Group organization according to device location

• US 20060046743A1
• Filed: 08/24/2004
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Charles A Mirho
• Original Assignee: Charles A Mirho
• Inventors: Mirho, Charles A.
• Application Number:
  US10/926,263
• Publication Number:
  US 20060046743A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/456.300
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/7243 with interactive means for internal management of messages
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location 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 64/00 Locating users or terminals or network equipment for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 68/00 User notification, e.g. alerting and paging, for incoming communication, change of service or the like

Abstract

A location of a communication device is determined, and one or more characteristics associated with the communication device and/or a user or users thereof are applied to affect a determination of which of at least one other communication devices sharing an identified area or areas with the location of the communication device should be provided with a notification of the presence of the communication device or a user or users thereof.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

determining a location of a communication device; and

applying one or more characteristics associated with the communication device and/or a user or users thereof to affect a determination of which of at least one other communication devices sharing an identified area or areas with the location of the communication device should be provided with a notification of the presence of the communication device or a user or users thereof.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more geographic areas.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more areas within a defined radius of the communication device.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more zip codes, area codes, or telephone exchanges.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

a defined radius around one or more addresses.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more states, cities, countries, towns, city blocks, neighborhoods, wireless cells, or cellular coverage areas.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more regions or locations selected or determined by the communication device user.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

at least one region and/or location determined heuristically.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining a location of a communication device further comprises:

locating one or more wireless access points available to and/or proximate to the communication device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the locating one or more wireless access points available to and/or proximate to the communication device further comprises:

at least one of locating one or more access points to a cellular network, locating one or more WiFi access points, or locating one or more BlueTooth access points.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining a location of a communication device further comprises:

applying Global Positioning System technology.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one of communication device features, functional capabilities, or software common to the communication device and the at least one other communication devices.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the communication device features further comprises:

at least one of display features, sound features, performance features, or communication features.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the software common to the communication device and the at least one other communication devices further comprises:

at least one of communication software, gaming software, communication software, social interaction software, or multimedia software.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more buildings or other structures, rooms, service establishments, retail establishments, malls, hotels, motels, parks, concert halls, restaurants, cafeterias, dormitories, recreational or fitness centers, or classrooms.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one membership, interest, hobby, demographic, affinity, political, dating, or other personal or professional interest or qualification.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the professional interest or qualification further comprises:

at least one of professional skills, experiences, favorites, educational level and/or alma mater or alma maters, present and/or former employers, identification of coworkers, professional responsibilities, professional memberships, or professional associations.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one of make, model, serial number, version information, or other identifications of hardware and software.

24. A method comprising:

notifying communication devices and/or users thereof having at least one complementary characteristic of the presence of one another within, in the vicinity of, and/or approaching an identified area or areas.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more geographic areas.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more areas within a defined radius of the communication device.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

28. The method of claim 25, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more zip codes, area codes, or telephone exchanges.

29. The method of claim 25, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

a defined radius around one or more addresses.

30. The method of claim 25, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more states, cities, countries, towns, city blocks, neighborhoods, wireless cells, or cellular coverage areas.

31. The method of claim 24, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more regions or locations selected or determined by the communication device user.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

33. The method of claim 24, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

at least one region and/or location determined heuristically.

34. The method of claim 24, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

at least one of communicating a message comprising text to the communication devices, or communicating a signal that causes the communication devices to generate an audible signal and/or to vibrate.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

36. The method of claim 24, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one of communication device features, functional capabilities, or software common to the communication device and the at least one other communication devices.

37. The method of claim 36, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein the communication device features further comprises:

at least one of display features, sound features, performance features, or communication features.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein the software common to the communication device and the at least one other communication devices further comprises:

at least one of communication software, gaming software, communication software, social interaction software, or multimedia software.

40. The method of claim 24, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

an invitation to message exchange.

41. The method of claim 24, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more buildings or other structures, rooms, service establishments, retail establishments, malls, hotels, motels, parks, concert halls, restaurants, cafeterias, dormitories, recreational or fitness centers, or classrooms.

42. The method of claim 24, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one membership, interest, hobby, demographic, affinity, political, dating, or other personal or professional interest or qualification.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the professional interest or qualification further comprises:

at least one of professional skills, experiences, favorites, educational level and/or alma mater or alma maters, present and/or former employers, identification of coworkers, professional responsibilities, professional memberships, or professional associations.

44. The method of claim 24, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

45. The method of claim 24, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

providing a message using at least one of the Short Message Service, the Enhanced Message Service, or the Multimedia Message Service.

46. The method of claim 24, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

providing at least one of text, an icon or icons, an image or images, music, a tone or tones, a jingle or jingles, a recorded sound or sounds, a recorded voice or voices, or video.

47. The method of claim 24, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one of make, model, serial number, version information, or other identifications of hardware and software.

48. A method comprising:

determining a location of a communication device;

determining whether an area comprising the location of a communication device has within it, or in the vicinity of it, and/or approaching it at least one other communication device having at least one complementary characteristic with the communication device, and/or for which users of the communication device and at least one other communication device have at least one complementary characteristic; and

notifying communication devices within, in the vicinity of, and/or approaching an identified area or areas about the communication device and/or a user or users thereof, when the communication devices, and/or users thereof, have at least one complementary characteristic with the communication device and/or a user or users thereof.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more geographic areas.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more areas within a defined radius of the communication device.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

52. The method of claim 49, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more zip codes, area codes, or telephone exchanges.

53. The method of claim 49, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

a defined radius around one or more addresses.

54. The method of claim 49, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more states, cities, countries, towns, city blocks, neighborhoods, wireless cells, or cellular coverage areas.

55. The method of claim 48, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more regions or locations selected or determined by the communication device user.

56. The method of claim 55, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

57. The method of claim 48, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

at least one region and/or location determined heuristically.

58. The method of claim 48, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

at least one of communicating a message comprising text to the communication devices, or communicating a signal that causes the communication devices to generate an audible signal and/or to vibrate.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

60. The method of claim 48, wherein the determining a location of a communication device further comprises:

locating one or more wireless access points available to and/or proximate to the communication device.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein the locating one or more wireless access points available to and/or proximate to the communication device further comprises:

at least one of locating one or more access points to a cellular network, locating one or more WiFi access points, or locating one or more BlueTooth access points.

62. The method of claim 60, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

63. The method of claim 48, wherein the determining a location of a communication device further comprises:

applying Global Positioning System technology.

64. The method of claim 48, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one of communication device features, functional capabilities, or software common to the communication device and the at least one other communication devices.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

66. The method of claim 64, wherein the communication device features further comprises:

at least one of display features, sound features, performance features, or communication features.

67. The method of claim 64, wherein the software common to the communication device and the at least one other communication devices further comprises:

at least one of communication software, gaming software, communication software, social interaction software, or multimedia software.

68. The method of claim 48, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

an invitation to message exchange.

69. The method of claim 48, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more buildings or other structures, rooms, service establishments, retail establishments, malls, hotels, motels, parks, concert halls, restaurants, cafeterias, dormitories, recreational or fitness centers, or classrooms.

70. The method of claim 48, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one membership, interest, hobby, demographic, affinity, political, dating, or other personal or professional interest or qualification.

71. The method of claim 70, wherein the professional interest or qualification further comprises:

at least one of professional skills, experiences, favorites, educational level and/or alma mater or alma maters, present and/or former employers, identification of coworkers, professional responsibilities, professional memberships, or professional associations.

72. The method of claim 48, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

73. The method of claim 48, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

providing a message using at least one of the Short Message Service, the Enhanced Message Service, or the Multimedia Message Service.

74. The method of claim 48, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

providing at least one of text, an icon or icons, an image or images, music, a tone or tones, a jingle or jingles, a recorded sound or sounds, a recorded voice or voices, or video.

75. The method of claim 48, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one of make, model, serial number, version information, or other identifications of hardware and software.

76. A method comprising:

storing, in a communication network, at least one identification of an area or areas;

as a result of detecting a communication device within, in the vicinity of, and/or approaching the identified area or areas, comparing at least one characteristics for the device and/or user or users thereof for complements with at least one characteristics of at least one other communication devices and/or a user or users thereof; and

notifying communication devices in the identified area or areas of the communication device having a presence within, being in the vicinity of, and/or approaching the identified area or areas, when the communication device and the at least one other communication devices, or users thereof, have at least one complementary characteristic.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more geographic areas.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more areas within a defined radius of the communication device.

79. The method of claim 78, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

80. The method of claim 77, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more zip codes, area codes, or telephone exchanges.

81. The method of claim 77, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

a defined radius around one or more addresses.

82. The method of claim 77, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more states, cities, countries, towns, city blocks, neighborhoods, wireless cells, or cellular coverage areas.

83. The method of claim 76, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more regions or locations selected or determined by the communication device user.

84. The method of claim 83, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

85. The method of claim 76, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

at least one region and/or location determined heuristically.

86. The method of claim 76, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

at least one of communicating a message comprising text to the communication devices, or communicating a signal that causes the communication devices to generate an audible signal and/or to vibrate.

87. The method of claim 86, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

88. The method of claim 76, wherein the similarities with at least one characteristic further comprises:

at least one of a match with at least one characteristic, identifying one or more common parent characteristics, or a determination of substantial similarities and/or overlap among one or more characteristics and/or parent characteristics.

89. The method of claim 76, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one of communication device features, functional capabilities, or software common to the communication device and the at least one other communication devices.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

91. The method of claim 89, wherein the communication device features further comprises:

at least one of display features, sound features, performance features, or communication features.

92. The method of claim 89, wherein the software common to the communication device and the at least one other communication devices further comprises:

at least one of communication software, gaming software, communication software, social interaction software, or multimedia software.

93. The method of claim 76, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

an invitation to message exchange.

94. The method of claim 76, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more buildings or other structures, rooms, service establishments, retail establishments, malls, hotels, motels, parks, concert halls, restaurants, cafeterias, dormitories, recreational or fitness centers, or classrooms.

95. The method of claim 76, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one membership, interest, hobby, demographic, affinity, political, dating, or other personal or professional interest or qualification.

96. The method of claim 95, wherein the professional interest or qualification further comprises:

at least one of professional skills, experiences, favorites, educational level and/or alma mater or alma maters, present and/or former employers, identification of coworkers, professional responsibilities, professional memberships, or professional associations.

97. The method of claim 76, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

98. The method of claim 76, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

providing a message using at least one of the Short Message Service, the Enhanced Message Service, or the Multimedia Message Service.

99. The method of claim 76, wherein the notifying communication devices further comprises:

providing at least one of text, an icon or icons, an image or images, music, a tone or tones, a jingle or jingles, a recorded sound or sounds, a recorded voice or voices, or video.

100. The method of claim 76, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one of make, model, serial number, version information, or other identifications of hardware and software.

101. A method comprising:

storing, in a communication network, at least one identification of an area or areas; and

as a result of detecting a communication device within, in the vicinity of, and/or approaching the identified area or areas, notifying other communication devices within, in the vicinity of, and/or approaching the identified area or areas about the communication device and/or a user or users thereof, and providing to the other communication devices at least one membership, interest, hobby, demographic, affinity, political, dating, or other personal or professional interest or qualification of the user or users of the communication device.

102. The method of claim 101, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more geographic areas.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more areas within a defined radius of the communication device.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

105. The method of claim 102, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more zip codes, area codes, or telephone exchanges.

106. The method of claim 102, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

a defined radius around one or more addresses.

107. The method of claim 102, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more states, cities, countries, towns, city blocks, neighborhoods, wireless cells, or cellular coverage areas.

108. The method of claim 101, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more regions or locations selected or determined by the communication device user.

109. The method of claim 108, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

110. The method of claim 101, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

at least one region and/or location determined heuristically.

111. The method of claim 101, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more buildings or other structures, rooms, service establishments, retail establishments, malls, hotels, motels, parks, concert halls, restaurants, cafeterias, dormitories, recreational or fitness centers, or classrooms.

112. The method of claim 101, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

113. The method of claim 101, wherein the professional interest or qualification further comprises:

at least one of professional skills, experiences, favorites, educational level and/or alma mater or alma maters, present and/or former employers, identification of coworkers, professional responsibilities, professional memberships, or professional associations.

114. A method comprising:

storing, in a communication network, at least one identification of an area or areas; and

as a result of detecting a communication device within, in the vicinity of, and/or approaching the identified area or areas, notifying the communication device of the presence of other communication devices and/or users thereof within, in the vicinity of, and/or approaching the identified area or areas, and providing to the communication device identifications of a user or users of the other communication devices, and providing to the communication device at least one personal interest or qualification, and/or professional interest or qualification, and/or at least one personal attribute of, and/or at least one professional attribute of, a user or users of the other communication devices.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more geographic areas.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more areas within a defined radius of the communication device.

117. The method of claim 116, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

118. The method of claim 115, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more zip codes, area codes, or telephone exchanges.

119. The method of claim 115, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

a defined radius around one or more addresses.

120. The method of claim 115, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more states, cities, countries, towns, city blocks, neighborhoods, wireless cells, or cellular coverage areas.

121. The method of claim 114, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more regions or locations selected or determined by the communication device user.

122. The method of claim 121, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

123. The method of claim 114, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

at least one region and/or location determined heuristically.

124. The method of claim 114, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more buildings or other structures, rooms, service establishments, retail establishments, malls, hotels, motels, parks, concert halls, restaurants, cafeterias, dormitories, recreational or fitness centers, or classrooms.

125. The method of claim 114, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

126. The method of claim 114, wherein the personal interest or qualification further comprises:

at least one of personal skills, hobbies, favorites, physical attributes, educational level and/or alma mater or alma maters, residence and/or work address or addresses, demographic attributes, family background and/or genealogy, personal memberships, or personal associations.

127. The method of claim 114, wherein the professional interest or qualification further comprises:

at least one of professional skills, experiences, favorites, educational level and/or alma mater or alma maters, present and/or former employers, identification of coworkers, professional responsibilities, professional memberships, or professional associations.

128. A method comprising:

providing, in accordance with an identified area or areas and at least one characteristics received from a communication device, identifications of at least one other communication devices and/or a user or users thereof that are within, in the vicinity of, and/or approaching the identified area or areas, the at least one other communication devices and/or user or users thereof having the at least one characteristics and/or characteristics complementary therewith.

129. The method of claim 128, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more geographic areas.

130. The method of claim 129, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more areas within a defined radius of the communication device.

131. The method of claim 130, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

132. The method of claim 129, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more zip codes, area codes, or telephone exchanges.

133. The method of claim 129, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

a defined radius around one or more addresses.

134. The method of claim 129, wherein the one or more geographic areas further comprises:

one or more states, cities, countries, towns, city blocks, neighborhoods, wireless cells, or cellular coverage areas.

135. The method of claim 128, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more regions or locations selected or determined by the communication device user.

136. The method of claim 135, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

137. The method of claim 128, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

at least one region and/or location determined heuristically.

138. The method of claim 128, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one of communication device features, functional capabilities, or software common to the communication device and the at least one other communication devices.

139. The method of claim 138, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

140. The method of claim 138, wherein the communication device features further comprises:

at least one of display features, sound features, performance features, or communication features.

141. The method of claim 138, wherein the software common to the communication device and the at least one other communication devices further comprises:

at least one of communication software, gaming software, communication software, social interaction software, or multimedia software.

142. The method of claim 128, wherein the area or areas further comprises:

one or more buildings or other structures, rooms, service establishments, retail establishments, malls, hotels, motels, parks, concert halls, restaurants, cafeterias, dormitories, recreational or fitness centers, or classrooms.

143. The method of claim 128, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one membership, interest, hobby, demographic, affinity, political, dating, or other personal or professional interest or qualification.

144. The method of claim 143, wherein the professional interest or qualification further comprises:

at least one of professional skills, experiences, favorites, educational level and/or alma mater or alma maters, present and/or former employers, identification of coworkers, professional responsibilities, professional memberships, or professional associations.

145. The method of claim 128, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

146. The method of claim 128, wherein the characteristics further comprises:

at least one of make, model, serial number, version information, or other identifications of hardware and software.

147. The method of claim 128, further comprising:

providing location information for the at least one other communication devices, and/or directions between and/or distances between a location of the communication device to which the identifications of the at least one other communication devices were provided, and at least one of the other communication devices.

148. The method of claim 147, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.

149. The method of claim 147, wherein the location information further comprises:

at least one of a street address, nearby intersection or intersections, building identification, public place identification, landmark identification, hotel identification, business identification, restaurant and/or beverage facility identification, health care facility identification, entertainment facility identification, tourist attraction identification, transportation facility identification, or identification of a floor and/or wing in a building.

150. The method of claim 147, further comprising:

obtaining, from at least one of an network-accessible geocoding, mapping, or routing service, the directions between and/or distances between the location of the communication device to which the identifications of the at least one other communication devices were provided, and at least one of the other communication devices.

151. The method of claim 150, wherein the communication device further comprises:

a wireless phone, a laptop, palmtop, or handheld computer, an automobile computer, phone, or radio, a portable music player, a camera, or a pager.