Ad hoc location sharing group establishment for wireless devices with designated meeting point

• US 10,750,309 B2
• Filed: 11/27/2019
• Issued: 08/18/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: X One Inc.
• Original Assignee: X One Inc.
• Inventors: Haney, Richard D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Karikari, Kwasi
• Application Number:
  US16/698,831
• Publication Number:
  US 20200100049A1
• Time in Patent Office: 265 Days
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/20 Instruments for performing navigational calculations G01C21/24, G01C21/26 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/01 Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/03 Cooperating elements; Interaction or communication between different cooperating elements or between cooperating elements and receivers
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/29 Geographical information databases
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/322 Aspects of commerce using mobile devices [M-devices]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/01 Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/1046 Joining mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/535 Tracking the activity of the user network monitoring arrangements H04L43/00; recording of computer activity G06F11/34
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/54 Presence management, e.g. monitoring or registration for receipt of user log-on information, or the connection status of the users
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0202 Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. of speakers or microphones H04M1/03
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72406 by software upgrading or downloading
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72418 for supporting emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72457 according to geographic location
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/38 Displays
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2044 Group features, e.g. closed user group
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2207/18 wireless networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/04 for emergency applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/30 Determination of the location of a subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2250/10 : including a GPS signal receiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42093 : Notifying the calling party of information on the called or connected party
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/4228 : in networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42348 : Location-based services which utilize the location information of a target
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42365 : Presence services providing information on the willingness to communicate or the ability to communicate in terms of media capability or network connectivity
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/033 : of the user plane, e.g. user's traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 : Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/08 : Access security
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/63 : Location-dependent; Proximity-dependent
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/021 : Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/022 : with dynamic range variability
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/023 : using mutual or relative location information between multiple location based services [LBS] targets or of distance thresholds
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/025 : using location based information parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/027 : using movement velocity, acceleration information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/08 : User group management
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/10 : Push-to-Talk [PTT] or Push-On-Call services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/14 : Short messaging services, e.g. short message services [SMS] or unstructured supplementary service data [USSD]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/21 : for social networking applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/50 : Service provisioning or reconfiguring
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/90 : Services for handling of emergency or hazardous situations, e.g. earthquake and tsunami warning systems [ETWS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 64/00 : Locating users or terminals or network equipment for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 64/003 : locating network equipment
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/12 : Inter-network notification
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 72/121 : for groups of terminals or users
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/14 : Direct-mode setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 : Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks

Abstract

A system for exchanging GPS or other position data between wireless devices for purposes of group activities, child location monitoring, work group coordination, dispatching of employees etc. Cell phones and other wireless devices with GPS receivers have loaded therein a Buddy Watch application and a TalkControl application. The Buddy Watch application communicates with the GPS receiver and other wireless devices operated by buddies registered in the users phone as part of buddy groups or individually. GPS position data and historical GPS position data can be exchanged between cell phones of buddies and instant buddies such as tow truck drivers via a buddy watch server. Emergency monitoring services can be set up with notifications to programmable individuals in case an individual does not respond. Positions and tracks can be displayed. TalkControl simplifies and automates the process of joining talk groups for walkie talkie services such as that provided by Nextel.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

receiving information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establishing a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identifying in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein

the temporary tracking and mapping function is a mutual tracking and mapping function,

said method is implemented as a method of operating at least one server,

said method further comprises receiving from the software application and via a wireless cellular carrier encrypted GPS information of the first wireless cellular device, decrypting said encrypted GPS information, and providing position information of the first wireless cellular device to the second wireless cellular device, in a manner not requiring concurrent voice communication between the user and the provider of the requested service,

said method further comprises in connection with the mutual tracking and mapping function, causing provision of a map to the second wireless cellular device, and

the second wireless cellular device is to display the map provided to the second wireless cellular device in a manner that designates a most recent position of the user of the first wireless cellular device and the proposed meeting point.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

said method further comprises providing the software application for download to the first wireless cellular device;

the map is obtained from a third-party map server;

said method further comprises intermittently transmitting updates to the first wireless cellular device, wherein the software application on the first wireless cellular device is to responsively display dependent on said transmitted updates the proposed meeting point, updated position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device, and updated position of the first wireless cellular device; and

said method further comprises causing re-centering of the map displayed on the first wireless cellular device dependent on the updated position of the provider of the requested service and dependent on the updated position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said method further comprises providing the software application for download to the first wireless cellular device, and wherein the method further comprises, via the software application, causing the first wireless cellular device to display an option for the user of the first wireless cellular device to initiate voice communications directly with the provider of the requested service and causing the first wireless cellular device to initiate said voice communications in connection with user exercise of said option.

4. A method comprising:

receiving information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establishing a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identifying in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein said method further comprises providing the software application for download to the first wireless cellular device; and

said method further comprises, via the software application, causing the first wireless cellular device to display an option for the user of the first wireless cellular device to send information associated with travel of the user of the first wireless cellular device to at least one third party selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device from a list of contacts, the selection of the at least one third party being effectuated via the user interface of the first wireless cellular device and causing the first wireless cellular device, in connection with exercise of said option, to transmit the information associated with the travel to the at least one third party.

5. A method comprising:

receiving information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establishing a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identifying in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein said method further comprises providing the software application for download to the first wireless cellular device; and

wherein the method further comprises, via the software application, causing the first wireless cellular device to display an option for the user of the first wireless cellular device to initiate voice communications directly with the provider of the requested service and causing the first wireless cellular device to initiate said voice communications in connection with user exercise of said option.

6. A method comprising:

receiving information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establishing a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identifying in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein said method further comprises providing the software application for download to the first wireless cellular device; and

wherein said method further comprises, via the software application, causing the first wireless cellular device to display an option for the user of the first wireless cellular device to initiate a text message for the provider of the requested service and, in connection with exercise of said option, causing the first wireless cellular device to directly send the text message to the provider of the requested service.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein:

the temporary tracking and mapping function is a mutual tracking and mapping function;

said method is implemented as a method of operating at least one server;

said method further comprises receiving from the software application and via a wireless cellular carrier encrypted GPS information of the first wireless cellular device, decrypting said encrypted GPS information, and providing position information of the first wireless cellular device to the second wireless cellular device, in a manner not requiring concurrent voice communication between the user and the provider of the requested service;

said method further comprises in connection with the mutual tracking and mapping function, causing provision of a map to the second wireless cellular device; and

the second wireless cellular device is to display the map provided to the second wireless cellular device in a manner that designates a most recent position of the user of the first wireless cellular device and the proposed meeting point.

8. A method comprising:

receiving information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establishing a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identifying in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein said method further comprises providing the software application for download to the first wireless cellular device;

wherein the software application is to provide a common application programming interface to extract commercial enterprise-specific content associated with multiple parties for presentation to the user of the first wireless cellular device; and

wherein said method further comprises receiving from the software application a choice from the user of the first wireless cellular device, entered via a user interface of the first wireless cellular device, the choice free to designate the commercial enterprise-specific content of any one of the multiple parties.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein:

the temporary tracking and mapping function is a mutual tracking and mapping function;

said method is implemented as a method of operating at least one server;

said method further comprises receiving from the software application and via a wireless cellular carrier encrypted GPS information of the first wireless cellular device, decrypting said encrypted GPS information, and providing position information of the first wireless cellular device to the second wireless cellular device, in a manner not requiring concurrent voice communication between the user and the provider of the requested service;

said method further comprises in connection with the mutual tracking and mapping function, causing provision of a map to the second wireless cellular device; and

the second wireless cellular device is to display the map provided to the second wireless cellular device in a manner that designates a most recent position of the user of the first wireless cellular device and the proposed meeting point.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein:

said method further comprises providing the software application for download to the first wireless cellular device;

the map is obtained from a third-party map server;

said method further comprises intermittently transmitting updates to the first wireless cellular device, wherein the software application on the first wireless cellular device is to responsively display dependent on said transmitted updates the proposed meeting point, updated position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device, and updated position of the first wireless cellular device; and

said method further comprises causing re-centering of the map displayed on the first wireless cellular device dependent on the updated position of the provider of the requested service and dependent on the updated position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point.

11. A method comprising:

receiving information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establishing a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identifying in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein

the request for service is associated with business,

the user is to find a specific individual from among a set of individuals associated with the business, dependent on equipment of the individual,

said method comprises dispatching the specific individual as the provider of the requested service in response to information provided by the user, and

said method further comprises updating a database specific to the business in a manner dependent on position information received in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein:

said method further comprises providing the software application for download to the first wireless cellular device;

the map is obtained from a third-party map server;

said method further comprises intermittently transmitting updates to the first wireless cellular device, wherein the software application on the first wireless cellular device is to responsively display dependent on said transmitted updates the proposed meeting point, updated position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device, and updated position of the first wireless cellular device; and

said method further comprises causing re-centering of the map displayed on the first wireless cellular device dependent on the updated position of the provider of the requested service and dependent on the updated position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point.

13. A method comprising:

receiving information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establishing a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identifying in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein the method further comprises providing a software application to the second wireless cellular device, and causing the software application provided to the second wireless cellular device to transmit, via a wireless cellular carrier, position information of the provider of the requested service, wherein the position information of the provider of the requested service is to be provided to the first wireless cellular device in a form of at least one TCP/IP packet, wherein the at least one TCP/IP packet is to designate an IP address and port number corresponding to the software application on the first wireless cellular device.

14. A method comprising:

receiving information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establishing a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identifying in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein the method further comprises receiving an equipment identification number (EIN) of the first wireless cellular device from a port on the first wireless cellular device associated with the software application, performing authentication of the first wireless cellular device using the EIN, and establishing of the temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and the second wireless cellular device in a manner conditioned on said authentication.

15. An apparatus comprising instructions store on non-transitory machine-readable media, the instructions when executed to cause at least one processor to:

receive information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establish a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identify in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein

the temporary tracking and mapping function is a mutual tracking and mapping function,

said instructions are implemented as instructions for controlling at least one server,

said instructions when executed are to cause at least one processor associated with the at least one server to receive from the software application and via a wireless cellular carrier encrypted GPS Information of the first wireless cellular device, to decrypt said encrypted GPS information, and to provide position information of the first wireless cellular device to the second wireless cellular device, in a manner not requiring concurrent voice communication between the user and the provider of the requested service,

said instructions when executed are further to cause the at least one processor, in connection with the mutual tracking and mapping function, to cause provision of a map to the second wireless cellular device, and

the second wireless cellular device is to display the map provided to the second wireless cellular device in a manner that designates a most recent position of the user of the first wireless cellular device and the proposed meeting point.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein:

the map is obtained from a third-party map server;

said instructions when executed are to cause the at least one processor to intermittently transmit updates to the first wireless cellular device, wherein the software application on the first wireless cellular device is to responsively display dependent on said transmitted updates the proposed meeting point, updated position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device, and updated position of the first wireless cellular device; and

said instructions when executed are to cause re-centering of the map displayed on the first wireless cellular device dependent on the updated position of the provider of the requested service and dependent on the updated position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the software application selectively downloaded to and installed on the first wireless cellular device is to cause the first wireless cellular device to display an option for the user of the first wireless cellular device to initiate voice communications directly with the provider of the requested service and to cause the first wireless cellular device to initiate said voice communications in connection with user exercise of said option.

18. An apparatus comprising instructions store on non-transitory machine-readable media, the instructions when executed to cause at least one processor to:

receive information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establish a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identify in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein the software application selectively downloaded to and installed on the first wireless cellular device is to cause the first wireless cellular device to display an option for the user of the first wireless cellular device to send information associated with travel of the user of the first wireless cellular device to at least one third party selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device from a list of contacts, the selection of the at least one third party being effectuated via the user interface of the first wireless cellular device and to cause the first wireless cellular device, in connection with exercise of said option, to transmit the information associated with the travel to the at least one third party.

19. An apparatus comprising instructions store on non-transitory machine-readable media, the instructions when executed to cause at least one processor to:

receive information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establish a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identify in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein the software application selectively downloaded to and installed on the first wireless cellular device is to cause the first wireless cellular device to display an option for the user of the first wireless cellular device to initiate voice communications directly with the provider of the requested service and to cause the first wireless cellular device to initiate said voice communications in connection with user exercise of said option.

20. An apparatus comprising instructions store on non-transitory machine-readable media, the instructions when executed to cause at least one processor to:

receive information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establish a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identify in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein the software application selectively downloaded to and installed on the first wireless cellular device is to cause the first wireless cellular device to display an option for the user of the first wireless cellular device to initiate a text message for the provider of the requested service and, in connection with exercise of said option, to cause the first wireless cellular device to directly send the text message to the provider of the requested service.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein:

the temporary tracking and mapping function is a mutual tracking and mapping function;

said instructions are implemented as instructions for controlling at least one server;

said instructions when executed are to cause at least one processor associated with the at least one server to receive from the software application and via a wireless cellular carrier encrypted GPS information of the first wireless cellular device, to decrypt said encrypted GPS information, and to provide position information of the first wireless cellular device to the second wireless cellular device, in a manner not requiring concurrent voice communication between the user and the provider of the requested service;

said instructions when executed are further to cause the at least one processor, in connection with the mutual tracking and mapping function, to cause provision of a map to the second wireless cellular device; and

the second wireless cellular device is to display the map provided to the second wireless cellular device in a manner that designates a most recent position of the user of the first wireless cellular device and the proposed meeting point.

22. An apparatus comprising instructions store on non-transitory machine-readable media, the instructions when executed to cause at least one processor to:

receive information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establish a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identify in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein the software application is to provide a common application programming interface to extract commercial enterprise-specific content associated with multiple parties for presentation to the user of the first wireless cellular device, and wherein said instructions, when executed, are to cause the at least one processor to receive from the software application a choice from the user of the first wireless cellular device, entered via a user interface of the first wireless cellular device, the choice free to designate the commercial enterprise-specific content of any one of the multiple parties.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein:

the temporary tracking and mapping function is a mutual tracking and mapping function;

said instructions are implemented as instructions for controlling at least one server;

said instructions when executed are to cause at least one processor associated with the at least one server to receive from the software application and via a wireless cellular carrier encrypted GPS information of the first wireless cellular device, to decrypt said encrypted GPS information, and to provide position information of the first wireless cellular device to the second wireless cellular device, in a manner not requiring concurrent voice communication between the user and the provider of the requested service;

said instructions when executed are further to cause the at least one processor, in connection with the mutual tracking and mapping function, to cause provision of a map to the second wireless cellular device; and

the second wireless cellular device is to display the map provided to the second wireless cellular device in a manner that designates a most recent position of the user of the first wireless cellular device and the proposed meeting point.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein:

the map is obtained from a third-party map server;

said instructions when executed are to cause the at least one processor to intermittently transmit updates to the first wireless cellular device, wherein the software application on the first wireless cellular device is to responsively display dependent on said transmitted updates the proposed meeting point, updated position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device, and updated position of the first wireless cellular device; and

said instructions when executed are to cause re-centering of the map displayed on the first wireless cellular device dependent on the updated position of the provider of the requested service and dependent on the updated position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point.

25. An apparatus comprising instructions store on non-transitory machine-readable media, the instructions when executed to cause at least one processor to:

receive information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establish a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identify in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein

the request for service is associated with a business,

the user is to find a specific individual from among a set of individuals associated with the business, dependent on equipment of the individual,

said instructions, when executed, are to cause the dispatch of the specific individual as the provider of the requested service in response to information provided by the user, and

said instructions, when executed, are to cause the at least one processor to update a database specific to the business in a manner dependent on position information received in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein:

the map is obtained from a third-party map server;

said instructions when executed are to cause the at least one processor to intermittently transmit updates to the first wireless cellular device, wherein the software application on the first wireless cellular device is to responsively display dependent on said transmitted updates the proposed meeting point, updated position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device, and updated position of the first wireless cellular device; and

said instructions when executed are to cause re-centering of the map displayed on the first wireless cellular device dependent on the updated position of the provider of the requested service and dependent on the updated position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point.

27. An apparatus comprising instructions store on non-transitory machine-readable media, the instructions when executed to cause at least one processor to:

receive information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establish a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identify in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein a software application is provided to the second wireless cellular device and is to cause the second wireless cellular device to transmit, via a wireless cellular carrier, position information of the provider of the requested service, wherein the position information of the provider of the requested service is to be provided to the first wireless cellular device in a form of at least one TCP/IP packet, wherein the at least one TCP/IP packet is to designate an IP address and port number corresponding to the software application on the first wireless cellular device.

28. An apparatus comprising instructions store on non-transitory machine-readable media, the instructions when executed to cause at least one processor to:

receive information entered via a software application selectively downloaded to and installed on a first wireless cellular device, wherein the information is submitted in connection with a request for a service from a user of the first wireless cellular device;

responsive to the request for service, and contingent on payment information from the user of the first wireless cellular device, establish a temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and a second wireless cellular device associated with a provider of the requested service;

identify in connection with the request a proposed meeting point for the user of the first wireless cellular device and the provider of the requested service, wherein the proposed meeting point is selected by the user of the first wireless cellular device by dragging a map location on a user interface of the first wireless cellular device; and

in connection with the temporary tracking and mapping function, cause provision of the first wireless cellular device with a map wherein the software application is to display the map on a display of the first wireless cellular device in a manner that identifies the proposed meeting point and a most recent position of the provider of the requested service, based on GPS information provided by the second wireless cellular device and position of the first wireless cellular device relative to the proposed meeting point;

wherein the instructions when executed are to cause the at least one processor to receive an equipment identification number (EIN) of the first wireless cellular device from a port on the first wireless cellular device associated with the software application, to perform authentication of the first wireless cellular device using the EIN, and to establish the temporary tracking and mapping function between the first wireless cellular device and the second wireless cellular device in a manner conditioned on said authentication.