups (e.g., super groups), or a combination thereof. As previously discussed, the context module  205  may determine the one or more groups based, at least in part, on one or more location-based technologies, one or more location-based social networking services, user input, or a combination thereof. The context module  205  also may be used to determine that a new device has entered the overlapping area (e.g., based on GPS coordinates of the new device relative to the GPS coordinates of the one or more existing member devices). Further, the context module  205  may also be used to determine at least one plurality of one or more gestures associated with the one or more members devices based, at least in part, on one or more sensors associated with the one or more member devices, user input, or a combination thereof. For example, the context module  205  may determine that a user is subtlety tilting towards or away from his or her body his or her member device (e.g., based on a tilt or angle sensor). 
     The analysis module  207  in certain embodiments is used to determine one or more shapes (e.g., any simple polygon) so that one or more respective locations of the one or more member devices represent one or more vertices of the one or more shapes. The analysis module  207 , in connection with the communication module  203 , may also be used to determine one or more applications (e.g., media sharing applications, multiplayer gaming applications, etc.), one or more content items (e.g., photos, music, videos, etc.), or a combination thereof being used at the one or more member devices. For example, the analysis module  207  can determine that an application is being used on a member&#39;s device (e.g., a mobile phone) based, at least in part, on the application contacting a service  113  or a content provider  115 , for example, via the communication network  105  to request additional information and/or data (e.g., location-based data). The analysis module  207  also may be used to determine whether the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof are collaborative in nature (e.g., based on the particular application or by determining the number of simultaneous users and/or participants). The analysis module  207 , in connection with the context module  205 , may also be used to determine that there is an overlapping area between at least a first one of the one or more groups and at least a second one of the one or more groups (e.g., based on GPS coordinates). The analysis module  207  also may be used to determine at least a third one of the one or more groups based, at least in part, on the overlapping area. In one embodiment, the analysis module  207  may also be used to process and/or facilitate a processing of the overlapping area to determine a degree of overlap. For example, the analysis module  207  may determine the degree of overlap based, at least in part, on the number of vertices within the overlapping area (e.g., three vertices may suggest a high degree of overlap). Further, the analysis module  207  may also be used to determine to make available or unavailable to the new device the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on a plurality of the one or more gestures associated with the one or more member devices. 
     In one embodiment, the UI module  209  causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more representations of the one or more shapes in a location-based user interface. For example, the UI module  209  may present the one or more shapes on a two-dimensional map, within an augmented and/or mixed reality display, or a combination thereof. The UI module  209  also may be used to cause, at least in part, a presentation of one or more other representations of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof in the location-based user interface. By way of example, the UI module  209  may present the one or more applications as one or more simplified glyphs (e.g., a camera for a photo sharing application). The UI module  209 , in connection with the analysis module  207 , can also cause, at least in part, a presentation of information for participating in a collaborative use of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof in the location-based user interface (e.g., “vacant spot here in 30 seconds as sorcerer”). 
     In one or more embodiments, the synchronization module  211  is used to cause, at least in part, a presentation of one or more large-scale media items (e.g., an image, a music arrangement, etc.) based, at least in part, on at least one coordination of the one or more member devices. In one embodiment, the storage module  213  is used to manage the storage of the one or more representations of one or more shapes with vertices (e.g., any simple polygon), one or more representations of one or more applications (e.g., a camera icon for a photo sharing application), one or more generic notifications regarding participating in a collaborative application (e.g., “vacant slot here in 30 seconds as sorcerer”), one or more media components for coordinating one or more large-scale media items, a list of predetermined gestures for increasing or decreasing a privacy level of the one or more existing groups, or combination thereof stored in the interaction database  109 . 
       FIGS. 3-5  are flowcharts of processes for determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the interaction platform  103  performs the process  300  and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in  FIG. 9 . In step  301 , the interaction platform  103  determines one or more shapes of one or more groups based, at least in part, on location information associated with one or more member devices of the one or more groups. In particular, the one or more groups may include, at least in part, one or more physically collocated groups (e.g., users sitting in a park); one or more virtual groups (e.g., members of a fan club); one or more groups of groups (e.g., respective team fans of a super group “soccer fans”), or a combination thereof (e.g., a mixed group of physically and virtually present users). By way of example, in the park example use case, there may be two or more groups of users forming different groups within the park (e.g., one group sharing photos and the other group playing a multiplayer videogame). Moreover, the interaction platform  103  may determine the location information associated with the one or more member devices (e.g., mobile phones and/or tablets) based, at least in part, on one or more location-based technologies (e.g., GPS, cellular triangulation, A-GPS, etc.), one or more location-based social networking services (e.g., a user “check in”), or a combination thereof. 
     In step  303 , the interaction platform  103  causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more representations of the one or more shapes in a location-based user interface. By way of example, the one or more representations may include a two-dimensional map view, a three-dimensional augmented and/or mixed reality view, or a combination thereof. 
     In step  305 , the interaction platform  103  determines one or more applications, one or more content items, or a combination thereof being used at the one or more member devices. For example, the interaction platform  103  may determine that an application  107  running on a member&#39;s device is contacting a service  113  or a content provider  115 , for example, via the communication network  105  to request additional information and/or data (e.g., location-based data). More specifically, the one or more applications may include one or more media sharing applications (e.g., applications for sharing photos, streaming videos, etc.), one or more gaming applications (e.g., memory games, multiplayer videogames, etc.), etc., and the one or more content items may include, at least in part, photos, music, videos, etc. Then in step  307 , the interaction platform  103  causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more other representations of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof in the location-based user interface. In one example use case, the one or more other representations may include one or more simplified glyphs (e.g., a camera for a photo sharing application, a music note for a music sharing application, etc.). An illustrative example of the one or more other representations is depicted in interface  701  of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a process  400  of determining one or more shapes, one or more groups, or a combination thereof associated with one or more member devices and causing, at least in part, a presentation of information and/or one or more large-scale media items based, at least in part, on the one or more member devices. In one embodiment, the interaction platform  103  performs the process  400  and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in  FIG. 9 . In step  401 , the interaction platform  103  determines the one or more groups based, at least in part, on one or more physically collocated groups, one or more virtual groups, one or more groups of groups, or a combination thereof. By way of example, the one or more physically collocated groups may include one or more users located in a park or on a college campus, for example. By way of further example, the one or more virtual groups may include one or more members of a fan club, one or more users among different floors of an office building, etc. Further, it is contemplated that the one or more groups may also include a mix of both physically and virtually present users so that the one or more groups within an overlapping area may also be mixed in composition. 
     In step  403 , the interaction platform  103  determines the one or more shapes so that one or more respective locations of the one or more member devices represent one or more vertices of the one or more shapes. In particular, the one or more shapes include any simple polygon. By way of example, if the interaction platform  103  determines that there are three member devices in a group, then the interaction platform  103  can determine that each member&#39;s device represents a vertex of a triangle. Similarly, if the interaction platform  103  determines that there are four member devices in a group, then the interaction platform  103  can determine that each member device represents a vertex of a square, and so forth. 
     In step  405 , wherein the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof are collaborative, the interaction platform  103  causes, at least in part, a presentation of information for participating in a collaborative use of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof. In one example use case, the information may include a time, a location, a role, etc. associated with an upcoming vacant slot at one of the one or more groups. In particular, the interaction platform  103  can cause, at least in part, a presentation of a notification in a location-based user interface such as “vacant slot here in 30 seconds as sorcerer” or “vacant slot here in 60 seconds as knight,” for example. Further, the interaction platform  103  may determine the one or more applications, for example, are collaborative based, at least in part, on the nature of the application (e.g., a multiplayer gaming application), the number of users simultaneously using the application, or a combination thereof. 
     In step  407 , the interaction platform  103  optionally causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more large-scale media items based, at least in part, on at least one coordination of the one or more member devices. By way of example, if the interaction platform  103  determines that the one or more member devices (e.g., mobile phones and/or tablets) are at an event (e.g., a sporting event), then the interaction platform  103  can cause, at least in part, each of the member devices to display at least one portion of a larger image (e.g., an American flag) indicating that the one or more member devices are all part of one or more groups. For example, the interaction platform  103  can associate at least one first group of member devices with the stars of the flag and can associate at least one second group of member devices with the stripes of the flag. 
     In step  409 , the interaction platform  103  determines that there is an overlapping area between at least a first one of the one or more groups and at least a second one of the one or more groups. In particular, the interaction platform  103  can determine the overlapping area based, at least in part, on the location information associated with the one or more member devices (e.g., one or more GPS coordinates). For example, in the park example use case, the interaction platform  103  may determine an overlap between the first group sharing photos, for example, and the second group playing a multiplayer videogame such as online poker, for example. Then in step  411 , the interaction platform  103  optionally determines that a new device has entered the overlapping area. By way of example, the interaction platform  103  may determine that the new device has moved within the one or more shapes of the one or more groups already within the park based, at least in part, on GPS coordinates associated with the devices, for example. Consequently, in step  413 , the interaction platform  103  determines to make available to the new device the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof associated with the at least a first one of the one or more groups and the at least a second one of the one or more groups. For example, the interaction platform  103  can make available to the new device one or more photos shared among the first group, at least one access to the multiplayer videogame being played by the second group, or a combination thereof. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a process  500  of determining at least one third group based on an overlapping area and one or more optional determinations regarding the availability or unavailability of one or more applications, one or more content items, or a combination thereof associated with the first and second groups of the one or more groups. In one embodiment, the interaction platform  103  performs the process  500  and is implemented in, for instance, a chip set including a processor and a memory as shown in  FIG. 9 . In step  501 , the interaction platform  103  determines at least a third one of the one or more groups based, at least in part, on the overlapping area. By way of example, while there may not initially be any interaction between the one or more groups, the interaction platform  103  can facilitate interaction and inclusion among the members of the one or more groups by joining one or more members within the overlapping area into a third group (i.e., a new group). Then in step  503 , the interaction platform  103  determines to make available to the at least a third one of the one or more groups one or more combined applications, one or more combined content items, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof. For example, if the interaction platform  103  determines that the first group “A” is sharing vacation photos among the group and the second group “B” is playing a memory card game, then the interaction platform  103  can make available to the member devices of the third group “C” a version of the memory card game incorporating the shared photos. In another example use case, if the interaction platform  103  determines that the users of group “A” are playing videogame “X” and the users of group “B” are playing videogame “Y”, then the interaction platform  103  can make available to the member devices of the third group “C” a version of videogame “X” incorporating characters and/or features from the videogame “Y”, and/or vice-versa. 
     In step  505 , the interaction platform  103  optionally processes and/or facilitates a processing of the overlapping area to determine a degree of overlap. More specifically, the interaction platform  103  can process the location information associated with the one or more member devices to determine the degree of overlap. In one example use case, the interaction platform  103  can determine the degree of overlap based, at least in part, on the number of vertices within the overlapping area (e.g., three vertices may suggest a high degree of overlap). As a result, in step  507 , the interaction platform  103  causes, at least in part, at least one modification of the availability of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof to the new device based, at least in part, on the degree of overlap. For example, where the interaction platform  103  determines a high degree of overlap, the interaction platform  103  may make available to a new device (e.g., a device associated with a user that has entered the overlapping area) a greater number of photos, songs, videos, etc. associated with the member devices of the first and second groups. In one embodiment, the interaction platform  103  can also cause, at least in part, at least one modification of the availability of the one or more combined applications, the one or more combined media items, or a combination thereof to the new device based, at least in part, on the degree of overlap. 
     In step  509 , wherein the new device has entered the overlapping area, the interaction platform  103  optionally determines at least one plurality of one or more gestures associated with the one or more member devices based, at least in part, on one or more sensors associated with the one or more member devices, user input, or a combination thereof. By way of example, a user of the first or second group noticing the presence of a new device whether by sight and/or one or more notifications from the interaction platform  103  may tilt his or her mobile device away from his or her body to subtlety suggest that the interaction platform  103  should decrease the level of privacy when one or more new users enter the overlapping area (i.e., allow a user to join). In contrast, the user may tilt his or her mobile device towards his or her body to suggest that the interaction platform  103  should increase the level of privacy (i.e., prevent a user from joining). As previously discussed, the interaction platform  103  determines at least one plurality of the one or more gestures so that the interaction platform  103  detects the one or more gestures as a collective inclusion/exclusion gesture rather than as a random gesture done by a single member. Consequently, in step  511 , the interaction platform  103  determines to make available or unavailable to the new device the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the plurality of the one or more gestures. By way of example, the interaction platform  103  can cause, at least in part, a transmission of at least one invitation to the new device to join the one or more groups (e.g., the third group) and if the user of the new device accepts, then the interaction platform  103  can enable the user to download the one or more respective applications, the one or more respective content items, or a combination thereof. As previously discussed, in one embodiment, the interaction platform  103  can also determine to make available or unavailable to the new device one or more combined applications, one or more content media items, or a combination thereof. 
     In step  513 , the interaction platform  103  optionally causes, at least in part, one or more radios associated with the one or more member devices to be hidden from the new device based, at least in part, on the determination to make the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof unavailable to the new device. For example, the interaction platform  103  can hide one or more Bluetooth® or WLAN radios associated with the one or more member devices from the new device. Consequently, the user of the new device is hindered by the interaction platform  103  from easily detecting the presence of the one or more groups, which can help to protect the privacy of the one or more members of the one or more groups. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram of an example use case depicting the utilization of the processes of  FIGS. 3-5 , according to various embodiments. As shown,  FIG. 6  depicts a first one of the one or more groups  601  (i.e., a first group) including members  603  and at least a second one of the one or more groups  605  (i.e., a second group) including members  607 . In particular, to protect the privacy of the members  603  and  607 , the system  100  does not present their respective identities. In one embodiment, the system  100  determines one or more shapes of the groups  601  and  605  based, at least in part, on location information associated with one or more member devices (e.g., mobile phones and/or tablets) of the members  603  and  607 . As previously discussed, the system  100  determines the one or more shapes so that the one or more respective locations of the one or more member devices represent one or more vertices of the one or more shapes as depicted by the respective locations of the members  603  and  607 . 
     In one embodiment, the system  100  determines one or more applications, one or more content items, or a combination thereof being used at the one or more member devices (e.g., the devices of the members  603  and  607 ). In particular, the system  100  may determine the one or more applications based, at least in part, on one or more applications contacting a service  113  or a content provider  115 , for example, via the communication network  105  to request additional information and/or data (e.g., location-based data). By way of example, the members  603  may be sharing vacation photos using one application and the members  607  may be playing an online memory card game. 
     In one embodiment, the system  100  determines that there is an overlapping area  609  between at the first group  601  and the second group  605 . In particular, the system  100  can determine the overlapping area  609  based, at least in part, on the location information associated with the one or more member devices of the members  603  and  607 . In one embodiment, the system  100  determines at least a third one of the one or more groups (i.e., a third group or a new group) based, at least in part, on the overlapping area  609 . In this example use case, the overlapping area  609  includes members  611 , which were previously members of the groups  601  and  605 , respectively. 
     In certain embodiments, depending on the respective applications and/or content items, the system  100  can determine to make available to the members  611  one or more combined applications, one or more combined content items, or a combination thereof. For example, in this example use case, the system  100  can make available to the members  611  of the overlapping group  609  a memory card game incorporating the memory cards of the first group  601  and the vacation photos of the second group  605 . 
     As previously discussed, in one embodiment, the system  100  can process and/or facilitate a processing of the overlapping area  609  to determine a degree of overlap. More specifically, the system  100  processes the location information associated with the member devices of the members  603  and  607 . In one embodiment, the system  100  can determine the degree of overlap based, at least in part, on the number of vertices within the overlapping area  609 . In this example use case, the system  100  determines that there are three vertices within the overlapping area  609 , which may suggest a high degree of overlap. Consequently, in one embodiment, the system  100  causes, at least in part, at least one modification of the availability of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the degree of overlap. By way of example, where the system  100  determines a high degree of overlap between the groups  601  and  605 , the system may make available to member devices of members  611  a greater number of vacation photos and/or provide the memory card game with a greater degree of functionality (e.g., a paid version versus a demo version). 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram of user interfaces utilized in the processes of  FIG. 3-5 , according to various embodiments. As shown, the example user interfaces of  FIG. 7  include one or more user interface elements and/or functionalities created and/or modified based, at least in part, on information, data, and/or signals resulting from the processes (e.g., processes  300 ,  400 , and  500 ) described with respect to  FIGS. 3-5 . More specifically,  FIG. 7  illustrates two location-based user interfaces (e.g.,  701  and  703 ). 
     Similar to the example use case of  FIG. 6 , in one embodiment, the system  100  first determines one or more shapes of one or more groups (e.g., groups  705  and  707  of interface  701  and group  709  of interface  703 ) based, at least in part, on location information associated with the one or more member devices of the one or more groups. More specifically, the one or more groups may include at least in part, one or more physically collocated groups (e.g., groups  705 ,  707 , and  709 ), one or more virtual groups, one or more groups of groups, or a combination thereof. In this example use case, while the majority of the members of the groups  705  and  707  are sitting in Central Park in New York City, the members  711  and  713  of the groups  705  and  707 , respectively, are virtually sharing the one or more applications, one or more content items, or a combination thereof. 
     In one embodiment, the system  100  determines one or more shapes of one or more groups (e.g. the groups  705  and  707  of the interface  701  and the group  709  of the interface  703 ) based, at least in part, on location associated with one or more member devices of the one or more groups. In particular, in one embodiment, the system  100  determines the one or more shapes so that the one or more respective locations of the one or more member devices of the groups  705 ,  705 , and  709  represent one or more vertices of the one or more shapes. In one or more embodiments, the system  100  then causes, at least in part, a presentation of one or more representations of the one or more shapes in a location-based user interface (e.g., interfaces  701  and  703 ) as depicted by the dashed lines of the shapes of the groups  705 ,  707 , and  709 . By way of example, the system  100  can then cause, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more shapes and/or locations of the currently active one or more groups in a two-dimensional map view (e.g., interface  701 ), a three-dimensional augmented and/or mixed reality view (e.g., interface  703 ), or a combination thereof. 
     In one or more embodiments, the system  100  next determines one or more applications, one or more content items, or a combination thereof being used at the one or more member devices of the members of the groups  705 ,  707 , and  709 . As previously discussed, the one or more application may include one or more media sharing applications, one or more gaming applications, etc., and the one or more content items may include, at least in part, photos, music, videos, etc. In this example use case, the system  100  determines that the members of the group  705  are using at least one music sharing application, the members of the group  707  are using at least one photo sharing application, and the members of the group  709  are using a multiplayer gaming application. In one embodiment, the system  100  then causes, at least in part, a presentation of the one or more representations of the one or more applications, the one or more content items, or a combination thereof in the location-based user interfaces  701  and  703 . For example, the system  100  represents the music sharing application of the group  705  as a music symbol, the photo sharing application of the group  707  as a camera symbol, and the multiplayer gaming application of the group  709  as respective avatars associated with each member of the group  709 . More specifically, because the members  711  and  713  are virtual members of the groups  705  and  707 , respectively, the system  100  represents the respective music and camera symbols with less intensity than the symbols associated with the physically present members of the groups  705  and  707 . 
     In one or more embodiments, if the system  100  determines that the one or more applications (e.g., the music sharing application of the group  705 , the photo sharing application of the group  707 , and the multiplayer gaming application of the group  709 ), the one or more content items, or a combination thereof are collaborative, then the system  100  can cause, at least in part, a presentation of information for participating in a collaborative use of the one or more applications. By way of example, the information may include a time, a location, a particular role, etc. associated with an upcoming vacant slot at the one or more groups (e.g., the groups  705 ,  707 , and  709 ). More specifically, the system  100  can cause, at least in part, the presentation of at least one notification in the location-based user interface  701  “Spot opens in 60 second—DJ” or “Vacant sport in 30 second—Sorcerer” in the location-based user interface  703 . 
     The processes described herein for determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups 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. 8  illustrates a computer system  800  upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Although computer system  800  is depicted with respect to a particular device or equipment, it is contemplated that other devices or equipment (e.g., network elements, servers, etc.) within  FIG. 8  can deploy the illustrated hardware and components of system  800 . Computer system  800  is programmed (e.g., via computer program code or instructions) to determine a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups as described herein and includes a communication mechanism such as a bus  810  for passing information between other internal and external components of the computer system  800 . 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 system  800 , or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. 
     A bus  810  includes one or more parallel conductors of information so that information is transferred quickly among devices coupled to the bus  810 . One or more processors  802  for processing information are coupled with the bus  810 . 
     A processor (or multiple processors)  802  performs a set of operations on information as specified by computer program code related to determine a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. 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 bus  810  and placing information on the bus  810 . 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 processor  802 , 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 system  800  also includes a memory  804  coupled to bus  810 . The memory  804 , such as a random access memory (RAM) or any other dynamic storage device, stores information including processor instructions for determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. Dynamic memory allows information stored therein to be changed by the computer system  800 . 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 memory  804  is also used by the processor  802  to store temporary values during execution of processor instructions. The computer system  800  also includes a read only memory (ROM)  806  or any other static storage device coupled to the bus  810  for storing static information, including instructions, that is not changed by the computer system  800 . Some memory is composed of volatile storage that loses the information stored thereon when power is lost. Also coupled to bus  810  is a non-volatile (persistent) storage device  808 , such as a magnetic disk, optical disk or flash card, for storing information, including instructions, that persists even when the computer system  800  is turned off or otherwise loses power. 
     Information, including instructions for determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups, is provided to the bus  810  for use by the processor from an external input device  812 , such as a keyboard containing alphanumeric keys operated by a human user, 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 system  800 . Other external devices coupled to bus  810 , used primarily for interacting with humans, include a display device  814 , 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 device  816 , 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 display  814  and issuing commands associated with graphical elements presented on the display  814 . In some embodiments, for example, in embodiments in which the computer system  800  performs all functions automatically without human input, one or more of external input device  812 , display device  814  and pointing device  816  is omitted. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, special purpose hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)  820 , is coupled to bus  810 . The special purpose hardware is configured to perform operations not performed by processor  802  quickly enough for special purposes. Examples of ASICs include graphics accelerator cards for generating images for display  814 , 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 system  800  also includes one or more instances of a communications interface  870  coupled to bus  810 . Communication interface  870  provides 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 link  878  that is connected to a local network  880  to which a variety of external devices with their own processors are connected. For example, communication interface  870  may be a parallel port or a serial port or a universal serial bus (USB) port on a personal computer. In some embodiments, communications interface  870  is 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 interface  870  is a cable modem that converts signals on bus  810  into 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 interface  870  may 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 interface  870  sends 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 interface  870  includes a radio band electromagnetic transmitter and receiver called a radio transceiver. In certain embodiments, the communications interface  870  enables connection to the communication network  105  for determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups to the UEs  101 . 
     The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing information to processor  802 , including instructions for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to computer-readable storage medium (e.g., non-volatile media, volatile media), and transmission media. Non-transitory media, such as non-volatile media, include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as storage device  808 . Volatile media include, for example, dynamic memory  804 . Transmission media include, for example, twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optic cables, and carrier waves that travel through space without wires or cables, such as acoustic waves and electromagnetic waves, including radio, optical and infrared waves. Signals include man-made transient variations in amplitude, frequency, phase, polarization or other physical properties transmitted through the transmission media. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any other physical medium with patterns of holes or other optically recognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, an EEPROM, a flash memory, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The term computer-readable storage medium is used herein to refer to any computer-readable medium except transmission media. 
     Logic encoded in one or more tangible media includes one or both of processor instructions on a computer-readable storage media and special purpose hardware, such as ASIC  820 . 
     Network link  878  typically provides information communication using transmission media through one or more networks to other devices that use or process the information. For example, network link  878  may provide a connection through local network  880  to a host computer  882  or to equipment  884  operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP equipment  884  in turn provides data communication services through the public, world-wide packet-switching communication network of networks now commonly referred to as the Internet  890 . 
     A computer called a server host  892  connected to the Internet hosts a process that provides a service in response to information received over the Internet. For example, server host  892  hosts a process that provides information representing video data for presentation at display  814 . It is contemplated that the components of system  800  can be deployed in various configurations within other computer systems, e.g., host  882  and server  892 . 
     At least some embodiments of the invention are related to the use of computer system  800  for implementing some or all of the techniques described herein. According to one embodiment of the invention, those techniques are performed by computer system  800  in response to processor  802  executing one or more sequences of one or more processor instructions contained in memory  804 . Such instructions, also called computer instructions, software and program code, may be read into memory  804  from another computer-readable medium such as storage device  808  or network link  878 . Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in memory  804  causes processor  802  to perform one or more of the method steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardware, such as ASIC  820 , 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 link  878  and other networks through communications interface  870 , carry information to and from computer system  800 . Computer system  800  can send and receive information, including program code, through the networks  880 ,  890  among others, through network link  878  and communications interface  870 . In an example using the Internet  890 , a server host  892  transmits program code for a particular application, requested by a message sent from computer  800 , through Internet  890 , ISP equipment  884 , local network  880  and communications interface  870 . The received code may be executed by processor  802  as it is received, or may be stored in memory  804  or in storage device  808  or any other non-volatile storage for later execution, or both. In this manner, computer system  800  may 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 processor  802  for execution. For example, instructions and data may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer such as host  882 . 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 system  800  receives 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 link  878 . An infrared detector serving as communications interface  870  receives the instructions and data carried in the infrared signal and places information representing the instructions and data onto bus  810 . Bus  810  carries the information to memory  804  from which processor  802  retrieves and executes the instructions using some of the data sent with the instructions. The instructions and data received in memory  804  may optionally be stored on storage device  808 , either before or after execution by the processor  802 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a chip set or chip  900  upon which an embodiment of the invention may be implemented. Chip set  900  is programmed to determine a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups as described herein and includes, for instance, the processor and memory components described with respect to  FIG. 8  incorporated in one or more physical packages (e.g., chips). By way of example, a physical package includes an arrangement of one or more materials, components, and/or wires on a structural assembly (e.g., a baseboard) to provide one or more characteristics such as physical strength, conservation of size, and/or limitation of electrical interaction. It is contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set  900  can be implemented in a single chip. It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments the chip set or chip  900  can be implemented as a single “system on a chip.” It is further contemplated that in certain embodiments a separate ASIC would not be used, for example, and that all relevant functions as disclosed herein would be performed by a processor or processors. Chip set or chip  900 , or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of providing user interface navigation information associated with the availability of functions. Chip set or chip  900 , or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. 
     In one embodiment, the chip set or chip  900  includes a communication mechanism such as a bus  901  for passing information among the components of the chip set  900 . A processor  903  has connectivity to the bus  901  to execute instructions and process information stored in, for example, a memory  905 . The processor  903  may 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 processor  903  may include one or more microprocessors configured in tandem via the bus  901  to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and multithreading. The processor  903  may 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)  907 , or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC)  909 . A DSP  907  typically is configured to process real-world signals (e.g., sound) in real time independently of the processor  903 . Similarly, an ASIC  909  can 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) (not shown), one or more controllers (not shown), or one or more other special-purpose computer chips. 
     In one embodiment, the chip set or chip  900  includes 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 processor  903  and accompanying components have connectivity to the memory  905  via the bus  901 . The memory  905  includes 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 determine a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. The memory  905  also stores the data associated with or generated by the execution of the inventive steps. 
       FIG. 10  is a diagram of exemplary components of a mobile terminal (e.g., handset) for communications, which is capable of operating in the system of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, mobile terminal  1001 , or a portion thereof, constitutes a means for performing one or more steps of determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. Generally, a radio receiver is often defined in terms of front-end and back-end characteristics. The front-end of the receiver encompasses all of the Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry whereas the back-end encompasses all of the base-band processing circuitry. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” refers to both: (1) hardware-only implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry), and (2) to combinations of circuitry and software (and/or firmware) (such as, if applicable to the particular context, to a combination of processor(s), including digital signal processor(s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions). This definition of “circuitry” applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application and if applicable to the particular context, the term “circuitry” would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) and its (or their) accompanying software/or firmware. The term “circuitry” would also cover if applicable to the particular context, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit in a mobile phone or a similar integrated circuit in a cellular network device or other network devices. 
     Pertinent internal components of the telephone include a Main Control Unit (MCU)  1003 , a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)  1005 , and a receiver/transmitter unit including a microphone gain control unit and a speaker gain control unit. A main display unit  1007  provides a display to the user in support of various applications and mobile terminal functions that perform or support the steps of determining a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. The display  1007  includes display circuitry configured to display at least a portion of a user interface of the mobile terminal (e.g., mobile telephone). Additionally, the display  1007  and display circuitry are configured to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal. An audio function circuitry  1009  includes a microphone  1011  and microphone amplifier that amplifies the speech signal output from the microphone  1011 . The amplified speech signal output from the microphone  1011  is fed to a coder/decoder (CODEC)  1013 . 
     A radio section  1015  amplifies power and converts frequency in order to communicate with a base station, which is included in a mobile communication system, via antenna  1017 . The power amplifier (PA)  1019  and the transmitter/modulation circuitry are operationally responsive to the MCU  1003 , with an output from the PA  1019  coupled to the duplexer  1021  or circulator or antenna switch, as known in the art. The PA  1019  also couples to a battery interface and power control unit  1020 . 
     In use, a user of mobile terminal  1001  speaks into the microphone  1011  and 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)  1023 . The control unit  1003  routes the digital signal into the DSP  1005  for 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 equalizer  1025  for 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 modulator  1027  combines the signal with a RF signal generated in the RF interface  1029 . The modulator  1027  generates a sine wave by way of frequency or phase modulation. In order to prepare the signal for transmission, an up-converter  1031  combines the sine wave output from the modulator  1027  with another sine wave generated by a synthesizer  1033  to achieve the desired frequency of transmission. The signal is then sent through a PA  1019  to increase the signal to an appropriate power level. In practical systems, the PA  1019  acts as a variable gain amplifier whose gain is controlled by the DSP  1005  from information received from a network base station. The signal is then filtered within the duplexer  1021  and optionally sent to an antenna coupler  1035  to match impedances to provide maximum power transfer. Finally, the signal is transmitted via antenna  1017  to 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 terminal  1001  are received via antenna  1017  and immediately amplified by a low noise amplifier (LNA)  1037 . A down-converter  1039  lowers the carrier frequency while the demodulator  1041  strips away the RF leaving only a digital bit stream. The signal then goes through the equalizer  1025  and is processed by the DSP  1005 . A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)  1043  converts the signal and the resulting output is transmitted to the user through the speaker  1045 , all under control of a Main Control Unit (MCU)  1003  which can be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU) (not shown). 
     The MCU  1003  receives various signals including input signals from the keyboard  1047 . The keyboard  1047  and/or the MCU  1003  in combination with other user input components (e.g., the microphone  1011 ) comprise a user interface circuitry for managing user input. The MCU  1003  runs a user interface software to facilitate user control of at least some functions of the mobile terminal  1001  to determine a new group of users based on the overlapping area of two or more existing groups and providing services and/or content to the users of the new group based on the services and content of the two or more existing groups. The MCU  1003  also delivers a display command and a switch command to the display  1007  and to the speech output switching controller, respectively. Further, the MCU  1003  exchanges information with the DSP  1005  and can access an optionally incorporated SIM card  1049  and a memory  1051 . In addition, the MCU  1003  executes various control functions required of the terminal. The DSP  1005  may, depending upon the implementation, perform any of a variety of conventional digital processing functions on the voice signals. Additionally, DSP  1005  determines the background noise level of the local environment from the signals detected by microphone  1011  and sets the gain of microphone  1011  to a level selected to compensate for the natural tendency of the user of the mobile terminal  1001 . 
     The CODEC  1013  includes the ADC  1023  and DAC  1043 . The memory  1051  stores 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 RANI memory, flash memory, registers, or any other form of writable storage medium known in the art. The memory device  1051  may 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 card  1049  carries, for instance, important information, such as the cellular phone number, the carrier supplying service, subscription details, and security information. The SIM card  1049  serves primarily to identify the mobile terminal  1001  on a radio network. The card  1049  also contains a memory for storing a personal telephone number registry, text messages, and user specific mobile terminal settings. 
     While the invention has been described in connection with a number of embodiments and implementations, the invention is not so limited but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims. Although features of the invention are expressed in certain combinations among the claims, it is contemplated that these features can be arranged in any combination and order.