Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting beacon signals in a wireless communications network. For a given cell site, a single frequency may be used for the beacon signal by assigning different beacon signal time slots to different sectors of the cell site. During one time slot, the beacon signal is transmitted to one of the sectors, and during another one of the time slots, the beacon signal is transmitted to a different one of the sectors. Because a single frequency can be used for all of the sectors of a cell site, more frequencies are available for other purposes, such as for user traffic, for example. The invention improves spectral efficiency, reduces adjacent channel interference and co-channel interference and allows power consumption to be controlled.

Abstract: Architecture for accessing and purchasing multimedia services in a mobile terminal cellular environment. The architecture brings together the on-the-fly discovery of music and connectivity for the purchase or preview of multimedia services (e.g., music tracks). Provided is a music client on a cell phone or other mobile communications device that facilitates the discovery, storage, and play of multimedia content or portions thereof such as music. A user can listen to music transmitted to the mobile terminal device (e.g., cell phone) via broadcast, satellite radio, streaming internet radio, etc., review the music, and buy tracks or whole albums over-the-air via the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Architecture that facilitates the validation and authentication of the physical location of the dual-mode handset in a VoWLAN solution (e.g., UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access)) system and a cellular wireless service, thereby restricting the handset from gaining access from unauthorized locations. Thus, access to dual-mode service (e.g., UMA), for example, at a particular location (e.g., in a subscriber's home, or in a hot spot that is controlled by carrier) can now be managed to allow or deny service at a certain location. Another aspect of the invention is the capability to perform location-based billing. For example, if the subscriber is at home, the call may be free. Alternatively, if the subscriber is at a remote location (e.g., a retail establishment), it is now possible to charge for that connection at a different fee. Additionally, a location can now be assigned; for example, to assign a location for E911 compliance.

Abstract: Delivery of dual-mode GSM/WiFi voice and data services to a consumer with support for transparent network registrations and handovers between GSM and WiFi networks. Aspects include transparently and wirelessly automating call redirection procedures of calls and data (e.g., SMS messages) to legacy telephone devices, to GSM handsets via broadband, and to VoIP devices via broadband. An indoor network is treated as a pseudo visitor PLMN (VPLMN) by the home PLMN (HPLMN) which does not require GSM radio coverage in an indoor network. This innovation provides a means for automating a process of redirecting a subscriber's calls from the GSM network to the subscriber's home network, and can utilize a Bluetooth access point to provide a beacon signal for triggering redirection.

Abstract: A system and method for auditing billing records in a telecommunications system. The method retrieves first data records from an origination device and second data records from a billing generation device; retrieves billing records from a billing device; compares the first data records with the second data records and with the billing records; generates a first error log of data records that appear in the first data records but not in the second data records; and generates a second error log of data records that appear in the second data records but not in the billing records.

Abstract: An auxiliary antenna for adapting a wireless handset for use with a hearing aid is provided. The auxiliary antenna is placed in a location that is away from the hearing aid such that signals transmitted from the antenna do not interfere with the transmissions of the hearing aid. The systems and methods presented provide a solution for a fixed antenna configuration and an internal antenna configuration.

Abstract: A concealed antenna assembly includes a base aligned with and attached to a ceiling, a planar sign having a transparent front and back face and an interior surface, a planar antenna concealed within the planar sign, and a light source for illuminating the sign. The sign is disposed substantially perpendicular to and beneath the base. The interior surface of the sign defines a channel extending within the sign in which a planar microstrip antenna is concealed. The antenna has a front and back face and a radio frequency connection point. The front or back face of the antenna has lettering visible through the front or back face of the sign. A surface area of the front or back face of the antenna is equal to or less than a surface area of the front or back face of the sign.

Abstract: A program enhancer system and method for embedding hearing-impaired friendly information into an existing computer program is provided. The existing computer program contains program information that is translated into a format usable by a hearing-impaired user. The systems and methods retrieves desired program information and translates the information into any of animation, digital movie and still image formats to be displayed to the user on a display device. A hyperlink is associated with the translated data and is stored in a memory device. The user can access the translated information using any type of input including hyperlink based inputs or natural language inputs.

Abstract: A wrench socket includes a socket connection portion adapted to receive a lug member. The socket connection portion has a first face and a cavity extending from an interior of the socket connection portion to the first face. This cavity is adapted to engage a lug member. The wrench socket further includes a wrench portion having inner faces which are adapted to engage the periphery of a connector. The inner faces are angularly oriented to each other and disposed along planes substantially perpendicular to the first or second face of the socket connection portion. The inner faces bound an open gripping region such that the inner faces are slidably engagable with the connector along a plane perpendicular to the inner faces. The wrench socket further includes a mid portion connecting the socket connection portion to the wrench portion.

Abstract: An enhanced pop rivet capable of joining materials that may not be joined using a conventional pop rivet is provided. The pop rivet has contains a detachable shank that exposes a sharpened brad when removed. A user may then impale a second material with the sharpened brad so that the second piece of material becomes securely attached.