Abstract: The dual-mode processor and corresponding method described herein selectively switches between a single-frequency mode, such as appropriate for an EDGE network, and a multiple-frequency mode, such as appropriate for a multi-carrier EDGE network. The pulse-shaping filters used during the multiple-frequency mode have a different filter response than the single-channel filter used during the single-frequency mode. The filter response of the pulse-shaping filters used during the multiple-frequency mode reduces cross-channel interference caused by the data symbols of two or more adjacent frequency channels that have the same or similar modulation and power level.

Abstract: The wireless communication device and corresponding method described herein selectively switches between a single-frequency mode, such as appropriate for an EDGE network, and a multiple-frequency mode, such as appropriate for a multi-carrier EDGE network. Accordingly, a transmitting wireless communication device selectively switches between a single-channel mapping unit, used during the single-frequency mode, and a multi-channel mapping unit, used during the multiple-frequency mode. The multi-channel mapping unit modulates input data to output a modulated data stream for each of multiple adjacent frequency channels that, when combined, produce a multiple-frequency signal with reduced peak-to-average ratio. A receiving wireless communication device selectively switches between a single-channel demodulator, used during the single-frequency mode, and a multi-channel demodulator, used during the multiple-frequency mode.

Abstract: An image is displayed on a variable display area defined by two or more relatively moveable displays. A detector detects movement of the displays that varies the size of the display area. A processor determines the size of the new display area created by the relative movement of the displays and dynamically alters the displayed image to fit the new display area responsive to the detection of movement.

Abstract: The wireless receiver of the present invention accommodates dual-carrier Evolved EDGE without significantly impacting existing receiver architectures. The inventive receiver comprises a shared local oscillator and two image-rejecting downconverters. The local oscillator generates a local oscillator frequency between two carrier frequencies of adjacent radio channels. The receiver receives a signal in each of the adjacent radio channels. In a dual-carrier mode, a first image-rejecting downconverter uses the local oscillator frequency to downconvert a first signal received in the first radio channel while rejecting a second signal received in the second radio channel. A second image-rejecting downconverter uses the local oscillator frequency to downconvert the second signal while rejecting the first signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing received signals in a multi-carrier system are disclosed. An exemplary method includes estimating one or more first propagation channel coefficients based on a training sequence in each of one or more first slots received over a first radio channel, equalizing signal samples from one or more second slots received over a second radio channel immediately frequency-adjacent to the first radio channel, using the first propagation channel coefficients, and demodulating user data bits from the equalized signal samples. In some embodiments, the training sequence is located at a fixed position in each of the one or more first slots and user data bits are demodulated from a directly corresponding position in each of the second slots. Improved data rates are thus achieved by constraining radio carriers in a multi-carrier system to frequency-adjacent channels and eliminating training symbols from one of the signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling access to a secure facility are disclosed, wherein a determination of whether access is permitted is based at least in part on a digital image of one or more predetermined features of the secure facility. In an exemplary method, an image of a predetermined feature of the secure facility is captured by a user device and compared to stored security data corresponding to the secure facility. A determination of whether access to the secure facility is permitted is made, based on the results of the comparison. The predetermined feature may be a security mechanism attached to the secure facility, for example, or may be textual information, a graphical image, or a machine-readable code posted at the security facility.

Abstract: A remote control device uses image recognition to recognize features or objects in an on-screen menu displayed on an external display associated with a controlled device. The on-screen menu may contain one or more control objects for controlling the associated appliance. A camera in the remote control device captures at least a portion of the menu displayed on the external display. A controller including an image processor generates control signal based on recognition of one or more control objects in the displayed image. A transmitter connected to the controller transmits the control signal to the controlled appliance.

Abstract: The method and apparatus enables a user to “feel” remote objects depicted in a visual scene. Exemplary embodiments of the invention detect image texture in a digital scene and generate tactile feedback control signals as a function of the detected image texture. In one exemplary embodiment, edge detection techniques are used to detect discontinuities in the digital scene, such as sharp changes in image luminous intensity. Tactile feedback is produced responsive to the tactile feedback control signals by a tactile feedback device. The tactile feedback may be in the form of a vibration and the tactile feedback device may be a vibrator. The strength of intensity of the vibration may be varied depending on the discontinuities in the digital scene.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing the distribution of data objects in a communication network are disclosed. In an exemplary method, such as might be implemented at a data object server, a plurality of data objects corresponding to a first user of a first communication device are stored. State information for the first communication device is received from the first device. The occurrence of a trigger event related to communications between the first communication device and a second communication device is detected, and one of the stored data objects is selected, based on the detected trigger event and the received state information, and forwarded to the second communication device. In some embodiments, the selection of the data object is further based on an identifier corresponding to the second communication device.

Abstract: A portable mobile communications device for controlling the destination of mobile TV programs broadcast by a mobile TV service provider includes a mobile TV device, a processor running a mobile TV redirect application communicable with the mobile TV service provider, and a user interface for controlling the mobile TV device and the mobile TV redirect application such that mobile TV broadcast programs can be simultaneously redirected to an external device in response to input received by the user interface and sent to the mobile TV service provider. The external device can include a home media server or a computer coupled to and communicable with the mobile TV service provider via the Internet.

Abstract: A method for scheduling another time for a communication session when a called party is presently unable or unwilling to accept an incoming call. A first user's communications device receives a request for a communication session from a second user's communications device. Upon failure to accept the request, a server automatically forms a calendar data object, such as in response to receipt of a scheduling trigger message from the first communications device that includes an indication of the failure to accept and an identifier of the second user. The calendar data object includes scheduling information indicating, explicitly and/or implicitly, future time(s) when the first user is available. The calendar data object is sent to either one of the devices, and a time is selected. The server then notifies the other device of the selected time. Corresponding devices are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for alerting a mobile device user of the proximity of a target party. In an exemplary method, an electronic location information message corresponding to the target party is received, the electronic location information message including target location data. In response to the receipt of the location information message, a target location estimate is determined, based on the target location data. The target location estimate is compared to a bounded region surrounding a current position estimate for the mobile device, and an alert is selectively generated based on the proximity of the target location estimate to the bounded region. An application processor, configured to implement one or more methods for alerting the user of a mobile device of the proximity of a target party, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively rendering audio-video information to user output devices based on the current configuration of the wireless communication device is described herein. The audio-video information comprises an audio component, a video component, and a metadata component. The wireless communication device outputs the video component to an internal display and the audio component to a speaker when the wireless communication device operates in an open configuration. When in the closed configuration, the wireless communication device stops outputting the video component to the internal display. Further, the closed wireless communication device continues to output the audio component to the speaker while outputting the metadata to an external display.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling access to an online gambling activity are disclosed. In response to an access request from a mobile terminal, a game server sends a location request comprising an identifier associated with the mobile terminal to a location service and selectively initiates an online gambling activity based on a response to the location request.

Abstract: Techniques for sending a data object to a user of a communication device are disclosed. The technique comprises the steps of: monitoring the occurrence of a trigger on a first communication device; and transferring, upon the occurrence of the trigger, a data object to a second communication device, wherein the data object comprises content and at least one associated application based on at least one capability of the second communication device.

Abstract: A technique for supporting delivery of a data object used to alert a called party to a call from a calling party is described. The technique comprises receiving a call setup request from a calling communication device associated with the calling party. Next, a call setup is initiated with one or more called communication devices associated with the called party. In response to the call setup, a request for the data object for each of the one or more called communication devices is received. Finally, the data object is transferred to each of one or more called communication devices, wherein the data object is used by the one or more called communication devices to alert the called party to the call from the calling party.

Abstract: A technique for supplying alternative contact information when a communication attempt is unsuccessful is described. The technique comprises receiving an inquiry that includes an indication of an unsuccessful communication attempt and an identifier or address for the target of the failed communication attempt. Next, it is determined whether the identifier or address is associated with a group. If so, a response is generated, the response including one or more other identifiers or addresses associated with the group. Finally, the generated response is transferred in response to the inquiry.

Abstract: Error control is provided in an ad hoc network having an asynchronous communication mode and a synchronous communication mode. A packet including a header and a payload is received. The header includes a header error check (HEC) computed based on the header. An error indicator is calculated based on the received header. The received payload is forwarded if the calculated error indicator indicates an error free header. The header, only in the synchronous communication mode, is modified based on an error correction table when the calculated error indicator corresponds to a value in the error correction table and the received payload is forwarded. A received packet error is detected in the synchronous communication mode when the calculated error indicator indicates an error in the header and the calculated error indicator does not correspond to a value in the error correction table.

Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface, a transceiver, and a controller. The NFC interface receives data related to multimedia content from an external NFC tag responsive to establishing an NFC link with the NFC tag. Based on the received data, the controller establishes a communication link with a multimedia server via a wireless communication network, and controls the multimedia server to download information associated with the multimedia content to a user-specified destination device.

Abstract: A portable consumer electronic device includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface, and a controller. The controller collects and stores diagnostic data associated with a communication function of the portable consumer electronic device in memory. When the NFC interface establishes an NFC link with an external NFC-capable device, the NFC interface transmits user data to effect a protected function associated with the NFC-capable device. The controller also causes the NFC interface to transmit the stored diagnostic data over the NFC link to the NFC-capable device.