US 9253616

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 9,253,616:

US Patent 9,253,616

• Title: Apparatus and method for obtaining content on a cellular wireless device based on proximity
• Assignee: Piney Woods Mobility LLC, Sila Nanotechnologies Inc (Current); X One Inc (Original)
• Inventor: Richard D. Haney
• Filing Date: March 24, 2015
• Issue Date: February 2, 2016
• Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining content on a cellular wireless device based on proximity provides for cellular wireless devices with a GPS receiver to transmit GPS position data to a Buddy Watch server which stores the GPS position data and allows users to obtain content based on proximity. A user interface allows a user to create buddy lists and groups to which GPS position data is exchanged. The user interface allows selection of an individual on a buddy list for display of position on a map. An instant buddy feature allows creation of an instant buddy relationship between a user and a person, such as a rescuer, and the user's and rescuer's positions are displayed on the other's phone.

Independent Claims Overview:

• Claim 1 (Apparatus): This claim describes a mobile device (cellular wireless device) with a built-in GPS receiver and an application program. This program allows the device to exchange its GPS location data with a central "Buddy Watch" server. The server stores location data and other information ("content"). The application then receives content from the server, where this content is specifically chosen based on the device's closeness to other mobile devices on a "buddy list" or to other predefined locations stored on the server. This content is displayed on the device, and the user can create and manage their buddy lists through the device's interface.
• Claim 9 (Method): This claim outlines the steps for a cellular wireless device to function as described in Claim 1. It involves providing the GPS-enabled device, running the application, exchanging GPS data with the Buddy Watch server, receiving proximity-based content from the server, displaying that content, and enabling the user to create buddy lists via the user interface.
• Claim 17 (Apparatus with Instant Buddy Focus): Similar to Claim 1, this claim describes a GPS-enabled cellular wireless device running an application that exchanges location data with a Buddy Watch server and receives proximity-based content for display. A key distinction is its emphasis on a user interface feature that allows a user to establish a temporary "instant buddy" relationship, enabling location data exchange with that instant buddy for a specified duration.
• Claim 24 (Method with Instant Buddy Focus): This claim describes the method corresponding to the apparatus of Claim 17. It details the steps for a GPS-enabled cellular device to exchange location with a server, receive proximity-based content, display it, and crucially, enable the user to designate an "instant buddy" for temporary location sharing.

Litigation:

As of April 26, 2026, the patent "Family has litigation" with US cases filed in 2026. These include:

• A case filed in the Texas Western District Court (7:26-cv-00068).
• Two separate cases filed in the Texas Eastern District Court (2:26-cv-00123 and 2:26-cv-00122).

Legal Status:

The patent's legal status is listed as "Expired - Lifetime," with an anticipated expiration date of April 4, 2025.