US 9031581

US patent 9031581, titled "Apparatus and method for obtaining content on a cellular wireless device based on proximity to other wireless devices," was invented by Richard D. Haney. The original assignee was X One Inc, with Piney Woods Mobility LLC listed as the current assignee. The patent was filed on November 7, 2014, and issued on May 12, 2015.

The abstract for US9031581 describes an apparatus and method for location-based content delivery. It involves a cellular wireless device, such as a cell phone or PDA, equipped with a GPS receiver and software. This software allows the device to exchange location information with a central server (e.g., Buddy Watch server) and other wireless devices on a "Buddy List." The system enables features like mutual tracking, displaying mapped positions of group members, setting up "Instant Buddy" relationships for temporary location sharing (e.g., for emergencies or rescue), and various other location-based services like parental monitoring, business workforce management, and emergency response coordination. The communication of position data is encrypted, and the system is designed to utilize existing cellular infrastructure.

Here's a plain-language overview of the independent claims:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a system for providing location-based services to wireless device users. It includes:

  • A cellular wireless device with a display, a GPS receiver (or similar location sensor), and software. This software can send its location to a server and receive location data for other devices. It can also display this location data on a map.
  • A server that connects to the internet and cellular networks. This server manages user accounts, stores location data, and sends maps and location updates to the wireless devices.
  • The system allows users to create "Buddy Lists" of other users with whom they want to share location information. It also enables "Instant Buddy" relationships for temporary location sharing, which can be set up quickly and expire after a certain time. This instant buddy feature is particularly highlighted for emergency situations, allowing a user in distress to share their location with a rescuer and vice versa. The system can also send out distress messages with location information.

• Claim 26: This claim outlines a method for sharing location information between wireless devices. It involves:

  • A first wireless device obtaining its own location information.
  • Encrypting this location information.
  • Sending the encrypted location data to a server.
  • The server then forwards this encrypted location data to a second wireless device on a pre-established list (like a Buddy List or an Instant Buddy list).
  • The second wireless device receives, decrypts, and displays the first device's location on its screen.
  • Conversely, the second wireless device also obtains, encrypts, and sends its location information to the server, which then forwards it back to the first wireless device for display. This creates a mutual, two-way sharing of location.

• Claim 42: This claim describes a method for a cellular wireless device to share its location and receive location information from another device for display. It includes:

  • A user selecting a "Buddy List" or "Instant Buddy" feature on their device.
  • The device getting its current location and encrypting it.
  • Sending this encrypted location data, along with its unique ID, to a server.
  • The server receives this data, verifies the device's subscription, and stores the location.
  • The server then retrieves the location information of other authorized "buddies" from its database, along with a map, and sends this information back to the user's device.
  • The user's device receives, decrypts, and displays the other buddies' locations on the map.
  • The system also allows the user to configure settings like how often location updates occur and for how long "Instant Buddy" relationships last.

No active litigation for patent US9031581 was found in the CAFC 2026 dockets based on the provided search results. The "Scheduled Cases – May 2026" document lists other patent cases but does not mention US9031581.