Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a set of constraints for an antenna having nodes of a phased array for receiving and/or transmitting a radiation signal, including a shape and size of the antenna, a frequency range for the radiation signal, and a view sector. The method includes receiving a set of thresholds including a threshold for a beam width of a central beam of the radiation signal and a threshold for interference associated with radiation outside of the central beam of the radiation signal. The method includes determining a first set of locations of the nodes based on the set of constraints and thresholds, determining an adjustment for the first set of locations in accordance with the set of thresholds, and determining a final set of locations of the nodes based on the adjustment to minimize a node count and achieving an optimized operation of the antenna.

Abstract: An example apparatus for establishing a communications link is provided. The example apparatus may include a phased array antenna, a radio frequency beamformer, and a processor. The processor may be in operable communication with the radio frequency beamformer and configured to operate as an antenna controller. As the antenna controller, the processor may be configured to direct the radio frequency beamformer to steer an antenna beam generated by the phased array antenna in a plurality of beam directions across an operating range of the phased array antenna, determine a signal strength of a source signal received by the phased array antenna at each beam direction, determine a current beam direction, and direct the radio frequency beamformer to steer the antenna beam to the current beam direction.

Abstract: An example apparatus for establishing a communications link is provided. The example apparatus may include a phased array antenna, a radio frequency beamformer, and a processor. The processor may be in operable communication with the radio frequency beamformer and configured to operate as an antenna controller. As the antenna controller, the processor may be configured to direct the radio frequency beamformer to steer an antenna beam generated by the phased array antenna in a plurality of beam directions across an operating range of the phased array antenna, determine a signal strength of a source signal received by the phased array antenna at each beam direction, determine a current beam direction, and direct the radio frequency beamformer to steer the antenna beam to the current beam direction.

Abstract: In a cellular telephone terminal having increased storage capability, ease of entry and access for data stored therein is provided through utilization of a computer equipped with a modem, a wired telephone network and the cellular telephone network. A user utilizes the ease of data entry implicit to modern computers through dedicated or existing personal information organizers to input data into a database, such as a personal dialing directory, at the computer. For the entering of data at the cellular telephone terminal, first the terminal, also equipped with a modem, is configured in a data download mode where data can be received from the computer and entered into on-board storage. The computer then places a modem telephone call to the terminal, either directly or through a network translator, and transfers the data into the terminal. The data is then accessible through standard data recall techniques using a display and interface keys on the telephone terminal.

Abstract: The facilities of a communications system are enhanced by providing a server that operates in behalf of a calling party and a server that operates in behalf of a called party to respectively establish communications between the calling and called parties via a communications network according to communications services respectively subscribed to by the calling and called parties.

Abstract: In a cellular telephone terminal having increased storage capability, ease of entry and access for data stored therein is provided through utilization of a computer equipped with a modem, a wired telephone network and the cellular telephone network. A user utilizes the ease of data entry implicit to modern computers through dedicated or existing personal information organizers to input data into a database, such as a personal dialing directory, at the computer. For the entering of data at the cellular telephone terminal, first the terminal, also equipped with a modem, is configured in a data download mode where data can be received from the computer and entered into on-board storage. The computer then places a modem telephone call to the terminal, either directly or through a network translator, and transfers the data into the terminal. The data is then accessible through standard data recall techniques using a display and interface keys on the telephone terminal.

Abstract: In a cellular telephone terminal having increased storage capability, ease of entry and access for data stored therein is provided through utilization of a computer equipped with a modem, a wired telephone network and the cellular telephone network. A user utilizes the ease of data entry implicit to modern computers through dedicated or existing personal information organizers to input data into a database, such as a personal dialing directory, at the computer. For the entering of data at the cellular telephone terminal, first the terminal, also equipped with a modem, is configured in a data download mode where data can be received from the computer and entered into on-board storage. The computer then places a modem telephone call to the terminal, either directly or through a network translator, and transfers the data into the terminal. The data is then accessible through standard data recall techniques using a display and interface keys on the telephone terminal.

Abstract: A system that facilitates the purchase and delivery of audio and video content (e.g., entertainment media) over the Internet is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed system allows a user who hears or sees an audio or video broadcast to use a cell phone or other wireless device to order the broadcast material, and have it remotely delivered to an independent device (e.g., the user's personal computer) without further user intervention. Thus, the system allows the user to order the desired content using a wireless device that the user will often have in his or her possession when he or she hears or sees the desired content, but to have the content delivered to a second remote device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for enhancing a conversation initiated over the Internet, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), wireless cellular or data networks, or other communication medium by adding peer-to-peer collaborative Internet browsing to the conversation. In a preferred embodiment, the present system comprises a Web server used to set up a collaborative browsing session where each participant enters a common session name and user identity and client software components resident on the devices of each session participant. Each client software component comprises a monitoring module that is adapted to analyze HTTP requests from a first participant's browser and generate a set of instructions that is transmitted to other participants' devices to duplicate the first participant's browsing experience for the other participants.

Abstract: A system that facilitates the purchase and delivery of audio and video content (e.g., entertainment media) over the Internet is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the disclosed system allows a user who hears or sees an audio or video broadcast to use a cell phone or other wireless device to order the broadcast material, and have it remotely delivered to an independent device (e.g., the user's personal computer) without further user intervention. Thus, the system allows the user to order the desired content using a wireless device that the user will often have in his or her possession when he or she hears or sees the desired content, but to have the content delivered to a second remote device.

Abstract: A method for enabling targeted marketing of users on the Internet maintains the privacy of the users. The present invention takes advantage of the unique customer knowledge of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) with respect to both the customers identity and their likes and dislikes, while preserving the privacy of those customers. Data mining is performed on customers, including the sites that they visit. For example, customers with children are identified by visits to the Disney site. The availability of this list is then used to attract businesses with interest in this customer base. An offer, perhaps with enticements such as coupons or contests, is prepared on a Web site. The ISP then makes the customer aware of that offer via an E-mail with short text describing that offer and a Hypertext link to that page. The customer is informed that they may take advantage of the offer and as a convenience and service to the customer and the advertiser, the ISP will provide their identity to the advertiser.

Abstract: A unified messaging solution and services platform is provided by utilizing the features and capabilities associated with instant messaging to locate a registered user, query the user for a proposed message disposition, and coordinate services among a plurality of communication devices, modes, and channels. A user proxy is registered to the user as a personal communication services platform. The user is able to define various rules for responding to received data and communications, the rules stored within a rules database servicing the communication services platform. Instant messaging is used for communications between the user and the communication services platform's user proxy.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a status/confirmation report associated with a facsimile message transmitted by an originating facsimile machine over a telecommunications network. A local or first communication path is provided between the originating facsimile machine and a double dialer and a network or second communication path is provided between the double dialer and a point of presence associated with the telecommunications network. The facsimile message is routed over the local and network communication paths from the originating facsimile machine to the point of presence for subsequent transmission to a destination facsimile machine. After receipt of the facsimile message at the point of presence, the local communication path is disconnected while maintaining the connection of the network communication path.

Abstract: A method for enabling targeted marketing of users on the Internet maintains the privacy of the users. The present invention takes advantage of the unique customer knowledge of an Internet Service Provider (ISP) with respect to both the customers identity and their likes and dislikes, while preserving the privacy of those customers. Data mining is performed on customers, including the sites that they visit. For example, customers with children are identified by visits to the Disney site. The availability of this list is then used to attract businesses with interest in this customer base. An offer, perhaps with enticements such as coupons or contests, is prepared on a Web site. The ISP then makes the customer aware of that offer via an E-mail with short text describing that offer and a Hypertext link to that page. The customer is informed that they may take advantage of the offer and as a convenience and service to the customer and the advertiser, the ISP will provide their identity to the advertiser.

Abstract: A broadcast stream contains different types of information with the different types identified in the stream. An information processing device receives the broadcast stream and selectively captures (for future playback) only those pieces of information corresponding to one or more preselected types of information. In one embodiment, the broadcast stream is a radio broadcast and the different types are identified in digital sidebands of the radio signals. In other embodiments, the broadcast stream is embedded into audio signals or video signals using luminance or chrominance modulation or other spread spectrum techniques. A user is able to edit a personal profile that is stored in the device and contains the list of preselected types of information.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting a facsimile or voice transmission by an originating device over a telecommunications network by a selected one of a plurality of qualities of service. A local or first communication path is provided between the originating device and a double dialer and a network or second communication path is provided between the double dialer and a point of presence associated with a plurality of telecommunications networks, wherein each telecommunications network is identified by an indicator corresponding to a quality of service. A modified destination number having a destination telephone number and the indicator corresponding to the selected quality of service incorporated therein is transmitted from either the double dialer or the originating device to the point of presence. The outgoing facsimile is then routed over the local and network paths from the originating device to the point of presence.

Abstract: A telephone answering machine (TAS) is preprogrammed to place calls automatically to a service bureau (SB) over a telephone or other suitable communications network. In response to the calls, the SB generates and transmits messages (e.g., compressed digital audio messages) to the TAS for recording and subsequent playback by a user. In this way, users can routinely receive information useful to their daily lives.

Abstract: In a cellular telephone terminal having increased storage capability, ease of entry and access for data stored therein is provided through utilization of a computer equipped with a modem, a wired telephone network and the cellular telephone network. A user utilizes the ease of data entry implicit to modern computers through dedicated or existing personal information organizers to input data into a database, such as a personal dialing directory, at the computer. For the entering of data at the cellular telephone terminal, first the terminal, also equipped with a modem, is configured in a data download mode where data can be received from the computer and entered into on-board storage. The computer then places a modem telephone call to the terminal, either directly or through a network translator, and transfers the data into the terminal. The data is then accessible through standard data recall techniques using a display and interface keys on the telephone terminal.