PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8489669-B2
Application Number: US-82706507-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Mobile data processing system moving interest radius

Abstract:
Provided is a fully automated web service with location based services generally involved in transmission of situational location dependent information to automatically located mobile receiving data processing systems. The web service communicates with a receiving data processing system in a manner by delivering information to the device when appropriate without the device requesting it at the time of delivery. There are varieties of configurations made by different user types of the web service for configuring information to be delivered, and for receiving the information. The web service maximizes anonymity of users, provides granular privacy control with a default of complete privacy, and supports user configurable privileges and features for desired web service behavior and interoperability. The web service is fully automated to eliminate human resources required to operate services. Integrated with the web service are enhanced location based services providing map solutions, alerts, sharing of novel services between users, and complete user control for managing heterogeneous device interoperability through the web service.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for providing a mobile user of a mobile data processing system with a moving interest radius for delivery of situational location relevant content, said method comprising the steps of:
 establishing a moving radius around said mobile data processing system for defining a moving target including all locations within said moving radius, the moving radius having a first magnitude greater than zero; 
 establishing a hit radius around a target delivery point for delivering information, the hit radius defining a delivery target including locations within said hit radius, the hit radius having a second magnitude greater than zero; 
 periodically comparing a determined situational location of said moving target to at least one configured situational location associated with the delivery target; 
 based on the comparison, determining whether the moving radius of the moving target intersects the hit radius of the delivery target; 
 determining a match between said determined situational location and said configured situational location when the moving radius intersects the hit radius; and 
 delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  further including the step of presenting said information to said user. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  wherein said moving radius includes a circular area around said mobile data processing system. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1  wherein said moving radius includes a spherical space around said mobile data processing system. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of establishing a moving radius around said mobile data processing system for defining a moving target including all locations within said moving radius includes said user configuring said moving radius around said mobile data processing system for defining said moving target. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1  further including the step of maintaining statistics to a database for statistical reporting. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1  wherein said information is configured by an other data processing system user for delivery to said mobile user when said mobile user travels with said mobile data processing system to a configured situational location. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1  wherein said information is configured by an other mobile data processing system user for delivery to said mobile user when said mobile user travels with said mobile data processing system to said configured situational location. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location further includes the step of delivering according to user configured privileges granted. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location further includes the step of delivering to an other data processing system user who has privileges to receive duplication of information delivery to said mobile user. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location includes an alternative step of intercepting said information for delivering to an other data processing system user who has privileges to receive interception of information delivery to said mobile user. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1  wherein said mobile data processing system is a handheld mobile data processing system. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1  wherein said mobile data processing system is a data processing system mounted to a mobile machine. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 1  wherein said moving radius changes dynamically over time. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 1  wherein said configured situational location is maintained among a plurality of individual user maintained configurations to a deliverable content database maintained by a plurality of administrating users. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location includes delivering said information upon said user arriving to said configured situational location. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location includes delivering said information upon said user departing from said configured situational location. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 1  wherein said information is a handle to presentable content maintained to a local cache of said mobile data processing system. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 1  wherein said information is delivered from a hotspot when said user is conveniently located to said hotspot. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 1  wherein said information is electronically shareable by said mobile user to other data processing system users. 
     
     
       21. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location further includes delivering to said user said information according to a system delivery constraint. 
     
     
       22. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location further includes delivering to said user said information according to a user configured delivery constraint. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 1  wherein said information is configured by a data processing system user. 
     
     
       24. The method of  claim 1  wherein said configured situational location is configured by a data processing system user. 
     
     
       25. The method of  claim 1  wherein said information is configured by automatic sensing means. 
     
     
       26. The method of  claim 1  wherein said configured situational location is configured by automatic sensing means. 
     
     
       27. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location includes alerting said mobile user with an audible sound unique to said information. 
     
     
       28. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location includes delivering said information with a voice message for subsequent access. 
     
     
       29. The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of delivering, to said mobile user, information associated to said configured situational location includes delivering said information with a customized indicator. 
     
     
       30. A method for providing a mobile user of a mobile data processing system with a moving interest radius to cause a configured action, said method comprising the steps of:
 establishing a moving radius around said mobile data processing system for defining a moving target including all locations within said moving radius, the moving radius having a first magnitude greater than zero; 
 establishing a hit radius around a target delivery point for delivering information, the hit radius defining a delivery target including locations within said hit radius, the hit radius having a second magnitude greater than zero; 
 receiving a plurality of candidate delivery events for said mobile data processing system, each candidate delivery event containing location information of said moving target; 
 determining whether the moving radius of the moving target intersects the hit radius of the delivery target, the delivery target associated with a configured situational location; 
 determining a match between the location information and the configured situational location when the moving radius intersects the hit radius; and 
 executing a configured action associated to said configured situational location. 
 
     
     
       31. The method of  claim 30  wherein said step of executing a configured action associated to said configured situational location includes sending to said mobile user information associated to said configured situational location. 
     
     
       32. The method of  claim 30  wherein said moving radius includes a spherical space around said mobile data processing system. 
     
     
       33. The method of  claim 30  wherein said step of establishing a moving radius around said mobile data processing system for defining a moving target including all locations within said moving radius includes said user configuring said moving radius around said mobile data processing system for defining said moving target. 
     
     
       34. The method of  claim 30  wherein said step of executing a configured action associated to said configured situational location includes executing said configured action upon said user arriving to said configured situational location. 
     
     
       35. The method of  claim 30  wherein said step of executing a configured action associated to said configured situational location includes executing said configured action upon said user departing from said configured situational location. 
     
     
       36. The method of  claim 30  wherein said configured action is to perform processing at a remote system. 
     
     
       37. The method of  claim 30  wherein said configured action is to perform alert processing. 
     
     
       38. The method of  claim 30  wherein said step of executing a configured action associated to said configured situational location further includes executing said configured action according to user configured privileges granted. 
     
     
       39. The method of  claim 30  further including the step of maintaining information to a database for statistical reporting. 
     
     
       40. The method of  claim 30  wherein said action is configured by a data processing system user. 
     
     
       41. The method of  claim 30  wherein said configured situational location is configured by a data processing system user. 
     
     
       42. The method of  claim 30  wherein said action is configured by automatic sensing means. 
     
     
       43. The method of  claim 30  wherein said configured situational location is configured by automatic sensing means. 
     
     
       44. The method of  claim 30  wherein said step of executing a configured action associated to said configured situational location includes alerting said mobile user with an audible sound. 
     
     
       45. The method of  claim 30  wherein said step of executing a configured action associated to said configured situational location includes delivering a voice message for subsequent access. 
     
     
       46. The method of  claim 30  wherein said step of executing a configured action associated to said configured situational location includes delivering a customized indicator. 
     
     
       47. A method for providing a mobile user of a mobile data processing system with a moving interest radius for presentation of situational location relevant content, said method comprising the steps of:
 establishing a moving radius around said mobile data processing system for defining a moving target including all locations within said moving radius, the moving radius having a first magnitude greater than zero; 
 establishing a hit radius around a target delivery point for delivering information, the hit radius defining a delivery target including locations within said hit radius, the hit radius having a second magnitude greater than zero; 
 periodically determining a situational location of said moving target; 
 periodically determining whether the moving radius of the moving target and the hit radius of the delivery target intersect; and 
 presenting, to said user, information associated to said situational location, wherein said information is configured for presenting at said mobile data processing system when the moving radius intersects the hit radius.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of co-pending application Ser. No. 11/207,080, filed Aug. 18, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,060,389 entitled “System and Method for Anonymous Location Based Services”, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/823,386, filed Apr. 12, 2004, and entitled “System and Method for Proactive Content Delivery By Situational Location”, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,187,997, issued Mar. 6, 2007, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10/167,532, filed Jun. 11, 2002, and entitled “System and Method for Proactive Content Delivery By Situational Location”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,731,238, issued May 4, 2004, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 09/589,328 filed Jun. 7, 2000, and entitled “System and Method for Proactive Content Delivery By Situational Location”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,456,234, issued Sep. 24, 2002. 
    
    
     REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING”, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED 
     Included in filing this application are two (2) CD-ROMs which are identical copies. The CD-ROMs were each created on Jul. 3, 2007. The files were originated and maintained on a Microsoft Windows operating system and are compatible with Windows operating systems or any other operating system that can handle the file types described below. The files represent a small selection of source file examples of implemented parts of the present application. Files were each created at various dates and may have been edited thereafter at various dates. “Created” dates are derived from the source code headers assuming the file creator ensured an accurate date, however there may be earlier versions of different named files which evolved into the resulting files below. The “Modified” dates are last modified dates automatically maintained by a Windows operating system at Central Standard Time. Contents of each CD-ROM are the following: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
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                 convdegs.asp.txt 
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                 ASCII text 
                 Dec. 3, 2004; 
                 Javascript include file example for 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 May 1, 2005 
                 converting decimal degrees to 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 D, M, S, P/H 
               
               
                 Default.asp.txt 
                 10 
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                 ASCII text 
                 Sep. 12, 2004; 
                 GPSPing.com home page example 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
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                 gpstools.asp.txt 
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                 ASCII text 
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                 Javascript include file example for 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 May 1, 2005 
                 Active-X device GPS interface 
               
               
                 gsec.asp.txt 
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                 ASCII text 
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                 VBScript heterogeneous heartbeat 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Dec. 18, 2004 
                 processing example (e.g. for cell 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 phone) 
               
               
                 gseclog.asp.txt 
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                 logon example to retrieve Registry 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Table fields for heartbeats 
               
               
                 mcdcchdr.asp.txt 
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                 Delivery Manager GUI 
               
               
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                 page example 
               
               
                 tigermap.txt 
                 9,076 
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                 Adobe PDF 
                 Hard copy 
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                 Apr. 2, 2005; 
                 http://tiger.census.gov/instruct.html 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Aug. 16, 2005 
                 free map service manual 
               
               
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                 capability cell phone) 
               
               
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     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to location dependent delivery of information to mobile data processing systems, and more particularly to a system for delivering situational location dependent content to data processing system devices traveling to locations for, or in directions of, that place which delivery content is designated as deliverable. Further generally related is location based services and internet accessed automated web services. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The boom of the internet has greatly provided information to mobile users through wireless web server connected devices such as laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and telephones. People with an internet enabled device can access yahoo.com (yahoo is a trademark of Yahoo corporation) and other internet connected resources. There are also Global Positioning System (GPS) devices that enable mobile users to know exactly where they are on a particular map. Users with GPS device functionality can further manually enter their known location into an internet MAP directory service (e.g. yahoo.com Maps) and then provide a target address they want to go to. Step by step instructions are then provided to the user for how to get to the destination from the current location. Some GPS devices provide local processing for directing, and narrating to, a driver. Mating automated location finding systems with internet travel direction services is an attractive blend. 
     Cadillac recently announced the OnStar program with sales of Cadillac automobiles (Cadillac and OnStar are trademarks of General Motors corporation). A person is enabled with calling upon an “OnStar Advisor” 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, with the press of a button. An emergency call, for example 911, or for a disabled Cadillac vehicle, allows a driver to instantly call upon wireless connected assistance. The driver may also call upon the OnStar Advisor for directions to a destination. The Advisor has access to automatic processing for determination of the vehicle&#39;s current location in case of auto theft, a disabled vehicle, or assisting with directions. The Advisor can also remotely unlock the vehicle should the driver lock the keys in the car. In effect, Cadillac drivers have full time wireless connected assistance around the clock for many reasons. While the location determination of the vehicle is automatic, there remain manual processes performed by the Advisor. Automation of some of these processes is desirable. 
     Many internet services derive their revenue stream from advertising. Advertisers pay to have their content delivered to users who access website and web server interfaces. Advertisers desire to target their audience at the most appropriate time. Knowing the location of a user as being relevant to a particular advertisement is desirable. Automating the delivery of the content is desirable. 
     A method is needed for a low cost business model that enables the efficient configuration of deliverable content for automatic delivery to mobile users based on their situational location that is relevant to receive such content. 
     To make such services attractive to consumers, quality deliverable content is needed, an environment promoting anonymous use is desirable, and additional complementary location based services will enhance the experience and entice consumers to use services. Consumers are concerned with privacy so location based services should be sensitive to privacy concerns. A model providing private and anonymous location based services without limitation of functionality is desirable. 
     Two companies, uLocate.com and dodgeball.com, have developed internet accessed websites for making use of user location information (uLocate.com and dodgeball.com are respective trademarks of the website companies). The uLocate.com website lacks full automation, automated registration, privilege assignments, different user types, and does not contain the many other features disclosed below in this application. The dodgeball.com website does not leverage automatic location capability using GPS or triangulation. Text messages have to be manually entered for features and functionality of the website. A globally accessed website is needed that integrates a better mode of such classes of websites using automated features, along with many new features not offered by the websites to provide an enhanced set of location based services. 
     Different users use different types of devices: laptops, tablet PCs, PDAs, cell phones, etc. An automated website that supports location enhanced services for heterogeneous devices is needed. This should include any mobile device capable of communicating with a web service. Automated account registration, automated billing, and high performance support for mass numbers of users is desirable. Automated deletion of obsolete accounts and data is also desirable. Eliminating the use of (or at least minimizing) human resource operations is reasonable. The websites yahoo.com, google.com, and ebay.com have demonstrated well the ability to provide valuable services to a large dispersed geographic audience through the internet without many human resources to keep the basic operations an on-going business concern (ebay, yahoo, and google are trademarks of the respective website companies). Location enhanced services can be developed to provide a similar model. 
     Users should have the ability to customize their experience with a website not only in how they interact with the service user interface, but how the service functionality behaves in accordance to user preferences. Users should have complete control over their devices and how they interact with a service through conveniently maintained configurations. All functionality should be provided so users are anonymous and can help themselves to the service. 
     Not only should deliverable content be configured for targeting mobile users, but the mobile users should also be able to configure deliverable content for other mobile users with novel functionality of interaction and interoperability. Novel methods are further desirable for convenient configuration of the content as well as the convenient configuration of applicable situational locations used to deem delivery of the content. In cases where an indicator is more desirable in place of associated content, users should have the ability to customize delivery indicators. Delivery indicators provide a high performance method for delivery and perhaps provide an element of privacy in cases where content is delivered over an unencrypted communications link. There should be the utmost respect for privacy. Encrypted communications sessions are desirable regardless of the content delivered. People do not want third parties knowing their situational locations, or the content that is delivered based on their situational locations. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides transmission of situational location dependent information from a server data processing system (SDPS) to a receiving data processing system (RDPS). The server data processing system (SDPS) communicates with the receiving data processing system (RDPS) by pushing content (i.e. proactive content delivery) when appropriate, rather than in response to a user query. A candidate delivery event associated with a current positional attribute of the receiving data processing system is recognized and a situational location of the remote data processing system is determined. The candidate delivery event may be a location and/or direction change, device state change, or movement exceeding a movement tolerance. The situational location of the remote data processing system may be its location, direction, location and direction, proximity to a location, state change, or location and/or direction relative to a previous location and/or direction, or combinations thereof. At the SDPS, a set of delivery content from a deliverable content database is retrieved according to the situational location of the RDPS, and according to system delivery constraints and/or configured user delivery constraints. The SDPS transmits any applicable content found to the RDPS. The delivery content is configurable by authorized administrators in a manner that enables the configured content for immediate delivery should a RDPS meet the criteria of the associated situational location and delivery constraints. 
     Various embodiments with respect to recognizing a candidate delivery event and determining a situational location include:
         the SDPS recognizes the candidate delivery event (e.g. various wireless embodiments and physical connection embodiments)   the RDPS recognizes the candidate delivery event (e.g. GPS and some wireless)   the SDPS determines the situational location associated with the candidate delivery event which may have been determined by the RDPS and communicated to the SDPS, or determined by the SDPS   the RDPS determines the situational location associated with the candidate delivery event and communicates the information to the SDPS for further processing       

     A situational location is completely determined for the RDPS upon the candidate delivery event. Content that can be delivered is fully configurable, of any type, and can be instantly activated for candidate delivery upon convenient administration. As well known in the art of software installation, the present invention may be installed to a variety of network embodiments and underlying operating systems through installation parameters, or as distinct installations for the particular platform. Preferably, an internet connection is used for configuring deliverable content, and for the interoperation of communications between the RDPS and SDPS. 
     The present invention enables a user of a RDPS to be made aware of content that is applicable for the current situational location of the user. Depending on the application of the present invention, the content and configurations will take on a variety of themes. 
     For example, in an outdoor wireless embodiment of the present invention, advertisement content can be configured by paying customer advertisers through an internet web interface, and then automatically delivered to people when the people are in a location, or heading path to a location, for reasonable delivery of the content to their automobile installed, or handheld, RDPS. For example, as a driver or pedestrian (i.e. user) approaches a retail store with a mobile RDPS, a configured advertisement of a special deal at the retail store can be proactively delivered (i.e. pushed) to the user automatically on behalf of the store. Likewise, an indoor wireless embodiment of the present invention enables the driver or pedestrian, now a shopper inside the store, to receive configured content to a shopping cart mounted, or handheld, RDPS directing the shopper to specific sales items as the shopper moves about the inside of the store. 
     In another application, a policeman may activate a mobile police automobile device (i.e. RDPS) in a police car for automatic delivery of a person&#39;s criminal record as the policeman drives by the location of a person&#39;s house. The police establishment configures criminal record content, or pointers thereto, along with the location of the residence that is believed to harbor the person with a record. As the policeman drives by locations with addresses of known offenders, the RDPS displays applicable criminal data. Of course, the policeman can enable or disable the functionality as needed. 
     In another application, a traveling vehicle, for example a touring bus, carries tourists for a narrated drive through a geographic area. Currently, there are human narrators for providing narration of sites and landmarks to people of the narrated drive. The present invention allows configuring deliverable content for locations on the touring bus path so that an automated narrator RDPS installed in the bus can be provided to people on the bus. For example, an RDPS providing audio, video, multimedia, or combination thereof, communicates narration content to people on the touring bus automatically as locations are encountered, or driven by. 
     In another application, a person attending a large park (e.g. Disney World (Disney World is a trademark of Walt Disney corporation)) could simply carry a RDPS, and receive content to a handheld device for what attraction lies ahead based on the current location and direction of the person. The person would not have to consult a directory or ask where to find something. Informative content would be proactively delivered, rather than reactively in response to a person&#39;s manual query to a service, or question to a human being. 
     In yet a further example, a valuable use would be for emergencies such as when a child is kidnapped. Currently, there is an Amber-Alert mechanism in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Tex. where radio stations broadcast an emergency message along with a distinguishable series of tones. This enables any pertinent information known about the kidnapper and child to be broadcast immediately to everyone with the radio on. The present invention enables the emergency broadcast to be immediately configured and then communicated to everyone with a RDPS, for example with a wireless internet connection. A picture of the victim and other multimedia information could be delivered along with audio immediately. 
     In still a further use of the present invention, garage sale and estate sale advertisements could be configured on behalf of paying customers that would otherwise use a newspaper classified section. As drivers become in reasonably close proximity to the sale, in the desired time window, advertisement content would be proactively delivered to a wireless RDPS installed, or handheld, in the automobile. 
     Thus, there are many applications for the present invention, all accomplished through simply changing the way the present invention is used. Content is pushed out to receiving devices at the most appropriate times. Users do not pull the content with a query. 
     It is therefore an advantage of the present invention in supporting a variety of applications and uses. The way the invention is used makes it applicable to a wide range of applications. For example, a deliverable content database can be configured with content that is appropriate for the particular application. Situational location parameters associated with the particular application are also variable, provided the installed methodology is utilized consistently. For example, world coordinates, GPS coordinates, regional coordinates, MAPSCO references, Application Address Book locations and directions, a user&#39;s caller id, a cell number in a cellular network, and like means used to describe a location can be used. Directional information of North, South, East, West, Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest, Up, Down, Left, Right, Straight, Back, and like methods used to describe a direction can be used. Further still, there are delivery constraints that can be set up for a system, or configured by a user, which provides flexibility in adapting to a variety of applications. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention in providing deliverable content to a person, based on the situational location of the person. Content is pushed to a user&#39;s RDPS when it is most appropriate for the user to see the content. 
     It is another advantage of the present invention in automatically recognizing a candidate delivery event of a RDPS and automatically determining a situational location of the RDPS. A user is not burdened with providing information on a query. The present invention automatically determines when content should be delivered and then automatically and proactively delivers it. Content is pushed to the user (of the RDPS). The user is not burdened with pulling content via a query. 
     It is a further advantage of the present invention to deliver any type, variety, or combination of content. The content is fully configurable by an authorized administrator who may be a paying customer for the privilege of performing configurations. Upon configuration, the content is immediately and instantly activated for proactive delivery to any RDPS meeting the configured criteria. Content may be audio, video, graphical, textual, multimedia, intranet/internet web address(es) activated for transposable selection, image, or any combination thereof. 
     It is another advantage in maintaining a history of delivered content at the RDPS with information that is useful for later browsing. Contained therein is information relevant to the delivered content. Additionally, provided is an invocable speed address enabling the user to transpose to a web address, or perform a speed dial phone call, that is associated with the delivered content. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is providing new and useful query functionality for querying the total number of known receiving data processing systems for a particular situational location, querying any content configured for delivery to a particular situational location with a comprehensive variety of query parameters, and querying up to a maximum threshold number of deliverable content instances for a particular location in a manner which automatically determines containing (ascending) locations, if necessary, until the specified number is met. 
     A further advantage is to provide a web service in the context of successful website (web service) offerings such as yahoo.com, google.com, and ebay.com. A web service is a service that is accessed via the public internet. These websites permit users from all over the globe to participate in website functionality. The anonymity, flexibility, functionality, and availability of a web service disclosed herein falls into a similar category for offering consumers enticing services and making them easy to use, while eliminating human resources required for operating the service. The web service disclosed herein is completely automated and does not require a single human being to operate it. Users of the site interoperate and use the web service functionality through completely automated services. The web service maintains itself and its data in response to how the users use the service. Users can remain anonymous while taking advantage of exciting location based services, and the users have full control over how they interact with other users through the service. 
     Two other websites (web services), uLocate.com and dodgeball.com are missing a multitude of features in fully automating their features and functionality. The web service embodiment discussed herein provides a superior fully automated experience for users seeking location based services in richness of features and functionality not found elsewhere. 
     A further advantage includes implementing a web service as a hub between different user types for configuring deliverable content and for receiving deliverable content during mobile activity with heterogeneous communications devices. Another advantage is making the web service reasonably anonymous for protecting the privacy of users, but at the same time providing enough information to support statistical inferences and reports. Regardless of the anonymity, granular privacy configurations are provided for full user control over what other users can and cannot do in interoperating with each other through the web services. 
     A further advantage includes supporting a plurality of different user types with different incentives to use the web service. For example, content providers are incented to provide quality content for reaching mobile users, and for receiving statistics about market conditions based on targeted content deliveries that are actually delivered. Mobile users are incented to use the service because of richness of location based service features not found anywhere else in the world. A Site Owner is incented to deploy the service for providing a value add to mobile users in return for business provided by paying user types, understanding market conditions, controlling the quality of information communicated in a particular application, or simply having the many features available for a specific application. Quality deliverable content is scoped by the group of associated users. 
     Yet another advantage herein is for promoting anonymous use and the utmost privacy. Consumer privacy is respected through granular privacy configuration as well as a reasonably anonymous specification of information for creating an account to the service. Encrypted communications sessions are used wherever possible regardless of the content delivered. 
     Yet another advantage is providing map based solutions, user defined deliverable content through a variety of convenient specification methods, a user defined mobile interest radius for targeting which mobile point on earth to deliver content, a user defined hit radius for targeting which area on earth to target content deliveries to mobile users who travel there, and full user customization for how content deliveries are to be made. A mobile interest radius and/or hit radius can be defaulted so a user does not have to configure it. 
     A further advantage is in providing a global, fully scalable, high performance web service that automates many of the manual value add features of websites such as yahoo.com, google.com, ebay.com, uLocate.com and dodgeball.com. Automation provided herein:
         Enables users to completely customize their experience with the web service through user preferences, profiles, privileges, and account related configurations;   Enables users to set up proactive search capability so users are not required to spend time waiting, or looking, for search results;   Brings buyers and sellers together through automatically determining relative situational locations, or mobile user proximity to situational locations of the good being sold, or the mobile locations of purchasers seeking goods at desirable locations;   Provides superior map solutions in the context of interoperability between mobile users; and   Improves the communications experience between business associates, family, friends, or any other group of people where an enhanced location based communications will enhance the lives of the people involved.       

     Still another advantage herein is for support of heterogeneous locatable devices. Different people like different types of devices. Laptops, Tablet PCs, PDAs, cell phones, and any other communications device is supported. Complete automation of account registration, account management, automated billing, and web service interoperability is provided for eliminating human resource operations to operate the services. Locating functionality can be provided to a device through local automatic location detection means or by automatic location detection means remote to the device. Automatic location detection means determines the whereabouts of a device, and examples include GPS (Global Positioning System) chips, GPS accessories, blue-tooth connected GPS, triangulated location determination, cell-tower triangulated location, antenna triangulated location, in-range proximity based location detection, combinations thereof, or by any other automatic location detection means. The NexTel GPS enabled iSeries cell phones provide excellent examples for use as mobile devices  2540 . This includes Nextel phones i325, i58sr, i710, i733, i736, i830, i860, and i88S (Nextel is a trademark of Nextel corporation). Blue-tooth enabled cell phones, PDAs, and other devices also provide excellent examples for use as mobile devices  2540 . In one embodiment, the GPS functionality is adapted with a blue-tooth wireless connection between the device(s) and the GPS receiver, often up to as much as 30 feet apart with distances increasing. This disclosure supports any device with GPS functionality regardless of how the GPS functionality is provided to, or for, the device. Many PDAs and cell phones may be blue-tooth enabled which provides the ability to adapt GPS locating means to the device. This disclosure also supports proximity location means which involves a device coming within range of a detecting means for determining a known location. Being within range of the detecting means implies locating the device by associating it to the location of the detecting means. There are various wireless detection methods and implementations well know in the art for knowing when a device comes into range of communications. 
     Another advantage is in providing a deep integrated set of mapping solutions, convenient situational location specification interfaces, and complete user control for how information is delivered, whether it be by email, SMS messages, cell phone voice connectivity, internet/intranet browser contexts, or any other communications method. 
     An advantage as disclosed herein is in providing a fully automated web service for a variety of applications. One embodiment is to provide a completely free service to consumers with only the content providers being the paying customers. Consumers are enticed to use the web service by its unprecedented quality of free features offered while the content providers are enticed to use the service because of the large base of consumers attracted in using the free services. Consumers and content providers can conveniently join the service through any web browser. Nothing prevents a person from opening, managing, and closing their own accounts. Further provided is automated billing and account maintenance. Internet connectivity into the web service is all that is required. A reasonable account validation is incorporated to determine that a person opening an account is indeed who he claims to be without asking for personal information perceived to be too personal. 
     A further feature and advantage is to incorporate an SQL (Standard Query Language) data model for users accounts, device management, content management, user interface management, and in every reasonable aspect of the web service. This model allows leveraging useful features such as backup/restore, high performance I/O (input/output) transactions, heterogeneously developed source code, platform and operating system independence of the implementation, and a proven scalable foundation upon which to build services. 
     Yet a further advantage herein is security. Each user interface contains access control for enforcing who gets access to which interfaces. Further provided are encrypted communications sessions in appropriate contexts to the web services. An authenticated logon is provided, and automatic transposition to web service options is performed if it is determined that a successful logon had taken place before within a reasonable timeframe from the same device, thereby to prevent burdening the user with repetitively logging on with credentials. User types into the web service have different privileges. 
     Another advantage is full user customization wherever possible in web service interfaces, delivery processing, custom reports, device profiles, delivery indicators, deliverable content, and wherever it makes sense to have flexibility without adding too much complexity. 
     It is yet another advantage in having tremendous flexibility and automation in specifying deliverable content as well as for specifying the criteria for when and how to deliver the content. Content can be resident in a DCDB (Deliverable Content Database), or provided dynamically on the fly from remote sources as defined by the DCDB schema and configurations therein. 
     It is yet another advantage to facilitate managing a particular user&#39;s data in the web service through convenient record adds, record searches, record list processing, record modification, plural record modification, record deletion, plural record deletion, record examination, and plural record examination. 
     It is a further advantage in automating the user specification of DCDB situational locations for configured deliverable content with GPS coordinate retrieval, map selections, circular area selections, rectangular area selections, polygon area selections, address specifications, locations by subscriber identifier, and any other means for identifying a physical location and/or location area or location space. A situational location may include an area on earth, a point on earth, or a three dimensional bounds in space. A mobile user target may include an area on earth, a point on earth, or a three dimensional bounds in space. Content targeted for delivery may result in it being delivered to mobile devices encountering a situational location or may result in delivery of an indicator for the content. Indicators are user configurable by the receiving device for how to receive content, by the Content Provider for how to send content, and/or by system default behavior. Indicators may also be delivered dynamically based on content size, target device types, target device situational location, target device state, criteria contained in the deliverable content, of any other condition associated with the target mobile device, the circumstances of the deliverable content, and/or the deliverable content itself. 
     It is a further advantage in providing automation for transforming external application data sources into the deliverable content database, and subsequently maintaining the data. External application data sources are existing application data sources used by otherwise unrelated applications that can provide a convenient database of delivery information, depending on the application. External application data sources provide the data for existing applications that normally may not have a relationship otherwise. External application data source examples include automatically processable data formats such as electronically represented Almanac database(s), Guinness Book of World Records database(s), Multiple Listing Service (MLS) real estate database(s), Fishing Area Knowledge Base database(s), Product Advertisement Shopping database(s), Asset Inventory database(s), newspaper classified ad data, address to coordinate mapping data, postal address to latitude and longitude mapping data, or any other database, data format, or combinations thereof, containing useful information for automatic population of the deliverable content database. 
     Multiple databases and information can also be merged and/or processed for automatic population of the deliverable content database. For example, a large eBay database of advertised goods content (eBay is a trademark of eBay corporation) may contain the seller&#39;s location (or location of merchandise) information along with the advertisement in the form of postal address information. Another vendor database may provide latitude and longitude information for known postal addresses. In one example, eBay database location address information is replaced with the corresponding latitude and longitude information from the address mapping database when transforming the eBay data into the deliverable content database. This allows transforming data into the deliverable content database for appropriate situational location matching to situational locations of participating devices. In other embodiments, location information associated with deliverable content (e.g. addresses, zip codes, MAPSCO, etc) is replaced with an appropriate location description from another database (e.g. latitude and longitude, earth mapping grid reference, etc) during automatic population of the deliverable content database. In fact, this disclosure allows transforming any data for any reason from a plurality of data sources in order to achieve an appropriately populated deliverable content database. Data can also be accessed when needed so it need not be stored local to web service  2102 . 
     Existing useful data sources are leveraged for automatic population of the deliverable content database in order to minimize, or eliminate, timely creation and maintaining of data in the deliverable content database. 
     Yet another advantage is to provide an automated generic transform and maintenance environment for the deliverable content database. This includes automatic transform functionality to transform a variety of data source formats into the deliverable content database using run-time configurable pre-transform rules for affecting transform methodologies. Further provided is an automated post-transform data manipulator for automatically transforming the data once it is contained in the deliverable content database. 
     Data may also be transformed at delivery time (on the fly) from remote sources so content need not be contained in the DCDB. Pointers and information enabling the instant delivery of remotely accessed content may instead be contained within the DCDB. 
     It is another advantage to provide functionality for assigning granulated privileges from any particular user to any other particular user, or group of users. A further feature provides an affinity relationship allowing one user to act on behalf of another user, or on behalf of a groups of other users. The web service functionality “out of the box” guarantees full privacy and no users are aware of other users. The privileges provide means for full user control to open up additional services for collaboration, interoperability of novel location based services, sharing user information, viewing user information, and many other features discussed in detail below for users interacting with other users. 
     Another advantage is providing a comprehensive set of find services, statistics, historical routes, and reports to users in accordance with privacy privileges easily configured any time through a web service interface. As soon as a convenient configuration is made, the privileges and corresponding functionality instantly take affect. There is no delay, or waiting period, for any configuration change. Map preferences are also user configurable so each user gets the map interface to behave exactly as they want it. 
     Another advantage includes maintaining user configured evidence as a web service cookie, frame variable, system variable, or data file variable with a long term expiration. Subsequent navigations to an interface using such evidence causes automatic population of the evidence into fields or other real-estate of the user interface. That way the user sets preferences one time which becomes in effect for all subsequent applicable service interfaces. In general, all interfaces of the web service  2102  can default user interface fields using the evidence from previous user configurations. 
     Another advantage is providing a user interface filtering methodology for automatically filtering out undesirable data in every web service interface without requiring the user to filter out the same data in each individual interface. A user sets filter criteria one time, and all web service interfaces reflect the filters that were configured by the user. Filtering criteria is conveniently set by map selections, or manually entered data. 
     Yet a further advantage is a fully configurable delivery manager conveniently invoked from a command line or from a user interface form. The preferred embodiment of every web service page interface herein supports either a command line invocation (e.g. with URL (Uniform Resource Locator) arguments) or form fields submittal. The delivery manager is for delivering content in response to automatic determination for a device situational location. Disclosed is a Master and Archive for facilitating the content delivery experience. Web service participating devices have a Master and an Archive. A Master contains all content deliveries to a device that have been made. Only a single copy of the content is maintained in the Master, but a date/time stamp is updated if content is delivered redundantly (to indicate the last time the content was pushed). A user can move content items from the Master to an Archive when content items are desired to be saved for the long term. The Archive will contain any number of content items that a user has selected to save from the Master to the Archive. The Archive also does not contain duplicates. The date/time stamp reflects the last time a content item was delivered, or alternatively can reflect when it is last moved to the Archive. As long as a content item remains in the Master, it will not alert the user of a new delivery no matter how many times that item is redundantly delivered. When it is moved to the Archive, then it is eligible again to notify the user of being a new delivery should it be delivered again. The Master and Archive for each device facilitates control over alerting a user of deliveries based on historical deliveries already made. The Master provides the user with control over ensuring redundant deliveries do not produce redundant alerts (only the timestamp is updated to reflect the most recent delivery of the same delivery item). The user can remove an entry from the Master for being re-alerted to another delivery of the same item at a different situational location. The Archive provides the user with control over saving deliveries of interest while ensuring no duplicates are in the Archive. The user can also save deliveries off-line to a file for other applications. The Delivery Manager preferably enforces an authentication of every device that uses it. Preferably the authentication is not the same as a user account authentication, although they could be one in the same in an embodiment. A single user account may manage a plurality of devices, so it is desirable that each device have its own authentication. The delivery manager provides a thorough set of controls for each user to the web service for managing what content gets delivered, how often content is proactively searched, and any preferences and/or configurations of the receiving device for desired web service behavior. 
     Yet a further advantage is for complete management of a device cache for proactive content delivery by situational location. Options are provided to users for improving the web service performance and experience through having a plurality of DCDB items delivered to the device in advance of traveling to applicable situational locations. The device cache is optimized for local delivery while still providing the experience for frequently changing dynamic data to be delivered to applicable mobile devices as soon as it is configured, modified, or added. 
     Another advantage is to share experiences (e.g. content deliveries) of one user with other user(s). Content deliveries and/or configurations can be shared between users&#39; data processing systems, and in accordance with privileges granted to various users or systems. The disclosed web service enables users to automatically register membership accounts and provides location based services thereafter. An enhanced location based services experience is provided for users wanting to interact with other users through the web service. Users can grant location based services privileges to other users through the web service user interfaces. Users can perform location based service actions on other users in accordance with location based services privileges that have been granted. For example, a first user grants a set of location based services privileges to a second user. The second user can then use location based services provided in the web service on the first user in accordance with the privileges granted. Privileges assure privacy, confidentiality, and anonymity. Detailed descriptions are presented below in how this works. 
     Users, or a group of user(s), can provide privileges to other user(s), group(s) of users, device(s), or group(s) of device(s). Users, group of user(s), device(s), or group(s) of device(s) can be provided with privileges from other user(s), or group(s) of user(s), device(s), or group(s) of device(s). In one embodiment, privileges are assigned to participating devices (i.e. data processing systems). In another embodiment, privileges are assigned to users independent of the device a user happens to be using at the time. Specific privileges can be assigned in the following manner: 
     1. From any receiving device to any other receiving device 
     2. From any user to any receiving device 
     3. From any user to any other user 
     4. From any receiving device to any user 
     5. Any combinations of 1 through 4 
     Specific preferences of how to process privileges can also be assigned in the following manner: 
     6. From any receiving device to any other device 
     7. From any user to any receiving device 
     8. From any user to any other user 
     9. From any receiving device to any user 
     10. From any group (users or receiving devices) to any user 
     11. From any user to any group (users or receiving devices) 
     12. From any group (users or receiving devices) to any device 
     13. From any device to any group (users or receiving devices) 
     14. Any combinations of 6 through 14 
     Preferences govern the ability for users (or devices) to make use of each other&#39;s configurations in order to manage content delivery and/or alert delivery in accordance with user actions. 
     A further advantage herein enables a user (or device) to intercept or duplicate another user&#39;s (or device&#39;s) content delivery, specified by either the originally intended recipient of the content delivery, a new recipient of the content delivery, or any other user with the appropriate privilege to configure interception or duplication. It is an advantage to deliver content, or deliver content by situational location: 
     15. To me (or us) using my configurations and/or situational location 
     16. To me (or us) using other(s) configurations and/or situational location(s) 
     17. To other(s) using my (“me”) configurations and/or situational location 
     18. To other(s) using other(s) configurations and/or situational location(s) 
     19. Any combination of 15 through 19 
     It is an advantage to deliver alerts in desired form(s), or deliver alerts in desired form(s) by situational location: 
     20. To me (or us) using my configurations and/or situational location 
     21. To me (or us) using other(s) configurations and/or situational location(s) 
     22. To other(s) using my (“me”) configurations and/or situational location 
     23. To other(s) using other(s) configurations and/or situational location(s) 
     24. Any combination of 20 though 24 
     It is an advantage herein to deliver alerts and/or content in desired form(s) in accordance with user actions, or deliver alerts and/or content in desired form(s) in accordance with user actions at a situational location: 
     25. To me (or us) using my configurations and/or situational location 
     26. To me (or us) using other(s) configurations and/or situational location(s) 
     27. To other(s) using my (“me”) configurations and/or situational location 
     28. To other(s) using other(s) configurations and/or situational location(s) 
     29. Any combination of 25 through 29 
     Whether delivery is an alert, content, or action associated alert or content, data processing systems receiving the alert or content may be an RDPS or any other data processing system. Users can assign privileges to other users, users can assign privileges to devices, devices can assign privileges to users, devices can assign privileges to devices, users can assign preferences for interacting with other users, users can assign preferences for interacting with devices, devices can assign privileges for interacting with users, and devices can assign preferences for interacting with other devices. 
     Another advantage is to share the locally cached deliverable content database between users, directly between the user&#39;s data processing systems, or between the user&#39;s data processing systems via a server data processing system. A user&#39;s local cache (or the local cache of a particular data processing system) may be unique in deliverable content configured for proactive delivery based on certain configurations, and may also be the result of a situational location yielding deliverable content for proactive delivery, in which case sharing makes sense between users (or systems). 
     Further advantages include user or system configurations for maintaining a local cache of deliverable content, specifying to trickle updates to a local deliverable content database as deliverable content changes or becomes available, and user specification of sharing, and sharing of, a local cache of deliverable content with other users. 
     Another advantage is to enable a user to specify a target delivery mobile interest radius for receiving content. Disclosed is the ability for a user to configure his RDPS, or receiving system with a target mobile interest radius. For example, a user would like to know what deliverable content would be delivered to his device if the content was set up for delivery to a location within 3 miles of the user&#39;s current location at all times. So, as the user travels, any content deemed for delivery within 3 miles of the user (i.e. within 3 miles of the device) is delivered. The mobile interest radius is always relative to the current location of the receiving device, no matter where it is located. The terminology “interest radius”, “device interest radius”, “mobile interest radius”, “moving interest radius”, and “traveling interest radius” are all one in the same, and are used interchangeably. Also, the user can specify his mobile interest radius in measurement terms most convenient, for example, feet, yards, miles, meters, kilometers, etc. The mobile interest radius specification enables a user to be made aware of deliverable content that is within a reasonable distance of the user, no matter where the user subsequently is at the time. The user decides what determines a reasonable distance. 
     Continuing with the eBay example above, a user would like to be made aware of a rare antique table as soon as it becomes available in the eBay database. This disclosure, and the parent applications this is a continuation in part for, provide real time activation of data as soon as is entered into the deliverable content database, and real time delivery of the data to eligible receiving devices with the applicable configured situational location(s). The user travels frequently and has learned through experience it is important to examine merchandise offered by eBay before purchasing it. So, the user decides he is willing to travel 50 miles to examine the merchandise, and he configures a mobile interest radius of 50 miles along with the appropriate interest and/or filter criteria. Therefore, no matter where the user is located at the time, delivery information for a sought antique advertisement (if it exists, or becomes existent in the future to the eBay deliverable content database) will be delivered to his device if the associated antique location is within 50 miles of the user at any time during the user&#39;s traveling. Thus, not only is the user alerted as soon as the sought item becomes available, but he is alerted according to a distance relative to his current location. The user was able to set up criteria one time, and all future traveling becomes candidate for content delivery of existing content items or future added items in the deliverable content database. 
     Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. While those skilled in the art can assert an embodiment implementation just from examining screenshots (in Drawings) from the web service, flowcharts and architecture drawings are also provided to facilitate a timely understanding. None of the drawings, discussions, or materials herein is to be interpreted as limiting to a particular embodiment. The broadest interpretation is intended. Other embodiments accomplishing same functionality are within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that information is presented by example and many embodiments exist without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many of the drawings are representative of an actual embodiment that has been reduced to practice in a web service. Drawings which are screenshots from the web service contain gpsping.com company trademarks in graphical form (e.g. page headers and footers, page animation, various page graphics, etc) and textual form. These trademarks have been developed in accordance with applicable marketing strategies for such time in the future such service would be made public, or offered for sale. Textual trademarks of the gpsping.com company include at least “My GPS”, “MyGPS”, “GPSPing”, “PingGPS”, “GPS-Ping”, “Ping-GPS”, “GPS_Ping”, “Ping_GPS”, “GPSPing”, “PingGPS”, “GPSPing.com”, “PingGPS.com”, “GPSPing.com”, “PingGPS.com”, “GPS-Ping.com”, “Ping-GPS.com”, “GPS_Ping.com”, “Ping_GPS.com”, “PingPal”, “PingPal”, “Ping-Pal”, “Ping_Pal”, “Pinger”, “PingSpot”, “Pingimeter”, and any derivations thereof wherein any subset of the trademark string can be any font, style, capitalization, spacing or appearance. Screenshots and drawings have been zoomed in or out to properly fit on a drawing page with appropriate margins. Drawings of database records intentionally do not reveal actual formats used of the fields to prevent pirating of this disclosure for a copied implementation. Those skilled in the art can easily determine what the best formats would be based on the descriptions. Table indexes and other performance considerations are intuitive based on how to access data according to the descriptions. It is assumed that the reader of this disclosure will examine in detail, and read thoroughly, the drawings to assess novel subject matter disclosed thereon. While user interface examples demonstrate a web browser, other user interfaces can be used. The web browser BACK key, URL command line, and CLOSE WINDOW functionality is to be an available function in all user interfaces discussed herein. There is no guarantee that there are descriptions in this specification for explaining every novel feature found in the drawings. The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a network illustration for discussing the various outdoor embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts an aerial view of a city region useful for discussing aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a locating by triangulation illustration for discussing a wireless, or cellular, embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of the candidate delivery event generation aspect relevant to a wireless, or cellular, embodiment of the present invention, in the context of positional attribute(s) being monitored by a SDPS; 
         FIG. 3C  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of the candidate delivery event generation aspect relevant to a wireless, or cellular embodiment, of the present invention, in the context of positional attribute(s) being monitored by a RDPS; 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a locating by triangulation illustration for discussing a GPS, or satellite, embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of the candidate delivery event generation aspect relevant to a GPS, or satellite, embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  depicts a locating by triangulation illustration for discussing an indoor wireless embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of the candidate delivery event generation aspect relevant to an indoor wireless embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of the candidate delivery event generation aspect relevant to a physically connected embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the deliverable content database of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the keyword data of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the location hierarchy data of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9A  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the registration data of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9B  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the location history data of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9C  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the SDPS transmission history data of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9D  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the RDPS transmission history data of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10A  depicts a preferred embodiment high level example componentization of a RDPS of the present invention when the RDPS generates the candidate delivery event; 
         FIG. 10B  depicts a preferred embodiment high level example componentization of a RDPS of the present invention when the SDPS generates the candidate delivery event; 
         FIG. 10C  depicts a block diagram of a data processing system useful for implementing RDPS aspects of the present invention, and SDPS aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  depicts a flowchart for describing data processing system aspects relevant to a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event determination by the RDPS; 
         FIGS. 12A ,  12 B,  12 C, and  12 D depict flowcharts for describing user event management processing aspects of a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event determination by the RDPS; 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  depict flowcharts for describing system event management processing aspects of a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event determination by the RDPS; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  depict flowcharts for describing the content administration aspects of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 15A ,  15 B,  15 C, and  15 D depict flowcharts for service event handling aspects of a preferred embodiment of the SDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event determination by the RDPS; 
         FIG. 16  depicts a flowchart for describing the content transmission aspects of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  depicts a flowchart for describing data processing system aspects relevant to a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event determination not by the RDPS; 
         FIGS. 18A ,  18 B,  18 C, and  18 D depict flowcharts for describing user event management processing aspects of a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event determination not by the RDPS; 
         FIG. 19  depicts a flowchart for describing system event management processing aspects of a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event determination not by the RDPS; and 
         FIGS. 20A ,  20 B, and  20 C, and  20 D depict flowcharts for service event handling aspects of a preferred embodiment of the SDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event determination not by the RDPS. 
         FIG. 21  depicts a block diagram for describing a preferred embodiment of key architectural web service components at a high level; 
         FIG. 22  depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the overall design for web service Active Server Pages (ASPs) supporting heterogeneous device connectivity; 
         FIG. 23A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Terms of Use option of the web service as an animated page; 
         FIG. 23B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Terms of Use option of the web service as a non-animated page; 
         FIG. 23C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Auto-Messaging option under the Service option of the web service as an animated page; 
         FIG. 23D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Auto-Messaging option under the Service option of the web service as a non-animated page; 
         FIG. 24  depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the overall design for any particular web service Active Server Page (ASP) supporting heterogeneous device connectivity; 
         FIG. 25  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the main architectural web service components used to carry out novel functionality and how different user types interoperate with the web service through heterogeneous devices; 
         FIG. 26  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the user interface invoked for automated registration/membership to the web service; 
         FIG. 27A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Join option of the web service as an animated page; 
         FIG. 27B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Pinger registration/membership option of the web service; 
         FIG. 27C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Content Provider Gold registration/membership option of the web service; 
         FIG. 27D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the administrator specified registration/membership option of the web service; 
         FIG. 27E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the email address validation aspect of the web service; 
         FIGS. 28A , and  28 B depict flowcharts for a preferred embodiment of the automated user registration/membership processing resulting from user interaction to the registration/membership user interfaces and submittal therefrom; 
         FIG. 29  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the People Table used to carry out registration/membership functionality; 
         FIG. 30  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Users Table used to carry out registration/membership functionality; 
         FIG. 31  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the LastLog Table used to facilitate automatic account data deletion functionality; 
         FIG. 32A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the registration/membership account verification of the web service; 
         FIG. 32B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the registration/membership account verification automated email of the web service; 
         FIG. 33  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated user registration/membership account verification processing resulting from user interaction to the registration/membership account verification user interface and submittal therefrom; 
         FIG. 34  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the PayingCust Table used to carry out functionality for web service paying registrants/members; 
         FIG. 35A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the account registration/membership completion success of the web service; 
         FIG. 35B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the registration/membership account completion success automated email of the web service; 
         FIG. 36A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated processing resulting from payment expiration of a paying registrant/member to the web service; 
         FIG. 36B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated processing resulting from payment reactivation of a paying registrant/member to the web service; 
         FIG. 37A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated processing for warning obsolete registrant/member accounts in the web service that they are identified for automated deletion; 
         FIG. 37B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated processing for deletion of obsolete registrant/member accounts in the web service; 
         FIG. 38A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the web service personnel contact aspect of the web service; 
         FIG. 38B  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Contact Table used to carry out functionality for users who contact web service personnel through the web service; 
         FIGS. 39A and 39B  depict flowcharts for a preferred embodiment of the security access control processing aspects of the web service; 
         FIG. 40  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Help option of the web service; 
         FIG. 41  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the web service member logon aspect of the web service supporting heterogeneous device connectivity; 
         FIG. 42A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the web service member logon aspect using a full browser; 
         FIG. 42B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the web service member logon aspect using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) browser; 
         FIG. 42C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the web service member logon aspect using a microbrowser, for example on a cell phone; 
         FIG. 43  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the web service member logon processing resulting from user interaction to the logon user interfaces and submittal therefrom; 
         FIG. 44A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for member logon success completion to the web service using a full browser; 
         FIG. 44B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for member logon success completion to the web service using a PDA browser; 
         FIG. 44C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for member logon success completion to the web service using a microbrowser, for example on a cell phone; 
         FIGS. 45A and 45B  depict flowcharts for a preferred embodiment of the web service options presented to a user of any heterogeneous device that completed a previous successful logon into the web service; 
         FIG. 46A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented after a successful logon where the user has just submitted credentials for logging into the web service from a full browser; 
         FIG. 46B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented after a successful logon to the web service from a full browser; 
         FIG. 46C  depicts an illustration for describing an html frames embodiment of web service member pages; 
         FIG. 46D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented after a successful logon to the web service from a PDA browser; 
         FIGS. 46E and 46F  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for the interface presented after a successful logon to the web service from a microbrowser, for example on a cell phone; 
         FIG. 47  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the web service logout processing resulting from user interaction to the logout user interface from heterogeneous devices; 
         FIG. 48A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented after a successful logout from the web service from a full browser; 
         FIG. 48B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented after a successful logout from the web service from a microbrowser, for example on a cell phone; 
         FIG. 49A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented to a full browser after a user requests to discover a password or user logon name for an account in the web service; 
         FIG. 49B  depicts the account security question dropdown options in the preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented to a full browser after a user requests to discover a password or user logon name for an account in the web service; 
         FIG. 49C  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing; 
         FIG. 49D  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out form processing resulting from submission of user specifications for discovering an account password or user logon name; 
         FIG. 50A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for logon success completion to the web service using a full browser when the user type is a Pinger; 
         FIGS. 50B through 50E  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for the Privileges option; 
         FIG. 50F  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form and then processing in accordance with user selectable actions of the user interface form; 
         FIG. 50G  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the My Prefs option selected from a full browser; 
         FIG. 50H  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the My Prefs option selected from a PDA browser; 
         FIG. 50I  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the My Prefs option selected from an arbitrary device of supported heterogeneous devices; 
         FIG. 51  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting the user interface to view or modify web service record information; 
         FIG. 52A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing web service user account information; 
         FIG. 52B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying web service user account information; 
         FIG. 52C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a warning prompt when modifying a user account logon name or password; 
         FIG. 53  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of processing for modifying web service record information; 
         FIG. 54A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for successful completion of modifying web service record information; 
         FIG. 54B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing web service user account information; 
         FIG. 55  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of processing for managing records of the web service; 
         FIG. 56A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for searching for web service user registrant/member account records; 
         FIG. 56B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of the Work Industry selection dropdown options for searching for web service user registrant/member account records; 
         FIG. 56C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of Order By selection dropdown options for searching for web service user registrant/member account records; 
         FIG. 56D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for searching for web service user registrant/member account records after some user specification for doing a search; 
         FIGS. 57A ,  57 B, and  58  depict flowcharts for a preferred embodiment of search processing of records of the web service; 
         FIG. 59A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service user registrant/member account records after a user search specification; 
         FIG. 59B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for paginated results from searching the web service user registrant/member account records after a user search specification; 
         FIG. 59C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a warning prompt for deleting one or more marked records; 
         FIGS. 60A and 60B  depict flowcharts for a preferred embodiment of search result list processing of records of the web service; 
         FIGS. 61A and 61B  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for viewing user account information of a selected user record; 
         FIGS. 61C and 61D  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for modifying user account information of a selected user record; 
         FIG. 61E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service user registrant/member account records after a user search specification, and then user selecting records to manage; 
         FIGS. 61F and 61G  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for viewing a plurality of selected user account records; 
         FIGS. 61H and 61I  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for modifying a plurality of selected user account records; 
         FIG. 62  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to modify a plurality of records of the web service; 
         FIG. 63  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form in the members area and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing; 
         FIG. 64  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the submittal to add a Registry Table record to the web service; 
         FIG. 65  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Registry Table used to maintain heterogeneous devices participating with the web service; 
         FIG. 66A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for adding a Registry record to the web service; 
         FIG. 66B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for successful completion of having added a Registry record to the web service; 
         FIG. 66C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for searching for web service Registry records with a search criteria; 
         FIG. 66D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service Registry records after a user search specification; 
         FIG. 66E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing Registry information of a selected Registry record; 
         FIG. 66F  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying Registry information of a selected Registry record; 
         FIG. 67A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service Registry records after a user search specification, and then user selecting records to manage; 
         FIG. 67B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing a plurality of selected Registry records; 
         FIG. 67C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying a plurality of selected Registry records; 
         FIG. 68  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Trail Table used to track and maintain mobile history of devices registered in the Registry table; 
         FIG. 69  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the submittal to add a Delivery Content Database (DCDB) Table record to the web service; 
         FIG. 70  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the DCDB Table used to maintain deliverable content information to the web service; 
         FIG. 71A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for adding a DCDB record to the web service; 
         FIG. 71B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for searching for web service DCDB records with a search criteria; 
         FIG. 71C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service DCDB records after a user search specification; 
         FIG. 71D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing DCDB information of a selected DCDB record; 
         FIGS. 71E and 71F  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for modifying DCDB information of a selected DCDB record; 
         FIG. 71G  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service DCDB records after a user search specification, and then user selecting records to manage; 
         FIG. 71H  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing a plurality of selected DCDB records; 
         FIGS. 71I and 71J  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for modifying a plurality of selected DCDB records; 
         FIG. 72  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to select a DCDB situational location from a map; 
         FIG. 73  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to geo-translate address criteria into latitude and longitude coordinates for a DCDB situational location; 
         FIG. 74  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to automatically get the current situational location, for example a latitude and longitude, of the requesting device; 
         FIG. 75A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for priming the automatic retrieval of a situational location, for example GPS coordinates; 
         FIG. 75B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot demonstrating activity in priming the automatic retrieval of a situational location, for example GPS coordinates; 
         FIG. 76  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to convert one form of situational location information into another form of situational location, for example decimal degree specifications of latitude and longitude into degrees, minutes, and seconds specifications; 
         FIG. 77  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the submittal to add a record to the web service; 
         FIG. 78  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Indicator Table used to maintain delivery indicators for the web service; 
         FIG. 79A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for adding an Indicator record to the web service; 
         FIG. 79B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service Indicator records; 
         FIG. 80  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to present Indicators for DCDB assignment; 
         FIG. 81  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for Indicator management form processing; 
         FIG. 82  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the DCDB Indicator Assignment Table used to associate Indicators to DCDB records; 
         FIG. 83  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for selecting an Indicator to be associated with a DCDB record; 
         FIG. 84A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to configure personal Indicators; 
         FIG. 84B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for adding a personal Indicator record; 
         FIG. 85  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for managing personal Indicators; 
         FIG. 86  depicts a block diagram depicting the automated data transform service components for automatic population of the deliverable content database according to the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 87  depicts a flowchart for describing the automated data transform aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 88  depicts a flowchart for describing the post-transform data manipulator aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 89  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Groups Table; 
         FIG. 90A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for adding a Groups Table record to the web service; 
         FIG. 90B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching Groups Table records; 
         FIG. 91A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to manage PingPal privileges; 
         FIG. 91B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for assigning privileges to other users, or devices, of the web service; 
         FIG. 91C  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for checkmark processing of PingPal management; 
         FIG. 92  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the PingPal Privilege Assignment Table; 
         FIG. 93A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for setting the assignor and privileges for assignment; 
         FIG. 93B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for discussing the assignor dropdown when setting the assignor and privileges for assignment; 
         FIG. 93C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for discussing the privilege group dropdown when setting the assignor and privileges for assignment; 
         FIG. 93D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for assigning privileges to assignees that are users; 
         FIG. 93E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for assigning privileges to assignees that are devices; 
         FIG. 94A  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Pingimeter Attribute Extension Table; 
         FIG. 94B  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Pingimeter Table; 
         FIG. 95  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Triggers Table; 
         FIG. 96A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of the Alerts option of the Services option from a public interface of the web service demonstrating circular specifications of an area on a map, for example for Pingimeters and PingSpots; 
         FIG. 96B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot demonstrating rectangular specification of an area on a map; 
         FIG. 96C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot demonstrating polygon specification of an area on a map; 
         FIG. 96D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot demonstrating point specification of an area on a map; 
         FIG. 97A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to find device(s) (e.g. PingPal(s)); 
         FIG. 97B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to set map preferences; 
         FIG. 98A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to find routes of device(s) (e.g. PingPal(s)); 
         FIG. 98B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to report on device(s) (e.g. PingPal(s)); 
         FIG. 98C  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to discover PingPal(s) providing privileges; 
         FIG. 99  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to find nearby PingPal(s); 
         FIG. 100A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for finding Pingpal(s); 
         FIG. 100B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for setting map preferences; 
         FIG. 100C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for finding routes of Pingpal(s); 
         FIG. 100D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for reporting on the whereabouts of PingPal(s); 
         FIG. 100E  depicts a screenshot for explaining frames used to carry out a preferred embodiment of find services; 
         FIG. 100F  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a find result on a PingPal; 
         FIG. 100G  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a find result on PingPals; 
         FIG. 100H  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a find route result on a PingPal; 
         FIG. 100I  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a find routes result on Pingpals; 
         FIG. 101  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Profile Table; 
         FIG. 102  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Profile Assignment Table; 
         FIG. 103  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing user preferred settings for automatically populating user interface variables; 
         FIG. 104A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing a request for the Filters Maps option; 
         FIG. 104B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing a request for the Filters Specify option; 
         FIGS. 105A through 105C  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for selecting maps for filter settings; 
         FIG. 106A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for starting the Delivery Manager; 
         FIG. 106B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interest radius specification dropdown of the interface for starting the Delivery Manager; 
         FIG. 106C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the server check frequency specification dropdown of the interface for starting the Delivery Manager; 
         FIG. 107  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Delivery History Table; 
         FIG. 108  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of processing for requesting to manage an Archive or Master; 
         FIG. 109  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Archive and Master processing; 
         FIG. 110A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying a Registry record; 
         FIG. 110B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the presentation of Archive records; 
         FIG. 111  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of a list of DCDB records; 
         FIG. 112  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager device interface processing; 
         FIG. 113  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager frame set processing; 
         FIG. 114A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager header presentation processing; 
         FIG. 114B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager user interface action processing; 
         FIG. 115  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager initialization page processing; 
         FIG. 116  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager start button processing; 
         FIG. 117A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager stop button processing; 
         FIG. 117B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager start receipt processing; 
         FIG. 117C  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager stop receipt processing; 
         FIG. 118  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager processing for automatically determining situational location parameters, for example GPS parameters; 
         FIG. 119  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager do again processing; 
         FIG. 120  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager heartbeat processing; 
         FIG. 121  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager Build Master processing; 
         FIG. 122  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager PingSpot processing; 
         FIG. 123  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager Pingimeter processing; 
         FIG. 124  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager Nearby processing; 
         FIGS. 125A through 125C  illustrate radius configurations of mobile users and/or DCDB records; 
         FIG. 126  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager Master presentation processing; 
         FIG. 127  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of generic Delivery Manager authentication processing; 
         FIG. 128A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager prior to starting delivery processing; 
         FIG. 128B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for an empty Master; 
         FIG. 128C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for presentation of records in an Archive; 
         FIG. 128D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Device settings interface; 
         FIG. 128E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing; 
         FIG. 129  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for listing DCDB records; 
         FIG. 130A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after traveling to a situational location having an applicable DCDB record; 
         FIG. 130B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for an automated email delivery after traveling to a situational location having an applicable DCDB record; 
         FIG. 130C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for records in a Master; 
         FIG. 130D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for an empty Master; 
         FIG. 131  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for presentation of records in an Archive; 
         FIG. 132  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing; 
         FIG. 133A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying a plurality of DCDB records; 
         FIG. 133B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for listing DCDB records; 
         FIG. 134A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for starting the Delivery Manager; 
         FIG. 134B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing and traveling to a situational location with applicable DCDB records. 
         FIG. 136C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of an entry delivery confirmation message; 
         FIG. 135  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying a Registry record; 
         FIG. 136A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing and traveling to a situational location with applicable DCDB records; 
         FIG. 136B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Device settings interface; 
         FIG. 136C  depicts a preferred embodiment of an entry delivery confirmation message; 
         FIG. 136D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for records in a Master; 
         FIG. 137  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot after starting delivery processing for a full browser Delivery Manager with the hide console option set; 
         FIG. 138A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of a Delivery Manager device interface for a PDA; 
         FIG. 138B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a PDA browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing; 
         FIG. 138C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for presenting records in a Master to a PDA; 
         FIG. 138D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for presenting records in an Archive to a PDA. 
         FIG. 138E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a PDA Device settings interface; 
         FIG. 139  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot after starting delivery processing for a PDA Delivery Manager with the hide console option set; 
         FIG. 140  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for starting the Delivery Manager with a user specified situational location; 
         FIG. 141  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Proactive Search Table; 
         FIG. 142A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing for a user specified situational location; 
         FIG. 142B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of Delivery Manager PDA device interface processing for a user specified situational location; 
         FIG. 142C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for an automated email delivery after traveling to a situational location having applicable DCDB records wherein the content length exceeds reasonable size of the receiving device; 
         FIG. 143A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a text editor edit of a default Master presentation preferences file; 
         FIG. 143B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a text editor edit of a default Archive presentation preferences file; 
         FIG. 144  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment for Delivery Configurator configuration aspects; 
         FIG. 145  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment for Cache Management configuration processing; 
         FIG. 146  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment for Save Configurations processing; 
         FIG. 147  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for Cache Management configuration aspects; 
         FIG. 148  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Cache Configuration Table; 
         FIG. 149  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for Delivery Content configuration aspects; 
         FIG. 150  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of Delivery Configurator Management Configuration processing; 
         FIG. 151  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of participant list management processing; 
         FIG. 152  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of Share Delivery processing; 
         FIG. 153  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Configurator Assignments Table; 
         FIG. 154  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Delivery Configuration Extensions Table; 
         FIG. 155A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for Alerts Management configuration aspects; 
         FIG. 155B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for Actions Management configuration aspects; 
         FIG. 156  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Action Registration Table; 
         FIG. 157  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Actions Table; 
         FIG. 158  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of Action Trigger processing; 
         FIG. 159  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Reports option of the Service option of the publicly accessed area of the web service; 
         FIGS. 160A and 160B  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for the Service option of the publicly accessed area of the web service for summarizing some site features; 
         FIG. 161  depicts an illustration of a preferred implementation environment for carrying out the web service described in this application; and 
         FIG. 162  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Tracking option of the Service option of the publicly accessed area of the web service. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference now to detail of the drawings, the present invention is described. Obvious error handling is omitted from the flowcharts in order to focus on the key aspects of the present invention. Obvious error handling includes database I/O errors, field validation errors, errors as the result of database table/data constraints or unique keys, and any other error handling as known to those skilled in the art of software programming in context of this disclosure. A semicolon is used in flowchart blocks to represent, and separate, multiple blocks of processing within a single physical block. This allows simpler flowcharts with less blocks in the drawings by placing multiple blocks of processing description in a single physical block of the flowchart. Flowchart processing is intended to be interpreted in the broadest sense by example, and not for limiting methods of accomplishing the same functionality. Preferably, field validation in the flowcharts checks for SQL injection attacks, syntactical appropriateness, and semantics errors where appropriate. Associated user interface screenshots are also preferred embodiment examples that can be implemented in many other ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
     Flowcharts are described in a manner to enable the reader to identify where the detailed descriptions of record formats and fields are to be accessed, managed, and used for applicable processing. While many fields are referenced by name in processing, others are intuitively mapped to the described places of processing. 
     The terminology “data evidence” is used throughout this disclosure as meaning some data which is stored and made accessible between different processing. Those skilled in the art recognize that web services are stateless implementations and require data (i.e. evidence) to remain between different pages (user interfaces) in order to communicate data from one page to another. Data evidence may be embodied as data passed through form processing from one page to another (e.g. Request.Form(“fieldname”)), passed as URL variables from one page to another (e.g. Request.QueryString(“paramname”)), stored in a cookie to the browser device in one page and then accessed by another page (e.g. Request.Cookies(“vamame”)), stored in a frame variable and made accessible to another frame in the frame hierarchy (e.g. Javascript variable set and passed in a frames implementation), stored in an SQL database in one page and then accessed from the database in another page (e.g. ADODB object), stored in a file system object in one page and then accessed by another page (e.g. FILESYSTEM object), or any other means for storing data by one process or thread of execution and then accessing it by another process or thread of execution. The term “data evidence” can use any one of these methods in one disclosed explanation and any other method in another disclosed explanation. Alternative user interfaces (since this disclosure is not to be limiting to a web service) will use similar mechanisms, but may use different mechanisms without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a network illustration for discussing the various outdoor embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, a cellular network cluster  102  and cellular network cluster  104  are parts of a larger cellular network. Cellular network cluster  102  contains a controller  106  and a plurality of base stations, shown generally as base stations  108 . Each base station covers a single cell of the cellular network cluster, and each base station  108  communicates through a wireless connection with the controller  106  for call processing, as is well known in the art. Wireless devices communicate via the nearest base station (i.e. the cell the device currently resides in), for example base station  108   b . Roaming functionality is provided when a wireless device roams from one cell to another so that a session is properly maintained with proper signal strength. Controller  106  acts like a telephony switch when a wireless device roams across cells, and it communicates with controller  110  via a wireless connection so that a wireless device can also roam to other clusters over a larger geographical area. Controller  110  may be connected to a controller  112  in a cellular cluster through a physical connection, for example, copper wire, optical fiber, or the like. This enables cellular clusters to be great distances from each other. Controller  112  may in fact be connected with a physical connection to its base stations, shown generally as base stations  114 . Base stations may communicate directly with the controller  112 , for example, base station  114   e . Base stations may communicate indirectly to the controller  112 , for example base station  114   a  by way of base station  114   d . It is well known in the art that many options exist for enabling interoperating communications between controllers and base stations for the purpose of managing a cellular network. A cellular network cluster  116  may be located in a different country. Base controller  118  may communicate with controller  110  through a Public Service Telephone Network (PSTN) by way of a telephony switch  120 , PSTN  122 , and telephony switch  124 , respectively. Telephony switch  120  and telephony switch  124  may be private or public. In one cellular network embodiment of the present invention, the SDPS executes at controllers, for example controller  110 . The RDPS executes at a wireless device, for example mobile laptop computer  126 , wireless telephone  128 , a personal digital assistant (PDA)  130 , or the like. As the RDPS moves about, positional attributes are monitored for determining a situational location. The RDPS may be handheld, or installed in a moving vehicle. Locating a wireless device using wireless techniques such as Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) and Angle Of Arrival (AOA) are well known in the art. The SDPS may also execute on a server computer accessible to controllers, for example server computer  132 , provided an appropriate timely connection exists between cellular network controller(s) and the server computer  132 . Wireless devices (i.e. RDPS) are known by a unique identifier, for example a caller id, device identifier, or like appropriate unique handle. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, GPS satellites such as satellite  134 , satellite  136 , and satellite  138  provide information, as is well known in the art, to GPS devices on earth for triangulation locating of the GPS device. In this embodiment, a RDPS has integrated GPS functionality so that the RDPS monitors its positional attribute(s). When the RDPS determines a candidate delivery event, it communicates parameters to the controller by way of the nearest base station. Thus, positional attribute information is provided by the RDPS to the SDPS. The RDPS is again known by a unique identifier, for example a caller id, device identifier, or like appropriate unique handle. 
     In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a physically connected device, for example, telephone  140 , computer  142 , PDA  144 , telephone  146 , and fax machine  148 , may be newly connected to a network. Each is a RDPS. Physical connections include copper wire, optical fiber, or the like. Devices are known by a unique identifier, for example a caller id, device identifier, physical or logical network address, or like appropriate unique handle. When the RDPS is detected for being newly located, the SDPS determines the candidate delivery event. The SDPS may execute at an Automatic Response Unit (ARU)  150 , a telephony switch, for example telephony switch  120 , a web server  152  (for example, connected through a gateway  154 ), or a like data processing system that communicates with the RDPS. RDPS detection may be a result of the RDPS initiating a communication with the SDPS directly or indirectly. Thus, a user may connect his laptop to a hotel network, initiate a communication with the SDPS, and the SDPS determines that the user is in a different location than the previous communication. A local area network (LAN)  156  may contain a variety of connected devices, each an RDPS that later becomes connected to a local area network  158  at a different location, such as a PDA  160 , a server computer  162 , a printer  164 , an internet protocol telephone  166 , a computer  168 , or the like. Hard copy presentation could be made to printer  164  and fax  148 . Electronic content could be delivered to any RDPS. 
     Current technology enables devices to communicate with each other, and other systems, through a variety of heterogeneous system and communication methods. Current technology allows executable processing to run on diverse devices and systems. Current technology allows communications between the devices and/or systems over a plethora of methodologies at close or long distance. Many technologies also exist for automatic locating of devices. It is well known how to have an interoperating communications system that comprises a plurality of individual systems communicating with each other with one or more protocols. As is further known in the art of developing software, executable processing of the present invention may be developed to run on a particular target data processing system in a particular manner, or customized at install time to execute on a particular data processing system in a particular manner. 
       FIG. 2  depicts an aerial view of a city region useful for discussing aspects of, and helps explain one application of, the present invention. A Starbucks coffee shop  202  (Starbucks is a trademark of Starbucks corporation) is located in an area frequented by handheld wireless device (i.e. RDPS) user pedestrians, for example pedestrian  204 , and wireless device (i.e. RDPS) equipped vehicles, for example automobile  206  and automobile  208 . Starbucks is a paying customer to the owner of the present invention wherein content can be configured for advertising to potential customers of Starbucks. An authorized and authenticated Starbucks representative uses the present invention, for example by way of an internet connected web browser, to configure the deliverable content. The representative also configures situational location information that is to be matched to situational locations of a RDPS of mobile customers. Upon configuration completion, the content is immediately activated for proactive delivery. The present invention will automatically deliver the Starbucks configured content to any RDPS according to the representative&#39;s configurations, for example, when pedestrian  204  becomes in a specified proximity to the Starbucks location, encounters a specific location, travels in a manner which provides predictive information, heads in a specified direction at, to, or from a location, or the like, using positional attribute(s). Likewise, automobile  206  will receive the content according to configurations, for example, when making a left hand turn (i.e. changing direction at a location area) onto the street bearing Starbucks&#39; address. Likewise, automobile  208  will receive the content according to configurations, for example, when encountering a location in proximity to the Starbucks location while heading North. One example of the content may be a textual message such as “Starbucks has a 60% off sale just ahead at 314 Main Street with free no-spill coffee mugs!!!”. Other examples may include a graphical map showing where the Starbucks establishment is in relation to showing where the RDPS is currently located and headed. 
       FIG. 3A  depicts a locating by triangulation illustration for discussing a wireless, or cellular, embodiment of the present invention. A RDPS  302  is located through triangulation, as is well known in the art. At least three base towers, for example, base tower  108   b , base tower  108   d , and base tower  108   f , are necessary for locating the RDPS. A fourth base tower would be used if altitude was configured for use by the present invention. There are cases where only two base towers are necessary given routes of travel are limited and known, for example, in spread out roadways or limited configured locations. 
       FIG. 3B  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of the candidate delivery event generation aspect relevant to a wireless, or cellular, embodiment of the present invention, in the context of positional attribute(s) being monitored by a SDPS. Processing begins at block  310  and continues to block  312  where base stations able to communicate to any degree with a RDPS continue reporting to their controller the RDPS signal strength with an RDPS identifier (i.e. a unique handle) and Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) information, or alternatively, Angle of Arrival (AOA) information, depending on the embodiment. When the RDPS turns on, it registers itself. The RDPS can pick signals from base stations. In one embodiment, the RDPS monitors a paging channel, called a forward channel. There can be multiple forward channels. A forward channel is the transmission frequency from the base tower to the RDPS. Either the RDPS provides heartbeats for base stations, or the base stations provide heartbeats for a response from the RDPS. Communication from the RDPS to the base tower is on what is called the reverse channel. Forward channels and reverse channel are used to perform call setup for a created session channel. 
     TDOA is conventionally calculated from the time it takes for a communication to occur from the RDPS back to the RDPS via the base tower, or alternatively, from a base tower back to that base tower via the RDPS. AOA is conventionally performed through calculations of the angle by which a signal from the RDPS encounters the base tower antenna. Simple triangle geometry is then used to calculate a location. The AOA antenna is typically of a phased array type. 
     The controller at block  314  may communicate with other controllers when base stations in other cellular clusters are picking up a signal, for example, when the RDPS roams. In any case, at block  314 , the controller(s) determines the strongest signal base stations needed for locating the RDPS, at block  314 . The strongest 3 (or 2 or 4 as discussed above) are used. Thereafter, block  316  accesses base station location information for base stations determined at block  314 . The base station provides location anchors used to (relatively) determine the location of the RDPS. Then, block  318  uses the TDOA, or AOA, information together with known base station locations to calculate the RDPS location. Blocks  310  through  318  are well known to those skilled in art. Thereafter, block  320  accesses historical RDPS location information, and block  322  performs housekeeping by pruning location history data for the RDPS by time, number of entries, or other criteria. Block  324  then determines a direction of the RDPS based on previous location information. Block  324  may perform Artificial Intelligence (AI) to determine where the traveler may be going by consulting many or all of the location history data. Block  324  may also consider when and/or where a candidate delivery event (CADE) was generated for a direction change in order to cause certain flow from block  330 . Block  326  calculates how much (e.g. distance) the RDPS has moved since the previous location that caused a candidate delivery event (CADE) generation for the RDPS (event generated Y/N field in location history data). Thereafter, block  328  compares the movement since the last CADE generation, and if the distance exceeds a movement tolerance, then block  332  posts (generates) a CADE to a present invention service handling RDPS situational location changes. The movement tolerance may be a system wide setting for all RDPS devices, particular to a type of RDPS, or specific for an RDPS. 
     If, at block  328 , movement did not exceed the tolerance, then block  330  checks for a direction change as determined at block  324 . If, at block  330 , the direction did change, then a CADE is generated at block  332 . If, at block  330 , the direction of the RDPS did not change, then block  334  appends an appropriate entry to the location history data (see  FIG. 9B ). Block  332  also flows to block  334 . Blocks  324  through  330  determine if a CADE is to be generated, and if so, a CADE is generated at block  332 . Blocks  324  through  330  determine part, or all, (i.e. a subset) of the situational location, depending on the installation.  FIG. 3B  processing is continuous for every RDPS in the wireless network 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. 
       FIG. 3C  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of the candidate delivery event generation aspect relevant to a wireless, or cellular, embodiment, of the present invention, in the context of positional attribute(s) being monitored by a RDPS.  FIG. 3B  demonstrated the CADE and part, or all, of the situational location being determined by a SDPS service.  FIG. 3C  demonstrates the CADE, and part, or all, of the situational location being determined by the RDPS itself, and then communicated to the SDPS for any further situational location determination and applicable content delivery. Communications between the base stations and RDPS is similar to above except the RDPS receives information for performing calculations and related processing. Processing begins at block  350  and continues to block  352  where the RDPS continues receiving pulse reporting from base stations. Block  354  determines the strongest 3 signals (or 2 or 4). Thereafter, block  356  parses base station location information from the pulse messages that are received by the RDPS. Block  358  communicates with base stations to perform TDOA calculations. The time it takes for a communication to occur from the RDPS back to the RDPS, or alternatively, from a base tower back to that base tower is used. Block  358  uses the TDOA information with the known base station information to determine the RDPS location. Blocks  350  through  358  are well known to those skilled in art. 
     Thereafter, block  360  accesses historical RDPS location information, and block  362  performs housekeeping by pruning the location history data for the RDPS by time, number of entries, or other criteria. Block  364  then determines a direction of the RDPS based on previous location information. Block  364  may perform Artificial Intelligence (AI) to determine where the traveler may be going by consulting much or all of the location history data. Block  364  may also consider when and/or where a candidate delivery event (CADE) was generated for a direction change in order to cause certain flow from block  370 . Block  366  calculates how much (e.g. distance) the RDPS has moved since the previous location that caused a candidate delivery event (CADE) generation for the RDPS (event generated Y/N field in location history data). Thereafter, block  368  compares the movement since the last CADE generation and if the distance exceeds a movement tolerance, then block  372  posts (generates) a CADE to the present invention system event manager of the RDPS. The movement tolerance may be a system or user configured setting. 
     If, at block  368 , movement did not exceed the tolerance, then block  370  checks for a direction change as determined at block  364 . If, at block  370 , the direction did change, then a CADE is generated to the system event manager at block  372 . If, at block  370 , the direction of the RDPS did not change, then block  374  appends an appropriate entry to the location history data (see  FIG. 9B ). Block  372  also flows to block  374 . Blocks  364  through  370  determine if a CADE is to generated, and if so, a CADE is generated at block  332 . Blocks  364  through  370  determine part, or all, (i.e. a subset) of the situational location, depending on the installation.  FIG. 3C  processing is continuous for the RDPS as long as the RDPS is enabled. 
       FIG. 4A  depicts a locating by triangulation illustration for discussing a GPS, or satellite, embodiment of the present invention. A RDPS  402  is located through GPS triangulation as is well known in the art. At least three satellites, for example, satellite  134 , satellite  136 , and satellite  138 , are necessary for locating the RDPS. A fourth satellite would be used if altitude was configured for use by the present invention. 
       FIG. 4B  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of the candidate delivery event generation aspect relevant to a GPS, or satellite, embodiment of the present invention. GPS location processing begins at block  410  and continues to block  412  where the RDPS initializes for using a system management interface. The system event manager may be a software interrupt, hardware interrupt, queue, or other event handling entity. Block  414  performs the conventional locating of the GPS enabled RDPS, and block  416  posts (generates) a CADE to the RDPS system event manager. Block  414  may be an implicit wait for pulses from satellites, or an event driven mechanism when GPS satellite pulses are received for synchronized collection. Block  414  processing is well known in the art. Block  416  may post the event information to other processes depending on the RDPS features using such information. Thereafter, the GPS location information is used at block  418  as applicable to the particular RDPS embodiment, for example showing the RDPS location on a graphical map. GPS location processing is continuous for the RDPS as long as the RDPS is enabled. 
     The CADE in this example is a result of a simple location change. Any further situational location determination task remains for the system event manager. An alternative embodiment to block  414  would further include processing of  FIG. 3C  blocks  360  through  370  to determine part, or all, (i.e. a subset) of the situational location so that a CADE is generated at block  416  only if the situation warrants it. 
       FIG. 5A  depicts a locating by triangulation illustration for discussing an indoor wireless embodiment of the present invention. There may be communication/transmission issues when an RDPS is taken indoors. There are also unique applications of the present invention for indoor use. Shown is a top view of an indoor floor plan  502 . Antenna stations  504  (shown generally as  504 ) are strategically placed over the area so that an RDPS, for example, an RDPS equipped shopping cart  506 , can be located. The conventional triangulation techniques again apply. At least three antenna stations, for example, station  504   f , station  504   h , and station  504   i  are used to locate the RDPS equipped shopping cart  506 . In floor plan embodiments where aisles delimit travel, only two antenna stations may be necessary, for example at either end of the particular aisle. While most stations  504  may receive signals from the RDPS, only the strongest stations are used. 
     In this example embodiment of using the present invention, a shopper with a grocery cart receives content at the RDPS as the shopping cart is navigated throughout the store. Special deal, sales, or other promotional content is pushed automatically by the present invention to the RDPS of the shopping cart, at appropriate situational locations of the shopping cart. A store representative will manage what content to deliver through convenient configuration of the present invention. The store will provide RDPS equipped shopping carts, or may provide handheld RDPS devices, so that shoppers will get the most of their experience by automatically receiving content that is appropriate to the shopper&#39;s situational location in the store. 
       FIG. 5B  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of the candidate delivery event generation aspect relevant to an indoor wireless embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, indoor location technology of Pinpoint corporation (Pinpoint is a trademark of Pinpoint Corporation) is utilized to locate any RDPS that moves about the indoor location. The Pinpoint corporation methodology begins at block  510  and continues to block  512 . A cell controller drives antenna stations to emit a broadcast signal from every station. Any RDPS within range (i.e. indoors), will phase modulate its unique identifier onto a return signal it transmits, at block  514 . Stations at block  516  receive the transmission and strength of signal. The cell controller that drives stations sorts out and selects the strongest 3 signals. The cell controller, at block  518 , also extracts the RDPS unique identifier from the return signal, and TDOA (or AOA if phase array antennas are used) is used to calculate distances from the stations receiving the strongest signals from the RDPS at block  520 . The locations of the controller selected stations are registered in an overlay map in an appropriate coordinate system, landmark system, or grid of cells. Block  522  locates the RDPS using the overlay map, locations of the 3 selected stations, and the calculated distances triangulated from the selected stations. Processing through block  522  has located the RDPS with known Pinpoint corporation technology. Thereafter, a block  524  can perform a CADE generation to a SDPS service of the present invention. Processing continues with repeated broadcast at block  512  and subsequent processing for every RDPS. 
     The CADE in this example is a result of a simple location change. Any further situational location determination task remains for the SDPS event handler. An alternative embodiment to block  524  would further include processing of  FIG. 3B  blocks  320  through  330  to determine part, or all, (i.e. a subset) of the situational location so that a CADE is generated at block  524  only if the situation warrants it. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of the candidate delivery event generation aspect relevant to a physically connected embodiment of the present invention. A RDPS may be newly located and physically connected, whereby communications between the RDPS and SDPS is over a physical connection. With reference now to  FIG. 1 , when a RDPS, for example internet protocol telephone  166 , is moved from LAN  156  to a LAN  158  in a different location, the present invention detects the location change when the RDPS initiates a communication to the SDPS. With reference back to  FIG. 6 , relevant processing according to the present invention begins at block  602  and continues to block  604  where an RDPS device is physically connected to a network. Thereafter, the RDPS accesses a SDPS incorporating the present invention, at block  606 . Then, at block  608 , the SDPS accesses historical RDPS location information (i.e. the previous location history data record  900 —see  FIG. 9B  location history data discussion below), and block  610  performs housekeeping by pruning the location history data maintained for the RDPS by time, number of entries, or other criteria. Block  608  may perform Artificial Intelligence (AI) to determine where the traveler may be going (e.g. using direction based on previous locations) by consulting much or all of the location history data. Thereafter, SDPS processing, at block  612 , compares the current network address with the previous network address. If they are identical, then SDPS processing continues to block  616 . If they are different, then the SDPS generates a CADE to the event handling service of the SDPS at block  614 . Thereafter, SDPS processing continues to block  616 . Block  616  appends an entry to the location history data for the RDPS, and SDPS processing ends at block  618 . Block  612  may compare to other location history data information, depending on any AI of block  608 . 
       FIG. 7A  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the deliverable content database of the present invention. A deliverable content database record  700  includes fields  702  through  724  as shown. Rec id field  702  is a unique identifier to the record in the database. Rec id field  702  is system generated, for example, using an Oracle unique sequence number function (Oracle is a trademark of Oracle corporation) upon inserting the record (i.e. database row) into the deliverable content database (i.e. database table). The rec id field  702  is used in the transmission history data to correlate transmitted content, enables detection of redundant delivery, and enables later RDPS retrieval of content when only a content delivery indicator is transmitted to an RDPS. Location field  704  contains a positional attribute of location information for which the associated content will be delivered. Depending on the installation, the location field contains a cellular network cell identifier, truncated precision geocentric coordinates, truncated precision geodetic coordinates, truncated three dimensional space coordinates, area described by GPS coordinates (e.g. four corners of a grid rectangle), overlay grid region identifier or coordinates, GPS coordinates with truncated precision, altitude, MAPSCO reference, telephone number (e.g. caller id), physical or logical network address (including a wildcard (e.g. ip addresses 145.32.*.*)), particular application address, or a like location. Truncated precision allows specifying a broader scope, for example, latitude/longitude in degrees, minutes, seconds, etc., depends on how the number is truncated. Zooming in implies more precision. Zooming out implies less precision. Combinations of these positional attributes may also designate a location. Depending on the installation, the positional attribute direction field  706  contains a direction such as North, South, East, West, or Southwest, Southeast, Northwest, Northeast, or Left, Right, Straight, Back, or Up, Down, or the like. A value of null may also be present when a direction is inappropriate, for example in one embodiment of  FIG. 6 . Time criteria field  708  contains a time window(s), or time interval(s), for which the associated deliverable content is valid for delivery. Preferably, time points of time criteria are entered in “YYYYMMDDHHMMSS” format. Content type field  710  describes the type of content field  712 . Content types include, and are not limited to, web address, audio, image, multimedia, text, and video. The content field  712  contains the deliverable content, or a reference such as a file name, pointer, or the like, to the content. Short Text info field  714  allows configuration of a short textual message to be delivered to the RDPS and maintained in the RDPS transmission history data, for example, a business address. Speed reference info  716  is a web address or phone number that is delivered to the RDPS with the content, and is also maintained in the RDPS transmission history for convenient invocation. Thus, the user may browse the history, and invoke the speed reference for automatic telephone call dialing from the RDPS, or for automatic web address transposition in a launched web browser, upon a simple user selection of the speed reference from the history. Depending on the installation, delivery activation setting(s) field  718  will contain a bit mask, or the like, for the RDPS state which establishes delivery. For example, the bit mask will contain a settable bit for:
         Deliver on RDPS registration   Deliver on RDPS termination   Deliver only when RDPS requests   Deliver always (used for emergency use—see Amber-Alert discussion above)   Deliver for situational location change   3 or more bits reserved for future use       

     Authorization id field  720  contains a handle to the user who configured the database record  700 , for example, a password, user identifier, or the like (may be encrypted). Content links field  722  contains a YES/NO flag for whether there are multiple content fields associated with the database record  700 . A separate database entity (not shown), for example a database table, can be maintained with 3 fields: one containing a matching rec id field  702  to associate the content to the deliverable content database record  700 , one for the content type (like content type field  710 ), and one for the content (like content field  712 ). There may be a plurality of database records in the separate database entity that are associated with the deliverable content database record  700 . The value in the rec id field  702  will be used to join all content items. 
     Applications specific data fields  724  are available for the SDPS being an integrated solution with some other service. Location field  704 , direction field  706 , time criteria field  708 , and delivery activation setting(s) field  718  together with application specific fields  724  form the situational location information associated with the content which establishes a delivery. 
       FIG. 7B  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the keyword data of the present invention. A keyword data record  750  is joined to a deliverable content database record  700  through a matching rec id field  752 . Keywords field  754  contains one or more comma separated text strings used to associate criteria to the deliverable content database record  700 . Phrases containing blank separated words are enclosed in quote marks. In one embodiment of the present invention, a RDPS user specifies interests that are matched to the keywords field  754 . Only the user&#39;s interests, along with the RDPS situational location, will cause delivery of associated content. An alternative embodiment for maintaining keyword data will associate a plurality of keyword data records  750  to a deliverable content database record  700 , each containing a singular keyword, or phrase, in keywords field  754 . Fields  704 ,  706 ,  708 ,  718 , and  754  are system delivery constraints of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the location hierarchy data of the present invention. A location hierarchy data record  800  has fields as shown. Rec id field  802  is a unique identifier to the record. Rec id field  802  is system generated, for example, using an Oracle unique sequence number function upon inserting the record (i.e. database row). Location field  804  is a location of the nature as described for location field  704 . Ascending location field  706  is a value found in rec id field  802  of another location hierarchy data record  800 . If used, the configuration of this table must be performed carefully so as to affect its use appropriately. Semantically, field  806  must be an ascending location to field  804 . For example, Texas is ascending to Denton County, and Denton County is ascending to Flower Mound. Similarly, a set of MAPSCO grid numbers, that surround a MAPSCO reference grid D of map  691 , are ascending to MAPSCO reference grid D of map  691 . Ascending implies zooming out to cover more surrounding area. Location hierarchy data is searched in the following manner:
         For content by candidate delivery events, content is retrieved by the location, and any locations descending to that location (i.e. zoom in)   For situational location queries, content is optionally retrieved by the location and descending locations, and optionally, ascending locations as necessary (i.e. zoom out) according to parameters (discussed below)       

       FIG. 9A  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the registration data of the present invention. A registration data record  900  is maintained by the SDPS and includes fields as shown. Device id field  902  is a unique handle to an RDPS. Depending on the installation, device id field  902  may be a telephone #, physical or logical address, or some other unique handle to the RDPS. Communications bind information field  904  is a record describing the communications session between the RDPS and SDPS, as is well known in the art. In some embodiments, field  904  contains capability information sent from the RDPS so that only the appropriate content is delivered, for example acceptable types of, or acceptable amounts (size) of, content. Interests field  906  contains one or more comma separated user configured text strings used to match to the keywords field  754 . If used, only the user&#39;s interests, along with the RDPS situational location, will cause proactive delivery of associated content. Filter criteria field  908  is identical in nature to interests field  906  and keywords field  754  except the criteria is for exclusion. If used, filter criteria field  908  is also compared with keywords field  754 . Thus, the RDPS user can configure interests for inclusion through field  906 , or criteria for exclusion through field  908 . Movement tolerance field  910  defines the minimal amount of movement since the last delivery content retrieval attempt that determines to perform another retrieval. Movement tolerance field  910  is optional depending on the installation. The movement tolerance may be a system wide setting enforced by the SDPS, associated to a class of RDPS devices, or individualized by the user or system. Field  910  may not be present because the movement tolerance is maintained by the RDPS, or is not applicable to the installation (e.g. RDPS physically connected, or located by caller id). The movement tolerance depends on the installed use of location field  704 . For example, in a coordinate system, a distance may be configured. In an overlay map, region, or cell change, a number of regions or cells from a previous location may be configured. Fields  906  and  908  are user configured delivery constraints of the present invention. Registration data record  900  presence enables delivery to the associated RDPS, otherwise the RDPS is not an eligible receiver. Obvious error handling at the SDPS ignores all requests that are not from a RDPS with a device id in the registration data (except for registration types of requests (i.e. events)). 
       FIG. 9B  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the location history data of the present invention. A location history data record  920  is maintained for the travels of a RDPS, and includes fields as shown. Device id field  922  is identical in nature to device id field  902 . Location field  924  is identical in nature to location field  704 . Direction field  926  is identical in nature to direction field  706 . Event posted field  928  is a YES/NO flag for whether or not this location history data record  920  is associated with generating a CADE. Date/time stamp field  930  is the time that the RDPS was detected at the associated location and specified direction of fields  924  and  926 . Direction field  926  is optional depending on the installation, as discussed above. 
       FIG. 9C  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the SDPS transmission history data of the present invention. A transmission history data record  940  is maintained at the SDPS for all content that is transmitted to the RDPS, and includes fields as shown. Device id field  942  is identical in nature to device id field  902 . Location field  944  is identical in nature to location field  704 . Direction field  946  is identical in nature to direction field  706 . Rec id field  948  contains a copy of rec id field  702  for content that was transmitted to the RDPS of field  942 . Indicator sent field  950  is a YES/NO flag for whether or not the content was actually transmitted, or a content delivery indicator for the content was transmitted. Date/time stamp field  952  is the time that content described by field  948  was transmitted to the RDPS. Direction field  946  is optional depending on the installation, as discussed above. 
       FIG. 9D  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the RDPS transmission history data of the present invention. A transmission history data record  970  is maintained at the RDPS for all content that is received by the RDPS, and includes fields as shown. Date/time stamp field  972  is the time that content described by rec id field  976  was received by the RDPS. Indicator sent field  974  is a YES/NO flag for whether or not the content was actually received, or an indicator for the content was received. Rec id field  976  contains a copy of rec id field  702  for content that was received by the RDPS. Speed reference information field  978  contains a phone number for automatic dialing, a web page reference for automatic transposition, or both. Speed reference information field  978  is obtained by the RDPS from field  716 . Short text field  980  is obtained by the RDPS from  714 . Location field  982  is identical in nature to field  704 . Direction field  984  is identical in nature to field  706 . Field  982  and  984  may not be used if this information is maintained at the SDPS. Fields  982  and  984  are preferably used when the RDPS handles CADE generation, or if the SDPS additionally transmits the information with the content. Direction field  984  is optional depending on the installation, as discussed above. 
       FIG. 10A  depicts a preferred embodiment high level example componentization of a RDPS of the present invention when the RDPS generates the candidate delivery event. An RDPS  1000  includes system manager  1002 , location management system  1004 , system event management  1006 , user event management  1008 , user interface management  1010 , and communications interface  1012 . System manager  1002  is the operating system environment of the RDPS  1000 . Location management system  1004  provides means for locating the RDPS  1000 , for example GPS functionality. System event management  1006  provides an interface to system event processing relevant to the present invention that is not directly caused by a user. User event management  1008  provides an interface to event processing relevant to the present invention that is directly caused by a user, for example when the user uses the RDPS user interface. User interface management  1010  is the user interface system environment of the RDPS  1000 , for example, a variety of Microsoft Windows (Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft corporation), a wireless phone interface, or some other user interface system. Communications interface  1012  provides the interface between the RDPS  1000  and the SDPS. 
       FIG. 10B  depicts a preferred embodiment high level example componentization of a RDPS of the present invention when the SDPS generates the candidate delivery event. An RDPS  1020  includes a system manager  1022 , system event management  1026 , user event management  1028 , user interface management  1030 , and communications interface  1032 . System manager  1022  is the operating system environment of the RDPS  1020 . System event management  1026  provides an interface to system event processing relevant to the present invention that is not directly caused by a user. User event management  1028  provides an interface to event processing relevant to the present invention that is directly caused by a user, for example when the user uses the RDPS user interface. User interface management  1030  is the user interface system environment of the RDPS  1020 , for example, a variety of Microsoft Windows (Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft corporation), a wireless phone interface, or some other user interface system. Communications interface  1032  provides the interface between the RDPS  1020  and the SDPS. RDPS  1000  and RDPS  1020  may further include a local cache with a cache management component that facilitates cacheing the deliverable content database and associated data at the RDPS for efficient access. 
       FIG. 10C  depicts a block diagram of a data processing system useful for implementing RDPS aspects of the present invention, and SDPS aspects of the present invention. A data processing system  1050  according to the present invention includes at least one processor  1052  coupled to a bus  1054 . The data processing system  1050  also includes main memory  1056 , for example, random access memory (RAM). Optionally, the data processing system  1050  may include secondary storage devices  1058  such as a hard disk drive  1060 , and/or removable storage device  1062  such as a compact disk, floppy diskette, or the like, also connected to bus  1054 . In one embodiment, secondary storage devices could be remote to the data processing system  1050  and coupled through an appropriate communications interface. 
     The data processing system  1050  may also include a display device interface  1064  for driving a connected display device (not shown). The data processing system  1050  may further include one or more input peripheral interface(s)  1066  to input devices such as a keyboard, telephone keypad, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) writing implements, mouse, voice interface, or the like. User input (“user input”, “user events” and “user actions” used interchangeably) to the data processing system are inputs accepted by the input peripheral interface(s)  1066 . The data processing system  1050  may still further include one or more output peripheral interface(s)  1068  to output devices such as a printer, facsimile device, or the like. 
     Data processing system  1050  will include a communications interface  1070  for communicating to an other data processing system  1072  via analog signal waves, digital signal waves, infrared proximity, copper wire, optical fiber, or the like. Other data processing system  1072  is an RDPS when data processing system  1050  is an SDPS. Other processing system  1072  is an SDPS when data processing system  1050  is an RDPS. In any case, the RDPS and SDPS are said to be interoperating when communicating. Thus, the RDPS and SDPS form an interoperating communications system between which data may be communicated. 
     Data processing system programs (also called control logic) may be completely inherent in the processor  1052  being a customized semiconductor, or may be stored in main memory  1056  for execution by processor  1052  as the result of a read-only memory (ROM) load (not shown), or may be loaded from a secondary storage device into main memory  1056  for execution by processor  1052 . Such programs, when executed, enable the data processing system  1050  to perform features of the present invention as discussed herein. Accordingly, such data processing system programs represent controllers of the data processing system. 
     In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a control logic program product comprising a processor  1052  readable medium having control logic (software) stored therein. The control logic, when executed by processor  1052 , causes the processor  1052  to perform functions of the invention as described herein. 
     In another embodiment, the invention is implemented primarily in hardware, for example, using a prefabricated component state machine (or multiple state machines) in a semiconductor element such as processor  1052 . 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate various modifications to the data processing system  1050  without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Data processing system  1050 , as discussed, is representative of a RDPS of the present invention. Data processing system  1050 , as discussed, is representative of a SDPS of the present invention. 
     Receiving Data Processing System Candidate Delivery Event Generation Embodiment 
       FIG. 11  depicts a flowchart for describing data processing system aspects relevant to a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event generation by the RDPS. When the RDPS is enabled, for example, by a power switch, system manager processing begins at block  1102  and continues to block  1104  where the system appropriately initializes, for example to default interfaces. Processing continues to block  1106  where the location management system is initialized as is appropriate for the particular RDPS, and then on to block  1108  where a movement tolerance is defaulted, depending on the RDPS installation, and depending on what it was during the last power-on. The movement tolerance may be user configurable or system set, and is therefore either a system delivery constraint, or user configured delivery constraint. Thereafter, block  1110  defaults situational location information to the most recent setting for a CADE from last power-on, or system just started if this is the first power-on, and block  1112  waits for a user event or system event. User interface management is coupled with the system manager to enable a user to the RDPS. Upon detection of an event, block  1112  flows to block  1114  for any user event management processing. Should block  1114  processing return, block  1116  performs any system event management processing. Should processing of block  1116  return, block  1118  handles the event appropriately as is relevant for other events of the RDPS, for example, user interface control of little interest to discussion of the present invention. Thereafter, block  1118  flows to block  1112  for processing as described. Another embodiment of  FIG. 11  will implement a multithreaded system wherein events are handled asynchronously as they occur. 
       FIGS. 12A ,  12 B  12 C, and  12 D depict flowcharts for describing user event management processing aspects of a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event generation by the RDPS. User event management begins at block  1202  and continues to block  1204 . If block  1204  determines that the user event is powering the RDPS off, then block  1206  communicates with the SDPS to remove (if any) its RDPS data record  900  from the registration data, block  1208  terminates any communication session gracefully (if required) depending on the RDPS, block  1210  saves settings, for example, the movement tolerance and delivery setting for the next power on, and RDPS processing stops at block  1211 . 
     If block  1204  determines the RDPS was not turned off, then processing continues to block  1212 . If block  1212  determines that the user selected to enable communications with the SDPS, then block  1214  establishes communications with the SDPS (if not already established), and block  1216  consults the current delivery setting. In one embodiment, block  1214  through  1220  may be processed just as the result of a wireless device being powered on. If block  1216  determines that the content delivery setting for receiving situational location dependent content is enabled, then block  1218  communicates with the SDPS for inserting a registry data record  900  into the registry data. Thereafter, block  1220  sets a RDPS user interface indicator showing that communications to the SDPS is enabled, and processing returns to block  1112  of  FIG. 11  by way of off page connector  11000 . If block  1216  determines the delivery setting is not enabled, then processing continues to block  1220 . 
     If block  1212  determines that the user did not select to enable communications to the SDPS, then processing continues to block  1222 . If block  1222  determines that the user selected to disable SDPS communications, then block  1224  communicates with the SDPS to remove its registry data record  900  from registry data, block  1226  terminates the communications session gracefully (if required) depending on the RDPS embodiment, block  1228  sets the communications to SDPS user interface indicator to disabled, and processing continues back to block  1112 . In one embodiment, block  1224  through  1228  may be processed just as the result of a wireless device being powered off. 
     If block  1222  determines the user did not select to disable communications to the SDPS, then processing continues to block  1230 . If block  1230  determines that the user selected to modify the RDPS content delivery setting, then the user modifies the setting at block  1232 , the delivery setting is set accordingly at block  1234 . Preferably, blocks  1230 / 1232  allow a user to toggle the content delivery setting. No content will be delivered when this setting is disabled. Being registered with the SDPS constitutes being eligible for delivery. Alternative embodiments won&#39;t have such a feature. The content delivery setting is a user configured delivery constraint. Block  1234  also sets and an indicator in the user interface for displaying that setting, and block  1236  communicates with the SDPS to insert or remove its registry data record  900  should the setting be different than previous. Of course, appropriate error handling is performed by block  1236  if there is no communications enabled. Thereafter, processing continues to block  1112 . 
     If block  1230  determines that the user did not select to modify the content delivery setting, then processing continues to block  1238 . If block  1238  determines that the user selected to modify the movement tolerance, then the user modifies a validated movement tolerance at block  1240 , the movement tolerance is set at block  1242 , and processing continues back to block  1112 . 
     If block  1238  determines that the user did not select to modify the movement tolerance, then processing continues to block  1244 . If block  1244  determines that the user selected a content delivery indicator, as maintained in a transmission history data record  970  for deliverable content from the SDPS, then block  1246  communicates with the SDPS using the rec id field  976 . In one embodiment, the user peruses the transmission history data in response to receiving a content delivery indicator from the SDPS. In another embodiment, correlation is maintained between individual user interface indicators to their associated transmission history data record  970  for allowing the user to simply select the indicator in the user interface for communicating with the SDPS to deliver the associated content. Providing a visual and/or audible presentation of the indicator is well known in the art, and may be implemented with a variety of methods. Block  1246  makes the request for content to the SDPS with the rec id  976 . Thereafter, via a received system event, blocks  1318  through  1326  handle receipt, delivery, and RDPS user interface presentation of the content in a manner appropriate to the content type from the SDPS. Processing continues from block  1246  back to block  1112 . 
     If block  1244  determines that the user did not select an indicator of deliverable content, then processing continues to block  1250  by way of off page connector  12000 . If block  1250  determines that the user selected to configure interests or filters, then block  1252  interfaces with the user to configure interests or filters which are saved locally at block  1254 , and processing continues back to block  1112  by way of off page connector  11000 . Any configured interests and filters are communicated to the SDPS at blocks  1218  and  1236  as part of registration. Interests field  906  and filter criteria field  908  are set with data configured at block  1252 . The RDPS must de-register and re-register with new settings. In an alternative embodiment, block  1254  communicates with the SDPS to update the RDPS&#39; registry data record  900 . 
     If block  1250  determines that the user did not select to configure interests or filters, then processing continues to block  1256 . If block  1256  determines the user selected to perform a situational location query, then the user specifies validated parameters (discussed with  FIG. 15B ) at block  1258 . Thereafter, block  1260  communicates an appropriate formatted request to the SDPS. Thereafter, via a received system event, blocks  1318  through  1326  handle receipt, delivery, and RDPS user interface presentation of the content in a manner appropriate to the content type from the SDPS. Processing leaves block  1260  and returns to block  1112 . 
     If block  1256  determines that the user did not select to perform a situational location query, then processing continues to block  1264 . If block  1264  determines that the user selected to query the number of known RDPS devices at a location(s) (i.e. a client count request), then block  1266  interfaces with the user to specify valid parameters including situational location information and time criteria, and processing continues to block  1260  which was described. A content specification parameter may also be specified for retrieving the situational location content as well. Time criteria embodiments include any time window in history, a current time window (of request, transmission of request, SDPS receipt of request, or processing the request), or a truncated precision time. Truncated precision time allows specifying time windows (e.g. 12:04 pm implies 4 minutes after 12:00 pm and additionally any number of seconds up to and not including 5 minutes after 12:00 pm). 
     If block  1264  determines that the user did not select to query the number of RDPS devices at a location(s) (i.e. a client count request), then processing continues to block  1268 . If block  1268  determines that the user selected to browse transmission history data, then block  1270  interfaces with the user until he either exits, or selects information from the speed reference information field  978  from a transmission history data record  970 . Preferably, block  1270  permits scrolling transmission history data records  970  with fields columnized. If, at block  1272 , the user selected information of field  978 , then block  1274  automatically performs the action, an automatic dialing of a telephone number, or automatic transposition to a web page. Speed reference information field  978  is preferably related to content that was delivered as referenced by rec id field  976 . Thereafter, processing continues back to block  1112 . If block  1272  determines that the user exited from block  1270 , then processing continues back to block  1112 . 
     If block  1268  determines that the user did not select to browse the transmission history data, then processing stops at block  1276 . Note that some RDPS embodiments will not require blocks  1212  through  1228  because there may not be an active session required to have communications between the RDPS and SDPS. 
       FIG. 13A and 13B  depict a flowchart for describing system event management processing aspects of a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event generation by the RDPS. System event management begins at block  1302 , and continues to block  1304 . If block  1304  determines the system event is a positional attribute change (e.g. location change) from the RDPS location management system, housekeeping is performed at block  1306  by pruning the location history data maintained at the RDPS. Pruning may be by time, number of entries, or other criteria. Thereafter, block  1308  determines if a CADE is to be generated. In one embodiment, block  1308  compares the current positional attribute (e.g. location) with the former positional attribute of location history data record  920  that contains an event posted YES/NO field  928  set to YES. The distance is calculated and then compared with the movement tolerance. Block  1308  also determines if there was a direction positional attribute change. Processing continues to block  1310  where a location history data record  920  is appended to the location history data for the current location and/or direction with the event posted field  928  set according to what block  1308  determined. Block  1310  flows to block  1312 . 
     If block  1312  determines that a CADE is to be generated to the SDPS, then processing continues to block  1314 . If block  1314  determines that the content delivery setting is set to enabled, then block  1316  formats and issues a CADE request to the SDPS, and processing continues to block  1112  by way of off page connector  11000 . 
     If block  1314  determines that the content delivery setting is not enabled, then processing continues to block  1112 . If block  1312  determines that a CADE is not to be generated, then processing continues to block  1112 . 
     If block  1304  determines that the system event was not for a RDPS positional attribute change from the location management system, then processing continues to block  1318 . If block  1318  determines that the system event is a transmission from the SDPS with content to deliver, or a content delivery indicator to content, then block  1320  performs housekeeping by pruning transmission history data records  970 . Pruning is performed by time, number of entries, or some other criteria. Block  1320  flows to block  1322  where the transmission history data is checked to see if the rec id field  702  for the content or content delivery indicator, communicated with the system event, is already present in a transmission history data record  970 . If the same content was already delivered, a rec id field  976  will match the rec id field  702  for pending presentation. The system event contains parameters including rec id field  702  with an indicator status for allowing the user to retrieve the content at a later time. If block  1324  determines the rec id field  702  of the event is already contained in the transmission history data, then processing continues back to block  1112  with no delivery processing. If block  1324  determines it is not a redundant delivery, then block  1326  communicates with the SDPS for retrieval of the location field  704 , direction field  706 , content type field  710 , short text field  714 , and speed reference info field  716 . Any type of content is presented to the RDPS user interface in the appropriate manner. Various embodiments may limit types of content using a variety of methods, located at the RDPS or SDPS. Additionally, either content field  712  and linked content via content links field  722  is retrieved, or content delivery indicator(s) status is retrieved. Thereafter, block  1328  appends a transmission history data record  970  to the RDPS transmission history data, and processing continues to block  1112 . Blocks  1320  through  1326  handle all content (or indicator) delivery to the RDPS, preferably asynchronously to all other RDPS processing. 
     If block  1318  determines that the system event was not for delivery, then processing stops at block  1330 . An alternative embodiment to  FIGS. 13A and 13B  processing will not check history for redundant content delivery. Or, a user may enable or disable the feature. Block  1326  may also include applying client located filters for filtering out content. In such an embodiment, a filter criteria field  908  may not be required. The user of the RDPS may also modify the transmission history data to allow a redundant refresh. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  depict a flowchart for describing the content administration aspects of the present invention. An administrator, preferably a paying customer with rights to configure the deliverable content database, invokes the present invention administration interface.  FIGS. 14A and 14B  are preferably a public access enabled, internet connected user interface for modifying the deliverable content database. The administrator may act on behalf of a paying customer. Processing begins at block  1402  and continues to block  1404  where the administrator is first authenticated as a valid user to perform administration. Then, block  1406  appropriately initializes the administration interface. Thereafter, block  1408  waits for user action (a user event). Once a user action is detected, processing continues. 
     If block  1410  determines that the administrator selected to list his deliverable content database records  700 , then the deliverable content database is searched  1412  using the administrator&#39;s authorization id against the authorization id field  720 . Any deliverable content database records  700  belonging to the administrator are put into a scrollable list at block  1414 , and processing continues back to block  1408 . Options are available for appropriately presenting the content, keywords data record  750 , and linked content via content links field  722 . The scrollable list preferably columnizes the displayable fields  702 ,  704 ,  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  714 ,  716 ,  718 , and  724 . 
     If block  1410  determines the user did not select to list his deliverable content database configurations, then processing continues to block  1416 . If block  1416  determines that the user selected to delete a deliverable content data record  700  from the scrollable list, then block  1418  deletes the record  700  from the content deliverable database along with any associated keywords data record  750 , and linked content via content links field  722 . Thereafter, block  1420  updates the scrollable list data, and processing continues back to block  1414 . 
     If block  1416  determines that the administrator did not select to delete, then processing continues to block  1422 . If block  1422  determines the administrator selected to add a deliverable content database record  700 , then block  1424  interfaces with the administrator for validated entry. Thereafter, block  1426  generates a unique number record identifier for rec id field  702 , block  1428  inserts into the deliverable content database, block  1430  inserts any associated keyword data record  750  to the keyword data, and processing continues back to block  1414 . Keywords specification allows associating delivery content to a user&#39;s interests or filters in registration data for establishing a basis of delivery. Block  1424  provides appropriate interfaces for specifying and reviewing all types of content. Block  1428  additionally populates linked content if content links field  722  is used. Once a deliverable content database record  700  is inserted, it is instantly activated for candidate delivery. The delivery is proactive when the RDPS situational location is automatically determined. 
     If block  1422  determines the user did not select to add a deliverable content database record  700 , then processing continues to block  1432 . If block  1432  determines that the user selected to modify location hierarchy data records  800 , then the user modifies the data at block  1436  and processing continues back to block  1408 . If block  1432  determines the user did not select to modify location hierarchy data, then processing continues to block  1434  where other user actions are handled. Other user actions include scrolling, window manipulation, exiting the administration interface, or other navigation not relevant for discussion. Processing then continues back to block  1408 . 
     Preferably, the block  1432  option only presents itself to a special super-user administrator who is unlikely to cause problems for all other administrated configurations. It is very important that all data be maintained with integrity by blocks  1418  and  1428 . For example, a deliverable content database record  700  deleted should not be referenced by transmission history data  940 . The rec id field  702  will no longer be valid.  FIGS. 14A and 14B  processing may include an update deliverable database record option in alternative embodiments. 
       FIGS. 15A ,  15 B,  15 C and  15 D depict flowcharts for service event handling aspects of a preferred embodiment of the SDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event generation by the RDPS. SDPS processing relevant to the present invention begins at block  1502  when a service event (request) is posted (generated) to the SDPS, and continues to block  1504 . All events are requests containing parameters including at least the device id  902  of the RDPS. Flowchart processing block discussions describe other parameters received, depending on the event (request) type. 
     If block  1504  determines that the event is an RDPS registration request, then block  1506  accesses registration data to see if the RDPS unique device id is already present (i.e. already registered) in a device id field  902 . Thereafter, if block  1508  determines the RDPS does not already have a registration data record  900  registered, then block  1510  inserts a registration data record  900  into registration data. Much of the information may be provided as parameters to the event, or alternatively, block  1506  communicates with the RDPS to gather needed field information. Then, block  1512  provides an acknowledgement to the RDPS, or an error if already registered. Processing continues to block  1514  by way of off page connector  15000 . If block  1514  determines that the RDPS was newly registered (i.e. an error was not provided), then block  1516  searches the deliverable content database for delivery activation setting(s) field  718  with a “deliver on RDPS registration” bit enabled. Thereafter, if block  1517  determines there are deliverable content database records  700  with the bit set, then block  1518  processes applicable content transmission (see  FIG. 16 ), and processing stops at block  1519 . If block  1517  determines that there was no records, then processing stops at block  1519 . If block  1514  determines that the RDPS was already registered (existing entry), then processing continues to block  1519 . Thus, a situational location change may be an RDPS state changed to registered. 
     If block  1504  determines that the event was not a registration request, then processing continues to block  1520 . If block  1520  determines that the event is a de-registration request, then block  1522  access the registration data for the device id field  902  provided with the event parameters, and if block  1524  determines one is found, then it is deleted at block  1526 , and then an acknowledgement is provided at block  1512  with processing continuing from there as was described except block  1516  searches for the “deliver on RDPS termination bit” enabled. If block  1524  determines that a registration data record  900  was not found, then an error is provided at block  1512  and processing continues as previously described. Thus, a situational location change may be an RDPS state changed to terminated. 
     If block  1520  determines that the event was not for an RDPS de-registration, then processing continues to block  1528 . If block  1528  determines that the RDPS user selected to retrieve content for a content delivery indicator previously sent to the RDPS by the SDPS, then block  1530  accesses the deliverable content database by the rec id field  702  provided as parameters to the event, processing continues to block  1532  where the applicable content is processed (see  FIG. 16 ), and processing stops at block  1534 . 
     If block  1528  determines that the event was not an indicator selection request, then processing continues to block  1536 . If block  1536  determines the event is a CADE generated by the RDPS, then block  1538  parses parameters from the request, for example, location and direction. Thereafter, block  1540  completes determination of the situational location from the parameters and converts into a form suitable for searching the deliverable content database. Block  1540  consults location hierarchy data and determines the date/time to further refine the RDPS situational location. Then, block  1544  retrieves deliverable content database records using RDPS parameters and any applicable location hierarchy data records  800  to fields  704 ,  706  and  708 . Also used is data in interests field  906  and filter criteria  908  of the RDPS for comparing against keywords field  754  in keywords data associated with content deliverable database records  700 . Delivery activation setting(s) field  718  is consulted as well. In some embodiments, the capabilities of the RDPS are maintained in field  904  to ensure no content of an inappropriate type is delivered. Thus, field  904  may also be utilized. If block  1546  determines that content was found, then block  1548  prunes transmission history data records  940  (by time, depth of records, etc.), block  1550  accesses the SDPS transmission history data, and block  1552  continues. If block  1552  determines that the content was not already transmitted (device id field  942  and rec id field  948  don&#39;t match any record in transmission history), then processing continues to block  1532  for processing described by  FIG. 16 . If block  1552  determines that the content was transmitted, then processing stops at block  1534 . If block  1546  determines content applies, then processing stops at block  1534 . 
     If block  1536  determines that the event was not a CADE, then processing continues to block  1554  by way of off page connector  15002 . If block  1554  determines that the event is for a situational location query, then block  1556  searches deliverable content database records  700  with parameters from the RDPS: positional attribute parameters from the RDPS with the location field  704  and direction field  706 , time criteria with time criteria field  708 , and so on. All fields associated to record  700  are searchable through parameters. Block  1556  also applies location hierarchy data depending on a zoom specification parameter. The zoom specification allows control over the block  1556  search algorithm for whether or not to use hierarchy data, and whether or not to check descending locations, ascending locations up to a maximum threshold parameter of content, both descending and ascending (respectively) up to a threshold of content, or neither ascending nor descending hierarchy data functionality. The maximum threshold parameter may be specified regardless, and optionally limits the amount of content to deliver to the RDPS by size, number of content instances, or number of hierarchical data record nestings to search. Further still block  1556  may use field  904  as described above, or the user&#39;s interest and/or filters as described above. Information for records found are transmitted as content to the RDPS at block  1558  (see  FIG. 16 ) and processing stops at block  1572 . 
     If block  1554  determines that the event was not a situational location query, then processing continues to block  1562 . If block  1562  determines that the request is a client count query request, then block  1564  retrieves the known number of RDPS devices at the specified situational location (e.g. location/direction) given specified time criteria; the number of transmission history data records  940  for unique values in rec id field  948  that contain a date/time stamp  952  according to the user&#39;s specified time criteria. A null time criteria parameter implies use the current time of processing the request with a truncated precision for a time window. Otherwise, a specified time window was entered by the user, or automatically inserted as a parameter by the RDPS or SDPS. Presence of the content specification parameter implies to additionally retrieve content from the deliverable content database as described by blocks  1538  through  1544 . This allows providing information (e.g. graphical) to complement presentation of the total number of RDPS devices identified. Processing then continues to block  1558  for transmitting the count as content. 
     If block  1562  determines that the event was not a client count query request, then processing continues to block  1570  where any other SDPS event (request) is processed as is appropriate for the particular service application, and processing stops at block  1572 . 
       FIG. 16  depicts a flowchart for describing the content transmission aspects of the present invention.  FIG. 16  describes processing of blocks  1518 ,  1532 ,  1558 ,  2018 ,  2032 , and  2058 . Processing begins at block  1602 , continues to block  1604  where registration data is accessed for communications bind information field  904  that is inserted when the RDPS registers, and then continues to block  1606 . Block  1606  checks the size of the transmission destined for the RDPS. Thereafter, if block  1608  determines that the information is small enough to not worry about transmission, then block  1610  transmits the situational location dependent information using field  904 , block  1612  appends a transmission history data record  940  to transmission history data, and processing stops at block  1616 . Block  1610  may first compress and/or encrypt content transmission for efficient and/or safe communications that is then decompressed and/or decrypted by the RDPS at block  1326 . Content may also by transmitted at block  1610  depending on capabilities of the RDPS maintained in field  904 , for example, transmission speed, memory, storage space, etc. Thus, block  1610  may transmit using transmission delivery constraints of field  904 . 
     If block  1608  determines there may be too much information to unquestionably transmit, then block  1614  transmits content delivery indicator(s) information to the RDPS and processing continues to block  1612 . Thus, the total size of the transmission is a transmission delivery constraint affecting the delivery information of the content. Of course,  FIG. 16  could always transmit an indicator, or a transmission delivery constraint size could be configured to cause content delivery indicators delivered all, or most, of the time. Block  1608  may use a system size setting (e.g. number of bytes), or may use size information relative to RDPS capabilities maintained in communications bind information field  904 . 
     Server Data Processing System Candidate Delivery Event Generation Embodiment 
     The reader should make note of the nearly identical descriptions and enumerations between the figures in different embodiments. The rightmost two digits of the block numbering have been preserved to facilitate correlation.  FIG. 17  correlates  FIG. 11 , and so on.  FIGS. 14A and 14B  and  FIG. 16  are applicable to both embodiments: SDPS CADE generation and RDPS CADE generation. 
       FIG. 17  depicts a flowchart for describing data processing system aspects relevant to a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event generation by the SDPS. When the RDPS is enabled, for example, by a power switch, system manager processing begins at block  1702  and continues to block  1704  where the system appropriately initializes, for example to default interfaces. Processing continues to block  1712 . Block  1712  waits for a user event or system event. User interface management is coupled with the system manager to enable a user to the RDPS. Upon detection of an event, block  1712  flows to block  1714  for any user event management processing. Should block  1714  processing return, block  1716  performs any system event management processing. Should processing of block  1716  return, block  1718  handles the event appropriately as is relevant for other events of the RDPS, for example, user interface control of little interest to discussion of the present invention. Thereafter, block  1718  flows to block  1712  for processing as described. Another embodiment of  FIG. 17  will implement a multithreaded system wherein events are handled asynchronously as they occur. 
       FIGS. 18A ,  18 B,  18 C, and  18 D depict flowcharts for describing user event management processing aspects of a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event generation by the SDPS. User event management begins at block  1802  and continues to block  1804 . If block  1804  determines that the user event is powering the RDPS off, then block  1806  communicates with the SDPS to remove (if any) its RDPS data record  900  from the registration data, block  1808  terminates any communication session gracefully (if required) depending on the RDPS, block  1810  saves settings, for example, the delivery setting for the next power on, and RDPS processing stops at block  1811 . 
     If block  1804  determines the RDPS was not turned off, then processing continues to block  1812 . If block  1812  determines that the user selected to enable communications with the SDPS, then block  1814  establishes communications with the SDPS (if not already established), and block  1816  consults the current delivery setting. In one embodiment, block  1814  through  1820  may be processed just as the result of a wireless device being powered on. If block  1816  determines that the content delivery setting for receiving situational location dependent content is enabled, then block  1818  communicates with the SDPS for inserting a registry data record  900  into the registry data. Thereafter, block  1820  sets a RDPS user interface indicator showing that communications to the SDPS is enabled, and processing returns to block  1712  of  FIG. 17  by way of off page connector  17000 . If block  1816  determines the delivery setting is not enabled, then processing continues to block  1820 . 
     If block  1812  determines that the user did not select to enable communications to the SDPS, then processing continues to block  1822 . If block  1822  determines that the user selected to disable SDPS communications, then block  1824  communicates with the SDPS to remove its registry data record  900  from registry data, block  1826  terminates the communications session gracefully (if required) depending on the RDPS embodiment, block  1828  sets the communications to SDPS user interface indicator to disabled, and processing continues back to block  1712 . In one embodiment, block  1824  through  1828  may be processed just as the result of a wireless device being powered off. 
     If block  1822  determines the user did not select to disable communications to the SDPS, then processing continues to block  1830 . If block  1830  determines that the user selected to modify the RDPS content delivery setting, then the user modifies the setting at block  1832 , the delivery setting is set accordingly at block  1834 . Preferably, blocks  1830 / 1832  allow a user to toggle the content delivery setting. No content will be delivered when this setting is disabled. Being registered with the SDPS constitutes being eligible for delivery. Alternative embodiments won&#39;t have such a feature. Block  1834  also sets an indicator in the user interface for displaying that setting, and block  1836  communicates with the SDPS to insert or remove its registry data record  900  should the setting be different than previous. Of course, appropriate error handling is performed by block  1836  if there is no communications enabled. Thereafter, processing continues to block  1712 . 
     If block  1830  determines that the user did not select to modify the content delivery setting, then processing continues to block  1844 . If block  1844  determines that the user selected a content delivery indicator, as maintained in a transmission history data record  970  for deliverable content from the SDPS, then block  1846  communicates with the SDPS using the rec id field  976 . In one embodiment, the user peruses the transmission history data in response to receiving a content delivery indicator from the SDPS. In another embodiment, correlation is maintained between individual user interface indicators to their associated transmission history data record  970  for allowing the user to simply select the indicator in the user interface for communicating with the SDPS to deliver the associated content. Providing a visual and/or audible presentation of the indicator is well known in the art and may be implemented with a variety of methods. Block  1846  makes the request for content to the SDPS with the rec id  976 . Thereafter, via a received system event, blocks  1918  through  1926  handle receipt, delivery, and RDPS user interface presentation of the content in a manner appropriate to the content type from the SDPS. Processing continues from block  1846  back to block  1712 . 
     If block  1844  determines that the user did not select an indicator of deliverable content, then processing continues to block  1850  by way of off page connector  18000 . If block  1850  determines that the user selected to configure interests or filters, then block  1852  interfaces with the user to configure interests or filters which are saved locally at block  1854 , and processing continues back to block  1712  by way of off page connector  17000 . Any configured interests and filters are communicated to the SDPS at blocks  1818  and  1836  as part of registration. Interests field  906  and filter criteria field  908  are set with data configured at block  1852 . The RDPS must de-register and re-register with new settings. In an alternative embodiment, block  1854  communicates with the SDPS to update the RDPS&#39; registry data record  900 . 
     If block  1850  determines that the user did not select to configure interests or filters, then processing continues to block  1856 . If block  1856  determines the user selected to perform a situational location query, then the user specifies validated parameters (discussed with  FIG. 20B ) at block  1858 . Thereafter, block  1860  communicates an appropriate formatted request to the SDPS, and thereafter via a received system event, blocks  1918  through  1926  handle receipt, delivery, and RDPS user interface presentation of the content in a manner appropriate to the content type from the SDPS. Processing leaves block  1860  and returns to block  1712 . 
     If block  1856  determines that the user did not select to perform a situational location query, the processing continues to block  1864 . If block  1864  determines that the user selected to query the number of known RDPS devices at a location(s) (i.e. a client count request), then block  1866  interfaces with the user to specify valid parameters including situational location information and time criteria, and processing continues to block  1860  which was described. A content specification parameter may also be specified for retrieving the situational location content as well. Time criteria embodiments include any time window in history, a current time window (of request, transmission of request, SDPS receipt of request, or processing the request), or a truncated precision time. 
     If block  1864  determines that the user did not select to query the number of RDPS devices at a location(s) (i.e. a client count request), then processing continues to block  1868 . If block  1868  determines that the user selected to browse transmission history data, then block  1870  interfaces with the user until he either exits, or selects information from the speed reference information field  978  from a transmission history data record  970 . Preferably, block  1870  permits scrolling transmission history data records  970  with fields columnized. If, at block  1872 , the user selected information of field  978 , then block  1874  automatically performs the action, an automatic dialing of a telephone number, or automatic transposition to a web page. Speed reference information field  978  is preferably related to content that was delivered as referenced by rec id field  976 . Thereafter, processing continues back to block  1712 . If block  1872  determines that the user exited from block  1870 , then processing continues back to block  1712 . If block  1868  determines that the user did not select to browse the transmission history data, then processing stops at block  1876 . Note that some RDPS embodiments will not require blocks  1812  through  1828  because there may not be an active session required to have communications between the RDPS and SDPS. In one embodiment, the movement tolerance is communicated to the SDPS at blocks  1818  and  1836 , and then inserted to movement tolerance field  910 . 
       FIG. 19  depicts a flowchart for describing system event management processing aspects of a preferred embodiment of the RDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event generation by the SDPS. System event management begins at block  1902 , and continues to block  1918 . If block  1918  determines that the system event is a transmission from the SDPS with content to deliver, or a content delivery indicator to content, then block  1920  performs housekeeping by pruning transmission history data records  970 . Pruning is performed by time, number of entries, or some other criteria. Block  1920  flows to block  1922  where the transmission history data is checked to see if the rec id field  702  for the content or content delivery indicator, communicated with the system event, is already present in a transmission history data record  970 . If the same content was already delivered, a rec id field  976  will match the rec id field  702  for pending presentation. The system event contains parameters including rec id field  702  with an indicator status for allowing the user to retrieve the content at a later time. If block  1924  determines the rec id field  702  of the event is already contained in the transmission history data, then processing continues back to block  1712  with no delivery processing. If block  1924  determines it is not a redundant delivery, then block  1926  communicates with the SDPS for retrieval of the location field  704 , direction field  706 , content type field  710 , short text field  714 , and speed reference info field  716 . Any type of content is presented to the RDPS user interface in the appropriate manner. Various embodiments may limit types of content using a variety of methods, located at the RDPS or SDPS. Additionally, either content field  712  and linked content via content links field  722  are retrieved, or content delivery indicator status is retrieved. Thereafter, block  1928  appends a transmission history data record  970  to the RDPS transmission history data, and processing continues to block  1712 . Blocks  1920  through  1926  handle all content (or indicator) delivery to the RDPS, preferably asynchronously to all other RDPS processing. 
     If block  1918  determines that the system event was not for delivery, then processing stops at block  1930 . An alternative embodiment to  FIG. 19  processing will not check history for redundant content delivery. Or, a user may enable or disable the feature. Block  1926  may also include applying client located filters for filtering out content. In such an embodiment, a filter criteria field  908  may not be required. The user of the RDPS may also modify the transmission history data to allow a redundant refresh. 
       FIGS. 20A ,  20 B, and  20 C depict flowcharts for service event handling aspects of a preferred embodiment of the SDPS of the present invention, in the context of candidate delivery event generation by the SDPS. SDPS processing relevant to the present invention begins at block  2002  when a service event (request) is posted (generated) to the SDPS, and continues to block  2004 . All events are requests containing parameters including at least the device id  902  of the RDPS. Flowchart processing block discussions describe other parameters received, depending on the event (request) type. 
     If block  2004  determines that the event is an RDPS registration request, then block  2006  accesses registration data to see if the RDPS unique device id is already present (i.e. already registered) in a device id field  902 . Thereafter, if block  2008  determines the RDPS does not already have a registration data record  900  registered, then block  2010  inserts a registration data record  900  into registration data. Much of the information may be provided as parameters to the event, or alternatively, block  2006  communicates with the RDPS to gather needed field information. Then, block  2012  provides an acknowledgement to the RDPS, or an error if already registered. Processing continues to block  2014  by way of off page connector  20000 . If block  2014  determines that the RDPS was newly registered (i.e. an error was not provided), then block  2016  searches the deliverable content database for delivery activation setting(s) field  718  with a “deliver on RDPS registration” bit enabled. Thereafter, if block  2017  determines there are deliverable content database records  700  with the bit set, then block  2018  processes applicable content transmission (see  FIG. 16 ), and processing stops at block  2019 . If block  2017  determines that there was no records, then processing stops at block  2019 . If block  2014  determines that the RDPS was already registered (existing entry), then processing continues to block  2019 . Thus, a situational location change may be an RDPS state changed to registered. 
     If block  2004  determines that the event was not a registration request, then processing continues to block  2020 . If block  2020  determines that the event is a de-registration request, then block  2022  access the registration data for the device id field  902  provided with the event parameters, and if block  2024  determines one is found, then it is deleted at block  2026 , and then an acknowledgement is provided at block  2012  with processing continuing from there as was described except block  2016  searches for the “deliver on RDPS termination bit” enabled. If block  2024  determines that a registration data record  900  was not found, then an error is provided at block  2012  and processing continues as previously described. Thus, a situational location change may be an RDPS state changed to terminated. 
     If block  2020  determines that the event was not for an RDPS de-registration, then processing continues to block  2028 . If block  2028  determines that the RDPS user selected to retrieve content for a content delivery indicator previously sent to the RDPS by the SDPS, then block  2030  accesses the deliverable content database by the rec id field  702  provided as parameters to the event, processing continues to block  2032  where the applicable content is processed (see  FIG. 16 ), and processing stops at block  2034 . 
     If block  2028  determines that the event was not an indicator selection request, then processing continues to block  2036 . If block  2036  determines the event is a CADE generated by a service of, or to, the SDPS (see  FIG. 3B ,  FIG. 5B , and  FIG. 6 ), then block  2038  parses parameters from the request, for example, location and direction. Thereafter, block  2040  completes determination of the situational location from the parameters and converts into a form suitable for searching the deliverable content database. Block  2040  consults location hierarchy data and determines the date/time to further refine the RDPS situational location. Then, block  2044  retrieves deliverable content database records using RDPS parameters and any applicable location hierarchy data records  800  to fields  704 ,  706  and  708 . Also used is data in interests field  906  and filter criteria  908  of the RDPS for comparing against keywords field  754  in keywords data associated with content deliverable database records  700 . Delivery activation setting(s) field  718  is consulted as well. In some embodiments, the capabilities of the RDPS are maintained in field  904  to ensure no content of an inappropriate type is delivered. Thus, field  904  may also be utilized. If block  2046  determines that content was found, then block  2048  prunes transmission history data records  940  (by time, depth of records, etc.), block  2050  accesses the SDPS transmission history data, and block  2052  continues. If block  2052  determines that the content was not already transmitted (device id field  942  and rec id field  948  don&#39;t match any record in transmission history), then processing continues to block  2032  for processing described by  FIG. 16 . If block  2052  determines that the content was transmitted, then processing stops at block  2034 . If block  2046  determines content applies, then processing stops at block  2034 . 
     If block  2036  determines that the event was not a CADE, then processing continues to block  2054  by way of off page connector  20002 . If block  2054  determines that the event is for a situational location query, then block  2056  searches deliverable content database records  700  with parameters from the RDPS: positional attribute parameters from the RDPS with the location field  704  and direction field  706 , time criteria with time criteria field  708 , and so on. All fields associated to record  700  are searchable through parameters. Block  2056  also applies location hierarchy data depending on a zoom specification parameter. The zoom specification allows control over the block  2056  search algorithm for whether or not to use hierarchy data, and whether or not to check descending locations, ascending locations up to a maximum threshold parameter of content, both descending and ascending (respectively) up to a threshold of content, or neither ascending nor descending hierarchy data functionality. The maximum threshold parameter may be specified regardless, and optionally limits the amount of content to deliver to the RDPS by size, number of content instances, or number of hierarchical data record nestings to search. Further still block  2056  may use field  904  as described above, or the user&#39;s interest and/or filters as described above. Information for records found is transmitted as content to the RDPS at block  2058  (see  FIG. 16 ) and processing stops at block  2072 . 
     If block  2054  determines that the event was not a situational location query, then processing continues to block  2062 . If block  2062  determines that the request is a client count query request, then block  2064  retrieves the known number of RDPS devices at the specified situational location (e.g. location/direction) given specified time criteria; the number of location history data records  920  for unique values in rec id field  922  that contain a date/time stamp  930  according to the user&#39;s specified time criteria. A null time criteria parameter implies use the current time of processing the request with a truncated precision for a time window. Otherwise, a specified time window was entered by the user, or automatically inserted as a parameter by the RDPS or SDPS. Presence of the content specification parameter implies to additionally retrieve content from the deliverable content database as described by blocks  2038  through  2044 . This allows providing information (e.g. graphical) to complement presentation of the total number of RDPS devices identified. Processing then continues to block  2058  for transmitting the count as content. 
     If block  2062  determines that the event was not a client count query request, then processing continues to block  2070  where any other SDPS event (request) is processed as is appropriate for the particular service application, and processing stops at block  2072 .  FIG. 16  depicts a flowchart for describing the content transmission aspects.  FIG. 16  describes processing of blocks  2018 ,  2032 , and  2058 . 
     In any of the embodiments described above, a performance conscious implementation of the present invention including a cache may be pursued given the RDPS has appropriate capability. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, deliverable content database records  700 , and joined data from them, may be stored at an RDPS. The SDPS may transmit a compression of the data to the RDPS for decompression and local maintaining. Transmission may be at registration and/or performed asynchronously to the RDPS as necessary. Thus, the deliverable content database, and joined data from it, will be accessed locally to the RDPS to prevent real-time communication of what could be large amounts of content.  FIGS. 14A and 14B  processing would include updating any RDPS with a local cache when configuration was complete. 
     A Web Service Embodiment 
       FIG. 21  depicts a block diagram for describing a preferred embodiment of key architectural web service components at a high level. A web service environment  2100  includes a web service  2102 , service server data  2104 , external data source(s) such as external data source  2106 , a plurality of devices, for example device  2108 , internet connectivity  2110 , and an optional location service  2112 . The web service  2102  implementation/configuration includes a single server data processing system or a plurality of server data processing systems, for example in a clustered configuration. Web service  2102  implementation/configuration preferably includes a plurality of executable threads in support of attached communications devices, for example device  2108 . Web service  2102  includes at least one SDPS, and device  2108  is, or contains, an RDPS. Those skilled in the art recognize that web service  2102  is implemented with any of a variety of platforms, hardware, operating system types, data centers, communications connectivity, etc. Appropriate failover, redundancy, scalability, and availability is provided to web service  2102 . Web service  2102  preferably includes public website user interface pages and member only user interfaces pages. Web service  2102  maintains server data  2104  for driving functionality provided by web service  2102 . Server data  2104  preferably includes maintaining some data in an SQL database and includes a single database or a plurality of databases. Server data  2104  includes file information such as website user interfaces, for example Active Server Pages (ASPs), as well as SQL database data. Server data  2104  preferably contains all the Tables disclosed (e.g. records  2900 ,  3000 ,  3100 ,  3400 ,  3800 ,  6500 ,  6800 ,  7000 ,  7800 ,  8200 ,  8900 ,  9200 ,  9400 ,  9450 ,  9500 ,  10100 ,  10200 ,  10700 ,  14100 ,  14800 ,  15300 ,  15400 ,  15600 ,  15700 , and all other tables disclosed here), or any subset of the Tables disclosed. Tables are preferably maintained in an SQL database and contain keys, indexes, and constraints that assure appropriate integrity of the data. A plurality of external data sources, for example external data source  2106 , may contain useful deliverable content data for delivery to devices. Deliverable Content Database (DCDB) data may completely be contained in server data  2104  as the result of creating it therein. DCDB data may be contained in server data  2104  as the result of moving, transforming, or importing data from one or more external data sources  2106  into the server data  2104 . DCDB data may be maintained outside of server data  2104  at external data source(s)  2106  and accessed at the time it is needed through pointer information maintained in server data  2104 . Internet connectivity  2110  comprises any medium capable of transporting communications between any or all components of  FIG. 21 , for example as discussed above for  FIG. 1 . Devices communicating to web service  2102  by way of internet connectivity  2110  are heterogeneous, for example as discussed for a  FIG. 1  RDPS. Device  2108  at least requires the ability to receive data from web service  2102 , and preferably has the ability to also send data to web service  2102 . Devices, for example device  2108 , are mobile devices anywhere in our universe, for example on earth. The device  2108  whereabouts and/or situational location may be determined at itself, at a service, as described above, or anywhere else in the web service environment  2100 . In one embodiment, a location service  2112  is provided for communicating the whereabouts and/or situational locations of devices  2108  to web service  2102 . Location service  2112  may also include one or more servers. The term “service” implies one or more servers. Location service  2112  implementation/configuration is preferably implemented and configured similarly to web service  2102  as discussed above, and may communicate directly with devices  2108  as well as web service  2102 . Location service  2112  may communicate with another service for determining the whereabouts or situational locations of devices. Location Service  2112  may be instrumental in communicating situational location information to web service  2102  for devices that come within range of sensing means connected to Location Service  2112 . Devices  2108  preferably have some web browser for navigating the web service  2102 , and the web service accommodates the device with an appropriately formatted web page based on the device type and/or browser type. Devices  2108  include mobile devices  2540  as well as those devices used by an Administrator  2532 , MCD User  2534 , Content Provider  2536 , and Site Owner  2538 . A single device  2108  can be a mobile device  2540  and the same device used by any, or all, of the user types to web service  2102  (e.g. web service users  2532  through  2538 ). 
       FIG. 22  depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the overall design for web service Active Server Pages (ASPs) supporting heterogeneous device connectivity. Web service  2102  is shown to include public user interfaces  2202 , for example public web pages, and membership user interfaces  2204 , for example membership web pages. The terminology user interface(s) and web page(s) are used synonymously and interchangeably throughout this disclosure. The term “web page” is intended to be interpreted in the broadest sense of an accessible user interface, regardless of the user interface format, web page format, platform, programming language, or system(s) involved. A web page may include an Active Server Page (ASP), html page, Java Server Page, WML (Wireless Markup Language) page, or any other means for accomplishing a user interface page. Public user interfaces  2202  preferably include animated user interfaces (animated web pages)  2206 , non-animated user interfaces (non-animated web pages)  2208 , a heterogeneous logon user interface (heterogeneous logon web page(s))  2210  ( FIG. 41  and associated processing), and an automated registration user interface (registration web page(s))  2212  ( FIGS. 28A and 28B  and associated processing). In one embodiment, a parameter is passed to the web pages for specifying the device type accessing the page so the page is returned to the device in the proper format. In one embodiment, a parameter is passed to the web pages for whether or not to provide animated versions of the page so the page is returned to the device in the proper format. In another embodiment, the web service or web service page determines automatically what types of devices (or browsers) is communicating to it, for example using Active Server Page protocol variables (e.g. Server variables) as well known to those skilled in the art. Automatic determination enables returning to the device an appropriately formatted page, or enables automatically setting and passing the appropriate parameter to another page for returning to the device an appropriately formatted page. 
       FIG. 23A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Terms of Use option of the web service as an animated page for a full browser. There is little evidence of animation in this screenshot when compared to  FIG. 23B . The screenshot captures a snapshot in time, so depending upon when the snapshot was made, there will be more or less visual evidence. Web page header  2302  is animated with radial patterns emanating outward from the center of the header. If it were not for the GPSPing.com theme music selection option  2310 , it would be very difficult to see that header  2302  is indeed animated in the screenshot. Each public web page preferably contains an attractive header  2302  for selecting navigable link options, for example, “Home”, “Service”, “Join”, “Help”, “Contact”, and “About”. The “Contact” option need not be available since the web service  2102  presented herein is completely automated and does not require a human being to operate it. The “Contact” option is provided for an extra level of complementary human being service. Each public web page preferably contains an attractive footer  2304 , also for selecting navigable link options, for example, “Privacy” and “Terms of Use”. Each web page contains a content view area  2306  containing formatted content in context for a selected navigable link of the web service. The web service  2102  further returns a navigation indicator  2308  for indicating where in the tree hierarchy of web pages a user is at currently, and whether or not the user is viewing an animated page. In one embodiment a web page prefixed domain name of pinggps.com indicates a non-animated page, and a web page prefixed domain name of gpsping.com indicates an animated page. In this way, users know how to type in a URL for the preference of animated or non-animated pages served to their device by web service  2102 . Another embodiment will detect the device type or browser type and automatically serve back pages according to the capabilities. Navigation indicator  2308  is itself a link to the self described web service page so the user can click the link to toggle between animated pages and non-animated pages containing the same web page content. Each web page returned to a device from web service  2102  preferably highlights the navigable link option when that corresponding page is currently displayed. Highlighting includes size, font, color, or any other change to demonstrate where the user is currently at in the context of web service  2102 . The “Terms of Use” navigable link option of  FIG. 23A  in the bottom right corner has been changed in color from white to gold and its point size increased. 
       FIG. 23B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Terms of Use option of the web service as a non-animated page for a full browser. Notice that the GPSPing.com theme music selection option  2310  is no longer present since that is only available in an animated page. The navigation indicator  2312  now provides a selectable link back to the animated version of the same page in accordance with discussions above. Also notice that a URL parameter (fl=off) has been passed in the URL descriptor  2314  to the web service  2102  for returning a page with no Flash animation. 
       FIG. 23C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Auto-Messaging option under the Service option of the web service as an animated page for a full browser.  FIG. 23C  has been captured as a snapshot wherein there is more evidence of emanation animation in header  2302  as described above. Also, the  FIG. 23C  animated page provides a Flash presentation  2316  which plays as a video in the displayed page upon being clicked (selected) by a mouse. The page contains other content for this page context such as content  2318 . 
       FIG. 23D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Auto-Messaging option under the Service option of the web service as a non-animated page for a full browser. Notice that key presentation mini-screenshots have been taken and inserted directly within the non-animated page. The user is viewing a non-animated page so there had to be adjustments replacing the Flash presentation with fixed content. Also, notice that the same content  2318  is still presented to the page since both pages represent the same context, although in a different format.  FIGS. 23A through 23D  are examples of public user interfaces  2202 . 
       FIG. 24  depicts a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the overall design for any particular web service Active Server Page (ASP) supporting heterogeneous device connectivity. Web service  2102  has a user interface design  2400  including website pages  2402 . The term “website page” or “web page” is not to limit the scope of this disclosure to certain user interfaces, or various implementations of them, in particular when providing the same functionality. Website pages  2402  include type X pages  2404 , type Y pages  2406 , type Z pages  2408 , and any number of specific types of pages. Page types depend on the device type or browser type receiving the page, whether or not the page should be animated, which URL prefix to use, which web service content is sought, and any other characteristics for determining a customized page to return to the requestor of some device. Page processing flow chart  2410  provides the fundamental processing by each ASP for true heterogeneous device support. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a type page  2404 ,  2406 , or  2408  contains encoded logic according to a URL that invokes the page. The URL will have a prescribed domain name and possibly URL parameter(s) for governing the encoded logic for returning an appropriately formatted page to the device. In this way, the type page  2404 ,  2406 , or  2408  (i.e. ASP) responds uniquely for a particular heterogeneous device type, animation preference, domain name server (DNS) prefix, and the particular page context content sought. In one embodiment, the web service home ASP automatically determines a device type or browser type and then sets parameter(s) for redirecting to another ASP of the web service  2102  with those parameter(s). In another embodiment, every ASP automatically determines the device type or browser type upon page load for appropriate processing. In another embodiment, the invoking browser is burdened with knowing the URL and parameter(s) for invoking each ASP for appropriate processing. In yet another embodiment, any or all of the aforementioned processing techniques are incorporated in ASP processing of the web service  2102 . 
     Page processing flowchart  2410  starts in block  2452  upon being invoked and continues to block  2454 . Block  2454  determines how the page was arrived to, for example by www.pinggps.com or www.gpsping.com for processing as described above, along with any parameters that were passed (e.g. ?br=pda for browser type of pda, or ?fl=off for no Flash animation). ASP Server variables (e.g. Request.ServerVariables(“HTTP_HOST”)) and Request objects (e.g. Request.QueryString(“fl”)) provide this information. This design allows a plurality of DNS entries of the World Wide Web to route to a single website home page for subsequent processing. This design also enables a single ASP to support any of a number of heterogeneous devices. Thereafter, block  2456  sets a page load parameter (e.g. URL param) according to the requestor&#39;s URL and specified parameters so that ASP processing of the redirected page target performs properly. For example, www.pinggps.com would cause a page load parameter of fl=off to be added to the URL www.gpsping.com (i.e. http://www.gpsping.com?fl=off) for no animation. Block  2456  continues to block  2458  to check if another page should be redirected to with parameter(s). If block  2458  determines that the current ASP will process the requested page correctly, then processing continues to block  2462 , otherwise processing flows to block  2460  where an appropriate ASP is determined and invoked with an appropriate URL and parameter(s) for some page type, and then processing terminates for the current ASP at block  2466 . 
     Block  2462  determines and builds a correctly formatted page to be returned to the requestor (e.g. connected device browser) and block  2464  builds any navigable selection links in the page for appending any parameter(s) determined at block  2456  so parameters are passed to all descending web pages from this point forward in the navigation tree of web service  2102 . Therefore, once the appropriate page format is determined for the requesting device, all links returned in the page already reflect proper invocation of subsequent links. The user only has to click a link in the returned page and the invoked page will be properly formatted for his device. Thereafter, this ASP terminates processing at block  2466 . 
     Flowchart  2410  is performed for every ASP. In this way, heterogeneous devices are determined at the top of every page and handled properly in either the current ASP or for redirection with parameters to another ASP. Thus, flowchart  2410  discloses a preferred design for not only handling heterogeneous devices, but for handling an animation preference, and other reasonable preferences by the requesting browser. In a preferred web service  2102 , animated pages include Macromedia Flash and/or Shockwave elements (Macromedia, Flash, and Shockwave are trademarks of the Macromedia company). CD-ROM file name “Default.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing for a home page embodiment of flowchart  2410  exemplifying animation handling, and CD-ROM file name “svcautom.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing for one web service page for animation handling. Heterogeneous browser handling of flowchart  2410  is exemplified by CD-ROM files referenced in disclosure below for  FIGS. 40 through 45B . 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a preferred embodiment of the main architectural web service components used to carry out novel functionality and how different user types interoperate with the web service through heterogeneous devices. The web service  2102  members area  2500  (as opposed to the public site pages of web service  2102 ) is sometimes referred to as a Mobile Content Delivery (MCD) Internet Server as titled in the drawing. Web service members area  2500  includes a My GPS component  2502  which provides web service members area user interfaces to a heterogeneous device by user type, device type, and user preferences. The My GPS component  2502  intersects with other components in that it is the main shell interface by which other component interfaces show through to a user. All users to the web service members area  2500  access members area interfaces through the My GPS interface. The members area  2500  also includes a Registry Management component  2504  for managing devices to web service  2102 , a Filters Management component  2506  for managing convenient user interface filters for automatically filtering data through all members area  2500  user interfaces, a DCDB Management component  2508  for managing deliverable content in the members area  2500  of web service  2102 , a Delivery Manager component  2510  for managing content deliveries by situational locations as well as additional device interface functionality disclosed below, and a Users Management component  2512  for managing users in the members area  2500  of web service  2102 . Components  2502  through  2512  are preferably composed each of a plurality of web pages, for example ASPs, and each page supports a heterogeneous device by user type, device type, and user preferences. Pages of the members area  2500  are membership user interfaces  2204 . 
     Components access server data  2104  for novel functionality. The data is preferably maintained in an SQL database. Server data  2104  for members area  2500  includes deliverable content  2514  (e.g. DCDB data, PingSpot content (discussed below)), Registry data  2516  (discussed below)) for maintaining devices to the web service, Device Delivery History data  2518  (Masters and Archives discussed below), User preferences and configurations  2520  (discussed below), Statistics  2522  (discussed below), PingPal configurations  2524  (discussed below), User data  2526  (discussed below) of the web service  2102  members area  2500 , Tracking information  2528  for tracking the whereabouts or historical situational locations of heterogeneous devices (discussed below), and user interface filters  2530  (discussed below) for enabling a user friendly user interface to members area  2500 . Registry Management  2504  enables Administrator user types to administrate a permitted number of heterogeneous devices to the web service. There are also different types of Administrator user types, each with a specified number of devices they can manage. Filters Management  2506  enables all user types to customize members area user interfaces. DCDB Management  2508  enables Content Provider user types to administrate a permitted number of deliverable content data items to the DCDB of the web service. There are also different types of Content Provider user types, each with a specified number of content items they can manage. Other user types can manage content to the DCDB through My GPS  2502 , for example PingSpots and Pingimeters as discussed below. Delivery Manager  2510  interacts with mobile devices of the Registry  2516  for delivery of deliverable content  2514  and other novel processing discussed in detail below. Users Management  2512  is optional to the web service and enables Site Owner user types to administrate a permitted subset of User member account records of User data  2526 . All users can manage their own member account records and any records they own or created. Components each access certain areas in server data  2104  as demonstrated by lines adjoining components to the particular data area. Any of the  FIG. 25  components can be accessed with any heterogeneous device, mobile or not. 
     In one embodiment, external data source(s)  2106  (may be remote) provides deliverable content, and Geocoding Conversion data  2550  enables converting situational location data of external data source(s)  2106  into a more suitable format situational location data, for example in converting a postal address to a latitude and longitude. Data from external data source(s)  2106  may be imported to deliverable content  2514  for participation in delivery, perhaps after a geocoding transform (but not necessarily). Data from external data source(s)  2106  may be accessed at delivery time when needed, or transformed with geocoding data  2550  when needed, in which cases minimal pointer information is maintained in deliverable content  2514  for pointing to needed data when it is needed. Geocoding data  2550  includes databases facilitating conversions such as:
         Postal address information to latitude and longitude;   Mapsco grid reference to latitude and longitude, or applicable area in latitude and longitude coordinates;   elephone number for fixed phone location, or mobile phone current location to associated latitude and longitude;   Proximity sensing means location, for example as discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,389,010 and 5,726,984 (Kubler et al), to latitude and longitude; or   Any mapping transformation of a situational location subset form or format to another situational location subset form or format.
 
The same user can be an Administrator  2532 , Content Provider  2536 , Site Owner  2538 , and general MCD User  2534 , while at the same time being a user of a mobile device  2540 .
       

       FIG. 26  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the user interface invoked for automated registration/membership to the web service.  FIG. 26  and associated Figures is part of automated registration  2212 . Processing begins at block  2602 , for example as a result of clicking  FIG. 27A  links  2702  or  2704 , or upon entering a proper URL string in a web address bar of a browser such as  FIG. 27D  URL string  2798 . Thereafter, block  2604  sets a variable M to the membership type requested passed as a (“m”) parameter to the  FIG. 26  ASP, and block  2606  determines which user type was requested for registration/membership. 
     If block  2606  determines that a public user type was requested (e.g. by way of  FIG. 27A  links  2702  and  2704 ), then block  2608  builds a query for querying the number of members area  2500  users already registered in Users data  2526 . Thereafter, block  2610  opens a database connection, issues an appropriate select count(*) query and closes the database connection. Then, block  2612  checks to see if there are too many users already registered in the web service. Web service  2102  is fully automated so must ensure current capability accommodates the number of users trying to register to the service. It is conceivable that millions of users may try to register to the web service  2102 . A site configuration file is maintained for the maximum number of users (preferably for each user type) the site can currently support at any particular time. If that number becomes exceeded, no other users can register. An automated process (or human being) is notified with an alert email to scale the web service  2102  up to support more users. At that point, the site configuration maximum number of users supported is also increased. 
     If block  2612  determines the web service  2102  members area  2500  is already at capacity of maximum number of users supported for the requested user type, then block  2614  sends a site full alert email to an Administrator account, block  2616  handles the error appropriately as discussed below, and processing terminates at block  2618 . The Administrator account is preferably an automated program scanning email content for kicking off automated processing for submitting work order(s) to scale up the web service  2102 , for example, an increase in communications bandwidth, data storage, processing power, or any other web service resource. Work orders may also be handled by automated processes for scaling up the web service  2102 . Once the resources are provisioned, the site configuration maximums are automatically updated with new maximum values in accordance with the scaled website. In one embodiment, the Administrator account can be a human being monitored account for taking care of web service scaling with subsequent manual procedures involved. The site configuration maximums are constants preferably maintained in an include file included by web service  2102  pages. The include file is updated once the web service  2102  is appropriately scaled to support more users. 
     If at block  2612  it is determined that the maximum number of users of the requested type will not be exceeded, then processing continues to block  2620  where a Pinger membership account type is determined. If this registration/membership request is for a Pinger type, then block  2622  builds and presents the Pinger registration page of  FIG. 27B . Thereafter, in block  2626  the user interfaces to the registration page until doing a Submit of the completed form fields. Upon submission, block  2628  validates user interface fields according to the user type requested just prior to invoking the form processing page. All form validation processing (in this entire disclosure) just prior to invoking a form processing page is preferably implemented in Javascript for cross browser compatibility, but may be implemented with any reasonable method. 
     Thereafter, if block  2630  determines one or more fields are invalid, then an error is communicated to the user at block  2632  so user input specification can continue on return to block  2626 . Blocks  2628  and  2630  preferably check for SQL injection attacks, common character entry errors, and typical issues that occur in data entry. One method for reporting an error is to use a popup, which is read by the user, then removed without submitting the user interface form fields to the form processing page. Upon return to block  2626 , the user responds to the errors reports. If at block  2630  all the fields specified in the user interface are valid, then block  2634  invokes the registration processing page of  FIGS. 28A and 28B  with the user input specified as data evidence (preferably form fields), and the current page terminates at block  2618 . Processing of blocks  2626  through  2632  are analogous throughout similar user interface processing blocks discussed below in other flowcharts. Other embodiments of this and other flowcharts may not include device side validation at all such as blocks  2628  through  2632  prior to page form submission, such that submission from a user interfacing block such as block  2626  continues directly to a processing page block such as block  2634  for validation and processing. 
     If block  2620  determines a Pinger membership was not requested, then processing continues to block  2636 . If block  2636  determines a Content Provider Gold membership is being requested, then block  2624  builds and presents the Content Provider Gold registration page of  FIG. 27C  and processing continues to block  2626  and subsequent processing as already described. 
     If block  2636  determines the request was not for a Content Provider Gold membership, then block  2638  builds and presents an appropriate interface corresponding to the membership requested and processing continues on to block  2626  already described. If block  2606  determines that a public user type was not requested, then processing continues to block  2640 . Only a certain keyword parameter known to a site administrator can invoke an interface for registering any user type. If block  2640  determines that the membership requested is for site administrator use, then block  2642  builds and presents the FORADMINUSE only registration page of  FIG. 27D . Thereafter, processing continues to block  2626  as already described. If block  2640  determines that the registration request is invalid, then the error is handled appropriately at block  2616  by way of reporting the error to the requesting user, or by redirecting the user to an error page. 
       FIG. 27A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Join option of the web service as an animated page for a full browser, available from the public website. Public user types of Pinger and Content Provider Gold are exposed in the  FIG. 27A  user interface. A Platinum Content Provider join link could also be exposed for automated registration and billing, but it is not at the time of taking the screenshot of  FIG. 27A . Registration and membership user interface processing preferably enforces a full browser, but alternative embodiments will permit the processing from any heterogeneous device. Member area logon link  2706  is provided for users who are already registered members and wish to logon to the members area  2500  for membership user interfaces (pages)  2204 . Logon link  2706  redirects the user to an appropriate logon page depending on the device type. If a successful logon was already made from the device as determined by a logon processing ASP, the logon user interface is automatically bypassed and an appropriate options page presented to the user by his user type, device type, and previously set user preferences, as discussed below. All users can register to web service  2102  automatically, or another embodiment will rely on a human administrator for certain user types. 
       FIG. 27B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Pinger registration/membership option of the web service, for example upon clicking link  2702 . Fields specified by the user are intuitive. Notice that only the minimal amount of personal information is requested to maintain a level of anonymity. There is still enough information provided by users for web service  2102  statistics based on birth year, sex, location, work industry, and work industry specialty. A work industry specialty clarification may or may not exist for a particular work industry. A “Your Work Industry” selection populates field  2972 . An “Industry Specialty” selection populates field  2974 . Other embodiments can request less personal information, or more personal information. Giving a new user the sense that not too much information is being requested is preferred to achieve confirmation that the web service  2102  is anonymous. Account security question dropdown  2776  provides a convenient list of options to help the user remember his account information in case he forgets his logon id or password.  FIG. 49B  shows a dropdown example in detail for user selection. The user selects a desired account security question and then enters a string for the answer in security answer field  2778 . Submit button  2714  submits the user specifications for processing. Generally, the submit button in all user interfaces of this disclosure submits user specifications for processing. 
       FIG. 27C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Content Provider Gold registration/membership option of the web service, for example upon clicking link  2704 . More personal information is required for a Content Provider Gold account membership because they are paying customers to the web service  2102 . Fields specified by the user in  FIG. 27C  are intuitive and are a superset of those specified in  FIG. 27B .  FIG. 27B  shows that the user has already specified data to the user interface just prior to submission. A comment field  2710  is provided for the user to enter a comment to the web service for his account setup. Only a valid transaction code known to a potential Content Provider Gold user enables a successful registration. The transaction code is entered into fields  2722  and  2724 , and is validated by the processing page upon successful form submission. Block  2630  ensures the transaction code entered twice matches before submitting to the processing page. 
       FIG. 27D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the administrator specified registration/membership option of the web service, for example upon entering URL  2798 .  FIG. 27D  is a superset of  FIG. 27C  with the caveat that a different transaction code must be specified by a knowing administrator, and any user type can be requested by the administrator for registration. Notice that additional information can be specified for any user type in the system. All user types are preferably maintained in the same database table(s) so data is populated in the table(s) if provided. 
       FIG. 27E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the email address validation aspect of the web service. Block  2628  further includes processing for prompting the user to re-enter his email address specified in a  FIG. 27B  through  FIG. 27D  interface. The  FIG. 27E  pop-up accepts input from the user for comparison to the email address entered in the “Email Address” form field. Block  2630  additionally compares the email address entered to the pop-up with the email address originally entered in the form. A mismatch causes processing flow from block  2630  to block  2632 . A match causes processing flow from block  2630  to block  2634 . 
       FIGS. 28A and 28B  depict a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated user registration/membership processing resulting from user interaction to the registration/membership user interfaces and submittal therefrom. Processing resulting from block  2634  begins at block  2802  and continues to block  2804  where a variable M is set to the membership type requested as passed from the registration/membership user interface page (“m” variable). Thereafter, block  2806  validates the form fields communicated for processing. Fields are preferably not only validated prior to submission, but similarly also in all processing pages in case an attacker tries to access the processing page(s) directly. Thereafter, block  2808  checks to see if fields passed were all valid. If they were not all valid, then block  2828  handles the error appropriately either by informing the user or confusing a potential attacker, and processing terminates for this ASP at block  2822 . Block  2828  will also close any database connection should one be open if arrived to as the result of an error. 
     If block  2808  determines that all form fields are valid, then block  2824  determines the number of registration attempts thus far made by this user. For example, registration attempt evidence can be cached at the user&#39;s device in a cookie, or kept in the server data  2104  with identifying information in a best attempt to know that this is a repeat registration attempt. Thereafter, if block  2826  determines the maximum number of attempts has been exceeded, then processing continues to block  2828  for processing as heretofore described. 
     If block  2826  determines that a maximum number of repeated attempts has not been exceeded, then block  2830  checks if the type of registration requested is a FORADMINUSE request. If block  2830  determines that this is for a FORADMINUSE request, then block  2810  validates the “Transaction code” entered. If the transaction code entered is not valid, then processing continues to block  2828 . If block  2810  determines the transaction code is valid, then block  2812  builds an insert command to insert data into Users data  2526  in the form of a People table record such as  FIG. 29 , opens a database connection, and does the insert. The number of current registration attempts is incremented for the requestor thereafter at block  2814 , and block  2816  issues a query for an automatically generated primary key PersonID  2902  upon SQL insert. Thereafter, block  2818  constructs a default unique account logon name and random password, builds an insert command to insert data into Users data  2526  in the form of a Users table record such as  FIG. 30 , and specifies the foreign key of PersonID  3002  to associate the records between tables and facilitate a future SQL cascade delete. PersonID  2902  is identical to PersonID  3002 . Block  2818  sets fields  3020  and  3022  according to the user type (discussed below). In another embodiment, fields  3020  and  3022  are also exposed in the FORADMINUSE interface for individual setting of the values (they are described below). Thereafter, block  2818  inserts to the Users table, builds an insert command to insert data into Users data  2526  in the form of a LastLog table record such as  FIG. 31 , does the insert to the LastLog table, and closes the database connection. 
     Thereafter, block  2820  prepares an acknowledgement email for registration success, sends it to the “Email Address” field specification of the form (such as  FIG. 35B ), and additionally sends a Notify email to an Administrator email account if a site configuration indicates to do so for documentary purposes. Thereafter, block  2820  presents a successful registration completion page to the user, for example  FIG. 35A , and processing terminates at block  2822 . 
     If block  2830  determines that registration is not for FORADMINUSE, then block  2832  checks to see if the registration attempt is for Pinger membership. If this request is for Pinger membership, then processing continues to block  2844  where a random confirmation code is generated, a system date/time stamp determined, and an email is sent to the user&#39;s “Email Address” specified. The email is built to contain the random confirmation code and date/time stamp, for example  FIG. 32B . Thereafter, block  2844  builds and presents a verification user interface, for example  FIG. 32A  which prompts the user to enter the randomly generated confirmation code automatically sent to his email address. Data evidence is set for subsequent processing, and includes the encrypted data for at least the confirmation code, and all fields entered by the user to the registration/membership interface, preferably as hidden form fields for later insert processing. If this user is a paying customer (arrived here by way of block  2838  through  2840 ), additional data evidence is created for the paying customer. Thereafter, in block  2846  the user interfaces to the verification page until doing a Submit of the completed form fields. Upon submission, block  2848  validates user interface fields just prior to invoking the form processing page. 
     Thereafter, if block  2850  determines that one or more fields are invalid, then an error is communicated to the user at block  2852  so user input specification can continue on return to block  2846 . Block  2850  preferably checks for SQL injection attacks, common character entry errors, and typical issues that occur in data entry. One method for reporting an error is to use a popup, which is read by the user, then removed without submitting the user interface form fields to the form processing page. Upon return to block  2846 , the user responds to the errors reported. If at block  2850  all the fields specified in the user interface are valid (confirmation code preferably not checked yet for match), then block  2854  invokes the verification processing page of  FIG. 33  with the user input specified, and the current page terminates at block  2822 . Block  2850  will also preferably allow a maximum number of field specification attempts to the  FIG. 32A  verification interface before handling a maximum attempt error and proceeding directly to block  2828  for appropriate error processing (not shown). 
     Blocks  2844  through  2854  ensure no User data  2526  is created for the registrant (i.e. user that is performing registration) until it is proven there is confirmation of his email address specified, and validating email receipt through entering of the confirmation code. This automates account creation to the automated web service  2102  in an appropriate manner using email address as a globally unique identifier. 
     If block  2832  determines that the requested membership is not for a Pinger, then processing continues to block  2834 . If block  2834  determines that membership being requested is for a Content Provider Gold account, then block  2836  checks the transaction code entered from the form. If it is invalid, then processing continues to block  2828  which was heretofore described. If the transaction code is valid, then block  2838  invokes a connected billing system (e.g. online credit card billing system) for monthly recurring charges. The user interfaces with the billing system until completion or cancellation, whereupon a billing transaction code is returned at block  2838 . The billing transaction code will be uniquely generated from the interface upon successful account billing, or it will be an error status indicating that billing did not complete successfully for any of a variety of reasons. 
     Thereafter, block  2840  checks the automated billing transaction code returned. If the billing transaction code is the expected proper format and content, then processing continues to block  2844  as heretofore described. If block  2840  determines the transaction code is in error, or indicates an unsuccessful billing transaction, then processing continues to block  2828  for appropriate error handling as already described. If block  2834  determines this is not a Content Provider Gold request, then block  2842  handles the particular public user type as appropriate and analogously to the descriptions above. Thereafter processing terminates at block  2822 . 
     In one human managed website embodiment, block  2818  sets record activated ActiveUser field  3008  to not active for requiring human reconciliation. Otherwise, block  2818  is assumed to enter activated records with record activated field (ActiveUser field  3008 ) set to active. The preferred method for creating users in the members area  2500  is through the registration interface processing just discussed. A web service  2102  installation preferably already has a Site Owner user created in the database with record activated ActiveUser field  3008  set to active and user type field  2980  set to Site Owner. The confirmation code generated at block  2844  can be encrypted in a cookie at the user&#39;s device, placed in a hidden form field, or stored to another suitable data evidence form. A Site Owner may have access to an SQL Query Manager to Server Data  2104  for enabling all conceivable modifications to server data  2104 . 
       FIG. 29  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the People Table used to carry out registration/membership functionality; A People Table data record  2900  mostly contains fields that are intuitively determined and are easily matched to fields of  FIGS. 27B through 27D . The PersonID  2902  is preferably an automatically generated unique number field for each record in the People Table, and is a primary key. The TableTo field  2904  indicates which foreign key relationship table this table can be joined to. The TableTo field  2904  contains a value indicating a  FIG. 30  Users Table record,  FIG. 38B  Contact Table record, and perhaps a Job Applicant Table (not shown) record. So, the People Table is the main table where records therein can be SQL joined to records in the Users Table, Contact Table, or Job Applicants Table. The People Table data record  2900  contains person information common to a variety of different person record types maintained in server data  2104  for a variety of purposes. 
     The record  2900  “Email” field preferably has a unique key or constraint defined preventing duplicates in web service  2102 . This is preferably the point of verification that users are who they say they are through verification processing involving their email address. 
     UserType field  2980  contains a value for the particular person user type of the record. User types are explained in detail in  FIGS. 50B through 50E . A user type indicates a web service  2102  privilege for certain options exposed in the web service interfaces. IPAddr field  2982  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the registrant&#39;s device at successful registration time. This is determined, for example, with ASP Server variables. The Notes field  2984  contains any notes that are made on the user record, for example by Users Management  2512  interfaces. The RemHostIP field  2986  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that inserted the data record  2900 . The HName field  2988  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that inserted the record, for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. Extra1 field  2990  and Extra2 field  1992  are provided as convenient reserved future use fields. DTCreated field  2994  contains the date/time stamp for when the record was created in the Database, and the DTLastChg field  2996  contains when the record  2900  was last modified. The RowType field  2998  is a special field for providing demo People Table data records  2900  to the People Table for the Delegate user type. It indicates a real record (“R”), or a demo record (“D”). Delegate user types are essentially read-only access Site Owners of web service  2102 . RowType field  2998  enables setting up false People Table records so that Delegates do not see real user data in the database. RowType field  2998  values of “D” imply a row created for Delegate user types. 
       FIG. 30  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Users Table used to carry out registration/membership functionality. The PersonID  3002  is preferably a foreign key for cascade delete to the PersonID  2902  of the People Table. The LogonName field  3004  contains a user&#39;s logon identifier for access to the members area  2500 . LogonName field  3004  is often referred to as the user name, and therefore should have a unique key or constraint defined to ensure uniqueness in web service  2102 . The PW field  3006  contains the user&#39;s password for access to the members area  2500 . The ActiveUser field  3008  enables (Set to Yes) or disables (Set to No) the Users Table record  3000  without deleting it from the table. Inactive treats the record as though it does not exist in the table. Various embodiments of inserts will insert active records on creation, or may require a human administrator to activate it after being created.  FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control processing accesses only active records. Inactivating a record immediately prevents it from being a valid user account. The RegMsg field  3010  corresponds to data entered to form field  2710 . ChgrIP field  3012  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that last modified the applicable data record  3000 . The ChgrHIP field  3014  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that handled the last modification of applicable data record  3000 . The ChgrHName field  3016  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that last modified the applicable data record  3000 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. The ChgrID  3018  preferably contains the PersonID value of the People Table data record  2900  that last modified the applicable data record  3000 . MaxDevs field  3020  contains the maximum number of devices this user can create (default=0). MaxDCDB field  3022  contains the maximum number of DCDB items this user can create (default=0). Fields  3020  and  3022  are set according to user types and/or contractually agreed upon limitations. For example, a Site Owner user type has full web service capability so these values could each be −1 to indicate an infinite maximum. An Administrator user type may have a −1 for MaxDevs field  3020  and a 0 for MaxDCDB field  3022 . A Content Provider user type may have a 0 for MaxDevs field  3020  and a −1 for MaxDCDB field  3022 . A Pinger user type may have a 3 or a 1 for MaxDevs field  3020  and a 0 for MaxDCDB field  3022 . A Content Provider Gold user type may have a 0 for MaxDevs field  3020  and a 1 for MaxDCDB field  3022 . Any user types can automatically be set with constraining limits, or the Users Table of Users data  2526  can be edited to set desired limits based on contractual obligations. Depending on the embodiment, MaxDevs field  3020  and MaxDCDB field  3022  may be exposed for edit in various interfaces and under various circumstances. Res1 field  3024  and Res2 field  3026  are provided as convenient reserved future use fields. 
       FIG. 31  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the LastLog Table used to facilitate automatic account data deletion functionality. A LastLog Table data record  3100  contains an ID  3102 , IDType field  3104 , and LastAccess field  3106 . ID  3102  may contain a PersonID  2902  value, or a RegistryID  6502  value. IDType field  3104  contains an indicator of which type of id is contained in the ID  3102  (unique record identifier to People Table or Registry Table). LastAccess field  3106  contains a date/time stamp of when the user described by the People Table PersonID last accessed the members area  2500 , or contains a date/time stamp of when the device described by the Registry Table RegistryID last accessed the Delivery Manager  2510 . This depends on how to interpret the data record  3100  according to IDType field  3104 . On initial insert, the date/time stamp reflects when the record was created. Another embodiment to the LastLog Table is to maintain two tables, one for user accounts and one for devices. Each table would have the same columns as record  3100  except no IDType field  3104  would be required (i.e. 2 columns each table). 
       FIG. 32A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the registration/membership account verification of the web service as described above. The “Verify Date/Time Stamp” provides correlation to an automated email sent to the registrant&#39;s email address in case multiple registration attempts were made by the same user. The “Confirmation Code” is entered twice for validation prior to verification page processing. Remaining form fields have already been discussed and provide pre-submit processing validation. The “Validate Account” button submits the form for processing after validating fields entered to make sure they are good form for processing (e.g. non-null confirmation code fields that match, and preferably the correct account security information). 
       FIG. 32B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the registration/membership account verification automated email of the web service. The registrant receives the automated email, ensures the Verify Date/Time stamp in the email matches the Verify Date/Time Stamp of the  FIG. 32A  registration verification interface, and enters the randomly generated email Confirmation Code into the  FIG. 32A  registration verification interface for validation processing. 
       FIG. 33  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated user registration/membership account verification processing resulting from user interaction to the registration/membership account verification user interface of  FIG. 32A  and submittal therefrom. Processing begins at block  3302  and continues to block  3304  where the user registration type M is determined as passed from registration processing. Block  3304  also validates all data evidence passed, for example form fields. Thereafter, block  3306  checks for user interface field validity. If all fields specified are not valid, then processing continues to block  3308  where the error is handled properly and processing terminates at block  3310 . Preferably the account security questions and account security answer were validated just prior to being submitted by  FIG. 32A  processing, but those are re-validated for a sanity check, and to handle an attacker properly. 
     If block  3306  determines that all fields specified in  FIG. 32A  are valid, then block  3312  accesses and un-encrypts the data evidence confirmation code and block  3314  checks if the code entered matches the data evidence of the encrypted confirmation code. If block  3314  determines the user did not enter a matching confirmation code, then processing continues to block  3308 . Block  3308  preferably enforces a maximum number of unsuccessful attempts before denying further processing by the user&#39;s device or browser. If block  3314  determines the user entered a matching confirmation code, then block  3316  builds an insert command, from data evidence passed at block  2844 , to insert data into Users data  2526  in the form of a People table record such as  FIG. 29 , opens a database connection, and does the insert. Data evidence is further used for other inserts as discussed below. Block  3318  issues a query for an automatically generated primary key PersonID  2902  upon SQL insert. Thereafter, block  3320  constructs a default unique account logon name and random password, builds an insert command to insert data into Users data  2526  in the form of a Users table record  3000 , and specifies the foreign key of PersonID  3002  to associate the records between tables and facilitate an SQL cascade delete. PersonID  2902  is identical to PersonID  3002 . Block  3320  sets fields  3020  and  3022  according to the user type. Thereafter, block  3320  inserts to the Users table, builds an insert command to insert data into Users data  2526  in the form of a LastLog table record such as  FIG. 31 , does the insert to the LastLog table, builds an insert command to insert data into Users data  2526  in the form of a PayingCust table record such as  FIG. 34  if this is for a paying customer and does the insert to the PayingCust Table, and closes the database connection. Thereafter, block  3322  prepares an acknowledgement email for registration success (such as  FIG. 35B ), sends it to the “Email Address” field specification of the registration/membership form (passed as data evidence), and additionally sends a Notify email to an Administrator email account if a site configuration indicates to do so for documentary purposes. Thereafter, block  3322  presents a successful registration completion page to the user, for example  FIG. 35A , and processing terminates at block  3310 . 
       FIG. 34  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the PayingCust Table used to carry out functionality for web service paying registrants/members. A PayingCust data record  3400  contains data associated with paying customers of the members area  2500 , for example those that are automatically registered, and interface to automated billing. The PersonID  3402  is preferably a foreign key for cascade delete to the PersonID  2902  of the People Table. PersonID  3402  is used to join the record to the associated People Table and Users Table records through PersonID fields  2902  and  3002 , respectively. BillingRef field  3404  contains a unique reference to the user&#39;s billing account, for example a credit card type and number, billing account number, or accounting number used to do a transaction. The XactionCode field  3406  contains the confirmed transaction code as the result of a successful billing. The PaidThrough field  3408  contains a date/time stamp in the future of when the account is paid through. The DTCreated field  3410  contains the date/time stamp of when the data record  3400  was created (inserted) in the database. Fields  3404  through  3408  are passed as data evidence between registration processes until being inserted 
       FIG. 35A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the account registration/membership completion success of the web service. Preferably, only the automatically generated password is shown. The automatically generated logon name is sent in an email upon successful registration. For security reasons, it is best to not keep the logon name and password documented in the same place. Alternatively, the logon name could be presented to the  FIG. 35A  success window, and the password sent to the user in an email. All users can change their own logon name and/or password at any time in the members area  2500 . The Site Owners user type can additionally change any other user&#39;s logon name and/or password. 
       FIG. 35B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the registration/membership account completion success automated email of the web service. This email is sent as described at  FIG. 28B  block  2820  and  FIG. 33  block  3322 . 
       FIG. 26 through 35B  described fully automated registration and membership processing to web service  2101 . Paying customers interface to an online credit card system for automated billing during the registration process. The billing system is interfaced by paying user types independently of web service  2102 . However, web service  2102  has interfaces to the billing system for deactivating (payment missed) and re-activating (payment made) accounts. Additional automated billing interfaces are discussed below. Web service  2102  maintains a reasonable maximum number of supported users (and clarified by user types in a preferred embodiment) to web service  2102  based on a known current web service  2102  capability. When a user registration attempt is made which exceeds the number of supported users, automated processing takes place to increase support in web service  2102  and the attempting user is provided with an appropriate error. When the web service  2102  user support is scaled up, site maximums are updated to reflect the new number of maximum supported users for automated checking in subsequent registration attempts. There is a plurality of automated registration user interfaces supporting a plurality of user types to web service  2102 . A Notify flag is provided for optionally and automatically documenting an alteration to server data  2104  with an email to an Administrator account. Depending on the embodiment, the Notify flag can be a plurality of distinct flags maintained in web service  2102  for documenting individual types of data alterations, there can be a plurality of Notify flags for various types of data alterations for documentary purposes, or there can be one Notify flag for all data alterations of interest for documentary purposes. All references to a Notify flag in this disclosure for the purpose of documenting an alteration to data can use any one of these embodiments. 
       FIG. 36A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated processing resulting from payment expiration of a paying registrant/member to the web service. Processing starts at block  3602  as the result of billing expiration triggered. Triggering is caused by a database trigger on PaidThrough field  3408  being earlier than a current date/time, a chron job that polls PaidThrough fields  3408  on a scheduled basis, an external process causing the execution of FIG.  36 A, or the like. Thereafter, block  3604  determines data evidence for the billing reference (i.e. BillingRef field  3404 ), block  3606  validates the format and origin in the data evidence, and block  3608  checks if valid. If block  3608  determines that the data evidence is valid, then block  3610  builds an update command to set the associated user account to inactive, opens a database connection, does the update, and closes the database connection. The update command modifies ActiveUser field  3008  to be set for inactive where the BillingRef field  3404  matches the data evidence passed to  FIG. 36A  processing. The PersonID fields  3002  and  3402  are used to join the appropriate records for the update. Thereafter, block  3612  handles any database I/O errors (if one occurs) with an email alert to an Administrator account for reconciliation. Preferably, the Administrator account includes an automated process monitoring incoming email to act upon. Block  3612  also returns a completion status to the invoking process of  FIG. 36A  and processing terminates at block  3614 . If block  3608  determines the billing reference data evidence to be invalid, then processing continues directly to block  3612  for appropriate error handling, and Administrator account notification to at least document the invalid invocation of  FIG. 36A  processing. 
       FIG. 36B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated processing resulting from payment reactivation of a paying registrant/member to the web service. Processing starts at block  3652  as the result of billing reactivation triggered. Triggering is caused by an external process causing the execution of  FIG. 36B , preferably an automated process rather than a manual process, for example from a credit card billing system. Thereafter, block  3654  determines data evidence including the billing reference (i.e. BillingRef field  3404 ), block  3656  validates the format and origin in the data evidence, and block  3658  checks if valid. Data evidence passed to  FIG. 36  processing preferably includes the XactionCode field  3406  and PaidThrough field  3408  (if not already updated in record  3400  prior to invoking  FIG. 36  processing). If block  3658  determines that all data evidence is valid, then block  3660  builds an update command to set the associated user account back to active and an update command to update fields  3406  and  3408  of the corresponding record  3400 , opens a database connection, does the updates, and closes the database connection. The record  3000  update command modifies ActiveUser field  3008  to be set for active where the BillingRef field  3404  matches the data evidence passed to  FIG. 36B  processing. The PersonID fields  3002  and  3402  are used to join the appropriate records for the update. The record  3400  update command modifies with data evidence XactionCode field  3406  and PaidThrough field  3408  where the BillingRef field  3404  matches data evidence passed to  FIG. 36B  processing (assuming not already updated by external processing). Thereafter, block  3662  handles any database I/O errors (if one occurs) with an email alert to an Administrator account for reconciliation. Block  3662  also returns a completion status to the invoking process of  FIG. 36B  and processing terminates at block  3664 . If block  3658  determines the billing reference data evidence to be invalid, then processing continues directly to block  3662 . 
     It is possible that the record is not found for being updated at blocks  3610  and  3660  since web service  2102  is fully automated and user account records may have been automatically deleted because of inactivity for a site configured length of time (account expiration time). These not found errors preferably do not cause error processing in blocks  3612  and  3662 . Not found errors are preferably ignored. Data evidence may be passed in encrypted form to  FIGS. 36A  and/or  36 B in which case the  FIGS. 36A  and/or  36 B processing is responsible for unencrypting (e.g. assuming not an https connection already). 
       FIG. 37A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated processing for warning obsolete registrant/member accounts in the web service that they are identified, or have devices identified, for automated deletion. Processing starts at block  3702  and continues to block  3704 . Block  3702  is preferably initiated with a periodically scheduled job (e.g. chron job), or in an ASP that is consistently accessed without affecting user experience performance. Block  3704  builds a query to the  FIG. 31  LastLog Table records  3100  for selecting all records which contain a LastAccess field  3106  being reasonably old in accordance with the current date/time and a website expiration configuration (e.g. site expiration for user account and devices of 6 months minus a reasonable warning lead time). LastAccess field  3106  always reflects when a user last entered the members area  2500  when the IDType field is for the People Table. LastAccess field  3106  always reflects when a user&#39;s device last accessed the Delivery Manager  2510  when the IDType field  3104  is for the Registry Table. Thereafter, block  3706  opens a database (DB) connection, selects the potentially obsolete LastLog records and opens a cursor into the resulting list of records. 
     Thereafter, block  3708  gets the next LastLog record with the cursor and continues to block  3710 . Block  3710  determines if all records were already processed (or if there were none to process to start with). If there is a next record to process, block  3712  checks the LastLog record IDType field  3104  to see if it is for a User account or a device. If block  3712  determines the LastLog record is for a device, then block  3718  builds a query to the  FIG. 65  Registry Table records  6500  (discussed below) using ID  3102  for selecting the Registry Table record containing the matching unique RegistryID  6502 , and joining Owner field  6522  with People Table PersonID  2902  to select the device owner&#39;s account information, specifically the owner&#39;s email address. Thereafter, block  3718  does the query for also selecting enough information to create a friendly warning email (e.g. First name, last name, etc), creates the warning email, and sends it to the owner&#39;s email address. Processing then flows back to block  3708 . 
     If block  3712  determines the LastLog record is for a user account, then block  3720  builds a query to the  FIG. 29  People Table records  2900  using ID  3102  for selecting a record containing the unique PersonID  2902  to return the user account information, specifically the user&#39;s email address. Thereafter, block  3720  does the query for also selecting enough information to create a friendly warning email (e.g. First name, last name, etc), creates the warning email, and sends it to the owner&#39;s email address from the People Table. Processing then flows back to block  3708 . 
     If block  3710  determines there are no records remaining to process, then block  3714  closes the DB connection and processing terminates at block  3716 . Thus, obsolete devices or user accounts are automatically warned for being removed from the system to keep web service  2102  and members area  2500  fully automated without maintaining unnecessary server data  2104 . Another embodiment to  FIG. 37A  is to process user accounts and devices individually and/or with different site configuration expirations for each. The warning email tells the user how to keep the user account or device active, for example, do a members area logon or access the Delivery Manager. The email preferably also includes how much time the user has remaining to do the access. 
       FIG. 37B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the automated processing for deletion of obsolete registrant/member accounts in the web service. Processing starts at block  3752  and continues to block  3754 . Block  3752  is preferably initiated with a periodically scheduled job (e.g. chron job), or in an ASP that is consistently accessed without affecting user experience performance. Block  3754  builds a query to the  FIG. 31  LastLog Table records  3100  for selecting all records which contain a LastAccess field  3106  being too old in accordance with the current date/time and an absolute website expiration configuration (e.g. site expiration for user account and devices of 6 months). LastAccess field  3106  always reflects when a user last entered the members area  2500  when the IDType field is for the People Table. LastAccess field  3106  always reflects when a user&#39;s device last accessed the Delivery Manager  2510  when the IDType field  3104  is for the Registry Table. Thereafter, block  3756  opens a database (DB) connection, selects the potentially obsolete LastLog records and opens a cursor into the resulting list of records. 
     Thereafter, block  3758  gets the next LastLog record with the cursor and continues to block  3760 . Block  3760  determines if all records were already processed (or if there were none to process to start with). If there is a next record to process, block  3762  checks the LastLog record IDType field  3104  to see if it is for a User account or a device. If block  3762  determines the LastLog record is for a device, then block  3770  builds a delete command for issue to the  FIG. 65  Registry Table (discussed below) records  6500  using ID  3102  for specifying the Registry Table record containing the matching unique RegistryID  6502 . Thereafter, block  3770  does the delete command for removing the device from server data  2104 . Block  3770  will also delete any device associated records (prior to deleting the Registry Table record) in other tables that do not have a foreign key relationship to the Registry table (e.g. on RegistryID  6502 ) for automatic cascade delete. Processing then flows back to block  3758 . 
     If block  3762  determines the LastLog record is for a user account, then block  3768  builds a delete command to the  FIG. 29  People Table records  2900  using ID  3102  for specifying the record containing the unique PersonID  2902 . Thereafter, block  3768  does the delete for removing the user from server data  2104 . Block  3768  will also delete any user associated records (prior to deleting the People Table record) in other tables that do not have a foreign key relationship to the People table (e.g. on PersonID  2902 ) for automatic cascade delete. Processing then flows back to block  3758 . 
     If block  3760  determines there are no records remaining to process, then block  3764  deletes all the LastLog records processed by  FIG. 37B  and then closes the DB connection. Processing then terminates at block  3766 . Block  3764  preferably builds a delete command with a where clause that selected records at block  3756 . Thus, obsolete devices or user accounts are automatically removed from the system to keep web service  2102  and members area  2500  fully automated without maintaining unnecessary server data  2104 . Another embodiment to  FIG. 37B  is to process user accounts and devices individually and/or with different site configuration expirations for each user or user type. 
       FIG. 38A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the web service personnel contact aspect of the web service. The contact option is a convenience and need not be provided as an option to the fully automated web service  2102  as disclosed. The reader can examine the drawing for obvious understanding of the processing involved. 
       FIG. 38B  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Contact Table used to carry out functionality for users who contact web service personnel through the web service contact option. Contact Table data record  3800  contains fields as determined when comparing to  FIG. 38A  (i.e. Complaint, Msg). On submittal, a record is first inserted into the People Table (record  2900 ) with obvious fields specified in  FIG. 38A . Then, a record  3800  is inserted into the Contact Table with a foreign key relationship between PersonID  2902  and PersonID  3802  for cascade delete. The TableTo field  2904  is set for associating the Contact Table record. Subject field  3806  contains an enumeration from the “Subject” dropdown selection made of  FIG. 38A . UserID  3808  can contain a PersonID  2902  from other web service  2102  processing for associating the contact action with a user of the members area  2500 . ApplicantID  3810  can contain a PersonID  2902  from other web service  2102  processing for associating the contact action with a user who has submitted an employment application to the company of web service  2102 . 
       FIGS. 39A and 39B  depict a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the security access control processing aspects of the web service. Every user interface (e.g. pages) of the members area  2500  enforces security access control to prevent attacks and to reveal appropriate options by user type. There are also variables of the user accounts made available to each page that includes the access control processing. Each members area page preferably includes the list of different user types, which are permitted to access the particular page, defined ahead of the included access control processing. For example, in an ASP VBScript embodiment, each member area page would include an array: 
                                ...       ACCESS_LIST =                         array(ACCESS_SITEOWNER, ACCESS_ADMINISTRATOR, ACCESS_PINGER,           ACCESS_DELEGATE, ACCESS_CONTENTPROVIDER, ACCESS_GOLD,           ACCESS_PLATINUM, ACCESS_ENDUSER)                 %&gt;       &lt;!--#include file=“incl/mcdvusr.asp” --&gt;       &lt;%       ...                    
such that each member in the array elaborates to a user type constant equivalent to values maintained in UserType field  2980 . Then, the included access control page (e.g. mcdvusr.asp) uses the user type list to determine which user types can access the current page. The example above includes most user types, but any user type subset can be specified in the array depending upon which user types are permitted to access the current page.
 
     Access Control processing starts at block  3902  and continues to block  3904  where the parent page (i.e. the including page with the VBScript example above) is checked for being a members logon page. The members logon page preferably includes a constant before including the Access Control page such as: 
                                            ...           VALIDATE_PG_ACCESS = “LOGON”           ...                        
That way  FIGS. 39A and 39B  processing would know that the parent page is the members logon page for unique access control processing. If block  3904  determines this access control processing has been included in a members logon page (e.g. VALIDATE_PG_ACCESS variable set as above), then processing continues to block  3918  where Remember Me data evidence is sought. A user can optionally request to keep successful logon data evidence at logon time ( FIGS. 42A through 42C  fields  4202 ,  4232 , and  4262 ) so another logon is not required in the future. The logon interface is automatically bypassed to go to presenting options as long as successful logon data evidence is found (i.e. Remember Me option checked). For example, a cookie with long term expiration can be maintained at the user&#39;s device logged on from.
 
     If block  3918  determines that successful logon data evidence is found, then a variable for forcing a logon is set to FALSE at block  3920 , otherwise block  3918  continues to block  3930  where the variable for forcing a logon is set to TRUE. Blocks  3920  and  3930  each continue to block  3906 . If block  3904  determines the parent page is not for a member area  2500  logon page, then processing continues to block  3906 . Block  3906  checks if successful logon data evidence is found since the page being accessed may not be a members area logon page. If block  3906  determines the successful logon data evidence is not found, then block  3922  checks to see if the access control including page is for members area logon processing. If block  3922  determines the page access is for members area logon processing, then the variable for forcing a logon is set to TRUE at block  3924  and processing continues to block  3908 . If block  3922  determines the page being accessed is not a members area logon page (and there is no successful logon data evidence), then block  3936  handles the error appropriately, block  3934  closes any DB connection that may be open (not if arrived to by way of block  3922 ) and processing terminates at block  3932 . Thus, if there is no data evidence showing a previous successful logon, and the page being accessed is not the members area logon, then the page is not permitted to be accessed. Error handling may redirect to an invalid page, or actually produce an error for the user to see. This way any URLs typed manually into a browser cannot access pages not permitted to be accessed. If block  3906  determines there is successful logon data evidence, then processing continues to block  3908 . Block  3908  checks if this is a members area logon page access and that there was successful logon evidence found OR if this is an access to any other members area page. If either of these cases is true, then processing continues to block  3910  where logon data evidence is interrogated, otherwise processing continues to block  3944 . 
     Block  3910  unencrypts the logon data evidence and sanity checks its format to make sure this is not an attack by a website attacker. Thereafter, block  3912  checks the findings. If block  3912  determines the successful logon data evidence is valid, then processing continues to block  3938  where a validation query is built using data from the successful logon data evidence. Block  3938  then opens a DB connection and preferably queries the People Table (records  2900 ) and Users Table (records  3000 ) with a join for an active user based on the logon data evidence (e.g. using the user id and password encrypted from a previous successful logon as found in the data evidence). There are many alternative embodiments for exactly what identifying data is kept in the successful logon data evidence for constructing the query to determine there is indeed such an active user. Regardless, there has to be enough unique information in the successful logon data evidence for uniquely identifying a user. Thereafter, if block  3940  determines the successful logon data evidence is valid for a user in the People/Users Table(s) (i.e. found the record), then block  3942  builds a LastLog Table update command for this user and does the update with the current date/time for LastAccess field  3106 . This ensures the LastLog Table always reflects the last time a page was accessed in the members area by the user. Block  3942  also checks the ACCESS_LIST (e.g. VBScript array example above) for user types permitted to access the page with the UserType field  2980  in the record returned from the query. Thereafter, if block  3914  determines the logon data evidence contains a user type authorized to access the page, then processing continues to block  3944 . If block  3914  determines the user type is not permitted to access the page, then block  3916  permanently removes all logon data evidence and Remember Me data evidence so it cannot be used again by the user for page accesses, because the user is trying to access a page not permitted to be accessed. Block  3916  continues to block  3928  where again it is determined if the including page is for a members area logon page. If block  3928  determines it is, then block  3926  sets the forced logon variable to TRUE and processing continues to block  3944 . If block  3928  determines it is any other members area page, then processing continues to block  3936  for error processing already described. 
     If block  3940  determines the successful logon data evidence is not valid (no corresponding active user data records  2900 / 3000  found in Users data  2525  (People/Users Table(s))), then processing continues to block  3916  already described. If block  3912  determines the successful logon data evidence (from a previous logon) is invalid, then processing also continues to block  3916 . 
     Block  3944  again checks to see if a members area logon page is being accessed since there are paths to get to block  3944  which require the check. If block  3944  determines it is not a members area logon page being accessed, then block  3948  checks for Remember Me checkmark data evidence. If it is found at block  3948 , then block  3952  resets the expiration time of all logon data evidence for a long term in the future (e.g. 30 days from current date/time). One embodiment is setting cookie data evidence with an expiration in the future. Thereafter, processing continues to block  3934 . If block  3948  determines there is no Remember Me evidence, then block  3950  resets the expiration time of all logon data evidence for a short term in the future (e.g. 30 minutes from current date/time). Preferably, a session cookie is used so the user&#39;s session to web service  2102  only times out after 30 minute of inactivity. Thereafter, processing continues to block  3934 . 
     If block  3944  determines this access control processing is for a members area logon page, then block  3946  checks if the variable to force a members area logon has been set to TRUE. If block  3946  determines the variable (REQUIRE_LOGON) to force a members logon page is set to true, then processing continues to block  3934 , otherwise processing continues to block  3952  already described. The  FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control also makes user account variables associated with a successful page access validation available to the parent (including) page subsequent processing, such as PersonID  2902 , UserType field  2980 , MaxDevs field  3020 , and MaxDCDB field  3022 , etc. Any field from account applicable records  2900  or  3000  can be made accessible to code of the parent (including) page after the point of including access control processing in the parent (including) page. The field data can be available from either the previous successful logon evidence validated, or from querying the People/Users Table(s) at block  3938 . The variable to force a members area logon is also passed back to the parent (including) page with either a TRUE or FALSE setting. 
       FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control can also query all devices owned by the user accessing the including page of  FIGS. 39A and 39B  processing for making available to the including pages just as PersonID and other fields are as disclosed herein. So, records  6500  with Owner field  6522  matching the user can be queried for all RegistryIDs  6502  and other record  6500  information for making available to the including pages. The Deviceid field  6504  of the device can also be automatically determined, for example by most recent interaction with the Delivery Manager  2510 , for making associated record  6500  data available to all pages the user interacts with from the device. 
       FIG. 40  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Help option of the web service for a full browser. The web service  2102  preferably automatically determines the device browser invoking a web page and automatically returns the appropriately formatted page (as described below). With the proliferation of different browsers, and different versions of the browsers, this is not always a guaranteed successful approach, so there is a public user interface help page for launching the correct link for a particular device. Members area logon link  4002  provides a navigable (i.e. clickable) link to a full browser members area logon page such as  FIG. 42A . Members area logon link  4004  provides a navigable (i.e. clickable) link to a PDA browser members area logon page such as  FIG. 42B . Members area logon link  4006  provides a navigable (i.e. clickable) link to a microbrowser (e.g. WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) device) members area logon page such as  FIG. 42C . Worst case, the user determines the underlying link URL and manually enters it into his device, for example his Favorites or bookmarks, to force the correct logon page when needed. Preferably, there are members area  2500  options not permitted on a smaller scale browser for performance reasons, so the members area  2500  interfaces will present options to the user based on device type, as well as user type and user preferences. Each of the links  4002  through  4006  take the user to a My GPS logon page for access to the members area  2500 . If successful logon data evidence exists (has already taken place previously with Remember Me option set) from the device accessing links  4002  through  4006 , then the logon interface is automatically bypassed and options are presented as though the user just logged on. This is discussed below. A closer examination of the links  4002  through  4006  shows the same ASP is invoked with a browser type parameter in the URL string (e.g. http://www.gpsping.con/MCD/xmcd.asp?br=pda). The ASP determines how to format the appropriate page based on the browser type parameter. Another embodiment could have different pages for each device and/or browser type. Memory lapse link  4008  is for users that forget their logon name or password (discussed below). 
     My GPS 
       FIG. 41  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the web service members area  2500  logon aspect of the web service supporting heterogeneous device connectivity. Logon processing starts at block  4102 , for example as a result of clicking a link  4002 ,  4004 , or  4006 , or manually entering the underlying URL of those links. Block  4102  continues to block  4104  where the device browser type is determined. Preferably, the browser type is passed as a parameter, passed as a parameter from another page that automatically determines the browser type and then passes a browser type parameter to  FIG. 41 , or is automatically determined at block  4104 . Browser type is determined similarly for all members area pages. Block  4104  sets an ACCESS_LIST for all users (or user types) permitted to access the logon page (e.g. VBScript ACCESS_LIST example above) and sets VALIDATE_PG_ACCESS=“LOGON” (also described above) to indicate to included  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing that this is a members area logon page being accessed. Block  4104  continues to block  4106  where the  FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control processing is performed. Thereafter, block  4108  determines if access-control processing set a variable for forcing a members area logon (i.e. REQUIRE_LOGON=TRUE or FALSE as described above). If a members area logon is required, then block  4110  accesses data evidence for the number of consecutive unsuccessful logon attempts thus far from the requesting device. Thereafter, if block  4112  determines the maximum number of consecutive unsuccessful logon attempts from the requesting device per the data evidence has been exceeded, then the error is handled appropriately at block  4126  and processing terminates at block  4148 . If block  4112  determines that the number of consecutive unsuccessful logon attempts from the requesting device has not been exceeded, then block  4114  provides a logon interface according to the browser type determined at block  4104 , and the user interfaces to the logon interface at block  4116  until submitting credentials to logon.  FIGS. 42A through 42C  depict preferred embodiments for a logon interface (page) to a full browser, PDA, and microbrowser (e.g. WAP) device, respectively. 
     When submit is invoked, block  4118  validates fields provided, for example to make sure they are non-null, and a password of proper length. Thereafter, block  4120  checks if fields entered were valid. If block  4120  determines the logon name and password are valid, then processing continues to block  4124  where logon processing of  FIG. 43  is invoked, and current page processing terminates at block  4148 . If block  4120  determines not all fields were valid for processing, then an error is provided at block  4122  so user entry can continue back at block  4116 . Form fields do not have to be validated at the client device at a block  4118  through  4122  in some embodiments. Submission of credentials can go directly to block  4124  for validation and processing. 
     The REQUIRE_LOGON variable passed from  FIGS. 39A and 39B  processing for forcing a logon was determined based on successful logon data evidence found for preventing the user from redundantly re-entering logon name and password into a logon interface every time he accesses the members area  2500 . If block  4108  determines a members area logon is not required, then block  4128  sends an email for documentary purposes of the user logging on (with bypass method) if a flag to send such an alert is enabled. Thereafter, blocks  4130  through  4136  determine the device (or browser) type for presenting the correct members area options interface format. If block  4130  determines the device type (or browser type) is a WAP device, then block  4140  redirects the WAP device to the WAP options page, for example  FIGS. 46E to 46F . If block  4130  determines the device (or browser) is not a WAP device, then block  4132  checks for a PDA browser. If block  4132  determines the device type (or browser type) is a PDA browser device, then block  4142  redirects the PDA device to the PDA options page, for example  FIG. 46D . If block  4132  determines the device (or browser) is not a PDA device, then block  4134  checks for a full browser. If block  4134  determines the device type (or browser type) is a full browser device, then block  4144  redirects the full browser device to the full browser options page, for example  FIG. 46B . If block  4134  determines the device (or browser) is not a full browser device, then block  4136  checks for a special browser. If block  4136  determines the device type (or browser type) is a special device, then block  4146  redirects the special device to the appropriate special options page. If block  4136  determines the device (or browser) is not a special device, then block  4136  continues to block  4138  to handle an error for the unknown device type and processing terminates at block  4148 . Blocks  4140 ,  4142 ,  4144 , and  4146  also continue to block  4148  where processing terminates.  FIGS. 45A and 45B  processing handles options pages. CD-ROM file name “xmcd.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing for a members area logon embodiment of  FIG. 41 . Various embodiments of blocks  4130 ,  4132 ,  4134  and  4136  can check for browser type and/or device type to determine appropriately presented and formatted options. 
       FIG. 42A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the web service member logon aspect using a full browser.  FIG. 42B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the web service member logon aspect using a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) browser.  FIG. 42C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the web service member logon aspect using a microbrowser, for example on a cell phone. Entry field  4292  of the Figures is for entry of a matching LogonName field  3004 . Entry field  4294  of the Figures is for entry of a matching PW field  3006  (password). 
       FIG. 43  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the web service member logon processing resulting from user interaction to the logon user interfaces and submittal therefrom. Logon processing starts at block  4302  and continues to block  4304  where the device (or browser) type is determined. Preferably, the browser type is passed as a parameter, or is automatically determined at block  4304 . Block  4304  also validates form fields passed for logon name and password (the credentials). Thereafter, if block  4306  determines the user specified fields are valid, then block  4308  sets (if first time here for device according to logon attempt data evidence), or increments, the number of consecutive logon attempts in data evidence for the requesting device, and block  4310  determines if the maximum consecutive attempts has been exceeded (with consecutive logon attempts data evidence). If block  4310  determines the maximum consecutive attempts was exceeded by this try, then block  4316  handles the error appropriately and processing terminates at block  4318 . If block  4306  determines that form fields are not valid, then processing continues to block  4316  for error handling and termination of processing therefrom. If block  4310  determines the maximum number of consecutive attempts is not exceeded, then block  4320  builds a query with the user logon name and password specified (the credentials) to select an active record from the Users Table, opens a DB connection, does the query, and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, if block  4322  determines the credentials were valid (i.e. found record in Users Table), then block  4326  prepares and encrypts successful logon data evidence (for example a cookie to the user&#39;s device) for subsequent page accesses of the members area  2500 . Thereafter, block  4328  checks to see if the Remember Me option was checked ( FIGS. 42A through 42C  fields  4202 ,  4232 , and  4262 ). If the user selected Remember Me, then block  4312  sets Remember Me data evidence and encrypted successful logon data evidence for a long term expiration period (e.g. 30 days). Thereafter, block  4330  resets consecutive logon attempts data evidence for 0 attempts thus far, and block  4332  sends an email to an Administrator account if a flag indicates to do so for documentary purposes. Thereafter, block  4334  checks if the device browser type is a WAP device. If block  4334  determines the device browser type is a WAP device browser, then block  4336  checks if it supports cookies. If block  4336  determines the WAP device supports cookies, then block  4338  sets an options page link variable for the WAP options page with cookie support. Thereafter, block  4348  checks the user type to make sure no Administration or Content Provider user types are using a poorly performing WAP device to do their members area options. An alternative embodiment may allow the WAP device to do any options any other device can do. If block  4348  determines the user is an Administrator or Content Provider user type, then processing continues to block  4316 . If block  4348  determines the user type is eligible for displaying options to the WAP device, then block  4342  provides a logon success page (e.g.  FIG. 44C ) with an options link  4402  set according to the options page link variable. Block  4342  waits for the options link to be invoked by the user, and then invokes the options page according to the link. Thereafter, current page processing terminates at block  4318 . 
     If block  4336  determines the WAP device does not support cookies, then block  4344  builds a key to be passed as a URL variable for subsequent interfaces, block  4346  sets the options page link variable for the WAP options page with no cookie support (and the key parameter), and processing continues to block  4348 . If block  4334  determines the device is not a WAP device, then block  4340  sets the options page link variable according to the device (or browser) type detected at block  4304 , and processing continues to block  4342  where an appropriate success page is presented to the user depending on his device, for example, any of  FIG. 44A ,  44 B, or  44 C. Block  4342  also waits for the options link  4402  to be invoked by the user, and then invokes the options page according to the link. Thereafter, current page processing terminates at block  4318 . 
     A preferred embodiment of block  4342  provides the options link  4402  to navigate to  FIG. 46A  whenever the device is determined to be a full browser device.  FIG. 46A  is presented as a page for first time logons into the members area  2500  to highlight features and usefulness of web service  2102 . Once successful logon data evidence is saved to the user&#39;s device, subsequent accesses to the members area  2500  options page causes immediate automatic navigation to an options page (e.g. FIG.  46 B by way of  FIGS. 45A and 45B  processing), such as resulting from block  4144 . Therefore,  FIG. 46A  is bypassed for users that have already logged on successfully before and have placed a checkmark in Remember Me option  4202 . 
     If block  4328  determines the Remember Me option was not checked, then block  4314  sets successful logon data evidence to short-term expiration (e.g. 30 minutes) and processing continues to block  4330 . If block  4322  determines the credentials entered for logon are not valid, then block  4324  sends an email for documentary purposes to an Administrator account if a Notify flag is enabled and processing continues to block  4316 . 
     Thus, the option link  4402  always provides a convenient navigable link to the correctly formatted options page as clicked from the correctly formatted success page depending on the device and/or browser type. Success page examples include any of  FIGS. 44A through 44C  depending on the device. Options page examples include any of  FIGS. 46B ,  46 D,  46 E and  46 F. The user is always presented with an appropriate set of options in an appropriate format based on browser type and/or device type as well as user and/or user type. 
       FIG. 44A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for member logon success completion to the web service using a full browser.  FIG. 44B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for member logon success completion to the web service using a PDA browser.  FIG. 44C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for member logon success completion to the web service using a microbrowser, for example on a cell phone. A success page interface is bypassed when there is successful logon data evidence as determined by  FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control, and then determined at block  4108  processing for continuing to block  4128  and subsequent processing. This allows a “fastpath” to options without requiring users to re-logon every time they want to access the members area  2500 . 
       FIG. 45A and 45B  depict a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the web service options presented to a user of any heterogeneous device that completed a previous successful logon into the web service. Processing starts at block  4502  and continues to block  4504  where the ACCESS_LIST (as discussed above) is set for authorized users (e.g. authorized user types). Thereafter, block  4506  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  4508  where the client device (or browser) type is determined, and then the user type from access control processing is used to set a user type display variable for the user&#39;s type, for example, to present display field  4602 . Note that block  4506  access control processing will not continue to block  4508  if it is determined that the user should not have access to further processing of the  FIGS. 45A and 45B  flowchart. User types are well described in  FIGS. 50B through 50E . 
     Execution of block  3936  prevents processing further by any page that includes  FIGS. 39A and 39B  processing. This prevents unauthorized access to members area pages. In one validation,  FIGS. 39A and 39B  logic flows to block  3936  when the user type is unauthorized to access the parent page (page including the access control), for example blocks  3942  to  3914 . Page access authorization depends on user type of the logged on user. Options presented to the user are also presented by the user type. In another validation, data evidence must exist for a successful logon when the page being accessed requires a previous valid logon has already been performed. Logon applicable pages for entering/validating credentials do not require successful logon data evidence for members area  2500  pages. 
     In another embodiment, each user specifically may be authorized to access specific pages. For example, the ACCESS_LIST can include a list of user identifiers or reference(s) to them, or credentials, which are preferably maintained in an SQL database queried by credentials for determining which pages a user can access (although a file, string, or any other means to store the relationships between users and accessible pages can be used). Each user in the database would have a list of pages they are allowed to access, or a wildcard pattern describing pages they can access. So, each members area  2500  page loaded would determine if a user has access to it through applicable access control, and if the user does, then the user type would be used to present options based on user type. 
     In yet another embodiment, once a user is validated for access to a page, the specific user can be presented options of the page depending on the user. For example, each user credentials would be associated with exposable options in each interface depending on user specific assigned options permitted. While the user type would initially provide a set of presented options, further options would be assignable by an administrator, or configured by the system, in response to actions by the user in certain options. 
     So, all user interfaces of this disclosure are presented to users by user type, user credentials, specific user permitted options, browser type and/or device type, and then additionally any user preferences that have been configured upon access to at least one page accessed by the user (preferences discussed below). Any blocks in subsequent flowcharts that do access control also behave as just described. 
     If the user is permitted access to the page, then block  4506  continues to block  4508  as described, and onto block  4510  to check device (or browser) type. If block  4510  determines the page is being accessed by a WAP device (e.g. cell phone), then block  4524  displays the user type variable text (e.g. field  4602  of  FIG. 46E ), and displays members area  2500  options appropriate for the WAP device and user type, for example as depicted in  FIGS. 46E and 46F .  FIG. 46F  results from a user paginating from  FIG. 46E . Processing then terminates at block  4530 . 
     If block  4510  determines that the device or browser type is not a WAP device then block  4510  continues to block  4512 . If block  4512  determines the device or browser type is a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), for example a device that runs a Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer, or Palm browser, or the like, then processing continues to block  4568 . In some embodiments, a Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer device will be processed by a unique execution path from a Palm PDA browser which will be processed by a unique execution path from yet a different PDA. Therefore, it is understood that there may be many decisions made like blocks  4510  through  4516  for distinctly handling the nuances and specific requirements for a particular type of device (or browser). Block  4568  builds the options page through the user type display field  4602  ( FIG. 46D  referenced in these PDA discussions) from the user type display variable, builds the Users options category header  4604  ( FIG. 46D ), and builds the Users My Preferences option  4606  and Users Find option  4608 . Thereafter, block  4570  checks the user type. If block  4570  determines the user is not an Administrator or Content Provider, then block  4572  builds the PingPals options category header  4614  ( FIG. 46D ), PingPals Manage option  4616 , PingSpots options category header  4622 , PingSpots Manage option  4624 , and PingSpots Add option  4626 . Thereafter, block  4574  builds the Delivery options category header  4658  ( FIG. 46D ), Delivery Start option  4660 , Delivery User Specified Location Start option  4662 , Delivery Configurator option  4664 , and Logout option  4666 . Thereafter, block  4576  checks to see if this user is supportable. If block  4570  determines the user is an Administrator or Content Provider, then processing continues directly to block  4574  thereby providing no PingPals or PingSpots options to the user. 
     If block  4576  determines the user is supportable, then block  4578  builds support option  4668  and processing continues to block  4580 . If block  4576  determines the user is not supportable, then block  4576  continues to block  4580 . A supportable user type is preferably one that did not enroll automatically through the public website. Web Service  2102  is fully automated and contracted user types that were enrolled in the system by a human being are supportable. Web service  2102  supports many different user types. In another embodiment, being supportable is accomplished on a user by user basis with the user account (e.g. field in records  3000 ). In another embodiment, automatically registered users are also supportable, for example through the  FIG. 38A  contact interface, a pop-up with a support phone number and/or navigable web link, or the like, where help is provided. 
     If block  4580  determines the user is a Site Owner, then block  4582  builds Debug Variables option  4670 , the page is completed for serving back to the user&#39;s device at block  4518 , and processing terminates at block  4530 . If block  4580  determines the user is not a Site Owner, then block  4518  completes the page to service back to the user&#39;s device, and processing terminates at block  4530 . Note that the PDA interface was presented to the user by device type (or browser type), and user (or user type). 
     If block  4512  determines that the device or browser type is not a PDA device then block  4512  continues to block  4514 . If block  4514  determines the device or browser type is a full browser capable device, for example a device that runs a Microsoft Internet Explorer, or like full browser, then processing continues to block  4534 . Block  4534  builds the options page through the user type display field  4602  ( FIG. 46B  referenced in these full browser discussions) from the user type display variable, builds the Users options category header  4604  ( FIG. 46B ), and builds the Users My Preferences option  4606  and Users Find option  4608 . Thereafter, block  4536  checks the user type. If block  4536  determines the user is a Site Owner or Delegate, then block  4520  builds the Users Manage option  4610  ( FIG. 46B ) and User Options Privileges option  4612 , otherwise block  4536  continues to block  4538 . Block  4520  also continues to block  4538 . If block  4538  determines the user is not an Administrator or Content Provider, then block  4522  builds the PingPals options category header  4614  ( FIG. 46B ), PingPals Manage option  4616 , PingPals Groups option  4618 , PingPals Add Group option  4620 , PingSpots options category header  4622 , PingSpots Manage option  4624 , PingSpots Add option  4626 , Pingimeters options category header  4628 , Pingimeters Manage option  4630 , and Pingimeters Add option  4632 . Thereafter, block  4522  continues to block  4540 . If block  4538  determines the user is an Administrator or Content Provider, then processing continues directly to block  4540  thereby providing no PingPals, PingSpots, Pingimeters options to the user. Note that the full browser interface of  FIG. 46B  contains extra PingPals options and a set of Pingimeters options that were not presented to the PDA interface of  FIG. 46D  for the same user type. A performance conscious web service presents options that make sense for a device. The presented embodiment chose not to present the more user interface intensive options to the PDA, however it did present the options that made sense for still capturing functionality that makes most sense for the mobile user with a PDA. Other embodiments will make all options available regardless of device, or may implement the interfaces differently to enhance the performance. Any subset of options can be made available to any type of device (or browser). 
     Block  4540  builds Filters options category header  4634  ( FIG. 46B ), Filters Maps option  4636 , and Filters Specify option  4638 . Thereafter, if block  4542  determines the user is an Administrator, Pinger, Site Owner, or Delegate, then block  4544  builds the Registry option category header  4640  ( FIG. 46B ), Registry Manage option  4642 , and Registry Add option  4644 . Processing then continues to block  4552 . If block  4552  determines the user is a Site Owner or Delegate, then block  4554  builds Registry Import/Export option  4646  ( FIG. 46B ), and processing continues to block  4556 . If block  4552  determines the user is not a Site Owner or Delegate, then block  4552  continues to block  4556 . If block  4542  determines the user is not an Administrator, Pinger, Site Owner, or Delegate, then processing continues to block  4556 . Block  4556  builds the Delivery Content Database (DCDB) options category header  4648 . Thereafter, block  4558  checks the user. 
     If block  4558  determines the user is a Content Provider, Site Owner, or Delegate, then block  4560  builds the DCDB Manage option  4650  ( FIG. 46B ) and DCDB Add option  4652 . Thereafter, block  4562  checks the user. If block  4558  determines the user is not a Content Provider, Site Owner or Delegate, then block  4558  continues to block  4562 . If block  4562  determines the user is a Site Owner or Delegate, then block  4564  builds the DCDB Import/Export option  4654  ( FIG. 46B ), and then block  4566  builds the DCDB Indicators option  4656 , the Delivery options category header  4658  ( FIG. 46D ), Delivery Start option  4660 , Delivery User Specified Location Start option  4662 , Delivery Configurator option  4664 , and Logout option  4666 . Thereafter, block  4546  checks to see if this user is supportable. If block  4562  determines the user is not a Site Owner or Delegate, then processing continues directly to block  4566  thereby providing no Import/Export option  4654  to the user. 
     If block  4546  determines the user is supportable, then block  4548  builds support option  4668  ( FIG. 46B ) and processing continues to block  4550 . If block  4546  determines the user is not supportable, then block  4546  continues to block  4550 . If block  4550  determines the user is a Site Owner, then block  4532  builds Debug Variables option  4670 , the page is completed for serving back to the user&#39;s device at block  4518 , and processing terminates at block  4530 . If block  4550  determines the user is not a Site Owner, then block  4518  completes the page to service back to the user&#39;s device, and processing terminates at block  4530 . Note that the full browser interface was presented to the user by device type (or browser type), and user (or user type).  FIG. 46B  shows that the Filters Maps option  4636  has been presented to the options initial page as though the user already clicked that option. Other embodiments will default any other option to the device. 
     If block  4514  determines the device or browse type is not a full browser, then block  4516  checks for a special type. If block  4516  determines the page is being accessed by a special device, then block  4526  displays the user type variable text, and displays members area  2500  options back to the user that are appropriate for the special device and user type. Processing then terminates at block  4530 . If block  4516  determines the page is not being accessed by a special device, then block  4528  displays the user type variable text, and displays members area  2500  options back to the user that are appropriate for the particular device and user type. Processing then terminates at block  4530 . 
     So, options in the members area  2500  of web service  2102  are presented by device type (or browser type) and user (or user type). Other embodiments will present options depending on specific users. Any subset of options can be made available to any type of device (or browser) as well as to any particular user (or user type). CD-ROM file names “xoptions.asp” and “woptions.asp” provides ASP program source code listings for presenting members area  2500  options to heterogeneous devices of different users (e.g.  FIG. 45 ). 
       FIG. 46A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented after a successful logon where the user has just submitted credentials for logging into the web service from a full browser.  FIG. 46A  is intended for first time user logons. 
       FIG. 46B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented after a successful logon to the web service from a full browser.  FIG. 46B  is not intended for first time logons, however, it is intended for all subsequent accesses to members area  2500 . In a preferred full browser embodiment,  FIG. 46B  is implemented with frames, namely header frame  4692 , footer frame  4694 , options frame  4696 , and page content frame  4698 . Clicking options in the options frame  4696  loads pages into the content frame  4698 . Header frame  4692  and footer frame  4694  are loaded once upon entry to the members area which eliminates redundant traffic of content from the service to the user&#39;s device. Another embodiment may not use frames and may load all content of the browser window (e.g.  FIG. 46B ) with each option selected. A Site Owner user type that accesses the members area with a full browser sees ALL members area options as depicted in  FIG. 46B .  FIG. 46C  depicts an illustration for describing the html frames embodiment of web service member pages. Frames  4692  through  4698  are shown as areas that get filled with content from the web service. 
       FIG. 46D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented after a successful logon to the web service from a PDA browser. A Site Owner user type sees ALL members area options that are reasonable for a PDA browser as depicted in  FIG. 46D . The device type has eliminated some of the options which are better off accessed with a full browser, without affecting required functionality while mobile. 
       FIGS. 46E and 46F  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for the interface presented after a successful logon to the web service from a microbrowser, for example on a cell phone or WAP device. A Site Owner user type sees ALL members area options that are reasonable for the WAP device as depicted in  FIGS. 46E and 46F . The device type has eliminated some of the options which are better off accessed with a full browser, without affecting required functionality while mobile. In general, for any user type, the cell phone interface is preferably a subset of a PDA interface, and the PDA interface is preferably a subset of the full browser interface. However, any and all options can be presented to all device types. 
       FIG. 47  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of the web service logout processing resulting from user interaction to the logout user interface from heterogeneous devices. Processing starts at block  4702 , for example when clicking logout option  4666 , and continues to block  4704  where the device type (or browser type) is determined. Thereafter, block  4706  immediately expires all successful logon data evidence and remember me data evidence (thereby removing the data evidence as though the user has never successfully logged on before) and block  4708  is the first check to communicate back a successful logoff to the requesting device. If block  4708  determines the device type (or browser type) to be a WAP device (e.g. cell phone), then block  4716  builds and presents back to the user a logoff page, for example  FIG. 48B . If block  4708  determines the device type (or browser type) is not a WAP device, then processing continues to block  4710 . If block  4710  determines the device type (or browser type) to be a PDA device, then block  4718  builds and presents back to the user a logoff page that simply closes out the current page interface. If block  4710  determines the device type (or browser type) is not a PDA device, then processing continues to block  4712 . If block  4712  determines the device type (or browser type) to be a full browser device, then block  4720  builds and presents back to the user a logoff page, for example  FIG. 48A , for simply closing out the current page interface. If block  4712  determines the device type (or browser type) is not a full browser device, then processing continues to block  4714  for building and presenting back to the user a logoff page for simply closing out the current page interface of the special device as determined. Blocks  4716 ,  4718 ,  4720 , and  4714  each continue to block  4722  where processing terminates. CD-ROM file name “xmcdlout.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing for a members area logoff embodiment of  FIG. 47 . 
       FIG. 49A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented to a full browser after a user requests to discover a password or user logon name for an account in the web service (e.g. clicking memory lapse link  4008 ). The user enters his first and last name, birth year, account security question and answer, and then specifies the logon name or password in known portion field  4902 . The correct radio button must be selected which describes data entered to known portion field  4902 . All fields specified by the user to  FIG. 49A  must match corresponding record  2900 / 3000  fields for the user.  FIG. 49B  depicts the account security question dropdown options in the preferred embodiment screenshot for the interface presented to a full browser after a user requests to discover a password or user logon name for an account in the web service. The user selects the option from the pulldown that will match security question field  2976  of his record  2900  and then answer it with a match to the “SecAns” field of record  2900  which was populated as a required field at registration time. 
       FIG. 49C  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing. Processing starts at block  4952  and continues to block  4954  where a user interface is presented to a user, for example  FIG. 49A . Thereafter, the user interacts with the user interface at block  4956  until submit is invoked. Submit is invoked when form specifications are completed. Upon submittal, block  4958  validates user specifications according to the record type (e.g.  FIG. 49A  logon/password request form record) and block  4960  checks results. If block  4960  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  4964  invokes user specification processing and current page processing terminates at block  4962 . If block  4960  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  4966  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  4956  (e.g. pop-up). 
       FIG. 49D  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out form processing resulting from submission of user specifications for discovering an account password or user logon name. Processing starts at block  4970 , for example as the result of a block  4964 , and continues to block  4972  for validating user specifications to  FIG. 49A , and then to block  4974 . If block  4974  determines all user specifications are valid, then block  4976  builds a People/Users table query to return the joined record from records  2900  and  3000  which match user specifications made to  FIG. 49A . The query should return at least the user&#39;s email address and missing portion of credentials. Block  4976  opens a DB connection, does the query, and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, if block  4978  determines the user&#39;s information was found, then an appropriate email is built at block  4980  destined for the user&#39;s email address queried from record  2900  for containing the logon name or password from record  3000  as needed per specification to  FIG. 49A . The query built at block  4976  will return the user&#39;s information if indeed all form specifications to  FIG. 49A  match for a query result. Block  4980  sends the email to the user, block  4982  provides a success acknowledgement to the user, and processing terminates at block  4984 . The user is then free to navigate by closing the window, using the BACK key to a previous context, or navigating to another user interface context. This is true of all interfaces disclosed in this application. If block  4978  determines there was no matching joined record, or if block  4974  find an invalid user specification, then block  4986  handles reporting the error to the user in an appropriate manner, and processing terminates at block  4984 . A preferred embodiment will enforce a maximum number of consecutive unsuccessful attempts to discover a missing logon credential portion from the same device using data evidence, in a similar manner to flowcharts above. 
       FIG. 50A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for logon success completion to the web service using a full browser when the user type is a Pinger.  FIG. 50A  is identical in description as  FIG. 46B  except there are fewer options exposed to the user because the user type is a Pinger (using a full browser). 
       FIGS. 50B through 50E  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for the Privileges option, such as upon clicking User Options Privileges option  4612 .  FIGS. 50B through 50E  are actually presented to page content frame  4698  in an actual implementation of members area  2500  of web service  2102  upon clicking User Options Privileges option  4612 . A user interface viewing area border  5050  simply shows the bounded and scrollable content that is presented to frame  4698 . While information in these screenshots ( FIGS. 50B through 50E ) can be determined elsewhere in this disclosure, the reader can take the time to read the information in one place ( FIGS. 50B through 50E ) for a thorough understanding of user types and user type options privileges of the preferred embodiment members area  2500 .  FIGS. 50D and 50E  show a preferred matrix for which user types get access to which options, and which device types (or browser types) get which options. Other embodiments will expose options differently. The matrix describes a preferred embodiment of 8 user types, each with a unique set of options privileges defined system wide. An End User is a user who can configure preferences for one or more associated receiving devices that can receive content according to the installation and configuration of the system. End Users use the Delivery Manager  2510 . End Users are not required registered users (records  2900 / 3000 ) in members area  2500 . Devices can be administrated for receiving content according to system defaults, or according to administrator configurations. While there are End Users using the devices, they need not be known to the system. End users are created when there are device users under a single Administrator account wanting to personalize behavior and preferences of their device(s) without having a members area  2500  registered account. There can be many End Users under a single Administrator account. Only device logon credentials are needed. A Content Provider is responsible for creating and maintaining deliverable content that is candidate for delivery to participating devices. The more enticing content made available, the more consumers will want to become Pingers. An Administrator is responsible for creating and maintaining eligible receiving devices. A Site Owner is a super user who has every option privilege possible in the system, and also has options privileges unavailable to other users of the system. A Delegate is a special option privilege for read-only (R/O) access to most options in the system. A Delegate is a potential customer for a web service  2102  installation, an investor, or someone provided with the option privilege to experience the members area  2500  in read-only mode. A Pinger is equivalent to an Administrator except a Pinger is a user who automatically becomes an Administrator for up to 3 devices through automated registration through the public site. A Pinger account is preferably free. The more Pingers to members area  2500 , the more interest content providers will have in providing deliverable content. Members area  2500  provides a huge menu of enticing GPS features that make becoming a Pinger a great opportunity and service. A CP Gold (Content Provider Gold) account is equivalent to a Content Provider account except a CP Gold user automatically registers himself through the web service  2102  public website and preferably has a maximum of 1 content item that can be configured for a particular situational location at any time, and changed any time. A CP Platinum (Content Provider Platinum) account is equivalent to a Content Provider account except a CP Platinum user has a contractual number of content items that can be configured for particular situational locations with the ability to change them at any time. Content Providers are paying customers to web service  2102 . Content items may be changed frequently, and instantly become activated for automated delivery. Another embodiment will limit a Pinger to a single device, and the credentials for it can be forced to match the user logon name and password credentials. Or, the Registry options exposed as discussed below force a maximum of a single RDPS (device) in the account. 
     The dark grey highlighting of cells in the table from  FIGS. 50D to 50E  indicate options preferably presented to a WAP device. The light grey highlighting indicates options added to the WAP device options for preferably presenting to a PDA device. The cells not highlighted indicate options added to the PDA device options for preferably presenting to any full browser device. Registry Add row  5002  with a “YES” value indicates the user type can add devices under his account up to a maximum as determined by MaxDevs field  3020 . DCDB Add row  5004  with a “YES” value indicates the user type can add DCDB content items under his account up to a maximum as determined by MaxDCDB field  3022 . Different embodiments will populate fields  3020  and  3022  based on different requirements, user types, etc. 
       FIG. 50F  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form and then processing in accordance with user selectable actions of the user interface form, for example a user interface of members area  2500 . Processing starts at block  5010  and continues to block  5012  where the ACCESS_LIST (as discussed above) is set for authorized users (or authorized user types). Thereafter, block  5014  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5016  where the client device (or browser) type is determined and any defaulted fields of the user interface are set appropriately (automatically populated, defaulted, or disabled), and then block  5018  presents the user interface according to the device (or browser) type. Thereafter, a user interfaces with the user interface at block  5020  until a processing action is invoked from the page presented at block  5018 . When an action is invoked by the user, block  5022  validates any applicable user specifications and block  5024  checks the results. Note that block  5014  access control processing will not continue to block  5016  if it is determined that the user should not have access to further processing of the  FIG. 50F  flowchart, just as described for  FIGS. 45A and 45B  above. If block  5024  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  5028  invokes applicable action associated processing, and current page processing terminates at block  5026 . If block  5024  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  5030  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  5020  (e.g. pop-up). Generally,  FIG. 50F  processing occurs at the user interface after selection (e.g. mouse clicking) of selectable options  4604  through  4670  for presenting the applicable interface (i.e. page). Other embodiments of blocks  5016  and  5018  will populate dropdowns, build queries for page field population, read cookies, or access any other data evidence to initialize a page. For example, Filters options  4636  and  4638  result in setting filter data evidence that gets accessed at block  5016  for automatically populating filter display field  5040  ( FIG. 50G ) and filtering any records associated with the context of the displayed page (discussed below). 
       FIG. 50G  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the My Prefs option selected from a full browser, as the result of selecting the Users My Preferences option  4606  from a full browser device.  FIG. 50G  shows the interface for a Pinger user type with a full browser device. Descriptions generally refer to  FIG. 46B  since all options are displayed for a Site Owner user type to a full browser.  FIG. 50H  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the My Prefs option selected from a PDA browser, as the result of selecting the Users My Preferences option  4606  from a PDA device. A user interface viewing area border  5050  is a dark border around the user interface area. It should be understood that the page displayed within the viewing area bounded by border  5050  can be scrolled and interacted with depending on the device type.  FIG. 50I  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the My Prefs option selected from an arbitrary device of supported heterogeneous devices, as the result of selecting the Users My Preferences option  4606 .  FIG. 50I  is the preferred format for discussing user interfaces to heterogeneous devices. Border  5050  surrounds and identifies a user interface area regardless of the heterogeneous device type. Those skilled in the art will recognize that options  4604  through  4670  can result in a user interface with the same functionality, albeit with different appearances, sizes, formats and controls to do the same functionality. All user interface (page) descriptions hereinafter are referred to as a user interface that can be displayed to any heterogeneous device, for example as discussed in detail above. A user interface viewing area border  5050  simply shows scrollable content that is presented to a user by way of page content frame  4698 , PDA device format such as  FIG. 46D , cell phone format such as  FIG. 46E , or any other presentation format to any heterogeneous device. It is redundant showing the minor differences between similar interfaces for the same option just to describe the same functionality to heterogeneous devices. Therefore, user interface discussions hereinafter refer to a page bounded by a border  5050  which is displayed, scrolled, interfaced to, and managed as appropriate for a particular device. Border  5050  need not be labeled in the figures since it is the rectangular dark line boundary around all screenshots hereinafter. The device type (or browser type) is also assumed to have been determined for appropriate processing. This allows focusing on the key aspects of the present disclosure. User interfaces (pages) preferably include a navigation context bar  5060  for indicating to a user what context in the members area  2500  the current page is being displayed, however, such information may or may not be presented to a device (e.g. in consideration of minimizing data communications). 
       FIG. 51  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting the user interface to view or modify web service record information. For this discussion,  FIG. 51  is discussed in context for registrant/member personal account information, as the result of selecting the view account information button  5062  or modify account information button  5064 . View account information button  5062  enables every user to view their own records  2900  and  3000 . Modify account information button  5064  enables every user to modify information in their own records  2900  and  3000 . A user can delete his user account from web service  2102  with the delete account button  5058 . Button  5058  is provided for the user removing himself from the web service  2102 . This will delete the records  2900  and  3000  as well as any records  6500 ,  7000 , etc, or any other record created by the user in web service  2102 . This prevents relying on automated account deletion to remove obsolete users. 
     Processing starts at block  5102  and continues to block  5104  where the ACCESS_LIST (as discussed above) is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  5106  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5110  where record id evidence is accessed for reading the user&#39;s information. Record id data evidence is preferably passed as an argument in the form when selecting buttons  5062  or  5064 . Record id data evidence is placed as a parameter in the form processing for the button when the page  501  is built and  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing makes it available to the page as the PersonID of the user accessing the page. Block  5110  then builds a table join query to read from the People Table and Users Table using the record id data evidence, opens a DB connection, does the query, and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, if block  5112  determines no record was found (unlikely since page access was just validated for this user), then block  5108  reports the error appropriately to the user interface, and processing terminates at block  5120 . If block  5112  determines the query found the information, then block  5114  builds and presents the top portion of the page (e.g.  FIG. 52A  top portion), and initializes a read-only field switch to null (i.e. modify ok). Thereafter, block  5116  determines if  FIG. 51  was invoked for view or modify. If block  5116  determines that the information is for view, then the read-only field switch is set at block  5118  to make all fields disabled (or readonly), otherwise the field switch remains set to null (i.e. “ ” for modify ok). For example, an html field definition embedded in VBScript such as: 
     &lt;input name=“fN” type=“text” id=“fN” value=“&lt;%=pfn %&gt;” size=“20”&lt;%=dfld %&gt;/&gt; 
     references the VBScript variable dfld (disable field) which elaborates to either a null value (i.e. do not disable the field) or the string of: disabled=“disabled” (field is disabled). In this way, every html form construct that includes &lt;%=dfld %&gt; within its context can be disabled or available for edit. If block  5116  determines the information is for modify, then processing continues to block  5122  where the record interface is presented for modify ( FIG. 52B ). Block  5118  also continues to block  5122  where the record user interface is presented disabled ( FIG. 52A ). Block  5122  also presents a modify button  5298  if the fields are editable (i.e. information for modify as the result of selecting button  5064 ). Block  5122  also inserts a hidden field into the form of  FIG. 52B  so processing has record id data evidence (PersonID  2902 / 3002 ) of what gets modified. Thereafter, the user interfaces to block  5124  until the Modify button  5298  is invoked. If  FIG. 52A  is displayed for viewing, then block  5124  never exits to block  5126 . The user has to use the browser back key, select a different selectable option  4604  through  4670 , close the window, or perform another user interface action that may be available for the particular heterogeneous device. If  FIG. 52B  is displayed for modifying, then block  5124  continues to block  5126  when the Modify button  5298  is invoked upon interfacing to  FIG. 52B . Block  5126  validates  FIG. 52B  form fields according to requirements of the record types  2900  and  3000 . Thereafter, block  5128  determines if all fields are valid for processing, and if they are, then block  5132  provides a warning pop-up to ensure user information should be modified, for example as depicted in  FIG. 52C . Thereafter, if block  5134  determines the information should be modified (acted on by user with confirm), then block  5136  invokes modify record processing ( FIG. 53  processing), and block  5120  terminates processing for the current page. If block  5134  determines information should not be modified (user cancels), then processing continues back to block  5124 . If block  5128  determines that not all fields are valid for processing, then block  5130  provides an error in such a way that user interface specification can continue back at block  5124 . Fields of  FIGS. 52A and 52B  are easily associated to record fields  2900  and  3000 . 
       FIG. 53  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of processing for modifying web service record information. For this discussion,  FIG. 53  is discussed in context of modification processing of user account information. Processing starts at block  5302  and continues to block  5304  where the ACCESS_LIST (as discussed above) is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  5306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5308  where the form fields for the record information are validated according to record type (i.e. person record=People and Users Tables records=records  2900  and  3000 ), and then results are checked at block  5310 . If any field is found invalid for processing at block  5310 , then block  5324  reports the error appropriately to the user interface, and processing terminates at block  5326 . If all fields are found to be valid at block  5310 , then block  5312  builds update commands for the People Table and Users Table using fields from the form where the PersonID equals the record id data evidence passed for processing. Thereafter, block  5314  opens a DB connection, block  5316  does the updates, and block  5318  closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  5320  sends an alert email to an Administrator account if a Notify flag is enabled to document this type of database update, block  5322  builds and serves back a success interface (e.g.  FIG. 54A ) to the user, and processing terminates at block  5326 . Users can change their LogonName field  3004  and/or password field  3006 . A uniqueness key or constraint on LogonName field  3004  prevents more than one user from using the same LogonName. Obvious error processing not shown in flowcharts would report the error as a unique key error (logon name already in use), and the user could then try another LogonName. 
     If the user modifies his email address, a re-verification should be performed to ensure the email address is valid for the user. Email address data evidence is preferably placed as a hidden field in the form of  FIG. 52B  to compare with any user update of the email entry field in the form after submission. Block  5308  will detect the difference before continuing to block  5310 . Assuming all form fields are valid, then block  5310  will continue to a block  5311  for checking for and responding to a difference. If there is a difference, then block  5311  sends a randomly generated confirmation code to the new email address, presents  FIG. 32A , and waits for a user response to  FIG. 32A  (verification processing was described above). If the user fails to enter the correct confirmation code at block  5311  user interface processing within a reasonable number of attempts, then user account modification processing continues to block  5324  for handling the error. If the user enters the correct confirmation code at block  5311  user interface processing, then processing continues to block  5312  for doing the updates. A uniqueness key or constraint on the Email field prevents more than one user from using the same Email address. Obvious error processing not shown in flowcharts would report the error as a unique key error (email address already in use), and the user could then try another Email address (an unlikely error). Another embodiment will simply make the email address disabled/read-only for user account modifications, in which case an account would have to be deleted and re-created through registration with a new email address. 
       FIG. 54A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for successful completion of modifying web service record information, for example the record information modified as discussed in  FIG. 53 .  FIG. 54B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing web service user account information.  FIG. 54B  is arrived to by way of invoking button  5062 . Note that  FIG. 52A  demonstrates the user&#39;s information before it is modified,  FIG. 52B  demonstrates the user&#39;s information has been edited just prior to submitting it with modify button  5298 , and  FIG. 54B  demonstrates a view of the user&#39;s information after it has been modified. Every user to members area  2500  can maintain their registrant information through the My GPS component  2502  with buttons  5062  and  5064  via the Users My Preferences option  4606 . The My GPS component  2502  is the main interface to members area  2500  for each user, and it includes the set of options available to all users regardless of user type. 
     Button  5058  invokes  FIGS. 60A and 60B  processing for a single record id data evidence (PersonID field  2902 / 3002  of user) to be deleted, preferably after the user responds affirmatively to a prompt (e.g.  FIG. 59C ) produced by client side processing for  FIGS. 50G through 50I .  FIGS. 60A and 60B  can enforce attack prevention at block  6048  to ensure nobody except a Site Owner deletes other user records (e.g. using UserType field  2980  and PersonID  2902 / 3002  from  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control with RecordID  2902 / 3002  passed for deletion). See  FIGS. 60A and 60B  discussions below. 
     Users Management 
     A Site Owner user type can manage user information of other users of the members area  2500  through Users Management component  2512 . Users management component  2512  comprises the selectable Users Management option  4610  under Users options category header  4604 . In another preferred embodiment, there is no option  4610  for a human to manage user account records. The fully automated web service  2102  does not need such an option. Users Management option  4610  is provided for enabling a human to change information in other person records, for example, UserType field  2980 , fields  3004 ,  3006 ,  3008 ,  3020 ,  3022 , or any other fields of any record in the People and Users tables (records  2900  and  3000 ). An SQL administrator could use a query manager (e.g. SQL Server Enterprise manager) to directly manage any records in the SQL database, but that may be inconvenient. So, a convenient scalable web interface is provided to web service  2102  for managing user records from anywhere in the world over the internet by way of https over an encrypted Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) connection. An SSL connection is the preferred method for accessing members area  2500 . 
       FIG. 55  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of processing for managing records of the web service. For this discussion, user information records are discussed as being managed, for example upon clicking Users Manage option  4610 . Processing starts at block  5502  and continues to block  5504  where the ACCESS_LIST (as discussed above) is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  5506  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5508  where the search form interface is built and presented to the user, for example the search interface of  FIG. 56A . Thereafter, a user interfaces with the search interface at block  5510  until a search action is requested, for example by search button  5602 . When the search action is requested by the user, block  5514  validates any applicable user specifications and block  5516  checks the results. If block  5514  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  5520  invokes search processing of  FIG. 57 , and current page processing terminates at block  5518 . If block  5516  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  5522  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  5510  (e.g. pop-up). Any pending Filters Management component settings made by the user further filter records found by the search interface. 
       FIG. 56A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for searching for web service user registrant/member account records. By default,  FIG. 56A  finds all records in the database including as described by active filters from Filters Management component  2506 . As soon as data is entered to a field of the  FIG. 56A  search form, or selects a value other than “Any”, the search result is narrowed accordingly. Search fields of  FIG. 56A  are easily identifiable to records  2900  and  3000 . All fields of records  2900  and  3000  may be searchable, or any subset thereof, in other embodiments. Defaulted fields  5604  and  5606  may be disabled by block  5508  as the result of first querying the total count of user records in the database, and determining that there are less than a website installed search minimum (e.g. 10). This limits the search criteria options since there are so few records that a search almost doesn&#39;t make sense. Any subset of fields can be defaulted this way, or all of the fields can be defaulted this way, based on a configured threshold of total records where a search indeed makes sense. If there were more than the website installed minimum for searching, then defaulted fields  5604  and  5606  would be available to the user for specification. Any field can be defaulted with a value for search and saved as data evidence for defaulting field(s) the next time the user is in the same interface at a future time. In this way, the user specifies search criteria, and that specification always defaults the interface according to the user&#39;s last specification for each field in the search interface. 
       FIG. 56B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of the Work Industry selection dropdown options for searching for web service user registrant/member account records. A selection from the dropdown may have had a corresponding “Industry Specialty” dropdown of selections to make at the time of member registration. These were all provided to registrants, for example in  FIGS. 27B through 27D . 
       FIG. 56C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of Order By selection dropdown options for searching for web service user registrant/member account records. Order by specification  5620  sorts search results by preferred fields, and adds the fields to the search results if they are not already part of a standard set of fields shown in the results list. 
       FIG. 56D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for searching for web service user registrant/member account records after some user specification for doing a search. Order by specification field  5620  specifies to return all search results sorted by their last name. Order by specification  5622  specifies to then return user records sorted by zip code within the last name results. Work industry specification  5624  indicates to only return records in the Real Estate industry (e.g. as entered to  FIGS. 27B through 27D ), and country specification  5626  limits search results to those registrants of the United States (e.g. as entered to  FIGS. 27B through 27D ). Order by specifications preferably include selecting any field from records  2900  and  3000  for sorting results, and for display of fields not provided in search results for standard list display. 
       FIGS. 57A ,  57 B, and  58  depict flowcharts for a preferred embodiment of search processing of records of the web service. For this discussion, user information search criteria (e.g. from  FIG. 56D ) is discussed as being processed, for example upon clicking search button  5602 . Processing starts at block  5702  and continues to block  5704  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  5706  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5708 . Block  5708  builds the top of the page to return to the user, validates all fields specified in the search criteria interface (e.g.  FIG. 56D ) according to the record type (i.e. records  2900  and  3000 ), and processing continues to block  5710 . If all fields specified in the search criteria interface are valid, then processing continues to block  5712 . If there is at least one invalid field specified, then block  5746  reports the error appropriately to the user interface, and processing terminates at block  5756 . 
     Block  5712  sets a variable ROWSPERPG to rows per page data evidence as configured by records per page field  5086  of  FIG. 50 . A defaulted number is used if the data evidence is not found. Then, block  5714  checks to see how this page processing was arrived to, for example, by pagination or directly from the search criteria interface. If block  5714  determines the processing page was arrived to directly as the result of invoking the search button  5602 , then block  5718  accesses page filter data evidence for appending to a SQL Select WHERE clause. Thereafter, block  5720  builds any SQL ORDER BY clause if order by specifications were made, appends SQL WHERE clause criteria based on search criteria interface field specifications, appends any Filters management data evidence found to the SQL WHERE clause, and constructs a SQL query string suffix comprised of a completed WHERE clause and ORDER BY clause. If the user accessing the page (as determined by access control) is a Delegate, then the WHERE clause is also clarified with: RowType=‘D’ to make sure no real users are seen by Delegates. Delegates can only view demo user data for privacy reasons. WHERE clause conditions will use “LIKE” or “=” depending on the field type being searched. Thereafter, block  5722  completes building the SQL SELECT statement with the SQL query string suffix appended for all records  2900  joined to  3000  on PersonID. List output variable ROWSTART is initialized to 1 and list output variable ROWLAST is set to ROWSPERPG. These variables enable proper pagination between pages of results, and are maintained as list pagination data evidence. Thereafter, block  5724  opens a DB connection, opens an active cursor using the SQL SELECT statement and determines the number of resulting rows produced by the query which is kept in a variable TOTALROWS. Thereafter, if block  5726  determines there are no resulting rows, then block  5728  reports the condition of no results to the user interface, closes an open DB connection, and processing terminates at block  5756 . 
     If block  5726  determines there is at least one row in the results (i.e. TOTALROWS&gt;=1), then block  5730  saves the SQL SELECT query as query data evidence, rows are fetched up to the variable ROWSTART, the list output header is built (e.g.  5902 ), an ORDER BY column  5904  is added to the results if not already presented in the standard list output, and a variable ROWSOUT is set to 0. Name information is already put out in the standard result list form, so only the zip code column had to be added to the results ( FIG. 59A ), assuming the search criteria example of  FIG. 56D . Thereafter, if block  5732  determines ROWSOUT&gt;=ROWSPERPG, then no additional rows are iterated out from query results in which case block  5738  builds management controls  5906  through  5910 . and pagination information  5912  is output. Thereafter, if block  5740  determines TOTALROWS&gt;ROWSOUT, then processing continues to block  5748 , otherwise processing continues to block  5742  where a DB connection is closed and onto block  5802  of  FIG. 58  by way off page connector  58000 . 
     If block  5748  determines ROWSTART=1, then processing continues to block  5752 , otherwise block  5750  builds the user interface page with pagination control for first page pagination control  5922  ( FIG. 59B ) and previous page pagination control  5924  ( FIG. 59B ). Thereafter, processing continues to block  5752 . If block  5752  determines that ROWLAST&gt;=TOTALROWS then processing continues to block  5802  by way of off page connector  58000 , otherwise block  5754  builds the user interface page with pagination control for last page pagination control  5928  ( FIG. 59B ) and next page pagination control  5926  ( FIGS. 59A and 59B ). Thereafter, processing continues to block  5802 . 
     If block  5732  determines ROWSOUT were not greater than or equal to ROWSPERPG, then block  5734  checks if all rows have been fetched for output processing. If block  5734  determines all rows have been fetched (processed), then processing continues to block  5738  already described. If block  5734  determines all rows have not been fetched (processed), then block  5736  manufactures a checkbox (e.g. checkbox  5914 ) for a row, associates record id data evidence (i.e. PersonID), for example in a hidden field associated with the checkbox, builds the row output (e.g. a row  5916 ) for presenting all fields of the list header  5902 , increments the ROWSOUT variable by 1, then fetches the next row using the open cursor. Thereafter, processing continues back to block  5732 . Blocks  5732  through  5736  comprise a loop for output of rows satisfying search criteria. Processing continuing to block  5802  by way of off page connector  58000  also preferably builds and presents a “Back to Top” link at the page bottom in case the user has to scroll lots of information as dictated by ROWSPERPG. 
     If block  5714  determines the search processing page was arrived to by pagination (e.g. controls  5922  through  5928 ), then block  5716  accesses the query data evidence, accesses the list pagination data evidence (ROWSTART and ROWLAST), then continues to block  5724  for issuing the query and performing subsequent processing. 
     The user interfaces with search results at block  5802  until an action is selected.  FIGS. 59A and 59B  are examples of the search results interface upon the start of block  5802 . When an action is selected, block  5806  checks if it was pagination to go to the first results page, for example clicking control  5922 . If block  5806  determines pagination to go to first page was selected (e.g. by way of control  5922 ), then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for first page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5806  determines the action was not for go to first page, then processing continues to block  5808 . If block  5808  determines pagination to go to the previous page was selected (e.g. by way of control  5924 ), then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for previous page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5808  determines the action was not for go to previous page, then processing continues to block  5810 . If block  5810  determines pagination to go to the next page was selected (e.g. by way of control  5926 ), then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for next page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5810  determines the action was not for go to next page, then processing continues to block  5812 . If block  5812  determines pagination to go to the last page was selected (e.g. by way of control  5928 ), then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for last page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5812  determines the action was not for go to last page, then processing continues to block  5814 . If block  5814  determines a delete, view, or change action was invoked, then processing continues to block  5828 , otherwise block  5824  handles the action appropriately and processing continues back to block  5802 . Block  5824  handles actions associated with the interface depending on the device type that are not necessarily relevant for understanding this disclosure. 
     Block  5828  determines how many rows are marked with a checkmark by the user and block  5830  validates it. If block  5832  determines no checkmarks are present, then block  5820  provides an error for report to the user so user specification can continue back at block  5802 . If block  5830  determines at least one row has been checked, then block  5832  checks the action type. If block  5832  determines that delete was invoked by the user (e.g. delete management control  5910  selected), then block  5836  provides a confirmation message and block  5838  determines the user&#39;s answer to the “Are you sure?” confirmation (e.g. pop-up of  FIG. 59C ). If block  5838  determines the user confirmed the delete, then the confirmation is cleared at block  5840 , list management data evidence is set for delete at block  5842 , block  5826  invokes list processing of  FIG. 60 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5838  determines the user cancelled the delete, then the confirmation is cleared at block  5822 , and the user continues to interact with the search results at block  5802 . If block  5832  determines that delete was not selected, then list management data evidence is set for view (i.e. view management control  5906  selected) or modify (i.e. change management control  5908  selected) per user action, block  5826  invokes list processing of  FIG. 60 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . Thus,  FIGS. 57A through 58  provide search result list processing of registrant records for being conveniently viewed, modified, or viewed. 
       FIG. 59A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service user registrant/member account records after a user search specification.  FIG. 59A  is in fact a real output from the search criteria as specified in  FIG. 56D . Note the names are sorted on last name and the ROWSPERPG is set at 5.  FIG. 59B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for paginated results from searching the web service user registrant/member account records after a user search specification. The Site Owner user has invoked pagination control  5926  from  FIG. 59A  to get to  FIG. 59B .  FIG. 59C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a warning prompt for deleting one or more marked records. Other embodiments may present a different confirmation appearance or method. 
       FIG. 60A and 60B  depict a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of search result list processing of records of the web service. For this discussion,  FIGS. 60A and 60B  was invoked at block  5826 . Processing starts at block  6002  and continues to block  6004  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6006  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6008 . If block  6008  determines the user is a Delegate (from access control processing), then block  6010  forces list management data evidence to view since Delegate access is read only to the members area. Processing then continues to block  6012 . If block  6008  determines the user is not a Delegate, then processing continues to block  6012 . 
     Block  6012  iterates through the form checkboxes (from  FIGS. 59A ,  59 B) to build an array of record ids (i.e. PersonIDs) from record id data evidence associated with rows that are check-marked for action. Additionally built is a WHERE clause string of the same check-marked record id evidence (i.e. PersonIDs) so an action can be done in a single SQL query to multiple records (e.g. records  2900  and  3000  joined on PersonID). Thereafter, block  6014  checks if at least one check-marked checkbox (e.g.  5914 ) was found. If none were check-marked, then block  6018  reports an appropriate error to the user, block  6046  closes any DB connection that is open (none open yet), and current page processing terminates at block  6032 . If block  6014  determines at least one checkmark is found, then block  6016  checks list management data evidence. If block  6016  determines list management data evidence indicates a delete action, then an SQL Delete command is built at block  6048  for the People Table with the WHERE clause of record ids built at block  6012 . The corresponding User Table record(s) will cascade delete. Block  6048  also opens a DB connection, does the People Table delete, closes the DB connection, sends an email to an Administrator account if a Notify flag indicates to document this type of transaction, and a success interface is returned to the user. Processing then continues to block  6046  for closing any DB connection that is still open, and current page processing terminates at block  6032 . Block  6048  will also delete any records and data of server data  2104  that has been created by the user account(s) being deleted by block  6048  which are not set up for cascade delete. Such records should be deleted prior to finally deleting the record  2900  which cascade deletes other records. 
     If block  6016  determines the list management data evidence does not indicate a delete action, then block  6020  accesses pending query data evidence, concatenates WHERE clause information of record ids (PersonIDs) built at block  6012  so only the check-marked rows are fetched, opens a DB connection, does the query, and fetches the first row. Thereafter, block  6022  checks if even a first row was fetched. If block  6022  determines no first row was fetched (no rows result from query), then block  6018  handles reporting the error to the user and processing continues from there as described above. If block  6022  determines a first row was fetched, then block  6024  builds the top portion of the page to return to the user. Thereafter, if block  6026  determines the list management data evidence is for view, then block  6028  sets the disabled/read-only switch (dfld variable as discussed above) for read-only and processing continues to block  6030 . If block  6026  determines the list management data evidence is not for view, then processing continues to block  6030  (where the dfld variable is null for modify capability). 
     If block  6030  determines there is only 1 row returned from the query at block  6022 , then block  6034  builds and presents a record interface, presenting a Modify button only if the list management data evidence indicate a modify action (e.g. control  5908 ). Block  6034  also associates record id data evidence (PersonID) of the information presented, preferably as a hidden form field. Block  6034  presents  FIG. 61A  and  FIG. 61B  (scrolled forward) if the list management data evidence was for view of a single row check-marked, such as with a checkmark at checkbox  5952 . Block  6034  presents  FIG. 61C  and  FIG. 61D  (scrolled forward) if the list management data evidence was for modify of a single row check-marked, such as with a checkmark at checkbox  5952 . Thereafter, the user interfaces to any of  FIGS. 61A through 61D  at block  6036  until a Modify action is invoked, for example clicking button  6150 . If a view interface is presented ( FIGS. 61A ,  61 B), then no Modify button can be pressed. The user can use the Back key, click the first page link  6102  to return to the first page of records ( FIG. 59A ), close the window, or do whatever makes sense at the device. If the Modify button  6150  is pressed, then block  6038  validates form fields according the record type (i.e. records  2900  and  3000 ), and processing continues to block  6040 . If block  6040  determines at least one field is invalid, then block  6042  reports the error to the user so field specification can continue back at block  6036  (e.g. pop-up). If block  6040  determines all fields are valid, then block  6044  invokes modify record processing of  FIG. 53 , block  6046  closes any open DB connection, and current page processing terminates at block  6032 . 
     If block  6030  determines there is more than 1 row returned by the query at block  6020 , then block  6050  checks the list management data evidence for the action requested.  FIG. 61E  shows the user has selected (i.e. check-marked) multiple rows prior to invoking a control  5906  through  5910 . If block  6050  determines the list management data evidence is not modify, then processing continues to block  6064 . If block  6064  determines the list management data evidence is not for view, then block processing continues to block  6018  since list management data evidence is invalid. If block  6064  determines the list management data evidence is for view, then block  6066  builds the output page topmost portion, and block  6068  builds a record output from the last record fetched. Thereafter, if block  6070  determines the last row was fetched for output, then block  6074  completes page output and processing continues to block  6046 . If block  6070  determines there is another row to output, then block  6072  fetches the next row and processing loops back to block  6068 . Blocks  6066  through  6074  include a processing loop for presenting a view of multiple records such as  FIGS. 61F through 61G .  FIGS. 61F and 61G  are actual view outputs from processing upon invoking view management control  5906  on  FIG. 61E . 
     If block  6050  determines the list management data evidence is for modify, then block  6052  builds a Modify List user interface, iterates through fetches of query results from block  6020 , and establishes record id array data evidence (e.g. PersonIDs) for records returned, preferably as hidden form fields in  FIGS. 61H and 61I .  FIGS. 61H and 61I  actually result from invoking modify management control  5908  from  FIG. 61E . Data from the first record in the query results is conveniently defaulted in fields (e.g. record  6168 ). A preferred embodiment will save which row was check-marked first from list output (e.g.  FIG. 61E ) as first check data evidence so that the first checkmark determines which data is used to default the modify list interface (e.g.  FIGS. 61H and 61I ). Note checkmark column  6170  is included for the user selecting which fields with checkmarks to update in the plurality of records resulting from the query at block  6020 . Thereafter, the user interfaces to  FIGS. 61H and 61I  at block  6054  until Modify button  6172  is invoked. When modify is invoked, processing continues to block  6056  where fields are validated from  FIGS. 61H and 61I , and block  6058  checks validation results. If block  6058  determines all fields are valid (i.e. syntax, at least one checkmark, checkmark corresponds to non-null field, etc), then block  6062  invokes Modify List processing of  FIG. 62 , and processing continues to block  6046 . If not all fields are valid as determined at block  6058 , then an error is reported at block  6060  to the user so field specification can continue back at block  6054  (e.g. pop-up). 
       FIGS. 61A and 61B  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for viewing user account information of a selected user record, for example when placing a single checkmark at checkbox  5952  and invoking control  5906 .  FIGS. 61C and 61D  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for modifying user account information of a selected user record, for example when placing a single checkmark at checkbox  5952  and invoking control  5908 .  FIG. 61E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service user registrant/member account records after a user search specification, and then user selecting records to manage with checkmarks placed next to a plurality of desired records for management.  FIGS. 61F and 61G  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for viewing a plurality of selected user account records, for example in accordance with those records that were check-marked in  FIG. 61E  and then invoking control  5906 .  FIGS. 61H and 61I  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for modifying a plurality of selected user account records, for example in accordance with those records that were check-marked in  FIG. 61E  and then invoking control  5908 . 
       FIG. 62  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to modify a plurality of records of the web service. For this discussion,  FIG. 62  was invoked at block  6062 . Processing starts at block  6202  and continues to block  6204  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6206  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6208 . Block  6208  validates form fields (e.g. from  FIGS. 61H and 61I ), and then block  6210  checks validation results. If at least one field is invalid, then block  6226  appropriately reports the error to the user, and processing terminates at block  6228 . If all fields are valid, then block  6210  continues to block  6212 . Block  6212  builds a WHERE clause string from record id array data evidence (e.g. from hidden form field), builds an update command for the People Table with any fields specified and check-marked in  FIGS. 61H and 61I , builds an update command for the Users Table with any fields specified and check-marked in  FIGS. 61H and 61I , and concatenates the WHERE clause string of record ids (PersonIDs) constructed at block  6212  to the update command(s). Thereafter, block  6216  opens a DB connection, block  6218  does the update command(s), block  6220  closes the DB connection, block  6222  send an email to an administrator account if a Notify flag indicates to document this type of transaction, block  6224  builds and serves back a successful result interface, and processing terminates at block  6228 . So, a plurality of users are modified all at once as check-marked, for example on  FIG. 61E  and modified at  FIGS. 61H and 61I . 
     Registry Management 
     The Devices 
     An Administrator and Site Owner user type can manage and add devices to members area  2500  through the Registry Management component  2504 . Registry Management component  2504  comprises the selectable Registry Manage option  4642  and Registry Add option  4644  under Registry options category header  4640 . Registry Management component  2504  also provides a Registry Import/Export option  4646  to a Site Owner user type (read only access for Delegate) for scripting management of devices. Scripts maintained can insert large numbers of devices, update large numbers of devices, delete large numbers of devices, or do any management to devices as discussed herein, except automated with scripting. It may be inconvenient requiring a user to use a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to maintain large numbers of devices, therefore full scripting capability is provided for managing records  6500  in the Registry Table. No administrator or user (except a Site Owner) can see or manage another administrator&#39;s devices, unless an “Affinity Delegate” privilege (discussed below) has been granted to that user. A Pinger is also an administrator, but on a smaller scale. Each Pinger user type can add up to a small maximum number (1 or 3) of devices, and then manage them. 
       FIG. 63  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form in the members area and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing. For this discussion,  FIG. 63  is invoked for adding a record  6500  to a Registry Table ( FIG. 65  records) upon invoking Registry Add option  4644 . Processing starts at block  6302  and continues to block  6304  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6308 . Block  6308  builds and presents  FIG. 66A  for adding a Registry record, and then a user interfaces with  FIG. 66A  at block  6310  until the Add button  6602  action is invoked. When an add action is invoked by the user, block  6312  validates user field specifications to  FIG. 66A , and block  6314  checks the results. If block  6314  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  6318  invokes  FIG. 64  processing for adding the record  6500 , and current page processing terminates at block  6316 . If block  6314  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  6320  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  6310  (e.g. pop-up). 
       FIG. 64  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the submittal to add a Registry Table record to the web service.  FIG. 64  is invoked at block  6318  per discussion above for adding a record  6500  to the Registry Table ( FIG. 65  records). Processing starts at block  6402  and continues to block  6416  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6418  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6404 . Block  6404  validates user field specifications to  FIG. 66A , and block  6406  checks the results. If block  6406  determines all fields are valid, then block  6426  queries the number of devices this user currently has in the Registry Table (SELECT(Count) from Registry Table query built where Owner field  6522  equals the PersonID passed from  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing). Thereafter, if block  6428  determines the count returned at block  6424  equals or exceeds the MaxDevs field  3020  for this user as passed from  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing, then block  6420  reports the error to the user in an appropriate manner and processing terminates at block  6414 . If block  6428  determines the user (doing the add) has not exceeded his allowed maximum of devices, then block  6408  builds a Registry Table insert command from  FIG. 66A  specifications, opens a DB connection, does the insert, and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  6410  sends an email to an administrator account if a Notify flag is set to document this type of transaction, and block  6412  sets default Master and Archive templates for Delivery Manager processing using the unique RegistryID auto-generated at block  6408  on the SQL insert (e.g. SELECT @@Identity AS NewID). Thereafter, block  6422  determines if an error occurred creating the device Master or Archive. If block  6422  determines an error occurred in creating the Master and/or Archive for this newly created device, then processing continues to block  6420 . If block  6422  determines, everything created successfully, then block  6424  provides the user with a successful add acknowledgement interface such as  FIG. 66B , and processing terminates at block  6414 . 
     In one embodiment, the device Master and Archive is an html file created as a unique web service file path constructed with RegistryID. In another embodiment, the device Master and Archive is an html file created as a row in an SQL database for easy query. The device Master and Archive are discussed in detail with Delivery Manager component  2510  descriptions below. 
       FIG. 65  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Registry Table used to maintain heterogeneous devices participating with the web service  2102 . RegistryID  6502  is preferably a unique primary key automatically generated by the underlying SQL database system to ensure uniqueness when inserting a record  6500  to the Registry Table. Deviceid field  6504  is a device logon name and the PW field  6506  is the device logon password. Fields  6504  and  6506  are used to logon to the Delivery Manager component  2510 . In a preferred embodiment, these are maintained separately from LogonName field  3004  and PW field  3006 , as shown by  FIGS. 66A ,  66 E, and  66 F. In another embodiment, fields  6504  and  6506  are populated with equivalent values from fields  3004  and  3006 , respectively, for one to one correspondence between a registrant&#39;s account and a device he can manage. In yet another embodiment, fields  6504  and  6506  are not included in record  6500  in which case fields  3004  and  3006  are used from the User Table record  3000  containing a PersonID equivalent to the Owner field  6522 . User interfaces are appropriately adjusted depending on the embodiment in use. The Descr field  6508  contains an optional user specified description of the device record  6500 . IPAddr field  6510  contains an ip address of the device of record  6500 . Type field  6512  contains the type of device, for example a certain type of cell phone, PDA, or equipment type so device interface processing can best adapt to the device through the Delivery Manager component  2510 . Track field  6514  is a Yes/No flag for whether or not to track the device whereabouts. Interests field  6516  contains user interests associated with the device for content to be included for delivery. This is preferably a string of words or phrases separated by commas (e.g. “basketball,estate sale,a great deal,cheap gas,baseball”=an interest in “basketball”, “estate sale”, “a great deal”, “cheap gas”, “baseball”). Filters field  6518  contains user filter criteria associated with the device for content to omit from delivery. They are configured identically to Interests except they are strings to cause associated deliverable content to not be delivered. MoveTol field  6520  contains a movement tolerance of the device, for example to define how much the device should physically move before a request to find content can be automatically made for the device. That way a device that never moves only has a single request made for its situational location. MoveTol field  6520  is an optional field in certain embodiments. Owner field  6522  contains the PersonID of the People/Users Tables that created (added) the record  6500 . A unique key is preferably defined on Deviceid field  6504  to ensure unique device names. Insertion without a unique name should cause an insert error. AssocUsers field  6524  contains a unique joinable column id to a table containing potentially a plurality of users who have an “Affinity Delegate” privilege assigned to also manage the device as though they owned it. Compress field  6526  is a Yes/No flag for whether or not to compress deliverable content before sending it to the device by the device&#39;s situational location. IndicOnly field  6528  is a Yes/No flag for whether or not to always send an indicator for content rather than the content itself, perhaps to prevent large communications of data to the device by its situational location. BrowseRcpt field  6530  is a Yes/No flag for whether or not to deliver content to the device in an active Delivery Manager connected browser window. SMSRcpt field  6532  is a Yes/No flag for whether or not to deliver situational location derived content in an SMS message. SMSAddr field  6534  contains an SMS recipient address (e.g. 2144034071@messaging.nextel.com) for SMS message delivery of situational location derived content, for example to the device. EmailRcpt field  6536  is a Yes/No flag for whether or not to deliver situational location derived content in an email message. EmailAddr field  6538  contains an email recipient address (e.g. williamjj@yahoo.com) for email message delivery of situational location derived content, for example to the device. IntRadius field  6540  contains a mobile interest radius (also referred to as interest radius, moving interest radius, and traveling interest radius) surrounding the mobile device of record  6500  during mobility, which is the eligible target for situational location derived content. IntRadius field  6540  can be maintained in any units but preferably is maintained in feet, however, it can be derived from any units in a user interface. The mobile interest radius is a distance from a current device location which defines a circle (in a two dimensional embodiment (e.g. earth&#39;s surface)) around the device (device at circle middle) as a target area for receiving content to the device. In a three dimensional embodiment, the mobile interest radius is a distance from a current device location which defines a sphere in space around the device (device at sphere middle) as a target region in space for receiving content to the device. A mobile interest radius is moving as the device moves, so is in effect a moving target for deliverable content. SrchMethod field  6542  defines a preferred search method for the device when finding situational location content for the device. Search Methods include, and are not limited to:
     Const PRECISE_EXACTMATCH=1 ‘Seconds (S) from client is used for exact match.   Const PRECISE_ROUNDnMATCH=2 ‘Seconds (S) from client are rounded to an integer, then used to match exactly.   Const PRECISE_ROUNDw1D=3 ‘S from client are rounded to a # with one decimal place, then used to match exactly.   Const PRECISE_HALFSECOND=4 ‘S+/−0.5 second range.   Const PRECISE_FULLSECOND=5 ‘S+/−1 second range.   Const PRECISE_SP25toP75=6 ‘X.25&lt;S&lt;X.75 uses X; X.0&lt;=S&lt;=X.25: (X−1) &amp;X; X.75&lt;=S&lt;=X+1:X&amp;(X+1).   Const PRECISE_SM1toSP1=7 ‘S=X.aaa . . . : (X−1) to (X+1) range.   Const PRECISE_BYUSER=−N ‘Negative indicates an interest radius in feet
 
Verbose field  6544  if a Yes/No flag for whether or not to send a verbose version of situational location content, for example including location parameters of where the content was configured for, the time of sending, and other extra attribute information with the situational location derived content. DTCreated field  6546  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  6500  was created in (added to) the Registry Table. DTLastChg field  6548  contains a date/time stamp of when any field in the record  6500  was last modified. ActiveDev field  6550  is a Yes/No flag for whether or not the record  6500  is active to the web service  2102 . Inactive treats the record as though it does not exist in the table, except for the owner of the record to manage it. CIP field  6552  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that created the applicable data record  6500 . The CHIP field  6554  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  6500 . CHName field  6556  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  6500 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. ChgrIP field  6558  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that last modified the applicable data record  6500 . The ChgrHIP field  6560  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  6500 . ChgrHName field  6562  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  6500 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. RRsrvd1 field  6564  and RRsrvd2 field  6566  are reserved fields for future use.
   

       FIG. 66A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for adding a Registry record to the web service  2102 , for example by invoking Registry Add option  4644 . Fields specified are mapped to the record  6500 . Field labels are easily identifiable to corresponding record  6500  fields. Default Interest Radius specification  6640  is shown as a disabled system defaulted amount. This can be a system wide setting default easily changed in a site configuration file, or may be selectable in feet, meters, yards, miles, kilometers, or any other distance units. The amount of units permitted will depend on the units selected. Upon record add, the units are preferably converted to feet as the universal format for maintaining this specification  6640  to IntRadius field  6540 . The interest radius (also referred to as mobile interest radius, moving interest radius, and traveling interest radius) can later be specified at any time by the user when interfacing to the Delivery Manager  2510 , so it makes sense to force a system default value for simply adding the record. Default Search Method specification  6642  may be a system wide setting default easily changed in a site configuration file (e.g. shown as disabled in  FIG. 66A ), or may be selectable in accordance with settings as described above for SrchMethod field  6542 . The search method can be specified at any time by the user when interfacing to the Delivery Manager  2510 , so that it makes sense to force a system default value for simply adding the record. The SMS Address specification  6634  sets the value for field  6534 . The Email address specification  6638  sets the value for field  6538 . Associated User(s) specification  6624  corresponds to field  6524  and is automatically populated with all users that the owner of the device being added has provided an “Affinity Delegate” privilege to. The “Affinity Delegate” privilege allows another user to manage the device as if they owned (created) it. If no affinity relationship has been provided to other users, then the dropdown is disabled as shown with text of “None Configured to Associate”. Dropdown  6624  gets populated at block  6308  after affinity relationships are determined (discussed below). Various record  6500  embodiments may not need field  6524  since “Affinity Delegate” privilege assignments can be determined as needed. Fields  6502 ,  6546 ,  6548 , and  6552  through  6562  are set automatically by add processing such as  FIG. 64  (e.g. block  6408  insert command build). 
       FIG. 66B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for successful completion of having added a Registry record  6500  to the web service.  FIGS. 66A through 67C  are analogous in processing the devices of the Registry Table as described by  FIGS. 55 through 62  for processing users in the People/Users Table, in consideration of how records are managed (i.e. searched, viewed, modified, deleted, listed, paginated, etc). The flowcharts among  FIGS. 55 through 62  shall be described below in context for Registry Table records  6500 . 
     Other embodiments will provide a “dummy-proof” user interface for adding a record  6500  to web service  2102  for the device registration. A wizard or minimal user interaction interface can be used. In one preferred embodiment, a record  6500  is created at the time of creating records  2900  and  3000  for the user account, thereby eliminating user hassle in creating a separate device record. In another embodiment, record  6500  fields are provided as part of the user account record(s)  2900  and/or  3000  for associating a device with the account at the time of creating the account. There are various embodiments which can facilitate registration of devices in web service  2102  without departing from the essence of functionality provided by the record fields. 
       FIG. 55  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of processing for managing records of the web service. For this discussion, device information records  6500  are discussed as being managed, for example upon clicking Registry Manage option  4642 . Records  6500  are searched and processed analogously to records  2900 / 3000  as discussed above, and discussion above for records  2900 / 3000  is relevant in the context of records  6500 . Processing starts at block  5502  and continues to block  5504  where the ACCESS_LIST (as discussed above) is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  5506  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5508  where the search form interface is built and presented to the user, for example the search interface of  FIG. 66C . Thereafter, a user interfaces with the search interface at block  5510  until a search action is requested, for example by search button  6698 . When the search action is requested by the user, block  5514  validates any applicable user specifications and block  5516  checks the results. If block  5514  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  5520  invokes search processing of  FIG. 57 , and current page processing terminates at block  5518 . If block  5516  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  5522  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  5510  (e.g. pop-up). Any pending Filters Management component settings made by the user further filter records found by the search interface. 
       FIG. 66C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for searching for web service Registry records with a search criteria. By default,  FIG. 66C  finds all records in the database including as described by active filters from Filters Management component  2506 . As soon as data is entered to a field of the  FIG. 66C  search form, or selects a value other than “Any”, the search result is narrowed accordingly. Search fields of  FIG. 66C  are easily identifiable to records  6500 . All fields of record  6500  may be searchable, or any subset thereof, in alternative embodiments. Defaulted Date/Time Range specifications  6676  and  6678  may be disabled by block  5508  as the result of first querying the total count of records  6500  in the database for this user (or user type), and determining that there are less than a website installed search minimum. This limits the search criteria options since there are so few records that a search almost doesn&#39;t make sense. Any subset of fields can be defaulted this way, or all of the fields can be defaulted this way, based on a configured threshold of total records where a search indeed makes sense. If there were more than the website installed minimum for searching, then defaulted Date/Time Range specifications  6676  and  6678  would be available to the user for specification. Specification  6676  searches on field  6546  and specification  6678  searches on field  6548 . Any field can be defaulted with a value for search and saved as data evidence for defaulting field(s) the next time the user is in the same interface at a future time. In this way, the user specifies search criteria, and that specification always defaults the interface according to the user&#39;s last specification for each field in the search interface. A Site Owner sees all records  6500  in the web service. Other users only see records  6500  they created by default. Owner field  6674  allows a Site Owner (will be disabled when a Site Owner encounters the interface of  66 C if no “Affinity Delegate” privilege is explicitly defined (Site Owner needs no “Affinity Delegate” privileges since can see all users records anyway)) to specify the logon name of the user for seeing records  6500  as though he was logged in as that user. A Site Owner, or user granted with the “Affinity Delegate” privilege by another user, enters the logon name to field  6674  to match to LogonName field  3004  for returning the PersonID  3002  which will then override all processing for page display as though  FIGS. 39A and 39B  processing from Access Control made that PersonID available to the including page and subsequent pages. In another embodiment, the specified owner field  6674  simply narrows the search results to records owned by that user by comparing the PersonID  3002  (of the same record  3000  Logon Name field  3004  entered to the field  6674 ) with the Owner field  6522  of searched records  6500 . The registry affinity dropdown  6672  will contain a list of all logon names that have provided an “Affinity Delegate” privilege (discussed below) to the user who encounters  FIG. 66C  (a Site Owner can enter anything he wants to field  6674 ). Therefore, any user that has been granted the “Affinity Delegate” privilege from any other user can select the granting logon name from the dropdown  6672  to populate field  6674  for seeing records  6500  as though he was logged on as that user, or for narrowing the search to that user&#39;s records (depends on embodiment). Selecting (clicking) from the dropdown  6672  automatically populates field  6674 .  FIG. 66C  shows what displays in dropdown  6672  when the user has no “Affinity Delegate” privileges granted by any other user. Block  5508  gathers assigned “Affinity Delegate” privileges to populate dropdown  6672 , and block  5720  ensure an appropriate query is built. 
     Any, many or all fields can be defaulted with values, or disabled based on desired search criteria support, or associated numbers of records  6500  in the web service. The “Rcv indicators Only” dropdown, “Rcv Compressed Only” dropdown, etc provide the user with a selection for Any, Yes, or No for searching records  6500 . Associated user dropdown  6680  provides being able to search those records  6500  which have associated users as defined by the “Affinity Delegate” privilege discussed below. Dropdowns  6672  and  6680  will reveal identical logon names with associated PersonIDs upon selection, but are maintained separately so that granulated “Affinity Delegate” privileges can be implemented. In one embodiment, there is a Registry “Affinity Delegate” privilege for searching records  6500  (dropdown  6672  and field  6674 ), a DCDB “Affinity Delegate” privilege for searching records  7000 , and a specific “Affinity Delegate” privilege for searching certain types of other records. There can also be a specific User to User “Affinity Delegate” privilege for generally acting on behalf of another user (dropdown  6680 ). All search results can be sorted according to the “Order By” dropdown specifications which preferably include every column of record  6500 . 
       FIGS. 57A ,  57 B, and  58  depict flowcharts for a preferred embodiment of search processing of records of the web service. For this discussion, device information search criteria (e.g. from  FIG. 66C ) is discussed as being processed, for example upon clicking search button  6698 . Records  6500  are searched and processed analogously to records  2900 / 3000  as discussed above, and discussion above for records  2900 / 3000  is relevant in the context of records  6500 . Processing starts at block  5702  and continues to block  5704  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  5706  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5708 . Block  5708  builds the top of the page to return to the user, validates all fields specified in the search criteria interface (e.g.  FIG. 66C ) according to the record type (i.e. record  6500 ), and processing continues to block  5710 . If all fields specified in the search criteria interface are valid, then processing continues to block  5712 . If there is at least one invalid field specified, then block  5746  reports the error appropriately to the user interface, and processing terminates at block  5756 . 
     Block  5712  sets a variable ROWSPERPG to rows per page data evidence as configured by records per page field  5086  of  FIG. 50I . A defaulted number is used if the data evidence is not found. Then, block  5714  checks to see how this page processing was arrived to, for example, by pagination or directly from the search criteria interface. If block  5714  determines the processing page was arrived to directly as the result of invoking the search button  6698 , then block  5718  accesses page filter data evidence for appending to a SQL Select WHERE clause. Thereafter, block  5720  builds any SQL ORDER BY clause if order by specifications were made, appends SQL WHERE clause criteria based on search criteria interface field specifications, appends any Filters management data evidence found to the SQL WHERE clause, and constructs a SQL query string suffix comprised of a completed WHERE clause and ORDER BY clause. The WHERE clause is also amended with the PersonID of the logged on user of  FIG. 66C  if the user type is not a Site Owner and no specification was made at field  6674 . If a specification was made at field  6674 , then the WHERE clause is amended with the associated PersonID which is preferably determined in block  5708  by querying the Users Table for the PersonID with the logon name and ensuring one that granted the “Affinity Delegate” privilege was returned at block  5710  (Site Owner does not require an “Affinity Delegate” privilege). WHERE clause conditions will use “LIKE” or “=” depending on the field type being searched. Thereafter, block  5722  completes building the SQL SELECT statement with the SQL query string suffix appended for all records  6500 . List output variable ROWSTART is initialized to 1 and list output variable ROWLAST is set to ROWSPERPG. These variables enable proper pagination between pages of results, and are maintained as list pagination data evidence. Thereafter, block  5724  opens a DB connection, opens an active cursor using the SQL SELECT statement and determines the number of resulting rows produced by the query which is kept in a variable TOTALROWS. Thereafter, if block  5726  determines there are no resulting rows, then block  5728  reports the condition of no results to the user interface, closes an open DB connection, and processing terminates at block  5756 . 
     If block  5726  determines there is at least one row in the results (i.e. TOTALROWS&gt;=1), then block  5730  saves the SQL SELECT query as query data evidence, rows are fetched up to the variable ROWSTART, the list output header is built (e.g.  6682 ), no ORDER BY columns are added to the standard list output since none was selected, and a variable ROWSOUT is set to 0. Columns shown in  FIG. 66D  are already put out in the standard result list form. Thereafter, if block  5732  determines ROWSOUT&gt;=ROWSPERPG, then no additional rows are iterated out from query results in which case block  5738  builds management controls  6686  through  6690 , and pagination information  6692  is output. Thereafter, if block  5740  determines TOTALROWS&gt;ROWSOUT, then processing continues to block  5748 , otherwise processing continues to block  5742  where a DB connection is closed and onto block  5802  of  FIG. 58  by way off page connector  58000 . 
     If block  5748  determines ROWSTART=1, then processing continues to block  5752 , otherwise block  5750  builds the user interface page with pagination control for first page pagination control and previous page pagination control. Thereafter, processing continues to block  5752 . If block  5752  determines that ROWLAST&gt;=TOTALROWS then processing continues to block  5802  by way of off page connector  58000 , otherwise block  5754  builds the user interface page with pagination control for last page pagination control and next page pagination control. Thereafter, processing continues to block  5802 . 
     If block  5732  determines ROWSOUT were not greater than or equal to ROWSPERPG, then block  5734  checks if all rows have been fetched for output processing. If block  5734  determines all rows have been fetched (processed), then processing continues to block  5738  already described. If block  5734  determines all rows have not been fetched (processed), then block  5736  manufactures a checkbox (e.g. checkbox  6694 ) for a row, associates record id data evidence (i.e. RegistryID), for example in a hidden field associated with the checkbox, builds the row output (e.g. a row  6696 ) for presenting all fields of the list header  6682 , increments the ROWSOUT variable by 1, then fetches the next row using the open cursor. Thereafter, processing continues back to block  5732 . Blocks  5732  through  5736  comprise a loop for output of rows satisfying search criteria. Processing continuing to block  5802  by way of off page connector  58000  also preferably builds and presents a “Back to Top” link at the page bottom in case the user has to scroll lots of information as dictated by ROWSPERPG. 
     If block  5714  determines the search processing page was arrived to by pagination (e.g. pagination controls analogously displayed such as those of controls  5922  through  5928 ), then block  5716  accesses the query data evidence, accesses the list pagination data evidence (ROWSTART and ROWLAST), then continues to block  5724  for issuing the query and performing subsequent processing. 
     The user interfaces with search results at block  5802  until an action is selected.  FIG. 66D  is an example of the search results interface upon the start of block  5802 . When an action is selected, block  5806  checks if it was pagination to go to the first results page, for example clicking a pagination control (controls not shown since only 4 records). If block  5806  determines pagination to go to first page was selected, then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for first page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5806  determines the action was not for go to first page, then processing continues to block  5808 . If block  5808  determines pagination to go to the previous page was selected (controls not shown since only 4 records), then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for previous page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5808  determines the action was not for go to previous page, then processing continues to block  5810 . If block  5810  determines pagination to go to the next page was selected (controls not shown since only 4 records), then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for next page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5810  determines the action was not for go to next page, then processing continues to block  5812 . If block  5812  determines pagination to go to the last page was selected (controls not shown since only 4 records), then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for last page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5812  determines the action was not for go to last page, then processing continues to block  5814 . If block  5814  determines a delete, view, or change action was invoked, then processing continues to block  5828 , otherwise block  5824  handles the action appropriately and processing continues back to block  5802 . Block  5824  handles actions associated with the interface depending on the device type that are not necessarily relevant for understanding this disclosure. 
     Block  5828  determines how many rows are marked with a checkmark by the user and block  5830  validates it. If block  5832  determines no checkmarks are present, then block  5820  provides an error for report to the user so user specification can continue back at block  5802 . If block  5830  determines at least one row has been checked, then block  5832  checks the action type. If block  5832  determines that delete was invoked by the user (e.g. delete management control  6690  selected), then block  5836  provides a confirmation message and block  5838  determines the user&#39;s answer to the “Are you sure?” confirmation (e.g. pop-up of  FIG. 59C ). If block  5838  determines the user confirmed the delete, then the confirmation is cleared at block  5840 , list management data evidence is set for delete at block  5842 , block  5826  invokes list processing of  FIG. 60 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5838  determines the user cancelled the delete, then the confirmation is cleared at block  5822 , and the user continues to interact with the search results at block  5802 . If block  5832  determines that delete was not selected, then list management data evidence is set for view (i.e. view management control  6686  selected) or modify (i.e. change management control  6688  selected) at block  5834  per user action, block  5826  invokes list processing of  FIG. 60 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . Thus,  FIGS. 57A through 58  provide search result list processing of device records of the Registry Table for being conveniently viewed, modified, or viewed. 
       FIG. 66D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service Registry records after a user search specification.  FIG. 66D  is in fact a real output from the search criteria as specified in  FIG. 66C . Note the entries are not sorted since no Order By was specified. Also note there were no additional columns displayed beyond the standard fields displayed, because no Order By was selected.  FIG. 66D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot upon no reason to paginate results from searching the web service device records after a search specification. There is no pagination controls displayed because only 4 device records  6500  were returned. Otherwise, appropriate pagination controls may be returned for processing analogous to processing of control  5922  through  5928  of  FIGS. 59A and 59B .  FIG. 59C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a warning prompt for deleting one or more marked records. Other embodiments may present a different confirmation appearance or method. 
       FIGS. 60A and 60B  depict a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of search result list processing of records of the web service. For this discussion,  FIGS. 60A and 60B  were invoked at block  5826  for processing record(s)  6500 . Records  6500  are searched and processed analogously to records  2900 / 3000  as discussed above, and discussion above for records  2900 / 3000  is relevant in the context of records  6500 . Processing starts at block  6002  and continues to block  6004  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6006  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6008 . If block  6008  determines the user is a Delegate (from access control processing), then block  6010  forces list management data evidence to view since Delegate access is read only to the members area. Processing then continues to block  6012 . If block  6008  determines the user is not a Delegate, then processing continues to block  6012 . 
     Block  6012  iterates through the form checkboxes (from  FIG. 66D ) to build an array of record ids (i.e. RegistryIDs) from record id data evidence associated with rows that are check-marked for action. Additionally built is a WHERE clause string of the same check-marked record id evidence (i.e. RegistryIDs) so an action can be done in a single SQL query to multiple records (e.g. records  6500 ). Thereafter, block  6014  checks if at least one check-marked checkbox (e.g.  6694 ) was found. If none were check-marked, then block  6018  reports an appropriate error to the user, block  6046  closes any DB connection that is open (none open yet), and current page processing terminates at block  6032 . If block  6014  determines at least one checkmark is found, then block  6016  checks list management data evidence. If block  6016  determines list management data evidence indicates a delete action, then an SQL Delete command is built at block  6048  for the Registry Table with the WHERE clause of record ids built at block  6012 . Any foreign key relationship tables will cascade delete (using RegistryID). Block  6048  also opens a DB connection, does the Registry Table delete, closes the DB connection, sends an email to an Administrator account if a Notify flag indicates to document this type of transaction, and a success interface is returned to the user. Processing then continues to block  6046  for closing any DB connection that is still open, and current page processing terminates at block  6032 . Block  6048  will also delete any records and data of server data  2104  that has been associated to the device record(s)  6500  being deleted by block  6048  which are not set up for cascade delete. Such records should be deleted prior to finally deleting the record  6500  which cascade deletes other records. 
     If block  6016  determines the list management data evidence does not indicate a delete action, then block  6020  accesses pending query data evidence, concatenates WHERE clause information of record ids built at block  6012  so only the check-marked rows are fetched, opens a DB connection, does the query, and fetches the first row. Thereafter, block  6022  checks if even a first row was fetched. If block  6022  determines no first row was fetched (no rows result from query), then block  6018  handles reporting the error to the user and processing continues from there as described above. If block  6022  determines a first row was fetched, then block  6024  builds the top portion of the page to return to the user. Thereafter, if block  6026  determines the list management data evidence is for view, then block  6028  sets the disabled/readonly switch (dfld variable as discussed above) for read-only and processing continues to block  6030 . If block  6026  determines the list management data evidence is not for view, then processing continues to block  6030 . 
     If block  6030  determines there is only 1 row returned from the query at block  6022 , then block  6034  builds and presents a record interface, presenting a Modify button only if the list management data evidence indicate a modify action (e.g. control  6688 ). Block  6034  also associates record id data evidence (RegistryID) of the information presented, preferably as a hidden form field. Block  6034  presents  FIG. 66E  if the list management data evidence was for view of a single row check-marked, for example in checkbox  6694 . Block  6034  presents  FIG. 66F  if the list management data evidence was for modify of a single row check-marked (e.g. checkbox  6694 ). Thereafter, the user interfaces to any of  FIGS. 66E through 66F  at block  6036  until a Modify action is invoked, for example clicking button  6684 . If a view interface is presented ( FIG. 66E ), then no Modify button can be pressed. The user can use the Back key, click the first page link  6670  to return to the first page of records ( FIG. 66D ), close the window, or do whatever makes sense at the device. If the Modify button  6684  is pressed, then block  6038  validates form fields according the record type (i.e. record  6500 ), and processing continues to block  6040 . If block  6040  determines at least one field is invalid, then block  6042  reports the error to the user so field specification can continue back at block  6036  (e.g. pop-up). If block  6040  determines all fields are valid, then block  6044  invokes modify record processing of  FIG. 53  (re-described for Registry Table context below), block  6046  closes any open DB connection, and current page processing terminates at block  6032 . 
     If block  6030  determines there is more than 1 row returned by the query at block  6020 , then block  6050  checks the list management data evidence for the action requested.  FIG. 67A  shows the user has selected (i.e. check-marked) multiple rows prior to invoking a control  6686  through  6690 . If block  6050  determines the list management data evidence is not modify, then processing continues to block  6064 . If block  6064  determines the list management data evidence is not for view, then block processing continues to block  6018  since list management data evidence is invalid. If block  6064  determines the list management data evidence is for view, then block  6066  builds the output page topmost portion, and block  6068  builds a record output from the last record fetched. Otherwise, block  6064  continues to block  6018  for error handling of unexpected list management data evidence. After block  6068 , if block  6070  determines the last row was fetched for output, then block  6074  completes page output and processing continues to block  6046 . If block  6070  determines there is another row to output, then block  6072  fetches the next row and processing loops back to block  6068 . Blocks  6066  through  6074  include a processing loop for presenting a view of multiple records such as  FIG. 67B .  FIG. 67B  is an actual view output from processing upon invoking view management control  6686  on  FIG. 67A . 
     If block  6050  determines the list management data evidence is for modify, then block  6052  builds a Modify List user interface, iterates through fetches of query results from block  6020 , and establishes record id array data evidence (e.g. RegistryIDs) for records returned, preferably as hidden form fields in  FIG. 67C .  FIG. 67C  actually results from invoking modify management control  6688  from  FIG. 67A . Data from the first record in the query results is conveniently defaulted in fields. A preferred embodiment will save which row was check-marked first from list output (e.g.  FIG. 67A ) as first check data evidence so that the first checkmark determines which data is used to default the modify list interface (e.g.  FIG. 67C ). Note the checkmark included for the user selecting which fields with checkmarks to update in the plurality of records resulting from the query at block  6020 . Thereafter, the user interfaces to  FIG. 67C  at block  6054  until Modify button  6702  is invoked. When modify is invoked, processing continues to block  6056  where fields are validated from  FIG. 67C  and block  6058  checks validation results. If block  6058  determines all fields are valid (i.e. syntax, at least one checkmark, checkmark corresponds to non-null field, etc), then block  6062  invokes Modify List processing of  FIG. 62 , and processing continues to block  6046 . If not all fields are valid as determined at block  6058 , then an error is reported at block  6060  to the user so field specification can continue back at block  6054  (e.g. pop-up). 
     For this discussion,  FIG. 53  is discussed in context of modification processing of the device record information invoked at block  6044  in context for a record  6500 . Processing starts at block  5302  and continues to block  5304  where the ACCESS_LIST (as discussed above) is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  5306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5308  where the form fields for the record information are validated according to record type (i.e. device record=Registry Table record=record  6500 ), and then results are checked at block  5310 . If any field is found invalid for processing at block  5310 , then block  5324  reports the error appropriately to the user interface, and processing terminates at block  5326 . If all fields are found to be valid at block  5310 , then block  5312  builds an update command for the Registry Table using fields from the form where the RegistryID equals the record id data evidence passed for processing. Thereafter, block  5314  opens a DB connection, block  5316  does the update, and block  5318  closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  5320  sends an alert email to an Administrator account if a Notify flag is enabled for this type of database update, block  5322  builds and serves back a success interface to the user, and processing terminates at block  5326 . 
       FIG. 66E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing Registry information of a selected Registry record, for example when placing a single checkmark at checkbox  6694  and invoking control  6686 .  FIG. 66F  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying Registry information of a selected Registry record, for example when placing a single checkmark at checkbox  6694  and invoking control  6688 .  FIG. 67A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service Registry records after a user search specification, and then user selecting records to manage with checkmarks placed next to desired records for management.  FIG. 67B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing a plurality of selected Registry records, for example in accordance with those records that were check-marked in  FIG. 67A  and then invoking control  6686 .  FIG. 67C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying a plurality of selected Registry records, for example in accordance with those records that were check-marked in  FIG. 67A  and then invoking control  6688 . 
       FIG. 62  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to modify a plurality of records of the web service. For this discussion in context for records  6500 ,  FIG. 62  was invoked at block  6062 . Processing starts at block  6202  and continues to block  6204  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6206  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6208 . Block  6208  validates form fields (e.g. from  FIG. 67C ), and then block  6210  checks validation results. If at least one field is invalid, then block  6226  appropriately reports the error to the user, and processing terminates at block  6228 . If all fields are valid, then block  6210  continues to block  6212 . Block  6212  builds a WHERE clause string from record id array data evidence (e.g. from hidden form field), builds an update command for the Registry Table with fields specified and check-marked in  FIG. 67C , and concatenates the WHERE clause string of record ids (RegistryIDs) constructed at block  6212 . Thereafter, block  6216  opens a DB connection, block  6218  does the update command, block  6220  closes the DB connection, block  6222  send an email to an administrator account if a Notify flag indicates to document this type of transaction, block  6224  builds and serves back a successful result interface, and processing terminates at block  6228 . So, a plurality of devices are modified all at once as check-marked, for example on  FIG. 67A  and  FIG. 67C . 
       FIG. 68  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Trail Table used to track and maintain mobile history of devices registered in the Registry table. RegistryID  6802  is a foreign key with cascade delete to RegistryID  6502  so that records  6800  are automatically deleted when associated parent records  6500  are deleted. LatDD field  6804  contains the device latitude in decimal degrees. LonDD field  6806  contains the device longitude in decimal degrees. Direction field  6808  contains the device direction at the time of the recorded device latitude and longitude in record  6800 . Direction can be a continuous measure heading value (e.g. degrees clockwise relative from North such as 47.23), a discrete heading value (e.g. East), or any direction data means. Speed field  6810  contains the device speed, preferably in miles per hour. Elevation field  6812  contains the device elevation relative to earth or some level on earth (e.g. sea level), preferably in feet. Res field  6814  is for future use. DTCreated field  6816  is a date/time stamp for when the record was inserted into the database. Records  6800  are periodically inserted into the database for mobile devices. Records  6800  provide data means for driving location functionality in web service  2102 . Elevation field  6812  may not be required in some embodiments, and any of the record  6800  measurement fields ( 6804  through  6812 ) may be units or classes of measurement as desired by a particular embodiment without departing from the essence of information captured in record  6800 . When the Track field  6514  is set to Yes for a device, records  6800  are inserted into the Trail Table ( FIG. 68  records) according to a configured device heartbeat rate. The device heartbeat is a CADE generated periodically by system event management. The heartbeat rate can be any time period desired, either defaulted by the system, set by a user of the device, set by an Administrator of the device, set for device type, set for a class of devices, dependent on the device movement tolerance, or set for the device as applicable configuration is desired. 
     Another embodiment to  FIG. 68  maintains three dimensional space tracking information for the whereabouts of devices. This enables locating, finding routes for, showing travel reports for, and tracking devices in three dimensional space. For example, the LatDD field  6804  and LonDD field  6806  information along with Elevation field  6812  can be used, or an x-y-z Cartesian coordinate or Polar coordinate system can be used with appropriate fields for an origin and for maintaining the location in three dimensional space. In another embodiment, a new Planet field  6813  (e.g. Earth, Mars, etc) may describe the planet that other record  6800  fields are in reference of. Yet another embodiment inserts records  6800  containing additional fields for all situational location information about the device. This provides additional means for reporting and searching information about devices. 
     A preferred embodiment requires verification to be performed to ensure EmailAddr field  6538  and SMSAddr field  6534  are valid whenever a record  6500  is added or modified (unless added or modified by a Site Owner). Verification processing is analogous to descriptions above for registration and user account modification processing. For the EmailAddr field  6538 , an interface similar to  FIG. 32A  can be presented to the user with identical confirmation code processing requiring the user to enter the confirmation code sent to his desired email address being added or modified. Only a valid entry of the confirmation code will permit setting the EmailAddr field  6538 . For the SMSAddr field  6534 , an interface similar to  FIG. 32A  can be presented to the user with identical confirmation code processing requiring the user to enter the confirmation code sent as a message to his desired SMS address being added or modified. Only a valid entry of the confirmation code will permit setting the SMSAddr field  6534 . 
     A preferred embodiment for streamlining the registration process and device management process for users (e.g. Pingers) combines device creation in the Registry (record  6500 ) with user account creation (records  2900 / 3000 ). For example, link  2702  invoked registration will enforce a MaxDevs field  3020  to a value of 1 for the account created. Neighboring text to link  2702  will document that the user account and device are one in the same. Blocks  2818  and  3320  will additionally insert a record  6500  with Deviceid field  6504  set to the user LogonName field  3004  and PW field  6506  set to PW field  3006  for the successfully registered user using appropriately defaulted fields. The record  2900  “Email” field can be defaulted to EmailAddr field  6538  without a Yes in field  6536 . Different  FIGS. 45 and 45B  processing will present  FIG. 50A  options without a Registry options category header  4640 , Registry Manage option  4642 , and Registry Add option  4644 . The user will use the Users my preferences option  4606  to manage the device at  FIGS. 50G through 501  at fields  5072  and  5074 . Preferably, fields  5072  and  5074  are already defaulted for the user so he never has to do data entry there. In a similar embodiment, records  3000  and  6500  are combined to a single record  3000  for user accounts. In yet another similar embodiment, options  4640 ,  4642  and  4644  continue to show but the user can only manage a single record  6500  which has already been defaulted for him from registration. There are various embodiments for giving the user the perception (or realization) that the user account credentials and device credentials are indistinguishable, while making it convenient to automatically create account information to alleviate the user from web service  2102  complexities. 
     Delivery Content Database (DCDB) Management—The Deliverable Content 
     A Content Provider user type (e.g. Content Provider, Content Provider Gold, Content Provider Platinum) can manage and add deliverable content to members area  2500  through the DCDB Management component  2508 . DCDB Management component  2508  comprises the selectable DCDB Manage option  4650  and DCDB Add option  4652  under DCDB options category header  4648 . DCDB Management component  2508  also provides a DCDB Import/Export option  4654  to a Site Owner user type (read only access for Delegate) for scripting management of devices. Scripts maintained can insert large numbers of content items, update large numbers of content items, delete large numbers of content items, or do any management to content items as discussed herein, except automated with scripting. It may be inconvenient requiring a user to use a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to maintain large numbers of content items, therefore full scripting capability is provided for managing records  7000  in the DCDB Table ( FIG. 70  records). No content provider or user (except a Site Owner) can see or manage another content provider&#39;s content items, unless an “Affinity Delegate” privilege has been granted to that user. A Pinger is not a content provider, but does have the ability to configure PingSpots and Pingimeters as discussed below. 
       FIGS. 69 through 71J  are analogous in processing deliverable content of the DCDB Table as described by  FIGS. 63 through 67C  for processing devices in the Registry Table, in consideration of how records are managed (i.e. searched, viewed, modified, deleted, listed, paginated, etc). The flowcharts discussed for  FIGS. 63 through 67C  shall be described below in context for DCDB Table records  7000 . Records  7000  are searched and processed analogously to records  2900 / 3000  as well as to records  6500  as discussed above, and discussion above for records  2900 / 3000  and  6500  is relevant in the context of records  7000 . 
     Other embodiments of managing records  7000  will provide a “dummy-proof” user interface to web service  2102 . A wizard or minimal user interaction interface can be used. In one preferred embodiment, a record  7000  is automatically created by a device with sensing means, thereby eliminating user hassle in manually creating a record. There are various embodiments which can facilitate creation and management of deliverable content in web service  2102  without departing from the essence of functionality provided by the record fields. 
       FIG. 63  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form in the members area and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing. For this discussion,  FIG. 63  is invoked in context for records  7000  for adding a DCDB record  7000  to a DCDB Table ( FIG. 70  records) upon invoking DCDB Add option  4652 . Processing starts at block  6302  and continues to block  6304  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6308 . Block  6308  builds and presents  FIG. 71A  for adding a DCDB record, and then a user interfaces with  FIG. 71A  at block  6310  until the Add button  7102  action is invoked. When an add action is invoked by the user, block  6312  validates user field specifications to  FIG. 71A , and block  6314  checks the results. If block  6314  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  6318  invokes  FIG. 69  processing for adding the record  7000 , and current page processing terminates at block  6316 . If block  6314  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  6320  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  6310  (e.g. pop-up). 
       FIG. 69  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the submittal to add a Delivery Content Database (DCDB) Table record to the web service.  FIG. 69  is invoked at block  6318  per discussion above for adding a record  7000  to the DCDB Table ( FIG. 70  records). Processing starts at block  6902  and continues to block  6916  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6918  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6904 . Block  6904  validates user field specifications to  FIG. 71A , and block  6906  checks the results. If block  6906  determines all fields are valid, then block  6926  queries the number of DCDB records this user currently has in the DCDB Table (SELECT(Count) from DCDB Table query built where AuthID  7038  equals the PersonID passed from  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing). Thereafter, if block  6928  determines the count returned at block  6424  equals or exceeds the MaxDCDB field  3022  for this user as passed from  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing, then block  6920  reports the error to the user in an appropriate manner and processing terminates at block  6914 . If block  6928  determines the user (doing the add) has not exceeded his allowed maximum of DCDB records, then block  6908  builds a DCDB Table insert command from  FIG. 71A  specifications, opens a DB connection, does the insert, and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  6910  sends an email to an administrator account if a Notify flag is set to document this type of transaction, and then processing terminates at block  6914 . DCDB records added define content that can be delivered to mobile users based on their situational locations and configurable interest radiuses around the physical location of the mobile device situational locations. The DCDB Table also contains mobile user defined content for delivery to other mobile users as discussed below for PingSpots and Pingimeters. 
       FIG. 70  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the DCDB Table used to maintain deliverable content information to the web service. Note that record  7000  is another embodiment to record  700 . DCDBID  7002  is preferably a unique primary key automatically generated by the underlying SQL database system to ensure uniqueness when inserting a record  7000  to the DCDB Table. EntryType field  7004  indicates the type of DCDB record  7000 , for example, a DCDB record as added with  FIG. 71A  (e.g. EntryType=‘D’), a PingSpot configuration as discussed below (e.g. EntryType=‘S’), a Pingimeter (e.g. EntryType=‘R’) related content item as discussed below, or some other type of deliverable content item depending on the embodiment. Descr field  7006  contains a user defined description for the record  7000 . LatD field  7008  contains the degree portion (an integer) of the latitude location where the record  7000  is applicable for delivery to mobile devices traveling to the location. LatM field  7010  contains the minutes portion (an integer) of the latitude location where the record  7000  is applicable for delivery to mobile devices traveling to the location. LatS field  7012  contains the seconds portion (a decimal number) of the latitude location where the record  7000  is applicable for delivery to mobile devices traveling to the location. LatP field  7014  is the latitude pole location (‘N’ for North, “S’ for South) where the record  7000  is applicable for delivery to mobile devices traveling to the location. LonD field  7016  contains the degree portion (an integer) of the longitude location where the record  7000  is applicable for delivery to mobile devices traveling to the location. LonM field  7018  contains the minutes portion (an integer) of the longitude location where the record  7000  is applicable for delivery to mobile devices traveling to the location. LonS field  7020  contains the seconds portion (a decimal number) of the longitude location where the record  7000  is applicable for delivery to mobile devices traveling to the location. LonH field  7022  is the longitude hemisphere location (‘E’ for East, “W’ for West) where the record  7000  is applicable for delivery to mobile devices traveling to the location. Direction field  7024  is the direction a mobile device is to be traveling at the location in order to be eligible for content delivery (e.g. North, East, South, West, Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, Southwest, Any, other direction embodiments . . . ). LatDD field  7026  contains the latitude degrees (signed decimal number) location where the record  7000  is applicable for delivery to mobile devices traveling to the location. LonDD field  7028  contains the longitude degrees (signed decimal number) location where the record  7000  is applicable for delivery to mobile devices traveling to the location. Fields  7008  through  7014  are redundant to field  7026  and either one may be eliminated in some embodiments. Fields  7016  through  7022  are redundant to field  7028  and either one may be eliminated in some embodiments. PMRID  7030  is an id for joining to records  9450  in the Pingimeter Table on PMRID  9452 . HitRadius field  7032  defines a radius around the latitude and longitude of record  7000  which broadens the scope of the situational location eligible for content delivery to mobile devices. The hit radius is a distance from a fixed target delivery point which defines a circle (in a two dimensional embodiment (e.g. earth&#39;s surface)) around the target delivery point (point at circle middle) as an area where devices can travel to for receiving associated content. In a three dimensional embodiment, the hit radius is a distance from a fixed target delivery point which defines a sphere around the target delivery point (point at sphere middle) as a region in space where devices can travel to for receiving associated content. A hit radius is preferably fixed in many embodiments and can change when the content provider modifies it. Intersection of the device interest radius and the HitRadius of record  7000  can determine an eligible delivery. When HitRadius is 0, intersection of the device interest radius and the point on earth (latitude and longitude) of record  7000  can determine an eligible delivery. Fields  7030  and  7032  are used for PingSpots as discussed below. TimeCriteria field  7034  defines when the record  7000  is valid for eligible delivery to mobile users. In one embodiment, field  7034  joins to time information kept in a separate table(s). In another embodiment, field  7034  contains a time range. In yet another embodiment, field  7034  comprises two fields  7034 A and  7034 B for maintaining a start date/time stamp and end date/time stamp, respectively. DelivFlags field  7036  contains a list of flags for special functionality as discussed above for equivalent delivery activation setting(s) field  718 . Other flags maintained here include:
         Delivering on a particular mobile device application action or sequence of actions invoked by a user when at the situational location   Deliver only when a privileged PingPal is intercepting or sharing content delivery   Deliver only when record  7000  is owned by the user who&#39;s device is currently traveling to the situational location described by record  7000  (for testing)   Deliver only when the mobile device interest radius is set to 0   Deliver only when the HitRadius field  7032  is set to 0   Deliver when there are no other records  7000  that are marked inactive owned by the Content Provider described by field  7038 
 
AuthID  7038  contains the PersonID of the user who created the record  7000 . CType field  7040  contains the content type in record  7000 . COffset field  7042  contains the offset (e.g. byte offset) into the content datastream described by CPath field  7076  for finding the deliverable content. CLength field  7044  contains the length of content described by the CPath field  7076  starting at the offset of COffset field  7042 . Fields  7042  and  7044  provide means for referencing a single datastream file, or content entity, for multiple addressable content items. ShortText field  7046  is equivalent to short text info field  714 . SpeedRef field  7048  is equivalent to speed reference info field  716 . Compress field  7050  is a Yes/No indicator for whether or not to compress content delivery made to the receiving mobile device (i.e. RDPS). IndicOnly field  7052  is a Yes/no indicator for whether or not to deliver an indicator to the mobile device that content exists for its situational location instead of the actual content itself. ActiveEntry field  7054  is a Yes/No indicator for whether or not the record  7000  is active within web service  2102 . If it is not active, the record is treated as though it does not exist in the DCDB Table, except for the owner of the record to manage it. DTCreated field  7056  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  7000  was created in (added to) the DCDB Table. DTLastChg field  7058  contains a date/time stamp of when any field in the record  7000  was last modified. CIP field  7060  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that created the applicable data record  7000 . The CHIP field  7062  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  7000 . CHName field  7064  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  7000 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. ChgrIP field  7066  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that last modified the applicable data record  7000 . The ChgrHIP field  7068  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  7000 . ChgrHName field  7070  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  7000 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. DRsrvd1 field  7072  and DRsrvd2 field  7074  are reserved fields for future use. CPath field  7076  is a fully qualified path name to a file containing the deliverable content, or actually contains the content itself in the CPath field  7076 .
       

     CType field  7040  describes the type of content maintained at CPath field  7076 . Content types supported (as provided by a dropdown  7199 ) include:
         MCD File (Mobile Content Delivery File)—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of a file (preferably with a .mcd file type extension) accessible to web service  2102 . The MCD file is a scripted rule based file that is run time interpreted for identifying single or multiple content items for delivery to mobile devices. The MCD file can reference all content types and can support multiple content items of any of the content types as a single reference in record  7000 . Alternative embodiments of web service  2102  will cache a readily processable form of the .mcd file so run time parsing execution time is minimized or eliminated. In the most common use, a mcd file contains references for dynamically linking remote database schemas and remote date sources of external data source(s)  2106  which are internet connected to web service  2102  so that content need not be maintained local to the DCDB Table ( FIG. 70 ). For example, rules reference a remote internet protocol (ip) connected SQL database with authentication credentials and a run-time query for getting at the deliverable content data associated with record  7000 . In another example, rules reference a remote ip connected data source other than an SQL database form but also accessed dynamically when needed for delivery to mobile devices traveling to situational locations. External data source(s)  2106  can be accessed when needed for delivery to mobile devices via the .mcd file. The MCD file need not reference dynamically accessed external data sources  2106 . The MCD file is fully flexible in accessing any type of data from any source and could in fact be the only content type used in web service  2102 . COffset field  7042  and CLength field  7044  can be used to access certain areas within the referenced .mcd file.   MLS Listing (Multiple Listing Service Listing)—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of a file (preferably with a .mls file type extension) accessible to web service  2102 . The file contains a Realtor&#39;s MLS file from a territory Multiple Listing Service. Multiple real estate descriptions can be maintained in the file and are easily accessed individually with COffset field  7042  and CLength field  7044 . The .mls file is used in particular for real estate applications and special formatting and conversions can take place as part of delivering the real estate information to mobile devices.   Picture Phone Snapshot—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of a file (preferably with a graphic file type extension, for example .jpg, .gif, .tif, .pcx, or any other graphic file type) accessible to web service  2102 , which was captured by a cell phone. The file contains a graphic which is to be delivered to a mobile device. COffset field  7042  and CLength field  7044  are typically not used for graphic file types, but may be for a specific graphic area. The graphic file extension is used to perform pixel conversions depending on the receiving device type, and can be passed to most devices so rendering is well understood. A full browser device can receive the graphic as is, but a cell phone may require a conversion for a smaller or render-friendly image. In general for all content types, the device Type field  6512  provides means for doing special conversions to devices as needed at delivery time. An alternate embodiment can store multiple formats of record  7000  content so all content is ready for delivery to devices for all values in Type fields  6512 . Web service  2102  preferably delivers content depending on the device type. Mobile devices  2540  may receive the same content in different forms based on the device capabilities, for example.   Picture Phone Movie—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of a file (preferably with a movie file type extension, for example .mpeg, .avi, .rm, .swf (Flash) or any other movie or animation file type) accessible to web service  2102  which was captured by a cell phone. The file contains a video/movie which is to be delivered to a mobile device. COffset field  7042  and CLength field  7044  are typically not used for movie or animation file types, but may be for movie clips. The movie file extension is used to perform conversions depending on the receiving device type, and can be passed to most devices so rendering is well understood. A full browser device can receive the movie or animation as is, but a cell phone may require a conversion for a smaller or render-friendly image. Web service  2102  can deliver content depending on the device type. Mobile devices  2540  may receive the same content in different forms based on the device capabilities, for example.   HTML file—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of an HTML file or directory structure accessible to web service  2102  for delivery to mobile devices.   In Path Below—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  itself contains text for delivery to mobile devices. CPath field  7076  can contain substitution variables as part of the text string for filling in at run-time. For example, the occurrence of “% dt” (no quotes) denotes to substitute the current date/time stamp, “% d” the date, “% t” the time, “% ip” the mobile device&#39;s ip address detected, “% r” the RegistryID of the target mobile device, or any other substitution variable for any other purpose of completing at delivery time.   Executable File—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of an executable binary file accessible to web service  2102  for delivery to mobile devices. There may be various executable file types that are meant for conversion or for delivery as is for execution by receiving mobile devices.   Text File—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of a text file accessible to web service  2102  for delivery to mobile devices. There may be various textual file types (e.g. MS Word .doc, Notepad .txt, Tablet PC notes note, .RTF, or any other format intended to format text for reading. Flat text .txt files are commonly used here but the file extension can be used to define any type of file here for readable text. The file extension determines the file type referenced.   Movie—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of a file (preferably with a movie file type extension, for example .mpeg, .avi, .rm, .swf (Flash) or any other movie or animation file type) accessible to web service  2102 . The file contains a video/movie which is to be delivered to a mobile device. COffset field  7042  and CLength field  7044  are typically not used for movie or animation file types, but may be for movie clips. The movie file extension is used to perform conversions depending on the receiving device type, and can be passed to most devices so rendering is well understood. A full browser device can receive the movie or animation as is, but a cell phone may require a conversion for a smaller or render-friendly image. Web service  2102  delivers content depending on the device type. Mobile devices  2540  may receive the same content in different forms based on the device capabilities, for example.   Picture—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of a file (preferably with a graphic file type extension, for example .jpg, .gif, .tif, .pcx, or any other graphic file type) accessible to web service  2102 . The file contains a graphic which is to be delivered to a mobile device. COffset field  7042  and CLength field  7044  are typically not used for graphic file types, but may be for a specific graphic area. The graphic file extension is used to perform pixel conversions depending on the receiving device type, and can be passed to most devices so rendering is well understood. A full browser device can receive the graphic as is, but a cell phone may require a conversion for a smaller or render-friendly image. Web service  2102  delivers content depending on the device type. Mobile devices  2540  may receive the same content in different forms based on the device capabilities, for example.   Sound—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of a sound file (preferably with a sound file type extension, for example .wav, .midi, .mpeg, .swf (Flash) or any other sound file type) accessible to web service  2102 . The file contains sound content for play which is to be delivered to a mobile device. COffset field  7042  and CLength field  7044  are typically not used for sound, but may be for sound clips. The sound file extension is used to perform conversions depending on the receiving device type, and can be passed to most devices so rendering is well understood. Web service  2102  additionally delivers content depending on the device type so a sound sampling conversion can be performed to reduce the file size. Mobile devices  2540  may receive the same content in different forms based on the device capabilities, for example.   Auto-Message—When CType field  7040  contains this value, the CPath field  7076  contains a fully qualified path name of a sound file (preferably with a sound file type extension, for example .wav, .midi, .mpeg, .swf (Flash) or any other sound file type) accessible to web service  2102 . The file contains sound content for play which is suitable for human device play, but also suitable for storing to an answering system, or message service. COffset field  7042  and CLength field  7044  are typically not used for auto-message, but may be for clips therein. The sound file extension is used to perform conversions depending on the receiving device type, and the auto-message can be left on most device message services and automated answering systems so rendering is well understood.       

     A content type can be anything represented by at least a bit and up to a datastream that can be communicated to a mobile device. Content may be visual, audible, executable, interpretable by any of the human senses, or combinations thereof. Conversions may take place upon delivery at a SDPS, RDPS, or both depending on the device type, device state, delivery flags, time criteria, or any other variable designating a situational location. A situational location is as described above including any application specific data fields, along with any data that can be related to the user of the mobile device, or the mobile device itself. A situational location includes system delivery constraints and/or user configured delivery constraints. CPath field  7076 , or any file referenced by CPath  7076  can contain substitution variables for any purpose of completing a data fill in at delivery time. In general, a referenced file name&#39;s extension helps describe the type of file being referenced and how to deal with it. CPath field  7076  is preferably validated to dynamically accessed remote data sources to ensure they are valid before web service  2102  tries to access for deliveries by  FIG. 120  processing.  FIG. 120  processing will handle any errors regardless. 
     Speed, elevation, and other situational location fields can be specified in a record  7000 . A single situational location can be defined for multiple deliverable content items, and a single content item (or multiple content items) can have an associated plurality of situational locations. A plurality of applicable situational locations could be specified for a record  7000  by preferably joining to another table with situational location fields for designating deliverable content to a plurality of unique situational locations. 
     Deliverable content may also have urgency levels that can be configured with it (e.g. high importance, normal, etc). These urgency levels can be embodied as a new field in record  7000  with unique values for appropriate handling and unique notification to the receiving devices. 
       FIG. 71A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for adding a DCDB record to the web service, for example by invoking DCDB Add option  4652 . Fields specified are mapped to the record  7000 . Automated situational location specification area  7197  is described in detail for  FIGS. 72 through 76  below. Data entry field labels in other areas of  FIG. 71A  are easily identifiable to corresponding record  7000  fields. HitRadius field  7032  is defaulted by the system to 0, but can certainly be exposed in the  FIG. 71A  interface in other embodiments for user specification. HitRadius field  7032  can be analogous in configuration to Interest Radius specification  6640 . TimeCriteria field  7034  and DelivFlags field  7036  may be a system wide setting default easily changed in a site configuration file (e.g. shown as disabled in  FIG. 71A ), or may be selectable in accordance with settings elsewhere. In the  FIG. 71A  screenshot embodiment, time criteria and delivery flags are disabled for specification, for example the result of a user profile configuration, a system imposed configuration, or a group (of users) configuration. There is an analogous interface (to  FIG. 66B ) for successful completion of having added a DCDB record  7000  to the web service. 
       FIG. 55  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of processing for managing records of the web service. For this discussion, DCDB information records  7000  are discussed as being managed, for example upon clicking DCDB Manage option  4650 . Processing starts at block  5502  and continues to block  5504  where the ACCESS_LIST (as discussed above) is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  5506  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5508  where the search form interface is built and presented to the user, for example the search interface of  FIG. 71B . Thereafter, a user interfaces with the search interface at block  5510  until a search action is requested, for example by search button  7194 . When the search action is requested by the user, block  5514  validates any applicable user specifications and block  5516  checks the results. If block  5514  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  5520  invokes search processing of  FIG. 57 , and current page processing terminates at block  5518 . If block  5516  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  5522  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  5510  (e.g. pop-up). Any pending Filters Management component settings made by the user further filter records found by the search interface. 
       FIG. 71B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for searching for web service DCDB records with a search criteria. By default,  FIG. 71B  finds all records in the database including as described by active filters from Filters Management component  2506 . As soon as data is entered to a field of the  FIG. 71B  search form, or selects a value other than “Any”, the search result is narrowed accordingly. Search fields of  FIG. 71B  are easily identifiable to records  7000 . All fields of record  7000  may be searchable, or any subset thereof, in alternative embodiments. Defaulted Date/Time Range specifications  7190  and  7192  may be disabled by block  5508  as the result of first querying the total count of records  7000  in the database for this user (or user type), and determining that there are less than a website installed search minimum. This limits the search criteria options since there are so few records that a search almost doesn&#39;t make sense. Any subset of fields can be defaulted this way, or all of the fields can be defaulted this way, based on a configured threshold of total records where a search indeed makes sense. If there were more than the website installed minimum for searching, then defaulted Date/Time Range specifications  7190  and  7192  would be available to the user for specification. Specification  7190  searches on field  7056  and specification  7192  searches on field  7058 . Any field can be defaulted with a value for search and saved as data evidence for defaulting field(s) the next time the user is in the same interface at a future time. In this way, the user specifies search criteria, and that specification always defaults the interface according to the user&#39;s last specification for each field in the search interface. 
     A Site Owner sees all records  7000  in the web service. Other users only see records  7000  they created by default. Owner field  7188  allows a Site Owner (will be disabled when a Site Owner encounters the interface of  71 B if no “Affinity Delegate” privilege is explicitly defined (Site Owner needs no “Affinity Delegate” privilege since can see all anyway)) to specify the logon name of the user for seeing records  7000  as though he was logged in as that user. A Site Owner enters the logon name to match to LogonName field  3004  for returning the PersonID  3002  which will then override all processing for page display as though  FIGS. 39A and 39B  processing from Access Control made that PersonID available to the including page and subsequent pages. In another embodiment, the specified owner field  7188  simply narrows the search results to records owned by that user by comparing the PersonID  3002  (of the same record  3000  Logon Name field  3004  entered to the field  6674 ) with the AuthID  7038  of searched records  7000 . The DCDB affinity dropdown  7186  will contain a list of all logon names that have provided an “Affinity Delegate” privilege (discussed below) to the user who encounters  FIG. 71B  (a Site Owner can enter anything he wants to field  7188 ). Therefore, any user that has been granted the “Affinity Delegate” privilege from any other user can also enter the logon name in the dropdown to field  7188  for seeing records  7000  as though he was logged on as that user, or for narrowing the search to that user&#39;s records (depends on embodiment). A user may also select (click) from the dropdown  7186  to automatically populate field  7188 .  FIG. 71B  shows what displays in dropdown  7186  when the user has no “Affinity Delegate” privileges granted by any other user. 
     Any, many or all fields can be defaulted with values, or disabled based on desired search criteria support, or associated numbers of records  7000  in the web service. An Associated user dropdown can be provided to  FIG. 71B  for defining those other users that are free to manage and search for records  7000  which have associated users as defined by the “Affinity Delegate” privilege discussed below, or the other embodiment “Affinity Delegate” privileges discussed above. All search results can be sorted according to the “Order By” dropdown specifications which preferably include every column of record  7000 . 
       FIGS. 57A ,  57 B, and  58  depict flowcharts for a preferred embodiment of search processing of records of the web service. For this discussion, DCDB information search criteria (e.g. from FIG.  71 B) is discussed as being processed, for example upon clicking search button  7194 . Processing starts at block  5702  and continues to block  5704  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  5706  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5708 . Block  5708  builds the top of the page to return to the user, validates all fields specified in the search criteria interface (e.g.  FIG. 71B ) according to the record type (i.e. record  7000 ), and processing continues to block  5710 . If all fields specified in the search criteria interface are valid, then processing continues to block  5712 . If there is at least one invalid field specified, then block  5746  reports the error appropriately to the user interface, and processing terminates at block  5756 . 
     Block  5712  sets a variable ROWSPERPG to rows per page data evidence as configured by records per page field  5086  of  FIG. 50I . A defaulted number is used if the data evidence is not found. Then, block  5714  checks to see how this page processing was arrived to, for example, by pagination or directly from the search criteria interface. If block  5714  determines the processing page was arrived to directly as the result of invoking the search button  7194 , then block  5718  accesses page filter data evidence for appending to a SQL Select WHERE clause. Thereafter, block  5720  builds any SQL ORDER BY clause if order by specifications were made, appends SQL WHERE clause criteria based on search criteria interface field specifications, appends any Filters management data evidence found to the SQL WHERE clause, and constructs a SQL query string suffix comprised of a completed WHERE clause and ORDER BY clause. If a specification was made at field  7188 , the WHERE clause is amended with the associated PersonID which is preferably determined in block  5708  by querying the Users Table for the PersonID with the logon name and ensuring one that granted the “Affinity Delegate” privilege was returned at block  5710  (Site Owner does not require an “Affinity Delegate” privilege). WHERE clause conditions will use “LIKE” or “=” depending on the field type being searched. Thereafter, block  5722  completes building the SQL SELECT statement with the SQL query string suffix appended for all records  7000 . List output variable ROWSTART is initialized to 1 and list output variable ROWLAST is set to ROWSPERPG. These variables enable proper pagination between pages of results, and are maintained as list pagination data evidence. Thereafter, block  5724  opens a DB connection, opens an active cursor using the SQL SELECT statement and determines the number of resulting rows produced by the query which is kept in a variable TOTALROWS. Thereafter, if block  5726  determines there are no resulting rows, then block  5728  reports the condition of no results to the user interface, closes an open DB connection, and processing terminates at block  5756 . 
     If block  5726  determines there is at least one row in the results (i.e. TOTALROWS&gt;=1), then block  5730  saves the SQL SELECT query as query data evidence, rows are fetched up to the variable ROWSTART, the list output header is built (e.g.  7177 ), no ORDER BY columns are added to the standard list output since none was selected, and a variable ROWSOUT is set to 0. Columns shown in  FIG. 71C  are already put out in the standard result list form. Thereafter, if block  5732  determines ROWSOUT&gt;=ROWSPERPG, then no additional rows are iterated out from query results in which case block  5738  builds management controls  7179 ,  7181 , and  7183 , and pagination information  7185  is output. Thereafter, if block  5740  determines TOTALROWS&gt;ROWSOUT, then processing continues to block  5748 , otherwise processing continues to block  5742  where a DB connection is closed and onto block  5802  of  FIG. 58  by way off page connector  58000 . 
     If block  5748  determines ROWSTART=1, then processing continues to block  5752 , otherwise block  5750  builds the user interface page with pagination control for first page pagination control  7191  and previous page pagination control  7193 . Thereafter, processing continues to block  5752 . If block  5752  determines that ROWLAST&gt;=TOTALROWS then processing continues to block  5802  by way of off page connector  58000 , otherwise block  5754  builds the user interface page with pagination control for last page pagination control and next page pagination control. Thereafter, processing continues to block  5802 . 
     If block  5732  determines ROWSOUT were not greater than or equal to ROWSPERPG, then block  5734  checks if all rows have been fetched for output processing. If block  5734  determines all rows have been fetched (processed), then processing continues to block  5738  already described. If block  5734  determines all rows have not been fetched (processed), then block  5736  manufactures a checkbox (e.g. checkbox  7187 ) for a row, associates record id data evidence (i.e. DCDBID), for example in a hidden field associated with the checkbox, builds the row output (e.g. a row  7189 ) for presenting all fields of the list header  7177 , increments the ROWSOUT variable by 1, then fetches the next row using the open cursor. Thereafter, processing continues back to block  5732 . Blocks  5732  through  5736  comprise a loop for output of rows satisfying search criteria. Processing continuing to block  5802  by way of off page connector  58000  also preferably builds and presents a “Back to Top” link at the page bottom in case the user has to scroll lots of information as dictated by ROWSPERPG. 
     If block  5714  determines the search processing page was arrived to by pagination (e.g. pagination controls  7191  and  7193  or as analogously displayed such as those of controls  5926  and  5928 ), then block  5716  accesses the query data evidence, accesses the list pagination data evidence (ROWSTART and ROWLAST), then continues to block  5724  for issuing the query and performing subsequent processing. 
     The user interfaces with search results at block  5802  until an action is selected.  FIG. 71C  is an example of the search results interface upon the start of block  5802 . When an action is selected, block  5806  checks if it was pagination to go to the first results page, for example clicking a pagination control  7191 . If block  5806  determines pagination to go to first page was selected, then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for first page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5806  determines the action was not for go to first page, then processing continues to block  5808 . If block  5808  determines pagination to go to the previous page was selected (control  7193 ), then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for previous page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5808  determines the action was not for go to previous page, then processing continues to block  5810 . If block  5810  determines pagination to go to the next page was selected (control not shown since list has been paginated forward to last page already), then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for next page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5810  determines the action was not for go to next page, then processing continues to block  5812 . If block  5812  determines pagination to go to the last page was selected (control not shown since list has been paginated forward to last page), then  FIGS. 57A and 57B  processing is invoked after properly setting ROWSTART and ROWLAST data evidence for last page results at block  5816 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5812  determines the action was not for go to last page, then processing continues to block  5814 . If block  5814  determines a delete, view, or change action was invoked, then processing continues to block  5828 , otherwise block  5824  handles the action appropriately and processing continues back to block  5802 . Block  5824  handles actions associated with the interface depending on the device type that are not necessarily relevant for understanding this disclosure. 
     Block  5828  determines how many rows are marked with a check by the user and block  5830  validates it. If block  5832  determines no checkmarks are present, then block  5820  provides an error for report to the user so user specification can continue back at block  5802 . If block  5830  determines at least one row has been checked, then block  5832  checks the action type. If block  5832  determines that delete was invoked by the user (e.g. delete management control  7183  selected), then block  5836  provides a confirmation message and block  5838  determines the user&#39;s answer to the “Are you sure?” confirmation (e.g. pop-up of  FIG. 59C ). If block  5838  determines the user confirmed the delete, then the confirmation is cleared at block  5840 , list management data evidence is set for delete at block  5842 , block  5826  invokes list processing of  FIG. 60 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . If block  5838  determines the user cancelled the delete, then the confirmation is cleared at block  5822 , and the user continues to interact with the search results at block  5802 . If block  5832  determines that delete was not selected, then list management data evidence is set for view (i.e. view management control  7179  selected) or modify (i.e. change management control  7181  selected) per user action, block  5826  invokes list processing of  FIG. 60 , and current page processing terminates at block  5818 . Thus,  FIGS. 57A through 58  provide search result list processing of DCDB records for being conveniently viewed, modified, or viewed. 
       FIG. 71C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service DCDB records after a user search specification.  FIG. 71C  is in fact a real output from the search criteria as specified in  FIG. 71B . Note the entries are not sorted since no Order By was specified. Also note there were no additional columns displayed beyond the standard fields displayed, because no Order By was selected.  FIG. 71C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot after the user has paginated to the last page of results from searching the web service DCDB records after a search specification. There is no page forward or go to last page pagination controls displayed because the last page of results is already displayed. Otherwise, appropriate pagination controls are displayed for processing analogously to processing of controls  5922  through  5928  of  FIGS. 59A and 59B .  FIG. 59C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a warning prompt for deleting one or more marked records. Other embodiments may present a different confirmation appearance or method. 
     The standard set of fields output ( 5902 ,  6682 ,  7177 ) for any records of web service  2102  are preferably configurable for the web service  2102  so conceivably any fields can provide the standard set. Then, the appropriate Order By dropdown selections can be made to not only sort records in the list returned, but to display other fields to complement the standard output fields. In another embodiment, every user of web service  2102  has the ability to customize which fields are his standard set of output fields for a particular record type. For example, each user can have the ability to configure standard output fields for Registry Table records, DCDB Table records, or any other Table records that may be managed by the user. The Order By dropdowns could then be selected with respect to what are the user&#39;s preferred standard output fields for a record type. 
       FIGS. 60A and 60B  depict a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of search result list processing of records of the web service. For this discussion,  FIGS. 60A and 60B  were invoked at block  5826  in context of processing records  7000 . Processing starts at block  6002  and continues to block  6004  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6006  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6008 . If block  6008  determines the user is a Delegate (from access control processing), then block  6010  forces list management data evidence to view since Delegate access is read only to the members area. Processing then continues to block  6012 . If block  6008  determines the user is not a Delegate, then processing continues to block  6012 . 
     Block  6012  iterates through the form checkboxes (from  FIG. 71C ) to build an array of record ids (i.e. DCDBIDs) from record id data evidence associated with rows that are check-marked for action. Additionally built is a WHERE clause string of the same check-marked record id evidence (i.e. DCDBIDs) so an action can be done in a single SQL query to multiple records (e.g. records  7000 ). Thereafter, block  6014  checks if at least one check-marked checkbox (e.g. checkbox  7187 ) was found. If none were check-marked, then block  6018  reports an appropriate error to the user, block  6046  closes any DB connection that is open (none open yet), and current page processing terminates at block  6032 . If block  6014  determines at least one checkmark is found, then block  6016  checks list management data evidence. If block  6016  determines list management data evidence indicates a delete action, then an SQL Delete command is built at block  6048  for the DCDB Table with the WHERE clause of record ids built at block  6012 . Any foreign key relationship tables will cascade delete (using DCDBID). Block  6048  also opens a DB connection, does the DCDB Table delete, closes the DB connection, sends an email to an Administrator account if a Notify flag indicates to document this type of transaction, and a success interface is returned to the user. Processing then continues to block  6046  for closing any DB connection that is still open, and current page processing terminates at block  6032 . Block  6048  will also delete any records and data of server data  2104  that has been associated to the DCDB record(s)  7000  being deleted by block  6048  which are not set up for cascade delete. Such records should be deleted prior to finally deleting the record  7000  which cascade deletes other records. 
     If block  6016  determines the list management data evidence does not indicate a delete action, then block  6020  accesses pending query data evidence, concatenates WHERE clause information of record ids built at block  6012  so only the check-marked rows are fetched, opens a DB connection, does the query, and fetches the first row. Thereafter, block  6022  checks if even a first row was fetched. If block  6022  determines no first row was fetched (no rows result from query), then block  6018  handles reporting the error to the user and processing continues from there as described above. If block  6022  determines a first row was fetched, then block  6024  builds the top portion of the page to return to the user. Thereafter, if block  6026  determines the list management data evidence is for view, then block  6028  sets the disabled/readonly switch (dfld variable as discussed above) to read-only and processing continues to block  6030 . If block  6026  determines the list management data evidence is not for view, then processing continues to block  6030 . 
     If block  6030  determines there is only 1 row returned from the query at block  6022 , then block  6034  builds and presents a record interface, presenting a Modify button only if the list management data evidence indicate a modify action (e.g. control  7181 ). Block  6034  also associates record id data evidence (DCDBID) of the information presented, preferably as a hidden form field. Block  6034  presents  FIG. 71D  if the list management data evidence was for view of a single row check-marked, for example in checkbox  7187 . Block  6034  presents  FIGS. 71E-71F  if the list management data evidence was for modify of a single row check-marked. Thereafter, the user interfaces to any of  FIGS. 71D through 71F  at block  6036  until a Modify action is invoked, for example clicking button  7175 . If a view interface is presented ( FIG. 71D ), then no Modify button can be pressed. The user can use the Back key, click the first page link  7191  to return to the first page of records, close the window, or do whatever makes sense at the device. If the Modify button  7175  is pressed, then block  6038  validates form fields according the record type (i.e. record  7000 ), and processing continues to block  6040 . If block  6040  determines at least one field is invalid, then block  6042  reports the error to the user so field specification can continue back at block  6036  (e.g. pop-up). If block  6040  determines all fields are valid, then block  6044  invokes modify record processing of  FIG. 53  (re-described for DCDB Table context below), block  6046  closes any open DB connection, and current page processing terminates at block  6032 . 
     If block  6030  determines there is more than 1 row returned by the query at block  6020 , then block  6050  checks the list management data evidence for the action requested.  FIG. 71G  shows the user has selected (i.e. check-marked) multiple rows prior to invoking a pagination control. If block  6050  determines the list management data evidence is not modify, then processing continues to block  6064 . If block  6064  determines the list management data evidence is not for view, then block processing continues to block  6018  since list management data evidence is invalid. If block  6064  determines the list management data evidence is for view, then block  6066  builds the output page topmost portion, and block  6068  builds a record output from the last record fetched. Thereafter, if block  6070  determines the last row was fetched for output, then block  6074  completes page output and processing continues to block  6046 . If block  6070  determines there is another row to output, then block  6072  fetches the next row and processing loops back to block  6068 . Blocks  6066  through  6074  include a processing loop for presenting a view of multiple records such as  FIG. 71H .  FIG. 71H  is an actual view output from processing upon invoking view management control  7179  on  FIG. 71G . 
     If block  6050  determines the list management data evidence is for modify, then block  6052  builds a Modify List user interface, iterates through fetches of query results from block  6020 , and establishes record id array data evidence (e.g. DCDBIDs) for records returned, preferably as hidden form fields in  FIGS. 71I-71J .  FIGS. 71I-71J  actually result from invoking modify management control  7181  from  FIG. 71G . Data from the first record in the query results is conveniently defaulted in fields (e.g. record  7187 ). A preferred embodiment will save which row was check-marked first from list output (e.g.  FIG. 71G ) as first check data evidence so that the first checkmark determines which data is used to default the modify list interface (e.g.  FIGS. 71I and 71J ). Note the checkmark column included for the user selecting which fields with checkmarks to update in the plurality of records resulting from the query at block  6020 . Thereafter, the user interfaces to  FIGS. 71I-71J  at block  6054  until Modify button  6702  is invoked. When modify is invoked, processing continues to block  6056  where fields are validated from  FIGS. 71I-71J  and block  6058  checks validation results. If block  6058  determines all fields are valid (i.e. syntax, at least one checkmark, checkmark corresponds to non-null field, etc), then block  6062  invokes Modify List processing of  FIG. 62 , and processing continues to block  6046 . If not all fields are valid as determined at block  6058 , then an error is reported at block  6060  to the user so field specification can continue back at block  6054  (e.g. pop-up). 
     For this discussion,  FIG. 53  is discussed in context of modification processing of the DCDB record  7000  information. Processing starts at block  5302  and continues to block  5304  where the ACCESS_LIST (as discussed above) is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  5306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  5308  where the form fields for the record information are validated according to record type (i.e. DCDB record=DCDB Table record=record  7000 ), and then results are checked at block  5310 . If any field is found invalid for processing at block  5310 , then block  5324  reports the error appropriately to the user interface, and processing terminates at block  5326 . If all fields are found to be valid at block  5310 , then block  5312  builds an update command for the DCDB Table using fields from the form where the DCDBID equals the record id data evidence (DCDBID) passed for processing. Thereafter, block  5314  opens a DB connection, block  5316  does the update, and block  5318  closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  5320  sends an alert email to an Administrator account if a Notify flag is enabled for this type of database update, block  5322  builds and serves back a success interface to the user, and processing terminates at block  5326 . 
       FIG. 71D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing DCDB information of a selected DCDB record.  FIGS. 71E and 71F  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for modifying DCDB information of a selected DCDB record, for example when placing a single checkmark at checkbox  7187  and invoking control  7181 .  FIG. 71G  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service DCDB records after a user search specification, paginating results, and then user selecting records to manage with checkmarks placed next to desired records for management.  FIG. 71H  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for viewing a plurality of selected DCDB records, for example in accordance with those records that were check-marked in  FIG. 71G  and then invoking control  7179 .  FIGS. 71I and 71J  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for modifying a plurality of selected DCDB records, for example in accordance with those records that were check-marked in  FIG. 71G  and then invoking control  7181 . 
       FIG. 62  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to modify a plurality of records of the web service. For this discussion,  FIG. 62  was invoked at block  6062  in processing records  7000 . Processing starts at block  6202  and continues to block  6204  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6206  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6208 . Block  6208  validates form fields (e.g. from  FIGS. 71I-71J , and then block  6210  checks validation results. If at least one field is invalid, then block  6226  appropriately reports the error to the user, and processing terminates at block  6228 . If all fields are valid, then block  6210  continues to block  6212 . Block  6212  builds a WHERE clause string from record id array data evidence (e.g. from hidden form fields), builds an update command for the DCDB Table with fields specified and check-marked in  FIG. 71G , and concatenates the WHERE clause string of record ids (DCDBIDs) constructed at block  6212 . Thereafter, block  6216  opens a DB connection, block  6218  does the update command, block  6220  closes the DB connection, block  6222  send an email to an administrator account if a Notify flag indicates to document this type of transaction, block  6224  builds and serves back a successful result interface, and processing terminates at block  6228 . So, a plurality of records  7000  are modified all at once as check-marked, for example on  FIG. 71G  and  FIGS. 71I-71J . 
       FIGS. 72 through 76  describe processing from invocation means from  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 E- 71 F, and  71 I- 71 J. DCDB records  7000  are conveniently configured by a user.  FIGS. 72 through 76  are simply detailed elaborations within the scope of  FIGS. 14A and 14B  for facilitating automated specification of situational location information for record  700  or record  7000 . Any, or all fields, of record  7000  can be automatically populated by software and hardware processes to alleviate the manual processes involved in specifying such information. Examples include discussions around the automated situational location specification area  7197 , but other embodiments are not limited to merely automating the specification of situational location information for record  7000 . Area  7197  is preferably available to a user for adding, searching for, and modifying records  7000 . While discussions are themed on GPS parameters, cell tower location coordinates and any other location means, or combinations thereof, can replace any of the automated locating examples below. This disclosure is based on situational locations regardless of how location information is determined. 
       FIG. 72  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to select a DCDB situational location from a map, for example from selecting button  7178  from the automated situational location specification area  7197 . Button  7178  is selected after the user selects a geographical territory from the neighboring dropdown  7178 - d  (e.g. “United States” defaulted in  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 E, and  71 F).  FIG. 71I  can certainly also have a button  7178  with a neighboring dropdown  7178 - d , but at the time of writing this disclosure that option was not yet added to the GPSPing.com implementation, so is not shown in the screenshot of  FIG. 71I . It should be understood that there is full intention of making a button  7178  and dropdown  7178 - d  available to the user of  FIG. 71I . 
       FIG. 72  processing begins at block  7202  upon selection of button  7178  after dropdown specification of dropdown  7178 - d , and continues to block  7204 . There can be many geographical territories available for dropdown selection.  FIG. 72  is invoked for:
         configuring DCDB records for DCDB delivery to all mobile users  2540     configuring PingSpot content for delivery to PingPals (discussed below)   configuring alert content for delivery to PingPals (discussed below)
 
Block  7204  establishes latitude and longitude landmarks upon the displayed map and associates corresponding x and y pixels, preferably with the leftmost bottom corner at the Cartesian coordinate system origin, for example the leftmost top corner (e.g. (x,y)=(0,Y)), rightmost top corner (e.g. (x,y)=(X,Y)), rightmost bottom corner (e.g. (x,y)=(X,0)), and leftmost bottom corner (e.g. (x,y)=(0,0)) of a rectangular map graphic. Other embodiments may use a different system. Each map graphic is preferably stored with the 4 corners being a well known latitude and longitude, along with a vertical and horizontal curvature factor. In cases where humans have traveled to other planets (also moons or any other body in space) with use of web service  2102 , associated planetary maps (parent map selectable from dropdown  7178 - d ) will contain applicable latitude and longitude coordinates with relative curvature factors depending on the particular body in space. In such an embodiment, the situational location information of record  7000  preferably includes three dimensional coordinates in space for defining a solid area some mobile user  2540  may travel through. The solid area may be relative to earth, another planet, or any origin in the universe.
       

     The map graphics are preferably small enough in area, yet large enough in display, to avoid too much skewing of latitude and longitude calculations based on points a user selects in the map relative to the four well known corners. Latitude and longitude considers earth curvature wherein one embodiment of map selection may not. However, other embodiments will use curvature factors relative to where map points are selected. 
     Thereafter, block  7206  presents the selected map to the user, and the user interfaces to the displayed map at block  7208  until an action is invoked. Thereafter, if block  7210  determines the user selected to display a descending geographical map (map that drills down into a territory on the current map), or ascending map (map that covers more territory including the current map), then processing continues back to block  7204  for the desired map initialization. Convenient map hierarchy traversal is provided for zooming in or out. Panning may also be provided at block  7208  which will access other maps for display before returning to block  7204  for subsequent processing, as determined by action subsequent to block  7208 .  FIG. 105B  depicts a map of the United States, and based on descending maps currently configured in web service  2102 , a selectable territory is highlighted for drilldown, for example a Texas map as displayed in  FIG. 105C . The Texas map in turn enables drill down to specific counties that do have maps in the web service  2102 . Likewise, the user can traverse the map hierarchy in any direction for situational location specification. 
     If block  7210  determines the user did want a descending or ascending map, then processing continues to block  7212 . If block  7212  determines the user completed situational location specifications, for example a point, circle, rectangle, or polygon, then processing continues to block  7214 . Block  7208  is intended for the user to specify a point, circle (point with radius), rectangle, or polygon on a map for convenient automated location information specification. Examples of how the user would select with a cursor a point, circle, rectangle, or polygon are exampled in  FIGS. 96D ,  96 A,  96 B, and  96 C, respectively. Block  7214  scales the specified points (point, center of circle (with radius), 4 rectangle corners, polygon sequence of points) according to pixel locations for deriving the corresponding latitude(s) and longitude(s) as determined relative to the map well known  4  corners and any curvature skewing information. Thereafter, block  7216  saves the user specifications (ultimately to be saved to record  7000 ). If the specification is a point, then record  7000  fields for maintaining latitude and longitude will be used. If the specification is a circle, then record  7000  fields for maintaining latitude and longitude will be used for the circle center, and HitRadius field  7032  is used for the radius. If the specification is a rectangle or polygon, then PMRID  7030  is used to join record  7000  to the Pingimeter Table ( FIG. 94B  records) on PMRID  9452  for maintaining a plurality of records in the Pingimeter Table for individual latitudes and longitudes comprising the rectangle or polygon points. 
     Thereafter, processing continues for communicating selections to the user interface that  FIG. 72  was invoked from. If it is determined at block  7218  that a radius was specified at block  7208 , then block  7226  redirects the page back to the invoking page for automatically populating the latitude and longitude fields for the circle center and any radius field that is there. If no radius field (HitRadius) is present (e.g.  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 E,  71 F,  71 I, and  71 J), then the radius is displayed out in the right margin of the page. Block  7226  continues to block  7224  where processing terminates. If block  7218  determines a circle was not selected, then processing continues to block  7220 . If it is determined at block  7220  that a polygon (including rectangle) was specified at block  7208 , then block  7228  redirects the page back to the invoking page for automatically populating the latitude and longitude fields with a LIST indication. If no scrollable list fields are present to be populated (e.g.  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 E,  71 F,  71 I, and  71 J), then a list invocable page link is displayed out in the right margin of the page. The user can select the list link for a pop-up or page showing an ordered set of latitude and longitude specifications, or another embodiment will produce the underlying map where selections were made showing the selections on the map used, or another embodiment will provide an option to see either format. Block  7228  continues to block  7224  where processing terminates. If block  7220  determines a polygon (including rectangle) was not selected, then processing continues to block  7222  where the selected point latitude and longitude are automatically populated to the invoking page fields for latitude and longitude, and processing terminates at block  7224 . If block  7212  determines the user selected another action, then processing continues back to block  7208  for integrating the action with user interface processing at block  7208 . So,  FIG. 72  automatically populates the invoking user interface for subsequently populating fields in a record  7000 . Some embodiments will always allow displaying the map and selections made thereon from the invoking page after  FIG. 72  processing. One embodiment will provide a show on map button  7178 - s  for being able to display the user&#39;s configurations for record  7000 . Yet another embodiment, will provide a “See Current” option in dropdown  7178 - d  which then shows the current record  7000  configuration(s) on the map upon selection of button  7178  when the dropdown item “See Current” is selected. 
     Alternate embodiments to  FIG. 72  will enable selection of multiple points, circles, rectangles, polygons, regions, etc for multiple situational locations defined to a record  7000 . Various mathematical models can be used to achieve high accuracy on deriving user selected pixels on maps to precise location coordinates. 
       FIG. 73  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to geo-translate address criteria into latitude and longitude coordinates for a DCDB situational location, for example upon selection of button  7180 . Pre-translation criteria menu  7180 - m  enables the user to select a radio button for which type of information to translate to latitude and longitude, specifically an address radio button, mobile device  2540  radio button, and a phone number radio button. When the user selects the address radio button, any subset of address information can be specified for returning one distinct conversion or a plurality of choices to choose from. Wildcard characters can also be used, or wildcard substrings assumed. The user interfaces to block  7316  when there are a plurality of candidates for selection before processing continues to block  7338 . Thereafter, block  7338  will determine if the user cancelled out, selected one, or selected a plurality, or if an error occurred. In one embodiment regardless of how configured, a user can select a plurality of locations for associating to a record  7000  for candidate delivery, in which case a new table of records will be joined to a record  7000  for associating a plurality of situational locations for a single record  7000 . 
     When the user selects the “Device” radio button, the last known whereabouts of the mobile device  2540  of web service  2102  (identified with deviceid field  6504 ) that is specified in the corresponding entry field is searched for from the Trail Table ( FIG. 68  records) to get the latitude and longitude. Only the devices which have provided the “View Whereabouts” privilege to the user (e.g. of  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 E,  71 F, and  71 I) are enabled for search from the Trail Table. A user cannot simply request the whereabouts of any device  2540  of the web service  2102 . A PingPal privilege enables the right to do that, and any user or device can assign the right to any other user or device. The user can also enter a group name (record  8900 ) by qualifying it with a “G:” prefix. That way the user can have a group set up of devices which have provided the “View Whereabouts” privilege for then selecting from a group of devices and/or users to use the location(s). The user can also use wildcard device specification(s) but all devices found in server data  2104  (records  6500 ) must have provided the “View Whereabouts” privilege, otherwise none will be found because a single query is preferably used with a LIKE condition. Other embodiments will find the valid devices that have granted the “View Whereabouts” privilege. 
     When the user selects the “Phone #” radio button, a telephone phone number can be entered to the entry field for dynamically finding the location of the equipment with that phone number. A (public) address book is accessed which contains a directory of all participating fixed phone numbers and/or any participating mobile phone numbers. The address book will contain those numbers that people do not object to having published in such an address book along with address information, or latitude and longitude information to prevent an extra translation step. Mobile phone numbers can continually update the public address book as the mobile devices roam, on a reasonable periodic basis. This functionality is preferably outside the web service  2102 , but could in fact be integrated with tracking records  6800  maintained in the Trail Table ( FIG. 68  records) for heartbeats received from, or on behalf of, mobile devices  2540 . For the purposes of this discussion, the (public) address book simply correlates phone numbers with the last known location of the device (or home address phone number) associated with that phone number. The user can also use wildcard phone number specification(s) for returning multiple phone numbers to choose from. 
       FIG. 73  processing begins at block  7302 , and continues to block  7304  where all fields of pre-translation criteria menu  7180 - m  are validated according to the radio button selected of the pre-translation criteria menu  7180 - m . Thereafter, if any field is not valid as determined by block  7306 , then block  7314  provides an appropriate error so specification can continue by the user in pre-translation criteria menu  7180 - m . Thereafter,  FIG. 73  processing terminates at block  7332 . If block  7306  determines there were no errors found at block  7304 , then block  7306  continues to block  7308 . If block  7308  determines the address radio button was selected, then block  7316  uses the address subset to build a query for querying connected geo-translation database(s). The geo-translation database (DB) may be a DB local to web service  2102 , or accessed remotely (e.g. Geocoding Conversion Database(s)  2550 ), for example by way of an internet connection. Block  7316  can interface to multiple translation databases, for example to use the output from one query to build a next query in turn, until after a sequence of crafted queries the latitude and longitude information for the user specification is retrieved. Depending on the embodiment, a point, circle, rectangle, or polygon can be returned as the final result of block  7316  to approximate location information for the user specified address information. Block  7316  will interface with the user if there is a plurality of selections to make because of ambiguity or wildcarding. Block  7316  continues to block  7338  where the conversion and user results or user selection results are checked. If block  7338  determines there was a result found and there were no errors at block  7316 , and the user did not cancel out of making selections, then processing continues to block  7324 , otherwise processing continues to block  7314  for appropriate error handling. Block  7324  starts processing for communicating the result back to the invoking user interface similarly as described for  FIG. 72 , except for saving the translated specifications (ultimately to be saved to record  7000 ). If the specification is a point, then record  7000  fields for maintaining latitude and longitude will be used. If the specification is a circle, then record  7000  fields for maintaining latitude and longitude will be used for the circle center, and HitRadius field  7032  is used for the radius. If the specification is a rectangle or polygon, then PMRID  7030  is used to join record  7000  to the Pingimeter Table ( FIG. 94B  records) on PMRID  9452  for maintaining a plurality of records in the Pingimeter Table for individual latitudes and longitudes comprising the rectangle or polygon points. Thereafter, processing continues for how to communicate selections to the user interface that  FIG. 73  was invoked from. If it is determined at block  7326  that a radius was returned at block  7316 , then block  7334  redirects the page back to the invoking page for automatically populating the latitude and longitude fields for the circle center and any radius field that is there. If no radius (HitRadius) field is present (e.g.  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 E,  71 F,  71 I, and  71 J), then the radius is displayed out in the right margin of the page. Block  7334  continues to block  7332  where processing terminates. If block  7326  determines a circle was not returned, then processing continues to block  7328 . If it is determined at block  7328  that a polygon (including rectangle) was returned at block  7316 , then block  7336  redirects the page back to the invoking page for automatically populating the latitude and longitude fields with a LIST indication. If no scrollable list fields are present to be populated (e.g.  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 E,  71 F,  71 I, and  71 J), then a list invocable page link is displayed out in the right margin of the page. The user can select the list link for a pop-up or page showing an ordered set of latitude and longitude specifications, or another embodiment will produce the underlying map where selections were made showing the selections on the map used. Block  7336  continues to block  7332  where processing terminates. Various embodiments discussed with  FIG. 72  analogously apply here. If block  7328  determines a polygon (including rectangle) was not selected, then processing continues to block  7330  where the returned point latitude and longitude are automatically populated to the invoking page fields for latitude and longitude, and processing terminates at block  7332 . In the multiple selection embodiment, the user may have selected a plurality of points, circles, rectangles, polygons, or combinations thereof, in which case appropriate logic from blocks  7326  through  7330  is incorporated respectively. 
     If block  7308  determines the user did not select the address radio button in the menu  7180 - m , then processing continues to block  7310 . If block  7310  determines the “Device” radio button was selected, then block  7318  builds query(s), including to the Trail table upon successful determination (PingPal Privilege Assignment Table ( FIG. 92  records) queried and joined records therefrom) that the user causing  FIG. 73  processing does indeed have the right to view the whereabouts of the device(s) (by Deviceid, group name, or wildcard) specified (determining privileges discussed below). The query returns the most recently inserted record(s)  6800  in the Trail Table ( FIG. 68  records) for the device(s) with the Deviceid field(s)  6504  specified by the user, and having associated RegistryID (s)  6502  that matches RegistryID (s)  6802 . Block  7318  opens a DB connection, does the appropriate query(s), and closes the DB connection. The user will interface to results at block  7318  if there is a plurality of results to choose from. Thereafter, if block  7320  determines an entry was not found in the Trail Table or an error occurred, or the user cancelled out of selections, then processing continues to block  7314  for appropriately handling the error. If block  7320  determines an entry was found in the Trail Table and/or selected by the user, then block  7324  continues processing as already described. If block  7310  determines the user did not select the device radio button, then block  7312  determines if the phone number radio button was selected. If the phone number radio button was selected as determined by block  7312 , then block  7322  builds query(s) to the address book, for example as described above and queries location information for the phone number. Block  7322  can interface to multiple databases, for example to use the output from one query to build a next query in turn, until after a sequence of crafted queries the latitude and longitude information for the user specification is retrieved. Preferably, a point is returned for the sought phone number. If a plurality of selections result (e.g. wildcarding), the user interfaces at block  7322  to make selection(s). Thereafter, if block  7320  determines the number was found in the address book and/or selected by the user, processing continues to block  7330  by way of block  7324  for communicating the latitude and longitude point information back to the invoking user interface. If block  7320  determines the phone number was not found or an error occurred, or the user cancelled out of making selections, then processing continues to block  7314  for handling the error. If block  7312  determines the phone number radio button was also not specified, then block  7314  handles an unusual error for no radio button specified (as might be the case for stand-alone modular unit code testing of  FIG. 73 ). Some embodiments will allow displaying a map and translated selections thereon from the invoking page after  FIG. 73  processing. So,  FIG. 73  automatically populates the invoking user interface for subsequently populating fields in a record  7000 . 
       FIG. 74  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to automatically get the current situational location, for example a latitude and longitude, of the requesting device. The user manually enters data into fields for “COM Port”, “Baud Rate”, and an optional checkmark for “Round” if the fields do not automatically populate when arriving to the interface (e.g.  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 E,  71 F,  71 I, and  71 J). These fields are easily defaulted from GPS (Global Positioning System) mechanism data evidence established one time with fields  5088 ,  5090 , and  5092 , respectively, of  FIG. 50I  (also shown in  FIGS. 50G and 50H ). COM port and Baud rate are required for how to interface a connected GPS source to the device with user interfaces  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 E,  71 F,  71 I, and  71 J. Other embodiments may not expose this information in the DCDB interfaces to avoid confusion by users who may not need it, or understand it. 
       FIG. 74  processing starts at block  7402  upon selecting button  7182 , and continues to block  7404  where “COM Port”, and “Baud Rate” are validated. Thereafter, block  7406  checks validity. If block  7406  determines the specified fields are valid and not empty, then block  7408  starts the GPS interface to the specified COM port in anticipation of the specified baud rate. GPS coordinates should be streaming off the COM port, for example in National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA)  0183  format as the result of connected GPS means, for example a serial attached GPS device, USB attached GPS device, blue-tooth attached GPS device, or any GPS device attached in an appropriate manner for communicating GPS information to the host system with interfaces of  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 E,  71 F,  71 I, and  71 J. Thereafter, block  7410  retrieves the most recent GPS information and continues to block  7412  if retrieved or timed out waiting. If block  7412  determines the request to get GPS information timed out, then an error is reported at block  7416  so the invoking user interface specification can continue, and processing terminates at block  7424 . If block  7406  determines the “COM Port” and “Baud Rate” specified were not valid, then block  7416  reports the error so the invoking user interface specification can continue, and processing terminates at block  7424 . 
     If block  7412  determines the request for information was satisfied, then the “Round” checkmark is interrogated at block  7418 . If block  7418  determines the “Round” checkmark was checked, then latitude and longitude seconds are rounded to a system configured number of decimal places (e.g. 2) at block  7414  and processing continues to block  7420 . If block  7418  determines that “Round” was not checked, then processing continues directly to block  7420 . 
     Block  7420  converts the retrieved latitude and longitude into readable format for automatically populating the invoking user interface, then block  7422  populates the latitude and longitude fields in the invoking user interface, and processing terminates at block  7424 . CD-ROM file name “gpstools.asp” provides a Javascript interface of an actual GPSPing.com implementation of  FIG. 74  for interfacing a fully scalable and internet accessible ASP program to connected GPS gathering means. 
       FIG. 75A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for priming the automatic retrieval of a situational location, for example GPS coordinates. A GPS prime link  7195  is provided since some GPS device interface implementations are somewhat fragile based on having a clear view to the sky, timeout parameters, and other issues in ensuring a live GPS information feed. GPS chips and devices are becoming more sensitive, and Adjusted GPS (AGPS), Differential GPS (DGPS), WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) enablement, and the like, is assuring highly accurate GPS feeds while in concrete and steel buildings, and other areas or situations historically difficult for capturing GPS information. GPS functionality soon will be available to many devices regardless of their physical location. The user can select link  7195  to get to the GPS dashboard page of  FIG. 75A . The GPS dashboard page allows validation that the GPS information is indeed streaming off the expected port, so that  FIG. 74  processing will have no issue. Typically, the user will encounter a timeout issue first, then click on link  7195  to prime the port again for retrieving GPS information. Future embodiments of web service  2102  will not need a GPS prime link  7195  because there will be no requirements in the future to have a clear view to the sky. The user of the  FIG. 75A  Dashboard can select the “Clear Vals” button to clear all fields at any time, select the “Start” button to start interfacing to the GPS port for GPS information collection, or select the “Stop” button to stop the interface to the GPS port.  FIG. 75A  shows that the GPS port is COM port  6  and the Baud rate is 4800, both of which can be defaulted with GPS mechanism data evidence as described above.  FIG. 75B  depicts a screenshot demonstrating activity in automatic retrieval of a situational location, for example GPS coordinates. The user has selected “Start” from the screenshot in  FIG. 75A  prior to taking the screenshot for  FIG. 75B . GPS information is updated real-time into fields of the window, mostly at an interval of every second as is consistent with a GPS interface, for example NMEA 0183 format. Other GPS formats and devices can of course be used as well to accomplish functionality described herein. Once the user sees a live feed is good, he can go back to the invoking user interface and then automatically retrieve GPS information with button  7182 . CD-ROM file name “zgpsdash.asp” provides a Javascript and hosting ASP interface of an actual GPSPing.com implementation of  FIGS. 75A and 75B  for interfacing in a fully scalable and internet accessible manner to connected GPS gathering means. 
       FIG. 76  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to convert one form of situational location information into another form of situational location, for example decimal degree specifications of latitude and longitude into degrees, minutes, and seconds specifications.  FIG. 76  starts processing at block  7602  upon selection of button  7184  and continues to block  7604 . Prior to selecting button  7184 , the neighboring “Lat” and “Lon” fields are entered as any decimal real numbers for decimal degrees, a common format. Button  7184  then converts those specifications into the latitude and longitude parameters of the user interface in terms of Degrees, Minutes, Seconds, and Pole or Hemisphere. Another embodiment may always use decimal degrees, or only the D/M/S notation, or some other latitude and longitude representation without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein. Block  7604  validates the “Lat” and “Lon” fields and processing continues to block  7606 . If block  7606  determines a “Lat” or “Lon” specification is invalid, then block  7616  reports the error to the user so user specification can continue, and processing terminates at block  7614 . If block  7606  determines that the user specification for “Lat” and “Lon” are valid, then block  7608  converts the decimal degree values to Degrees, Minutes, and Seconds (and Pole for Lat, Hemisphere for Lon), block  7610  makes the values human readable, block  7612  automatically updates target fields in the invoking user interface, and processing terminates at block  7614 . CD-ROM file name “convdegs.asp” provides a Javascript interface of an actual GPSPing.com implementation of  FIG. 76  for interfacing to a fully scalable and internet accessible ASP program. 
     With reference back to  FIG. 63 , shown is a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form in the members area  2500  and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing. For this discussion in context for indicators,  FIG. 63  is invoked for adding a record  7800  to an Indicator Table ( FIG. 78  records) upon invoking DCDB Indicators link  4656 . Processing starts at block  6302  and continues to block  6304  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6308 . Block  6308  builds and presents  FIG. 79A  for adding an Indicator record, and then a user interfaces with  FIG. 79A  at block  6310  until the Add button  7902  action is invoked. When an add action is invoked by the user, block  6312  validates user field specifications to  FIG. 79A , and block  6314  checks the results. If block  6314  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  6318  invokes  FIG. 77  processing for adding the record  7800 , and current page processing terminates at block  6316 . If block  6314  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  6320  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  6310  (e.g. pop-up). 
       FIG. 77  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the submittal to add a record to the web service. For purposes of this discussion, a record  7800  is being added to the Indicator Table ( FIG. 78  records), for example by a Content Provider or a Pinger (e.g. for PingSpot). Processing starts at block  7702  and continues to block  7704  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  7706  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  7710 . Block  7710  validates user field specifications to  FIG. 79A , and block  7712  checks the results. If block  7712  determines all fields are not valid, then block  7708  reports the error to the user in an appropriate manner and processing terminates at block  7720 . If block  7712  determines all fields are valid, then block  7714  builds an Indicator Table insert command from  FIG. 79A  specifications, opens a DB connection, does the insert, and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  7716  sends an email to an administrator account if a Notify flag is set to document this type of transaction, and block  7718  provides the user with a successful add acknowledgement interface similar to those described above, and processing terminates at block  7720 .  FIG. 77  processing inserts a record  7800  into the Indicator Table and defaults fields appropriately (e.g. Ordr field  7806 , Owner field  7810  to PersonID of the user adding the record (as communicated from Access Control processing, etc)). 
       FIG. 78  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Indicator Table used to maintain delivery indicators for the web service  2102 . Delivery Indicators can be assigned to DCDB records, or assigned to receiving device(s) in the Registry Table. IndicID  7802  is preferably a unique primary key automatically generated by the underlying SQL database system to ensure uniqueness when inserting a record  7800  to the indicator Table. Indicatr field  7804  contains an indicator value or reference thereof for delivery to a mobile device  2540  instead of content. Indicatr field  7804  may contain a character, character string, fully qualified path name of a file accessible to web service  2102  which contains the indicator character, character string, image, or any indication means. Various embodiments will always store the indicator in field  7804 , or will always store a reference to the indicator described by field  7804 , or will use references simultaneously. Any indicator format, or type, can be used. For example, an indicator may be visual or audible, or a combination thereof. Ordr field  7806  contains an integer for priority order of indicators when the same owner of the record has multiple indicator records  7800  in the Indicator Table. This allows defining an order of indicators to check for delivery, so that when one record  7800  does not satisfy the delivery, the next record  7800  can be checked to see if it satisfies being delivered, and so on until the best matching indicator is found. Criteria field  7808  contains criteria about the deliverable content that when found to be true, denotes to use the record  7800  as the best match indicator record for delivery to a mobile device  2540 . Various embodiments will use criteria for matching to one or more fields of the Registry Table record  6500  for the target device, or for matching to one or more fields of the DCDB record  7000  that is determined to be selected for subsequent delivery. Criteria field  7808  can be similar in configuration to Interests Field  6516 . There can be multiple Criteria fields in a record  7800 . Owner field  7810  contains the PersonID  2902  for the user who created the record  7800 . Each user has a reasonable system configured limited number of records  7800  they can create. BrowseRct field  7812  is a Yes/No flag for whether or not to deliver the indicator to the device in an active Delivery Manager connected browser window. SMSRcpt field  7814  is a Yes/No flag for whether or not to deliver the indicator in an SMS message. EmailRcpt field  7816  is a Yes/No flag for whether or not to deliver the indicator in an email message. An alternate embodiment to fields  7812  through  7816  will use the equivalent fields in an applicable record  6500 . DTCreated field  7818  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  7800  was created in (added to) the Indicator Table. DTLastChg field  7820  contains a date/time stamp of when any field in the record  7800  was last modified. CIP field  7822  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that created the applicable data record  7800 . The CHIP field  7824  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  7800 . CHName field  7826  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  7800 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. ChgrIP field  7828  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that last modified the applicable data record  7800 . The ChgrHIP field  7830  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  7800 . ChgrHName field  7832  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  7800 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. The Indicator Table should always be initially set with some number of records  7800  that provide system default behavior to web service  2102  so that indicators exist even if no user has yet added an indicator through members area  2500 . These default system indicators preferably have a lowest priority (e.g. negative) value in Ordr field  7802  so they are never available to any user for managing, and are always the lowest priority record(s)  7800  in the indicators Table at the time of request. Another embodiment will permit a Site Owner to use interfaces discussed in  FIGS. 77 through 85  for maintaining the system default indicators for web service  2102 . 
       FIG. 79A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for adding an Indicator record  7800  to the web service, preferably upon selection of DCDB Indicators option  4656 .  FIG. 79A  is arrived to after clicking DCDB Indicators option  4656 . Field  7904  is used to populate field  7804  with characters, and will be a path to a file if applicable. Indicator format and content as well as any file path format and existence is checked for validity at blocks  7710  and  7712 . Other fields of  FIG. 79A  are easily identified for corresponding record  7800  fields. Ordr field  7806  is defaulted for preferably setting the priority to the lowest priority. In some embodiments, the default may duplicate the values between records  7800  in the Indicator Table which requires subsequent updating. In other embodiments, the current records for the user adding the record  7800  are queried to determine the next available value for a unique default value for Ordr field  7806 . Criteria field is defaulted to null. Selecting manage indicators link  7952  produces the screenshot of  FIG. 79B . 
       FIG. 79B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching the web service Indicator records for the user of the interface, for example upon selecting link  7952 . There is preferably no search interface to indicators since there is preferably a reasonably limited enforced maximum, however  FIG. 79B  is provided to support all conceivable embodiments where many indicators will be managed. A website defined maximum per user and/or per record is preferably enforced at blocks  7710  and  7712 . In another embodiment, record  3000  will contain a maximum (e.g. new field  3023 ) for each user, much like MaxDevs field  3020  is defined and used. A new max DCDB Indicators field  3023  would be passed to pages including  FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control processing in a similar manner. 
     So, clicking the link  7952  takes the user directly to the list interface similarly described above for other record types ( 2900 ,  6500 ,  7000 ). Another embodiment could provide a similar search interface in context for records  7800 . It should be readily understood now from previous descriptions that  FIGS. 55 ,  57 A and  57 B,  58 ,  60 A and  60 B,  53 , and  62  are easily described in context for records  7800  and applicable  FIG. 79B  processing, and for obvious screenshots subsequent to actions from  FIG. 79B . So for brevity, the redundant descriptions and figures are not included here except to say Indicator Table records  7800  can be viewed, deleted, and modified (individually or as a list) in a similar manner to records  2900 , records  6500 , and records  7000 . 
       FIG. 80  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to present Indicators for DCDB assignment, for example upon selection of configure indicators link  7196 .  FIG. 80  processing starts at block  8002  and continues to block  8004  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  8006  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  8008 . Block  8008  builds queries to retrieve the default system indicator record(s)  7800  from the Indicator Table (may not have to query system default(s) specifically since Ordr field  7806  will present all records in the proper order including the system defaults defined with a single query in the preferred embodiment) and the user&#39;s configured indicator records  7800  as determined by the Owner field  7810  (and a system default Owner field if all retrieved in a single query). Block  8008  opens a DB connection, does the query(s), builds the indicator record  7800  list, closes the DB connection, and continues to block  8010 . The user&#39;s records  7800  are queried with an ORDER BY clause on Ordr field  7806  to show priority order in the list retuned. Block  8010  builds the user interface of  FIG. 83  and sets the radio button to a system default Indicator if the user has no records  7800  defined, or to the highest priority indicator found (if applicable) for the user according to Ordr field  7806 .  FIG. 83  preferably allows selecting a single Indicator when assigning to the DCDB item for delivery, however other embodiments may allow more. Block  8010  also maintains IndicID  7802  data evidence with each row output (along with the radio button field), preferably as a hidden field. Thereafter, the user interfaces to  FIG. 83  at block  8012  until action processing is invoked. Thereafter, block  8014  checks for a view record action (selected view control  8302 ) and if it determines the view action was requested, then block  8018  invokes record view processing for displaying the contents of the record  7800  with the radio button selected at the time of selecting control  8302 . Browser Back key, window closing, and other navigation can be subsequently performed. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  8020 . If block  8014  determines the action was not for viewing a record  7800 , then processing continues to block  8016 . If block  8016  determines the user selected to save (e.g. clicked button  8304 ), then block  8022  invokes Indicator management form processing of  FIG. 81  on the entry with the radio button set, then processing terminates at block  8020 . If block  8016  determines a save action was not selected, then processing continues back to block  8012  for other actions of little relevance to this disclosure with respect to  FIG. 83 . 
       FIG. 81  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for Indicator management form processing. Processing starts at block  8102  and continues to block  8104  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  8106  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  8110 . Block  8110  validates user specifications from  FIG. 83  which should be minimal if any. Thereafter, block  8112  checks form field validity. If all form specifications are not valid, then block  8108  reports an appropriate error to the user and processing terminates at block  8120 . If block  8112  determines that all form fields are valid, then block  8114  builds a delete command on the IndicID data evidence for the selected radio button row from  FIG. 83A  for first deleting any occurrence in the DCDB Indicator Assignment Table ( FIG. 82  records) using IndicID field  7802  data evidence for the row with the radio button selected. An insert command is also constructed for insertion of a record  8200  into the DCDB Indicator Assignment Table ( FIG. 82  records) for mapping a delivery indicator to a DCDB record  7000 . Preferably, only a single best indicator is assignable. Block  8114  opens a DB connection, does the delete and insert commands, respectively, then closes the DB connection and continues to block  8116 . Another embodiment can allow a single update command. Block  8116  sends an email to an administrator account if a Notify flag is set to document this type of transaction, then block  8118  provides the user with a successful add acknowledgement interface similar to those described above, and processing terminates at block  8120 . 
       FIG. 82  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the DCDB Indicator Assignment Table used to associate Indicators to DCDB records  7000  and Registry records  6500 . Type field  8202  is a type indicator for the type of record id in field  8204 . Type field  8202  can be for assign DCDB Table record to indicator, assign all the user&#39;s DCDB Table records to indicator, assign Registry Table record to indicator, assign all the user&#39;s Registry Table records to indicator. RecID  8204  contains either a DCDBID  7002  value, a PersonID  2902 , or a RegistryID field  6502 . This allows joining the record  8200  to either the DCDB table (on AuthID  7038  (for all), or on DCDBID  7002 ) or Registry table (on Owner field  6522  (for all), or on RegistryID  6502 ) for associating indicators to DCDB items or devices, respectively. IndicID  8206  contains an IndicID  7802  value for joining to a record  7800  for the associated indicator(s). A PersonID field  2902  in RecID  8204  implies all of the user&#39;s devices are associated. A DCDBID  7002  in RecID  8204  implies a deliverable content item is associated. A RegistryID  6502  in RecID  8204  implies a single user&#39;s device is associated. Another embodiment will define a different value in type field  8202  for using a PersonID  2902  value in RecID  8204  for associating an indicator to all the user&#39;s deliverable contents items (via AuthID  7038 ). 
     Another embodiment to the DCDB Indicator Assignment Table ( FIG. 82  records) is to have multiple tables for each type maintained in type field  8202  so joins can be done without a condition to get associated DCDB record(s) or Registry record(s). For example, one table would always have a RecID  8204  containing DBDBID  7002  values, another table would always have a RecID  8204  containing Owner field  6522  values, another table would always have a RecID  8204  containing RegistryID  6502  values, and another table would always have a RecID  8204  containing an AuthID  7038  values. Thus, the DCDB Indicator Assignment Table provides means for assigning indicator(s) to: a) individual deliverable content item(s)  7000 , b) individual device(s)  6500 , c) all of a user&#39;s deliverable content item(s)  7000 , and d) all of a user&#39;s device(s)  6500 . 
       FIG. 83  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for selecting an Indicator to be associated with a DCDB record. System defaults are shown, but others would display based on configurations made by the user of  FIG. 83 . Preferably, a single indicator is assigned to a DCDB record  7000 , however another embodiment can allow a priority order of multiple assignments as described above for associating multiple records  7800  to a DCDB record  7000  using the Criteria field  7808  for conditional assignment as discussed below. Yet another embodiment will permit the user to assign an indicator  7800  to all his created records  7000 .  FIGS. 77 through 83  have so far been described for associating records  7800  to records  7000  through maintaining the records  7800  by a Content Provider, Pinger, Site Owner, or any other user who want the ability to assign indicators to deliverable content items.  FIGS. 84A through 85  shall describe enabling users to assign indicators to their receiving devices for overriding any indicators that may be assigned for a deliverable content item  7000 . 
       FIG. 84A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to configure personal Indicators, for example upon selecting configure indicators link  5082 . Configure indicators link  5082  preferably links to  FIG. 85  for all user types to manage indicators for their devices. Presence of records  7800  resulting from  FIGS. 84A through 85  define the user&#39;s preferences. Another embodiment to record  7800  includes an Active field  7817  which enables (i.e. active) or disables (i.e. inactive) records in the Indicator Table for entries to be maintained, yet without being considered when queried. The active field  7817  would be managed as any other record  7800  field similarly described above and/or described below.  FIG. 85  provides users with enablement for fully customizing indicators for their devices through a  FIG. 85  interface which is different than  FIGS. 79A and 79B . Different embodiments can use only  FIGS. 79A and 79B  and associated processing, only  FIG. 85  and associated processing, or both as described herein. Configure indicators link  5082  is intended for user interface personalization from  FIGS. 50G through 501 , so configure indicators link  5082  preferably links to  FIG. 85  regardless for all users. 
       FIG. 84A  processing begins at block  8402  and continues to block  8404  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  8406  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  8408 . Block  8408  builds queries to retrieve the current user&#39;s configured indicator records  7800  as determined by the Owner field  7810 . Block  8408  opens a DB connection, does the query(s), builds the indicator record  7800  list, closes the DB connection, builds the top of page  FIG. 85 , populates the indicator dropdown list  8502  with Ordr Fields  7806  (and IndicID  7802  assigned to each for any actions), completes building the  FIG. 85  page with a table containing all the user&#39;s indicators (current user of  FIG. 85 ), and continues to block  8410 . The query constructed in block  8408  selects those records with Owner field  7810  equal to the PersonID  2902  of the user who clicked configure indicators link  5082 . The user&#39;s records  7800  are queried with an ORDER BY clause on Ordr field  7806  to show priority order in the list retuned. Dropdown list  8502  contains an entry for each listed in view area  8504 . Block  8410  completes building the user interface of  FIG. 85 . Thereafter, the user interfaces to  FIG. 85  at block  8412  until action processing is invoked. When an action is invoked, form fields are validated at block  8414 , and block  8416  checks the validity. If block  8416  determines a field is invalid, then block  8418  reports the error to the user so specification can continue back at block  8412 . If block  8416  determines all fields are valid, then processing continues to block  8420 . If block  8420  determines a view, modify, or delete action was requested (via button  8530  for view, button  8532  for modify, button  8534  for delete), then block  8426  invokes record view, delete, or modify processing on the record according to the one displayed in dropdown  8502  (and fields populated to the change area  8506 ). The appropriate page processing shall be invoked for viewing, deleting, or modifying the record  7800  according to user field specifications at fields  8508  through  8518  in a similar manner to above described record processing of other tables. Thereafter, instead of providing a success acknowledgement page for record alterations performed, processing is redirected back to  FIG. 84A  processing starting at block  8402  which will then build a  FIG. 85  page reflecting any changes that may have been made. If block  8420  determines no view, modify, or delete action was requested, then block  8422  checks if the dropdown was manipulated for selecting a different record. If block  8422  determines a different dropdown record was selected, then block  8430  automatically populates the selected record  7800  fields to fields  8508  through  8518 , and processing continues back to block  8412  for further user interface. If block  8422  determines a dropdown was not manipulated, then processing continues to block  8424 . If block  8424  determines the user selected to add a record (via add button  8520 ), then block  8432  performs Add Personal Indicator processing (adding a record  7800 ) and current page processing terminates at block  8428 . If block  8424  determines an add action was not selected, then processing continues back to block  8412 . 
       FIG. 84B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for adding a personal Indicator record, such as Add Personal Indicator processing from block  8432 . Processing starts at block  8452  and continues to block  8454  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  8456  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  8458 . Block  8458  validates user specifications from  FIG. 85 . Thereafter, block  8460  checks form field validity, and to make sure a maximum number of personalized records  7800  has not been exceeded. If all form specifications are not valid, or a maximum number is exceeded, then block  8466  reports an appropriate error to the user and current page processing terminates at block  8468 . Browser Back key, window closing, and other navigation can be subsequently performed. If block  8460  determines that all form fields are valid and a maximum is not exceeded for adding a record  7800 , then block  8462  builds an insert command to insert the new record  7800  to the Indicator Table. Block  8462  opens a DB connection, does the insert, then closes the DB connection and continues to block  8464 . Block  8464  sends an email to an administrator account if a Notify flag is set to document this type of transaction, then redirects the user back to the invoking page, and current page processing is subsequently terminated at block  8468 . Processing of  FIG. 84A  is redirected back to at block  8464  for display of  FIG. 85  with the newly added record being used in display. 
     A website defined maximum is preferably enforced at blocks  8458  and  8460 . In another embodiment, record  3000  will contain a maximum (e.g. new field  3021 ) for each user, much like MaxDevs field  3020  is defined and used. A new max Personalized indicators field  3021  would be passed to pages including  FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control processing in a similar manner.  FIG. 85  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for managing personal Indicators for assignment to devices through Assign button  5070 . Assign button  5070  provides each user with the ability to assign indicators to all their devices (insert record  8200  with type field  8202  for assign Registry Table record to indicator, or insert record  8200  with type field  8202  for assign all the user&#39;s Registry Table records to indicator). 
     Thus, a Content Provider can control which content can have which indicators delivered instead of the content itself. Likewise, an Administrator (and Pinger) can control which devices can have which indicators delivered instead of the content itself. All users can assign criteria for when to deliver an indicator. System default indicators are provided in cases of: IndicOnly field  6528  is set to Yes and an applicable user has not configured any indicators, or IndicOnly field  7052  is set to Yes and an applicable user has not configured any indicators. So, indicators are conveniently administered with the content, for the receiving device, or both. Criteria field  7808  may also contain size deliverable content limit information, time criteria, or any other criteria which will conditionally affect delivering the indicator instead of the deliverable content. So, attributes beyond those stored in either record  6500  or  7000  may also be used for determining a criteria condition. 
     Automatic Data Transformation to Deliverable Content Database 
       FIG. 86  depicts a block diagram depicting the automated data transform service components for automatic population of the deliverable content database according to the present disclosure. An automated data transform service  8600  includes a transform process  8602 , data source(s)  8604  (also referred to as content sources), and the deliverable content database  8606  containing, for example, a table of deliverable content database records  7000  (or  700 ), or similar records suitable for deliverable content to be delivered by situational location. The transform process  8602  is capable of transforming heterogeneous data source(s) and data types into any configured tables of the deliverable content database, optionally through configuration of pre-transform rules  8608  and optional create schema rules  8610 . Data source(s)  8604  are typically external application data sources in formats including database SQL data, comma delimited .csv files, binary files containing variable or fixed length records, text files containing variable or fixed length records, XML (Extensible Markup Language) files, html files, executable binary image or file, or any other data form where data can be parsed out or processed unambiguously and transformed into the deliverable content database  8606 . The deliverable content database  8606  is preferably as heretofore described, an SQL database suitable for the present invention, however various embodiments will make use of a particular deliverable content database format as is appropriate in order to contain content of any type as heretofore described. 
     Pre-transform rules  8608  provide run time configurations to the transform process  8602  for how to parse, interpret, and transform data source(s)  8604 , and for how to load the deliverable content database  8606 . Depending on an embodiment, pre-transform rules  8608  and create schema rules  8610  may be dynamically configurable without restart of the transform process, or may require the transform process to initialize with configurations upon startup at block  8704  of  FIG. 87 . Once the data, for example delivery content (i.e. pre-transform rules  8608  may be configured to populate any data in any table(s)), has been automatically populated into the deliverable content database, it may be in a form ready for proactive content delivery by situational location, or may undergo further tailoring to be in a more suitable form. A post-transform data manipulator process  8612  is further provided for transforming deliverable content database data (can be used to transform content/data in any table(s)) should transforming be desirable or necessary after content data is contained in the deliverable content database, or after population by the transform process  8602 . Post-transform rules  8614  provide run time configurations to the post-transform data manipulator process  8612  for how to parse, interpret, and transform the content or data, and for how to update that content or data. Depending on the embodiment, post-transform rules  8614  may be dynamically configurable without restart of the post-transform data manipulator process  8612 , or may require the post-transform data manipulator process to initialize with configurations upon startup at block  8804  of  FIG. 88 . 
     The transform process  8602  and/or the post-transform data manipulator process  8612  may be a single executable process, multiple executable processes, one or multiple executable threads, or any other execution entity capable of carrying out processing as described by the figures ( FIGS. 87 and 88 ), similarly to data processing system programs described above with  FIG. 10C . 
     A Graphical User Interface (GUI)  8616  may also be used to perform post-transform data modifications. The GUI  8616  may be an SQL (Standard Query Language) Query generation user interface for issuing SQL commands to tailor data, a specific application user GUI  8616  developed for modifying data in the deliverable content database, or any other graphical user interface (gui) providing an administrator with the ability to change deliverable content database data. One example of GUI  8616  is an embodiment as described by  FIGS. 14A ,  14 B, and  71 A through  76 , and associated processing. 
     A Database Management interface  8618 , for example an Oracle SQLNet interface, SQL Server Enterprise Manager, or SQL user interface tool (Oracle is a trademark of Oracle Corp., SQL Server and Enterprise Manager are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.) may also be used to modify the deliverable content database through issuing SQL commands/queries. 
     Data source(s)  8604  preferably include external application data sources such as a World Almanac, Encyclopedia, World Fishing Record database, Guinness book of World Records, classified ads, newspaper subscribers, phone book yellow pages, restaurant catalogues, database of historical events, database of captured field data, or any other collection of data useful for carrying out a particular application of the present invention. Data source(s)  8604  may also include location translation data to facilitate translating location data of deliverable content into a new suitable location format. For example, addresses associated with advertised merchandise can be translated to latitude and longitude using location translation data. Transform process  8602  may process a single source of data or multiple sources of data to accomplish appropriate automatic deliverable content database population. Data source(s)  8604  preferably reside in an SQL database, in an electronic or magnetic representation on disk, diskette, tape, or the like, or on Compact Disk (i.e. CD), mechanically recorded record, punched cards or paper, written media capable of being interpreted automatically (e.g. OCR, bar codes, etc) or any other media capable of being automatically processed. Data source(s)  8604  may be processed visually through pattern recognition, audibly through sound or voice recognition, or sensed through technological means as is appropriate for data being sensed and processed. Pre-transform rules  8608  contain appropriate rules depending on the embodiment. Although transform process  8602  can hard-code all transformation logic within itself, it is preferred to have run time configuration outside of transform process  8602  processing, for example some or all of pre-transform rules  8608 , for flexibility preventing modification of executable code of transform process  8602  while supporting many varieties of data source(s)  8604 , and even varieties of formats of target deliverable content databases. 
     Pre-transform rules  8608  consist of a set of rules that include a rule type and rule information. The number of members in the set may be equivalent to the number of data sources to be automatically transformed in a start to finish execution of the transform process  8602 . Rule information preferably contains a connectivity descriptor, input descriptor, parse descriptor, and a data transform descriptor. In alternative embodiments, an optional join descriptor may be included for providing information on intersecting, merging, integrating, or processing together more than one data source to a particular target transform result, for example to translate location infrastructure to a more suitable form. Otherwise, multiple data sources are processed on their own merit in accordance with their own member in the set of rules, and their own entries in the pre-transform rules  8608 . 
     A rule type describes how to interpret the associated rule. It includes SQL database table data (‘DSQL’), Textual data of fixed length records (‘TFLR’), textual data of varying length records with a delimiter or length descriptor (‘TVLR’), binary file of fixed length records (‘BFLR’), binary non-executable data of varying length records with a delimiter or length descriptor (‘BVLR’), comma delimited field data (e.g. Excel .csv file) (‘TCSV’), Spreadsheet (e.g. MS Excel) data (‘SXLS’), text data with a start key and end key (‘TKEY’), textual data with a start key and end offset (TKEO’), binary non-executable data with start key and end key (‘BKEY’), binary non-executable data with start key and end offset (‘BKEO’), executable textual data (html, xml, programming language), executable binary data (program object code, compiled &amp; linked program, etc), and other source formats depending on the application. While handling the types mentioned enables handling the majority of preferable data source(s)  8604 , it is understood that other types are easily incorporated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure so as to handle interpretation and transform of a particular media, format and/or data type. 
     Rule information depends on the rule type. The rule type describes to the transform process  8602  how to interpret the rule syntax and/or semantics. The connectivity descriptor preferably provides a reference to an executable script, program, or executable interface that has all the necessary processing capability for initializing to the data source to the point of being able to receive or retrieve the data, preferably in an electronic form as described above. Data source specific setup is preferably isolated to the referenced script, program, or executable interface. Other embodiments will move command logic, setup commands, and/or connectivity logic directly into the connectivity descriptor or transform process  8602 . 
     The input descriptor indicates to the transform process  8602  whether or not the data source(s)  8604  input stream is finite (‘F’) or an infinite on-going feed (‘I’), and exactly how to access the data source. A delimiter character or byte sequence is provided for rule types describing varying length delimited records, and length description information is provided for rule types of varying length records. A record length is provided for fixed length records. Alternative embodiments will move some or all of input descriptor logic or encoding directly into processing of transform process  8602 . 
     The parse descriptor indicates to the transform process  8602  where fields in a record of the input stream are located in the record, their data type, and their length. Regardless of the media of the data source, it is preferable to have the data eventually in an electronic interface (e.g. memory record, database or file) as a result of the particular media connectivity directed by the connectivity descriptor, and the data feed directed by the input descriptor. Alternative embodiments will move some or all of parse descriptor logic or encoding directly into processing of transform process  8602 . 
     The data transform descriptor describes to the transform process how to treat each field to be parsed in the source data, and where to populate it. This preferably includes ignoring the field, using the field as is, converting the field into a different data type and/or length, or combining the field with other field(s) before population of the deliverable content database. In the preferred embodiment of an SQL database deliverable content database, the data transform descriptor contains information for a target SQL table and column names for inserting the data. The transform process  8602  can simply build an appropriate SQL INSERT query for a target table defined. The present invention handles multiple target tables through configurations resulting in multiple SQL INSERT queries being built for certain target tables. Further provided to the data transform descriptor are transform means for carrying out the data conversion aspects of the present invention. These transform means include converting data type, format and length, as well as translating data, merging data from multiple columns, and replacing data from one source with data from another source. Interfaces may also be provided for converting from an address to a MAPSCO grid location, from an address to latitude and longitude location, from a text stream to an audible annunciation, and any other conversion for converting one data form to another. Interfaces may be provided within the transform process executable code itself, through invocable Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), object oriented class library interfaces, referenced scripts, or other executable means. Automated transform requirements from particular data sources(s)  8604  to the deliverable content database  8606  will drive requirements in pre-transform rules  8608  and any associated interfaces needed. 
     While those skilled in the art will determine what is appropriate for pre-transform rules  8608  to flexibly enable the transform process  8602  as described above for a particular data source and deliverable content database, an example is described below to facilitate understanding. 
     SQL Database Table Data Source Example 
     Consider a newspaper classified ad database table containing rows for active estate and garage sales. The present application would be to proactively notify travelers having cell phones, PDAs, or laptops, of appropriate estate and garage sales based on their situational location and configured interests. For the purposes of straightforward explanation, assume that being in a location deems it being a situational location. Existing external application data source table schema of interest may look like the following: 
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Table name = CLASSIFIED_AD_ENTRY 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Column Name 
                 Type 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 CUSTOMER_ID 
                 INTEGER 
                 Unique identifier for SQL 
               
               
                   
                   
                 joining to other tables 
               
               
                   
                   
                 containing customer 
               
               
                   
                   
                 information 
               
               
                 START_DATE 
                 DATE 
                 Start date of Ad event 
               
               
                 END_DATE 
                 DATE 
                 End date of Ad event 
               
               
                 AD_PHONE_NO 
                 CHAR(10) 
                 ‘AAANPAXXXX’ for Ad 
               
               
                   
                   
                 phone number 
               
               
                 AD 
                 VARCHAR(255) 
                 Varying length character string 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of classified advertisement for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 garage or estate sale 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     
       
         
           
               
            
               
                   
               
               
                 Table name = CUSTOMER INFO 
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 Column Name 
                 Type 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 CUSTOMER_ID 
                 INTEGER 
                 Unique identifier for SQL 
               
               
                   
                   
                 joining to other tables 
               
               
                   
                   
                 containing customer 
               
               
                   
                   
                 information 
               
               
                 ORDER_DATE 
                 DATE 
                 Date order was taken 
               
               
                 ORDER_TIME 
                 FLOAT 
                 Time order was taken in # of seconds 
               
               
                   
                   
                 past 12:00 AM 
               
               
                 CUST_NAME{grave over ( )} 
                 CHAR(35) 
                 Customer full name 
               
               
                 CUST_ADDR 
                 CHAR(50) 
                 Customer address 
               
               
                 CUST_CITY 
                 CHAR(30) 
                 Customer city 
               
               
                 CUST_STATE 
                 CHAR(2) 
                 Customer state code 
               
               
                 CUST_ZIP 
                 CHAR(5) 
                 Customer PO zip code 
               
               
                 CUST_PHONE 
                 CHAR(10) 
                 Customer phone number 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In one preferred embodiment, pre-transform rules  8608  are contained as data populated into SQL table columns and accessed by the transform process  8602  as run time input configurations. In another embodiment, pre-transform rules  8608  are maintained in a flat text file as run time input configurations to the transform process  8602 . 
     Consider an example using a flat text file embodiment of pre-transform rules  8608  to facilitate the reader&#39;s understanding. The flat text file preferably contains section headings to indicate a rule definition in the set of rules, with an identifier handle delimited in brackets (e.g. “[Rule 1]”). Text occurring up to the next bracketed identifier handle, or an end of file, represents rule information for the preceding bracketed entry. A token followed by an equal (‘=’) sign with punctuation and keywords can be used to describe rule information descriptors for parsing. Continuing with the above example, and in light of a record  700  to facilitate understanding: 
     EXAMPLE 1 
                             PRE-TRANSFORM RULES / CREATE SCHEMA RULES FLAT TEXT CONFIG FILE                                    //       // Comment lines are preceded by leading // characters       // Create the Deliverable Content Database content delivery table.       // Could create any/other tables and indexes here as well...       //       [Schema]       TABLE=DCDB.DELIV_TABLE       DCDB.DELIV_TABLE::COLUMNS=RECID:INTEGER:not_null,LOCATION1:DOUBLE:not_nul       l,LOCATION2:DOUBLE:not_null,DIRECTION:FLOAT:nullable,TIME_CRITERIA_1:DATE:null       able,TIME_CRITERIA_2:FLOAT:nullable,TIME_CRITERIA_3:DATE:nullable,TIME_CRITERIA       _4:FLOAT:nullable,TIME_CRITERIA_5:DATE:nullable,TIME_CRITERIA_6:FLOAT:nullable,TI       ME_CRITERIA_7:DATE:nullable,TIME_CRITERIA_8:FLOAT:nullable,CONTENT_TYPE:CHA       R(4):nullable,CONTENT:VARCHAR_BINARY(255):nullable,SHORT_TEXT_INFO:CHAR(50):n       ullable,SPEED_REFERENCE_INFO:CHAR(100):nullable,DELIVERY_ACTIVATION_SETTING       S:INTEGER:not_null,AUTH_ID:CHAR(25):nullable,CONTENT_LINKS:INTEGER:nullable,APP —         SPEC_DATA1:char(15):nullable,APP_SPEC_DATA2:DOUBLE:nullable;       DCDB.DELIV_TABLE::INDEXES=(LOCATION1,LOCATION2),UNIQUE(RECID),(AUTHID);       // Next line actually creates the table and indexes. Absence of the next line // simply provides the       schema to the rules below for building the prescribed       // INSERT command.       DCDB.DELIV_TABLE::CREATE=YES,YES       // =NO,NO is equivalent to having no entry (first YES is for create table,       // second YES is for create indexes. =NO,YES just creates indexes on       // existing table.       [Rule 1]       TYPE=TCSV;       CONNECT=/usr/Joe/sqlget; // script to make .csv from SQL table above to                         // ready for input to parse descriptor as .csv                 INPUT=F,FILE:j:/usr/Joe/ad_data_out.csv;                         // FILE indicates a finite file to access until EOF                         // since no #recs specified                 // Parse descriptor for csv columns of CLASSIFIED_AD_ENTRY.CUSTOMER_ID,       // .START_DATE, .END_DATE, .AD_PHONE_NO, .AD;       // CUSTOMER_INFO.CUST_ADDR, .CUST_CITY, .CUST_STATE,       // .CUST_ZIP, respectively. CUSTOMER_ID reference 0 is ignored.       PARSE=long,char,char,char,char,char,char,char,char;       XFORM=DCDB.DELIV_TABLE::addr2latlonDecDegrees(&amp;LOCATION1,&amp;LOCATION2,[5],[6],[       7],[8]),DIRECTION=&lt;null&gt;,CONTENT_TYPE=’TEXT’,CONTENT=’START DATE = ‘, [1], ‘.       END DATE = ‘,[2],’ . PHONE = ‘,[3], ‘. ADDRESS = ‘, [5], ‘ ‘, [6], ’ ‘, [7],’ ‘, [8], ‘ &gt;&gt;&gt; ’,[4]                     ,SHORT_TEXT_INFO=’GARAGE/ESTATE   SALE’,                 SPEED_REFERENCE_INFO=’http://www.dallasnews.com’,       DELIVERY_ACTIVATION_SETTINGS=0x0001, other_columns=&lt;null&gt;.                    
Alternatively, a syntax may also be used to specify up the address information (reference 5, 6, 7, 8) in another Database table and being returned with the latitude and longitude.
 
     The transform process  8602  does not need pre-transform rules  8608 , and/or post transform data manipulator process  8612  does not need post-transform rules  8614 . As mentioned above, logic can be directly encoded in the processes themselves. For example, the transform process may encode static or dynamic SQL within its processing for interfacing directly to the data source SQL tables above, and converting rows from the table(s) on the fly into the deliverable content database. There are many methods for accomplishing automatic transformation of data source(s)  8604  into the deliverable content database  8606  without departing from the spirit and scope. Obvious error handling is omitted from the flowcharts in order to focus on the key aspects of the present invention. 
       FIG. 87  depicts a flowchart for describing the automated data transform aspects of the present disclosure. The automated data transform process  8602  starts at block  8702 , and continues to block  8704  where the transform process initializes with any pre-transform rules  8608 , and create schema rules  8610 , and appropriately internalizes the information in accordance with the rule type. The rule type may be inherent in transform process  8602  logic, or may be configured in pre-transform rules  8608  as shown in the example above, or as is appropriate depending on the embodiment. Block  8704  ensures descriptor information is appropriately validated and internalized to facilitate use, and will error out as appropriate for continuing to block  8726  (not shown). It is assumed that any errors detected by  FIG. 87  will result in process flow to block  8726  for appropriate housekeeping, error handling and termination. Block  8704  also initializes to the Deliverable Content database using appropriate database commands, for example, a START USING DATABASE command. The connectivity descriptor may include rules for how to connect to the target deliverable content table, or that may be inherent in transform process  8602  logic as demonstrated in the example above. Thereafter, block  8706  would interrogate the connectivity descriptor and input descriptor to determine data source(s) configured, “Rule 1” in the example, which is of a comma delimited type (.CSV), and then block  8708  would check for any create schema rules configured. Block  8706  performs appropriate validation. If in block  8708 , there were create schema rules configured for processing, then block  8710  creates any tables designated for creation, block  8712  creates any indexes designated for creation, and block  8714  initializes for accessing/reading the data source(s)  8604 . 
     If in block  8708  there were no create schema rules to process, then processing continues to block  8714 . In the example above, the “DCDB.DELIV_TABLE::CREATE=YES,YES” line indicates to create a table and to create indexes for the table as described by preceding configuration lines “TABLE=DCDB.DELIV_TABLE . . . . DCDB.DELIV_TABLE::COLUMNS= . . . ” and DCDB.DELIV_TABLE::INDEXES= . . . ”. The TABLE=DCDB.DELIV_TABLE line indicates to scan for configurations for a table named DCDB.DELIV_TABLE (on the left hand side of a definition). The first YES is in the create table position, and the second YES is in the create index position. So, it is possible to create the table and no indexes, or create the indexes and not the table (i.e. already created), or create both the table and indexes, or create nothing with the absence of a DCDB.DELIV_TABLE::CREATE line, or through specification of NO,NO. In this example, there is still a requirement to have the table schema defined, so that the rule knows how to be interpreted. Obvious error handling at block  8704  validates that rules reference defined table schema. 
     Block  8714  initializes to the data source(s)  8604  according to the internalized configurations for particular data source type, connectivity descriptor, and input descriptor. In the example, “TYPE=TCSV;” indicates the data source is a textual comma delimited file with a record per line. An end of line indicates the end of a record and fields in the record are separated by commas. This provides the recipe for the parse descriptor, and the format of the input descriptor information. The “CONNECT=/usr/Joe/sqlget;” indicates that connectivity to the data source is accomplished through running the (script) executable “sqlget” in the “/usr/Joe” subdirectory. Assume the sqlget script simply creates a temporary result table, then SQL SELECTS columns CUSTOMER_ID, START_DATE, END_DATE, AD_PHONE_NO, AD, CUST_ADDR, CUST_CITY, CUST_STATE, CUST_ZIP with a join on CUSTOMER_ID from the classified ad SQL tables above, and inserts resulting rows into the temporary table. Also assume sqlget queries so that it handles multiple ads per customer. Then, sqlget exports the temporary result table to a comma delimited file. The resulting comma delimited file is named “ad_data_out.csv” placed in the “j:\usr\Joe” subdirectory. The input descriptor indicates the data source is finite from a file (i.e. process up to end of file) at the path “j:/usr/Joe/ad_data_out.csv”. So, upon interpreting internalized configurations, block  8714  runs the script, and opens the file at j:/usr/Joe/ad_data_out.csv for reading comma delimited fields. 
     Thereafter, block  8716  reads the first (line) record (first encounter to block  8716 ), or the next (line) record from the comma delimited file, and block  8718  checks to see if the last record was already processed by a previous iteration of block  8716  (i.e. time to terminate), or if the transform process was told to terminate by an external process, for example through a service management interface. If block  8718  determines that the transform process is not to terminate, then block  8720  parses the record read at block  8716  using the parse descriptor, for example using the parse descriptor above (PARSE=long,char,char,char,char,char,char,char,char). In the example, all fields are varying length character strings except the first field, and columns respect the order of data columns (fields) expected in the comma delimited file. Note the parse descriptor maps to the SELECTed columns by sqlget above in the same order (i.e. CUSTOMER_ID, START_DATE, END_DATE, AD_PHONE_NO, AD, CUST_ADDR, CUST_CITY, CUST_STATE, CUST_ZIP, respectively). 
     Block  8720  continues to block  8722  where the parsed data is transformed using the transform descriptor, for example our XFORM configurations above. 
                                XFORM=DCDB.DELIV_TABLE::addr2latlonDecDegrees(&amp;LOCATION1,&amp;LOCATION2,[5],[6],[       7],[8]),DIRECTION=&lt;null&gt;,CONTENT_TYPE=’TEXT’,CONTENT=’START DATE = ‘, [1], ‘.       END DATE = ‘,[2],’ . PHONE = ‘,[3], ‘. ADDRESS = ‘, [5], ‘ ‘, [6], ’ ‘, [7],’ ‘, [8], ‘ &gt;&gt;&gt; ’,[4]                     ,SHORT_TEXT_INFO=’GARAGE/ESTATE   SALE’,                 SPEED_REFERENCE_INFO=’http://www.dallasnews.com’,       DELIVERY_ACTIVATION_SETTINGS=0x0001, other_columns=&lt;null&gt;.                    
The DCDB.DELIV_TABLE has been defined and is referenced for building an appropriate SQL INSERT command. In the example, columns not accounted for are set to null if nullable, and set to 0 if a not nullable number, a null string if a not nullable character or binary string, or a 0 AD date if a non-nullable date column. A special “other_columns” predicate may be used to default other columns as well, as shown in the example. Note that the example allows building strings using reference fields from the parsed record. [n] indicates to reference the field at offset n in the record. [0] represents the first field, [1] represents the second field, and so on. The addr2latlonDecDegrees( ) function call converts the address information into Decimal Degrees values for latitude and longitude, respectively, assuming the location means of this embodiment determines the latitude and longitude of mobile users. addr2latlonDecDegrees( ) is an example of a plug in interface for facilitating conversions in the transform process. For example, addr2latlonDecDegrees( ) populates the INSERT command LOCATION1 column field with the latitude in decimal degrees, and the INSERT command LOCATION2 column field with the longitude in decimal degrees. Note how the other columns are prepared for the INSERT command using the transform descriptor. The transform process  8602  handles transforms/conversions as applicable to type and format of source field(s) and target field(s).
 
     Upon completion of block  8722 , the INSERT command information is formatted, and processing continues to block  8724  where the INSERT command is finalized, prepared and executed against the deliverable content database DCDB.DELIV_TABLE table. Processing then continues back to block  8716  for retrieving the next record from the input stream. 
     In a high performance embodiment, Blocks  8720 ,  8722 , and  8724  may each be in their own executable threads (or separate processes) that communicate through queues. While block  8716  reads a data record, and block  8720  parses it, block  8720  may also deposit a parsed record onto a raw data queue. Block  8722  can be an executable thread feeding from the raw data queue and then transforming it into a formatted data record. Block  8722  may in turn deposit the formatted data record onto a formatted data record queue. Block  8724  may also be a separate executable database population thread that feeds from the formatted data queue, and finalizes formatting a SQL INSERT command, or may wait until enough records are gathered off the formatted data queue to build a bulk load of information into the database table. In such a high performance embodiment, asynchronous threads operate independently through queue interfaces. There may be multiple instances of the same thread which feeds the raw data queue, multiple instances of the same thread which feeds the formatted data queue, and multiple instances of the database population thread. Blocks  8720  and  8722  may be in the same thread instance. Block  8722  and  8724  may be in the same thread instance. All blocks may be in a common thread. 
     Also note that processing  FIG. 87  may be for multiple data source(s), and in conjunction with processing a join descriptor. In one embodiment, each  FIG. 87  block could process each of the multiple data source(s) as described above before continuing to the next block. In a multithreaded embodiment described, a queue element may include a type for distinguishing between queue entries for in turn distinguishing between multiple/different data sources, or there may be distinct queues between executable threads for distinguishing between multiple/different data sources. 
     If at block  8718 , it is determined that the transform process should terminate, then block  8726  performs any housekeeping such as freeing up dynamically allocated memory, closing files, generating reports, etc. Thereafter, block  8728  provides a discernible completion status for how the automated transform process succeeded (or failed as the result of an error path to it), and block  8730  terminates processing. 
       FIG. 87  is capable of receiving an on-going source of data source(s) at real time for dynamic data collection and transform, or may be invoked to process data source(s) that have already been established for static data collection and transform.  FIG. 87  may execute on a single data processing system, the SDPS, or across multiple data processing systems. Note that block  8716  can receive a trickle of data source(s), for example from a tcp/ip connected real time feed, for example. In a real time feed data source example, an external process would likely signal or indicate to the transform process to terminate when appropriate. 
     The point of the example above is to show an example embodiment for implementing pre-transform rules. Those skilled in the art will choose a design, method, and/or syntax that makes sense to accomplish automated transform of data using pre-transform rules. 
     Consider another automated transform process  8602  that utilizes an SQL embodiment of pre-transform rules  8608  for automatically transforming existing external application SQL data sources into the deliverable content database. Continuing with data source(s)  8604  in SQL form, for example, the CLASSIFIED_AD_ENTRY and CUSTOMER_INFO tables above, the pre-transform rules  8608  and create table schema  8610  may look like the following: 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     Pre-Transform Rules/Create Schema Rules in SQL 
     CREATE_SCHEMA table contains column of: 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  SQL_COMMAND   VARCHAR(2048)   Character string contain-               ing valid dynamic SQL cmd               (CREATE TABLE . . . or               CREATE INDEX . . .)       ENABLED   SMALLINT   for 0 = OFF, 1 = ON                    
TARGET_TABLE table contains columns of:
 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  DB_ID   INTEGER   Unique id generated for the                Database this column                belongs to for joining to                CONNECT_DBS table       COLUMN_ID   INTEGER   Unique id system generated                for this column in this table               (create key/index forbeing                unique every row)       COLUMN_NAME   VARCHAR(100)   Deliverable Content DB                column name in form                QUALIFIER.TABLE.COL                (create key/index for being                unique every row)       LENGTH   INTEGER   Length of Deliverable                Content DB table column                value       TYPE   INTEGER   Target type of Deliverable                Content DB table column                value (number maps to a               particular target format and                type for conversion)       NULLABLE   CHAR(1)   Whether or not this column                is nullable or NOT NULL       DESCRIPTION   VARCHAR(100)   Optional documentary                description                    
SOURCE_TABLES table contains columns of:
 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  DB_ID   INTEGER   Unique id generated for the                Database this column                belongs to for joining to                CONNECT_DBS table       COLUMN_ID   INTEGER   Unique id system generated                for this column in this table                (create key/index for               being unique every row)       COLUMN_NAME   VARCHAR(100)   Deliverable Content DB                column name in form                QUALIFIER.TABLE.COL                (create key/index for being                unique every row)       LENGTH   INTEGER   Length of source table                column value       TYPE   INTEGER   Type of source table column                value (number maps to a                particular source format and               type for conversion)       DESCRIPTION   VARCHAR(100)   Optional documentary                description                    
CONNECT_DBS table contains columns of:
 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  DB_NAME   VARCHAR(20)   Database name       DB_PASSWORD   VARCHAR(20) BINARY   Encrypted database                password       DB_ID   INTEGER   Unique id system                generated for the                database for joining                to TARGET_TABLE               or SOURCE_TABLES                table                    
XFORM_MAP table contains columns of:
 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Column Name 
                 Type 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 TARGET_COLUMN_ID 
                 INTEGER 
                 Join value to  
               
               
                   
                   
                 TARGET_TABLE 
               
               
                   
                   
                 COLUMN_ID 
               
               
                 SOURCE_COLUMN_ID 
                 INTEGER 
                 Join value to  
               
               
                   
                   
                 SOURCE_TABLES 
               
               
                   
                   
                 COLUMN_ID 
               
               
                 OPERATOR 
                 INTEGER 
                 Operand indicating  
               
               
                   
                   
                 transform operation to  
               
               
                   
                   
                 perform between source  
               
               
                   
                   
                 and target column beyond 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the format and type  
               
               
                   
                   
                 conversion as indicated  
               
               
                   
                   
                 in the respective TYPE  
               
               
                   
                   
                 columns 
               
               
                 PRECEDENCE_ORDER 
                 INTEGER 
                 Order in handling multiple  
               
               
                   
                   
                 source table rows for a  
               
               
                   
                   
                 particular target row so 
               
               
                   
                   
                 transform precedence is  
               
               
                   
                   
                 set for type/format 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conversion and/or  
               
               
                   
                   
                 OPERATOR conversion 
               
               
                   
                   
                 (transform process  
               
               
                   
                   
                 8602 can SELECT . . . 
               
               
                   
                   
                 with an ORDER BY  
               
               
                   
                   
                 PRECEDENCE clause 
               
               
                   
                   
                 to ensure correct order  
               
               
                   
                   
                 of conversions) 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     Alternate embodiments may expand information kept in the CONNECT_DBS table. In one embodiment, the TYPE column contains values that map to, for example, a transform matrix for accomplish required conversions. The transform process  8602  looks up the source TYPE (for example the column heading) and target TYPE (for example the row heading) in the matrix to determine how to convert it (for example, the cell at corresponding column and row); internally, through a referenced plug-in, or other processing means. 
     The XFORM_MAP table can use the Procedure_Order column and OPERATOR column to translate location data, for example. Multiple rows with address information populated with unique SOURCE_COLUMN_ID values can be operated on together by having the same value in PRECEDENCE_ORDER and in OPERATOR that joins to another source table for a column to select so the target column id can be populated with location translation information. There are varieties of methods by using the above scheme, modifying it, or adding to it to accomplish requirements without departing from the spirit and scope. 
     The CREATE_SCHEMA table contains a row for each dynamic SQL CREATE . . . command that should be issued. Therefore, blocks  8708  through  8712  would check for presence of rows, and if there are some enabled for issuing (ENABLED=ON), then the rows with ENABLED=ON would be issued to the target database. The ENABLED column allows keeping a history of CREATEs without removing them from the table. Note that the connectivity descriptor is embodied in the CONNECT_DBS table for the DB name and password for connecting to the database. The input descriptor is embodied by the SOURCE_TABLES table, and it is finite by the number of rows in the table. The parse descriptor is also embodied by the SOURCE_TABLES table. The data transform descriptor is embodied by the XFORM_MAP table and is facilitated by the TARGET_TABLE table and SOURCE_TABLES table. The optional join descriptor is supported through having multiple rows in the XFORM_MAP table for the same TARGET_TABLE column (TARGET_COLUMN_ID value), thereby permitting multiple source values to contribute to a single target value. References in the flowchart description to use of the different descriptors is comparable hereof. Block  8716  would read rows from SOURCE_TABLES, block  8720  would parse according to SOURCE_TABLES information, block  8722  would transform according to XFORM_MAP joined to SOURCE_TABLES and TARGET_TABLE for parse, transform, and join descriptor information, and block  8724  would use TARGET_TABLE for populating the deliverable content database table. Block  8704  could internalize everything by querying the example 2 schema to have it ready for subsequent processing. An alternative embodiment to any or all tables is to keep a DATE, TIMESTAMP, and/or information about the administrator who configured the table(s). 
     Ignoring the CLASSIFIED_AD_ENTRY and CUSTOMER_INFO table above, another preferred embodiment of pre-transform rules  8608  would define data in SQL for converting fixed length or varying length records from an on-going input stream. Here is what such a schema may look like: 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     Pre-Transform Rules/Create Schema Rules in Sol for Record Input 
     CREATE_SCHEMA table contains column of: 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  SQL_COMMAND   VARCHAR(2048)   Character string containing               valid dynamic SQL cmd               (CREATE TABLE . . . or               CREATE INDEX . . .)       ENABLED   SMALLINT   for 0 = OFF, 1 = ON                    
TARGET_TABLE table contains columns of:
 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  DB_ID   INTEGER   Unique id generated for the                Database this column                belongs to for joining to                CONNECT_DBS table       COLUMN_ID   INTEGER   Unique id system generated                for this column in this table                (create key/index for               being unique every row)       COLUMN_NAME   VARCHAR(100)   Deliverable Content DB                column name in form                QUALIFIER.TABLE.COL                (create key/index for being                unique every row)       LENGTH   INTEGER   Length of Deliverable                Content DB table column                value       TYPE   INTEGER   Target type of Deliverable                Content DB table column                value (number maps to a               particular target format and                type for conversion)       NULLABLE   CHAR(1)   Whether or not this column                is nullable or NOT NULL       DESCRIPTION   VARCHAR(100)   Optional documentary                description                    
RULE_INIT table contains columns of:
 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  RULE_TYPE   INTEGER   Type of rule(s) (fixed length recs,               varying length recs by token, varying               length recs by length description,               etc) thereby declaring which                SOURCE table to use below.                    
SOURCE_RECORDS_FIXED table contains columns of:
 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  FIELD_ID   INTEGER   Unique id system generated                for this column in this table                (create key/index for being                unique every row)       FIELD_OFFSET   INTEGER   Offset into record for start                of field       FIELD_NAME   VARCHAR(100)   Description for documentary                purposes       LENGTH   INTEGER   Length of field data       TYPE   INTEGER   Type of field data (number                maps to a particular source                format and type for conversion)                    
SOURCE_RECORD_TYPES table contains columns of:
 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Column Name 
                 Type 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 RECORD_ID 
                 INTEGER 
                 Record id to join  
               
               
                   
                   
                 RECORD_TYPES table 
               
               
                 RECORD_TYPE 
                 INTEGER 
                 Type of record (may map  
               
               
                   
                   
                 to another table containing  
               
               
                   
                   
                 parse information by  
               
               
                   
                   
                 RECORD_TYPE) 
               
               
                 RECORD_LENGTH 
                 INTEGER 
                 Length of this record type 
               
               
                 DESCRIPTION 
                 VARCHAR(100) 
                 Optional documentary  
               
               
                   
                   
                 description 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     SOURCE_RECORDS_BY_RECTYPE table contains columns of: 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  RECORD_ID   INTEGER   Record id to join to                RECORD_TYPES table       FIELD_ID   INTEGER   Unique id system generated                for this column in this table                (create key/index for being                unique every row)       FIELD_OFFSET   INTEGER   Offset into record for start                of field       FIELD_NAME   VARCHAR(100)   Description for documentary                purposes       LENGTH   INTEGER   Length of field data       TYPE   INTEGER   Type of field data (number                maps to a particular source                format and type)                    
SOURCE_RECORD_FIELDS_BY_TOKEN table contains columns of:
 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  FIELD_ID   INTEGER   Unique id system generated                for this column in this table                (create key/index for being                unique every row)       FIELD_TOKEN   INTEGER   Token value of field in record       FIELD_NAME   VARCHAR(100)   Description for documentary                purposes       TYPE   INTEGER   Type of field data (number                maps to a particular source                format and type)                    
CONNECT_DBS table contains columns of:
 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  DB_NAME   VARCHAR(20)   Database name       DB_PASSWORD   VARCHAR(20) BINARY   Encrypted database                password       DB_ID   INTEGER   Unique id system                generated for the                database for joining                to TARGET_TABLE                or SOURCE_TABLES                table                    
XFORM_MAP table contains columns of:
 
                                     Column Name   Type   Description                  TARGET_COLUMN_ID   INTEGER   Join value to                TARGET_TABLE                COLUMN_ID       SOURCE_COLUMN_ID   INTEGER   Join value to                SOURCE_TABLES               COLUMN_ID       OPERATOR   INTEGER   Operand indicating                transform operation to                perform between source                and target column beyond               the format and type                conversion as indicated in                the respective TYPE columns       PRECEDENCE_ORDER   INTEGER   Order in handling multiple                source table rows for a                particular target row so               transform precedence is                set for type/format conversion                and/or OPERATOR conversion               (transform process 8602 can                SELECT . . . with an ORDER                BY PRECEDENCE clause               to ensure correct order of                conversions)                    
CONNECT_STREAM table contains columns of:
 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Column Name 
                 Type 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 TARGET_ADDRESS 
                 CHAR(15) 
                 TCP/IP address to remote feed 
               
               
                 TARGET PORT 
                 INTEGER 
                 TCP/IP port number of feed 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In example 3, the SOURCE_RECORDS_FIXED table can be used for the same length records received form the input stream. The SOURCE_RECORD_TYPES and SOURCE_RECORDS_BY_RECTYPE tables can be used for varying record types and lengths received from the input stream. The SOURCE_RECORD_FIELDS_BY_TOKEN table can be used for Token, Length and Value encodings similar to X.409 encodings, where the transform process  8602  has processing for parsing the input stream for recognizing tokens. In example 3, the table CREATE_SCHEMA, TARGET_TABLE, CONNECT_DBS, and XFORM_MAP are equivalent to example 2. Same named columns between examples are analogous. 
     Pre-transform rules  8608  of example 3 configures automatic transform of input streams of fixed length records, varying record types of fixed length records, and varying length records with varying length fields as defined by the input stream. Table with the SOURCE prefix in their names represent parse descriptor information and, similarly to the explanation above, when used in conjunction with the TARGET_TABLE and XFORM_MAP tables, defines the transform descriptor information. The RULE_INIT table communicates the rule type to the transform process  8602  so that the correct source schema is accessed. The CONNECT_STREAM table in this example provides input descriptor information for receiving the input stream. Alternative embodiments may keep other communications information, may handle other communications protocols, sessions, etc. Schema above can be used, or adaptations are easily made for facilitating processing multiple data source(s) and processing searches and/or conversions between them to result in desired target data. 
       FIG. 88  depicts a flowchart for describing the post-transform data manipulator (PXDM) aspects of the present disclosure. Post-transform rules  8614  are identical in nature to pre-transform rules  8608  in that they may be embodied for driving logic of the transform processing. Particular embodiments configure rules in SQL database schema, a flat text file, or any other format capable of unambiguously defining what and how to read data, how to parse it, transform it, and then insert/update the data in the deliverable content database. 
     The automated post-transform data manipulator (PXDM) process  8612  starts at block  8802 , and continues to block  8804  where the PXDM process initializes with any post-transform rules  8614  and appropriately internalizes the information in accordance with the rule type. The rule type may be inherent in PDXM process  8612  logic, or may be configured in post-transform rules  8614  similarly to examples above. Block  8804  ensures any descriptor information is appropriately validated and internalized to facilitate use, and will error out as appropriate (not shown). It is assumed that any errors detected by  FIG. 88  will result in appropriate housekeeping as described above, error handling and termination. Block  8804  also initializes to the Deliverable Content database using appropriate database commands, for example, a START USING DATABASE command. Hereinafter, the  FIG. 88  processing descriptions will describe processing in terms of end results, whether post-transform rules  8614  are configured or not, and regardless of threaded design. In view of discussions above, analogous explanations apply and those skilled in the art will recognize how to configure post-transform rules  8614  if they are used. 
     Thereafter, block  8806  determines a view of the source table data to operate on, and block  8808  creates a post-transform result target table. Processing continues to block  8810  where a cursor is opened into the view using one of a set of optionally specified filter criteria (i.e. WHERE clause information). Then, block  8812  fetches a row using the cursor opened at block  8810 , and block  8814  checks to see if the last row has already been fetched. 
     If a first row, or next row, was fetched from the source deliverable content database table then block  8816  parses the row data, block  8818  modifies the row data, and block  8820  inserts the transformed row into the created target table. Note the similarity between block  8812  through  8820  and blocks  8716  through  8724  for analogous discussion. Block  8820  continues back to block  8812  for processing as described. 
     If at block  8814 , it is determined that the last row was fetched, then block  8822  performs housekeeping such as freeing any dynamically allocated memory closing an open cursor, generating reports, etc, and block  8824  checks for another filter configured to process this execution of the PXDM process  8612 . If there is another filter, then processing continues back to block  8810  for processing as described. 
     If it is determined at block  8824  that the last filter was processed, then processing continues to block  8826 . If block  8826  determines that a user accept mode was configured, then block  8828  prompts the PXDM process user for acceptance with an implicit wait for action, and block  8830  determines the response. When prompted by block  8828 , the user can inspect the results of the PXDM process  8612  thus far to ensure the results are acceptable. If block  8830  determines that the results are acceptable to the user, then processing continues to block  8834  which drops (deletes) the source (deliverable content database) table, and then to block  8836  where the target table name is changed to the original name of the dropped table. If there is no convenient method to change the target table name, then block  8836  may have to create another table with the dropped name and having the same schema as the target table, copy over rows to the correctly named table, and then drop the original target table. Thereafter, block  8838  creates configured indexes according to post-transform rules  8614 , block  8840  provides appropriate completion status in an appropriate manner and the process terminates at block  8842 . Blocks  8826  through  8840  handle their own housekeeping in on embodiment. 
     If at block  8830  it is determined that the user did not accept the results, then the target table is dropped at block  8832  and processing continues to block  8840 . If at block  8826  it is determined that processing is not set for user accept mode, then processing continues to block  8834 . 
     Deliverable content can also be accessed by remote data source  8604  at time of delivery, for example through configuration of a MCD (Mobile Content Delivery) file with mcd file name extension. Rules in the MCD file determine how to access the remote data sources  8604  when needed. So, the Delivery Manager  2510  will access remote data sources  8604  and possibly transform associated location data with geo-translation databases for appropriate real-time delivery to mobile devices  2540 . 
     Privacy Privileges 
     With reference back to  FIG. 63 , shown is a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form in the members area  2500  and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing. For this discussion,  FIG. 63  is invoked for adding a record  8900  to the Groups Table ( FIG. 89  records) upon invoking PingPals Add Group option  4620 . Processing starts at block  6302  and continues to block  6304  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6308 . Block  6308  builds and presents  FIG. 90A  for adding a Group record  8900 , and then a user interfaces with  FIG. 90A  at block  6310  until the Add button  9002  action is invoked. When an add action is invoked by the user, block  6312  validates user field specifications to  FIG. 90A , and block  6314  checks the results. If block  6314  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  6318  invokes  FIG. 77  processing for adding the record  8900 , and current page processing terminates at block  6316 . If block  6314  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  6320  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  6310  (e.g. pop-up). 
       FIG. 77  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the submittal to add a record to the web service. For purposes of this discussion, a record  8900  is being added to the Groups Table ( FIG. 89  records), for example by a Pinger. Processing starts at block  7702  and continues to block  7704  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  7706  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  7710 . Block  7710  validates user field specifications to  FIG. 90A , and block  7712  checks the results. If block  7712  determines all fields are not valid, then block  7708  reports the error to the user in an appropriate manner and processing terminates at block  7720 . If block  7712  determines all fields are valid, then block  7714  builds a Groups Table insert command from  FIG. 90A  specifications, opens a DB connection, does the insert, and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  7716  sends an email to an administrator account if a Notify flag is set to document this type of transaction, and block  7718  provides the user with a successful add acknowledgement interface similar to those described above, and processing terminates at block  7720 .  FIG. 77  processing inserts a record  8900  into the Groups Table and defaults fields appropriately. 
       FIG. 89  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Groups Table. Groups Table records have dual purpose. They define a group for assigning one or more other users (or other devices) called PingPals into a group, and at the same time assign a set of privileges to all assignees of the group. GroupID  8902  is preferably a unique primary key automatically generated by the underlying SQL database system to ensure uniqueness when inserting a record  8900  to the Groups Table. OwnerID  8904  contains the PersonID  2902  for the user who created the record  8900 . Each user has a reasonable system configured limited number of records  8900  they can create. Blocks  7710  and  7712  described in the Groups Table context additionally checks how many Groups the user has already created to validate the maximum is not exceeded. A Select Count(*) query to the Groups Table for the particular OwnerID  8904  can be used to determine how many already exist. In another embodiment, OwnerID  8904  contains a RegistryID  6502  value for associating groups to devices. In this embodiment, each device can own a number of groups. The user would be authenticated with a device id (device name) and password through validated data entry, device data evidence, or from a last successful access data evidence to the Delivery Manager. In yet another embodiment, a new OwnerType field  8903  would indicate the type of owner of the record  8900 . This would allow both users and devices to own a number of groups. Name field  8906  is a user defined character string for naming the group of Group record  8900 . A unique key is preferably defined on (OwnerID, Name) to ensure unique group names for a particular owner. Insertion without a unique name for an owner should cause an insert error at block  7714  (described in context for groups records  8900 ) for appropriate error handling. Descript field  8908  contains an optional user defined character string describing the Group record  8900 . PrivMask field  8910  contains a bitmask for privileges that are assigned to members of the group. Each privilege of web service  2102  is mapped to a unique offset into the bitmask for enabling the privilege (bit set to 1), or disabling the privilege (bit set to 0). By default, no users or devices have any privileges provided in web service  2102 . A user has to assign a privilege for it to become in effect. DTCreated field  8912  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  8900  was created in (added to) the Groups Table. DTLastChg field  8914  contains a date/time stamp of when any field in the record  8900  was last modified. CIP field  8916  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that created the applicable data record  8900 . The CHIP field  8918  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  8900 . CHName field  8920  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  8900 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. ChgrIP field  8922  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that last modified the applicable data record  8900 . The ChgrHIP field  8924  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  8900 . ChgrHName field  8926  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  8900 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. 
     In one preferred embodiment, there is a record  8900  created at web service  2102  installation time which is a system created record  8900  that contains a bit set on for every bit in the PrivMask field  8910  (e.g. 0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF) thereby enabling every privilege in the system for the group. This group can be referenced for enabling privileges from any user to himself and from any device to its owner. This prevents requiring a user to assign privileges between his own devices while preventing writing special privilege handling code in the web service  2102 . 
       FIG. 90A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for adding a Groups Table record  8900  to the web service. Preferably, all privilege checkmark fields are defaulted to unchecked thereby forcing the user to checkmark them. Another embodiment will permit the user to define how to default each invocation of  FIG. 90A  and will save it as privilege default data evidence which is used to automatically checkmark  FIG. 90A  according to the user&#39;s preferred checkmark defaults when adding a record  8900 .  FIG. 90A  shows a minimal set of privileges in web service  2102 , and many more can be available. Fields are easily mapped to the Groups Table record  8900 , and each privilege checkmark box corresponds to a bit in PrivMask field  8910  according to a unique bit offset. Privileges are defined as:
         Set PingSpots—Grants privilege to the assignee for setting PingSpots for the assignor; enables automated delivery of content to the assignor which has been configured with a situational location by the assignee for delivery at the future travels of the assignor to the situational location.   Set Pingimeter Arrival Alert—Grants privilege to the assignee for setting Pingimeter alerts for the assignor that trigger to the assignee when the assignor arrives to the Pingimeter set up by the assignee; enables delivery of an automated alert to the assignee when the assignor arrives to a situational location configured by the assignee.   Set Pingimeter Departure Alert—Grants privilege to the assignee for setting Pingimeter alerts for the assignor that trigger to the assignee when the assignor departs the Pingimeter set up by the assignee; enables delivery of an automated alert to the assignee when the assignor departs a situational location configured by the assignee.   Set Nearby Arrival Alert—Grants privilege to the assignee for sending nearby arrival alert status of the assignor to the assignee that trigger when the assignor is arriving to be nearby the assignee, for example as determined by the interest radius of the assignee; enables delivery of an automated alert to the assignee when the assignor arrives to being nearby the assignee.   Set Nearby Departure Alert—Grants privilege to the assignee for sending nearby departure alert status of the assignor to the assignee that trigger when the assignor is departing being nearby the assignee, for example as determined by the interest radius of the assignee; enables delivery of an automated alert to the assignee when the assignor departs from being nearby the assignee.   View Nearby Status—Grants privilege to the assignee for viewing nearby status of the assignor, for example as determined by the interest radius of the assignee; enables the assignee to determine whether the assignor is located nearby the assignee.   View Whereabouts—Grants privilege to the assignee for viewing the whereabouts of the assignor, for example on a map; enables assignee to determine the whereabouts of the assignor.   View Reports—Grants privilege to the assignee for viewing reports about the assignor, for example map reports and statistical reports; enables the assignee to view reports of the whereabouts of the assignor.   View Historical Route Information—Grants privilege to the assignee for viewing the assignor&#39;s historical route information; enables the assignee to view the historical travels of the assignor.   Send Broadcast Messages—Grants privilege to the assignee for sending broadcast messages to the assignor; enables the assignee to send a broadcast message to the assignor wherein the broadcast message includes a plurality of recipient users or devices as maintained in server data  2104 .   Share Delivery Experiences—Grants privilege to the assignee for sharing delivery experiences of the assignor. For example, as content is delivered to the assignor, it can be delivered to the assignee for sharing the experience. Sharing is a duplicated delivery (delivers to both assignor and assignee); enables the assignee to automatically receive copies of content deliveries made to the assignor wherein the content deliveries are delivered by configured preferences (See Delivery Configurator). Preferences in web service  2102  can be defaulted so use of the Delivery Configurator is not required.   Intercept Delivery Experiences—Grants privilege to the assignee for intercepting delivery experiences of the assignor. For example, as content is delivered to the assignor, it can be intercepted and delivered to the assignee. Intercepting is an intercepted delivery (delivers to only the assignee). When both Intercepting Delivery Experiences and Share Delivery Experiences are set, Intercepting Delivery Experiences preferably takes precedence; enables the assignee to automatically receive intercepted content deliveries destined to the assignor wherein the content deliveries are delivered by configured preferences (See Delivery Configurator). Preferences in web service  2102  can be defaulted so use of the Delivery Configurator is not required.   Affinity Delegate—Grants privilege to the assignee for acting on behalf of the assignor for actions taken in web service  2102 . This privilege is required for being an associated user able to manage other&#39;s devices as defined by AssocUsers field  6524 , and for performing certain delivery related configurations discussed. In one embodiment, the Users Table could have an AssocUsers field  3009  for permitting the assignee to act on behalf of the assignor in all web service  2102  interfaces of the members area  2500 ; enables the assignee to act on behalf of the assignor when using location based services (various uses discussed below).   Reserved Privilege 1—A reserved privilege bit offset.   Reserved Privilege 2—A reserved privilege bit offset.       

       FIG. 90B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for results from searching Groups Table records, for example upon selecting PingPals Groups option  4618 . There is preferably no search interface to groups since there is preferably a reasonably limited enforced maximum, however  FIG. 90B  is provided to support all conceivable embodiments where many groups will be managed. A website defined maximum is preferably enforced at blocks  7710  and  7712 . In another embodiment, record  3000  will contain a maximum (e.g. new field  3019 ) for each user, much like MaxDevs field  3020  is defined and used. A new max Groups field  3019  would be passed to pages including  FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control processing in a similar manner. 
     So, clicking the option  4618  takes the user directly to the list interface similarly described above for other record types ( 2900 ,  6500 ,  7000 ). Another embodiment could provide a similar search interface in context for records  8900 . It should be readily understood now from previous descriptions that  FIGS. 55 ,  57 A,  57 B,  58 ,  60 A,  60 B,  53 , and  62  are easily described in context for records  8900  and applicable  FIG. 90B  processing, and for obvious screenshots subsequent to actions from  FIG. 90B . So for brevity, the redundant descriptions and figures are not included here except to say Groups Table records  8900  can be viewed, deleted, and modified (individually or as a list) in a similar manner to records  2900 , records  6500 , and records  7000 . 
       FIG. 91A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to manage PingPal privileges, for example upon selecting PingPals Manage option  4616 . Processing starts at block  9102  and continues to block  9104  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  9106  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  9108 . Block  9108  builds a query for this user&#39;s (of option  4616 ) devices (records  6500  from  FIG. 65  with Owner field  6522  matching the user&#39;s PersonID  2902 ) and builds a query for this user&#39;s groups (records  8900  from  FIG. 89  in Groups Table). Thereafter, block  9110  opens a DB connection, does the query(s), builds the devices dropdown  9302  and groups dropdown  9304  of  FIG. 93A . The dropdowns are built independently of each other. Devices dropdown  9302  contains all the user&#39;s devices with the associated RegistryID  6502  (for form processing) and a special entry called “ALL MY DEVICES” which is associated with the user&#39;s PersonID  2902  (or corresponding same PersonID  3002 ). The group name field  8906  is displayed in the dropdown and the GroupID  8902  is associated to each dropdown group item (for form processing). Thereafter, block  9112  completes building the user interface of  FIG. 93A  and then the user interfaces to  FIG. 93A  at block  9114  until an action is invoked.  FIG. 93B  demonstrates devices dropdown  9302  for showing the user only has a single device defined that can be individually assigned. So, “ALL MY DEVICES” and the device named “Jennifer” would essentially be the same assignor if no other devices were created for the user.  FIG. 93C  demonstrates groups dropdown  9304  for the groups (privilege groups) the user currently has defined. Each of the groups has some set of privileges currently defined (if any). When assignees have been assigned to the group and granted privileges from the assignor(s), any group can still be changed later to modify privileges for immediately affecting privileges for members of the group. 
     The user can specify the privilege assignor as all his devices (PersonID), or any of his individual devices he created (RegistryID) with the dropdown  9302 . This allows assigning the privileges defined in the group selected at dropdown  9304  to some other user&#39;s device(s), or all of some other user&#39;s devices. Upon detecting an action at block  9114  to  FIG. 93A , block  9116  checks if the privileged users button  9306  was selected. If block  9116  determines the button  9306  was selected, then block  9120  invokes Assignee Processing of  FIG. 91B  with assignor data evidence: the assignor type (all devices or specific device) and associated id selected in dropdown  9302  along with the group id selected for the group from dropdown  9304 . Thereafter, current page processing terminates at block  9122 . If block  9116  determines the button  9306  was not selected, then processing continues to block  9118 . If block  9118  determines the privileged device button  9308  was selected, then block  9120  invokes Assignee Processing with assignor data evidence: the assignor type and associated id selected in dropdown  9302  along with the group id selected for the group from dropdown  9304 . Thereafter, current page processing terminates at block  9122 . If block  9118  determines the button  9308  was not selected, then processing continues back to block  9114 . Thus, with  FIG. 93A , a user can assign privileges from one of his devices to another user (i.e. to all of the other user&#39;s devices), or from one of his devices to another user&#39;s device(s), or from all of his devices to another user (i.e. to all of the other user&#39;s devices), or from all of his devices to another user&#39;s device(s). 
       FIG. 91B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for assigning privileges to other users, or devices, of the web service. Assignee processing starts at block  9132  and continues to block  9134  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  9136  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  9138 . Block  9138  determines the assignor data evidence and which button was selected. Block  9138  then builds a query of the privilege records  9200  for this user that are currently defined in PingPal Privileges Assignment Table ( FIG. 92  records) according to the assignor data evidence from  FIG. 91A  processing, and the assignee button selected of privileges user button  9306  or privileged devices button  9308 . Block  9138  then opens a DB connection, does the query for records  9200  (joined to records  6500 ,  3000 ,  8900  for determining name information) and processing continues to block  9140 . Block  9140  builds the user interface of  FIG. 93D  when button  9306  was selected.  FIG. 93D  enables the user to remove users that are assignees by unchecking checkmark(s) and selecting button  9332 . Block  9140  builds the  FIG. 93D  page for all records  9200  found with the assignor data evidence providing group privileges to users (i.e. to all the assignee user&#39;s devices), and initializes those records found with a checkmark for denoting a current assignment. The assignee user&#39;s LogonName field  3004  is displayed with the checkmarks. A LogonName can be entered by the user to field  9334  for then selecting button  9332  for adding to the list in the list area  9336  (and also adding a record  9200 ). The list area  9336  could potentially be long horizontally and vertically. Blocks  9138  and  9140  build the user interface of  FIG. 93E  when button  9308  was selected.  FIG. 93E  enables the user to remove devices that are assignees by unchecking checkmark(s) and selecting button  9362 . Block  9140  builds the  FIG. 93E  page for all records  9200  found with the assignor data evidence providing group privileges to specific devices, and initializes those records found with a checkmark for denoting a current assignment. The assignee device&#39;s Deviceid field  6504  is displayed with the checkmarks. A Deviceid can be entered by the user to field  9364  for then selecting button  9362  for adding to the list in the list area  9366  (and also adding a record  9200 ). The list area  9366  could potentially be long horizontally and vertically. Block  9140  also closes the DB connection and completes building the page of  FIG. 93D  or  FIG. 93E  as described above. Thereafter, the user interfaces to  FIG. 93D , or  FIG. 93E , at block  9142  as the case may be according to previous  FIG. 91B  processing up to this point, until an action is detected, such as selecting button  9332  or button  9362 . Upon detecting an action at block  9142 , block  9144  checks if the update button was selected (i.e. button  9332  or  9362  as the case may be). If button  9332 , or button  9362 , was selected, then block  9146  invokes checkmark processing of  FIG. 91C  with the assignor data evidence passed from  FIG. 91A  and checkmark data evidence of list area  9336 , or  9366 , as the case may be. Every checkmark of the list area is associated with the primary record id (for form processing) such that list area  9336  contains PersonID  2902 / 3002  values, and list area  9366  contains RegistryID  6502  values. Thereafter, current page processing terminates at block  9148 . If block  9144  determines an update button was not selected, then processing continues back to block  9142 . 
       FIG. 91C  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for checkmark processing of PingPal management. Checkmark processing starts at block  9162  and continues to block  9164  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  9166  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  9168 . Block  9168  determines the assignor data evidence: id and type, group id; and action (button  9332  or  9362 ). Contents of the entry field  9334 , or  9364 , as the case may be, are also determined. Thereafter, block  9170  iterates through the checkmark list data evidence from the list area  9336 , or  9636 , as the case may be, and builds the list of assignee ids for those without checkmarks (if any). Thereafter, if block  9172  determines there were no assignees unchecked, then processing continues to block  9178 . If block  9172  determines there were one or more assignees unchecked, then block  9174  builds a delete query for deleting records  9200  for all unchecked assignees, opens a DB connection, does the query, and then closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  9176  builds and sends an email to an Administrator account if a Notify flag indicates to document this type of transaction, and processing continues to block  9178 . If block  9178  determines the entry field (field  9334  or  9364  as the case may be) is null, then block  9180  redirects processing back to  FIG. 91B  processing starting at block  9132  for a refreshed page, and current page processing terminates at block  9182 . If block  9178  determines the entry field is not null, then block  9184  builds a query to check validity of data entry for adding a record  9200  (a LogonName, or Deviceid as the case may be), opens a DB connection, does the query (for PersonID  3002  (same as corresponding field  2902 ), or RegistryID  6502  as the case may be), and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  9186  checks if the data entry was found (record  3000  or record  6500  as the case may be). If block  9186  determines the record was not found, then block  9192  handles reporting the error to the user in an appropriate manner and current page processing terminates at block  9182 . If block  9186  determines the record was found, then block  9188  builds a record  9200  insert command for the new assignment, opens a DB connection, does the insert, and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  9190  builds and sends an email to an Administrator account if a Notify flag indicates to document this type of transaction, and processing continues to block  9180  already described.  FIG. 91C  may use a single DB open connection at the top of processing and a single close DB connection at the end of processing. 
       FIG. 92  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the PingPal Privilege Assignment Table. Records  9200  provide both group membership and assigning location based services privileges. Type field  9202  defines the type of assignment record (i.e. FU2U=From user to user (i.e. all user&#39;s devices to all user&#39;s devices; FU2D=From user (i.e. all user&#39;s devices) to a device; FD2U=From a device to a user (i.e. to all user&#39;s devices); FD2D=From a device to a device). The Type field  9202  depends on the privilege that is being assigned for what subset out of the four types is valid. The context of when the privilege is sought for processing will search for the correct types to decide if the privilege is in effect. Therefore, a privilege may make sense only for assigning a user to a user, or only for a device to a device, or only for a device to a user, or only for a user to a device, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the user assigning the privilege should know what makes sense based on how the privilege is used. In another embodiment, privilege assignment varieties are enforced in processing during assignment for what makes sense in web service  2102 , for example  FIG. 91B  (e.g. client side validation upon update button invoked) and/or  FIG. 91C  (validation and validity check of assignment requested at a new block  9167  continued to from block  9166 ; block  9167  would continue to block  9168  if no error was detected, otherwise it would continue to block  9192 ) can enforce which privileges are assignable based on privileges contained in a group. An informative error message can notify the user that the group contains one or more privileges which cannot be assigned based on the user selected assignment requested for process. OwnerID  9204  contains a PersonID  2902  value for the person who created the record  9200 . In another embodiment, OwnerID  9204  contains a RegistryID  6502  value for associating privileges to devices. In this embodiment, each device can own a number of privilege assignments. The user would be authenticated with a device id (device name) and password through validated data entry, device data evidence, or from a last successful access evidence to the Delivery Manager. In yet another embodiment, a new OwnerType field  9203  would indicate the type of owner of the record  9200 . This would allow both users and devices to own a number of privilege assignments. GroupID  9206  contains a GroupID  8902  value for joining to the associated group record  8900  from the Groups Table which contains privileges. GroupID  9206  defines which privileges are in effect between FromID  9208  and ToID  9210 . FromID  9208  contains a record id value of a PersonID  2902 / 3002  when type field  9202  is FU2U or FU2D. FromID  9208  contains a record id value of a RegistryID  6502  when type field  9202  is FD2U or FD2D. ToID  9210  contains a record id value of a PersonID  2902 / 3002  when type field  9202  is FU2U or FD2U. ToID  9210  contains a record id value of a RegistryID  6502  when type field  9202  is FD2D or FU2D. DTCreated field  9212  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  9200  was created in (added to) the PingPals Privilege Assignment Table. CIP field  9214  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that created the applicable data record  9200 . The CHIP field  9216  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  9200 . CHName field  9218  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  9200 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. 
     Another embodiment to the PingPal Privilege Assignment Table ( FIG. 92  records) is to have four separate tables thereby no longer requiring a type field  9202 . There could be a separate table for providing privileges for:
         assignor device to assignee device (device to device)   assignor device to all assignee user devices (device to user)   assignor user&#39;s all devices to all assignee user&#39;s devices (user to user)   assignor user&#39;s all devices to assignee device (user to device)
 
A first user or first device which has granted at least one location based services privilege to a second user or second device is said to have granted the rights for the second user or second device to use location based services on the first user or first device. The second user or second device which makes use of one or more privileges assigned to it from a first user or first device is said to use location based services on the first user or first device.
       

     The term PingPals refers to mobile users  2540  to web service  2102  who interact with other mobile users  2540  of web service  2102  for functionality governed by privacy and privilege controls managed by the mobile users  2540 . Of course, the users do not have to be mobile to be PingPals. If there is a web service  2102  relationship as defined by a record  9200  privilege configuration between two mobile users, two mobile devices, a user and a device, or a device and a user, then they are referred to as PingPals. So, PingPals are a plurality of users who have assigned at least one privilege between them (i.e. between their devices).  FIGS. 89 through 93E  all describe functionality for managing relationships between PingPals. The user of  FIGS. 89 through 93E  can also assign privileges to himself, or to any of his own devices so desired functionality of web service  2102  is achieved. 
     In one preferred embodiment, there is a record  8900  created at web service  2102  installation time which is a system created record  8900  that contains a bit set on for every bit in the PrivMask field  8910  (e.g. 0xFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF) thereby enabling every privilege in the system for the group. This group can be automatically referenced by records  9200  that are automatically created upon creation of user accounts (records  2900 / 3000 ) and/or device registry accounts (records  6500 ). This prevents requiring a user to assign privileges between his own devices, and prevents writing special privilege handling code in the web service  2102 . Automatic deletion of the user accounts and/or device registry accounts will also preferably delete the associated records  9200 . 
     In various embodiments, a user can act on behalf of any other user through the “Affinity Delegate” privilege. If a first user has been granted the “Affinity Delegate” privilege by a second user, then the second user&#39;s device(s) can show up as an Assignor at dropdown  9302 . Preferably a qualifier is displayed in the dropdown  9302  selection such as “JB345:johnsPDA” where “JB345” is the second user&#39;s logon name and “johnsPDA is the second user&#39;s device name (Deviceid). This reminds the first user he has been granted the privilege to assign on behalf of the particular second user(s). This allows the first user to assign privileges to other users or devices as though the second user was doing the assignment. The user to user, device to user, device to device, and user to device privilege of “Affinity Delegate” would be treated properly for what shows up, and what is preferably enforced, as valid Assignor(s). In one embodiment, a special Assignor of “JB345:ALL DEVICES” can show up if the user was granted the “Affinity Delegate” privilege as a user to user assignment. There is preferably a unique index defined on (Type field  9202 , OwnerID  9204 , GroupID  9206 , FromID  9208 , ToID  9210 ) to prevent redundant records  9200 . Insertion of a redundant privilege (record  9200 ) should cause an appropriately handled error. 
       FIG. 93D  demonstrates a user interface that should have an entry made to field  9334 , or a checkmark removed from a user account (JK73, SP78) prior to invoking button  9332  for processing.  FIG. 93E  demonstrates a user interface that has already unchecked a device (TomK) just prior to submitting for processing with button  9362 . The user could additionally make an entry to field  9364 , or uncheck additional devices, prior to invoking button  9362  for processing. 
     While records  8900  and  9200  can be used to define groups of users and/or devices with a group name while at the same time assigning privileges to members of the group (i.e. groups have dual purpose), other embodiments may separate the same functionality without departing from the spirit and scope if this disclosure. Groups could be defined to solely collect together users and/or devices. Privileges could be assigned as needed. Key functionality herein includes being able to assign location based services privileges from a user to a device, from a device to a device, from a device to a user, and from a user to a user. Key functionality also includes being able to define groups in a location based service which contain users, devices, or both users and devices. 
     DCDB 
     Other 
       FIG. 94A  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Pingimeter Attribute Extension Table (PAXT). Pingimeters are a user selected boundary to define a geographical area. Another embodiment will be a three dimensional boundary that defines a solid area in space. Pingimeters are defined with a trigger for alerting one user of the arrival, or departure, of another user to/from a Pingimeter (i.e. alert to a device upon detection of arrival to, or departure from, a Pingimeter by another device). PMRID  9402  is a join field to PMRID fields  9452  and  9502 . A primary key and foreign keys may be used in various embodiments, for example a record  7000  or a record  9500  being primary to records  9400  and  9450 . Preferably, the database system is used to generate a unique value for use in the fields. Attributes associated with managing a Pingimeter are maintained in the PAXT. The records  9450  are used to define the Pingimeter and are joined to through PMRID  9452 . DTCreated field  9404  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  9400  was created in (added to) the PAXT. DTLastChg field  9406  contains a date/time stamp of when any field in the associated record(s)  9450  was last modified. CIP field  9408  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that created the applicable data record  9400 . The CHIP field  9410  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  9400 . CHName field  9412  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  9400 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. ChgrIP field  9414  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that last modified the applicable data record(s)  9450 . The ChgrHIP field  9416  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record(s)  9450 . ChgrHName field  9418  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record(s)  9450 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. Records  9500  are typically the parent creation records to join with records  9400  and  9450  for defining the Pingimeters, except when a record  7000  joins to records  9450  as needed (discussed above). Various embodiments will allow defining Pingimeters outside of defining a Trigger record  9500 , and then allow creating associated records  9500  when ready to use. Records  9400  are efficient for defining one set of attributes for a plurality of records  9450  which make up a Pingimeter. 
       FIG. 94B  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Pingimeter Table. PMRID field  9452  joins to PMRID  9502  and PMRID  9402 . Preferably, the database system is used to generate a unique value for use in the fields. LatDD field  9454  is the latitude of a point defining the Pingimeter in decimal degrees. LonDD field  9456  is a longitude of the point defining the Pingimeter in decimal degrees. Radius field  9458  contains either −1 (for no Radius), or a positive integer value for a radius in feet (alternate embodiments may use other units). Radius field  9458  is set by a user in any convenient units before converting it to units maintained in Radius field  9458 . If the Pingimeter is a circular area, then there will be a single  9450  record for the Pingimeter where fields  9454  and  9456  define the center point, and Radius field  9458  defines the radius from the center point. The top map image of  FIG. 96A  demonstrates a circular Pingimeter that has been selected on a map by a user. If the Pingimeter is a rectangular area, then there will be a four  9450  records for the Pingimeter where fields  9454  and  9456  define the vertices of the rectangle, and Radius field  9458  is set to −1 (i.e. null).  FIG. 96B  demonstrates a rectangular Pingimeter that has been selected on a map by a user. If the Pingimeter is a polygon area, then there will be a plurality of  9450  records for the Pingimeter where fields  9454  and  9456  define the vertices of the polygon, and Radius field  9458  is set to −1 (i.e. null).  FIG. 96C  demonstrates a polygon Pingimeter that has been selected on a map by a user. If the Pingimeter is a point with area defined based on its precision, then there will be a single record for the Pingimeter where fields  9454  and  9456  define the point, and Radius field  9458  is set to −1 (i.e. null).  FIG. 96D  demonstrates a point Pingimeter that has been selected on a map by a user. Of course, smaller or larger point graphics may be used. 
       FIG. 95  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Triggers Table. The Triggers Table defines what happens, along with a time constraint, when a PingPal who has granted either the “Set Pingimeter Arrival Alert” privilege or “Set Pingimeter Departure Alert” privilege, causes an alert with respect to a Pingimeter defined by a PingPal. The “Set Pingimeter Arrival Alert” privilege maps to exclusive (‘E’) and Both (‘B’) types of Pingimeters. The “Set Pingimeter Departure Alert” privilege maps to inclusive (‘I’) and Both (‘B’) types of Pingimeters. An exclusive Pingimeter (i.e. ‘E’) is a Pingimeter set for alerting when a PingPal arrives to the Pingimeter. An inclusive Pingimeter (i.e. ‘I’) is a Pingimeter set for alerting when a PingPal departs the Pingimeter. A Both Pingimeter (i.e. ‘B’) is a Pingimeter set for alerting when a PingPal arrives to, or departs from, the Pingimeter. “Set Pingimeter Departure Alert” and “Set Pingimeter Arrival Alert” are preferably assigned from a user (i.e. all his devices) or device, to a user. Another embodiment will also allow assigning from a user or device, to a device, wherein the device id is known when configuring Pingimeters and is saved with the Pingimeter unit of data (record  9500 ,  9400 , and record(s)  9450 ) in the OwnerID  9504 . Yet another embodiment will maintain an OwnerType field  9503  for determining whether or not the Pingimeter is configured on behalf of a user or on behalf of a device. In one embodiment, the Deviceid field  6504  and device password field  6506  can be used to authenticate to an interface of web service  2102  just as LogonName field  3004  and password field  3006  are used. In another embodiment the device id and device password are automatically determined, for example by a most recent interaction with the Delivery Manager  2510 . In another embodiment, device data evidence (fields  5072  and  5074 ) is used. 
     PMRID  9502  is a join field to PMRID fields  9402  and  9452 . Preferably, the database system is used to generate a unique value for use in the fields. OwnerID  9504  preferably contains the PersonID  2902 / 3002  value of the user that created the records  9400 ,  9450 , and  9500 , however, another embodiment will have it contain a RegistryID  6502  (and optionally with presence of an OwnerType field  9503  as discussed above). Descript field  9506  contains a user defined character string describing the Trigger record  9500 . AlertType field  9508  defines the type of Pingimeter and what method to use to alert the owning user when a PingPal causes an alert based on the associated Pingimeter defined. In some embodiments, AlertType will be multiple fields to prevent parsing individual data elements from the contents. In one embodiment, AlertType has a syntax defining the type of Pingimeter in the first character (‘I’ for inclusive, ‘E’ for exclusive, ‘B’ for both), and how to send the alert according to the third character (after a separating semicolon). For example, the third character indicates the methods of:
         ‘D’—[USE DEVICE]=use device parameters (browser receipt (field  6530 ) and/or SMS address (fields  6532  and  6534 ) and/or Email address (fields  6536  and  6538 )) associated with a device of the user. If the OwnerID  9504  is a RegistryID, then that is the device record to use for fields  6530  through  6538 . If the OwnerID  9504  is a PersonID, then the ‘D’ is followed by a specification for the user&#39;s device. If ‘D’ is followed by a “#’ character, then that is followed by a number which is the RegistryID of the specified user&#39;s device (e.g. “B;D#63489” where 63489 is a RegistryID  6502 ). Another embodiment will follow the ‘D’ with the DeviceID  6504  of the user&#39;s specified device. The Pingimeter specification interface will enable the user to specify any of his devices, or any devices he has an “Affinity Delegate” privilege for, as a receiving device for the alert(s). If ‘D’ is followed by an “@’ character (“B;D@”), then the most recent device to access the Delivery Manager  2510  by the user making the Pingimeter configuration (of OwnerID  9504 ) is used as the target record  6500  device (fields  6530  through  6538  are interrogated for preferences) for the alert(s). The USE DEVICE (‘D’) option is a preferred standard allowable configuration in web service  2102  because the Pingimeter management model enforces sending alerts to the user&#39;s devices, or devices he has an “Affinity Delegate” privilege for.   ‘X’—[EXPLICIT]=use the string after the colon (:) as the recipient address to send the alert to (e.g. E;X:2144034071@messaging.nextel.com, or I;X:williamjj@yahoo.com). This option may not be permitted in some embodiments of web service  2102  because users can send alerts to email addresses without a privilege to do so.   ‘O’—[USE OTHER DEVICE]=use the string after the colon (:) as the device credentials (e.g. B;O:device67,password) for associated record  6500  fields (browser receipt and/or SMS address and/or Email address) to define how to deliver the alert. If a user knows the device credentials of any record  6500  in web service  2102 , then the device credentials (fields  6504  and  6506 ) can be specified for which record  6500  fields  6530  through  6538  to use for alert(s).   ‘A’—[DO ACTION]=use the string after the colon (:) as the device address and credentials (e.g. E;A:14.57.207.34(16344)/homeaircond,airpassword/ON) for associated parameters to define what action to perform. The device is not a device of web service  2102  (i.e. not a record  6500  of web service  2102 ). The device can be a hardware or software entity which can be communicated to, preferably by an internet connection, for authenticating to and then performing a requested action. For example, a device at the public ip address and ip port  16344  is used to turn on a person&#39;s air conditioning unit at home. The credentials authenticate to the device. When the alert for the Pingimeter is detected, the air conditioning system will automatically turn on. The ‘A’ parameter is boiled down into one primary form, although there are many embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The action will have a device address (e.g. ipaddress), preferably also a channel to talk to (e.g. (ipport)), authenticating credentials (e.g. preferably an id and password), and an action for the device (e.g. ON or OFF). Other embodiments may use address information other than an ip address which can be automatically communicated with, may use different credential formats, and may use any command native to the device being communicated with. Various credential embodiments can also be used.       

     Alerts are mostly predefined messages containing textual strings formed by the user/device name that triggered the Pingimeter with date/time stamp information, Pingimeter Descript field  9506  information, and the situational location information of the device at the time of triggering the Pingimeter. However, the DO ACTION (‘A’) option provides means to perform a particular action automatically when the user/device triggers the Pingimeter. The DO ACTION (‘A’) is a great method for turning something on or off (e.g. lights) as someone enters or leaves a Pingimeter. Any action can be performed as enabled by the target device for receiving an authenticated command to do something. Complex scripts, programs, batch files, or specific commands can be executed at remote systems or devices as the result of triggering a Pingimeter. Various embodiments to records  9500  will include another field  9509  for defining the message to send upon alert, thereby overriding a system defined alert message format. The new message field  9509  will be a varying length character string up to a reasonable maximum length to interoperate with the target device for the alert. Substitution variables are preferably supported in the string as discussed above. 
     Active field  9510  is for enabling or disabling a record  9500  and associated records  9400  and  9450  so that a query will treat the record as though it did not exist in the table, however the owner of the record can still manage it. TimeFrame field  9512  provides means for specifying a time specification (e.g. range) when the Pingimeter is enabled for causing alerts. DTCreated field  9514  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  9500  was created in (added to) the Trigger Table. DTLastChg field  9516  contains a date/time stamp of when any field in the associated record  9500  was last modified. CIP field  9518  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that created the applicable data record  9500 . The CHIP field  9520  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  9500 . CHName field  9522  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  9500 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. ChgrIP field  9524  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that last modified the applicable data record(s)  9524 . The ChgrHIP field  9526  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record(s)  9500 . ChgrHName field  9528  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record(s)  9500 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. 
     Records  8900  and  9200  define how Pingimeters are used by web service  2102 . The Delivery Manager  2510  uses defined Pingimeters and privileges to drive alerts. While the user can send alerts to himself with Pingimeters and can perform actions relevant to himself, common use is for delivering alerts to users based on mobile travels of other users. Pingimeters are a form of situational locations. They define a point, area, region, or boundary that users can arrive to, or depart from, along with at least time criteria. Some embodiments will extend the Pingimeter record unit of data with additional criteria for clarifying when an alert gets delivered. This can include any fields from records  6500 ,  7000 , or other record fields of web service  2102 . Pingimeter alerts are a form of deliverable content, whether it be system generated messages, or user configured messages or content. 
     With reference back to  FIG. 63 , shown is a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form in the members area  2500  and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing. For this discussion,  FIG. 63  is invoked for adding a Pingimeter (record  9500 ,  9400  and record(s)  9450 ) upon invoking Pingimeters Add option  4632 . Processing starts at block  6302  and continues to block  6304  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6308 . Block  6308  builds and presents an appropriate user interface for adding a Pingimeter, and then a user interfaces with that interface at block  6310  until an Add button action is invoked. The DCDB add interface teachings above for buttons  7178 ,  7180 ,  7182  and  7184  and associated processing of  FIGS. 72 through 76 , are used similarly for adding at block  6310  the records  9400 ,  9450 , and  9500  as a single unit of data that can be joined together in an SQL outer join for capturing any multiple records  9450 . The  FIG. 96A  top map and  FIGS. 96B ,  96 C, and  96 D are examples of the user selecting Pingimeters on a map, as the result of selecting a button analogous to button  7178  already described. Button  7178  is the preferred method for defining a Pingimeter in web service  2102 . The user may also select buttons analogous to  7180 ,  7182 , and  7184  for automatically populating Tables  9400 ,  9450 , and  9500 , as the result of vertices selection by the user to make up the Pingimeter, area associated with a user selection, or a combination of teachings from buttons  7178 ,  7180 ,  7182 , and  7184  for defining an enclosure for a Pingimeter. When an add action is invoked by the user, block  6312  validates user field specifications to the Pingimeter add interface, and block  6314  checks the results. If block  6314  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  6318  invokes  FIG. 77  processing for adding the Pingimeter, and current page processing terminates at block  6316 . If block  6314  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  6320  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  6310  (e.g. pop-up). 
       FIG. 77  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the submittal to add a record to the web service. For purposes of this discussion, a Pingimeter is being added to the web service  2102  as a unit of data across tables  9400 ,  9450 , and  9500  as described above, for example by a Pinger. Processing starts at block  7702  and continues to block  7704  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  7706  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  7710 . Block  7710  validates user field specifications to the Pingimeter add interface, and block  7712  checks the results. If block  7712  determines all fields are not valid, then block  7708  reports the error to the user in an appropriate manner and processing terminates at block  7720 . If block  7712  determines all fields are valid, then block  7714  builds appropriate insert commands from Pingimeter Add specifications (for records  9400 ,  9450  and  9500 ), opens a DB connection, does the inserts, and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, block  7716  sends an email to an administrator account if a Notify flag is set to document this type of transaction, and block  7718  provides the user with a successful add acknowledgement interface similar to those described above, and processing terminates at block  7720 .  FIG. 77  processing inserts a Pingimeter data unit as records  9500 ,  9400 , and record(s)  9450  with appropriately defaulted fields. 
     There is preferably no search interface to Pingimeters since there is preferably a reasonably limited enforced maximum. The preferred user interface for managing them is analogous to  FIGS. 59A ,  67 A,  71 G,  79 B, and  90 B, however a search interface may be provided to support all conceivable embodiments where many Pingimeters will be managed. A reasonable standard set of fields are output for the list interface rows, preferably each row including at least Descript field  9506 , Active field  9510 , AlertType field  9508 , TimeFrame field  9512 , and a URL link to an appropriately zoomed map to display the Pingimeter defined by records  9450 . A website defined maximum is preferably enforced at blocks  7710  and  7712 . In another embodiment, record  3000  will contain a maximum (e.g. new field  3017 ) for each user, much like MaxDevs field  3020  is defined and used. A new max Pingimeters field  3017  would be passed to pages including  FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control processing in a similar manner. 
     Clicking the Pingimeters Manage option  4630  preferably takes the user directly to a list interface similarly described above for other record types ( 2900 / 3000 ,  6500 ,  7000 ). Another embodiment could provide a similar search interface in context for the Pingimeter information. It should be readily understood now from previous descriptions that  FIGS. 55 ,  57 A,  57 B,  58 ,  60 A,  60 B,  53 , and  62  are easily described in context for Pingimeters (records  9500 ,  9400 , and associated record(s)  9450 ) and applicable Pingimeter processing, and for obvious screenshots subsequent to actions from Pingimeter list processing. So for brevity, the redundant descriptions and figures are not included here except to say Pingimeter data units (a unit of data across PAXT record  9400 , Pingimeter Table record(s)  9450 , and Triggers Table record  9500 ) can be viewed, deleted, and modified (individually or as a list) in a similar manner to records  2900 / 3000 , records  6500 , and records  7000 . 
     An alternative embodiment will use the DCDB interfaces described above to add and manage Pingimeters as a DCDB record  7000  for adding, viewing, modifying, and deleting DCDB records  7000 . A Pingimeter defined with record  7000  requires the EntryType field  7004  set to ‘R’ for denoting a Pingimeter. All of DCDB add and management discussions above can apply for a Pingimeter. PMRID  7030  will be used to join to Triggers Table PMRID  9502  and Pingimeters Table PMRID  9452  for the Pingimeter defined. The user would then be enabled to define content to deliver upon triggering of the Pingimeter with all the deliverable content options provided in a record  7000 . Further available for the user would be additional record  7000  fields for further defining a situational location for Pingimeter alerting. Any duplication between record  7000  fields and record  9452  fields could be eliminated in a new record  9452 , or the record  9452  fields could be optional for overriding duplicated record  7000  fields. 
     PingSpots are similar in nature to Pingimeters and can overlap in some functionality. PingSpots are identically configured as a record  7000  has been discussed. PingSpots are situational locations configured by users of web service  2102  for delivering content to their PingPals who happen to travel to those situational locations. A website defined maximum is preferably enforced. In another embodiment, record  3000  will contain a maximum (e.g. new field  3015 ) for each user, much like MaxDevs field  3020  is defined and used. A new max PingSpots field  3015  could be passed to pages including  FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control processing in a similar manner. 
     In one example, a Pinger travels to a large flee market, finds an item of interest to a PingPal, and sets a PingSpot where the item is located with a radius for covering an area certainly traveled by someone nearby. The Pinger then sets a deliverable content message like “Check out the antique chair over by the large oak tree” along with situational location criteria for the PingSpot. When the PingPal travels to the situational location sometime in the future, the message about the antique chair is automatically delivered to the PingPal according to his device preferences. Of course, the PingPal would have to have granted the “Set PingSpots” privilege to the Pinger (or his device) so the PingSpot was relevant for the PingPal. So, PingSpots enable a first user (or device) to set up content for a second user (or device) which is configured by the first user/device and is delivered to the second user/device according to the situational location of the second user/device. “Set PingSpots” is preferably assigned from a user (i.e. all his devices) or device, to a user. Another embodiment will also allow assigning from a user or device, to a device, wherein the device id is known when configuring PingSpots and is saved with the record  7000  in the AuthID  7038 . Yet another embodiment will maintain an AuthType field  7037  for determining whether or not the PingSpot is configured on behalf of a user or on behalf of a device. In one embodiment, the device id field  6504  and device password  6506  can be used to authenticate to an interface of web service  2102  just as LogonName field  3004  and password field  3006  are used. In another embodiment the device id and device password are automatically determined, for example by a most recent interaction with the Delivery Manager  2510 . In another embodiment, device data evidence (fields  5072  and  5074 ) is used. 
     PingSpots are identically configured as though a Content Provider were configuring deliverable content with options (e.g.  4650 ,  4652 ) subordinate to the DCDB option header  4648 . Adding and managing PingSpots will use the DCDB interfaces described above to add and manage PingSpots as a DCDB record  7000  for adding, viewing, modifying, and deleting DCDB records  7000 . A PingSpot defined with record  7000  requires the EntryType field  7004  set to ‘S’ for denoting a PingSpot. All of DCDB add and management discussions above apply for a PingSpot. The only difference is the records added and managed have EntryType field  7004  set to ‘S’ for PingSpots. 
     PingSpots Add option  4626  produces an interface analogous to  FIG. 71A  with proper PingSpot identifying interface indicators (e.g. top page locator identification bar set to “GPSPing.com Add PingSpot”), although some embodiments will do an appropriate subset of  FIG. 71A  for cell phone convenience. PingSpots Manage option  4624  produces an interface analogous to  FIG. 71C  with proper PingSpot identifying interface indicators (e.g. top page locator identification bar set to “GPSPingcom PingSpot Manage/List”) for some reasonable system limited number of PingSpots creatable per user. A website defined maximum is preferably enforced as discussed above. Another embodiment would provide a search interface so that selecting PingSpots Manage option  4624  would produce an interface analogous to the  FIG. 71B  search interface with proper PingSpot identifying interface indicators (e.g. top page locator identification bar set to “GPSPing.com PingSpot Specify Search Criteria”) for a larger number of permitted PingSpots. DCDB record  7000  processing is identical for PingSpots as it is for deliverable content configured by a Content Provider, with respect to  FIGS. 71A ,  71 B,  71 C and associated processing. The  FIG. 96A  bottom map shows a PingSpot selected with button  7178  in context for a PingSpot. Note that the PingSpot is preferably semi-transparent-opaque rather than an empty region as used for Pingimeters. This shows that the mobile device  2540  is a live target anywhere within the PingSpot, while a Pingimeter is more of a boundary for an alert setting. PingSpots are preferably viewed, deleted, and modified (individually or as a list) in an identical manner to records  7000 . 
       FIG. 96A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of the Alerts option of the Services option from a public interface of the web service demonstrating circular specifications of an area on a map, for example for Pingimeters and PingSpots.  FIG. 96B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot demonstrating rectangular specification of an area on a map.  FIG. 96B  is an example of specification for DCDB content, Pingimeters, or PingSpots. PingSpots are preferably shown as semi-transparent-opaque regions.  FIG. 96C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot demonstrating polygon specification of an area on a map.  FIG. 96C  is an example of specification for DCDB content, Pingimeters, or PingSpots. PingSpots are preferably shown as semi-transparent-opaque regions.  FIG. 96D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot demonstrating point specification of an area on a map. Pingimeters, and situational locations for PingSpots and DCDB content (and Pingimeters using a record  7000 ) can be specified as points, circular areas, rectangular areas, polygon areas, or any other area bounding a geographical area. 
     A universal embodiment enables Pingimeters, and situational locations for PingSpots and DCDB content (and Pingimeters using a record  7000 ) to be specified in terms of a three dimensional solid area (called a three dimensional solid region) in space which may be traveled through. This allows specifications in space, not just on a planet&#39;s surface and/or at some elevation. Triangular elevations from known locatable points, triangular distances from origins in the universe, etc. can denote where exactly a point of the three dimensional solid in space is located. That same point can provide a mathematical reference to other points of the solid region in space and/or together with descriptions for angles, pitches, rotations, etc. from some reference point(s). That way, any mobile vehicle, or traveler, traveling through the solid region defined in space will have traveled through the situational location. Therefore, situational locations are not just two dimensional. Three dimensional location parameters of a situational location in the universe can be specified with a solid region in space, for example by a conical shape, cubical shape, spherical shape, pyramidal shape, irregular shapes, or any other shape either manipulated with a three dimensional graphic interface, or with mathematical descriptions. Locations of situational locations are regions that some traveler can pass through, regardless of being two dimensional (optionally with an elevation) or three dimensional. 
     In yet another embodiment, Pingimeters, and situational locations for PingSpots and DCDB content (and Pingimeters using a record  7000 ) can be specified in multiple dimensional terms (2, 3, or more) as is appropriate for the application. For example, time adds a fourth dimension (e.g. TimeCriteria field  7034 ) and other criteria adds additional dimensions. N-dimensions are supported as needed for applicable embodiments. In yet another embodiment, a smaller scale is incorporated, for example at the microscopic level. Pingimeters, and situational locations for PingSpots and DCDB content (and Pingimeters using a record  7000 ) can be specified in terms of microscopic measurements, for example for enabling a micro-motor device to travel through a situational location or Pingimeter defined in a human body to perform micro-surgery. When the micro-motor travels to, or through, the body to a configured record of web service  2102 , then the same functionality disclosed can be applied. Content could be intercepted for sending to the examining system or doctor device(s). Pingimeter actions could in fact be sent to the micro-motor device upon arrival to a target area for then performing prescribed actions within the human body. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a key component to use for identifying situational locations relative to body landmarks. Travels of the micro-motor device through configured areas or regions could cause the micro-motor device to receive content to facilitate navigating itself around internal body landmarks. Communications would be by way of a wireless connection. Records  7000  could define executables and directional content for governing the micro-motor device actions through the human body. The web service  2102  in such a medical application would be a small scale private service used in close quarters. The point in all this is that location specifications, area specifications, region in space specifications, and situational location specifications can take on measurements and descriptors as is relevant in the application used, from a microscopic application to a universal application between galaxies. Scale, size and application of use is not a limiting feature of this disclosure. 
     Find Services 
     A preferred embodiment for locating mobile users incorporates a leading paid-for internet accessed mapping service such as Microsoft MapPoint or MapQuest (MapPoint is a trademark of Microsoft Corp. and MapQuest is a trademark of the MapQuest company). Those skilled in the art will recognize that location service features described herein apply regardless of map solution used. Descriptions herein are to be interpreted in their broadest sense and in view of any map solution that may be used. CD-ROM file name “tigermap.pdf” provides a printed description available from the free U.S. Census online mapping service (http://tiger.census.gov) which has been incorporated for use in an embodiment. 
       FIG. 63  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form in the members area and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing. For this discussion,  FIG. 63  is invoked upon selection of the Users Find option  4608  for the main find user interface. Processing starts at block  6302  and continues to block  6304  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6308 . Block  6308  builds and presents  FIG. 100A , and then a user interfaces with  FIG. 100A  at block  6310  until a button  10006 ,  10012 , or  10020  is invoked (i.e. selected), or a link  10022 ,  10024 ,  10026 ,  10028 , or  10030  is invoked (i.e. selected). When an action is invoked by the user, block  6312  validates user field specifications to  FIG. 100A  (if a button invoked), and block  6314  checks the results (if a button invoked). If block  6314  determines the fields are valid (if a button invoked and can be submitted for processing), then block  6318  invokes  FIG. 97A  processing, and current page processing terminates at block  6316 . If block  6314  determines that not all fields specified are valid (if a button invoked), then block  6320  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  6310  (e.g. pop-up). If a link  10022  through  10030  was selected, then processing in effect leaves block  6310  and enters block  6318  for the applicable link processing. 
       FIG. 97A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to find device(s) (e.g. PingPal(s)), upon selection of the get device location(s) button  10006 , or get group location(s) button  10012 , or get device location button  10020 . Find location processing begins at block  9702  and continues to block  9704  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  9706  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  9708  where the button selected from  FIG. 100A  is determined. Thereafter, block  9710  validates the form fields in the field-set associated with the button and processing continues to block  9712 . If all fields are not valid (e.g. checks syntax for single string or comma delimited strings, and optional date/time string, and SQL injection attacks), then block  9726  appropriately reports the error to the user and current page processing terminates at block  9734 . If block  9712  determines all fields were valid, then processing continues to block  9714 . If block  9714  determines button  10006  was invoked from action data evidence passed from the form, then block  9720  determines the “View Whereabouts” privileges (Groups Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table, Registry Table, Users Table) assigned to the user of  FIG. 100A  (as passed by  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing). The “View Whereabouts” privileges are determined with joins including device name(s) entered to field  10002  or by a user (i.e. all user&#39;s devices) of OwnerID (s)  6522  of device name(s) entered to field  10002 . “View Whereabouts” is preferably assigned from a user (i.e. all his devices) or device, to a user. Another embodiment will also allow assigning from a user or device, to a device, wherein the device id is known for the device with the interface doing the find action from  FIG. 100A . In one embodiment, the device id field  6504  and device password  6506  can be used to authenticate to an interface of web service  2102  just as LogonName field  3004  and password field  3006  are used. In another embodiment the device id and device password are automatically determined, for example by a most recent interaction with the Delivery Manager  2510 . In another embodiment, device data evidence (fields  5072  and  5074 ) is used. 
     Thereafter, block  9722  checks if one or more “View Whereabouts” privileges are assigned from each comma delimited device name (i.e. id field  6504 ) specified in entry field  10002 , to the user of  FIG. 100A  (or from the owner of devices specified to entry field  10002  to the user of  FIG. 100A ). If block  9722  determines a device id specified in entry field  10002  has not granted the “View Whereabouts” privilege to the user of  FIG. 100A , then block  9726  reports the error to the user of  FIG. 100A  and current page processing terminates at block  9734 . Another embodiment can also report the failed search to the device id(s), or owner(s) of the device id(s) for indicating someone without privileges is attempting to do a search on their location search on their device. Yet another embodiment could include a new field in record  6500  (checked for at block  9726 ) for reporting such location search attempts made by an unauthorized user, or made from an unauthorized device. 
     If block  9722  determines all sought devices have granted privileges to the user of  FIG. 10A , then block  9728  builds query(s) to the Trail Table (records  6800 ) for the most recent record up until the optional date/time of entry field  10004  (most recent of all records if no field  10004  specified) for each device in the comma delimited list (or single device specified), a connection is opened to the database, the query(s) are performed and the database connection is closed. Thereafter, if block  9730  determines at least one device tracking record  6800  has been found, then block  9732  accesses current map settings data evidence (e.g. set by  FIG. 100B ), builds the map interface command, and redirects to a page with upper and lower frames pages for map display. Block  9732  ensures a WAP device gets single page with no frames. Thereafter, block  9734  terminates current page processing. An example of a map interface command URL for http://tiger.census.gov/ is: 
     “http://tiger.census.gov/cgi-bin/mapgen?wid=.2&amp;ht=.2&amp; 
     lon=−96.7003083333333&amp;lat=33.0351666666667&amp; 
     mark=−96.7003083333333,33.0351666666667,redstar,5/30/2005+11:01:03+AM” which shows a red star in Plano, Tex. with a date/time stamp. 
     which shows a red star in Plano, Tex. with a date/time stamp. 
     The http://tiger.census.gov/ map interface is preferably interfaced to with two frames, a map display frame and a navigational action frame (for devices that support frames). For example,  FIG. 100E  shows a navigational frame  10072  and a map display frame  10074 . This allows user navigation actions in frame  10072  which displays new maps in frame  10074 . Frames of  FIG. 100E  could be displayed within frame  4698  of a full browser, or just as is in a PDA browser. A cell phone implementation should not have frames, so a single page would be returned that comprises all content items from frames  10072  and  10074 . Every time a navigational link is selected from the cell phone, or any other WAP device, the entire map and navigational links are refreshed as a single unit. The advantage of using frames  10072  and  10074  allows only refreshing the map display frame  10074  for links selected in the navigational frame  10072 . 
     With reference now to  FIG. 100F , Zoom in link  10076  is provided for zooming into the current map for a zoomed-in map display, zoom out link  10080  is provided for zooming out from the current map for a zoomed-out map display, and panning control  10078  contains nine panning links for panning the current map Northwest (“NW”), North (“N”), Northeast (“NE”), West (“W”), Center (“C”), East (“E”), Southwest (“SW”), South (“S”), and Southeast (“SE”). Center pans the map so all originally displayed objects are seen again within a single map displayed (and will zoom if necessary to original display). Links  10076  and  10080 , as well as control  10078 , are preferably maintained in the navigational frame  10072  for devices that support frames. Otherwise, all of  FIG. 100F  is a single page presented to the device. 
     If block  9730  determines no records  6800  were found, then block  9726  reports a not found error to the user and current page processing terminates at block  9734 . An alternative embodiment to block  9722  is to process the subset of devices which are determined to have granted the privileges rather than allowing one invalid device to cause an error flow from block  9722  to block  9726 . If block  9714  determines button  10006  was not selected, then processing continues to block  9716 . If block  9716  determines button  10012  was invoked from action data evidence passed from the form, then block  9720  determines the “View Whereabouts” privileges (Groups Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table, Registry Table, Users Table) assigned to the user of  FIG. 100A  (as passed by  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing). The “View Whereabouts” privileges are determined with joins including group name(s) entered to field  10008  or by a user (i.e. all user&#39;s devices) of OwnerID field(s)  6522  of device(s) of group name(s) entered to field  10008 . Thereafter, block  9722  checks if one or more “View Whereabouts” privileges are assigned from each device of the comma delimited group names (i.e. group name field  8906 ) specified in entry field  10008 , to the user of  FIG. 100A  (or from the owner of devices (of groups) specified to entry field  10008  to the user of  FIG. 10A ). If block  9722  determines a device id of group(s) specified in entry field  10008  has not granted the “View Whereabouts” privilege to the user of  FIG. 100A , then block  9726  reports the error to the user of  FIG. 100A  and current page processing terminates at block  9734 . Another embodiment can also report the failed search to the device id(s), or owner(s) of the device id(s) for indicating someone without privileges is attempting to do a search on their location search on their device. Yet another embodiment could include a new field in record  6500  (checked for at block  9726 ) for reporting such location search attempts made by an unauthorized user, or made from an unauthorized device. 
     If block  9722  determines all sought devices have granted privileges to the user of  FIG. 100A , then block  9728  builds query(s) to the Trail Table (records  6800 ) for the most recent record up until the optional date/time of entry field  10010  (most recent of all records if no field  10010  specified) for each device in the comma delimited group list (or single group specified), a connection is opened to the database, the query(s) are performed and the database connection is closed. Thereafter, if block  9730  determines at least one device tracking record  6800  has been found, then block  9732  accesses current map settings data evidence (e.g. set by  FIG. 100B ), builds the map interface command, and redirects to a page with upper and lower frames pages for map display (WAP device gets single page). Thereafter, block  9734  terminates current page processing. If block  9716  determines button  10012  was not selected, then processing continues to block  9718 . If block  9718  determines button  10020  was invoked from action data evidence passed from the form, then block  9724  builds a query to the Trail Table (joined to Registry Table) with the Deviceid field  6504  from entry field  10014 , the device password field  6506  from entry field  10016 , and an optional date/time stamp from entry field  10018 . Block  9724  opens a DB connection, does the query for the most recent record for the device up to the optional date/time stamp of field  10018 , and the database connection is closed. Thereafter, if block  9730  determines a device tracking record  6800  has been found, then block  9732  accesses current map settings data evidence (e.g. set by  FIG. 100B ), builds the map interface command, and redirects to a page with upper and lower frames pages for map display (WAP device gets single page). Thereafter, block  9734  terminates current page processing. 
     If block  9718  determines button  10020  was not selected, then processing continues to block  9726  where action data evidence in error is reported to the user and processing terminates at block  9734 . So, the user can locate on a map a device, a list of devices, a group of devices, or a list of groups of devices, provided the “View Whereabouts” privilege has been granted by the sought device(s), or user(s) of the sought device(s). A device can also be located on a map if both the device id and device password is known by the seeking user. Map  100 F provides an example when a single device is located from  FIG. 100A . Map  100 G provides an example when a list of devices, a group of devices, or a list of groups of devices are located through  FIG. 100A . 
       FIG. 63  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form in the members area and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing. For this discussion,  FIG. 63  is invoked upon selection of the Find Routes Here link  10026 , Find Reports Here link  10028 , or Map Settings Here link  10030 , respectively. Processing starts at block  6302  and continues to block  6304  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6308 . Block  6308  builds and presents an appropriate user interface ( FIG. 100C ,  100 D, or  100 B, respectively) according to the link invoked from Find Routes Here link  10026 , Find Reports Here link  10028 , or Map Settings Here link  10030 , respectively, and then a user interfaces with that user interface at block  6310  until a button from the user interface is invoked (i.e. selected). When an action is invoked by the user, block  6312  validates user field specifications to the user interface (if a button invoked), and block  6314  checks the results. If block  6314  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  6318  invokes the corresponding user interface processing ( FIG. 98A ,  98 B, or  97 B, respectively), and current page processing terminates at block  6316 . If block  6314  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  6320  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  6310  (e.g. pop-up). 
       FIG. 97B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to set map preferences, upon selection of button  10032  from  FIG. 100B . Map settings processing starts at block  9752  and continues to block  9754  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  9756  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  9758 . Block  9758  validates form fields specified to  FIG. 100B  and then block  9760  checks results. If block  9760  determines that fields specified by the user to  FIG. 100B  are valid, then user specifications are saved as map settings data evidence at block  9766 , a success interface is displayed to the user at block  9768 , and current page processing terminates at block  9764 . If all fields specified by the user are not valid, then block  9762  reports the error(s) to the user and current page processing terminates at block  9764 . Block  6308  always defaults the  FIG. 100B  user interface with any map settings data evidence found from previous configurations to  FIG. 100B , and block  6310  allows the user to operate the device type dropdown  10034  for automatically populating a predefined set of map settings values to all entry fields of  FIG. 100B  according to a device type selected in the dropdown. There can be many devices to select from including cell phones, PDAs, etc. After a dropdown  10034  selection is made, then the user can customize specific fields as desired for saving as map settings data evidence. In another embodiment, another button is provided to  FIG. 100B  for saving a set of user customized values to a name that subsequently appears in dropdown  10034  selections so those become a desired set of default values at a future use of dropdown  10034  selection. The user should be able to delete an entry from the dropdown  10034  in this embodiment. 
     Save settings button  10032  saves the map settings in entry fields of  FIG. 100B  to map settings data evidence for use in map functionality of web service  2102 . “Area width” determines how much horizontal width to display in a map (e.g. longitudinal degrees). “Area Height” determines how much vertical height to display in a map (e.g. latitudinal degrees). “Zoom factor” determines how much to zoom in or out on a map when selecting links  10076  or  10080  (e.g. percentage). “Pan factor” determines how much to pan a map when using control  10078  (e.g. in decimal degrees). “Image Width” determines how wide the image is to present the map in. “Image Height” determines how high the image is to present the map in. “Markers” is an ordered list of preferred markers to use for devices located on a map. If only one marker is provided, then that is used for all devices located. If a comma delimited list of markers is provided, then each marker from left to right is used until either devices to locate are completed, or markers to use in the list are exhausted. If markers run out first, then the list of markers is started with the first marker for the next device located, and so on. Thus, the marker list is round-robinned as needed to represent devices on a map. If devices to locate run out first, then there are plenty of markers to represent the located devices. “From X Center” and “From Y Center” determines how to automatically pan the map after its initial display (e.g. as percentage). “Max Devices” determines the maximum number of devices to display on a map. After this maximum is reached, no more devices are displayed. Best practices are to have a number of markers (“Markers” ordered list) that match the “Max Devices” value. “Map Layers” are predefined constants for what layers to display on maps. “Map Level” are predefined constants for what should be labeled on the presented maps. “Route Colors” is an ordered comma delimited list of colors to draw route lines for devices. If only one color is provided, then that is used for all device routes plotted. If a comma delimited list of colors is provided, then each color from left to right is used until either devices to route are completed, or colors to use in the list are exhausted. If colors run out first, then the list of colors is started with the first color for the next device plotted, and so on. Thus, the color list is round-robinned as needed to represent device routes on a map. If devices to plot run out first, then there are plenty of colors to represent the plotted devices. “Route Weight” determines the thickness of route lines to draw when plotting device routes on a map. 
     In another embodiment, map settings can be automatically set based on the device that is displaying the map, and the user may still be able to override them. There may be other embodiments of map settings wherein a user can control how maps are displayed. These embodiments should allow the user to select a named set of defaults for convenient population to configurable fields. 
       FIG. 98A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to find routes of device(s) (e.g. PingPal(s)), upon selection of the get device route(s) button  10038 , or get group route(s) button  10042 , or get device route button  10048 . Find route processing begins at block  9802  and continues to block  9804  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  9806  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  9808  where the button selected from  FIG. 100C  is determined. Thereafter, block  9810  validates the form fields in the field-set associated with the button and processing continues to block  9812 . If all fields are not valid (e.g. checks syntax for single string or comma delimited strings, date/time strings, and SQL injection attacks), then block  9826  appropriately reports the error to the user and current page processing terminates at block  9836 . If block  9812  determines all fields were valid, then processing continues to block  9814 . If block  9814  determines button  10038  was invoked from action data evidence passed from the form, then block  9820  determines the “View Historical Route Information” privileges (Groups Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table, Registry Table, Users Table) assigned to the user of  FIG. 100C  (as passed by  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing). The “View Historical Route Information” privileges are determined with joins including device name(s) entered to field  10036  or by a user (i.e. all user&#39;s devices) of OwnerID (s)  6522  of device name(s) entered to field  10036 . “View Historical Route Information” is preferably assigned from a user (i.e. all his devices) or device, to a user. Another embodiment will also allow assigning from a user or device, to a device, wherein the device id is known for the device with the interface doing the find route(s) action from  FIG. 100C . In one embodiment, the device id field  6504  and device password  6506  can be used to authenticate to an interface of web service  2102  just as LogonName field  3004  and password field  3006  are used. In another embodiment the device id and device password are automatically determined, for example by a most recent interaction with the Delivery Manager  2510 . In another embodiment, device data evidence (fields  5072  and  5074 ) is used. 
     Thereafter, block  9822  checks if one or more “View Historical Route Information” privileges are assigned from each comma delimited device name (i.e. id field  6504 ) specified in entry field  10036 , to the user of  FIG. 100C  (or from the owner of devices specified to entry field  10036  to the user of  FIG. 100C ). If block  9822  determines a device id specified in entry field  10036  has not granted the “View Historical Route Information” privilege to the user of  FIG. 100C , then block  9826  reports the error to the user of  FIG. 100C  and current page processing terminates at block  9836 . Another embodiment can also report the failed search to the device id(s), or owner(s) of the device id(s) for indicating someone without privileges is attempting to do a search on their location search on their device. Yet another embodiment could include a new field in record  6500  (checked for at block  9826 ) for reporting such location search attempts made by an unauthorized user, or made from an unauthorized device. 
     If block  9822  determines all sought devices have granted privileges to the user of  FIG. 100C , then block  9828  builds query(s) to the Trail Table (records  6800 ) for all record(s) found in range of the “Start:” date/time stamp and “End:” date/time stamp for each device in the comma delimited list (or single device specified), a connection is opened to the database, the query(s) are performed and the database connection is closed. Thereafter, if block  9830  determines at least one device tracking record  6800  has been found, then block  9832  accesses current map settings data evidence (e.g. set by  FIG. 100B ), builds the map interface command, and redirects to a page with upper and lower frames pages for map display. Blocks  9832 / 9834  ensure a WAP device gets single page with no frames. Thereafter, block  9834  draws an overlay of route lines for the map display background and refreshes the frame (or page). Another embodiment will have the map interface command specify how to draw the route lines so the map is returned with route lines on it. Thereafter, block  9836  terminates current page processing. 
     If block  9830  determines no records  6800  were found, then block  9826  reports a not found error to the user and current page processing terminates at block  9836 . An alternative embodiment to block  9822  is to process the subset of devices which are determined to have granted the privileges rather than allowing one invalid device to cause an error flow from block  9822  to block  9826 . 
     If block  9814  determines button  10038  was not selected, then processing continues to block  9816 . If block  9816  determines button  10042  was invoked from action data evidence passed from the form, then block  9820  determines the “View Historical Route Information” privileges (Groups Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table, Registry Table, Users Table) assigned to the user of  FIG. 100C  (as passed by  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing). The “View Historical Route Information” privileges are determined with joins including device name(s) of group(s) entered to field  10040  or by a user (i.e. all user&#39;s devices) of OwnerID (s)  6522  of device name(s) of group(s) entered to field  10040 . Thereafter, block  9822  checks if one or more “View Historical Route Information” privileges are assigned from each device of the comma delimited group names (i.e. group name field  8906 ) specified in entry field  10040 , to the user of  FIG. 100C  (or from the owner of devices (of groups) specified to entry field  10040  to the user of  FIG. 100C ). If block  9822  determines a device id of group(s) specified in entry field  10040  has not granted the “View Historical Route Information” privilege to the user of  FIG. 100C , then block  9826  reports the error to the user of  FIG. 100C  and current page processing terminates at block  9836 . Another embodiment can also report the failed search to the device id(s), or owner(s) of the device id(s) for indicating someone without privileges is attempting to do a search on their location search on their device. Yet another embodiment could include a new field in record  6500  (checked for at block  9826 ) for reporting such location search attempts made by an unauthorized user, or made from an unauthorized device. 
     If block  9822  determines all sought devices have granted privileges to the user of  FIG. 100C , then block  9828  builds query(s) to the Trail Table (records  6800 ) for) for all record(s) found in range of the “Start:” date/time stamp and “End:” date/time stamp for each device for each device in the comma delimited group list (or single group specified), a connection is opened to the database, the query(s) are performed and the database connection is closed. Thereafter, if block  9830  determines at least one device tracking record  6800  has been found, then block  9832  accesses current map settings data evidence (e.g. set by  FIG. 100B ), builds the map interface command, and redirects to a page with upper and lower frames pages for map display (WAP device gets single page). Otherwise, block  9830  continues to block  9826  for error processing. Block  9832  continues to block  9834  for drawing an overlay of route lines for the map display background and refreshing the frame (or page). Another embodiment will have the map interface command specify how to draw the route lines so the map is returned with route lines on it. Thereafter, block  9836  terminates current page processing. 
     If block  9816  determines button  10042  was not selected, then processing continues to block  9818 . If block  9818  determines button  10048  was invoked from action data evidence passed from the form, then block  9824  builds a query to the Trail Table (joined to Registry Table) with the Deviceid field  6504  from entry field  10044 , the device password field  6506  from entry field  10046 , and for all record(s) found in range of the “Start:” date/time stamp and “End:” date/time stamp for the device. Block  9824  opens a DB connection, does the query for the record(s), and the database connection is closed. Thereafter, if block  9830  determines a device tracking record  6800  has been found, then block  9832  accesses current map settings data evidence (e.g. set by  FIG. 100B ), builds the map interface command, and redirects to a page with upper and lower frames pages for map display (WAP device gets single page). Thereafter, block  9834  draws an overlay of route line for the map display background and refreshes the frame (or page). Another embodiment will have the map interface command specify how to draw the route line so the map is returned with the route line on it. Thereafter, block  9836  terminates current page processing. 
     If block  9818  determines button  10048  was not selected, then processing continues to block  9826  where action data evidence in error is reported to the user and processing terminates at block  9836 . So, the user can produce a map with the historical route(s) of a device, a list of devices, a group of devices, or a list of groups of devices, provided the “View Historical Route Information” privilege has been granted by the sought device(s), or user(s) of the sought device(s). A device can also have its route plotted on a map if both the device id and device password is known by the seeking user. Map  1  OOH provides an example when a single device route is plotted through from  FIG. 100C . Map  1001  provides an example when a list of devices, a group of devices, or a list of groups of devices have their routes plotted through use of  FIG. 100C . Map  1001  uses the “Route Colors” setting for plotting routes in different colors (cannot see differentiation well on black and white drawing). Because of the potentially large number of records  6800  involved in the above processing, another embodiment may completely process one query results before performing the next query in the list of queries to perform. 
       FIG. 98B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to report on device(s) (e.g. PingPal(s)) upon selection of the get report button  10056 , or get report button  10064 . Get report processing begins at block  9852  and continues to block  9854  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  9856  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  9858  where the button selected from  FIG. 100D  is determined. Thereafter, block  9860  validates the form fields in the field-set associated with the button and processing continues to block  9862 . Block  9862  checks for the user specification to address area  10052  or address area  10060  depending on the button data evidence from the form invoked ( 10056  or  10064 ). A query to a connected Geo-translation database is performed for the address specification. If more than 1 translation is returned, the user preferably selects one from the result for subsequent processing. In other embodiments, the user can select a plurality subset of results returned for reporting on multiple locations. In this way, wildcarding to fields of the address areas  10052  and  10060  can also be used to determine a plurality of location criteria. In another embodiment, no radio buttons are provided and the best match based on address information provided is used to search for a geocoded translation to latitude and longitude. In yet another embodiment, an area is returned instead of a simple latitude and longitude for reporting on the area instead of a point. In another embodiment, address areas  10052  and  10060  provide means for specifying a solid region in space (e.g. 3 dimensional coordinates with some origin, for example) for then reporting on device(s) having passed through the solid region in space during the time window. In another embodiment, a HitRadius can be specified by the user for location point(s). In yet another embodiment, address areas  10052  and  10060  are replaced with map selection(s) made by the user from functionality described above for a button  7178  provided to the  FIG. 100D  user interface. In a further embodiment, the user simply enters one or more latitude and longitude coordinate points (with optional HitRadius) in place of address areas  10052  and  10060 . 
     Thereafter, if all fields are not valid (e.g. checks syntax for single string or comma delimited strings, address information, translation information returned, date/time strings, and SQL injection attacks), then block  9876  appropriately reports the error to the user and current page processing terminates at block  9882 . If block  9864  determines all fields were valid, then processing continues to block  9866 . If block  9866  determines button  10056  was invoked from action data evidence passed from the form, then block  9870  determines the “View Reports” privileges (Groups Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table, Registry Table, Users Table) assigned to the user of  FIG. 100D  (as passed by  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing). The “View Reports” privileges are determined with joins including device name(s) entered to field  10050  or by a user (i.e. all user&#39;s devices) of OwnerID (s)  6522  of device name(s) entered to field  10050 . “View Reports” is preferably assigned from a user (i.e. all his devices) or device, to a user. Another embodiment will also allow assigning from a user or device, to a device, wherein the device id is known for the device with the interface doing the reporting action from  FIG. 100D . In one embodiment, the device id field  6504  and device password  6506  can be used to authenticate to an interface of web service  2102  just as LogonName field  3004  and password field  3006  are used. In another embodiment the device id and device password are automatically determined, for example by a most recent interaction with the Delivery Manager  2510 . In another embodiment, device data evidence (fields  5072  and  5074 ) is used. 
     Thereafter, block  9872  checks if one or more “View Reports” privileges are assigned from each comma delimited device name (i.e. id field  6504 ) specified in entry field  10050 , to the user of  FIG. 100D  (or from the owner of devices specified to entry field  10050  to the user of  FIG. 100D ). If block  9872  determines a device id specified in entry field  10050  has not granted the “View Reports” privilege to the user of  FIG. 100D , then block  9876  reports the error to the user of  FIG. 100D  and current page processing terminates at block  9882 . Another embodiment can also report the failed search to the device id(s), or owner(s) of the device id(s) for indicating someone without privileges is attempting to do a search on their location search on their device. Yet another embodiment could include a new field in record  6500  (checked for at block  9876 ) for reporting such location search attempts made by an unauthorized user, or made from an unauthorized device. 
     If block  9872  determines all sought devices have granted privileges to the user of  FIG. 100D , then block  9874  builds query(s) to the Trail Table (records  6800 ) for all record(s) found in range of the “Start:” date/time stamp and “End:” date/time stamp for each device in the comma delimited list (or single device specified) with the specified translated location information, a connection is opened to the database, the query(s) are performed, report(s) list is/are built, and the database connection is closed. Thereafter, if block  9878  determines at least one device tracking record  6800  has been found, then block  9880  builds report output categorized by device, and then by location(s) within a device category, and block  9882  terminates current page processing. 
     If block  9878  determines no records  6800  were found, then block  9876  reports a not found error to the user and current page processing terminates at block  9882 . An alternative embodiment to block  9872  is to process the subset of devices which are determined to have granted the privileges rather than allowing one invalid device to cause an error flow from block  9872  to block  9876 . If block  9866  determines button  10056  was not selected, then processing continues to block  9868 . If block  9868  determines button  10064  was invoked from action data evidence passed from the form, then block  9870  determines the “View Reports” privileges (Groups Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table, Registry Table, Users Table) assigned to the user of  FIG. 100D  (as passed by  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing). The “View Reports” privileges are determined with joins including device name(s) of group(s) entered to field  10058  or by a user (i.e. all user&#39;s devices) of OwnerID field(s)  6522  of device name(s) of group(s) entered to field  10058 . Thereafter, block  9872  checks if one or more “View Report” privileges are assigned from each device of the comma delimited group names (i.e. group name field  8906 ) specified in entry field  10058 , to the user of  FIG. 100D  (or from the owner of devices (of groups) specified to entry field  10058  to the user of  FIG. 100D ). If block  9872  determines a device id of group(s) specified in entry field  10058  has not granted the “View Report” privilege to the user of  FIG. 100D , then block  9876  reports the error to the user of  FIG. 100D  and current page processing terminates at block  9882 . Another embodiment can also report the failed search to the device id(s), or owner(s) of the device id(s) for indicating someone without privileges is attempting to do a search on their location search on their device. Yet another embodiment could include a new field in record  6500  (checked for at block  9876 ) for reporting such location search attempts made by an unauthorized user, or made from an unauthorized device. 
     If block  9872  determines all sought devices have granted privileges to the user of  FIG. 100D , then block  9874  builds query(s) to the Trail Table (records  6800 ) for) for all record(s) found in range of the “Start:” date/time stamp and “End:” date/time stamp for each device for each device in the comma delimited group list (or single group specified) along with the translated geocoding information, a connection is opened to the database, the query(s) are performed and the database connection is closed. Thereafter, if block  9878  determines at least one device tracking record  6800  has been found, then block  9880  builds report output categorized by group, then by device, then by location(s), and block  9882  terminates current page processing. 
     If block  9868  determines button  10064  was not selected, then processing continues to block  9876  where action data evidence in error is reported to the user and processing terminates at block  9882 . So, a historical report can be produced on a device, a list of devices, a group of devices, or a list of groups of devices, provided the “View Report” privilege has been granted by the sought device(s), or user(s) of the sought device(s). Because of the potentially large number of records  6800  involved in the above processing, another embodiment may completely process one query results before performing the next query in the list of queries to perform. The report generated at block  9880  is a single page suitable for all devices, however reductions in size are preferably made for reporting to WAP devices without eliminating desirable report information. Reported information includes records  6800  field data collected within the time range for the sought location(s). Preferably, there is an organized breakdown by device, location(s), and time. The report information is textual, preferably in tabular form. Another embodiment could provide the reports as spreadsheets, graphs, bar charts, or any reasonable reporting method. 
     Field  10054  is preferably a client side monitored data entry field for expanding the number of address areas  10052  of the form for processing by button  10056 . Field  10054  determines how many additional address areas  10052  to add to the form. This enables the user to process a plurality of locations for reporting on the device(s) in the time range. Block  9860  will validate multiple address areas  10052  and block  9862  will geo-translate for multiple locations regardless of how specified. Field  10054  may require a function key to accept the value typed at field  10054  (as recognized by client side Javascript for example), or may activate as soon as field  10054  loses cursor focus. Other embodiments to address area  10052  may also be multiplied using the field  10054 . 
     Field  10062  is preferably a client side monitored data entry field for expanding the number of address areas  10060  of the form for processing by button  10064 . Field  10062  determines how many additional address areas  10060  to add to the form. This enables the user to process a plurality of locations for reporting on the group(s) of device(s) in the time range. Block  9860  will validate multiple address areas  10060  and block  9862  will geo-translate for multiple locations regardless of how specified. Field  10062  may require a function key to accept the value typed at field  10062  (as recognized by client side Javascript for example), or may activate as soon as field  10062  loses cursor focus. Other embodiments to address area  10060  may also be multiplied using the field  10062 . 
       FIG. 98C  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to discover PingPal(s) providing privileges, for example upon selection of link  10024 . Processing begins at block  9884  and continues to block  9886  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  9888  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  9890  where at least the PersonID of the user who clicked link  10024  is determined (passed from  FIG. 30  access control). Another embodiment will determine the device id and device password that is in use either from the last interaction through the Delivery Manager  2510 , or from authentication to web service  2102  with the device id and password. In another embodiment, device data evidence (fields  5072  and  5074 ) is used. 
     Block  9890  builds query(s) to the Server Data  2104  (e.g. PingPal Privilege Assignment Table, Groups Table, Registry Table, Users Table, and joins therefrom) to determine all privileges assigned to this user (of  FIG. 98C ) by his PersonID  3002  or any one of the user&#39;s devices (as determined by Owner field  6522 ), opens a DB connection, does the query(s), closes the DB connection, and iterates through rows returned (i.e. lists) to build an output page. Preferably the output page is built in an organized manner to show the users who have assigned which privileges, as well as the devices which have assigned which privileges to this user (of  FIG. 98C ), or any of this user&#39;s devices. Preferably only the LogonName(s) and device name(s) of the assignors are shown to this user. Other embodiments may additionally display any fields of records  2900 ,  3000 , or  6500 . Another embodiment may require new privilege(s) assignable between users and/or devices for how much information to share in the output built at block  9890 . The new privileges would also be maintained in PrivMask field  8910  with processing and user interfaces as heretofore described. Thereafter, if block  9892  determines no privileges were found to be assigned to this user (of  FIG. 98C ), then block  9898  presents a none found page and processing terminates at block  9896 . If block  9892  determines one or more privileges were found, then block  9894  presents the output page built at block  9890  containing who and which devices have assigned which privileges to this user (or this user&#39;s devices), and processing terminates at block  9896 . 
       FIG. 99  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing the request to find nearby PingPal(s), for example upon selection of link  10022 . Processing begins at block  9902  and continues to block  9904  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  9906  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  9908 . Block  9908  builds a query to get this querying device&#39;s interest radius from record  6500  (field  6540 ). The query device&#39;s device id field  6504  is preferably data evidence maintained as the result of an authentication with device id and device password, as the result of activity with the Delivery Manager  2510 , as the result of Access Control processing, or as stored with the link  10022  in a URL variable. The user can also explicitly provide the querying device id and password at a block  9907  for authentication. In another embodiment, device data evidence (fields  5072  and  5074 ) is used. In any case, block  9908  also queries Server Data  2104  (Registry Table, Users Table, PingPal Privileges Assignment Table, Groups Table, and joins therefrom) for all devices which have provided the “View Nearby Status” privilege (devices explicitly assigning the privilege as well as devices assigning the privilege by the user assigning all his devices with the privilege) to the querying device. In another embodiment, the interest radius is also determined for each of the devices which have granted the “View Nearby Status” privilege to the querying device. Block  9908  opens a DB connection, does the query(s), and saves the interest radius information. Thereafter, block  9910  builds query(s) to the Trail Table for the most recent record  6800  of the querying device as well as all devices which assigned the “View Nearby Status” privilege. Thereafter, block  9916  does the query(s) for all most recent locations of the devices, and block  9918  determines which row from the query(s) contains the querying device Trail Table (record  6800 ) row location information. Block  9918  also starts an output page for presentation to the querying user, for example to the querying device. All other rows (PingPal devices) are processed in a loop starting at subsequent block  9920 . Block  9920  gets the next PingPal (“View Nearby Status” privilege assignor) device Trail Table (record  6800 ) row location information and block  9922  checks if the last PingPal device location information was processed. If block  9922  determines all PingPal devices were processed, then block  9912  completes any output page so far constructed, presents it to the user, and block  9914  terminates current page processing. If block  9922  determines that not all PingPal devices have been processed, then block  9924  compares the locations (e.g. compares fields  6804  and  6806  between the querying device and current loop iteration PingPal device using at least the interest radius of the querying device (user&#39;s device causing  FIG. 99  processing)). Thereafter, if block  9926  determines the PingPal device is at a location within the interest radius of the querying device, then block  9928  builds the output page with the nearby PingPal device information and processing continues back to block  9920 . If block  9926  determines, the PingPal device is not within the interest radius of the querying device, then processing goes directly from block  9926  back to block  9920  for the next PingPal device to check. Each PingPal device is a device found at block  9908  to have assigned the “View Nearby Status” privilege to the querying device. 
     In another embodiment, block  9908  may have queried interest radiuses of the PingPal devices so blocks  9924  and  9926  can check to see if the interest radiuses intersect relative to the device locations being compared. Depending on the embodiment,  FIG. 99  processing finds PingPal devices which are nearby the querying device at the time of  FIG. 99  processing by (see  FIGS. 125A-C ):
         FIG.  125 A—comparing the PingPal location  12502  to see if it is nearby the querying device location  12504  as determined by the interest radius  12506  of the querying device (i.e. check if PingPal device is at most within an interest radius distance of the querying device (i.e. using interest radius of querying device)); or   FIG.  125 B—comparing the PingPal location  12502  to see if it is nearby the querying device location  12504  as determined by the intersection of the interest radius  12506  of the querying device and interest radius  12508  of the PingPal device (i.e. check if PingPal device is at most within a distance to the querying device using both interest radiuses (i.e. using interest radius of querying device and PingPal device)); or   FIG.  125 C—comparing the PingPal location  12502  to see if it is nearby the querying device location  12504  as determined by the interest radius  12508  of the PingPal device (i.e. check if PingPal device is at most within an interest radius distance of the querying device (i.e. using interest radius of PingPal device))       

     In an optional embodiment for how to determine being nearby, the user interface of a block  9907  can interact with the user of  FIG. 99  for specifying whether to use only the interest radius of the querying device, or only the interest radius of the PingPal device, or both interest radiuses for an intersection. While  FIGS. 125A ,  125 B, and  125 C depict devices not nearby each other, they do demonstrate the different embodiments for what is used to determine them being nearby. In the  FIG. 125A  example, if PingPal location  12502  was within interest radius  12506 , then being nearby would be true. In the  FIG. 125B  example, if PingPal interest radius  12508  intersected with interest radius  12506 , then being nearby would be true. In the  FIG. 125C  example, if querying device location  12504  was within interest radius  12508 , then being nearby would be true. 
     In another embodiment, elevation field  6812  can be factored in for determining a nearby result. In a three dimensional embodiment, nearby would be determined in terms of three dimensional information maintained in the Trail Table for three dimensional information of records  6800 . That way nearness is based on proximity of nearness in space. The interest radiuses  12506  and  12508  could be spheres in the three dimensional embodiment so the radius was in terms of three dimensional space. An interest radius of a device, regardless of embodiment, is referred to as a moving interest radius, a mobile interest radius, or a traveling interest radius. These references are used interchangeably because the devices are mobile and the interest radius is always relative to the current device location (situational location) at all times. 
     In a user friendly embodiment to each of the find interfaces described above, the PingPal devices which have assigned the necessary privileges could be determined when building the user interfaces (discussed in context of  FIG. 63 ) so a dropdown would be provided for selecting the eligible devices (replacing entry fields  10002 ,  10008 ,  10036 ,  10040 ,  10050 , and  10058 ). This would prevent a user from manually entering a device (or group) that is then processed for producing an error. Link  10024  could also be replaced with a user interface for a multiple selection dropdown to select which PingPals already determined as eligible are wanted to be checked for being nearby. In yet another embodiment, wildcard specifications can be specified to fields  10002 ,  10008 ,  10036 ,  10040 ,  10050 , and  10058  for specifying a plurality with a single entry (e.g. Dept*, Jo*, d?d, or any wildcard specification and method (e.g. similar to wildcard characters “?” and “*” used in a DOS dir command)). 
     My PREFS 
     Other Preferences 
     With reference back to  FIG. 50I , other actions are now described. Profile dropdown  5076  shows all profiles the user has defined up to the point of display of  FIG. 50I . Dropdown  5076  is built when the page is constructed for presentation to the user. There is always a “Default” profile defined which contains parameters for customizing device(s) through a simple association of the profile to the device(s). The “View” button adjacent to “Device Profile(s):” and dropdown  5076  allows display of the profile selected in dropdown  5076  in an analogous manner to button  5062  displaying user account information. The neighboring “Manage” button is used in an analogous manner to a record manage option (e.g. via button  5064 ) heretofore described except the add interface is a copy interface launched from within the Manage user interface invoked from selecting the “Manage” button. The selection in the dropdown  5076  is managed, and a new profile can be created by copying an existing profile as a starter for then doing subsequent (editing) managing of it. The default profile is a read-only record  10100  for all devices in web service  2102 . A user must copy that profile to a new name and then make desired edits. User interfaces for managing data records in web service  2102  are similar to the user interfaces launched from actions to  FIG. 50I . 
       FIG. 101  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Profile Table. Profile table records  10100  each contain a single profile of information for a user device in the web service  2102 . ProfileID  10102  is preferably a unique primary key automatically generated by the underlying SQL database system to ensure uniqueness when inserting a record  10100  to the Profile Table. Descr field  10104  contains a user entered character string description for the particular profile. Param1 field  10106  contains a reference to a field in record  6500  with an assigned value. Param2 field  10108  contains a reference to a field in record  6500  with an assigned value. DotDotDot field  10110  is a placeholder field for representing many fields like Param1 and Param2 so that any user configurable field of record  6500  can be referenced as a field in record  10100  for assigning some value to some field of record  6500 . Depending on the embodiment, DotDotDot field  10110  is to be replaced by some number of record  6500  references (i.e. some number of Param1 fields) for automatically configuring record(s)  6500  of the user who assigns the profile to their device(s). DTCreated field  10112  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  10100  was created in (added to) the Profile Table. DTLastChg field  10114  contains a date/time stamp of when any field in the record  10100  was last modified. CIP field  10116  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that created the applicable data record  10100 . The CHIP field  10118  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  10100 . CHName field  10120  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  10100 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. ChgrIP field  10122  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that last modified the applicable data record  10100 . The ChgrHIP field  10124  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  10100 . ChgrHName field  10126  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  10100 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. Profile Table records  10100  provide a convenient method for automatically setting any fields of records  6500  without having to manage the records  6500  individually or as a list. 
       FIG. 102  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Profile Assignment Table. Profile Assignment Table records  10200  each define an association of a profile to a user&#39;s device  2540  of the web service  2102 . RegistryID  10202  contains a joining field to a record  6500  RegistryID  6502 . ProfileID  10204  contains a joining field to a record  10100  ProfileID field  10102 . ProfileID  10204  is preferably a foreign key to ProfileID  10102 . OwnerID field  10206  contains the PersonID  2902 / 3002  of the user who created the record  10200 . DTCreated field  10208  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  10200  was created in (added to) the Profile Assignment Table. DTLastChg field  10210  contains a date/time stamp of when any field in the record  10200  was last modified. CIP field  10212  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that created the applicable data record  10200 . The CHIP field  10214  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  10200 . CHName field  10216  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  10200 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. ChgrIP field  10218  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that last modified the applicable data record  10200 . The ChgrHIP field  10220  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  10200 . ChgrHName field  10222  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  10200 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. Records  10100  (i.e. profiles) are viewed, deleted, modified, and copied to a newly created record  10100  (profile) for viewing, modifying, and deleting through the “Manage” button adjacent to dropdown  5076 . There is always at least one record  10100  that is read-only upon installation of web service  2102  for defining a “Default” dropdown in all user&#39;s first encounter of  FIG. 50I . The “Default” profile contains no referenced changes to record(s)  6500 , and there is no record  10200  for assigning the “Default” profile to a device. The “Default” profile is provided for consistency with the user interface accessed through the “Manage” button for copying a profile to a newly created profile, and then making subsequent edits to it. Any of a particular user&#39;s profiles can be copied to make a newly named one for appearing in dropdown  5076 . 
     Device dropdown  5066  is automatically populated when building the user interface of  FIG. 50I  for all of the user&#39;s devices defined at the time of  FIG. 50I  display. When the user has not yet created a device (record  6500 ), the dropdown is disabled (as shown). When dropdown  5066  is enabled with the user&#39;s device(s) thus far created (record(s)  6500 ), show button  5068  and assign button  5070  are also enabled. The user of  FIG. 50I  can select a device from the dropdown  5066  (Deviceid field  6504  displayed there), and select the show button  5068  to show the profile information currently assigned to the device (if any) by querying records  10100  and  10200  for the RegistryID  6502  associated to the dropdown selection. The user may also delete an assignment from within that assignment interface. Another embodiment will allow assigning multiple profiles to a device for a superset applying of values to record  6500  where any conflicts are reconciled by the latest DTLastChg field  10210  value which takes precedence when the same field  65   xx  is referenced more than once by multiple profiles for setting fields in a record  6500 . Upon selection of a device in the dropdown  5066 , assign button  5070  (when enabled) allows a user to assign one of his profile records  10100  to the device by inserting a record  10200 . So, records  10200  are created (interface launched from button  5070 ) or deleted (interface launched from button  5068 ). In the preferred embodiment, assigning a record  10100  (assignment creates a record  10200 ) instantly updates all referenced physical fields  65   xx  values in the associated record  6500 . 
     The user of  FIG. 50I  can also select a device from the dropdown  5066  (Deviceid field  6504  displayed there), and select the show button  5068  to show the indicators currently assigned to the device (if any) by querying records  7800  and  8200  for the Type field  8202  for device and RecID  8204  equal to the RegistryID  6502  associated to the dropdown selection (IndicID  8206  joined to IndicID  7802 ). The user may also delete an assignment from within that assignment interface. A user can assign multiple indicators to a device for a priority order as described above. Upon selection of a device in the dropdown  5066 , assign button  5070  (when enabled) allows a user to assign one of his indicator records  7800  to the device by inserting a record  8200 . So, records  8200  are also created (interface launched from button  5070 ) or deleted (interface launched from button  5068 ). 
     Device records  6500  can be assigned profiles and delivery indicators through use of buttons  5068  and  5070 . In one embodiment, profiles are accessed when data values are needed for record  6500  in Delivery Manager  2510  processing described below, as through the data values were physically in the record. In another embodiment, assigning a profile instantly modifies the associated record  6500  appropriately so the record  6500  always reflects profile(s) which are assigned. Record  6500  descriptions below assume any one of these embodiments when described in terms of accessing fields from record  6500 . Delivery indicators can be assigned to a user&#39;s device(s) for preferences of how to deliver an indicator when a delivery indicator is to be delivered in place of deliverable content. If a delivery indicator is set for a DCDB record  7000 , and the device  2540  which is to receive deliverable content also has one or more delivery indicators assigned, then the device indicators take precedence. Delivery indicators contain a Criteria field  7808  which provide the user with the ability to specify criteria for matching to deliverable content records  7000  for delivering an indicator based on that match. The user can also control priority of indicator record matches with Ordr field  7806 . Another embodiment may have the DCDB record indicator or PingSpot record indicator take precedence. 
     Device id entry field  5072  and device password entry field  5074  are provided by the user and match a Deviceid field  6504  and corresponding device password field  6506 . Once that is entered, invoking the adjacent “View” button displays the device record  6500  like  FIG. 66E . Invoking the adjacent “Modify” button displays the device record  6500  for modification processing like  FIG. 66F  and associated processing. Once either of the buttons is invoked for valid user specifications to fields  5072  and  5074 , the device credentials (Deviceid field  6504  and device password  6506 ) are converted to device data evidence, and are defaulted automatically from device data evidence when building the (page) user interface of  FIG. 50I  at subsequent times. The device data evidence is also useful for associating all subsequent user interfaces with a RegistryID  6502  (a device) when the user uses the user interfaces of web service  2102 . This may be used for automatically determining the device, in addition to the user, of web service  2102  interfaces for the purpose of privilege determination as described herein (e.g. find processing). The device data evidence is preferably a long term expiration for automatically defaulting to  FIG. 50I  between logons to the members area  2500 . Buttons  5078  and  5080  are described below with descriptions for  FIGS. 143A and 143B . Link  5082  was already described above. Link  5084  is identical in function to link  14098  of  FIG. 140  which is discussed below. 
       FIG. 103  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing user preferred settings for automatically populating user interface variables, upon selection of the “Submit” button adjacent to fields  5086  through  5092 . Records per page field  5086  sets rows per page (i.e. ROWSPERPG variable) data evidence used by record processing described above for determining how many records to display per page (e.g.  FIGS. 57 ,  59 A,  59 B,  61 E,  66 D,  67 A,  71 C,  71 G,  79 B,  90 B, and other similar record processing). COM port field  5088  sets the device GPS interface communications port data evidence for automatically defaulting in subsequently used pages “COM Port:” fields, for example in the members area  2500 . Baud Rate field  5090  sets the device GPS interface baud rate data evidence for automatically defaulting in subsequently used pages “Baud Rate:” fields, for example in the members area  2500 . Round field  5092  sets the round checkmark data evidence for automatically defaulting in subsequently used pages “Round:” checkmark fields, for example in the members area  2500 . Fields  5088  through  5092  are used for setting defaults at entry fields to the right of button  7182  of DCDB and PingSpot user interfaces at the time of building the page (values will show as though typed in by the user). Fields  5088  and  5090  may also be used by the Delivery Manager  2510  and by the priming interface ( FIGS. 75A and 75B ) for automatic retrieval of a situational location, for example GPS coordinates. 
     Upon selection of the “Submit” button adjacent to fields  5086  through  5092 , user preference data evidence processing begins at block  10302  and continues to block  10304  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  10306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  10308 . Block  10308  validates the user entries (if any) to fields  5086  through  5092  and then block  10310  checks if they were valid. If block  10310  determines the user specified values are valid, then block  10312  sets user preference data evidence (each are individually named data evidence as described above) for use with a long term expiration for each non-null value of fields  5086  through  5092 , and then processing terminates at block  10316 . If block  10310  determines a field is not valid, then block  10314  appropriately reports the error to the user, and processing terminates at block  10316 . Blocks  10308 / 10310  preferably enforce a minimum and maximum value to field  5086 , and fields  5088  and  5090  may be validated by attempting to connect to the specified port. 
     Filters Management 
     Filters Management component  2506  comprises the selectable Filters Maps option  4636  and Filters Specify option  4638  under Filters options category header  4634 . Filters Management component  2506  is provided to users of full browsers for convenient filtering of records through all members area  2500  interfaces. Another embodiment will support filtering web server data  2104  to user interfaces of any device. 
       FIG. 105A  is displayed as the result of selecting Filters Maps option  4636 .  FIG. 105A  can also be the default page displayed when newly logged on to the members area  2500 .  FIG. 50I  may also be the default page displayed when newly logged on, or any of the  FIG. 46B  options may be the default page depending on the particular user, user type, device, device type, and/or user preferences. In one embodiment, a user preference option is provided to  FIG. 50I  for the user to select which option page is defaulted to after newly logging on to the members area  2500 . 
       FIG. 105A  provides a design link  10502  for selection by a user to see web service  2102  architectural design information. Availability of link  10502  preferably displays only when the user type is a Site Owner or Delegate. Delegates are to see this link for better understanding the web service  2102  without having to use it. Map dropdown  10504  is provided to the user for selecting from a plurality of maps in web service  2102  for user selection.  FIG. 105A  shows that there are currently only a Unites States and Texas map installed. Selectable maps from dropdown  10504  are preferably continents, countries, and states from around the world. Preferably the entire earth is accounted for with dropdown  10504  and selectable maps appear in sorted order and/or indented to show being contained in a higher order map. Selectable maps from dropdown  10504  should be relevant to server data  2104  so filtering at user interfaces makes sense. Other planets will have a different set of maps, or there may be many maps across a universe of coverage. 
       FIG. 104A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment for processing a request for the Filters Maps option, for example upon selection of a particular map from dropdown  10504 . Processing begins at block  10402  and continues to block  10404  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  10406  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  10408 . Block  10408  determines which map was selected from dropdown  10504 . Thereafter, block  10410  sets page filter data evidence to the map selected in dropdown  10504 , block  10412  displays the selected map in a page such as  FIG. 105B  upon selecting the United States map, and the user interfaces to the map until a region on the map is selected at block  10414 .  FIG. 105B  shows the page with the map of the United States upon selecting Unites States from dropdown  10504 . Since the only other map currently installed in web service  2102  for the United States is the map of Texas, the state of Texas is highlighted for being a hot spot link to the Texas map. So, the user can select Texas directly from the dropdown  10504 , or can drill down into subordinate maps from a map, for example by selecting the state of Texas from  FIG. 105B . If the user clicks the state of Texas from the  FIG. 105B  page, then the page of  FIG. 105C  is presented to the user. Since web service  2102  currently contains server data  2104  in four counties of Texas, the user can select one of the highlighted hot spot link counties (Denton, Collin, Tarrant, and Dallas County) to further drill down to a county map. Every time a hotspot region is selected, the page filter data evidence is automatically set to the selection. When the mouse cursor is placed over a hotspot such as Texas on  FIG. 105B , or one of the four counties of  FIG. 105C , rollover text indicates what the region is (e.g. “Texas”, “Denton County”, “Collin County”, “Tarrant County”, and “Dallas County”). 
     So, the user interfaces with the map at block  10414  until an action such as a geographic area hotspot link is selected. Upon selection, for example, Texas of  FIG. 105B , block  10416  redirects the user to the corresponding map such as  FIG. 105C , and current page processing terminates at block  10418 . The map selected at block  10414  causing processing to block  10416  is presented to the user and  FIG. 104A  processing begins again at block  10402  for the selected map.  FIG. 104A  processing occurs whether a map is selected from the dropdown  10504 , or from another map such as  FIGS. 105B and 105C , etc. So, a user can automatically set page filter data evidence by simply making mouse selections for maps, or on maps. 
     A single data entry field is provided with a submit button upon selecting Filters Specify option  4638 . The user may know exactly what server data  2104  filter to set, so can manually type a character string for manually setting page filter data evidence. Obvious syntactical and format errors are validated in the form, and if valid, the form is submitted for processing to  FIG. 104B . This provides the user with a method for typing the string “Texas”, “United States”, “Denton County”, etc for setting page filter data evidence to any territory desired without having to navigate maps. The user can also enter “NONE” for clearing page filter data evidence as though no filter criteria were ever set (or a clear filters button can be provided).  FIG. 104B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of processing a request for the Filters Specify option. Processing begins at block  10452  and continues to block  10454  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  10456  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  10458 . Block  10408  validates the string entered in the single entry field and preferably ensures it corresponds to current permitted filters, then block  10460  checks validity. If block  10460  determines the entry is valid, block  10462  saves the user specification to page filter data evidence, and block  10466  terminates current page processing. If block  10460  determines the filter data entry was not valid, then block  10464  appropriately reports the error to the user and processing terminates at block  10466 . 
     There may be other embodiments for setting page filter data evidence for filtering out server data  2104  before it is presented to a user interface of web service  2102 . Page filter criteria set in the page filter data evidence is preferably displayed in a filter display field (e.g. field  5040 ) at the top of a relevant page of web service  2102  so the user knows what is currently set. Page filter data evidence is used when building the particular page. For example,  FIGS. 46B ,  50 A, and  50 G at top of content frame  4698  indicates that current page filter data evidence is set to United States (i.e. “Active Filter(s): US”).  FIG. 50A  also shows page filter data evidence set for United States.  FIGS. 56A ,  56 B,  56 C,  56 D,  66 C and  71 B indicate no page filter data evidence which means the search interfaces do not have the filter criteria automatically amended to the search criteria.  FIGS. 66A ,  71 A,  90 A,  105 A,  105 B,  105 C are also informative uses of the page filter data evidence. Page filter data evidence automatically becomes part of search interface criteria, and can be used to automatically set location information of records in web service data  2104 . 
     Debug Variables option  4670  is preferably presented to only a Site Owner for display of all data evidence of web service  2102  which is persistent between all pages of web service  2102 . Variables for debug output of web service  2102  which provide web service vital signs are output upon selection of option  4670 . Support and Download option  4668  provides support and download options to users, provided they are paying customers. Support may involve a Contact interface (described above), email address, and phone number for human help. Human help is not required in web service  2102  because it is fully automated and does not require a human being to operate it. Support is preferably offered to paying customers for customer satisfaction. Download options may also be presented (preferably to the paying customers) in the form of web service  2102  documentation, directional information, and software executables and drivers for distribution. 
     Delivery Manager 
     Delivery Manager component  2510  comprises the selectable Delivery Start option  4660 , Delivery User Specified Location Start option  4662 , and Delivery Configurator option  4664  under Delivery options category header  4658 . Delivery Manager options are available to users through a user interface or from a command line (e.g. URL). Every user interface to the Delivery Manager component  2510  can be bypassed in favor of using a URL command line string to the associated processing instead. One embodiment of web service  2102  allows replacing any members area  2500  user interface with some URL command line string. For example,  FIG. 106A  can be replaced with the following string to the same processing: 
     https://www.gpsping.com/MCD/zdeliv.asp?i=billj&amp;p=billj123&amp;x=4&amp;y=4800&amp;mw=60000&amp;gr=5000&amp;sr=1000&amp;l=−500&amp;h=0 
     The “i” parameter is a DeviceID  6504 . The “p” parameter is a device password field  6506 . The “x” parameter is the GPS port, for example as set at field  10608 . The “y” parameter is the GPS port baud rate, for example as set at field  10610 . The “mw” parameter is the maximum wait timeout for interfacing to the GPS port in milliseconds. The “gr” parameter is the GPS interface retry time period in milliseconds if an attempts failed to get coordinated from the GPS port. The “sr” is the server retry period in milliseconds, for example as set at field  10618 . The “l” parameter is the search method to use for this device with −500 meaning an interest radius of 500 feet, for example as set at field  10614 . The “h” parameter is the hide console checkmark, for example as set at checkbox  10612 . Also, any data field of record  6500  can be overridden with a command line parameter, for example to override interests, filters, checkmark settings, SMS messaging and email address:
 
https://www.gposping.com/MCD/zdeliv.asp?i=billj&amp;p=billj123&amp;x=4&amp;y=4800&amp;mw=60000&amp;gr=5000&amp;sr=1000&amp;l=5&amp;h=0&amp;q=basketball,soccer,baseball,football,tennis,swimming&amp;f=ballet,volleyball,golf&amp;e=NYNNN&amp;m=billj@iswtechnologies.com,billj@iswtechnologies.com
 
The maximum wait timeout, and GPS retry time period are preferably system wide settings of web service  2102 , but can be customized in some embodiments by a user for a particular GPS interface. There are varieties of methods for providing URL parameters to processing, just as a form would communicate parameters for its processing. One VBScript ASP embodiment for supporting user interfaces and/or URL command line strings in all processing is to do the following for each parameter needed:
 
‘Check if passed by form submission 1st, otherwise check if passed from URL cmd line
 
param=Request.Form(“paramFromForm”)
 
if (param=“ ”) then
 
     param=Request.QueryString(“ParamFromURL”) 
     end if 
     URL parameters will override any form variables that happen to be found for a duplicated variable. Another embodiment can override URL parameters with form variables that happen to be found. 
       FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing used in Delivery Manager  2510  processing can also require at least one previous successful logon to web service  2102  with logon data evidence made available (user account credentials used), however a preferred embodiment requires only a successfully validated set of device credentials. Preferably, Delivery Manager  2510   FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing references below should use successful device credential data evidence used successfully to match to a record  6500  Deviceid field  6504  and device password field  6506 . That is all that is preferably required for access control so that device users need not have a user account to web service  2102 . Consider all references to  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control in Delivery Manager  2510  descriptions below as requiring at least one successful authentication to web service  2102  with device credentials. 
       FIG. 63  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of carrying out processing for presenting a web service user interface form in the members area and then processing user specifications to the interface prior to submitting to the service for further processing. For Delivery Manager user interface discussions,  FIG. 63  is invoked upon selection of a link or button to produce a page. Processing starts at block  6302  and continues to block  6304  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  6306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  6308 . Block  6308  builds and presents an appropriate user interface according to the link invoked, and then a user interfaces with that user interface at block  6310  until an action (or button) from the user interface is invoked. When an action is invoked by the user, block  6312  validates user field specifications to the user interface (if a button invoked), and block  6314  checks the results. If block  6314  determines the fields are valid (and can be submitted for processing), then block  6318  invokes the corresponding user interface processing, and current page processing terminates at block  6316 . If block  6314  determines that not all fields specified are valid, then block  6320  provides an error to the user so that specification can continue back at block  6310  (e.g. pop-up). 
     Delivery Manazer—Automated Situational Location Determination 
       FIG. 106A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for starting a browser version of the Delivery Manager  2510 , for example upon selection of Delivery Start option  4660 .  FIG. 63  can also be described in context for producing  FIG. 106A , as discussed similarly for other members area  2500  user interfaces. The user interfaces at block  6310  for  FIG. 106A .  FIG. 106A  shows what is preferably displayed to a full browser device or PDA device, however, WAP devices can have a similar interface. Link  10602  is an actual link to an executable run time library which provides a Active-X GPS interface (e.g. Javascript) to heterogeneous computing devices so that a programmer can write code to ready made interfaces for retrieving or receiving GPS information from connected GPS information means. One embodiment uses tools provided at GPS Tools link  10602  (http://franson.biz/gpstools/GpsToolsXPRunTime.zi). Link  10602  is presented to the user depending on his device type. For example, a PDA would have a different URL for a PDA device detected, and a WAP device would have different link depending on the WAP device type. GPS tools link  10602  is built with the page (by  FIG. 63 ) according to the device type detected and provides the user with the ability to download and install needed runtime code (if does not have installed already on the device) so Delivery Manager  2510  operates properly. In one embodiment,  FIG. 63  automatically detects if the needed runtime code is already installed for the device and only provides link  10602  with directions if the code or needed executable is not present, otherwise no link  10602  is provided to the user. 
     Each device of web service  2102  (record  6500 ) has its own credentials for authentication to the members area  2500  so that a user account can manage many devices without requiring the user of a device to have a user account. The Deviceid field  6504  is specified to device id validation entry field  10604 . The device password field  6506  is specified to device password validation entry field  10606 . Device data evidence, if available, is defaulted to fields  10604  and  10606 . Device GPS interface communications port data evidence is used to default GPS port entry field  10608 , otherwise the user enters it manually. Device GPS interface baud rate data evidence is used to default the GPS port baud rate entry field  10610 , otherwise the user enters it manually. Hide console checkbox  10612  is used to set the Delivery Manager  2510  console for full view or partial view. The user can set his device mobile interest radius in the form for override of IntRadius field  6540  if desired. Interest radius units dropdown  10616  provides a selection of units, the number of which is entered to interest radius entry field  10614 .  FIGS. 125A through 125C  shall be discussed in context for discussing a mobile interest radius and hit radius of deliverable content items. Deliverable content and PingSpots defined as records  7000  can be configured as a situational location  12502 , and the device is a mobile device situational location  12504  with a relative moving interest radius  12506  (also called interest radius, mobile interest radius or traveling interest radius). When the mobile device travels to a situational location where situational location  12502  is within radius  12506  distance to situational location  12504 , the deliverable content item triggers for delivery to the device at situational location  12504 . In another embodiment, deliverable content and PingSpots defined as records  7000  can be configured as a situational location  12502  with a hit radius  12508 , and the device is a mobile device situational location  12504  with a relative moving interest radius  12506 . When the mobile device travels to a situational location where hit radius  12508  intersects with moving interest radius  12506 , deliverable content item triggers for delivery to the device at situational location  12504 . In another embodiment, deliverable content and PingSpots defined as records  7000  can be configured as a situational location  12502  with a hit radius  12508 , and the device is a mobile device situational location  12504 . When the mobile device travels to a situational location where situational location  12504  is within radius  12508  distance to situational location  12502 , the deliverable content item triggers for delivery to the device at situational location  12504 . 
     The user can set how often the web service is to check for deliverable content on his behalf (a device heartbeat) in time frequency. Server check frequency units dropdown  10620  provides a selection of units, the number of which is entered to server check frequency entry field  10618 . In one embodiment device heartbeats are sent from the device to the web service  2102  periodically according to the server check frequency. In another embodiment device heartbeats are handled completely at the web service  2102  on behalf of the device and periodically according to the server check frequency. In another embodiment device heartbeats are sent from a location service  2112  to the web service  2102  periodically on behalf of the device according to the server check frequency. Each heartbeat contains situational location information of the device at that instant in time. Fields specified to  FIG. 106A  can become data evidence for automatic default to the same fields at a future invocation for  FIG. 106A . Once the Start button  10622  is selected, block  6318  performs Device Interface processing of  FIG. 112  (Delivery Manager start). 
       FIG. 106B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the interest radius units dropdown  10616  of the interface for starting the Delivery Manager. Convenient distance units are provided to dropdown  10616  and a reasonable maximum value is enforced at field  10614  depending on the units selected. Regardless of units and amount selected, ultimately a distance in system used universal units (e.g. feet) is used by processing.  FIG. 106C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the server check frequency units dropdown  10620  of the interface for starting the Delivery Manager. Convenient time units are provided to dropdown  10620  and a reasonable maximum value is enforced at field  10618  depending on the units selected. One embodiment could enable setting a specific schedule of specific times instead of periodic heartbeat intervals. 
       FIG. 107  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Delivery History Table. Records  7000  that are delivered to a device are maintained in the Delivery History Table as records  10700 . DCDBID  10702  contains a valid DCDBID  7002  value for the content item that was delivered to the device of RegistryID  10704 . RegistryID  10704  contains a valid RegistryID  6502  value for the device the record  7000  represented in field  10702  was delivered to. Type field  10706  can be set to “A” for Archive, or “M” for Master. An Archive record is one that has been delivered to the device (delivery history) and selected for save by a user to an Archive History. A Master record is one that has been delivered to the device (delivery history) and is maintained in the active set of deliveries not yet acted upon by the user for deletion or archive. LastHit field  10708  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  7000  described at field  10702  was last (most recently) delivered to the device represented at field  10704 . Field  10708  always reflects the latest delivery of the same content item for cases when the content item has been delivered multiple times to the device. In one embodiment, DCDBID  10702  maps to a record  7000  which can be modified at any time in the future. In another embodiment, DCDBID  10702  maps to a record  7000  which is not modified at any time in the future after insertion of record  10700  to the Device History Table. LastHit field  10708  preferably indicates the last time the particular deliverable content item was delivered when marked for Master. LastHit field  10708  preferably indicates the last time the particular deliverable content item was delivered just prior to being last archived when marked for Archive. 
       FIG. 110A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying a Registry Table record  6500 . A device with the device id “billj” has tracking to the Trail Table enabled, interests set to “estate sale”, “garage sale” and “sale”, a movement tolerance of 0, a default interest radius of 500 yards (which can be overridden at Delivery Manager Start time, a default service  2102  search method of “BY USER” (search using a moving interest radius in feet (converted from convenient units, for example from  FIG. 106A  to feet), browser receipt set to Yes, SMS message set to Yes, SMS address set to 2144034071@messaging.nextel.com, Email receipt set to Yes, email address set to williamjj@yahoo.com, and Verbose set to Yes. So this device has all three delivery methods set for delivering redundantly rather than any one, or two of the methods. 
     Every device of web service  2102  can be associated with a history of deliverable content records  7000  which were selected for save to an archive by the user. Link  11002  preferably contains data evidence such as a URL variable for specifying Archive (‘A’) as well as the RegistryID of the  FIG. 110A  record  6500  (built in link as URL parameters as result of building  FIG. 110A  page).  FIG. 108  processing will invoke upon selecting link  11002  for the user to manage the device Archive. 
       FIG. 108  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of processing for requesting to manage an Archive or Master for a particular device in web service  2102 . Upon selection of link  11002 ,  FIG. 108  processing is for device archive processing. Processing starts at block  10802  and continues to block  10804  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  10806  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  10808 . Block  10808  initializes an ENTRY_VIEW variable to Master, block  10810  determines the invoking page and RegistryID data evidence (device/browser type is already assumed to be determined for all user interfaces disclosed since heterogeneous devices are handled in web service  2102 , and border  5050  surrounds and identifies a user interface area regardless of the heterogeneous device type, as described above), and block  10812  checks data evidence for Device History type (Archive or Master). If block  10812  determines  FIG. 108  was invoked for Archive processing (e.g. as result of links  11002  or  12804 ), then block  10834  sets the ENTRY_VIEW variable to Archive and continues to block  10814 , otherwise  FIG. 108  processing was invoked for Master processing (e.g. by link  12802 ) and block  10812  continues directly to  10814  with the ENTRY_VIEW variable already set for Master. 
     Block  10814  builds a query for records  10700  joined to records  7000  for the particular device of  FIG. 108  processing (RegistryID  6502  passed as URL variable from link for match to field  10704 ) that are ENTRY_VIEW type records (field  10706  set to “A” for Archive or “M” for Master), opens a DB connection, and does the query. Block  10814  also reads a user customizable Master or Archive page (see  FIG. 143A  or  143 B for a ready made HTML page which gets edited and presented back to the user as a page from  FIG. 108 ) into a template variable according to ENTRY_VIEW, and sets html styles of the template while in the template variable according to the device (or browser) type. An alternate embodiment will not modify styles but will leave whatever the user edited into the Master or Archive page. Thereafter, block  10838  checks if any rows were returned by the query at block  10814 . If block  10838  determines no rows were returned, then a page is built for the user for 0 delivery history records status at block  10836 , and processing continues to block  10830 . Block  10830  closes any open DB connection, completes building the user interface page and presents it to the user, and current page processing terminates thereafter at block  10832 . If block  10838  determines there were one or more joined rows returned from block  10814 , then block  10816  strips off page termination information from the page in the template variable (i.e. “&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;”), strips off the sound element (i.e. “&lt;embed . . . /&gt;”) from the template variable if  FIG. 108  was invoked for Archive or Master management processing (e.g. as the result of links  11002 ,  12802 , and  12804 ), builds the top of the page to return to the user using the post-edited contents of the template variable, builds the “Select Delivery Range” time criteria section  11052  (see  FIG. 110B ), and builds the table header columns  11054 . Block  10816  keeps the sound element for output to the content delivery section  13002  for user alerting to new content. Thereafter, block  10818  checks if the invoker of  FIG. 108  processing is for manage the device&#39;s Archive (e.g. links  11002 ), or manage the device&#39;s Master (e.g. link  12802 ) processing. If so, then block  10820  iterates through rows returned from the query at block  10814  to build a page row such as row  11056  along with a checkmark box with associated hidden DCDBID  10702  in the Select for Action column, and then block  10822  checks the ENTRY_VIEW variable. If the ENTRY_VIEW variable is set to Master, then block  10824  builds Archive button  13096  and Delete button  13098  ( FIG. 130C ), and then continues to block  10830  for processing already described. If block  10822  determines the ENTRY_VIEW variable is set to Archive, then block  10826  builds the Save offline button  11058  and Delete button  11060 , and processing continues to block  10830 . Blocks  10824  and  10826  will make the buttons read-only actions for a Delegate user type to  FIG. 108  processing (e.g. no-operation or an error pop-up that it is read-only). 
     If block  10818  determines the invoker of  FIG. 108  is not for managing a device&#39;s Master or Archive (links  11002  and  12802 ), then block  10828  iterates out rows/records with no checkboxes and processing continues to block  10830 . Block  10828  executes for Delivery Manager invoked Archive view (link  12804 ) or browser deliveries (section  13002 ). Link  12804  results in, for example, as shown in  FIGS. 128C and 131 . Link  21804  preferably provides a read-only access to the device Archive since device credentials are used for the Delivery Manager. The preferred embodiment requires a logon to web service  2102  with user account credentials to save archived deliveries offline or delete from archive (link  10002 ). Block  10828  also iterates out rows/records when displaying content deliveries as shown in content delivery section  13002  of  FIGS. 130A ,  FIGS. 134B , and  136 A. 
       FIG. 108  is invoked for managing a device Archive (e.g. links  11002 ), managing a device Master (e.g. link  12802 ), viewing a device archive from the browser version of the Delivery Manager (e.g. device archive management link  12804 ), or may be used for viewing results of deliverable content to the browser version of the Delivery Manager (content delivery section  13002 ). The invoker is determined at block  10810  to affect subsequent processing.  FIG. 108  processing uses ready-made HTML page output for sending back to the user, such as in  FIG. 143A  (a device master output page template), and  FIG. 143B  (a device archive output page template). Every device created in web service  2102  has two default pages created for it: a Master page of  FIG. 143A , and an Archive page of  FIG. 143B . In one embodiment, the two default pages are created as unique files in a file system of web service  2102  for every device created in the web service  2102 . Uniqueness can use the RegistryID  6502  as part of the file name to ensure uniqueness (e.g. m243.asp and a243.asp were 243 is the value for RegistryID  6502  of the device). The default template page is accessed at block  10814  and read into a template variable for editing prior to amending with output for sending back to the user. In another embodiment, the Master page and Archive page are created as character string data in an SQL database Table for SQL selection at block  10814  into the template variable for editing prior to amending with output for sending back to the user. The &lt;embed . . . /&gt; tag is included in the Master default output page ( FIG. 143A ) so audible sound plays upon a new delivery to the browser version of the Delivery Manager. Sound is stripped off when not needed. In one embodiment, a unique template page is provided for managing a device Master, managing a device Archive, viewing a device Archive, and presenting deliveries to the user with a sound alert (device Master used for real-time deliveries). 
     With reference now to  FIGS. 50I ,  143 A and  143 B, a user can edit a Master or Archive page for any of his devices to contain any HTML he wants. Editing a device Master is performed upon selection of personalize Master button  5078 . Selecting button  5078  launches a web service configurable and device dependent text editor on the Master page for the device data evidence set at fields  5072  and  5074 . If no device data evidence yet exists, then an error is reported to the user of button  5078 . Once the device Master is brought up in an appropriate text editor for the device, the user can edit it any way he wants it. Likewise, editing a device Archive is performed upon selection of personalize Archive button  5080 . Selecting button  5080  launches a web service configurable and device dependent text editor on the Archive page for the device data evidence set at fields  5072  and  5074 . If no device data evidence yet exists, then an error is reported to the user of button  5080 . Once the device Archive is brought up in an appropriate text editor for the device, the user can edit it any way he wants it. 
     Another embodiment will provide an appropriate user interface upon selecting buttons  5078  or  5080  for selecting a device to personalize, and/or similarly customizing a device Master and Archive, or any separately maintained page for user preference presentation, when maintained in an SQL database. There are many conceivable embodiments for user customization of how to present content deliveries, a history of content deliveries, and an archive of content deliveries. 
     Button  5078  provides a user with customization of how to present deliverable content to his device and how to manage or view the Master. Buttons  5078  and  5080  provide a user with customization of how to present history information of deliverable content that was delivered to his device. Visual and/or audible customization can be performed.  FIG. 143A  shows what happens when the user has selected button  5078  from a full browser for current device data evidence with a RegistryID of 2. The Windows Notepad editor is launched for edit of the device&#39;s Master page template.  FIG. 143B  shows what happens when the user has selected button  5080  from a full browser for current device data evidence with a RegistryID of 2. The Windows Notepad editor is launched for edit of the device&#39;s Archive page template. 
       FIG. 109  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Archive and Master processing as invoked from buttons (e.g. buttons  11058 ,  11060 ,  13096 ,  13098 ) of the user interfaces built and presented to the user by  FIG. 108 . Processing starts at block  10902  and continues to block  10904  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  10906  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing and continues to block  10908 . Block  10908  initializes a PROCESS4 variable to Master, block  10910  determines the invoking page and RegistryID data evidence (device/browser type is already assumed to be determined for all user interfaces disclosed since heterogeneous devices are handled in web service  2102 , and border  5050  surrounds and identifies a user interface area regardless of the heterogeneous device type, as described above), and block  10912  checks data evidence for Device History type (Archive or Master). If block  10912  determines  FIG. 109  was invoked for Archive processing, then block  10930  sets the PROCESS4 variable to Archive and continues to block  10914 , otherwise  FIG. 109  processing was invoked for Master processing, and block  10912  continues directly to  10914  with the PROCESS4 variable already set for Master. Block  10914  validates parameters (buttons invoked, etc) and block  10916  checks the validity results. If block  10916  determines any form data evidence, for example from page built by  FIG. 108  is not valid, then block  10932  appropriately reports the error to the user, and current page processing terminates at block  10948 . If block  10916  determines all form data evidence is valid, then block  10934  opens a DB connection, and block  10936  checks the button selected by the user from the previous  FIG. 108  produced user interface. If block  10936  determines the user selected a Delete button (buttons  11060  or  13098 ), then block  10918  iterates through check-marked rows to build a delete command. Thereafter, block  10920  checks to see if even a single row was check-marked. If block  10920  determines no rows were check-marked, then processing continues to block  10942 . Block  10942  closes an open DB connection, then block  10944  sends an email to an Administrator account if any DB changes were made and if a Notify flag is set to document this type(s) of DB changes, block  10946  redirects the page back to the invoking page of  FIG. 108  processing starting at block  10802  (with appropriate URL parameters), and current page processing terminates at block  10948 . If block  10920  determines that row(s) were check-marked, then block  10922  does the delete command to delete records  10700  using hidden associated DCDBID(s) which were check-marked, and processing continues to block  10942  already described. 
     If block  10936  determines a Delete button was not invoked, then block  10938  checks to see if the user selected an Archive button (button  13096 ) for moving delivery history records from the device&#39;s Master to the device&#39;s Archive. If block  10938  determines an Archive button was selected, then block  10924  iterates through check-marked rows with the hidden associated DCDBID to build an update command and do the update for each row in the Device History Table. Records  10700  Type field  10706  is updated from “M” (Master) to “A” for Archive for each row check-marked, and any update failure is noted by putting the failed row DCDBID into a list. A failure may have occurred if the same content item (DCDBID) is already in the Archive (marked with “A). Thereafter, block  10926  checks to see if even a single row was check-marked. If block  10926  determines no rows were check-marked, then processing continues to block  10942 . If block  10926  determines that row(s) were check-marked, then block  10928  builds an update command on the LastHit field  10708  of records  10700  which had a failed update at block  10924 , and does the update with a current date/time stamp for denoting the last time the same records  10700  were archived. Thereafter, block  10928  uses the list of DCDBIDs built at block  10924  to build a delete command, and deletes records  10700  which failed update at block  10924  and have just been reflected as being moved again into the archive with the update command at block  10928 . Thereafter, processing continues to block  10942 . 
     If block  10938  determines an Archive button was not invoked, then block  10940  checks to see if the user selected a Save Offline button (button  11058 ) for saving delivery history records to a file, for example out of the server data  2104 . If block  10940  determines a Save Offline button was selected, then block  10950  interfaces with the user for a valid file name specification, and the check-marked entries are saved to that file. Thereafter, processing continues to block  10942 . If block  10940  determines a Save Offline button was not invoked, then processing continues to block  10942 . 
       FIG. 109  provides processing from buttons  11058 ,  11060 ,  13096 , and  13098  which are part of the user interface pages built by  FIG. 108 . A Delegate user type should not be able to cause  FIG. 109  processing because the buttons are disabled or cause an error to be reported when the user is a Delegate. 
       FIG. 110B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the presentation of Archive records, for example upon selection of link  11002 . Past deliveries that have been archived by the user from the Master to the Archive are shown as the result of  FIG. 108  processing. The user can delete check-marked entries from the Archive with button  11060  or save offline to a file with button  11058 . Note that “Free Coffee and Free Mugs” and “Best Priced Gasoline” short text entries are currently in the Archive for the billj device. 
       FIG. 111  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of a list of DCDB records, for example upon managing a list of DCDB records  7000  as described above. Note that all DCDB records of the web service  2102  are now marked inactive (not active) for processing disclosed in subsequent Figures. 
       FIG. 112  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager device interface processing, for example upon selection of  10622  or upon entry of an applicable URL command line string. Processing starts at block  11202  and continues to block  11204  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  11206  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing (successful device credential data evidence preferably checked for instead) and continues to block  11208 . Block  11208  validates data evidence passed and block  11210  checks validation results. If block  11210  determines a value in data evidence (from form or URL string) is invalid, then block  11214  appropriately reports the error to the user, and current page processing terminates at block  11218 . If block  11210  determines all data evidence is valid, then block  11212  converts user interface specifications to universal units (e.g. distance to feet, time to milliseconds) if required, block  11216  redirects to a frame set processing page ( FIG. 113 ), and current page processing terminates at block  11218 . Frames are somewhat more difficult to implement than a plain web page, so frames are presented here for the more difficult explanation of the browser version of the Delivery Manager, with the understanding that frames are not necessary and some devices will receive equivalent functionality pages as single pages. 
       FIG. 113  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager frame set processing, for example as caused by block  11216 . Processing starts at block  11302  from block  11216  or upon entry of an applicable URL command line string and continues to block  11304  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  11306  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing (successful device credential data evidence preferably checked for instead) and continues to block  11308 . Block  11308  validates data evidence passed and block  11310  checks validation results. If block  11310  determines a value in data evidence (from form or URL string) is invalid, then block  11338  appropriately reports the error to the user, and current page processing terminates at block  11340 . If block  11310  determines all data evidence is valid, then block  11342  determines if the invoker of  FIG. 113  processing is for a user specified location instance of the Delivery Manager (e.g. invoked from  FIG. 140  or  142 B, or equivalent URL command line string), and if so, block  11312  gets the user specified location parameters (e.g. Latitude and Longitude) and then block  11336  completes parameter getting and setting based on the invoker. If block  11342  determines the invoker was not for a user specified location instance of the Delivery Manager (but rather an automated situational location determination instance of the Delivery Manager), then block  11344  gets parameters for interfacing to connected GPS functionality, for example as provided in  FIG. 106A  fields  10608  and  10610 . Thereafter, processing continues to block  11336  to complete parameter getting and setting for automated location determination by the Delivery Manager. Block  11336  continues to block  11324  where the top of the Delivery Manager page frameset start is built, and then to block  11314  for checking device type. 
     If block  11314  determines the device (or browser) type is a PDA, then processing continues to block  11326 . If block  11326  determines a Hide Console check-mark was present (e.g. checkbox  13812  of  FIG. 138 ), then block  11328  builds a short header frame and processing continues to block  11334 , otherwise block  11330  builds a tall header frame and processing continues to block  11334 . Block  11334  completes the frameset for presentation of a header frame with all parameters, and initializes the remaining two frames with an initialization page (for a PDA if arrived to from blocks  11328  or  11330 ). Block  11334  starts page processing within each of the three frames (header frame presentation processing of  FIG. 114A , initialization page processing of  FIG. 115 ). Thereafter, current page processing terminates at block  11340 . If block  11314  determines the device (or browser) type is not a PDA, then processing continues to block  11316 . If block  11316  determines the device (or browser) type is for special handling, then block  11318  completes building of the frameset for the particular special device (or browser) type, and then to block  11334  as already described. For a WAP device, blocks  11324 ,  11318 , and  11334  preferably build a single WML page for the special device type. If block  11316  determines the device type is not for special handling, then a full browser device is assumed and processing continues to block  11320 . If block  11320  determines a Hide Console check-mark was present (e.g. checkbox  10612  of  FIG. 106A ), then block  11322  builds a short header frame and processing continues to block  11334 , otherwise block  11332  builds a tall header frame and processing continues to block  11334 . Block  11334  completes the frameset for presentation of header frame with all parameters for a full browser device if arrived to from blocks  11332  or  11322 . 
     When  FIG. 113  is complete, the user sees for example, the page of  FIG. 128A  at a full browser device for automatic GPS data collection, a pre-start button selection version of  FIG. 138B  at a PDA browser device for automatic GPS data collection, a pre-start button selection version of  FIG. 137  at a full browser device for automatic GPS data collection (hide console check-marked), pre-start button selection version of  FIG. 139  at a PDA browser device for automatic GPS data collection (hide console check-marked), and pre-start button selection version of  FIG. 142A  at a full browser device for a user specified location. One embodiment as described by  FIG. 113  for each of  FIGS. 128A ,  138 B,  137 ,  139 , and  142 A consists of three adjacent horizontal frames: a top frame containing a header page and associated processing, a middle frame containing no visual display for device heartbeat processing, and a bottom frame for displaying deliverable content from the device Master in real-time as content is delivered. Upon completion of  FIG. 113 , each frame contains a processing page which executes independently from processing in the other two frames. In one common usage, only the device heartbeat processing page needs to be invoked from a device, or from a location service  2112  on behalf of a device, or from an executable thread executing at web service  2102  on behalf of a device, for automating delivery of deliverable content to the receiving device.  FIGS. 128A ,  138 B,  137 ,  139 , and  142 A are relevant when BrowseRcpt  6530  is set to Yes, otherwise deliveries can be made by SMS message (fields  6532 ,  6534 ), and/or email (fields  6536 ,  6538 ) which does not need a browser. Other embodiments will deliver deliverable content using other means from the web service  2102  to the receiving device (i.e. RDPS). Deliverable content can be of any type which includes audio, video, graphical, textual, multimedia, intranet/internet web address(es) activated for transposable selection, image, executable or any combination thereof, etc. CD-ROM file name “zdeliv.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing for an embodiment of  FIG. 113  (without URL override parameters for overriding record  6500  fields). The user invoking  FIG. 113  processing with a URL command line can specify override parameters for overriding any fields of record  6500  of the record  6500  fields found in  FIG. 114A  header processing. 
       FIG. 114A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager header presentation processing, the processing loaded into the top frame as discussed for  FIG. 113 . Processing starts at block  11402  and continues to block  11404  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  11406  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing (successful device credential data evidence preferably checked for instead) and continues to block  11408 . Block  11408  determines data evidence passed from  FIG. 113 , or from a URL command line string, specifically the invoker, and device id and password (device/browser type is already assumed to be determined for all user interfaces disclosed since heterogeneous devices are handled in web service  2102 , and border  5050  surrounds and identifies a user interface area regardless of the heterogeneous device type, as described above).  FIG. 114A  appropriately presents the header page based on device (or browser) type. Thereafter, if block  11410  determines the invoker was for user specified location processing, then block  11412  gets the user specifications (e.g. latitude and longitude) and processing continues to block  11416 . If block  11410  determines the invoker was for automated GPS information gathering, then block  11414  determines data evidence for interfacing to connected GPS information gathering means, and processing continues to block  11416 . 
     Block  11416  determines data evidence for maximum wait timeout and GPS interface retry time period discussed above, server retry (e.g. from field  10618 ), search method(s) (e.g. field  10614 ), and the hide console checkbox (e.g. checkbox  10612 ). Server retry is the period of time between device heartbeats. Search method(s) are all the methods to be used for searching for deliverable content, for example from records  7000 . While  FIG. 106A  shows an interest radius search method in use, a URL invocation of a Delivery Manager processing can specify any of the search methods discussed above for a record  6500  field  6542 . Thereafter, block  11424  determines any command line override values for overriding any fields in record  6500 , validates them, and processing continues to block  11426 . If block  11426  determines any command line override is invalid, then block  11428  appropriately reports the error to the user and current page processing terminates at block  11434 . If block  11426  determines any command line overrides found are all valid, then block  11418  builds a query to records  6500  for the Deviceid and password in passed data evidence, opens a DB connection, does the query, and closes the DB connection. Thereafter, if block  11420  determines no record  6500  was found for the specified device credentials (Deviceid field  6504  and device password field  6506 ), then processing continues to block  11428  for appropriate error handling and termination. If block  11420  determines a device record  6500  was found, then block  11430  sets header display fields according to record  6500  data and any overrides to apply. Block  11430  also sets a variable PGLOADED to false and LOADRETRIES to none. Then, the page display is presented in the header frame for user interaction, for example header frame pages  12852 ,  13852 ,  13752 ,  13952 , or  14252 . The user then interfaces to the header page at block  11432  until a processing action is detected to the header frame page in which case block  11422  does the user selected processing action and processing continues back to block  11432  for any further user action selections. The user interfaces with the header frame page which is the user control portion of the browser version of the Delivery Manager. 
       FIG. 114B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager user interface action processing, such as that which is performed at block  11422 . Block  11422  processing begins at block  11452  and continues to block  11454 . If block  11454  determines the Start button (e.g. button  12806 ) was selected, then block  11466  performs Delivery manager start button processing and processing terminates at block  11478 . If block  11454  determines the Start button was not selected, then block  11456  checks the Stop button action. If block  11456  determines the Stop button (e.g. button  12808 ) was selected, then block  11468  performs Delivery manager stop button processing and processing terminates at block  11478 . If block  11456  determines the Stop button was not selected, then block  11458  checks the manage Master link selection action. If block  11458  determines the manage Master link (e.g. link  12802 ) was selected, then block  11470  performs Master/Archive Manager processing of  FIG. 108  preferably spawned in a new window (e.g. target=“_blank”) with data evidence parameters for device RegistryID  6502  selected from block  11418 , device/browser type determined, and flag to process the device&#39;s Master. Thereafter, current page processing terminates at block  11478 . If block  11458  determines the manage Master link was not selected, then block  11460  checks if the manage Archive link was selected. If block  11460  determines the manage Archive link (e.g. link  12804  for view) was selected, then block  11472  performs Master/Archive Manager processing of  FIG. 108  preferably spawned in a new window (e.g. target=“_blank”) with data evidence parameters for device RegistryID  6502  selected from block  11418 , device/browser type determined, and flag to process the device&#39;s Archive. Thereafter, current page processing terminates at block  11478 . If block  11460  determines the manage Archive link was not selected, then block  11462  checks if the filters/configs link (e.g. link  12810 ) was selected. If block  11462  determines the filters/configs link (e.g. link  12810 ) was selected, then block  11474  invokes a new Device configs window (e.g. target=“_blank”) containing additional device configuration information resulting from querying record  6500  and any overrides applied. The RegistryID  6502  selected from block  11418  is communicated to the spawned page. Thereafter, current page processing terminates at block  11478 . If block  11462  determines the manage filter/configs link was not selected, then block  11464  checks if the Prime link (e.g. link  12812 ) was selected. If block  11464  determines the Prime link (e.g. link  12812 ) was selected, then block  11476  invokes the GPS port Primer in a new window (e.g. target=“_blank”). Thereafter, current page processing terminates at block  11478 . If block  11464  determines the Prime link was not selected, then block  11464  continues to block  11478  for block  11422  processing termination. 
     Block  11466  processing is described below with  FIG. 116 . Block  11468  processing is described below with  FIG. 117A . Block  11470  was already described in  FIG. 108  processing and results in a window such as  FIGS. 128B ,  130 C,  130 D,  136 D, and  138 C with associated processing. Block  11472  was already described in  FIG. 108  processing and results in a window such as  FIGS. 128C ,  131 , and  138 D with associated processing. Block  11474  results in a window such as  FIGS. 128D ,  136 B, and  138 E. Block  11476  results in a window such as  FIG. 75A  with associated processing. CD-ROM file name “mcddchdr.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing for an embodiment of  FIGS. 114A and 114B , as well as automated GPS data gathering processing. 
       FIG. 115  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager initialization page processing, for example as loaded into middle and bottom frames at block  11334 . Processing starts at block  11502  and continues to block  11504  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  11506  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing (successful device credential data evidence preferably checked for instead) and continues to block  11508 . Block  11508  determines the device (or browser) type and then block  11510  displays the initialization page (e.g.  12854 ,  13854 ) corresponding to the device (or browser) type. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  11512 . CD-ROM file name “zdinit.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing for an embodiment of  FIG. 115 . 
       FIG. 116  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager start button processing of block  11466 . Processing starts at block  11602  and continues to block  11604  where automated GPS interface timeout over a number of retries is checked (uses maximum wait timeout). If block  11604  determines the maximum number of automated GPS interface retries is exceeded, then block  11616  performs Delivery Manager stop receipt processing, and block  11622  sets a variable GPSNUMRETRIES=None. Block  11622  also notifies the user of a GPS port error, for example with a pop-up. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  11626 . If block  11604  determines the maximum number of retries is not exceeded, then block  11606  checks if processing page load retries (PGLOADRETRIES variable exceeding a maximum value) has been exceeded (processing page loaded implies a device heartbeat processing was completed). If block  11606  determines the processing page load retries was exceeded, then block  11618  performs Delivery Manager stop receipt processing, and block  11624  sets the variable PGLOADRETRIES=None. Block  11624  also notifies the user of web service  2102  error, for example with a pop-up (e.g. device heartbeat processing taking too long to complete and load page in lower frame). Thereafter, processing terminates at block  11626 . If block  11606  determines the maximum number of processing page load retries is not exceeded, then block  11608  checks if the automated GPS interface has already been started. If block  11608  determines the automated GPS interface has already been started, then block  11620  notifies the user with an error that automated GPS data retrieval has already been started, and processing terminates at block  11626 . If block  11608  determines the automated GPS data retrieval has not already been started, then block  11610  sets the GPSNUMRETRIES variable to Starting, and then block  11612  performs Delivery Manager start receipt processing. Thereafter, block  11614  spawns a GPS Get Fix thread for execution, and  FIG. 116  processing terminates at block  11626 . Depending on the embodiment, the GPS get fix thread spawned at block  11614  can be executed local to the device (at RDPS), at web service  2102 , or executed at any other data processing system in communications with web service  2102 .  FIG. 116  blocks may include a protocol with a remote data processing system for managing its processing remote from the device. In some embodiments, starting the Delivery Manager can automatically start automated GPS data gathering at the device, at the web service  2102 , or any data processing system in communications with web service  2102 . CD-ROM file name “mcddchdr.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing containing an embodiment of  FIG. 116  wherein device heartbeats are initiated by the device to the web service  2102  after interfacing automatically to locally connected GPS data retrieval means. 
       FIG. 117A  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager stop button processing of block  11468 . Processing starts at block  11702  and continues to block  11704 . If block  11704  determines that automated GPS data gathering processing is already stopped, then block  11706  notifies the user with an error that the Delivery Manager is already stopped, for example with a pop-up, and  FIG. 117A  processing terminates at block  11716 . If block  11704  determines automated GPS data gathering processing is not already stopped, then block  11708  prompts the user with a confirmation pop-up asking if the user is sure he wants to stop, then block  11710  checks for the user&#39;s response. If block  11710  determines the user does want to stop automated GPS data gathering processing, then block  11712  does Delivery Manager stop receipt processing, block  11714  sets the GPSNUMRETRIES variable to None if its value does not already exceed the maximum, and sets the PGLOADRETRIES variable to None if its value does not already exceed the maximum. Thereafter,  FIG. 117A  terminates processing at block  11716 . If block  11710  determines the user selected not to stop processing, then block  11716  terminates  FIG. 117A  processing.  FIG. 117A  blocks may include a protocol with a remote data processing system for managing its processing remote from the device. In some embodiments, stopping the Delivery Manager can automatically stop automated GPS data gathering at the device, at the web service  2102 , or any data processing system in communications with web service  2102 . CD-ROM file name “mcddchdr.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing containing an embodiment of  FIG. 117A  wherein device heartbeats are initiated by the device to the web service  2102  after interfacing automatically to locally connected GPS data retrieval means. 
       FIG. 117B  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager start receipt processing, for example at block  11612 . Processing starts at block  11732  and continues to block  11734  where the GPS interface is enabled, then to block  11736  where the header page in the header frame is updated for “Delivery: Enabled” status, and processing terminates at block  11738 . In some embodiments,  FIG. 117B  may be performed in part or whole at the device, at the web service  2102 , or any data processing system in communications with web service  2102 . CD-ROM file name “mcddchdr.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing containing an embodiment of  FIG. 117A  wherein device heartbeats are initiated by the device to the web service  2102  after interfacing automatically to locally connected GPS data retrieval means. 
       FIG. 117C  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager stop receipt processing, for example block  11712 . Processing starts at block  11762  and continues to block  11764  where the GPS interface is disabled, then to block  11766  where the header page in the header frame is updated for Delivery Disabled (“Delivery: Not Enabled”) status, and processing terminates at block  11768 . In some embodiments,  FIG. 117C  may be performed in part or whole at the device, at the web service  2102 , or any data processing system in communications with web service  2102 . CD-ROM file name “mcddchdr.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing containing an embodiment of  FIG. 117A  wherein device heartbeats are initiated by the device to the web service  2102  after interfacing automatically to locally connected GPS data retrieval means. 
       FIG. 118  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager processing for automatically determining situational location parameters, for example GPS parameters, for example processing of the executable thread spawned at block  11614 . Processing begins at block  11802  and continues to block  11804 . If block  11804  determines the GPS data gathering interface is not started/enabled, then block  11816  updates the header page in the header frame for Delivery Disabled (“Delivery: Not Enabled”), and  FIG. 118  processing terminates at block  11818 . If block  11804  determines the GPS data gathering interface is started, then block  11806  increments a GPS get fix retry count. Thereafter, if block  11808  determines the GPS get fix retry count exceeds a reasonable maximum, then processing terminates at block  11818 . If block  11808  determines the GPS get fix retry count does not exceeds a maximum, then block  11810  gets GPS fix information from the GPS interface (preferably a timeout value is passed so block  11810  is returned to after the timeout). Thereafter, if block  11812  determines no fix information was returned, then block  11820  spawns another GPS get fix processing thread of  FIG. 118  to execute in a reasonable retry time period (GPS retry time period) and current  FIG. 118  thread processing terminates at block  11818 . If block  11812  determines GPS information was successfully returned, then block  11814  converts the latitude and longitude to a usable format, and for display. Thereafter, block  11832  invokes again the GPS interface for movement information (e.g. heading and speed), and block  11830  checks data retrieval success. If block  11830  determines the movement information was not received, then block  11828  sets direction, speed, and heading to 0, and processing continues to block  11824 . If block  11830  determines the movement information was received, then block  11826  sets direction, speed, and heading accordingly, and processing continues to block  11824 . An alternate embodiment can get all GPS information from block  11810 . 
     Block  11824  sets a PGLOADED Boolean variable to False, prepares a command for invocation of the device heartbeat processing page, invokes the device heartbeat processing page with the command (for processing in the middle frame that has no visuals (e.g. between header page frame section  12852  and lower frame section  12854 , or between header page frame section  13852  and lower frame section  13854 ), and gets the current date/time stamp. Thereafter, block  11822  updates the header page visuals in the header frame for this thread execution processing ending (date/time stamp, GPS information, etc), sets the PGLOADRETRIES variable to 0, and spawns a do_again( ) processing executable thread for the next device heartbeat to execute in the next server retry period of time (e.g. from field  10618 ).  FIG. 118  current thread processing then terminates at block  11818 . Block  11822  invokes the device heartbeat processing page with device record  6500  fields and the GPS information gathered. The next invocation of device heartbeat processing can not occur (i.e.  FIG. 118  will not execute again for the particular device) until the previous heartbeat processing is complete as indicated when PGLOADED gets set to True by another executable thread (discussed below). 
       FIG. 118  thread processing may occur local to the particular device, at the web service  2102 , or at any data processing system in communications with web service  2102 . CD-ROM file name “mcddchdr.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing containing an embodiment of  FIG. 118  wherein device heartbeats are initiated by the device to the web service  2102  after interfacing automatically to locally connected GPS data retrieval means. 
       FIG. 119  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager do again processing, for example as spawned by block  11822 . Processing begins at block  11902  and continues to block  11904 . If block  11904  determines that automated GPS interface processing has already stopped, then block  11914  sets the header page of the header frame with Delivery Disabled (“Delivery: Not Enabled”) status and  FIG. 119  thread processing terminates at block  11918 . If block  11904  determines the interface has not been stopped, then block  11906  increments the PGLOADRETRIES variable and block  11908  checks its value. If block  11908  determines the PGLOADRETRIES value exceeds a reasonable maximum, then processing continues to block  11914 . If block  11908  determines the PGLOADRETRIES value is under the maximum (preferably configured for web service  2102 ), then block  11910  checks if the previous device heartbeat processing page is completed (i.e. is PGLOADED set to True?). If block  11910  determines the PGLOADED variable is set to True (i.e. previous device heartbeat processing page is completed), then block  11916  spawns a GPS Get fix thread of  FIG. 118  for immediate processing, and  FIG. 119  thread processing terminates at block  11918 . If block  11910  determines the PGLOADED variable is still False, then block  11912  spawns another  FIG. 119  processing thread for execution in the server retry period of time. Thereafter, current  FIG. 119  thread processing terminates at block  11918 .  FIG. 119  thread processing may occur local to the particular device, at the web service  2102 , or at any data processing system in communications with web service  2102 . CD-ROM file name “mcddchdr.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing containing an embodiment of  FIG. 119  wherein device heartbeats are initiated by the device to the web service  2102  after interfacing automatically to locally connected GPS data retrieval means. 
       FIG. 120  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager heartbeat processing, also referred to as the device heartbeat processing page. Regardless of how a situational location is determined for a device, the situational location can be communicated as periodic device heartbeats to web service  2102 . A device heartbeat is a communicated set of data from a device, or on behalf of a device, to the web service  2102 . The heartbeat contains information including the device situational location at the time of the heartbeat along with fields from the device record  6500 . The device may determine its own situational location, a location service  2112  may determine the device situational location, location service  2112  may be connected with means for locating device(s) (e.g. in-range sensing means), web service  2102  may determine the device situational location, or web service  2102  may be integrated with a service which determines the device situational location. Regardless of these embodiments,  FIG. 120  processing preferably occurs for each device heartbeat that contains the device situational location. That situational location is used with respect to settings in the device record  6500 , fields in any applicable processed records  7000 , and records joined from the device record  6500  and applicable records  7000  to perform novel functionality of web service  2102 . The user interface processing of  FIGS. 112 through 119  and associated user interfaces are provided as a convenience for driving Delivery Manager  2510  processing. The requirement is that heartbeats with appropriate parameters are sent from devices, or on behalf of devices, to  FIG. 120  processing regardless of how that is accomplished. 
     In one use of  FIG. 120  processing, a device sends its situational location information and needed record  6500  fields with each heartbeat. The heartbeat is a periodic communication to (e.g. URL invocation of a page of) web service  2102 . That heartbeat is used to search for applicable deliverable content, PingSpots, Pingimeter Alerts, etc according to configurations made on behalf of the device, the content, the web service  2102 , and criteria of the heartbeat&#39;s situational location. A browser driven Delivery Manager is not required.  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing can be invoked from any device as a URL according to configurations made at the device. The burden is put on the originator for invoking  FIG. 120  processing with proper heartbeat parameters including an accurate situational location at the time the heartbeat is sent to web service  2102 .  FIGS. 112 through 119  have completed all the work necessary to drive a proper heartbeat for a device and are therefore provided for convenient web browser invocation. Any software developer aware of the URL to invoke  FIG. 120  processing can easily develop to  FIG. 120  specifications. For example, assuming an originator (e.g. device, web service  2102 , or location service  2112 ) can determine the applicable device(s) situational location(s) in a timely manner, the originator need only know how to invoke  FIG. 120  processing. The following URL is an example of invoking  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing: 
     https://www.gpsping.com/MCD/g.asp?ad=33&amp;am=1&amp;as=12.78&amp;ap=N&amp;od=97&amp;om=4&amp;os=58.9&amp;oh= 
     W&amp;sp=0&amp;d=0&amp;1=− 
     500&amp;r=2&amp;t=1&amp;q=basketball,soccer,baseball,football,tennis,swimming&amp;f=ballet,volleyball,golf&amp;in= 
     N&amp;c=Y&amp;e=NYNNN&amp;m=billj@iswtechnologies.com,billj@iswtechnologies.com 
     The parameters for latitude and longitude are “ad” (Lat degrees), “am” (Lat minutes), “as” (Lat seconds), “ap” (latitude pole), “od” (Long degrees), “om” (Long minutes), “os” (Long seconds), and “oh” (Long hemisphere). The “d” parameter is the direction as determined from heading (0 is any or unknown). The “sp” parameter is the speed (0 is not moving). Elevation hasn&#39;t been passed in this example, but can be. The “r” parameter is a valid handle returned to the device (e.g. RegistryID  6502 ) for the device doing the heartbeat. An alternate invocation of  FIG. 120  processing is with the following URL:
 
https://www.gpsping.com/MCD/g.asp?a=33.3458&amp;o=−
 
97.34111&amp;sp=39&amp;d=1&amp;l=5&amp;r=2&amp;t=1&amp;q=basketball,soccer,baseball,football,tennis,swimming&amp;f=ballet,volleyball,golf&amp;in =N&amp;c=Y&amp;e=NYNNN&amp;m=biij@iswrechnologies.com,billj@iswtechnologies.com
 
The parameters for latitude and longitude are in signed decimal degrees (“a”=latitude in decimal degrees (33.3458), “o”=longitude in decimal degrees (−97.34111)). The speeds (“sp”) is 39 MPH. Note the search parameter “1” specifies to use the search method of PRECISE_FULLSECOND as described above, and the direction “d” parameter specified a direction the device is moving is North.
 
     Another embodiment may not use a URL invocation method, although using a URL method simplifies supporting heterogeneous devices to web service  2102 . A binary packet protocol interface can be implemented between originators of heartbeats and  FIG. 120  processing to prevent exposing performance to string parameter processing, and to prevent easily discernable interfaces for attackers. In another embodiment of URL invocation, the Deviceid field  6504  and device password field  6506  are provided instead of the RegistryID parameter (“r”) for authentication at each heartbeat, otherwise someone could send anyone else&#39;s RegistryID which may cause integrity issues in server data  2104  of web service  2102 . 
     Processing starts at block  12002  and continues to block  12004  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  12006  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing (successful device credential data evidence preferably checked for instead) and continues to block  12008 . Block  12008  determines and validates data evidence passed from the device heartbeat containing the situational location and device record  6500  information (or enough information to query the record  6500  in another embodiment), block  12010  checks validation results. Preferably,  FIG. 120  does little validation, if any at all, to ensure maximum performance of its processing. If block  12010  determines a value in data evidence (e.g. from URL string) is invalid, then block  12012  appropriately reports the error, and current heartbeat processing terminates at block  12014 . If block  12010  determines all data evidence is valid, then block  12026  performs Delivery Share processing ( FIG. 152 ). Thereafter, processing continues to block  12016  which determines the current date/time, builds a query to DCDB records  7000  (i.e. EntryType field  7004  set to ‘D’ for Deliverable Content Entry) matching the device heartbeat situational location information, opens a DB connection, and opens a cursor for fetching any records  7000  found (PingSpots are preferably not handled here since privileges are required, but can be. See block  12038  for PingSpot processing). Block  12016  matches all records  7000  which are configured with a matching situational location to the device situational location passed in the heartbeat to  FIG. 120  processing.  FIG. 120  thread execution occurs for each heartbeat of potentially millions of mobile devices  2540 .  FIG. 120  thread execution processing is asynchronous and simultaneous for all devices that need it. Another embodiment may integrate multiple heartbeat invocations of  FIG. 120  in a single  FIG. 120  execution to minimize the number of outstanding threads required to satisfy all mobile devices  2540  that communicate with web service  2102  at substantially the same time. The query built at block  12016  preferably seeks records  7000  with EntryType field  7004  set to ‘D’ and preferably uses at least fields  7008  through  7028  to match to the situational location of the device and the device&#39;s mobile interest radius configured for the device as described for  FIGS. 125A through 125C . Fields  7026  and  7028  may be used “exclusive or” fields  7008  through  7022  since it is the same information in a different form. Another embodiment of records  7000  may include one set of fields  7026  through  7028  “exclusive or” fields  7008  through  7022 . Block  12016  preferably also uses fields  7034  and  7036  along with any other record  7000  fields for the search. Another embodiment will also use field  7032  for matching the situational location of the device to the deliverable content as described for  FIGS. 125A through 125C . Only active records  7000  are searched (i.e. field  7054  set to active). At least the device record  6500  fields  6516 ,  6518 ,  6540 , and  6542  (unless overridden) are used in the search, the type of which is defined by field  6542  (unless overridden). Fields  6516  and  6518  may be checked after records are returned satisfying the situational location match first. Any fields of the device record  6500  may be used in matching to records  7000 . 
     Block  12016  continues to block  12018 . If block  12018  determines there were no records  7000  matching the situational location of the device, then processing continues to block  12038  described below. If block  12018  determines there are one or more records  7000  to process with the open cursor, then block  12020  builds arrays for strings of the interests field  6516  and filters field  6518  of the device invoking  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. Thereafter, block  12022  gets the next (or first) record  7000  and processing continues to block  12024 . If block  12024  determines all records  7000  of the open cursor have been processed, then processing continues to block  12038 . If block  12024  determines all records  7000  have not been processed, then block  12030  initializes a KEEPHIT variable to True, and block  12032  checks interests field  6516 . If block  12032  determines interests field  6516  for the device is null, then processing continues to block  12042 . If block  12032  determines interests field  6516  is not null, then block  12034  iterates through interests configured for the device and matches to the current record  7000  being processed. Preferably, block  12034  matches interests to field  7006 ,  7046  and/or  7076  depending on content type, but any fields of a record  7000  can be used. Thereafter, if block  12036  determines the record  7000  does not match the device interests, then processing continues to block  12048 . If block  12036  determines the device interests do match the record  7000 , then block  12042  checks the device filters field  6518 . If block  12042  determines the filters field  6518  for the device is null, then processing continues to block  12050 . If block  12042  determines the filters field  6518  is not null, then block  12044  iterates through all filters set and matches to the same field(s) matched for the interests field  6516 . Thereafter, if block  12046  determines a filter matches record  7000 , then processing continues to block  12048 . Block  12048  sets the KEEPHIT variable to False, and processing continues to block  12050 . Block  12050  adds the DCDBID  7002  of the record  7000  of the open cursor to a HITLIST array only if the KEEPHIT variable is set to True from previous processing. The HITLIST array keeps track of all records  7000  determined for delivery to the device. Block  12050  continues to block  12022  where a next record  7000  of the cursor is accessed. If block  12046  determines the record  7000  does not match a filter, then processing continues to block  12050 . Filters field  6518  takes precedence over interests field  6516  such that a record  7000  set for delivery from interests processing can be discarded from filters processing. 
       FIG. 120  can be invoked for device heartbeats containing situational location information on a configured periodic basis, or a movement tolerance (e.g. MoveTol field  6520 ) can be used which will not provide a heartbeat for processing until the device has moved according to the movement tolerance. The movement tolerance can be managed at the device, at a location service  2112  on behalf of the device, or by a location service on behalf of the device which is integrated in some manner with, or in communications with, web service  2102 . The movement tolerance provides means for preventing frivolous heartbeats and unnecessary processing. 
     When all records  7000  have been processed in the loop of blocks  12022  and subsequent blocks already described for  FIG. 120 , processing continues to block  12038 . Block  12038  invokes PingSpot processing ( FIG. 122 ), then block  12052  invokes Pingimeter processing ( FIG. 123 ), then block  12054  invokes Nearby processing ( FIG. 124 ), then block  12040  invokes Build Master Processing ( FIG. 121 ), then block  12028  closes any open DB connection, and processing terminates at block  12014 . Different embodiments of  FIG. 120  may not include block  12026  and/or block  12038  and/or block  12052  and/or block  12054 . 
     At some point in the execution of  FIG. 120 , an insertion of a LastLog record  3100  is needed for recording a first access by the particular device to  FIG. 120  processing. For a subsequent access by the same device, the presence of a record  3100  for the device simply requires a date/time stamp update to reflect the most recent Delivery Manager access for that particular device. Other embodiments may use a different flowchart of Delivery Manager processing so as to not affect critical performance of the heartbeat processing. 
       FIG. 121  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager Build Master processing of block  12040 . Processing starts at block  12102  and continues to block  12108 . If block  12108  determines field  6514  of the device is set to Yes, then block  12110  builds an insert command for a record  6800  to the Trail table, and does the insert. The open DB connection from  FIG. 120  is preferably used so no open and close is needed here. Thereafter, block  12112  builds a starter update command to the Device History Table for any failed Master record inserts in subsequent processing. Then, block  12114  gets the next DCDBID from the HITLIST array built in  FIG. 120 . If block  12108  determines tracking is not enabled for the device, then processing continues to block  12112 . 
     Block  12114  continues to block  12116 . If block  12116  determines all DCDBIDs from the HITLIST array are not yet processed, then block  12118  inserts a record  10700  into the Device History Table with field  10706  set to Master and field  10708  set to the current date/time stamp (field  10702  is set to DCDBID from HITLIST and field  10704  is set to the RegistryID  6502  of the device causing  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing). Thereafter, if block  12120  determines the insert succeeded, then block  12104  adds the DCDBID to a NEWHITLIST array, and processing continues back to block  12114  for the next HITLIST DCDBID. If block  12120  determines the insert failed because of a duplicate record, then block  12106  adds the DCDBID to the update command started at block  12112 . A duplicate error occurs when the record  7000  has already been delivered to the device as represented by the device Master, so only the LastHit field  10708  needs to be updated to reflect the last time it was delivered to the device. Processing then continues from block  12106  back to block  12114 . 
     If block  12116  determines all DCDBIDs from the HITLIST array have been processed, then block  12122  checks to see if there is an update to do for records  10700  already in the Master which caused duplicate errors at block  12120 . If block  12122  determines there is an update to do, then block  12124  does the update of LastHit field  10708  for the current date/time to indicate the last time the record(s)  7000  DCDBIDs added to the Where clause at block  12106  were delivered. Processing then continues to block  12126 . If block  12122  determines there is no update to do, then processing continues to block  12126 . Block  12126  builds the top of a browser delivery page (e.g. for section  12854 ) only if the device field  6530  is set to Yes. Thereafter, block  12128  checks if there are any DCDBID entries in NEWHITLIST. NEWHITLIST is an array containing record  7000  references that are not known to have been delivered previously to the device as represented in the device Master. If block  12128  determines there were no new hits (NEWHITLIST is empty), then block  12130  sets PGLOADED=True if applicable from Delivery Manager user interface processing so the next device heartbeat can be processed, then  FIG. 121  processing terminates at block  12134 . If block  12128  determines there were new hits (NEWHITLIST is not empty), then block  12132  invokes Master Page processing ( FIG. 126 ) with the NEWHITLIST for highlight in case field  6530  is set to Yes. Processing then terminates at block  12134 . When Master Page processing is invoked, it is invoked to execute within the lower frame (e.g. frame section  12854 , or  13854 ). The user can manage the device Master to control what is determined a new deliverable content item for the device. There may have been an empty HITLIST as passed from  FIG. 120  processing and checked at blocks  12114  and  12116 , in which case  FIG. 121  processing continues to block  12122  for no updating, then to block  12126 , and then to block  12128  where the NEWHITLIST would also be empty. Block  12130  does nothing if  FIG. 120  processing was invoked with a device heartbeat without  FIGS. 112 through 119  processing. 
       FIG. 120  and associated processing is preferably performed at web service  2102  for all device heartbeats received from mobile devices  2540 . CD-ROM file name “mcdg.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing containing an embodiment of  FIGS. 120 and 121 . 
       FIG. 122  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager PingSpot processing of block  12038 . Processing starts at block  12202  and continues to block  12204 . Block  12204  determines all users who have been granted the “Set PingSpots” privilege by the device (or the user of the device) causing execution of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. Those who have been granted the “Set PingSpots” privilege can set PingSpots for the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. As described above, another privilege embodiment could enable assigning the privilege to a device so that a device configured the PingSpot, versus ownership being a user. That way the “Set PingSpots” privilege could be granted to users, or specific devices, and the owner of the record  7000  could be a device or a user. 
     In the preferred embodiment, block  12204  gathers joined records including records  9200  from privilege assignments (Groups Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table, Registry Table, DCDB Table) to determine which users (and/or device(s) in other embodiment) have been granted the “Set PingSpots” privilege by the particular device of  FIG. 120  processing, then which users (and/or device(s) in other embodiment) have been granted the “Set PingSpots” privilege by the Owner (owner field  6522 ) of the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. All PersonIDs are put into a PRIVILEGEDLIST array which contains eligible users who can configure PingSpots for this device. Another embodiment of PRIVILEGEDLIST would be a two dimensional array with each member having two fields: a type field (user or device) and a record identifier field (PersonID or RegistryID). 
     Thereafter, block  12206  builds a query to records  7000  for PingSpots configured (i.e. EntryType field  7004  set to ‘S’ for PingSpot) with a matching situational location of this particular device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, and that are owned by a privileged account (e.g. AuthID field  7038  contains a value in the PRIVILEGEDLIST array). Block  12206  then opens a cursor for any resulting PingSpot records  7000  found. Note that block  12206  does exactly what block  12016  does except PingSpots are being queried for the device situational location (rather than DCDB records), and only PingSpot records  7000  which are maintained by privileged users are candidate for delivery. Processing continues to block  12208 . If block  12208  determines no PingSpot records  7000  were found, then  FIG. 122  processing terminates at block  12214 . If block  12208  determines one or more records were found matching the device situational location, then block  12210  gets the next (or first) record of the open cursor. Thereafter, if block  12212  determines the last record of the cursor was processed, then processing terminates at block  12214 , otherwise block  12216  adds the particular record  7000  DCDBID  7002  to the HITLIST array, and processing continues back to block  12210  for the next PingSpot record  7000 . 
       FIG. 123  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager Pingimeter processing of block  12052 . Processing starts at block  12302  and continues to block  12304 . Block  12304  determines all users who have been granted either of the “Set Pingimeter Arrival Alert” or “Set Pingimeter Departure Alert” privileges by the device (or the user of the device) causing execution of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. Those devices that have been granted the “Set Pingimeter Arrival Alert” or “Set Pingimeter Departure Alert” privilege can receive alerts when the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing is arriving to, or departing from an active Pingimeter configured by privileged device(s) (or users with the privileges). Another privilege embodiment could enable assigning the “Set Pingimeter Arrival Alert” or “Set Pingimeter Departure Alert” privileges to a user so an alert is sent to any of the active devices which are detected as being most recently used to web service  2102  (e.g.  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, or presence in the Trail Table, active authentication data evidence to web service  2102 , or any other means for determining appropriate device information for a user that has been assigned the privilege(s)). That way the “Set Pingimeter Arrival Alert” and “Set Pingimeter Departure Alert” privileges could be granted to specific users, or devices. 
     In the preferred embodiment, block  12304  gathers joined records including records  9200  from privilege assignments (Groups Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table, Registry Table, DCDB Table) to determine which users (and/or device(s) in other embodiment) have been granted the “Set Pingimeter Arrival Alert” or “Set Pingimeter Departure Alert” privileges by the particular device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, then which user(s) (and/or device(s) in other embodiment) have been granted the “Set Pingimeter Arrival Alert” or “Set Pingimeter Departure Alert” privileges by the Owner (owner field  6522 ) of the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. All PersonIDs (and/or RegistryIDs) are put into a PRIVILEGEDLIST array which contains eligible candidates that can receive automated status alerts for the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. Another embodiment of PRIVILEGEDLIST would be a two dimensional array with each member having two fields: a type field (user or device) and a record identifier field (PersonID or RegistryID). 
     Thereafter, block  12306  builds a query to records  9450  and  9500  for Pingimeters configured with a matching location, or situational location, of this particular device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, and that the current/date time is valid for in Timeframe field  9512 , and that are owned by a privileged account (e.g. OwnerID  9504  contains a value in the PRIVILEGEDLIST array). There can be an OwnerID type field  9503  for determining whether the owner of the Pingimeter is a device or a user. Records  9500  are preferably outer-joined to records  9450  to retrieve all Pingimeter record(s)  9450  associated to a record  9500 . Block  12306  then opens a cursor in context for a record being a single unit of data including record  9500  and all its associated records  9450 . Processing continues to block  12308 . If block  12308  determines no Pingimeter records ( 9500  outer-joined to  9450 ( s )) were found, then  FIG. 123  processing terminates at block  12314 . If block  12308  determines one or more records were found matching the device situational location, then block  12310  gets the next (or first) record of the open cursor (record  9500  and all associated records  9450  treated as a single record for processing in flowchart). Thereafter, if block  12312  determines the last record of the cursor was processed, then processing terminates at block  12314 , otherwise processing continues to block  12316 . 
     Block  12316  queries the most recent records  6800  from the Trail Table for the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. The query includes specifying records  6800  with a DTCreated  6816  field value up to the current/date time and no older than a trailing period as specified by a website configuration TIMELENGTH value. The TIMELENGTH value, for example 20 minutes, governs preventing of redundant alerts to the same Pingimeter owner for the same device, while at the same time providing a time window to determine whether the device is arriving or departing the Pingimeter. Blocks  12332  and  12334  prevent repeated redundant alerts according to the TIMELENGTH window of records returned at block  12316 . Another embodiment could maintain a history of alerts sent at block  12326  so redundant alerts would not be sent. For example, the history would record all data about the alert to uniquely identify the alert, and to assign the historical record of the alert an expiration according to TIMELENGTH, so that when the history information expired, only then would block  12326  send the same alert again in the absence of a duplicate historical alert record (i.e. all governed by TIMELENGTH). 
     Block  12316  continues to block  12318  where the current Pingimeter record from block  12310  is examined with respect to a most recent record  6800  from block  12316  (not record  6800  from current heartbeat processing), after determining a middle of the Pingimeter. In one embodiment, extents are used of the outermost vertices, or radius, with arithmetic of dividing by two for a reasonable middle point, or for a member of a determined set to average for a reasonable middle point. Once a reasonable Pingimeter middle is determined, the most recent record  6800  (not record  6800  from current heartbeat processing) is compared to see if the device is traveling toward or away from the middle. Thereafter, if block  12320  determines the device is traveling toward the Pingimeter middle (i.e. arriving), then block  12332  checks all records returned from block  12316  to see if all are contained in the Pingimeter (over TIMELENGTH). Thereafter, if block  12330  determines all records  6800  are from within the Pingimeter, processing continues back to block  12310  for the next Pingimeter to process. Block  12330  decides that if the device has been in the Pingimeter for all of TIMELENGTH, then an alert was already sent. If block  12330  determines at least one record  6800  was not in the Pingimeter, then processing continues to block  12328 . If block  12328  determines the Pingimeter AlertType field  9508  (I/E/B) is for arrival or both (arrival/departure) alerting, then processing continues to block  12338  which is described below. If block  12328  determines the Pingimeter AlertType field  9508  (I/E/B) is not for arrival or both alerting, then processing continues back to block  12310 . 
     If block  12320  determines the device is not moving toward the Pingimeter middle, then processing continues to block  12322 . If block  12322  determines the device is moving away from the Pingimeter middle, then processing continues to block  12334 . Block  12334  checks all records returned from block  12316  to see if all are contained in the Pingimeter (over TIMELENGTH). Thereafter, if block  12336  determines all records  6800  are from within the Pingimeter, then processing continues back to block  12310  for the next Pingimeter to process. Block  12336  decides that if the device has been in the Pingimeter for all of TIMELENGTH, then a departure alert is not relevant. If block  12336  determines all records are contained in the Pingimeter except only the one most recent one is outside the Pingimeter, then processing continues to block  12324 . If block  12324  determines the Pingimeter AlertType field  9508  (I/E/B) is for departure or both (arrival/departure) alerting, then processing continues to block  12338  which is described below. If block  12324  determines the Pingimeter AlertType field  9508  (I/E/B) is not for departure or both alerting, then processing continues back to block  12310 . 
     Block  12338  determines the alert method from field  9508  and gathers related data if needed. Thereafter, block  12326  builds and sends an alert message with enough information to distinguish one alert from another, and to provide an informative message. Block  12326  then continues back to block  12310 . If block  12322  determines the device is not departing, then processing continues to block  12310 . A performance conscious embodiment of block  12316  may query the records  6800  one time for all loop iterations on Pingimeters that start at block  12310 . A performance conscious embodiment will analyze those records  6800  one time for all loop iterations on Pingimeters that start at block  12310  (e.g. processing at blocks  12330 ,  12332 ,  12334 ,  12336 ). Block  12326  will use record  9500  fields as described in the record  9500  description for appropriate alerting. 
       FIG. 124  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager Nearby processing of block  12054 . Processing starts at block  12402  and continues to block  12404 . Block  12404  query(s) for determining all devices and users who have been granted either of the “Set Nearby Arrival Alert” or “Set Nearby Departure Alert” privileges by the device (or the user of the device) causing execution of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. The privilege must be complementary which means the devices (or users of the devices) must have also granted the same privilege(s) to the device (or user of the device) of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. This is referred to as complementary privileges (granted by, and to, both parties involved). Otherwise, nearby alerting is not enabled. Both devices found to be nearby each other must have granted the “Set Nearby Arrival Alert” or “Set Nearby Departure Alert” privileges to each other (device to user, user to device, device to device, user to user) for that corresponding nearby functionality of  FIG. 124  to be enabled. One privilege embodiment enables assigning the “Set Nearby Arrival Alert” or “Set Nearby Departure Alert” privileges to a user so an alert is sent to any of the active devices which are detected as being most recently used to web service  2102  (e.g.  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, or presence in the Trail Table, active authentication data evidence to web service  2102 , or any other means for determining appropriate device information for a user that has been assigned the privilege(s)). That way the “Set Nearby Arrival Alert” and “Set Nearby Departure Alert” privileges could be granted to specific users, or devices. 
     In the preferred embodiment, block  12404  gathers joined records including records  9200  from privilege assignments (Groups Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table, Registry Table, DCDB Table) to determine which devices and/or users have granted each other the “Set Nearby Arrival Alert” or “Set Nearby Departure Alert” privileges including the particular device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing as one side of the privilege assignment, then which devices and/or user(s) have granted each other the “Set Nearby Arrival Alert” or “Set Nearby Departure Alert” privileges including the Owner (owner field  6522 ) of the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing as one side of the privilege assignment. All RegistryIDs are put into a PRIVILEGEDLIST array which contains eligible devices that can receive automated nearby status alerts for the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. Another embodiment of PRIVILEGEDLIST would be a two dimensional array with each member having two fields: a type field (user or device) and a record identifier field (PersonID or RegistryID). Block  12404  assembles privilege results into the PRIVILEGEDLIST array as records for subsequent processing, and initializes a pointer to the first record. Processing continues to block  12406 . If block  12406  determines no complementary (same to each other) privileges were found, then  FIG. 124  processing terminates at block  12412 . If block  12406  determines one or more records were found with complementary “Set Nearby Arrival Alert” or “Set Nearby Departure Alert” privileges assigned to the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing and from the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing to the device in the record(s) found at block  12404 , then block  12408  gets the next (or first) complementary device record, and processing continues to block  12410 . If block  12410  determines all complementary privileged device records have been processed, then  FIG. 124  processing terminates at block  12412 , otherwise processing continues to block  12414 . 
     Block  12414  queries records  6800  for the device at the record accessed at block  12408  and for the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, and retrieves all records  6800  over a website configured time of TIMEPERIOD, for example 20 minutes. This TIMEPERIOD constant may or may not be the same as discussed above for Pingimeter processing. Thereafter, block  12416  analyzes the records  6800  returned at block  12414  and compares situational locations of records  6800  of the complementary privileged device with the situational locations of records  6800  of the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, and the situational location of the device heartbeat situational location causing execution of  FIG. 124 . Then, if block  12418  determines the two devices were already nearby each other during the trailing TIMEPERIOD as found in records  6800 , then processing continues back to block  12408  for the next privileged device. If block  12418  determines the devices were not nearby each other during the trailing TIMEPERIOD, then block  12420  determines an alert method based on the privileges assigned to each other, the analysis of block  12416 , and the preferences of records  6500  for both nearby devices as configured in fields  6532  through  6538 . Then, block  12422  sends a nearby alert to both devices, and processing continues back to block  12408 . 
     The TIMEPERIOD value governs preventing of redundant alerts, while at the same time providing a time window to determine whether the devices are arriving or departing nearness. Blocks  12416  and  12418  prevent repeated redundant alerts according to the TIMEPERIOD window of records returned at block  12414 . Another embodiment could maintain a history of alerts sent at block  12422  so redundant alerts would not be sent. For example, the history would record all data about the alert to uniquely identify the alert, and to assign the historical record of the alert an expiration according to TIMEPERIOD, so that when the history information expired, only then would block  12422  send the same alert again in the absence of a duplicate historical alert record (i.e. all governed by TIMEPERIOD). Artificial intelligence is preferably implemented at block  12416  for proper analyzing of a nearby status for newly becoming near, or just departing from being near. A critical component for designating the meaning of nearness is the IntRadius field  6540  for one of, or both of the devices. Block  12416  uses mobile interest radius information. The moving interest radius can be used out of the record(s)  6500 , or overridden by use of the Delivery Manager by one or both devices. With reference now to  FIGS. 125A through 125C ,  FIGS. 125A through 125C  shall be discussed in context for nearby status embodiments as implemented at block  12416 . A first device situational location  12502  is not nearby a second device situational location  12504  until first device situational location  12502  is within the moving interest radius  12506  of the second device situational location  12504 . In another embodiment, a first device situational location  12502  is not nearby a second device situational location  12504  until the moving interest radius  12506  of the second device situational location intersects with moving interest radius  12508  of the first device situational location. In another embodiment, a first device situational location  12502  is not nearby a second device situational location  12504  until second device situational location  12504  is within the moving interest radius  12508  of the first device situational location  12502 . 
       FIG. 126  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of Delivery Manager Master presentation processing. Processing starts at block  12602  and continues to block  12604  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users. Thereafter, block  12606  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing (successful device credential data evidence preferably checked for instead) and continues to block  12608 . Block  12608  determines the device (or browser) type (if any) which caused  FIG. 126  processing, record  6500  fields of the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, builds a query to all records  10700  joined to associated records  7000  with Type field  10706  set to Master, does the query and opens a cursor for the joined records returned. Thereafter, block  12610  accesses the device&#39;s default Master template (e.g. as managed by  FIG. 143A ) and stores it in a template variable, then modifies the template variable for an appropriate style based on the device (or browser) type if a browser is applicable to  FIG. 126  processing as determined at block  12608 , and strips off the terminating HTML (“&lt;/body&gt;&lt;/html&gt;”). Sound is left in since it can be used to notify the user of a delivery in a particular browser. Block  12610  then starts the top of the delivery page to return to the browser (e.g. in section  12854  or section  13854 ), and continues to block  12612  where NEWHITLIST data evidence is placed into an array, and the page header (e.g. header  13004 ) is built for presentation of the page to return according to browser type if applicable. Then, block  12614  gets the next (or first) joined Master record  10700 / 7000  of the opened cursor, and continues to block  12616 . 
     If block  12616  determines all Master records are processed, then processing continues to block  12642  discussed below. If block  12616  determines there is another record to process, then processing continues to block  12618  where a Boolean variable GOTNEWHIT is set to False, and the NEWHITLIST array is iterated through to check for the presence of DCDBID  7002  Joined to DCDBID  10702 ). NEWHITLIST contains the DCDBIDs which were not already contained in the device Master (i.e. new deliveries). Thereafter, if block  12620  determines the DCDBID was found in NEWHITLIST, then block  12622  sets the variable GOTNEWHIT to True, and then determines applicable delivery indicators. Block  12622  determines applicable delivery indicators by: 
     1) Querying a record  8200  joined to associated record  7800  (on IndicID fields  8206 , and  7802 ) wherein Type field  8202  is for DCDBID and RecID  8204  equals the DCDBID of the joined record from block  12614  being currently processed. If no record is found, then the DCDBID content item has no associated Delivery Indicator, and the default indicator is set to NONE (i.e. null). If a record is found, then the default indicator is set to a pointer to the record data found.
 
2) Querying all records  8200  joined to associated record  7800  (on IndicID fields  8206 , and  7802 ) wherein Type field  8202  is for RegistryID and RecID  8204  equals the RegistryID from the record  6500  for the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. The query is to order records according to Ordr field  7806 . If no record is found, then the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing has no associated Delivery Indicators defined, and a prioritized device indicator list is set to NONE (i.e. null). If one or more record(s) is found, then the prioritized device indicator list is set to a pointer to the highest prioritized indicator record in the list.
 
3) If steps #1 and #2 find no indicators, then block  12622  sets the best match delivery indicator to NONE. If step #2 finds no indicators, then block  12622  sets the best match delivery indicator to the record found at step #1. If step #2 finds one or more indicators, then each is processed in the priority order using Criteria field  7808  just as interests field  6516  is used to match to a record  7000 . Another embodiment of criteria field  7808  permits filters and/or interests, like filters field  6518  and interests field  6516  for matching to the record  7000 , or another embodiment maintains a separate configurable filters field  7807  for comparison. If Criteria field  7808  is null, then that indicator is used. If an indicator is found for being applicable to the record  7000 , then the best match delivery indicator is set to that delivery indicator record. If no best match is found from the device indicators, and an indicator exists from step #1, the step #1 indicator becomes the best match delivery indicator.
 
     When block  12622  continues to block  12624 , the best match delivery indicator is either set to NONE, or is set to the best matching delivery indicator record  7800 . The best match delivery indicator record fields  7812 ,  7814 , and  7816  preferably override the analogous fields  6530 ,  6532 , and  6536 , respectively, of the record  6500  of the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. Another embodiment of records  7800  could also include fields analogous to fields  6534  and  6538  for overriding the addresses to deliver to. Block  12622  ensures any overriding of record  6500  with best match delivery indicator fields is performed before continuing to block  12624 . 
     If block  12624  determines the BrowseRcpt field (of record  6500  or overridden) is set to Yes, then block  12626  builds a row of output of record  7000  (from block  12614 ) for browser delivery according to the device and/or browser type, and according to the Verbose field  6544 . Some subset of row fields is highlighted if GOTNEWHIT is set to True to indicate a new item in the Master. Preferably, the Pushed date/time stamp is highlighted for the user to see that field. The SpeedRef field  7048  is to be handled in accordance with the device receiving that field. For example, a web page browser link should be invocable with a surrounding anchor tag (e.g. &lt;a . . . &gt; . . . &lt;/a&gt;) to be a user invocable link in a new window (target=“_blank”), an auto-dial phone number should be encoded for auto-dialing from the cell phone or PDA device, etc. The SpeedRef field  7048  is treated in context for the device type, as well as the intended use, of automatically transposing the user to another data processing system, or automatically communicating with another data processing system upon user invocation (selection). Block  12626  then continues to block  12628 . If block  12624  determines the BrowserRcpt flag is not set to yes, then processing continues to block  12628 . 
     If block  12628  determines GOTNEWHIT is not set to True, then processing continues back to block  12614  for the next joined record to process. If block  12628  determines GOTNEWHIT is set to True, then processing continues to block  12630 . If block  12630  determines the EmailRcpt field is not set to Yes, then processing continues to block  12634 . If block  12630  determines the EMailRcpt field is set to Yes, then block  12632  builds (or adds to) an email body construction in progress, and continues to block  12634 . Only records  7000  which are not existing in the Master at the time of delivery processing are preferably communicated by email to prevent redundant deliveries. If block  12634  determines the SMSRcpt field is not set to Yes, then processing continues to block  12638 . If block  12634  determines the SMSRcpt field is set to Yes, then block  12636  builds (or adds to) a small SMS message body construction in progress, and continues to block  12638 . Only records  7000  which are not existing in the Master at the time of delivery processing are preferably communicated by SMS message to prevent redundant deliveries. If block  12638  determines another device dependent delivery mechanism is not set to Yes, then processing continues to block  12614 . If block  12638  determines the device dependent delivery mechanism is set to Yes, then block  12640  builds (or adds to) the appropriate encoding, and continues back to block  12614  for the next joined Master record. 
     Block  12642  preferably overrides any delivery bodies built at blocks  12632 ,  12636 , and  12640  with a best match delivery indicator from a record  7800  that may have been found at block  12622  (assuming an indicator is applicable, for example when field  7052  is set to Yes). If no best match delivery indicator was found, then block  12642  continues directly to block  12644 . If block  12644  determines the EmailRcpt field is not set to Yes, then processing continues to block  12648 , otherwise block  12646  completes the email body constructed at block  12632 , sends it to the EMailAddr field, and processing continues to block  12648 . If block  12648  determines the SMSRcpt field is not set to Yes, then processing continues to block  12652 , otherwise block  12650  completes the SMS message body constructed at block  12636 , sends it to the SMSAddr field, and continues to block  12652 . Block  12652  handles sending a distribution appropriately if another delivery mechanism was set to Yes as built at block  12640 . Block  12652  also completes building of the browser page to return to the device if BrowseRct is set to Yes. Block  12652  completes building the page according to the device or browser type and sends it back to the user before continuing to block  12654  where  FIG. 126  processing terminates. The PGLOADED variable is also set to true at block  12652  if the invoker of  FIG. 120  processing was processing of  FIGS. 112 through 119  and associated user interfaces. 
     Fields  7040 ,  7042 ,  7044 ,  7046 , and  7076  are appropriately dealt with according to CType field  7040 , and the device type and/or browser type of  FIG. 120  processing, for appropriate presentation and delivery to a device. Compress field  7050  is preferably used at any of blocks  12632 ,  12636 ,  12640 ,  12646 ,  12650  and  12652  to ensure the content is compressed before sending it to the device. The compression algorithm type can be of a variety available for use according to receiving device type and/or deliverable content type. The IndicOnly field  6528  or IndicOnly field  7052  is used to force delivery of a delivery indicator in which case a system default indicator will be used in the absence of one determined at block  12622 . The BrowseRcpt, SMSRcpt, and EMailRcpt fields used at blocks  12624 ,  12630 ,  12634 ,  12638 ,  12644 ,  12648 , and  12652  are from the record  6500  field of the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, or as overridden at block  12622 . A performance conscious embodiment of block  12622  will process the device indicators one time and make them available for all subsequent accesses at block  12622  to prevent unnecessary I/O at block  12622 . The Verbose field  6544  is used at block  12632 , and is preferably never used at block  12636 . SMS messages should be small in size. Blocks  12636  and/or  12650  can enforce a website configuration maximum size, and may summarize the deliveries to accomplish that. Blocks  12646 ,  12650 , and  12652  can enforce a maximum size also, and may send a replacement distribution in place of a delivery deemed to be too large for a particular device. A best match delivery indicator can be implemented for delivery to a device browser and/or email address and/or SMS address and/or other delivery mechanism as is seen fit for the type of indicator, its content lengths, and a particular embodiment of  FIG. 126 . The BrowseRcpt field will variably define whether or not a device browser is to receive back delivery information. Various embodiments of  FIG. 126  may ignore a field for detection of certain device types, may always obey a field even if a browser is detected at the device, or may variably process a field depending on content to return, the device type, the browser type, settings in other fields of record  6500 , settings in fields of record  7000 , settings in fields of record  7800 , or in accordance with any server data  2104 . 
     Record fields not specifically described in the furthest detail of processing for: records  7000 ,  6500 ,  3000 , AND fields of other records joined to records  7000 ,  6500 , or  3000 , AND fields of web service  2102  records related to records  7000 ,  6500 , or  3000 ; ARE to be understood as described in their detailed descriptions of the record fields, and are appropriately integrated into the processing described for  FIG. 120  and related associated processing. 
       FIG. 126  does have Access Control processing which can be removed since already included in  FIG. 120  processing. CD-ROM file name “zmast.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing containing an embodiment of  FIG. 126 . 
       FIG. 127  depicts a flowchart for a preferred embodiment of generic Delivery Manager authentication processing, for example for use by a device equipped with its own means for determining its situational location, by a device able to determine its own situational location, or by a service able to determine a device situational location. This embodiment only requires device credentials for validation. Processing starts at block  12702  and continues to block  12704  where the ACCESS_LIST is set for authorized users, or devices with a device credential embodiment of  FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control. Successful logon data evidence is preferred as a prerequisite for using  FIG. 127 , but a device credential embodiment Access Control embodiment may be suitable. Thereafter, block  12706  performs  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing (successful device credential data evidence may be checked for instead) and continues to block  12708 . Block  12708  gets credential data evidence of a Deviceid field  6504  and device PW field  6506 . The invoker preferably uses a URL command line string from any device to  FIG. 127  processing. Any override parameters are also maintained. A query for a corresponding record  6500  is built, a DB connection is opened, the query is issued, and the DB connection is closed. Thereafter, if block  12710  determines a record  6500  was found for the device credentials, block  12712  builds a URL command line string containing fields of record  6500  needed for  FIG. 120  processing. Any override parameters received to  FIG. 127  for overriding record  6500  fields are used to replace corresponding fields found in the record  6500 . The completed command line string is returned to the invoker, and processing then terminates at block  12716 . If block  12710  determines a record was not found, then block  12714  appropriately reports the error to the invoker and processing terminates at block  12716 . The URL command line string is universal in nature for use by any device. Other embodiments can return a format of the information depending on the device and preferred communications format. 
       FIG. 127  can be used by any device, or service (e.g. service  2112 ), for returning a command line string for  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. The device, or service, uses the string as-is, and adds at least the device situational location parameters to it before invoking  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. Situational location parameters expected by  FIG. 120  processing must be added by the device for each of its heartbeat requests to  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. Record  6500  configuration fields are returned to the successfully authenticated device credential invoker. An example of a string returned to the invoker of  FIG. 127  is: 
     https://www.gpsping.com/MCD/g.asp?r=12745&amp;t=2&amp;q=sale&amp;e=Y&amp;m=williamjj@yahoo.com 
     Absence of parameters preferably indicates a null or No setting for fields of record  6500 . This device has interests of “sale” and wants deliveries to be made to only an email address of williamjj@yahoo.com. The “r” parameter is preferably a handle for subsequent  FIG. 120  processing. Now that  FIG. 127  validated the device credentials and provided its record  6500  configs, the device, or service, can send heartbeats after adding remaining parameters for  FIG. 120  processing, for example situational location parameters such as latitude, longitude, speed, heading, elevation, etc.  FIG. 120  processing is invoked from a GUI as described starting at  FIGS. 106A and 128A , or with the command line started as returned from  FIG. 127  processing, after adding situational location parameters for each heartbeat invocation of  FIG. 120 . Frames and separate pages are not relevant in command line invocations.  FIG. 120  can be reviewed in terms of its functionality without regard for a GUI, frames, pages, browser settings, browser checks, or any other description associated with the device GUI or browser. A single processing thread up through single process return is assumed. An ASP source code listing embodiment of  FIG. 120  processing which exemplifies  FIG. 127  use for subsequent command line heartbeat processing by command line invocation is included as CD-ROM file name “gsec.asp”. CD-ROM file name “gseclog.asp” provides an ASP program source code listing for an embodiment of  FIG. 127 . 
       FIG. 128A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager prior to starting delivery processing, for example after submitting parameters from  FIG. 106A .  FIGS. 128A through 143B  are screenshots from a browser invoked version of the Delivery Manager, and facilitate a visually guided understanding of the Delivery Manager. Devices that use  FIG. 127  and  FIG. 120  processing directly will work similarly, albeit without the GUI presentations involved. FIG.  128 A can also be invoked with a URL command line. Local automated situational location data gathering has not yet started, so there is no information other than:
         “m,t:-500,2” which means a moving interest radius of 500 feet, and a heartbeat for  FIG. 120  processing every 2 seconds   “Apr. 24, 2005 11:45:51 AM” which is a current date/time stamp   “Delivery: Not Enabled” which means the Delivery Manager is currently disabled (Delivery Disabled)   “ID:2 t:4,i:N,c:N,e:YYYYY:2144034071@messaging.nextel.com,williamjj@yahoo.com” which means an authenticated handle to web service  2102  for the device of 2, a deviceType field of 4, IndicOnly field of No, compress field  6526  of No, fields  6514 ,  6530 ,  6532 ,  6536 , and  6544 , each set to Yes, field  6534  set to 2144034071@messaging.nextel.com, and field  6538  set to williamjj@yahoo.com. Other embodiments will display different record  6500  fields, less record  6500  fields, no record  6500  fields, more record  6500  fields, or data from records joined to the record  6500  for the device.       

       FIG. 128B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for an empty Master, for example there have been no deliveries yet to the device presenting  FIG. 128A , or all previous deliveries have been archived to the device Archive.  FIG. 128B  is arrived to by selecting link  12802 .  FIG. 128C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for presentation of records in an Archive, for example from selecting link  12804 . Apparently the device of  FIG. 128A  has received previous deliveries, and they were archived by the user to the device Archive as shown in  FIG. 128C . Recall that  FIG. 111  showed all records  7000  to currently be set to inactive which shall be assumed in the explanations here and hereinafter until indicated otherwise.  FIG. 128D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Device settings interface, for example upon selection of link  12810 . The current device interests, filters, and delivery addresses (if configured are shown). This device has set interests to “estate sale”, “garage sale”, and “sale”. This device has no filters set. SMS delivery is set on with the corresponding address. Email delivery is additionally set on with the corresponding address. The browser delivery was set to Yes (Y) as described above. This device has three delivery methods active to facilitate examples of each. Typically a single method is selected.  FIG. 128E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing. The user has selected the start button  12806  (which is now disabled since already started) and the screenshot of  FIG. 128E  was taken some time after Delivery Manager processing started. Notice there is situational location information now displaying real-time as shown with each update every 2 seconds by the date/time stamp. The device is not currently moving (Speed 0 MPH), but its most recent heading was 160.92 degrees from magnetic North. The prime link  12812  was likely not needed to ensure GPS connectivity was working, but the link is always available for real-time GPS data collection. 
       FIG. 129  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for listing DCDB records of  FIG. 111  which show now that a Content Provider user has just completed modifying a single record (“Office Supply Out of Business Sale”) for being active. The activated record is destined for any device traveling at any direction (0 means Any) at the associated latitude and longitude. Recall that the direction (e.g. Any, East, West, North, South, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast) can be specified for mobile devices  2540  at a location to further distinguish a candidate delivery to the devices. As soon as the record  7000  is activated, it is instantly delivered to any devices at that situational location. 
       FIG. 130A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after traveling to a situational location having an applicable DCDB record, for example at a laptop or Tablet PC. The device of  FIGS. 128A ,  128 E, and  130 A has received the content delivery after the DCDB record was activated as shown in  FIG. 129 . Note the Verbose option was set to Yes for the full browser device, and a date/time stamp of when the record  7000  was pushed to the device is accompanied by the latitude, longitude, and configured direction of the content item received. A closer examination of  FIG. 130A  shows that the current location coordinates of the device and the interest radius of 500 feet is indeed reasonable for the delivery of the content item. These are actual screenshots of a fully functional GPSPing.com system as disclosed in the present application. The activated content item from  FIG. 129  contains a speed reference  13078  for convenient user selection to link to a website address associated with the content. The content message  13080  is somewhat small but contains information relevant for the user&#39;s current situational location (e.g. latitude, longitude, direction, interests, speed, etc). Link  13082  can be selected by the user to clear the delivery section  13002  so it appears again like  FIG. 128A  section  12854 . The Content item Pushed date/time stamp cell is highlighted to show this is an item delivered which is not already in the Master (i.e. a new hit). A speed reference may be delivered variably to different device types. For example, SpeedRef field  7048  contains special characters or commands for presenting a different speed reference type depending on the device, browser type, or any other data in server data  2104  associated with the device at the time of delivery. A cell phone can receive an auto-dial phone number while a full browser device receives a web link such as link  13078 . 
       FIG. 130B  shows that the content item was also sent to the williamjj@xyz.com email address as configured in record  6500 . The SMS message of the content was also delivered to the SMS address. 
       FIG. 130C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for records in a Master, for example after the user selects the Master link  12802  from  FIG. 130A . The device Master now contains the single deliverable content item that was delivered. The user can view the device Master, or place a check-mark next to the item and move it to the device Archive with archive button  13096 , or delete it from the Master with delete button  13098 . Assuming the user check-marked the item under the “Select For Action” column, and then selected archive button  13096 ,  FIG. 130D  is presented.  FIG. 130D  displays because after the item was moved from the device Master to the device Archive, there are no content items remaining in the device Master.  FIG. 108  processing as invoked from  FIG. 109  now shows no records in the device Master. Selecting Archive link  12804  from  FIG. 130A  shows  FIG. 131 . Notice that when comparing  FIG. 131  with the previous Archive contents of  FIG. 128C , the content item delivered in  FIG. 130A  has been moved to the device Archive. There are now three content items in the device Archive and no items in the device Master. When there are a reasonable number of entries in either the device Master or Archive (e.g. when compared to a website configuration), the “Select Delivery Range” section at the top of the table can be used to return only the content items with Last Pushed dates in the user specified range. When time specification fields are enabled, a button appears at the top of the table for invocation. The page is simply refreshed with the entries meeting the time range criteria. The Archive is preferably read-only when linked from the Delivery Manager since a preferred embodiment uses device credentials (possibly a lesser security) for Delivery Manager authentication. A user preferably must logon on to web service  2102  with user account credentials and manage the Archive from device management interfaces, for example when viewing or modifying a device record. 
       FIG. 132  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing, for example after archiving the content item delivered in  FIG. 130A , and then selecting link  13082  to clear the section  13002 .  FIG. 132  is a running Delivery Manager, still providing device heartbeats to  FIG. 120  processing every 2 seconds with the console being refreshed with any new situational location information that applies along with a current date/time stamp. For purposes of the following descriptions, the reader should assume that the Delivery Manager stop button  12808  was invoked for terminating processing immediately after moving the delivered record to the Archive, and the window of  FIG. 132  was closed by the user. Current contents of the device Master and Archive are assumed to remain the same. 
       FIG. 133A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying a plurality of DCDB records by a Content Provider, for example to modify the DCDB records  7000  of  FIGS. 111 and 129  for all being active entries.  FIG. 133B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for listing DCDB records, for example to confirm that all the DCDB records were successfully modified for being active. As soon as the records are activated, they are instantly delivered to any devices at that situational location. 
       FIG. 134A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for starting the Delivery Manager, except this time it is started with a moving interest radius of 250 miles in an attempt to cause proactive delivery of more content items. With reference to  FIG. 134B , depicted is a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing from  FIG. 134A , starting the Delivery Manager processing with the start button, and traveling to a situational location with applicable DCDB records that are active. Note there are two content items which are delivered to the device, one that was delivered previously plus an additional item. The previously delivered item is no longer found in the Master so is deemed a new delivery. The user can control redundant deliveries by keeping previous deliveries in the Master. Since both items are considered new, the Pushed date/time stamp for each is highlighted. That way new entries can be distinguished from existing entries in the Master. The content items are sorted by Pushed date/time stamps starting with the most recent. Whenever a delivery refreshes the bottom section  13002  (i.e. a new delivery occurred), an audible sound is played, for example as shown in the Master template file of  FIG. 143A .  FIG. 134C  shows the deliveries were also sent to the email address of record  6500  as discussed above for the device presenting  FIG. 134B . Content items were also sent by SMS message to the SMS address as discussed above. Notice that the content items both have interests criteria of “sale” for the device as shown in  FIG. 128D . That may be why only two DCDB items were delivered. 
       FIG. 135  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for modifying a Registry record, in fact the same record  6500  of the device demonstrating the Delivery Manager since  FIG. 128A  up to this point. Even though the device type is set for a cell phone, that does not prevent a user from starting the Delivery Manager with device credentials from any device. The device types are used for affecting content delivery and defaulting behavior, rather than for limiting a device access to the heterogeneous Delivery Manager interfaces. Also note the interests have been removed for the device so there is no limiting user interest criteria now for content to deliver. All fields except the interest field  6516  remain the same. It is at the “Manage Archive” link that the user can manage the device Archive. 
       FIG. 136A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing and traveling to a situational location with applicable DCDB records. In one embodiment, an active Delivery Manager is communicated to instantly upon modifying record  6500  for updating any visual display of record  6500  information and affecting processing with new values. In another embodiment, the display may not be updated, but the new values are used for processing. In another embodiment, the display is not updated, nor is the processing with the new record  6500  processing. In this last embodiment, the user would have to stop and restart the Delivery Manager, for example from  FIG. 134A . In any case,  FIG. 136A  shows that the absence of interests makes all content items eligible for delivery with respect to the user&#39;s lack of specific interests. Selecting the Filters/Configs link  13610  of  FIG. 136A  produces the window of  FIG. 136B  which confirms there are no interests configured now.  FIG. 136A  shows all four deliverable content records are highlighted even though there were already two existing in the Master at the time of delivery as shown at  FIG. 134B . This is because all four entries were newly delivered. If only the new two entries of  FIG. 136A  had been delivered, then the other two existing Master entries would not have been highlighted this time. The Pushed column always reflects the most recent delivery date/time of the particular content item.  FIG. 136C  also confirms that all 4 entries were delivered (two redelivered) at the same time as sent to the configured email address. An SMS message was also delivered as configured. A preferred embodiment delivers only the two new entries which are not yet in the device Master at all. 
       FIG. 136D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for records in a Master, for example after selecting Master link  12802  from  FIG. 136A . The 4 deliverable content records of  FIG. 136A  are shown in the Master view of  FIG. 136D . The user can move check-marked entries to the Archive with button  13096  or delete check-marked entries with delete button  13098 . 
       FIG. 137  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot after starting delivery processing for a full browser Delivery Manager with the hide console option set (e.g. check-mark in hide console checkbox  10612 ) The situational location data portion of the console is removed, but everything else functions the same as the full console described above. 
       FIG. 138A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of a Delivery Manager device interface for a PDA. If the device is detected for being a PDA, or the device forces invocation of the PDA browser version of the Delivery Manager, the interface of  FIG. 138A  is presented to the device. All functionality of the full browser version of the Delivery Manager is also in the PDA version. The interface is smaller for being suitable for a smaller display. A PDA run-time code link is provided at the top of the page in case the user needs to install it to the device prior to use. The link is provided as described above for the full browser. Everything described for  FIGS. 128A through 137  is identical for the PDA interfaces, albeit with a smaller display area, smaller buttons, and a compact display of information.  FIG. 138B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a PDA browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing. As described above, the PDA browser Delivery Manager can be started completely with a URL command line as well. Note that the same device credentials used for describing  FIGS. 128A through 137  are used in the PDA Figures. So, where processing left off from  FIG. 137 , the PDA Figures will pick up with  FIG. 138B , except that  FIG. 138B  was started with a moving interest radius override of 500 yards. The start button  13806  (“B” for Begin) was already invoked by the user, and Delivery manager processing is sending heartbeats to  FIG. 120  processing every 2 seconds. No new deliverable content has been delivered so far to this invocation of the Delivery Manager.  FIG. 138C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for presenting records in the device Master to a PDA upon selection of master link  13802 . Of course, border  5050  is a scrollable area and a PDA would not see as much vertical data as shown. Analogous Archive and Delete buttons are provided at the bottom of the scrollable page.  FIG. 138D  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for presenting records in an Archive to a PDA upon selection of archive link  13804 . Of course, border  5050  is a scrollable area and a PDA would not see as much vertical data as shown. The Archive is preferably read-only when invoked from the Delivery Manager.  FIG. 138E  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a PDA Device settings interface upon selection of Filters/Configs link  13810 . It confirms the settings as last seen for this device at  FIGS. 137 ,  136 B, etc. The Prime link  13812  invokes  FIG. 75A  already described above. The GPS Dashboard of  FIGS. 75A and 75B  is already sized for a PDA or full browser.  FIG. 139  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot after starting automated delivery processing for a PDA Delivery Manager with the hide console option set, for example hide console check-mark option  13812 .  FIG. 139  is actively sending device heartbeats to  FIG. 120  processing as depicted with “Deliv: Enabled”, and the start button  13806  is disabled. 
     Delivery Manager—User Specified Situational Location 
       FIG. 140  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for starting the Delivery Manager with a user specified situational location. All Delivery Manager functionality is exactly the same for a user specified situational location except that situational location information (e.g. physical location) is specified by the user rather than automatically determined for a mobile device. A user can specify proactive search capability for anywhere in the world as though his device was there, however the device physical location is fixed (not moving). In another embodiment, a user may select a route on a map, or specify a plurality of position information for specifying a movement. In another embodiment, a user may further specify time points with the positions for designating when the device is at particular location(s). Depending on an embodiment, an interest radius can be circular, rectangular, a point, an area, a polygon, a three dimensional region in space, etc. Various embodiments will expose interfaces in a similar manner to  FIG. 140  whereby the user can set any subset of a situational location, or any parameters of a situational location for driving desired Delivery Manager functionality. 
     The moving interest radius and other configurations and processing are the same. This allows users to set up proactive searches that stay running until applicable active content record(s)  7000  are available and meet situational location criteria. Current search engines provided by google.com, yahoo.com, icerocket.com, etc, search for information only at the moment the user conducts the search (google.com, yahoo.com, and icerocket.com are trademarks of the respective companies). The present disclosure enables a user to conduct a search that keeps on searching into the future until sought information become available (called a proactive search). The user is not burdened with repeated entering of the same search criteria over a period of time until sought information is found, remembering search criteria needed to find information that has not yet been found, nor manually searching for information that isn&#39;t available yet until sometime in the future. The user can specify situational location information one time and have it used in automatic periodic searches into the future for as long as he wants. 
     In one example, the user wishes to find a rare antique which is not yet available, for example from an auction site such as ebay.com. With the user specified location interface, the user specifies location information and an interest radius along with interests for the rare antique description information. From that point on, the search periodically takes place into the future according the server check frequency. Deliverable Content data, whether it be locally maintained to web service  2102 , or remotely accessed as needed, can be accessed and delivered to the user when available. Web service  2102  preferably accesses the eBay database, yahoo databases, google search source databases, and many other databases for deliverable content over the internet. Web service  2102  is vendor neutral in supporting many and any databases or data sources, hopefully for maximizing the user&#39;s chance in finding the rare antique at some time in the future. 
       FIG. 140  is analogous to  FIG. 106A  except the user explicitly specifies situational location information to the Delivery Manager  2510 .  FIG. 112  processing is preferably as already described upon selecting start button  14096  except the user specified situational location information (e.g. section  14094 ) is validated and then converted to an appropriate data evidence format which is passed to subsequent processing.  FIG. 113  processing is preferably as already described with block  11342  causing block  11312  to gather the user&#39;s situational location specifications to  FIG. 140 .  FIG. 114A  processing is preferably as already described with block  11410  causing block  11412  to gather the user&#39;s situational location specifications (e.g. to  FIG. 140 ).  FIG. 114B  processing is preferably as already described with blocks  11464  and  11476  irrelevant since a prime link  12812  is preferably not presented to the Delivery Manager user interface for a user specified situational location.  FIGS. 115 ,  116 ,  117 A,  117 B,  117 C,  119 ,  121 ,  122  and  126  processing is preferably as already described.  FIG. 120  processing is preferably as already described with functionality preferably removed for Pingimeter processing (removal of block  12052 ) and Nearby processing (removal of block  12054 ), otherwise false alerts will be sent for proactive searches. Another preferred embodiment will additionally remove Share Delivery processing (removal of block  12026 ), otherwise false experiences will be shared. In other embodiments, user configurations can drive whether or not to permit all or some portion of  FIG. 120  processing for proactive searches (user specified situational location searches).  FIG. 118  processing is preferably as is already described except GPS interface blocks  11804 ,  11816 ,  11806 ,  11808 ,  11812 ,  11820  and  11832  are removed, and  FIG. 118  processing is as described here: 
       FIG. 118  user specified situational location Get Fix processing starts at block  11802  and continues to block  11810  where the user specified situational location information is determined as passed from the user, for example by  FIG. 140  or  FIG. 142B . Thereafter, block  11814  converts the user specified situational location information for display and subsequent processing if necessary. One preferred embodiment will establish the format of information one time at validation so that unnecessary repeated conversions need not take place at a block  11814 . Thereafter, block  11830  checks if user specified situational location movement parameters were specified. Thereafter, blocks  11828 ,  11826 ,  11824 ,  11822 , and  11818  are preferably as already described using the user specified situational location information instead of automatically detected information. Discussions with  FIGS. 125A through 125C  remain identical, as do other aspects of Delivery Manager processing, user interface, and related server data  2104 . 
     User specified situational location information section  14094  provides the user with many options that are analogous to those which were discussed above for DCDB management. A radio button is specified by the user for “Location By:” processing. Button  14078  is analogous to button  7178 . Dropdown  14078 - d  is analogous to dropdown  7178 - d . Processing upon selecting button  14078  is identical to button  7178  except user specifications returned from  FIG. 72  processing are used to set Latitude and Longitude read-only information at area  14092  at the bottom of section  14094  with possible right margin information also displayed there. So, even though the radio button is not selected for area  14092  of section  14094 , information for the “Select on Map” button processing is displayed to area  14092  for informative purposes, as is information from selection of button  14084 . Pre-translation criteria  14080 - m  is analogous to pre-translation criteria menu  7180 - m . The only difference is there is no button  7180  required. Selecting button  14096  will validate specifications and then perform identical  FIG. 73  processing as if a button  7180  was selected. The resulting geo-translated data is then communicated to subsequent processing. Button  14084  is analogous to button  7184 . Button  14084  causes  FIG. 76  processing as already described. The user specified decimal degrees are converted, and area  14092  is used to show the resulting values in a different form. The “Device” radio button and “Phone #” radio button are also analogous to as described above. The resulting location information is passed to subsequent processing upon invoking button  14096 . 
     A description field  14002  enables the user to specify a description for the user specified situational location search for naming the search for easy identification since many user specified situational location searches can be made active simultaneously for even a single user, and many proactive searches are maintainable for a user of web service  2102 . Proactive search method dropdown  14004  can be selected by the user for where the search thread is executed for conducting the proactive search: local to the device (“Driven By Client”), or at the server (“Driven By Server”). Various embodiments may enforce one or the other option. When driven by the client, the Delivery Manager heartbeat functionality is driven from the device, for example by a browser interface as already described, or an interface which invokes  FIG. 120  processing (minus blocks  12026 ,  12052 ,  12054 ) directly as was already described. The device interfaces to web service  2102  by way of an internet connection, or other suitable communications method. When driven by the server, a thread is spawned at web service  2102 , or at a system in communications with web service  2102 , for periodically sending heartbeats on behalf of the device with the user specified location information to  FIG. 120  processing (minus blocks  12026 ,  12052 ,  12054 ). Server search expiration entry field  14006  allows the user to specify a date/time stamp (e.g. Jul. 17, 2005) in the future for when the search thread or Delivery Manager is to stop sending heartbeats to  FIG. 120  processing (minus blocks  12026 ,  12052 ,  12054 ). No specification to entry field  14006  indicates no expiration thereby forcing the user to terminate processing manually at some time in the future. Expiration processing is preferably checked for at a new block  11903  (after block  11902 ) where an expiration detected causes processing to continue to a new block  11905  where variables are set to indicate processing is terminated, and then on to block  11914  as already described. The user specified expiration at entry field  14006  is passed to subsequent processing as data evidence. Check-box field  14008  indicates whether to add this  FIG. 140  user specified situational location search to the user&#39;s list of outstanding proactive searches (when check-marked). The user can manage all outstanding proactive searches at link  14098 . 
       FIG. 141  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Proactive Search Table called a proactive search record  14100 . RegistryID  14102  is foreign key to RegistryID  6502  with a cascade delete relationship preferably in place. RegistryID  14102  ties one or more records  14100  to a device record  6500 . A join query can be performed for the PersonID of the user from Owner field  6522  of the record  6500  joined by field  14102  to field  6502 . Descript field  14104  is the user specified description from entry field  14002 . LatDD field  14106  contains the latitude degrees (signed decimal number) location of the user specified situational location for the proactive search. LonDD field  14108  contains the longitude degrees (signed decimal number) location of the user specified situational location for the proactive search. IntRadius field  14110  contains an interest radius surrounding the situational location of record  14100  which is the eligible target for situational location derived content. IntRadius field  14110  can be maintained in any units but preferably is maintained in feet, however, it can be derived from any units in a user interface. PMRID  14112  is an id for joining to records  9400  and  9450  on PMRID  9402 . ChkFreq field  14114  corresponds to the user specification at field  10618  and dropdown  10620 , preferably in a universal set of units converted to and from as needed. ProSrchMeth field  14148  is set to ‘C’ for client driven, or ‘S’ for server driven (heartbeat processing) as described above. SrchMeth field  14118  defines a preferred search method for the device when finding situational location content for the device. Search Methods include, and are not limited to:
     Const PRECISE_EXACTMATCH=1 ‘Seconds (S) from client is used for exact match.   Const PRECISE_ROUNDnMATCH=2 ‘Seconds (S) from client are rounded to an integer, then used to match exactly.   Const PRECISE_ROUNDw1D=3 ‘S from client are rounded to a # with one decimal place, then used to match exactly.   Const PRECISE_HALFSECOND=4 ‘S+/−0.5 second range.   Const PRECISE_FULLSECOND=5 ‘S+/−1 second range.   Const PRECISE_SP25toP75=6 ‘X.25&lt;S&lt;X.75 uses X; X.0&lt;=S&lt;=X.25: (X−1) &amp;X; X.75&lt;=S&lt;=X+1:X&amp;(X+1).   Const PRECISE_SM1toSP1=7 ‘S=X.aaa . . . : (X−1) to (X+1) range.   Const PRECISE_BYUSER=−N ‘Negative indicates an interest radius in feet
 
Expire field  14120  is a date/time stamp of when the proactive search is to terminate. ActiveEntry field  14122  is set to Yes (‘Y’) for the search is active, or No (“N”) for the search is not active. This allows the Delivery Manager driving thread to  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, whether it be local to the device, at web service  2102 , or at a data processing system in communications with web service  2102 , to know which proactive searches are currently executing. DTCreated field  14124  contains a date/time stamp of when the record  14100  was created in (added to) the Proactive Search Table, for example upon invocation of button  14094  when a check-mark is in check-box  14008 . Block  11212  of  FIG. 112  will create a record  14100  after selecting button  14096  as part of converting user interface fields for subsequent processing when check-box  14008  contains a check-mark. DTLastChg field  14126  contains a date/time stamp of when any field in the record  14100  was last modified. CIP field  14128  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that created the applicable data record  14100 . The CHIP field  14130  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  14100 . CHName field  14132  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that created applicable data record  14100 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. ChgrIP field  14134  preferably contains an internet protocol (ip) address of the user&#39;s device that last modified the applicable data record  14100 . The ChgrHIP field  14136  preferably contains the ip address of the actual physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  14100 . ChgrHName field  14138  preferably contains the host name of the physical server of web service  2102  that last modified applicable data record  14100 , for example because web service  2102  may be a large cluster of physical servers. Record  14100  may also include override fields for overriding any field in the record  6500  that is joined by way of RegistryID  14102 . Record  14100  may also include override fields for overriding any field in any record  7000  that is found by a search match to criteria associated with record  14100 . Speed, elevation, and other situational location parameters may also be provided to a record  14100  for user specification in proactive searches.
   

     Records  14100  are created/added with  FIG. 140  when the check-mark is placed at check-box  14008 . When the check-mark is present upon selection of button  14096 , then the search is preferably performed asynchronously without display of a Delivery Manager user interface, and processing takes the user to the same interface of link  14098 . If a check-mark is not present, then a Delivery Manager user interface is presented to the user as though no other proactive searches are active (which may be), and block  11212  does not add the proactive search requested to the proactive search list managed through link  14098 . Link  14098  takes the user to a list interface similarly discussed for other record types above wherein the list of pending proactive searches for the user (if any) are presented to the user, can be paginated, and check-marked for action. Preferably, there is a website enforced maximum number of pending proactive searches per user (and/or per device) so no search criteria interface needs to be provided (however, a search interface prior to listing entries may be provided). So, users can list their current proactive searches with a standard display of fields including at least the Descript field  14104  and ActiveEntry field  14122 . Users can delete, view, or modify a record, or delete, view, or modify a plurality of records as discussed above for other record types (e.g.  2900 ,  6500 ,  7000 , etc). When a proactive search record is modified, an associated executable search thread may be terminated, and a new one started, for example if ActiveEntry field  14122  is set to Yes and Expire field  14120  has not already expired. Modifying field  14122  provides the user with control for starting or terminating proactive search threads. In one embodiment, modifying other record  14100  fields causes an associated executable proactive search thread to be terminated and restarted automatically with new values. In another embodiment, the user must manually terminate the thread by modifying field  14122  to No, and then back to Yes for restarting with new values. In any case, records  14100  can be maintained by a user regardless of whether there are associated active executable threads issuing heartbeats to  FIG. 120  processing (minus Share, Pingimeters, and Nearby processing as discussed above). This way the user can manage activating or deactivating any in his list as desired while changing any record  14100  fields to configure a particular search. Various embodiment will support drill down from any field of record  14100 . 
     When ProSrchMeth is set to ‘S’ (Driven by server), communications is managed to the data processing system (server) which is executing a proactive search thread (when ActiveEntry field  14122  is set to yes) for starting or terminating the thread at the service. In a UNIX embodiment, an INETD.CONFIG configuration allows communicating to an ip port for spawning a proactive search thread or terminating the thread at the service  2102 , or at a server in communications with the service  2102 . In a Microsoft Windows environment, a service program may already be started for responding to ip requests for starting or terminating a proactive search thread at the data processing running the Windows service. In another Windows embodiment, Remote Procedure Call (RPC) functionality is employed for enabling or disabling remote proactive search threads. There are potentially millions of proactive search threads executing on behalf of users (or devices), so preferably the threads are compiled and linked executable code to keep code size small and efficient. One embodiment will utilize U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,722, entitled “Method of Executing Programs in a Network” by Johnson, for deploying mass numbers of threads to a network rather than to specific machines. This takes complexities out of managing the proactive search threads across a plurality of data processing systems on behalf of large masses of users. So, web service  2102  will execute a plurality of proactive search threads on behalf of users to web service  2102 , or devices communicating to web services  2102 , wherein each proactive search thread is configured to search for data into the future until the user terminates it, or its execution expires in accordance with a user configuration. Any data can be searched, any database or external data source is supported as described above, and searches are in context for many different applications. 
     When ProSrchMeth is set to ‘C’ (Driven by client), communications is managed to the local data processing system (e.g. device) which is executing a proactive search thread (when ActiveEntry field  14122  is set to yes) for starting or terminating the thread at the device. In one browser embodiment, pages are served back to the device and Active-X is used to interface to the operating system for managing local proactive search threads. In another embodiment, Javascript and/or Java applets are used to interface to the local device operating system. 
       FIG. 142A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a full browser Delivery Manager after starting delivery processing for a user specified situational location. This user interface is identical in user interface processing to  FIGS. 128A ,  128 E,  130 A,  132 ,  134 B,  136 A,  137 , etc. except the situational location information (e.g. latitude, longitude, etc) was user specified and remains constant throughout heartbeat processing, and the prime link is not relevant so is not displayed. In another embodiment as discussed above, situational location information may have been specified as a route with or without points in time of specific points on the route which allow changing over the course of time during Delivery Manager proactive search processing by user specified situational location. 
     In one embodiment, a user selects a route on a map much like the plotting of routes on a map by  FIG. 98A . The user can specify a sequence of ordered points to define the route, or draw a line on a map which is used to generate a sequence of data points for a route. An elevation, speed and any other situational location information can be specified. In another embodiment, the user enters time points for applicable points of simulate travel in the proactive search capability. Regardless of embodiment, the user is provided with means for specifying one or more situational locations together with useful search criteria such as interests, filters, etc for conducting content or information searches into the future without further user interaction. Once sought data is found in the future, the user (or device) is appropriately notified of the content or information found. 
       FIG. 142B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot of Delivery Manager PDA device interface processing for a user specified situational location.  FIG. 142B  is the PDA user interface version of  FIG. 140 . Web service  2102  is completely supports heterogeneous devices, so the scrollable area is shown for smaller screen devices.  FIG. 142B  is identical is functionality to  FIG. 140 . There is just a smaller presentation of the same interface. A device type and/or browser type is detected by web service  2102  for presenting the appropriate interface. Command line invocations also exist for invoking an interface manually from any device. 
       FIG. 142C  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for an automated email delivery after traveling to a situational location having applicable DCDB records wherein the content length exceeds reasonable size of the receiving device. A large amount of deliverable content may be delivered to a device wherein an indicator may not be configured, applicable, relevant, or reasonable, depending on the embodiment. Therefore, the delivery mechanism, for example at blocks  12646  and  12650  (SMTP (Simple Mail Transport Protocol) interface in one embodiment), can deliver a smaller reasonable delivery which summarizes deliveries so an unusually large delivery does not take place. Block  12646  and/or  12650  may also determine an indicator is not relevant and that the receiving device capabilities are not reasonable for such a large delivery in which case a summary email such as  FIG. 142C  is sent by email or SMS message. Blocks  12646  and/or  12650  can also decide not to send deliverable content because of the content type with respect to the capabilities of the receiving device. The device type and/or browser type is automatically determined by the web service  2102 , or is specified by the service interface invoker, thereby making that information always available. A table can be configured to web service  2102  which maps content delivery types supported by device type and/or browser type. The table can also map a maximum size and other constraints about the target system for delivery so blocks  12646  and/or  12650  appropriately push the right content and the right size of content to devices  2540 . Other table embodiments can specify time periods with different capabilities, as well as any other variables affecting the content type and/or size of content to deliver. Blocks  12646  and/or  12650  send content appropriately as determined by device situational location, user configurations, user configured constraints, system configurations, system configured constraints, device capabilities, time of delivery, or any other variable useful in deciding the best method for sending content to the device. 
       FIG. 143A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a text editor edit of a default Master presentation preferences file which provides a template for content delivery presentation. An alternate embodiment will store the template in an SQL database for access and maintenance.  FIG. 143B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for a text editor edit of a default Archive presentation preferences file which provides a template for archived content delivery presentation. An alternate embodiment will store the template in an SQL database for access and maintenance. 
     A device can use  FIG. 127  processing and a GUI-less driven version of  FIG. 120  processing for heartbeats thereby preventing any use of GUI objects at all. The browser versions of the Delivery Manager can of course be executed in a window simultaneously while other applications are running. The window embodiment can be minimized so the user does not need to know its running. The non-GUI thread versions of the Delivery Manager, regardless of how driven, can also be executed simultaneously to other applications. 
       FIGS. 39A and 39B  Access Control processing of the Delivery Manager can use device credentials or user account credentials, or both. Delivery Manager flowchart processing is preferably performed as an executable thread limited by only the environment configured for web service  2102 . Users should not have to wait for any thread to complete before being serviced. Many threads are executed simultaneously to service users at the same time. In one embodiment of web service  2102 , a pre-allocated pool of threads are made available and reused as needed to service users. 
     PingSpots, situational locations of DCDB records  7000 , and Pingimeters can be three dimensional regions. The three dimensional regions are three dimensional areas in space which deems a delivery for mobile devices that travel through or near (e.g. in accordance with their interest radius) the three dimensional area in space. A three dimensional region will require at least one point in three dimensional space, for example as an origin. That point can be specified as a point in a x-y-z plane, a point in polar coordinates, or the like, perhaps the center of a planet (e.g. earth) or the Sun, some origin in the Universe, or any other origin for distinctly locating three dimensional regions in space. The situational location of the device, or of the content, can be just the point in three dimensional space. A three dimensional situational location larger than a point, such as a three dimensional region in space, will need at least a three dimensional point as described and perhaps a radius from a center point for representing a sphere.  FIG. 125  is easily discussed in terms of situational location points and interest radius spheres when considering a three dimensional embodiment. A three dimensional embodiment may include a rectangular region in space where all rectangle vertices are represented by x-y-z coordinates with a three dimensional point for an origin of reference. A rectangular region can be represented by one or more mathematical curves, or some other means for defining the region in space. Elevation (e.g. for earth, or some other planet, use) may be useful to the three dimensional point of origin, and/or for the three dimensional region in space. An unusual region in space can also be specified with connecting x-y-z coordinates together to bound the three dimensional region in space. There are many methods for representing a three dimensional region in space without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Users with their devices can travel by plane through three dimensional regions (situational locations) in space for deeming a delivery in context with descriptions above. Users with their devices can travel under the sea through three dimensional regions (situational locations) in space for deeming a delivery in context with descriptions above. Users with their devices can travel around earth, through space, or to other planets through three dimensional regions (situational locations) in space for deeming a delivery in context with descriptions above. Users with their devices can travel anywhere in the universe through three dimensional regions (situational locations) in space for deeming a delivery in context with descriptions above. 
     Application specific data fields are available for the SDPS being an integrated solution with some other service. Location information (regardless of a two dimensional point or area embodiment, or three dimensional point or region embodiment), direction information, time criteria information, and delivery activation setting(s) information together with application specific data fields, any fields of any records of web service  2102 , any configuration information, criteria, or attributes of devices, content, or environments form the situational location information associated with the content which establishes a delivery. 
     Configurator and Special Interoperability 
       FIG. 144  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment for Delivery Configurator configuration aspects, for example upon selection of the Delivery Config option  4664 , or with a command line URL for invocation of the Delivery Config option for the Delivery Configurator.  FIG. 144  is the preferred driving user interface logic to user interfaces of  FIGS. 147 ,  149 , and  156 A through  156 B. While  FIGS. 147 ,  149 , and  156 A through  156 B are presented as Java Applet style user interfaces, this is in no way meant to limit the possible embodiments to accomplish the same functionality. Any other user interface embodiment may be deployed as is reasonable for the particular device or device type without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. After selection of option  4664 , Delivery Configurator processing starts at block  14402  and continues to block  14418  where the user enters authentication parameters. In one option, the user enters web service  2102  user account credentials (LogonName field  3004  and password field  3006 ) maintained in a Users Table record  3000 . In another option, the user enters device account credentials (Deviceid fields  6504  and password field  6506 ) maintained in a Registry Table record  6500 . In yet another embodiment, the user specifies a group name field  8906  maintained in a Groups Table record  8900  along with a new group password field  8907  also maintained by a user with Groups Table record  8900 . The group password can be maintained by a user as any other field in data record  8900  with the same record management interfaces. Any user who knows the group password can logon with the Group Table credentials. 
     When the user authenticates to the Delivery Configurator, he is setting the Delivery Configurator Assignor(s) for preferences discussed below. When the user authenticates at block  14418  with an account logon name and password (user account credentials), he accesses the Delivery Configurator for configuration on behalf of that user account (i.e. all devices), as well as any other user accounts or devices the account has an “Affinity Delegate” privilege granted (assigned) from as a User to User assignment, Device to Device assignment, User to Device assignment, or Device to User assignment. When the user authenticates at block  14418  with device credentials (device&#39;s id/password), he accesses the Delivery Configurator for configuration on behalf of that particular device, as well as any other devices he has an “Affinity Delegate” privilege granted (assigned) from as a User to User assignment, Device to Device assignment, User to Device assignment, or Device to User assignment. In one embodiment, hosting device data evidence or successful logon data evidence is compared with privileges assigned to enable an automated Delivery Configurator authentication, and/or to prevent logging on directly with someone else&#39;s credentials. When the user authenticates with group credentials, he accesses the Delivery Configurator for configuration on behalf of all users and devices contained in the group. Recall that a privilege (e.g. “Affinity Delegate”) can be assigned (granted) from a user to a user, from a user to a device, from a device to a device, and from a device to a user. The context brings relevance to the privilege assignment depending on the privilege. 
     Block  14418  determines the authentication type requested (i.e. by user (logon name), by device (Deviceid), or by group (group name)), and validates the entered credentials before continuing to block  14420 . The Users Table record  3000 , Registry Table record  6500 , or Groups Table record  8900  will be interrogated depending on the Delivery Configurator authentication type. Block  14418  never continues to block  14420  until user entered credentials are validated as successful. In a preferred embodiment, block  14418  will enforce a maximum number of authentication attempts. After a maximum number of unsuccessful attempts, the user&#39;s successful logon data evidence can automatically be expired as if logout option  4666  was performed. In the device embodiment, the device data evidence can be automatically expired. The user&#39;s applicable record  3000  or  6500  can also be deactivated as though it does not exist (ActiveUser field  3008  set to no, ActiveDev field  6550  set to No). An email may also be sent to an administrator account and/or the user to notify that his account or device has been disabled. Preferably, automated processes support reactivating the user account at a later time. Upon successfully entered credentials, if block  14420  determines a group authentication was requested, then block  14436  sets the Configurator Assignor(s) as all users (and their devices) which are members of the group (accesses Groups Table, Users Table/Registry Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table), otherwise block  14434  sets the Configurator Assignor(s) to the user account (all the user&#39;s devices) or device account used to authenticate to the Configurator. Block  14434  will additionally determine which users and devices have assigned the “Affinity Delegate” privilege to the user, or any of his devices, when authenticating with user account credentials (queries Groups Table, Users Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table) for additional candidate Configurator Assignor(s). Block  14434  will additionally determine which users and devices have assigned the “Affinity Delegate” privilege to the device when authenticating with device credentials (queries Groups Table, Users Table, PingPal Privilege Assignment Table) for additional candidate Configurator Assignor(s). 
     Thereafter, block  14438  initializes in-process configurations variable(s) to Assignor(s) set at block  14436  or  14434  (user, group, or device). If a device was specified at block  14418 , then the Assignor(s) can be plural and includes that device as well as any devices and users which have granted the device the “Affinity Delegate” privilege. If a user was specified at block  14418 , then the Assignor(s) can be plural and includes the user (equivalent to all user&#39;s devices) and each of the user&#39;s devices, as well as any devices and users which have granted the user or any of his devices the “Affinity Delegate” privilege. If a group was specified at block  14408 , then the Assignor(s) can be plural and includes the group name (equivalent to all user member devices), each user of the group (equivalent to all the particular user&#39;s devices), and each of the group member user&#39;s devices. The Assignor(s) in any case includes the group name string entered at block  14418  and the id (PersonID, RegistryID, or GroupID) of the associated record in server data  2104  along with each user LogonName and/or device name string as described above associated with its record id. In an alternate embodiment, block  14436  can use the “Affinity Delegate” privilege in a similar manner to block  14434  for discovering additional Configurator Assignor(s) which have granted the “Affinity Delegate” privilege to members of the group. The Assignor(s) are used to automatically populate dropdowns  14968 ,  15568 - a  and  15568 - b  of  FIGS. 149 ,  156 A and  156 B. Assignor(s) determined through having granted the “Affinity Delegate” privilege are preferably distinguishable, such as in the form discussed with  FIG. 92  above (i.e. “JB345:johnsPDA” and “JB345:ALL DEVICES”). 
     Block  14438  then initializes last-saved configuration(s) variable(s) by querying all users and/or devices which have granted the “Share Delivery Experiences” and “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privileges to the Assignor(s) as described above for assigning these privileges from “user to user”, “device to device”, “device to user”, and “user to device”, as is appropriate for Assignor(s) specified at block  14418  and determined further at block  14434  (and at block  14436  in the alternate embodiment of setting Assignor(s) to all users and devices with “Affinity Delegate” privileges granted to members of the group). The Groups Table, Users/Registry Table, and Privileges Assignment Table are queried appropriately. The users and/or devices which have granted either of the two privileges to the Assignor(s) are used to automatically populate dropdowns  14964 ,  15564 - a  and  15564 - b  of  FIGS. 149 ,  156 A and  156 B, and are referred to as Configurator Assignee(s). Block  14438  then uses the Assignor(s) and Assignee(s) to query the Configurator Assignments Table for applicable records  15300 . Records  15300  found are used to automatically populate configurator preference assignment lists of  FIGS. 149 ,  156 A and  156 B. The Assignor(s), Assignee(s) and records  15300  are populated to the appropriate user interface by block  14452  when tabbed to by the user. Block  14438  additionally sets in-process configurations variable(s) to last-saved configurations variable(s) so current Delivery Configurator interfaces are reflective of what is in process. 
     Thereafter, block  14440  sets a user interface for a Delivery Configurator user interface such as  FIG. 147  (preferably spawned as a new user interface (i.e. target=“_blank”)), block  14442  determines if a software upgrade exists for the user&#39;s device invoking the Delivery Configurator and sets the upgrade button  14702  as enabled or disabled accordingly before continuing to block  14452 . 
     Block  14442  preferably checks the client software version of the device whereon the user selected option  4664  for  FIG. 144  processing with the latest available software from web service  2102 . Client software is used to maintain a local cache of deliverable content. Client software can also be resident on the device, for example as used by a WAP device (cell phone) which does not use a browser to invoke  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing with situational location heartbeats. The heartbeat driving software can be downloaded to the device so the user is appropriately informed if a later version exists. An executable date/time stamp, version information maintained in persistent memory means (e.g. file), or any reasonable method for determining an application version can be used to determine the version of software installed at the device. After block  14442  checks the device software version, the web service  2102  is queried to see what the latest version is for the particular device, or the web service  2101  latest version can already be made available in the user interface for use when served back to the client from web service  2102 . A server side date/time stamp, version information maintained in a separate file, an SQL query to server data  2104 , or any reasonable method for determining an application version can be used to determine the version of software most recent for download from the server. Based on a comparison of the software version at the user&#39;s client device, and software available from the web service  2102 , button  14702  is appropriately enabled or disabled for the particular device. Different software versions can be maintained at web service  2102  for different devices and/or different operating systems on the devices. For devices which use a completely browser based Delivery Manager, button  14702  is enabled or disabled based on version information of applicable local cache management software (if any) installed. Various cache management embodiments may use a browser based user interface with File System Object interfaces (e.g. VBScript FileSystemObject) to the operating system, Active-X interfaces to local device resources, or any reasonable browser based interfaces to resources of the local device for maintaining local cache information. 
     Thereafter, block  14452  presents (or refreshes) the applicable Delivery Configurator user interface context ( FIG. 147 ,  149 ,  156 A or  156 B) in accordance with the most recent settings of the in-process configurations variable(s) made by the user to the Delivery Configurator user interfaces (or as initialized at block  14438 ). The in-process configurations variable(s) always contain most recent configurations made by the user to any interfaces of  FIGS. 147 ,  149 , and  156 A through  156 B, and represent user action results to the user interfaces. The user interfaces of  FIGS. 147 ,  149 , and  156 A through  156 B display in correlation to user configured in-process configurations variable(s). Thereafter, block  14422  monitors for user actions (also called user events) and waits until one is detected to the currently displayed Delivery Configurator user interface ( FIG. 147 ,  149 ,  156 A or  156 B). When a user action is detected, processing continues from block  14422  to block  14424  where User Action Trigger processing ( FIG. 158 ) is invoked and returned from before continuing to block  14426 . Block  14426  checks for which action was performed by the user. If block  14426  determines the user selected to Save his configurations (selection of buttons  14704 ,  14904 ,  15504 - a ,  15504 - b ), then block  14444  performs Save Configurations processing ( FIG. 146 ), and processing continues back to block  14452 . If block  14426  determines a save action was not selected by the user, then block  14428  checks for a cancel action. If block  14428  determines the user selected to Cancel Configurations (selection of buttons  14706 ,  14906 ,  15506 - a ,  15506 - b ), then block  14446  discards values of in-process configurations variable(s) to the initialized state of block  14438  and resets in-process configurations variable(s) to last-saved configurations variable(s). Saving Configurations makes user configurations persistent throughout subsequent processing. Canceling effectively does an “UNDO” back to the last save. Delivery Configurator configuration can be complicated, and it is therefore desirable to be able to go back to a known set of good configuration information. Other embodiments will not permit a cancel (undo) action, and other embodiments will allow an undo action for each individual configuration made over a history of interfacing to the Delivery Configurator user interface. Block  14446  continues to block  14448  for providing a status (preferably a pop-up user interface) for letting the user know he just cancelled all configurations performed up until the last save. The user must acknowledge the status (preferably clear the pop-up) before block  14448  continues back to block  14452 . If block  14428  determines a cancel action was not selected by the user, then block  14430  checks for a close or exit action. If block  14430  determines the user selected to close or exit the current user interface, then block  14462  terminates the active user interface context user interface ( FIG. 147 ,  149 ,  156 A or  156 B), and Delivery Configurator processing terminates at block  14464 . Exit or close processing can be selected from the “File” pulldown or from the rightmost topmost close option of a window. The user must have saved configurations, otherwise any in-process configurations variable(s) will have been lost. Other embodiments can automatically save upon close or exit rather than doing an effective quit with or without a prompt to save. If block  14430  determines a close or exit action was not selected by the user, then block  14432  checks if the user selected to maintain options (e.g. from the “Options” pulldown). If block  14432  determines the user selected to maintain options, then block  14416  performs options processing and continues to block  14452 . Options processing includes setting variables related to Delivery Configurator configurations for governing associated processing (e.g. define alert methods or define situational location criteria used in deliveries). If block  14432  determines an options configuration was not selected, then block  14404  checks if the user selected a tab (e.g. any of tabs  14790  through  14798 ). If block  14404  determines the user selected a tab, then processing continues to block  14452  where the corresponding interface is displayed with in-process configurations in effect. Selection of tab  14790  from any of the Delivery Configurator user interfaces results in a display such as  FIG. 147 . Selection of tab  14794  from any of the Delivery Configurator user interfaces results in a display such as  FIG. 149 . Selection of tab  14796  from any of the Delivery Configurator user interfaces results in a display such as  FIG. 155A . Selection of tab  14798  from any of the Delivery Configurator user interfaces results in a display such as  FIG. 155B . If block  14404  determines a tab was not selected, then block  14406  checks the active tab to perform action processing in context for a tab. 
     If block  14406  determines the cache tab  14790  is active, then block  14450  performs cache management processing ( FIG. 145 ) to handle specific actions associated to  FIG. 147 , and then processing continues to block  14452 . If block  14406  determines the cache tab  14790  is not active, then block  14406  continues to block  14410 . If block  14410  determines the content tab  14794  is active, then block  14456  performs content delivery management processing ( FIG. 150  discussed in context for content delivery management processing) to handle specific actions associated to  FIG. 149 , and then processing continues to block  14452 . If block  14410  determines the content tab  14794  is not active, then block  14410  continues to block  14412 . If block  14412  determines the alerts tab  14796  is active, then block  14458  performs alert management processing ( FIG. 150  discussed in context for alert management processing) to handle specific actions associated to  FIG. 155A , and then processing continues to block  14452 . If block  14412  determines the alerts tab  14796  is not active, then block  14412  continues to block  14414 . If block  14414  determines the actions tab  14798  is active, then block  14460  performs actions management processing ( FIG. 150  discussed in context for content actions management processing) to handle specific actions associated to  FIG. 155B , and then processing continues to block  14452 . If block  14414  determines the actions tab  14798  is not active, then block  14414  continues back to block  14452 . 
       FIG. 145  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment for Cache Management configuration processing, for example as referenced at block  14450 . Cache management processing starts at block  14502  and continues to block  14504 . If block  14504  determines maintain locally checkbox  14716  has just been unchecked, then block  14518  disables Refresh Cache button  14712 , Trickle updates checkbox  14718  and Share Cache checkbox  14720 . Disabling checkboxes preferably removes any checkmark and disables user selection (e.g. grays it out). Thereafter, block  14522  sets the user interface of  FIG. 147  for disabling options and in-process configurations variable(s) are set accordingly. Block  14522  then continues to block  14530  where processing terminates (for return back to  FIG. 144  processing). If block  14504  determines checkbox  14716  was not unchecked, then processing continues to block  14506 . If block  14506  determines maintain locally checkbox  14716  was checked, then block  14520  enables Refresh Cache button  14712 , Trickle updates checkbox  14718  and Share Cache checkbox  14720 . Processing then continues to block  14522  for setting the user interface of  FIG. 147  for enabling options and in-process configurations variable(s) are set accordingly. If block  14506  determines checkbox  14716  was not checked, then processing continues to block  14508 . If block  14508  determines trickle updates checkbox  14718  was unchecked by the user, then processing continues to block  14522  for setting the user interface of  FIG. 147  and in-process configurations variable(s) are set accordingly. If block  14508  determines checkbox  14718  was not unchecked, then processing continues to block  14510 . If block  14510  determines checkbox  14718  was check-marked by the user, then processing continues to block  14522  for setting the user interface of  FIG. 147  and in-process configurations variable(s) are set accordingly. If block  14510  determines checkbox  14718  was not checked, then processing continues to block  14524 . If block  14524  determines share DCDB checkbox  14720  was check-marked by the user, then processing continues to block  14522  for setting the user interface of  FIG. 147  and in-process configurations variable(s) are set accordingly. If block  14524  determines checkbox  14720  was not checked, then processing continues to block  14526 . If block  14526  determines checkbox  14720  was unchecked by the user, then processing continues to block  14522  for setting the user interface of  FIG. 147  and in-process configurations variable(s) are set accordingly. If block  14526  determines checkbox  14720  was not unchecked, then processing continues to block  14512 . 
     If block  14512  determines upgrade system button  14702  was selected, then processing continues to block  14532  where a warning prompt is presented to the user that any in-process configurations which have not been explicitly saved shall be discarded. The user must select continue or cancel from the prompt. Thereafter, if block  14534  determines the user selected to cancel, then processing continues to block  14536  where the warning prompt is removed, and then to block  14530 . If block  14534  determines the user confirmed to continue, then processing continues to block  14538  where device software is downloaded and installed to the device based on device and/or device type (along with instructions if necessary). A device reboot or power on/off cycle may be required to activate the upgraded software. In one embodiment, GPS interface software is upgraded automatically with this mechanism for downloading to the device to prevent the user from manually requesting a subset of needed upgraded software to the device. If block  14512  determines upgrade system button  14702  was not selected, then processing continues to block  14514 . If block  14514  determines refresh cache button  14712  was selected, then block  14546  communicates with web service  2102  for checking the device CacheUpdate field  14810  to see if the device has pending DCDB data to deliver to the device local cache based on mobile travels. A record  14800  with a RegistryID  14802  that matches RegistryID  6502  for the device is used. The device is determined by a last access to the Delivery Manager  2510 , device data evidence, authentication to the Delivery Configurator, or automatically by the Delivery Configurator. Thereafter, if block  14548  determines the CacheUpdate field  14810  is set to Yes, then block  14550  updates the device local cache with the DCDB not yet delivered to the device, updates the CacheUpdate field (flag)  14810  for the device to No, and processing continues to block  14552 . CacheUpdate field  14810  is set by web service  2102  Delivery Manager processing for content destined for a device which is held back from delivery until such time the device local cache is updated. In one embodiment,  FIG. 120  processing checks record  14800  for a device and maintains a pending list of content references (DCDBIDs) for later delivery when the device local cache is to be updated. If block  14548  determines the device CacheUpdate field  14810  is set to No (i.e. no pending DCDB data to refresh cache with), then processing continues to block  14552 . Block  14552  provides a status (preferably a pop-up) to the user that his DCDB local cache has been updated. The status requires the user to acknowledge it. Once acknowledged by the user, block  14552  continues to block  14530 . If block  14514  determines refresh cache button  14712  was not selected, then processing continues to block  14516 . If block  14516  determines retrieve DCDB button  14714  was selected, then processing continues to block  14540  where the user is prompted for a source device to retrieve its locally cached DCDB data. Thereafter, the user specifies a (source) device of web service  2102  at block  14542 , and block  14544  interfaces to web service  2102  for a record  14800  for the specified device. The source device is preferably specified by device name (Deviceid field  6504 ) so block  14544  causes a query for applicable records  6500  and  14800  with a join on RegistryID fields  6502  and  14802  using the device name to match to record  6500 . Thereafter, if block  14554  determines the source device specified is shared (check if ShareDCDB field  14808  set to Yes) and there was no error finding the specified device at block  14544 , then block  14558  updates the local DCDB cache of device of Delivery Configurator processing with any differences found in the local DCDB cache of the specified source device, and block  14560  provides a completion status to the user before terminating  FIG. 145  processing at block  14530 . If block  14554  determines the source device specified is not shared or there was an error finding the source device at block  14544 , then block  14556  provides an appropriate error to the user and processing continues to block  14530 . If block  14516  determines retrieve DCDB button  14714  was not selected, then processing continues to block  14528  where other user actions for this tabbed user interface are processed (e.g. window resizing, pulldown/dropdown click, etc), and then on to block  14530  where processing terminates (for return back to  FIG. 144  processing). 
     Block  14558  may use direct device to device communications for updating DCDB information from one device to the other, or may update through the web service  2102 . Preferably, the list of DCDBIDs at each device is compared to determine a difference before doing the update. Devices can share DCDB data between each other as long as the source device is set for sharing. While the share flag is an all or none in the example (i.e. share to all other devices or no other devices), another embodiment will provide a new privilege value to maintain in a Groups Table record  8900  for sharing DCDB data between devices (i.e. “Share DCDB”). The new Group privilege allows assigning the privilege to specific users or devices through assignment from a user to a user, user to device, device to device, and device to user. The new “Share DCDB” privilege is maintained in PrivMask field  8910  like any other privilege and managed in Groups management interfaces (e.g.  FIG. 90A , etc) as discussed above. The privilege would then be queried at block  14544  (Registry, Users, Groups, Privileges Assignment Tables) for the devices to validate the privilege has been granted. So, cached deliverable content can be shared between devices without restriction, or can be restricted using the privileges methodology described above with  FIGS. 89 through 93E . 
     Regardless of how the “Share DCDB” privilege is managed, it allows sharing DCDB data between devices so that content delivered to one device based on its travels can be shared and communicated to another device. Various embodiments will permit examination of the locally cached DCDB data through an appropriate user interface. DCDB data communicated from another device can also be examined and used as applicable for some application on the device which accesses the locally cached DCDB data. In the all or none embodiment described, Share DCDB checkbox  14720  is kept in field  14808  in a corresponding record  14800  of web server data  2104 . Various embodiments of block  14558  will add to the requesting device&#39;s DCDB, replace the requesting device&#39;s DCDB, or provide the user with an option for either. 
     The trickle updates checkbox  14718  enables or disables automatically updating the locally cached DCDB data as the device is mobile. In one embodiment, DCDB data is delivered based on geographical regions. For example, a device travels to one of a plurality of major cities for then receiving an entire Deliverable Content database for maintaining in local cache so deliveries by situational location can occur from local cache thereafter. In another embodiment, cell tower range(s) is used to deliver a locally cached DCDB for content delivery to the device by situational location thereafter while the device is mobile. In one preferred embodiment, the device comes within range of a high speed communications link (i.e. a hot-spot) which is an opportune moment to deliver a DCDB for maintaining to device local cache. The DCDB is updated at the device while within range to the high speed communications link. Subsequently, content of the locally cached DCDB is delivered to the device by situational location of the traveling mobile device (or traveling mobile user). Trickle update checkbox  14718  is kept in field  14806  in a corresponding record  14800  in web server data  2104 . Trickle updates checkbox checked preferably puts the device in the mode of looking for high speed hot-spots that happen to come within range of the device for downloading DCDB data at the opportune moments. A hot-spot is a point of presence for high speed internet connectivity. The maintain locally checkbox  14716  determines whether or not to maintain a DCDB local to the device in a cache for subsequent delivery of content contained at the device by the device situational location. Maintain locally checkbox  14716  is kept in field  14804  in a corresponding record  14800  in web server data  2104 . 
       FIG. 146  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment for Save Configurations processing, such as processing of block  14444 . Processing starts at block  14602  and continues to block  14604  where last-saved configurations variable(s) are accessed, then to block  14606  where in-process configurations variable(s) are accessed. Thereafter, if block  14608  determines the maintain locally checkbox  14716  is newly checked, then block  14618  prepares the receiving device to download an appropriate local cached copy of a DCDB, block  14620  downloads the DCDB or appropriate portion thereof according to device configurations (or preferably puts the device in a mode seeking for the next opportune hot-spot), and processing continues to block  14612 . The appropriate cached copy of the DCDB is preferably downloaded according to the current device situational location, along with any regional scheme in place to keep DCDB data reasonably small. In one embodiment, the mobile history of the device additionally determines how much of a DCDB to download to the device. In one embodiment, the user should check the maintain locally option when there is a high communications speed between the device and the web service  2102  to prevent a long download period. In another embodiment, checking the maintain locally option queues up the download until the next opportune moment when coming within range of a reasonable and detectable high communications bandwidth and/or speed, such as from a hot-spot. Block  14612  updates last-saved configurations variable(s) according to in-process configurations variable(s). Block  14612  communicates with web service  2102  to update the device record  14800 . Device record  14800  is always equivalent to data values in last-saved configurations variable(s). Thereafter, processing continues to block  14614  where an appropriate status (e.g. pop-up) is provided to the user and the system waits for acknowledgement by the user. The status (e.g. pop-up) is cleared upon user acknowledgement. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  14616 . If block  14608  determines the maintain locally checkbox  14716  was not newly checked, then block  14610  checks to see if it was newly unchecked. If block  14610  determines the maintain locally checkbox  14716  was newly unchecked, then block  14622  appropriately purges local cache and frees up memory back to the device operating system for other use. Processing then continues to block  14612 . If block  14610  determines the maintain locally checkbox was not newly unchecked, then processing continues to block  14612 . In one embodiment, block  14622  prompts the user for “Are you sure?” and awaits cancellation or acceptance to purge local cache. Block  14612  saves Delivery Configurator configurations/assignments and ensures insertions or deletions are made to the Delivery Configurator affected tables (e.g. Configurator Assignments Table record  51300 , Cache Configuration Table record  14800 , etc). 
       FIG. 147  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for Cache Management configuration aspects. The user can select to make situational location deliveries from the local device with a locally cached DCDB or from web service  2102  from service connected data (i.e. maintain locally checkbox  14716 ). The user can select to receive DCDB updates continually to his device during roaming (traveling) so DCDB data is automatically delivered to the device as is appropriate based on the device situational location (and hot-spots as they become available in one preferred embodiment). This allows select portions of the overall DCDB data at web service  2102  to be delivered to the device for local delivery (trickle updates checkbox  14718 ). Users of the  FIG. 147  user interface may be users of a particular device, users who have authority to control a particular device, or any other user type appropriate for making such configurations. Preferably, the  FIG. 147  user interface is used to affect the device that hosts the user interface of  FIG. 147 . The  FIG. 147  user interface supports the usual windowed controls for minimizing, maximizing, closing, sizing, moving, pulldowns, buttons, a Help pulldown option, &lt;F1&gt; cursor-context sensitive help, etc, however an analogous embodiment for a WAP device, PDA, or any device where a window is unlikely will incorporate the same accomplished functionality. A File pulldown option enables the user to simply save any configurations (equivalent to Save buttons (e.g.  14704 )), or to exit the window  2400  (i.e. terminate/close the Delivery Configurator application). An Options pulldown provides options to define Alerts methods and situational location criteria which is discussed below. The  FIG. 147  window contains tabs as described above. 
     Maintain locally option  14716  enables the user to toggle specifying maintaining of the DCDB local to the device, or to access it dynamically as needed from the web service  2102 . The delivery of DCDB data may perform better being local, and may become a personalized copy based on situational locations the device has experienced over time. A trickle updates checkbox  14718  enables the user to toggle trickling updates from the web service  2102  at real time when DCDB changes are made versus requiring the user to perform a manual refresh. A share DCDB checkbox  14720  enables the user to toggle permission to share locally maintained DCDB with other requesting users. This functionality is particularly useful when a locally cached DCDB becomes personalized for the particular device (RDPS). An upgrade system button  14702  enables upgrading the data processing system programs (or control logic) of the device for carrying out disclosed functionality. A refresh cache button  14712  enables manually refreshing the locally cached DCDB. Refreshing is preferably a modification rather than a completely new download to the device. A date/time stamp may be maintained with the cache for facilitating the latest date/time stamp of a record  7000  in cache to prevent scanning cache every time a refresh is requested. 
     A retrieve DCDB button  14714  enables the user to retrieve the locally maintained DCDB from another device, provided the source device has enabled the share DCDB checkbox  14720  (or required privilege). Data transfer between the requesting device and source device may occur in a variety of methods including over a peer to peer session, a datagram session-less connection, by way of a common SDPS, or any other method to accomplish the transmission. 
     The  FIG. 147  user interface includes a save button  14704  to save any configurations made by the user to the Delivery Configurator application, and a Cancel button  14706  to cancel any configurations made by the user to the Delivery Configurator application. The save and cancel options are available to all tab contexts. Preferably, options provided are forced to enabled or disabled (e.g. grayed out) when a prerequisite mode is not established. For example, maintain locally checkbox  14716  disabled causes a graying out disablement of  14718 ,  14720 ,  14712 , and  14714 . When enabled, the refresh cache button  14712  refreshes differences between DCDB data meant for the device at web service  2102  and the current state of locally maintained DCDB data. As situational locations are determined, the locally maintained DCDB data is modified automatically to be reflective of what should be maintained there, for example by region of locale (e.g. physical location: state, city, county, Mapsco reference, etc; vicinity location: within cell tower range, within hot spot vicinity, etc). Trickling updates involves more than just adding. DCDB data is automatically removed, added to, or modified as needed. Trickling updates preferably occurs as soon as a reasonable communication bandwidth and speed is available such as coming within range of a hotspot or high transmission cell tower cell. As soon as the device comes within range, the device establishes authenticated communications with web service  2102  for subsequently maintaining the locally cached DCDB data in accordance with the device situational location. 
     When enabled, the retrieve DCDB button  14714  may blindly refresh the entire DCDB data meant for the device from web service  2102 . The locally cached DCDB data is purged and an associated date/time stamp may be established for indicating the latest date/time stamp of a record  7000  in the locally cached DCDB for an easier comparison for future updates, or for trickling updates. (cache may be overwritten rather than purged first). 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  have already been described above for configuring DCDB whether it be by an administrator from a device, or any other data processing system. If  FIGS. 14A and 14B  processing is invoked from a device (RDPS), various embodiments will update DCDB at the web service  2102  (SDPS), local to the device where configuration is made, or both. A device may be appropriately equipped to automatically sense (e.g. simulate any or all of human senses) the environment upon user reconciliation or control. In one embodiment, a picture phone takes a picture for use as PingSpot content or deliverable content of records  7000 . In another embodiment, a video-taking equipped phone takes footage for use as PingSpot content or deliverable content of records  7000 . In another embodiment, a sensing device that samples the environment can use or convert sensed data to a usable form for records  7000 . A device may automatically sense something in the environment in accordance with user action(s) for automatically loading of DCDB data, for example to add delivery content for proactive delivery. Situational location information, DCDB data, or any other associated data may be specified in part, or in its entirety by the user, depending on how much of the information is automatically determined by the device. Data that is automatically determined may also be provided in part, or its entirety, by device processing or automated device sensing. Once DCDB configuration(s) is complete, for example deliverable content database record(s)  7000 , it is instantly activated for candidate delivery, or may require a confirmation configuration by a higher authority user or process before being activated for candidate delivery (e.g. Active Entry field  7054 ). 
       FIG. 148  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record  14800  in the Cache Configuration Table. RegistryID  14802  is preferably a foreign key to RegistryID  6502  for associating a record  14800  uniquely to a record  6500 . The foreign key relationship preferably utilizes a cascade delete relationship. MaintainLocal field  14804  is set to Yes or No by checkbox  14716  for a particular device. TrickleUpdates field  14806  is set to Yes or No by checkbox  14718  for a particular device. ShareDCDB field  14808  is set to Yes or No by checkbox  14720  for a particular device, and provides the right for other devices to access the locally maintained DCDB. CacheUpdate field  14810  is set to Yes or No when the Delivery Manager determines a device&#39;s locally cached DCDB needs an update (i.e. deliverable content for device is available for updating its local cache). In one embodiment, records  6500  are extended with the records  14800  fields. Records  14800  contain fields that can be returned to the device by block  12712 , or can made available wherever records  6500  are accessed. In one embodiment, record  14800  fields can be maintained with any of the device management interfaces (Registry table management interfaces of viewing, adding, deleting, and modifying) as an extension to records  6500 . Records  14800  are created with default values when adding a record  6500 . 
       FIG. 149  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for Delivery Content configuration aspects. In the preferred embodiment, Configurator Assignor(s) from authentication to the Delivery Configurator are populated to delivery target dropdown  14968 . These are the target devices for content deliveries as configured. User logon names and/or device names will be populated to the sorted dropdown  14968  list. A user logon name implies specifying all devices owned by that user. The dropdown  14968  list can be positioned to by the user entering a prefix string, or entire string, into delivery target entry field  14966 . The closest matching prefix or string in dropdown  14966  is automatically scrolled to the corresponding sorted entry. The user can also select the down-arrow  14976  to see, scroll, and select any entry from the dropdown  14968  list. A user can highlight or unhighlight any entry(s) in the list so as to affect configurations of one or many at the same time. For example, holding the &lt;Ctrl&gt; key down while clicking with a cursor can highlight multiple entries. If the user accessed the Delivery Configurator with a device, then only a device and its “Affinity Delegate” privilege grantors will display in the dropdown  14968 . If the user accessed the Delivery Configurator with a user logon name, then the user logon name and any devices owned by the user, along with “Affinity Delegate” privilege grantors, will each display in the dropdown list  14968 . If the user accessed the Delivery Configurator with a group, then all users of the group, and all devices owned by all users of the group will display in the dropdown list  14968 . An alternate embodiment will also set Assignor(s) to “Affinity Delegate” privilege grantors to users and devices of the group. Preferably, a user logon name qualifier precedes a device name in the dropdown  14968  list when the Delivery Configurator was accessed with a group, or with “Affinity Delegate” privilege granting users or devices (i.e. “JB345:johnsPDA” and “JB345:ALL DEVICES”).  FIG. 149  shows that device names are numeric phone numbers. These device names could have been specified by a user, or automatically populated from a mobile phone service with the Registry Table import option. An entire cellular phone service directory is easily imported into records  6500  to conveniently adapt web service  2102  to an entire phone directory. 
     Configurator Assignee(s) which have granted Assignor(s) with either the “Share Delivery Experiences” or “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privilege are populated to the monitor dropdown  14964  according to the current highlighted Assignor(s) at dropdown  14968 . Privileges configuration of  FIGS. 89 through 93E  are preferably used to grant these two privileges. User logon names and/or device names will be populated to the sorted dropdown  14964  list according to privileges assigned to the dropdown  14968  entry (user or device) shown. The list can be positioned to by the user entering a prefix string, or entire string, to monitor entry field  14962 . The closest matching prefix or string in dropdown  14964  is automatically scrolled to the corresponding sorted entry. The user can also select the down-arrow  14974  to see, scroll, and select any entry from the dropdown  14964  list. A user can highlight or unhighlight any entry(s) in the list so as to affect configurations of one or many at the same time. For example, holding the &lt;Ctrl&gt; key down while clicking with a cursor can highlight multiple entries If an “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privilege has been assigned, then the corresponding user or device of dropdown list  14964  is preferably shown in italics to differentiate which users and/or devices have assigned which of the two privileges (“Share Delivery Experiences”=normal type and “Intercept Delivery Experiences”=italic type). While the Configurator Assignee(s) have assigned the “Share Delivery Experiences” or “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privileges to the Configurator Assignor(s) that are currently highlighted at dropdown  14968 , they become assignees to delivery share preferences as described below. A user logon name specified in dropdown list  14964  or  14968  implies specifying all devices of that user without knowing, or caring, specifically what devices there are. A qualified user logon name (“JB345:ALL DEVICES”) implies a user other than the user using the Delivery Configurator. 
     The user of the  FIG. 149  user interface is able to either receive duplicate content deliveries to target device(s) of dropdown  14968  which are sent to the device(s) selected at dropdown  14964 , or intercept content deliveries to target device(s) of dropdown  14968  which would have been sent to the device(s) selected at dropdown  14964 . This depends on which of the two privileges were granted. Monitor preference list  14970  and target preferences list  14972  contains delivery share configurations that can be assigned for criteria used in delivery. The “Current Interests” delivery share configuration enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference of using the associated device&#39;s configured Interests field  6516  in order to perform content delivery. Other embodiments will use interests that are user specified, group specified, or automatically specified based on activities of a device, user, or group of devices or users. The “Current Filters” delivery share configuration enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference of using the associated device&#39;s Filter field  6518  in order to perform content delivery. Alternative embodiments will use filters that are user specified, group specified, or automatically specified based on activities of a device, user, or group of devices or users. The “Historical Interests” delivery share configuration enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference of using the associated device&#39;s historical interests in order to perform content delivery. One embodiment of historical interests used includes maintaining a history of Interests field  6516  that was used to match to records  7000  in order to cause a (historical) delivery of content. Other embodiments will use historical interests associated with previous content deliveries that are maintained for a user specified, group specified, or automatically specified based on activities of a device, user, or group of devices or users. Further still, there can be time criteria to scope the range of applicable historical interests. The “Historical Filters” delivery share configuration enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference of using the associated device&#39;s historical content filters in order to perform content delivery. One embodiment of historical filters used includes maintaining a history of filter constraints field  6518  that was used to match to records  7000  in order to prevent a (historical) delivery of content. Other embodiments will use historical filters associated with preventing previous content deliveries, the filters that are maintained for a user specified, group specified, or automatically specified based on activities of a device, user, or group of devices or users. Further still, there can be time criteria to scope the range of applicable historical filters. The “Keyword History” delivery share configuration (not shown but can be scrolled to in lists  14970  and  14972 ) enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference of using the associated device&#39;s historical keyword matches in order to perform content delivery. One embodiment of keyword history used includes maintaining a history of keywords successfully matched (perhaps in a system configured trailing time window) which were used to cause a historical delivery of content. Alternative embodiments will use a history of keywords associated with previous content deliveries, the keywords that are maintained for a user specified group, or automatically specified based on activities of a device, user, or group of devices or users. Further still, there can be time criteria to scope the range of applicable historical keywords. The “Situational Location” delivery share configuration (not shown but can be scrolled to in lists  14970  and  14972 ) enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference of using the associated device&#39;s situational location in order to perform content delivery. This allows content to be delivered to one device for a situational location of another device. It isolates specifying whose situational location(s) to use for content delivery, independently of whose filters, interests, or applicable keywords are used in determining a content delivery. 
     When a user interface such as  FIG. 149  is presented to the user, the user typically first selects/highlights an Assignor(s) at dropdown  14968 , for example device “2144044071”. The user then selects/highlights an Assignee(s) at dropdown  14964 , for example device “2144034071”. Available Assignee(s) are those that have granted one or both of the privileges “Share Delivery Experiences” or “Intercept Delivery Experiences”. A plurality of Assignor(s) and/or Assignee(s) can be highlighted (and un-highlighted) for identical preferences configurations. The user can then select preferences on how to share the delivery experience.  FIG. 149  shows the user has selected “Current Interests” and “Current Filters” for both the monitored device “2144034071” and the target delivery device “2144043071”. The monitored device “2144034071” is not in italics so therefore has granted a “Share Delivery Experience” privilege to “2144044071”. Examining the configurations of  FIG. 149  indicates that the interests field  6516  and filters field  6518  of device “2144034071” is used as a superset with interests field  6516  and filters field  6518  of device “2144044071” to deliver content that would normally be delivered by situational location to device “2144044071”. Selecting a list entry from either list  14970  or  14972  toggles a checkmark on or off. A checkmark at any entry in the list  14970  says to use that entry criteria of the dropdown  14964  selection (e.g. 2144034071). A checkmark at any entry in the list  14972  says to use that entry criteria of the dropdown  14968  selection (e.g. 2144044071). If the “Situational Location” delivery share configuration is check-marked in list  14970 , then the situational location of the device 2144034071 is used to determine content deliveries to device 2144044071. This allows using the situational locations of other mobile devices  2540  to cause delivery of content to another device. Mobile travels of device 2144034071 causes duplicate content deliveries to device 2144044071. If 2144034071 was italic, then the privilege was “Intercept Delivery Experiences”, in which case mobile travels of 2144033071 would cause only delivery of content to device 2144044071 based on situational locations of device 2144034071. Device 2144034071 would not receive content that was ordinarily delivered to it whenever it is deemed deliverable to device 2144044071 according to Delivery Configurator configurations. If the “Situational Location” delivery share configuration is check-marked in list  14972 , then the situational location of the device 2144044071 is used to determine content deliveries to device 2144044071 which is default behavior of web service  2102  for devices using web service  2102 . However, the user can enable or disable this with list  14972 . So, the user can use the Delivery Configurator to have content delivered to his target device(s) by the situational locations of other devices as well as configurations of those other devices and/or his own target devices of dropdown  14968 . A first presentation of  FIG. 149  preferably defaults checkmarks in lists  14970  and  14972  to reflect web service  2102  default behavior, assuming there are no preference configurations from records  15300  found. Default web service  2102  behavior (assuming no Delivery Configurator configurations made yet) equates to no checkmarks in list  14970 . Default web service  2102  behavior equates to having checkmarks for “Current Interests”, “Current Filters” and “Situational Location” in list  14972  for a device or user of dropdown  14968 . In another embodiment, defaults can be used so the Delivery Configurator is not required for use after being assigned the “Share Delivery Experience” or “Intercept Delivery Experience” privileges. Any defaults can be implemented. 
     If a user logon name was specified at dropdown  14968 , then all that user&#39;s devices are handled with a single configuration at dropdown  14968  as though each device were configured individually with the same configurations as those set for the user. If a user logon name was specified at dropdown  14964 , then all that user&#39;s devices are handled with a single configuration at dropdown  14964  as though each device were configured individually with the same configurations as those set for the user. The Delivery Configurator configures functionality between devices. Configuring functionality between users, or between a user and a device is a convenience for specifying a plurality of devices in the configuration. 
     Checkbox  14986  is selected for a checkmark for particular highlighted entries at dropdown  14964  and dropdown  14968  for whether or not to queue up the delivery, for example in case the user thinks an instant delivery is not reasonable, or is undesirable, to the target device. A checkmark at checkbox  14986  indicates to queue up the content and save it for a later delivery. By web service  2102  default, there is no checkmark at checkbox  14986  for any set of entries selected at dropdowns  14964  and  14968 . A delivery attempt is always made according to device configurations. When a checkmark at checkbox  14986  is selected, no delivery attempt is made. The device Master can be viewed at a later time to see what deliveries took place. While dropdowns display the name strings, they are associated with the record id when selected (e.g. PersonID  3002  for user, RegistryID  6502  for device, GroupID  8902  for group). 
       FIG. 149  gives the privileged user (or device) the ability to control when the duplicate or intercept feature is to be used. The privileged user (or device) effectively camps on the delivery line of the granting user (or device) that provided the “Share Delivery Experience” privilege without disrupting delivery to the granting user. The “Intercept Delivery Experience” should be granted only under strict uses to prevent others from stealing your deliveries. In another embodiment, all preferences assigned in  FIGS. 149 ,  151 A and  151 B can be individual privileges assigned through  FIGS. 89 through 93E  and associated processing. In the best mode of this embodiment, preferences assigned as individual privileges provide the rights to assign the preferences and do not provide that actual privilege. Preferences of  FIGS. 149 ,  151 A and  151 B would be still assigned as described herein but the user cannot assign a preference for which he does not have a privilege for to assign in the first place. In this best mode, privileges assigned merely provide the right to assign a preference. 
     In another embodiment, preferences of  FIGS. 149 ,  151 A and  151 B are assigned as privileges through  FIGS. 89 through 93E  and associated processing wherein the preferences become assigned there. In this case, no preference assignments are needed in  FIGS. 149 ,  151 A and  151 B. Regardless of embodiment, users can assign privileges to other users, users can assign privileges to devices, devices can assign privileges to users, devices can assign privileges to devices, users can assign preferences for interacting with other users, users can assign preferences for interacting with devices, devices can assign privileges for interacting with users, and devices can assign preferences for interacting with other devices. Using groups also permits organizing a group of users and/or devices at either end of a privilege or preference assignment. 
       FIG. 150  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of Delivery Configurator Management Configuration processing.  FIG. 150  shall be discussed in context for Content Delivery Management processing of block  14456 . Processing starts at block  15002  and continues to block  15004  for processing and actions to a user interface such as  FIG. 149 . If block  15004  determines a checkmark was placed or removed at checkbox  14986 , then block  15016  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with the user checkmark action, and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15004  determines checkbox  14986  was not checked or unchecked, then processing continues to block  15006 . If block  15006  determines a monitor configuration action was made by the user to monitor configuration area  14982 , then block  15018  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with the user action to the area  14982 , and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15006  determines a monitor configuration action was not made by the user, then processing continues to block  15008 . If block  15008  determines a deliver to configuration action was made by the user to deliver to configuration area  14984 , then block  15020  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with user action to the area  14984 , and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15008  determines a monitor configuration action was not made by the user, then processing continues to block  15010 . Block  15010  handles other actions to the user interface of  FIG. 149  which do not add or remove a preference configuration, for example selecting down-arrows  14974  or  14976  to expose a significant amount of list entries, scrolling lists  14970  or  14972 , resizing the window of  FIG. 149 , or any other action that is not handled by  FIG. 151  processing. Thereafter,  FIG. 150  processing terminates at block  15012 . 
       FIG. 151  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of participant list management processing, such as at blocks  15016 ,  15018  and  15020 .  FIG. 151  in also processed in context for a particular type of Delivery Configurator Management Configuration processing. Continuing with the discussion above in context for Content Delivery Management processing of block  14456 , processing starts at block  15102  and continues to block  15104  for processing specific actions to a user interface such as  FIG. 149 . If block  15104  determines a character was typed to, deleted from, or changed at a data entry field of a configuration area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator (e.g. fields  14962  or  14966 ), then processing continues to block  15116 . If block  15116  determines the associated dropdown list is empty (e.g. dropdown  14964  list is associated with entry field  14962 , dropdown  14968  list is associated with entry field  14966 ), then processing continues to block  15114  for handling the action as editing text in the data entry field, and then to block  15126 . A list could be empty if it&#39;s a monitor configuration area dropdown list where neither the “Share Delivery Experiences”, nor “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privileges have been assigned to the highlighted Assignor(s) at the other dropdown. Block  15126  terminates  FIG. 151  processing. If block  15116  determines the associated dropdown list is not empty, then block  15118  matches the closest first occurrence entry in the associated dropdown list (which is in sorted order), scrolls the dropdown list and makes it the selected entry of the associated dropdown list. Thereafter, block  15128  sets in-process configurations variable(s) according to settings of the configuration areas, and processing continues to block  15126  where  FIG. 151  processing terminates. If block  15104  determines a character was not acted upon at a data entry field, then processing continues to block  15106 . If block  15106  determines an entry was selected (user or device) in a dropdown list of a configuration area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator (e.g. dropdowns  14964  or  14968 ), then processing continues to block  15128  for toggling highlighting of the selected entry, and setting or removing the corresponding intended configuration in in-process configurations variable(s). Processing continues to block  15126  where  FIG. 151  processing terminates. If block  15106  determines an entry was not selected in a dropdown list, then processing continues to block  15108 . If block  15108  determines a preferences list entry was selected (e.g. in preferences lists  14970  or  14972 ), then processing continues to block  15120  for toggling a checkmark on or off for display depending on the previous state and block  15130  sets in-process configurations variable(s) according to the selected preference of the configuration area of the particular tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  15126 . If block  15108  determines a preferences list entry was not selected, then processing continues to block  15110 . If block  15110  determines a queue for later checkbox was selected (e.g. checkbox  14986 ), then processing continues to block  15122  for toggling a checkmark on or off for display depending on the previous state and block  15130  sets in-process configurations variable(s) according to the selection of the checkbox area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  15126 . If block  15110  determines a queue for later checkbox was not selected, then processing continues to block  15114  where other actions of the tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator are handled appropriately. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  15126 . 
       FIG. 152  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of Share Delivery processing, as invoked by  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. Share Delivery processing has a null effect unless Content Delivery Management configurations (e.g.  FIG. 149 ) have been made. It is recommended that the reader read descriptions thoroughly for this entire application disclosure before reading  FIG. 152  descriptions here.  FIG. 152  descriptions are made in reference for how to modify  FIG. 120  processing based on Delivery Configurator configured processing. Share Delivery processing starts at block  15202  and continues to block  15204 . Block  15204  accesses “Share Delivery Experiences” and “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privileges which have been assigned by the device (or owner of the device) of  FIG. 120  processing to others (users and devices). If the privileges are assigned to users, then all devices owned by the users are accessed. Processing of block  15204  completes when all records  6500  are accessed for target devices based on privileges. The entire record can be put into the set of resulting devices, or only those fields that are required for further processing (fields used in preferences or delivery). Thereafter, block  15206  accesses records  15300  and any joined records  15400  for devices (found at block  15206 ) which are monitoring the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. Block  15206  processing ends with a subset of devices from block  15204  which are monitoring the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing for content, alerts, and/or PingSpots. Thereafter, block  15208  initializes a Delivery Configurator Content Configuration (DCCC) array variable to null, a Delivery Configurator Alert Configuration (DCAC) array variable to null, and a Delivery Configurator PingSpot Configuration (DCPC) array variable to null before continuing to block  15210 . 
     If block  15210  determines the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing is being monitored for content delivery, then block  15218  sets the DCCC array variable to target device record(s) from block  15206  specifically for content management as configured by  FIG. 149 , and processing continues to block  15212 . If block  15210  determines the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing is not being monitored for content delivery, then processing continues to block  15212 . If block  15212  determines the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing is being monitored for alerts, then block  15220  sets the DCAC array variable to target device record(s) from block  15206  specifically for alerts as configured by  FIG. 155A , and processing continues to block  15214 . If block  15212  determines the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing is not being monitored for alerts, then processing continues to block  15214 . If block  15214  determines the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing is being monitored for PingSpot alerts, then block  15222  sets the DCPC array variable to target device record(s) from block  15206  specifically for PingSpots as configured by  FIG. 155B , and processing continues to block  15216 . If block  15214  determines the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing is not being monitored for PingSpots, then processing continues to block  15216  where processing terminates and returns to  FIG. 120  processing. 
     So as to not obfuscate heartbeat processing, Delivery Share configurations are discussed as integrated to  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. The array variable DCCC is preferably used at block  12020  depending on whose interests and/or filters to use, and for the other historical information used to filter or include records  7000 . Block  12050  further includes maintaining DCDBID hitlist data evidence for target devices that are to receive deliveries. Block  12016  will access Trail Table records  6800  of devices who want to use their own situational location at the time of delivery to the device of  FIG. 120  processing.  FIG. 121  processing will be altered by the array variable DCCC for duplicating deliveries or intercepting deliveries to the device of  FIG. 120  processing by inserting into the target device Masters that were determined as receivers at blocks  12020 ,  12050 , and/or  12016 . Prevention of insertion to the master of the device of  FIG. 120  processing will occur when all receiving target devices are configured for interception (“Intercept Delivery Experience”). If at least one duplicating target device exists (“Share Delivery Experience”), then the device of  FIG. 120  processing will receive the record  7000  to its Master. The Queue for later configuration for receiving target devices of DCCC will determine whether or not the DCCC array is passed at block  12132  for Master processing. The DCCC array is not passed when all receiving DCCC target devices are marked queue for later, since each device can check its Master (the queue) later and no delivery processing is required. The DCCC array is passed at block  12132  to  FIG. 126  processing for each DCCC target device to accomplish delivery. The devices with queue for later will have their Masters populated. In cases where the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing has all of its deliveries intercepted, no Master changes are made for the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing and no  FIG. 126  processing occurs for the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, however  FIG. 126  may be performed for devices of the DCCC array as configured without queue for later processing. 
     The array variable DCAC is preferably used at blocks  12338  and  12326  to ensure alerts are delivered to the DCAC target devices  12020 . The alerts may not be delivered to the device of  FIG. 120  processing at all if all receiving DCAC target devices are marked for intercepting the alert. Otherwise, the alerts are duplicated to the DCAC target devices. The ALERT_COMMUNICATIONS_FIELD  15408  can be used to override normal record  9500  alert method processing as discussed below. 
     The array variable DCPC is preferably used at blocks  12216  depending on whose interests and/or filters to use, and for the other historical information used to filter or include records  7000 . Block  12216  will access Trail Table records  6800  of any devices who want to use their own situational location at the time of delivery to the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing.  FIG. 122  processing will be altered by the array variable DCPC for duplicating deliveries or intercepting deliveries to the device of  FIG. 120  processing by inserting into the target device Masters that were determined as receivers at block  12216 . Prevention of insertion to the master of the device of  FIG. 120  processing will occur when all receiving target devices are configured for interception (“Intercept Delivery Experience”). If at least one duplicating target device exists (“Share Delivery Experience”), then the device of  FIG. 120  processing will receive the record  7000  to its Master. The Queue for later configuration for receiving target devices of DCPC will determine whether or not the DCPC array is passed at block  12132  for Master processing. The DCPC array is passed at block  12132  to  FIG. 126  processing for each DCPC target device to accomplish delivery. The devices with queue for later will have their Masters populated. In cases where the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing has all of its deliveries intercepted, no Master changes are made for the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing and no  FIG. 126  processing occurs for the device of  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing, however  FIG. 126  may be performed for devices of the DCPC array as configured without queue for later processing. 
       FIG. 153  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Configurator Assignments Table. Records  15300  contain preferences configurations made to the Delivery Configurator interfaces, such as  FIGS. 149 ,  155 A, and  155 B. Records  15300  are maintained with respect to default behavior of web service  2102  so that removing checkmarks from defaulted check-marked preferences will insert record(s)  15300  as will placing checkmarks to preferences which are not default web service  2102  behaviors. ASSIGNOR_ID  15302  contains the id (PersonID or RegistryID) of an entry from an Assignor(s) dropdown list. ASSIGNOR_TYPE field  15304  is set to “U” for user or “D” for device for indicating how to interpret field  15302 . ASSIGNEE_ID  15306  contains the id (PersonID or RegistryID) of an entry from an Assignee(s) dropdown list. ASSIGNEE_TYPE field  15308  is set to “U” for user or “D” for device for indicating how to interpret field  15306 . CONFIG_TYPE field  15310  contains the actual preference of a preferences list that is being configured. An enumerated list of constants for preference list entries with well known meanings is preferably configured to web service  2102  for easy reference by field  15310 . REC_TYPE field  15312  is set to “$” for the record  15300  being a Content Delivery Management configuration, “!” for record  15300  being an Alerts Management configuration, “P” for being a PingSpots Alert Management configuration, or “®” for the record  15300  being an Actions Management configuration. DELIV_TYPE field  15314  is set to “D” for duplicate delivery or “I” for intercepted delivery. Q4LATER field  15314  is to Yes or No for whether or not to do the delivery or queue for later (require user to view the Master at some time in the future). CONFIG_ID  15318  is a handle for joining to a record  15400  when needed. A negative value indicates there is no joining record  15400 . 
     Records  15300  are read at block  14438  for initialization (into last-saved configurations variable(s)), and any that do not show to have the associated “Share Delivery Experiences” and “Intercept Delivery Experiences” ( FIGS. 89 through 93E  processing) are deleted. Records  15300  are added, removed, or modified at block  14612  (from last-saved configurations variable(s)). Record data is prepared for being added, removed, or modified at blocks  15128 ,  15130  and  15132  (into in-process configurations variable(s)). Delivery Share processing makes use of the records  15300  for affecting delivery processing of  FIG. 120 . 
       FIG. 154  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Delivery Configuration Extensions Table. Records  15400  contain preferences configurations made to the Delivery Configurator interfaces specifically for the purpose of alerts management or actions management. CONFIG_ID  15402  joins to CONFIG_ID  15318  for associating a record  15400  with a record  15300 . USE_SITUATIONAL_LOC field  15404  is a Yes or No flag for whether or not to use field  15406 . SITUATIONAL_LOCATION field  15406  is a compound field that preferably contains a plurality of fields which form a list of situational locations, each a situational location described with fields from records  7000 ,  6500 , or other criteria concerning a content delivery. The situational location is optional information for further clarifying when to deliver an alert or action associated delivery as described below, and is set with the Options pulldown. ALERT_COMMUNICATIONS_INFO field  15408  contains the method by which to send a duplicated alert or intercepted alert as configured by  FIG. 155A . The ALERT_COMMUNICATIONS_INFO can be an email address and/or SMS message address and/or Deviceid field  6504  for active browser receipt. ALERT_COMMUNICATIONS_INFO is configured by the “Options” pulldown at any time and preferably affects configurations made thereafter. In a preferred embodiment, field  15404  is a join field to another table containing multiple rows, wherein each row contains fields for forming a situational location. 
       FIG. 155A  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for Alerts Management configuration aspects. In the preferred embodiment, Configurator Assignor(s) from authentication to the Delivery Configurator are populated to delivery target dropdown  15568 - a . These are the target devices for alerts as configured. User logon names and/or device names will be populated to the sorted dropdown  15568 - a  list. A user logon name implies specifying all devices owned by that user. The dropdown  15568 - a  list can be positioned to by the user entering a prefix string, or entire string, into delivery target entry field  15566 - a . The closest matching prefix or string in dropdown  15566 - a  is automatically scrolled to the corresponding sorted entry. The user can also select the down-arrow  15576 - a  to see, scroll, and select any entry from the dropdown  15568 - a  list. A user can highlight or unhighlight any entry(s) in the list so as to affect configurations of one or many at the same time. For example, holding the &lt;Ctrl&gt; key down while clicking with a cursor can highlight multiple entries. Population of Assignors and Assignees to dropdowns is analogous to that which was described above for  FIG. 149  and that which will be described for  FIG. 155B . User interaction to the dropdowns and interfaces are also analogous. If the user accessed the Delivery Configurator with a device, then the device and the grantors of “Affinity Delegate” privileges to the device will display in the dropdown  15568 - a . If the user accessed the Delivery Configurator with a user logon name, then the user logon name and any devices owned by the user, as well as grantors of “Affinity Delegate” privileges to the user or any of his devices will each display in the dropdown list  15568 - a . If the user accessed the Delivery Configurator with a group, then all user logon names of the group, and all devices owned by all users of the group will display in the dropdown list  15568 - a . An alternate embodiment will also set Assignor(s) to “Affinity Delegate” privilege grantors to users and devices of the group. Preferably, a user logon name qualifier precedes a device name in the dropdown  15568 - a  list when the Delivery Configurator was accessed with a group logon (e.g. user 1 :device 23 ).  FIG. 155A  shows that device names are numeric phone numbers. These device names could have been specified by a user, or automatically populated from a mobile phone service with the Registry Table import option. An entire cellular phone service directory is easily imported into records  6500  to conveniently adapt web service  2102  to an entire phone directory. 
     Configurator Assignee(s) which have granted Assignor(s) with either the “Share Delivery Experiences” or “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privilege are populated to the monitor dropdown  15564 - a  according to the highlighted Assignor(s) at dropdown  15568 - a . Privileges configuration of  FIGS. 89 through 93E  are preferably used to grant these two privileges. User logon names and/or device names will be populated to the sorted dropdown  15564 - a  list according to privileges assigned to the dropdown  15568 - a  entry (user or device) shown. The list can be positioned to by the user entering a prefix string, or entire string, to monitor entry field  15562 - a . The closest matching prefix or string in dropdown  15564 - a  is automatically scrolled to the corresponding sorted entry. The user can also select the down-arrow  15574 - a  to see, scroll, and select any entry from the dropdown  15564 - a  list. A user can highlight or unhighlight any entry(s) in the list so as to affect configurations of one or many at the same time. For example, holding the &lt;Ctrl&gt; key down while clicking with a cursor can highlight multiple entries. If an “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privilege has been assigned, then the corresponding user or device of dropdown list  15564 - a  is preferably shown in italics to differentiate which users and/or devices have assigned which of the two privileges (“Share Delivery Experiences”=normal type and “Intercept Delivery Experiences”=italic type). While the Configurator Assignee(s) have assigned the “Share Delivery Experiences” or “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privileges to the Configurator Assignor(s), they become assignees to delivery share preferences as described below. A user highlighted in dropdown list  15564 - a  or  15568 - a  implies specifying all devices of that user without knowing, or caring, specifically what devices there are. 
     The user of the  FIG. 155A  user interface is able to either receive duplicate alerts or PingSpot deliveries to target device(s) of dropdown  15568 - a  which are sent to the device(s) selected at dropdown  15564 - a , or intercept alerts to target device(s) of dropdown  15568 - a  which would have been sent to the device(s) selected at dropdown  15564 - a . This depends on which of the two privileges were granted. Monitor preference list  15570 - a  and target preferences list  15572 - a  contains delivery share configurations that can be assigned for criteria used in alert delivery. There are two alert embodiments for configuring preferences via  FIG. 155A , one for Pingimeter Alerts, and one for PingSpots (a form of content delivery alert from PingPals). A new tab may be provided to the Delivery Configurator for doing both of these, or the “Options” pulldown (which is shown) is used to toggle between the two alert configuration modes of  FIG. 155A  to display a unique tabbed interface of  FIG. 155A . Delivery share preferences configured at  15570 - a  and  15572 - a  depend on the embodiment. Block  14452  can present the PingSpots or Pingimeter alerts user interface based on the mode specified by the user in the Options pulldown. 
     Assuming the alert configuration mode (or tabbed user interface in one embodiment) for alerts is used to configure sharing Pingimeter alerts, then no Areas  15570 - a  or  15572 - a  are shown. The user simply selects which entries to monitor by highlighting them in dropdown  15564 - a . These will cause duplicate or intercepted delivery as described above based on the privilege assigned to be delivered to the associated entry in dropdown  15568 - a . Pingimeter alerts are based on geographical boundaries without regard to interests, filters, etc.  FIG. 150  shall be discussed in context for Pingimeter Alert Management processing of block  14458 . Processing starts at block  15002  and continues to block  15004  for processing and actions to a user interface such as  FIG. 155A . If block  15004  determines a checkmark was placed or removed at checkbox  14986  (which will never happen at  FIG. 155A  for Alerts), then block  15016  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with the user checkmark action, and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15004  determines checkbox  14986  was not checked or unchecked, then processing continues to block  15006 . If block  15006  determines a monitor configuration action was made by the user to monitor configuration area  15582 - a , then block  15018  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with the user action to the area  15582 - a , and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15006  determines a monitor configuration action was not made by the user, then processing continues to block  15008 . If block  15008  determines a deliver to configuration action was made by the user to deliver to configuration area  15584 - a , then block  15020  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with user action to the area  15584 - a , and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15008  determines a monitor configuration action was not made by the user, then processing continues to block  15010 . Block  15010  handles other actions to the user interface of  FIG. 155A  which do not add or remove a preference configuration, for example selecting down-arrows  15574 - a  or  15576 - a  to expose a significant amount of list entries, resizing the window of  FIG. 155A , or any other action that is not handled by  FIG. 151  processing. Thereafter,  FIG. 150  processing terminates at block  15012 . Areas  15570 - a  and  15572 - a  have no preference configurations and therefore do not cause any configuration processing. 
     Continuing with the discussion above in context for Pingimeter alert processing of block  14458 , processing starts at block  15102  and continues to block  15104  for processing specific actions to a user interface such as  FIG. 155A . If block  15104  determines a character was typed to, deleted from, or changed at a data entry field of a configuration area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator (e.g. fields  15562 - a  or  15566 - a ), then processing continues to block  15116 . If block  15116  determines the associated dropdown list is empty (e.g. dropdown  15564 - a  list is associated with entry field  15562 - a , dropdown  15568 - a  list is associated with entry field  15566 - a ), then processing continues to block  15114  for handling the action as editing text in the data entry field, and then to block  15126 . A list could be empty if it&#39;s a monitor configuration area dropdown list where neither the “Share Delivery Experiences”, nor “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privileges have been assigned to the selected Assignor highlighted at dropdown  15568 - a . Block  15126  terminates  FIG. 151  processing. If block  15116  determines the associated dropdown list is not empty, then block  15118  matches the closest first occurrence entry in the associated dropdown list (which is in sorted order), scrolls the dropdown list and makes it the selected entry of the associated dropdown list. Thereafter, block  15128  sets in-process configurations variable(s) according to settings of the configuration areas. Processing continues to block  15126  where  FIG. 151  processing terminates. If block  15104  determines a character was not acted upon at a data entry field, then processing continues to block  15106 . If block  15106  determines an entry was selected (user or device) in a dropdown list of a configuration area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator (e.g. dropdowns  15564 - a  or  15568 - a ), then processing continues to block  15128  for toggling highlighting of the selected entry, and setting or removing the corresponding intended configuration in in-process configurations variable(s). Processing continues to block  15126  where  FIG. 151  processing terminates. If block  15106  determines an entry was not selected in a dropdown list, then processing continues to block  15108 . For  FIG. 155A  so far discussed, block  15108  will always determine a preferences list entry was not selected and block  1510  will always determine there is no action for queue for later processing (will never happen for Pingimeters alert processing), therefore processing continues directly to block  15114  from block  15106  where other actions of the tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator are handled appropriately. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  15126 . Alerts are not stored in a device Master and there is preferably no queuing methodology. Another embodiment will queue up undeliverable alerts for later retries.  FIGS. 150 and 151  in context for Pingimeter Alerts maintain records  15300  and joined records  15400 . Note that records  15400  contain fields  15404  and  15406 . The user can access the “Options” pulldown to configure one or more manually entered situational locations and then toggle an enable or disable flag for using fields  15404  or  15406 . By default, field  15404  is set to No and field  15406  is empty. When the user has enabled situational location information, field  15404  is set to yes and that information is added to the records  15400  (field  15406  or joined from field  15406 ) for only duplicating or intercepting alerts when the monitored device(s) meet the situational location criteria while at the same time cause an alert to be generated. This allows clarifying alerts that the target user or devices are interested in based on any situational location information criteria. 
     In one embodiment, field  15408  which is set with the Options pulldown can override the alert methods configured in normal Pingimeter processing as discussed with records  9500 . ALERTS_COMMUNICATIONS_INFO field  15408  is preferably configured analogously to configuring AlertType field  9508  as described with record  9500  descriptions. Record  15400  data is to be made available at the appropriate points of subsequent  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing. 
     Assuming the alert configuration mode (or tabbed user interface in one embodiment) for alerts is used to configure sharing PingSpots, then Areas  15570 - a  and  15572 - a  will include an identical list of preferences discussed for  FIG. 149 . User interfacing to  FIG. 155A  is analogous to interfacing to  FIG. 149  except the content to be duplicated on delivery or shared are specifically PingSpots.  FIG. 150  shall be discussed in context for PingSpot (Alert) Management processing of block  14458 . Processing starts at block  15002  and continues to block  15004  for processing and actions to a user interface such as  FIG. 155A . If block  15004  determines a checkmark was placed or removed at checkbox  15586 - a  (checkbox  15586 - a  is not shown but will be displayed and placed analogously to checkbox  14986  of  FIG. 149 ), then block  15016  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with the user checkmark action, and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15004  determines checkbox  15586 - a  was not checked or unchecked, then processing continues to block  15006 . If block  15006  determines a monitor configuration action was made by the user to monitor configuration area  15582 - a , then block  15018  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with the user action to the area  15582 - a , and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15006  determines a monitor configuration action was not made by the user, then processing continues to block  15008 . If block  15008  determines a deliver to configuration action was made by the user to deliver to configuration area  15584 - a , then block  15020  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with user action to the area  15584 - a , and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15008  determines a monitor configuration action was not made by the user, then processing continues to block  15010 . Block  15010  handles other actions to the user interface of  FIG. 155A  which do not add or remove a preference configuration, for example selecting down-arrows  15574 - a  or  15576 - a  to expose a significant amount of list entries, scrolling lists  15570 - a  or  15572 - a , resizing the window of  FIG. 155A , or any other action that is not handled by  FIG. 151  processing. Thereafter,  FIG. 150  processing terminates at block  15012 . Areas  15570 - a  and  15572 - a  have preference configurations identical to  FIG. 149  for sharing PingSpots. 
     Continuing with the discussion above in context for Pingimeter alert processing of block  14458  for sharing PingSpots, processing starts at block  15102  and continues to block  15104  for processing specific actions to a user interface such as  FIG. 155A . If block  15104  determines a character was typed to, deleted from, or changed at a data entry field of a configuration area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator (e.g. fields  15562 - a  or  15566 - a ), then processing continues to block  15116 . If block  15116  determines the associated dropdown list is empty (e.g. dropdown  15564 - a  list is associated with entry field  15562 - a , dropdown  15568 - a  list is associated with entry field  15566 - a ), then processing continues to block  15114  for handling the action as editing text in the data entry field, and then to block  15126 . A list could be empty if it&#39;s a monitor configuration area dropdown list where neither the “Share Delivery Experiences”, nor “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privileges have been assigned to the highlighted Assignor(s) at the other dropdown. Block  15126  terminates  FIG. 151  processing. If block  15116  determines the associated dropdown list is not empty, then block  15118  matches the closest first occurrence entry in the associated dropdown list (which is in sorted order), scrolls the dropdown list and makes it the selected entry of the associated dropdown list. Thereafter, block  15128  sets in-process configurations variable(s) according to settings of the configuration areas. Processing continues to block  15126  where  FIG. 151  processing terminates. If block  15104  determines a character was not acted upon at a data entry field, then processing continues to block  15106 . If block  15106  determines an entry was selected (user or device) in a dropdown list of a configuration area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator (e.g. dropdowns  15564 - a  or  15568 - a ), then processing continues to block  15128  for toggling highlighting of the selected entry, and setting in-process configurations variable(s) accordingly. Processing continues to block  15126  where  FIG. 151  processing terminates. If block  15106  determines an entry was not selected in a dropdown list, then processing continues to block  15108 . If block  15108  determines a preferences list entry was selected (e.g. preferences lists  15570 - a  or  15572 - a ), then processing continues to block  15120  for toggling a checkmark on or off for display depending on the previous state and block  15130  sets in-process configurations variable(s) according to the selected preference of the configuration area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  15126 . If block  15108  determines a preferences list entry was not selected, then processing continues to block  15110 . If block  15110  determines a queue for later checkbox was selected (e.g. checkbox  15586 - a  is not shown but will be displayed and placed analogously to checkbox  14986  of  FIG. 149 ), then processing continues to block  15122  for toggling a checkmark on or off for display depending on the previous state and block  15132  sets in-process configurations variable(s) according to the selection of the checkbox area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  15126 . If block  15110  determines a queue for later checkbox was not selected, then processing continues to block  15114  where other actions of the tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator are handled appropriately. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  15126 . PingSpots are stored in a device Master for later viewing, so delivery can be prevented so they are viewed later.  FIGS. 150 and 151  in context for PingSpots (Alerts) maintain records  15300  and joined records  15400 . 
     Field  15406  can be used to override situational location information used for the PingSpots involved if field  15404  is set to Yes. Field  15408  can be used to override PingSpot content delivery processing with an alert instead of the configured deliverable content. Record  15400  data is to be made available at the appropriate points of subsequent  FIG. 120  heartbeat processing for alerting instead of updating the Master(s). 
       FIG. 155B  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for Actions Management configuration aspects. In the preferred embodiment, Configurator Assignor(s) from authentication to the Delivery Configurator are populated to delivery target dropdown  15568 - b . These are the target devices for actions as configured. User logon names and/or device names will be populated to the sorted dropdown  15568 - b  list. A user selected implies specifying all devices owned by that user. The dropdown  15568 - b  list can be positioned to by the user entering a prefix string, or entire string, into delivery target entry field  15566 - b . The closest matching prefix or string in dropdown  15566 - b  is automatically scrolled to the corresponding sorted entry. The user can also select the down-arrow  15576 - b  to see, scroll, and select any entry from the dropdown  15568 - b  list. A user can highlight or unhighlight any entry(s) in the list so as to affect configurations of one or many at the same time. For example, holding the &lt;Ctrl&gt; key down while clicking with a cursor can highlight multiple entries. What gets displayed to the dropdowns is analogous to what has been discussed above for the dropdowns of  FIGS. 149 and 155A .  FIG. 155B  shows that device names are numeric phone numbers. These device names could have been specified by a user, or automatically populated from a mobile phone service with the Registry Table import option. An entire cellular phone service directory is easily imported into records  6500  to conveniently adapt web service  2102  to an entire phone directory. 
     Configurator Assignee(s) which have granted Assignor(s) with either the “Share Delivery Experiences” or “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privilege are populated to the monitor dropdown  15564 - b  according to the current displayed Assignor(s) at dropdown  15568 - b . Privileges configuration of  FIGS. 89 through 93E  are preferably used to grant these two privileges. User logon names and/or device names will be populated to the sorted dropdown  15564 - b  list according to the two privileges assigned to the dropdown  15568 - b  entry (user or device) highlighted. The list can be positioned to by the user entering a prefix string, or entire string, to monitor entry field  15562 - b . The closest matching prefix or string in dropdown  15564 - b  is automatically scrolled to the corresponding sorted entry. The user can also select the down-arrow  15574 - b  to see, scroll, and select any entry from the dropdown  15564 - b  list. A user can highlight or unhighlight any entry(s) in the list so as to affect configurations of one or many at the same time. For example, holding the &lt;Ctrl&gt; key down while clicking with a cursor can highlight multiple entries. If an “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privilege has been assigned, then the corresponding user or device of dropdown list  15564 - b  is preferably shown in italics to differentiate which users and/or devices have assigned which of the two privileges (“Share Delivery Experiences”=normal type and “Intercept Delivery Experiences”=italic type). While the Configurator Assignee(s) have assigned the “Share Delivery Experiences” or “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privileges to the Configurator Assignor(s), they become assignees to delivery share preferences as described below. A user specified in dropdown list  15564 - b  or  15568 - b  implies specifying all devices of that user without knowing, or caring, specifically what devices there are. 
     There is no difference between “Share Delivery Experiences” or “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privileges for action configuration because actions at a device cannot be intercepted. Either of the two renders identical functionality for actions configuration. The user/device of the  FIG. 155B  user interface is notified with the monitored actions of other user(s)/device(s). The user/device can receive action alerts to target device(s) of dropdown  15568 - b  which occur at device(s) selected at dropdown  15564 - b . Monitor preference list  15570 - b  and target preferences list  15572 - b  contains delivery share configurations that can be assigned for criteria used in action alert notification. 
     Preference lists  15570 - b  and  15572 - b  will include a list of preferences similarly discussed and acted upon by the user for  FIG. 149 , except they have different names and are different in the functionality provided. They are discussed in detail below.  FIG. 150  shall be discussed in context for Action Management processing of block  14460 . Processing starts at block  15002  and continues to block  15004  for processing and actions to a user interface such as  FIG. 155B . If block  15004  determines a checkmark was placed or removed at checkbox  15586 - b , then block  15016  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with the user checkmark action, and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15004  determines checkbox  15586 - b  was not checked or unchecked, then processing continues to block  15006 . If block  15006  determines a monitor configuration action was made by the user to monitor configuration area  15582 - b , then block  15018  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with the user action to the area  15582 - b , and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15006  determines a monitor configuration action was not made by the user, then processing continues to block  15008 . If block  15008  determines a deliver to configuration action was made by the user to deliver to configuration area  15584 - b , then block  15020  invokes participant list manage processing ( FIG. 151 ) with user action to the area  15584 - b , and processing terminates at block  15012 . If block  15008  determines a monitor configuration action was not made by the user, then processing continues to block  15010 . Block  15010  handles other actions to the user interface of  FIG. 155B  which do not add or remove a preference configuration, for example selecting down-arrows  15574 - b  or  15576 - b  to expose a significant amount of list entries, scrolling lists  15570 - b  or  15572 - b , resizing the window of  FIG. 155B , or any other action that is not handled by  FIG. 151  processing. Thereafter,  FIG. 150  processing terminates at block  15012 . 
     Continuing with the discussion above in context for actions management processing of block  14460 , processing starts at block  15102  and continues to block  15104  for processing specific actions to a user interface such as  FIG. 155B . If block  15104  determines a character was typed to, deleted from, or changed at a data entry field of a configuration area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator (e.g. fields  15562 - b  or  15566 - b ), then processing continues to block  15116 . If block  15116  determines the associated dropdown list is empty (e.g. dropdown  15564 - b  list is associated with entry field  15562 - b , dropdown  15568 - b  list is associated with entry field  15566 - b ), then processing continues to block  15114  for handling the action as editing text in the data entry field, and then to block  15126 . A list could be empty if it&#39;s a monitor configuration area dropdown list where neither the “Share Delivery Experiences”, nor “Intercept Delivery Experiences” privileges have been assigned to the highlighted Assignor(s) at dropdown  15568 - b . Block  15126  terminates  FIG. 151  processing. If block  15116  determines the associated dropdown list is not empty, then block  15118  matches the closest first occurrence entry in the associated dropdown list (which is in sorted order), scrolls the dropdown list and makes it the selected entry of the associated dropdown list. Thereafter, block  15128  sets in-process configurations variable(s) according to settings of the configuration areas. Processing continues to block  15126  where  FIG. 151  processing terminates. If block  15104  determines a character was not acted upon at a data entry field, then processing continues to block  15106 . If block  15106  determines an entry was selected (user or device) in a dropdown list of a configuration area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator (e.g. dropdowns  15564 - b  or  15568 - b ), then processing continues to block  15128  for toggling highlighting of the selected entry, and setting or removing the corresponding intended configuration in in-process configurations variable(s). Processing continues to block  15126  where  FIG. 151  processing terminates. If block  15106  determines an entry was not selected in a dropdown list, then processing continues to block  15108 . If block  15108  determines a preferences list entry was selected (e.g. preferences lists  15570 - b  or  15572 - b ), then processing continues to block  15120  for toggling a checkmark on or off for display depending on the previous state and block  15130  sets in-process configurations variable(s) according to the selected preference of the configuration area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  15126 . If block  15108  determines a preferences list entry was not selected, then processing continues to block  15110 . If block  15110  determines a queue for later checkbox was selected (e.g. checkbox  15586 - b ), then processing continues to block  15122  for toggling a checkmark on or off for display depending on the previous state and block  15132  sets in-process configurations variable(s) according to the selection of the checkbox area of a tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  15126 . If block  15110  determines a queue for later checkbox was not selected, then processing continues to block  15114  where other actions of the tabbed user interface of the Delivery Configurator are handled appropriately. Thereafter, processing terminates at block  15126 . The  FIG. 155B  user interface is acted upon analogously to  FIG. 149  in assigning preferences. 
     Records  15300  and  15400  are created in accordance with action configurations. The Options pulldown configurations can be used to populate an alert method in field  15408  as well as situational location information to fields  15404  and  15406 . Other embodiments of alert management and action management will use the target device record  6500  fields for determining the suitable delivery method(s). 
     Monitor preference list  15570 - b  and target preferences list  15572 - b  contains delivery share configurations that can be assigned for criteria used in action notification. Each list contains different criteria for enabling or disabling. Records  15700  are preferably used to automatically populate list  15570 - b  since these are all actions that can be performed on the monitored device. The monitor preference list  15570 - b  contains preferences such as:
         “Surf”: delivery share configuration enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference of causing an action notification sent when the user of the device surfs (accesses) the internet through a web browser   “eMail”: delivery share configuration enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference causing an action notification sent when the user accesses a local email system   “Dial”: delivery share configuration enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference causing an action notification sent when the user invokes dialing a phone number from the device   “Save File”: delivery share configuration enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference causing an action notification sent when the user saves a file at the device
 
There can be a list of preferences of monitor preference list  15570 - b  which equate to any action that can be performed at a device. There will be many records  15700  for all monitor user actions at devices. Eligible actions are all those found in records  15700 . Records  15700  define all actions which can be registered by any participating device of web service  2102  (discussed below). For devices where the action is irrelevant, then the action simply never gets detected at the device. The target preference list  15572 - b  contains preferences for at least:
   “My Actions”: delivery share configuration enables/disables (via checkmark) the preference of causing an action notification sent from the source device when the user of the device performs any actions registered for the target device.
 
There can be a list of preferences of target reference list  15572 - b  which provide additional functionality using criteria associated with the target device(s). In other embodiments, each preference discussed above for  FIGS. 149 ,  155 A,  155 B, and associated processing can be implemented completely with specific privileges as described with  FIGS. 89 through 93E . Because the privileges are specific to the Delivery Configurator, the preferred embodiment handles these as preferences after main privileges of “Share Delivery Experiences” and “Intercept Delivery Experiences” are granted. Delivery Configurator user interfaces can take on different embodiments depending on the device which hosts the interface, and depending on user interface controls desired, while maintaining the foundation functionality.
       

       FIG. 156  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Action Registration Table. While a user interface such as  FIG. 155B  can be used to define action management processing between users and/or devices, only the actions that are registered at the device can be monitored. The monitored device (or user) must register actions which can be monitored, so not only does the “Share Delivery Experiences” or “Intercept Delivery Experiences” have to be granted by the monitored device(s) (or user(s)), the actions must also be registered for the device. In the preferred embodiment ( FIG. 158  processing), the device itself is used to register eligible actions for being monitored by other devices. In another embodiment, records  15600  can be maintained for a device without the knowledge of the user of a monitored device. Regardless or how records  15600  are created, they provide means for monitoring actions at a monitored device. Records  15600  are created for the devices which are to be monitored and can be used by the target device for the “My Actions” preference. The “My Actions” preference indicates to use the target device&#39;s actions for determining which actions to monitor of the monitored device. REGISTRANT_ID  15602  contains a PersonID  2902 / 3002  or RegistryID  6502  according to the REGISTRANT_TYPE field  15604  which is a “U” for a user (i.e. all the user&#39;s devices), or a “D” for a device. ACTION_ID  15606  contains an ACTION_ID  15702  value. A record  15700  with an ACTION_ID  15702  must exist before it can be inserted as a valid value to field  15606 . ACTION_CONTEXT_INFO field  15608  contains device context information for the circumstances under which the action registered is to be performed. ACTION_CONTEXT_INFO field  15608  can contain a situational location, system constraint(s), user specified constraint(s), or any criteria for the environment or state under which the action is performed. DATETIME_STAMP field  15610  contains a date/time stamp of when the action was registered. 
       FIG. 157  depicts a preferred embodiment of a data record in the Actions Table. Records  15700  constitute all actions which can be registered by any device  2540  of web service  2102 . Records  15700  provide a standard set of actions which are reasonable for registration by mobile devices  2540  to web service  2102 . Without records  15700 , it would be difficult to know what actions are being registered and how to monitor for those actions across heterogeneous devices. ACTION_ID  15702  contains a unique action identifier to an action which can be monitored at a heterogeneous device of web service  2102 . USER_EVENT field  15704  contains a user event description of the monitorable device action such as a keystroke sequence, invocation sequence of an executable, determined presence of an executable, command line command, shortcut or iconic invocation, or any other description for a user action at a device. Field  15704  may further define information similar to ACTION_CONTEXT_INFO for specifying under what circumstances the user event is denoted a monitored action. DESCRIPTION field  15706  provides an administrator with the ability to document the action of record  15700 . Records  15700  are preferably created in advance of a particular web service  2102  deployment, but can certainly be managed as needed after a deployment. Removing a record  15700  must remove any records  15600  which reference it. 
       FIG. 158  depicts a flowchart for describing a preferred embodiment of Action Trigger processing, such as that which takes place on any device  2540  to web service  2102  at any time.  FIG. 158  is a Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) type of program which intercepts input at a device for pre-processing. Processing starts at block  15802  and continues to block  15804 . If block  15804  determines an action at the device is for registering an action, then block  15812  interfaces with the user to create, view, modify, or delete a record  15600 . If a record  15700  does not exist for the action, then the user cannot create it. The user can also set the mode of his device to prompt when an action causes a delivery or don&#39;t prompt when an action causes a delivery, for the purpose of overriding notifications. Other embodiments will not support a mode option (e.g. to prevent the user from overriding action notification). The mode need not be set every time at blocks  15812  and  15814 . The mode is optionally set at that opportune moment and stays in effect from that point forward until modified by the user. Thereafter, block  15822  checks if the action created or modified a resulting valid record  15600  (also a corresponding record  15700  must exist for the action). If block  15822  determines the action can be registered, then block  15814  creates or replaces a record  15600  for the action, sets the mode for triggers on the device (if user set at block  15812 ) and processing continues to block  15806 . If block  15822  determines, the user deleted or viewed a record  15600  at block  15812 , or the record created or modified is invalid, then processing continues to block  15824  where a status is reported to the user. Thereafter, processing continues to block  15806 . Block  15806  accesses all registered action records  15600  as well as privilege configurations (Groups Table, PingPal Assignment Table, Users Table, Registry Table). Records  15600  without appropriate privileges are discarded. A performance conscious implementation may cache records  15600  and joined privilege assignment table records for quick access at block  15806  and then update cache at reasonable opportune moments. Blocks  15812 ,  15822 ,  15824 , and  15814  are provided for managing records  15600 . Thereafter, if block  15808  determines an action invoked by the user is registered according to a valid record  15600  accessed at block  15806 , then processing continues to block  15816 , otherwise processing terminates at block  15810  where the action is handled by the device in the normal manner. Even a registration action may be monitored. Valid records  15600  are queried at block  15806  and checked if they contain an action being performed by the user. 
     If block  15816  determines the mode set last at block  15812  is for prompt, then block  15826  provides a prompt to the user indicating a registered action has been detected and is configured for notification to other device(s), otherwise block  15816  continues directly to block  15818 . One embodiment of block  15826  will list which devices are being notified. Preferably, the user must act on the prompt to acknowledge it with cancel or continue. This permits the user to override sending a notification to other devices or users. Thereafter, if block  15828  determines the user selected to cancel, then processing terminates at block  15810 , and normal device processing of the action occurs. If block  15828  determines the user selected to continue, then block  15818  determines the device situational location and block  15820  sends any applicable action notifications to configured devices as determined by valid records  15600  accessed at block  15806 , along with applicable records  15300  and  15400  which are accessed at block  15820 . A performance conscious implementation may cache record information for quick access at block  15820  and then update cache at reasonable opportune moments. The device situational location is determined at block  15818  in case the action alert has been clarified with the device having to perform the action at a situational location of field(s)  15406  for field(s)  15404  set to yes. Sending can be directly from device to device, or through web service  2102  with an appropriate means. Thereafter, block  15810  terminates  FIG. 158  processing. Block  15820  will use ALERT_COMMUNICATIONS_INFO field  15408  if available, otherwise the record  6500  for each target device must be accessed for how to deliver the notification. The notification is preferably a textual message containing informative information about the action. Block  15820  will use SITUATIONAL_LOCATION field  15406  when USE_SITUATIONAL_LOC field  15404  is set to Yes. This clarifies to block  15820  when comparing the device situational location from block  15818  that the action is not to notify any device unless the situational location determined at block  15818  matches at least one that is configured in field  15406 . Also, block  15808  can use any data found at ACTION_CONTEXT_INFO field  15608  to further clarify the action is registered. Record information can be accessed as needed from web service  2102 , cached at opportune moments for being readily available for access, or periodically communicated to devices or systems that need it. 
     Statistics 
       FIG. 159  depicts a preferred embodiment screenshot for the Reports option of the Service option of the publicly accessed area of the web service  2102 . Valuable statistics are provided to users of web service  2102  depending on the user type. For example, content delivery statistics, statistics on alerts, and other statistics are easily incorporated to web service  2102 . Content providers are interested in how many content deliveries have been made, the type of recipients, the time the deliveries were made, and other attributes about delivering content to mobile devices/users. Anonymous membership registration provides approximate age, geographical location, sex, work industry information, and other information for categorizing statistics about deliveries, configurations made, and any other aspect of user dependent processing in web service  2102 . The number of alerts generated by a device, the number of and type of deliveries made to a device, the keywords used to match, and many other attributes about mobile devices  2540  and web service  2102  are of interest depending on the users or user types. Appropriate data in server data  2104  and appropriate interfaces to access the data are provided in web service  2102  without revealing personally identifiable information about any particular user. Useful statistics  2522 , depending on the preferred embodiment deployed, are maintained at appropriate points throughout web service  2102  processing as determined with the descriptions of web service  2102  above.  FIGS. 159 ,  160 A and  160 B describe some preferred statistics. In a preferred embodiment of web service  2102 , scripts access the statistics  2522  and automatically build spreadsheets, charts, and graphs for view in reporting applications such as Microsoft Excel. This provides excellent control on additional report generation with raw data totals used. In another embodiment, the My GPS component  2502  provides a new option, for example a Users Statistics option  4609  where a user can select the option link to go to reporting of statistics that are reasonable for the particular user type and/or device type as determined by  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing to the reporting page. In any case, statistics are a key piece of the anonymous location based services because valuable information can be presented without revealing too much information about devices, users, web service transactions and traffic, and any other processing of web service  2102 . Useful statistics for marketing research, and for analyzing activities of web services  2102 , provide a foundation for getting feedback on use of web service  2102  in an informative, yet anonymous manner. 
       FIGS. 160A and 160B  depict preferred embodiment screenshots for the Service option of the publicly accessed area of the web service for summarizing some site features. Having read the above descriptions, those skilled in the art will understand how each of the features in  FIGS. 160A and 160B  are implemented. Statistical data is intuitive based on the Table records presented above, the times at which they are accessed, and the interaction of processing discussed above. Statistics of  FIGS. 160A and 160B  (e.g. “Reports” column) can each be itemized with associated running total(s) kept in server data  2104  for later access. A script accessing server data  2104  can report weekly, monthly, etc from timely snapshots taken. Another embodiment will associate statistics in server data  2104  to timeframes in server data  2104  which can then be reported based on timeframes requested. 
     EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 161  depicts an illustration of a preferred implementation environment for carrying out the web service described in this application. The web service  2102  is deployable from a stand-alone all in one server with local disk drive storage to mass load balanced clusters of servers with connected storage over a Storage Area Network (SAN). Tape backup is provided to protect web service  2102  data and server data  2104  from a disaster. The tape media is preferably written to from web service  2102  data at least once per day during minimal load hours, and then taken off-site to premises substantially distant from the physical location of web service  2102  to provide disaster protection. In a preferred embodiment, web service  2102  is backed up to fast disk storage media first before then being moved to tape to limit performance impact to web service  2102 . Data backed up may also be moved by way of a communications link to a local or remote site of disk storage. In a preferred embodiment, a large cluster of Windows/2003 servers provide an excellent capability to serve massive numbers of simultaneous device heartbeats and web service  2102  accesses. All of web service  2102  features are preferably accessed over the internet, with the members area  2500  being accessed with https using an SSL certificate. Devices are targeted based on their situational locations and other configurations as described above. Virus protection and attack prevention is preferably incorporated at the public facing servers for web service  2102  on all data and communications there to web service  2102 . Attack prevention is also incorporated in web service  2102  with SQL injection attack prevention (e.g. presence of special characters in string entry), denial of service attacks, buffer overflow attacks, and any other attack prevention that is known and is reasonable to incorporate. 
     The “Send Broadcast Messages” privilege is provided to devices for sending broadcast messages to PingPals willing to accept them. Using the many teachings above, the device can access privileges for who granted the “Send Broadcast Messages” privilege to it, or to the user of the device, for then looping on each grantor to send a prepared message for communicating to more than one device (or user) at the same time with the same message. For example, a user wants to let his PingPals know where he&#39;ll be that evening without having to call or send a message to each individually. The user prepares the message, invokes a broadcast request, and the message is automatically sent to all PingPals who have granted the “Send Broadcast Messages” privilege to the device sending the message (or to the user of the device). Sending a message (SMS message or email) is well known in the art. The feature discussed here is leveraging web service  2102  groups, privileges, and SMTP service to provide privileged broadcast functionality to a plurality of other users and devices of web service  2102 . Continuing with the flowchart methods discussed above, a new broadcast option  4665  (e.g.  FIG. 46B ) is selected by the user. A suitable data entry broadcast specification page form is presented from web service  2102  to the user for specifying a group name field  8906  of a user&#39;s group record  8900  containing user(s) and/or device(s) that also happen to have granted the user with the “Send Broadcast Messages” privilege, along with a data entry field for the broadcast message. Preferably a plurality of the user&#39;s groups can be specified and additional users/devices can be added explicitly for receiving the broadcast message. Upon submittal, form validation is performed to assure the group(s) and any additional users or devices do indeed contain at least one appropriately privileged device to receive the broadcast, and data sent may also be validated. Successful validation as determined by an invoked broadcast processing page from web service  2102  then accesses all members of the group record(s)  8900  specified, along with the explicitly specified recipient users and/or devices. It is then determined which users and/or devices provided the sending user (invoker of new option  4665 ) with the “Send Broadcast Messages” privilege for elaborating to all privilege-granting target devices, and uses the data entry field to construct an SMTP message (SMS or email) to send to all target devices of the group using their record  6500  fields for preferred delivery (e.g. fields  6532 ,  6534 ,  6536 ,  6538 ). 
     Another embodiment will only permit users (rather than devices) to be recipients of the broadcast message. In this case the broadcast specification form validates that the user enters group name(s) of record(s)  8900  along with any additional users only which has granted privileges to the user. All user&#39;s who have granted the user sending the broadcast message with the “Send Broadcast Messages” from the user specified group(s) or explicitly added users will receive the broadcast. Upon constructing the broadcast message, the user account record  2900  fields (e.g. Email field) is used for receiving the broadcast. 
     In one use of web service  2102 , a dating service is provided. Members interact through web service  2102  with PingPal configurations and can set PingSpots traveled by other users which meet situational location parameters and associated configurations for delivering the content of the PingSpot. Pingimeter Alerts can also be fun in configuring between PingPals. Web service  2102  becomes fun to use and provides reason to interact for developing relationships. 
     In another use, advertisers target user types, device types, situational locations, and other criteria for deeming a content delivery for the purpose of reaching an audience. A hit radius can be configured for deliverable content records  7000 . A hit radius can be configured for PingSpots of records  7000 . Pingimeters can also be configured with a radius for causing an alert (which is also a type of hit radius). A hit radius is preferably a fixed area, or fixed region in space, that mobile device  2540  travel to or through. The user who configured the hit radius can modify it and specify a different area or fixed region in space. In any case, features and functionality of web service  2102  occur when mobile device  2540  encounter the hit radius. In one embodiment, a hit radius can also be mobile. The user configures additional fields in records containing a hit radius so that the hit radius can take on a plurality of positions and/or size over time. In one embodiment, the user configures a plurality of hit radius sizes and/or locations for a plurality of different scheduled times (e.g. distinct times of a day, week, or month) with a single configuration. In another embodiment, a user uses a mathematical formula to plot the path of a hit radius with a speed to travel over the path (e.g. Cartesian coordinate system algebraic formula with a slope function), optionally with a start time and end time. Wherever a fixed location radius or hit radius has been used, various embodiments will provide additional fields for defining many hit radius configurations over time to prevent burdening a user with changing a configuration for the sole purpose of modifying a radius or hit radius. In another embodiment, any field of records  6500 ,  7000 ,  2900 ,  3000 , joined records thereto or therefrom, or any other related data record or web service  2102 , can be used as part of a configuration to dynamically change a hit radius over time. The hit radius and associated middle can be configured to be dynamic over time using any reasonable variables to affect changes. 
     Likewise, a device mobile interest radius may have additional configuration for being modified over time without burdening the user from constantly changing his interest radius. The user can configured his interest radius for unique sizes based on scheduled times/dates. In another embodiment, the user can have his device mobile interest radius dynamically change its size based on a current situational location. For example, the user can configure his mobile interest radius to be 500 feet when within certain major cities, but then set to 5 miles when well beyond city limits. This could be territory configurations, or proximity to a location configurations, etc. This allows users to configure one time all useful interest radiuses based on future device situational locations. In other embodiments, the user can configure any criteria about his situational location for affecting the size of his interest radius while mobile. In another example, the user may configure that a threshold number of content deliveries based on his interests and/or filters automatically decrease (or increase) the interest radius (e.g. decrease to prevent receiving too much content for farther away situational locations, or increase to attempt to receive more content). In another embodiment, any field of records  6500 ,  7000 ,  2900 ,  3000 , joined records thereto or therefrom, or any other related data record or web service  2102 , can be used as part of a configuration to dynamically change a mobile interest radius over time. The interest radius can be configured to be dynamic over time using any reasonable variables to affect changes. 
     In one embodiment of web service  2102 , a subset of record  6500  fields are maintained at a user account level (i.e. records  2900 / 3000 ) for affecting configuration of devices. This allows a user with a plurality of devices to modify data (e.g. interests, filters, etc) in one place for all his devices. Any reasonable record  6500  fields are movable to a record  3000 . 
     The “Affinity Delegate” privilege can be used wherever logon is requested, for example at web service  2102  logon processing, or at device accesses to the Delivery Manager  2510 . A user with the “Affinity Delegate” privilege may logon to the members area  2500  of web service  2102  to find not only his own data configured though web service  2102 , but also data of users who provided the “Affinity Delegate” privilege to him. Preferably after a successful logon, all users who have assigned the “Affinity Delegate” privilege to him appear in a dropdown made available to the My GPS interface (e.g.  FIG. 46B ) in the top left-hand corner. The user selects a user from the dropdown which then makes all members area interfaces adapt as though that selected user were logged on to the members area. The logon data evidence would be modified upon selection of a different user from the dropdown to ensure  FIGS. 39A and 39B  access control processing uses the information for the selected user who granted the “Affinity Delegate” privilege. This way all members area pages treat the user as though he was in fact the one logged on. The users actual logon name also appears in the dropdown for being able to go back to his own logon data evidence for interfacing to members area pages. Preferably, the dropdown with the selected user logon name appears with all members area pages to always remind the user who he is currently acting on behalf of. The “Affinity Delegate” privilege allows users to manage records in web service  2102  on behalf of other users. 
     The “Affinity Delegate” privilege can be also be used for accesses by a device to the Delivery Manager  2510  with device name (Deviceid field  6504 ) and device password (PW field  6506 ). A device with the “Affinity Delegate” privilege may access the Delivery Manager to find a dropdown presented to an interface, for example the browser version of the Delivery Manager, containing all devices which provided the “Affinity Delegate” privilege to his device (user to user, user to device, device to device, and device to user assignments are used to elaborate all devices which have ultimately granted the privilege to the device). Preferably after a successful Delivery Manager access, all devices which have assigned the “Affinity Delegate” privilege to the accessing device see a dropdown made available. The user selects a device from the dropdown which then makes all Delivery Manager interfaces adapt as though that selected device were used to access the Delivery Manager. The device data evidence would be modified upon selection of a different device from the dropdown. This way subsequent Delivery Manager interactions treat the device as though it was in fact the one accessing the Delivery Manager. The actual device name also appears in the dropdown for being able to go back to it. Preferably, the dropdown with the selected device name appears with all applicable Delivery Manager interfaces to always remind the user which device he is currently using to web service  2102 . 
     While Pingimeters have associated actions caused upon an arrival or departure of a mobile device  2540 , PingSpots and deliverable content records may also have associated actions. When a mobile device travels to a targeted area (or region in space) for a PingSpot or deliverable content record, actions can be defined in a similar manner. Depending on the command configured, or the embodiment of a command itself, any action or plurality of actions can be performed as the result of a mobile device  2540  encountering a PingSpot or deliverable content record targeted situational location. Features of web service  2102  that are currently unique to one form of a triggered or automated delivery are easily incorporated to the other forms of triggered or automated deliveries, and are therefore assumed for incorporation. Any time a content delivery is determined for a device, an action or plurality of actions configured with the content can also take place. In one embodiment, the content delivered includes a script or executable which contains configurable actions. In another embodiment, a field such as field  9508  is provided to a record  7000 . DCDB records, PingSpot records, Pingimeter records and registered action records can each have one or more situational locations configured for it to determine delivery. DCDB records, PingSpot records, Pingimeter records and registered action records can each have one or more alert types configured for it, with or without associated delivered content, and alerts can be delivered to users (or devices) involved in web service  2102  configuration that causes the alert(s), or any other user (or device) capable of receiving a distribution (email, SMS message, or the like). Situational location criteria for DCDB records, PingSpot records, Pingimeter records and registered action records can have situational locations further clarified with additional fields from, or in, records  6500 ,  7000 , other record fields of web service  2102 , or any other criteria to specifically define the situation of the situational location for triggering criteria of a content delivery or alert. 
     Content deliveries by situational location may also be authenticated. When a delivery by situational location is made to a device, the recipient may be forced to identify himself as a valid recipient. This can be done with credentials sought that are passed with content, or as a well known process for specifying anticipated credentials upon delivering content. The delivery will not occur unless the recipient shows authenticity of who he is that is receiving the content. DelivFlags field  7036  functionality is to be incorporated at appropriate blocks of processing per descriptions above. 
     Various billing models may be used with web service  2102  depending on the application. They include: 
     Billing the recipient for each delivery, or some bulk number of deliveries, made according to web service  2102  configurations (this requires gathering additional information about recipients (e.g. Pingers); 
     Billing the content providers for each delivery, or some bulk number of deliveries, made according to successful content deliveries made by web service  2102 ; or 
     Subscriptions to use web service  2102  functionality by any subset of user types discussed. 
     The preferred embodiment makes web service  2102  free to all users except content providers in a publicly accessed advertising related application, and enforces user based subscriptions in certain special applications. 
     Server check frequency may be configured beyond just a simple fixed period. For example, server check frequency determines the time intervals by which to send a device heartbeat to  FIG. 120  processing. The server check frequency may have additional configuration for being modified over time without burdening the user from constantly changing it. The user can configured a server check frequency for unique heartbeat intervals based on scheduled times/dates. In another embodiment, the user can have a server check frequency dynamically change its frequency of occurrence based on a current situational location. For example, the user can configure a server check frequency to be every 2 seconds when within certain major cities, but then set to every 10 seconds when well beyond city limits. This could be territory configurations, or proximity to a location configurations, etc. This allows users to configure one time all useful server check frequencies on future device situational locations. In other embodiments, the user can configure any criteria about his situational location(s) for affecting the server check frequency while mobile. In one embodiment, all mobile devices  2540  are set with a server check frequency which is not configurable at all by the user. In another embodiment, any field of records  6500 ,  7000 ,  2900 ,  3000 , joined records thereto or therefrom, or any other related data record or web service  2101 , can be used as part of a configuration to dynamically change a server check frequency over time. The server check frequency can be configured to be dynamic over time using any reasonable variables to affect changes. 
     The movement tolerance can also affect when device heartbeats are sent to web service  2102 . A heart beat will not be sent to web service  2102  unless the mobile device  2540  has moved at least as much as the movement tolerance. In the preferred embodiment, the movement tolerance involves comparing a previous location of mobile device  2540  with a subsequent location of mobile device  2540 . In another embodiment, a movement tolerance can be an amount of movement such as an elapsed time of any movement. In yet another embodiment, a movement tolerance can be configured to dynamically change based on user configurations for scheduling, preferences, territory, etc, in a similar manner to heartbeat and server check frequencies described above. In another embodiment, any field of records  6500 ,  7000 ,  2900 ,  3000 , joined records thereto or therefrom, or any other related data record or web service  2101 , can be used as part of a configuration to dynamically change a movement tolerance over time. The movement tolerance can be configured to be dynamic over time using any reasonable variables to affect changes. 
     In a further embodiment, a movement tolerance configuration, heartbeat configuration and/or server check frequency configuration can be configured together as part of the same unit of dynamic control for dynamic behavior of all three configurations together. 
     Heartbeats may be intermittently sent to web service  2102  in response to devices sensed at locations as they come in proximity to sensing means (e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,389,010 and 5,726,984 (Kubler et al)). Heartbeats are generic in that web service  2102  does not anticipate when a heartbeat will arrive. Web service  2102  processes device heartbeats when they are received, regardless of how timely they are, and regardless of the system originators of them. The heartbeat will contain enough information for how to deliver the content to the particular device, either by order of protocol, data contained in the heartbeat, or both. Heartbeats are not caused by a user through a user entering location information to a user interface. They are automatically system generated by some automatic location detection means typically without the user being concerned (or aware of in many cases) when they are being generated and sent to web service  2102 . Automatic location detection means causes the sending of device heartbeats to web service  2102 . 
     Currently, there are GPS systems in computers, Tablet PCs, PDAs, and wireless phones. Sometimes content will be delivered by situational location to a mobile device that is significantly far from a destination that the delivered content is associated with. It would be nice to provide the mobile user with a pushpin graphic on a local map of a destination associated with the content, and then provide automated narrated directions to the pushpin from the user&#39;s current location using current GPS technology. The delivered content may be configured with a situational location that covers a broad geographic area. If an advertisement is sent to the mobile device by its situational location that is intended to entice the user to travel to a destination, then directions to the destination from the mobile device location is desirable. While this information could also be delivered over a wireless connection as part of the content, it is better performance to simply send a pushpin location for processing by the local GPS system for directions. Therefore, a record  7000  can deliver a pushpin location as part of the content delivered by situational location to the mobile device. The pushpin location can be a latitude/longitude combination, physical address, MAPSCO address, or any other description for uniquely identifying a location on a map. When content is delivered by situational location, its a better performing solution to minimize information transmitted over a wireless internet connection. By transmitting a pushpin location to the mobile device for narrative direction processing by the mobile device itself, less narrative direction content is sent over the wireless connection. 
     So, content is sent to mobile devices depending on their situational locations. Pushpin locations can be sent as part, or all of the content. The pushpin conveniently provides a graphic to display on the local GPS map, and is preferably integrated with landmark point processing of the GPS application or service. The user can then use a conventional GPS system for guided directions for traveling to the pushpin location. Alternatively, the user simply selects the pushpin, and guided narratives directions are provided in forms well know in the art for guiding the mobile user to the pushpin location from his current location. The preferred embodiment will prevent user interaction for guidance to the pushpin location from the current user&#39;s location. 
     Some wireless phones may not have a microbrowser, or may have a user that does not want to use a microbrowser, or have a user that does not have an internet plan with their cell phone. Wireless connections may also be slow. Minimizing delivered content is preferable. Methods are needed for a good experience using such devices with web service  2102 . Messages can be delivered directly to the person&#39;s phone mail, providing a unique ringing (e.g. by caller id), and/or playing an automated message to the person who answers the cell phone that has traveled to a situational location. The user can interface completely with voice commands to a web service  2102  for configuring content delivery method(s), interests or filters, and other record  6500  fields, and then participate in receiving content by his situational location. For delivery to the user&#39;s phone mail, text can be processed to voice for leaving a voice recording, or alternatively a voice recorded message already configured as content is delivered. The cell phone&#39;s normal notification of a newly delivered message then notifies the user. Depending on the user&#39;s configurations, a unique cell phone ring is provided for content delivered by situational location. In one embodiment, the wireless provider provides the unique cell phone ring with the service. In another embodiment, the cell phone recognizes a programmed caller id to provide the unique phone ring. Depending on the user&#39;s configuration, the user&#39;s cell phone can be automatically called with automated message content. Textual content can be converted to voice, or the content may already be a recording for play. 
     Content configured for situational locations may be expensive (by subscribed plan, or by performance measurements) in transmission. A method may be needed to minimize transmission, and to minimize costs associated with doing a content transmission. Content can be delivered to the device in a minimal form for further delivery processing by the receiving device. The receiving device maintains a cache which can be refreshed by a LAN (Local Area Network) connection, a high speed hot spot 802.11 connection, or any communications connection that provides better performance than the connection by which content is delivered to the wireless device by situational location. For example, a real estate multiple listing service database provides real estate listings as mobile users travel to situational locations that are configured with deliverable content. It may be “expensive” to deliver graphics, and large amounts of text to the devices. In one embodiment, a unique listing entry identifier is delivered to the mobile device upon traveling to a configured situational location, and subsequent processing by the mobile device itself retrieves the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) data using the entry identifier, or by way of a higher speed connection or local access. The mobile device refreshes locally maintained data when it is opportune to do so at hotspots, other fast connections, or the like. Database entries have unique identifiers. This methodology is not limited to MLS. The only requirement is to have a deliverable content database with unique handles for uniquely identifying the entries accessed by the local receiving device. So, entry ids are delivered as the content (or part thereof), and the device is then responsible for delivering the details of the content. In cases where the entry identifier is known, receiving device processing is straightforward. In cases where the entry identifier is unknown, for example because of a newly configured deliverable content database entry at the remote service, or because the device had not been refreshed recently, the content can be delivered over the usual wireless connection, or an indicator is delivered for indicating to do a refresh. Preferably, the user can control what happens as disclosed above for local cache management. The device local cache can be updated by a hot-spot which variably determines whether the information can be processed in detail by the mobile device. Alternatively, new content is wirelessly communicated (trickle updates) as appropriate, or indicator(s) can be sent to the user to inform the user to do a refresh. So, in the MLS example above, listings are presented to the user&#39;s device as it is mobile. Web service  2102  is delivering a minimal amount of information such as a unique MLS identifier which is then used locally by the device to access the MLS database to present details. 
     There are many other applications and/or embodiments where a minimal amount of information can be delivered to the device for more detailed processing by the device to ultimately present the information to the user at the device. 
     Currently, WAP devices have XML defined WML encoding to solve user interfaces for such small displays. It would be nice to provide a large display to any cell phone so full web browsing is possible to web service  2102 . Cell phone mobile devices  2540  preferably include an RGB (Red/Green/Blue) projector. The cell phone provides internalized integration of RGB projection of a displayable image that would otherwise (or additionally) be displayed in the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) of the phone. The cell phone user points the directed output light for the displayable image which is scaled and projected to a targeted surface. The strength of the light source will dictate how far the target surface can be from the projecting phone. Preferably, the resulting image will provide an area large enough for full web browsing to web service  2102 , or at least the size of PDA web browsing, for example as used by Pocket Internet Explorer devices. In alternate embodiments, camera snapshots, video footage, or anything that could be displayed on the phone will also display in the image. 
     In one embodiment of web service  2102 , users do not have to configure anything to participate in the content delivery by situational location. An entire telecommunications company mobile phone directory is easily imported to server data  2104  records  6500  with appropriate defaulted fields. Software can be already installed on mobile phones  2540 , or downloaded by a user after purchasing the mobile phone, for transmitting timely heartbeats containing whereabouts to web service  2102 . Based on a phone service plan of the mobile phone subscriber, content can be delivered to the phone as he is mobile. There are always options for providing a subset of the interfaces described above for further personalizing the experience to web service  2102 . 
     When a user toggles an option to enable or disable content delivery by situational location, the preferred embodiment simply starts or terminates Delivery Manager processing, or he starts or terminates the processing which sends heartbeats to  FIG. 120  processing. An appropriate device user interface is provided. In another embodiment, the ActiveDev field  6550  is set to No for disabled, or Yes for enabled. 
     In a preferred embodiment for enhancing mobile device locations, well known cell tower locations complement GPS coordinates received when locating devices. Cell tower or antenna triangulation, or cell tower communications information can further refine the whereabouts of mobile devices  2540 . An environment which couples multiple location technologies together can provide better accuracy for device locations. 
     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20070710
Publication Date: 20130716
Grant Date: 20130716
Priority Date: 20000607
Inventors: JOHNSON WILLIAM J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G01S5/011", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G01S5/011", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L67/54", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L67/52", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L67/54", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L67/52", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/4878", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L67/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/958", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/972", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W76/11", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/9537", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/42348", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2242/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2242/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2242/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2242/15", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/14", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/958", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L69/329", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W76/11", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/4878", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/025", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2242/30", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06Q30/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M3/42348", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/972", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F16/9537", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04M2242/14", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L69/329", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04L67/04", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 46331795