Abstract: A transparent commodity trading network facilitates transactions among parties. A plurality of mobile communications devices are each configured to broadcast product/service needs and/or product/service offerings of a party associated with the respective mobile communications device. Each mobile communications device is configured to receive product/service needs and/or product/service offerings broadcast by other mobile communications devices when respective mobile communications devices pass within a predetermined distance of each other. Each mobile communications device is configured to identify when a product/service need or product/service offering broadcast by another mobile communications device matches a corresponding product/service offering or broadcast product/service need broadcast by the respective mobile communications device.

Abstract: An intelligent switching network for delivering satellite signals to a plurality of Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The network comprises a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least some of the inputs are coupled to the plurality of inputs and receive the satellite signals, and an interface, coupling the plurality of IRDs to the outputs of the multiswitch through the interface on a single cable, wherein the interface controls the flow of signals from the plurality of IRDs to the multiswitch and controls the flow of satellite signals to the plurality of IRDs based on commands from the IRDs to the interface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to interrupting use of a frequency layer convergence scheme that favors selection of a cell on a preferred frequency of a joined point-to-multipoint service. Specifically, a mobile terminal that has joined a point-to-multipoint service having a preferred frequency uses a frequency layer convergence scheme for selecting a cell. The frequency layer convergence scheme favors the selection of a cell on the preferred frequency layer. However, use of the frequency layer convergence scheme is interrupted upon an occurrence of a trigger.

Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a plurality of user devices 110 and a content delivery network 120 that is in communication with the plurality of user devices 110. The content delivery network 120 communicates a participation signal to each of the plurality of communication devices. The content delivery network 120 communicates a secure authorization message signal to each of the plurality of user devices. The content delivery network 120 authenticates the participation signal for each of the plurality of user devices and, after authentication, communicates the content to the plurality of users.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The method includes receiving a data processing method includes receiving a broadcast signal in which main service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, acquiring transmission-parameter-channel signaling information including transmission parameter information of the mobile service data, and fast-information-channel signaling information, acquiring binding information describing a relationship between at least one ensemble transferring the mobile service data and a first virtual channel contained in the at least one ensemble by decoding the fast-information-channel, and acquiring status information of the first virtual channel, displaying content data contained in the mobile service data according to the binding information and the status information of the first virtual channel.

Abstract: A ground station multiplexes audio digital data of a plurality of audio broadcasts, GUI data, and download audio data and transmits the multiplexed signal to a receiving side through a satellite. The receiving side displays a GUI screen corresponding to an audio broadcast. When a music information selection command is input on the display screen, an audio broadcast of a music program corresponding to the music information is selected. When a music information download command is input on the display screen, download audio data corresponding to the music information is output. The download audio data is stored to a storage device so as to download audio data corresponding to a desired music title.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a unidirectional broadcast network is utilized to provide digital content to users in a manner that allows users' computing devices to maintain synchrony with personal, relevant information. In at least some embodiments, the broadcast network utilizes a data channel and a signaling channel. The data channel is used for broadcasting data to various users, while the signaling channel—typically used for transmitting device or machine specific data—is used to transmit user-specific information associated with the information or data that the user finds relevant. This user-specific information can then be used by the user's mobile computing device to manage, e.g. record and place into device database for time shifted retrieval, such information or digital objects delivered over the broadcast data channel.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for providing exclusive wireless service proposals to subscribers. A method for providing an exclusive wireless service proposal to a subscriber includes the steps of conducting measurements of at least one metric; sending measurement data acquired during the step of conducting to a measurement analysis machine (MAM), the MAM being configured to analyze the measurement data; analyzing the measurement data; predicting performance of at least one of wireless voice and wireless data services based upon the results of the analysis step; generating a proposal for exclusive wireless services based upon the measurement data and the performance prediction; and providing the proposal to a subscriber. Systems for performing this and additional or alternative methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Plural service providers each provide services to one or more multicast service systems, which forward service sets formed by bundling received services to a respective multicast operator. The service sets are then multicast in IP datacasting bursts, and can be received by a mobile terminal. Each service includes one or more service components, which have different media formats, e.g. audio, video, game, software, chat, offline web page, etc. The service components include content data and service identification data. A service set schedule giving timing information relating to the transmission of the IP datacasting burst and the transmission frequency is created. An IP burst begins with ESG data. The service set schedule may be part of the ESG data or it may be transmitted separately.

Abstract: A media broadcast and distribution system is disclosed which substitutes storage for communications, allowing more efficient use of scarce bandwidth resources. One embodiment allows a terrestrial FM broadcaster to offer a larger number of higher quality audio channels than current satellite radio services such as Sirius and XM Satellite Radio. This embodiment also has features that offer a better user experience than with personal audio devices such as Apple's iPod™. Another embodiment allows satellite radio services to expand their video offerings.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection and selection of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) service. A cellular network may provide an advertisement for a WLAN, such as in an overhead signaling message. The advertisement may identify the Access Point(s) by an Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID). The remote station may then scan for the WLAN service automatically or manually.

Abstract: A method, system and/or computer program product for personalized content delivery may include transmitting a signal to request a user's personal preferences, wherein the user's personal preferences may be stored in one of a memory of a communications device, a SIM or a U-SIM or the like. The method, system and/or computer program product may further include delivering a specific content in response to one of the user's personal preferences or personal preferences of a majority of users.

Abstract: A system is provided for generating a remapped audio stream at digital audio broadcast radios from a first audio stream using content insertion to allow tiered subscription services. A remapped audio stream is rebranded by extracting segments from the first audio stream relating to channel identification segments and disk jockey talking segments and replacing them with stored audio items (e.g., commercials, different channel identification segments and different disk jockey talking segments). Stored audio items for insertion are broadcast to the radios with messages for controlling the scheduling of insertion at the radios, and the storage and deletion of these audio segments at the radios. Stored audio items and messages can be sent using a different, localized broadcast system from that used to transmit the source audio stream to permit market-specific commercial insertion. Group file format for delivery permits intermittently used radios to receive the stored audio items and messages.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which a user is enabled to record, for example, a song or other radio and/or video content, on demand, and to account for and process appropriate payment for the use of the recorded content. The recorded material is saved and indexed by title and is retrievable for subsequent review, tabulation and/or playing at the user's convenience. In one example, a user is enabled to record received media content by pressing a single “ADD” button at any time while a favorite song is being received and played. The song then being played together with the title of the song or video presentation are then saved to memory for subsequent retrieval and playing. The received content is accounted for and tabulated and a payment for the use of the recorded song is processed by the user in accordance with a predetermined payment schedule.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing recommended radio stations to a user. In particular, an electronic device can compare media from a locally stored or accessed media library with media items provided as part of radio streams received by the device. The electronic device can identify the radio streams having the most media items overlapping with the local library, and recommend those streams as being most likely to be of interest to the user. The electronic device can further access a remote database of a large number of users' libraries, and receive recommendations based on the media items common to the user's library, other users' libraries, and radio broadcasts. This approach allows the electronic device to provide recommendations without requiring any monitoring of the user's listening habits or receiving preference information from the user.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for selectively listening to multiple audio signal sources in a local area. Multiple audio signals from multiple audio signal sources may be combined in a wireless transmitter. The combined audio signals may be converted to an electromagnetic signal for transmission to multiple personal receivers. Each of the audio signal sources may be identified by a unique, visible channel designator. The electromagnetic signal may be received by the personal receivers and reconverted into each of the audio signals. The audio signals may be detected in the personal receivers to identify each to an audio signal source. A user may select a specific audio signal source for a personal receiver and the audio signal may be output to an earphone.

Abstract: A method for selectively storing information received from a broadcast signal is provided. The method includes the steps of: receiving and identifying a broadcast message, the message including a plurality of characters; comparing each character of the received message with a start of tag (SOT) identifier stored in a memory; if a character received in the received message is determined to match the SOT identifier stored in the memory then comparing each of the subsequent characters in the received message with an end of tag (EOT) identifier stored in the memory determining if the received message contains both SOT and EOT identifiers; and storing the message in a storage unit in dependence on the result of the determination.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a media player and a control unit operable to selectively access any one of a plurality of different types of media sources, such as a local media file memory, and at least one signal input for media data received through a communication connection from an external source, such as a streaming media data or a real time FM radio signal. A user-operable key is carried on the device, which upon activation triggers the control unit to store data related to a currently accessed media source in a playlist. Both the storage and selection of a playlist, which are dependent on from which type of media source the media data is accessed, are performed automatically in the device.

Abstract: The data reception apparatus includes a main processing unit that waits in a standby state so as to be able to receive the connection signal that is transmitted in a first communication mode, and further receives, after reception of the connection signal, the data signal that is transmitted in a second communication mode that is different from the first communication mode; a sub processing unit that is provided in addition to the main processing unit, the sub processing unit being capable of receiving the data signal that is transmitted in the second communication mode; a notification unit that is capable of notifying information to a user; and a notification control unit that controls the notification unit so that the notification unit notifies a communication error to the user if the sub processing unit has received the data signal although the main processing unit has not received the connection signal.

Abstract: A method and system are provided in which a user is enabled to record, for example, a song or other radio and/or video content, on demand, and to account for and process appropriate payment for the use of the recorded content. The recorded material is saved and indexed by title and is retrievable for subsequent review, tabulation and/or playing at the user's convenience. In one example, a user is enabled to record received media content by pressing a single “ADD” button at any time while a favorite song is being received and played. The song then being played together with the title of the song or video presentation are then saved to memory for subsequent retrieval and playing. The received content is accounted for and tabulated and a payment for the use of the recorded song is processed by the user in accordance with a predetermined payment schedule.

Abstract: A broadcasting system for providing a broadcasting program to a mobile terminal and a method of controlling the same are provided. The method includes the steps of selecting a broadcasting program through a mobile terminal, selecting a broadcasting type of the selected broadcasting program through the mobile terminal, selectively transmitting at least one of video data, audio data, and text data of the selected broadcasting program based on the selected broadcasting type from a broadcasting station server to the mobile terminal, and displaying the transmitted data on the mobile terminal or outputting the transmitted data through the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A radio transmission apparatus and method for multicasting or broadcasting common data to a plurality of radio receiving apparatuses. The apparatus and method acquire per-subcarrier reception quality information from a radio receiving apparatus. A subcarrier is selected for the multicasting or broadcasting among a plurality of subcarriers, each of which has a different frequency, based on the acquired per-subcarrier reception quality information. And the transmission power of the selected subcarrier is controlled.

Abstract: A data transmitting apparatus for transmitting data to a communication recipient by one-way communication includes a data transmitting unit transmitting data to the communication recipient by the one-way communication of a predetermined communication format; a data selecting unit allowing a user to select the data to be transmitted by the one-way communication; an instruction inputting unit allowing the user to input an instruction to transmit the data selected by the data selecting unit to the communication recipient by the one-way communication; a control unit controlling the data transmitting unit to transmit the data selected by the data selecting unit to the communication recipient by the one-way communication on the basis of the instruction input through the instruction inputting unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a primary uplink site and a diverse uplink site includes a satellite and a communication line that couples the primary uplink site and the diverse uplink site. The primary uplink site receives television signals and communicates the signals over the communication line using a video-over-internet protocol. The primary site forms primary uplink signals and selectively communicates the primary uplink signals to the satellite. The diverse uplink site receives the television signals from the primary uplink site through the communication line and forms the diverse uplink signals and selectively communicates the diverse uplink signals to the satellite.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detection and selection of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) service. A cellular network may provide an advertisement for a WLAN, such as in an overhead signaling message. The advertisement may identify the Access Point(s) by an Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID). The remote station may then scan for the WLAN service automatically or manually.

Abstract: A group management framework and methodology for managing symmetric groups using peer-to-peer network communications. Group management is distributed throughout the group members of the peer-to-peer network, and group information is mirrored in each of the members of the group. The framework facilitates management of group member lists, provides group communication capabilities for external applications, and security for the group communication without the need for intermediary servers to provide services.

Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and computer program products for enhancing presence services. Such methods may include associating, in a database, a custom icon associated with a third party and a region and communicating a user presence in the associated region by transmitting a custom icon to a subscriber. Such systems may include a presence server configured to determine and communicate, to a subscriber, presence information corresponding to a user mobile device and an icon server configured to associate and store presence information of a third party and a custom icon corresponding to the third party, to modify the custom icon responsive to received data indicative of opinion data corresponding to the third party, and to transmit the custom icon to the user mobile device and to the subscriber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a wireless communication system used for transmitting and receiving information, the information not containing identification of the information's intended recipient. A method for transmitting payload information, the method comprising providing verification information scrambling a portion of the verification information and transmitting the payload information with the scrambled verification information portion. Also provided is a method for processing transmitted payload information incorporated into an encoded information message with scrambled verification information, the method comprising receiving the encoded information message descrambling at least a portion of the scrambled verification information and comparing said descrambled verification information with predetermined verification information processing said payload information based on said comparison.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for selecting alternate channels for broadcast radio channels, and for tracking alternate channel selections, are provided. Some radio systems provide alternate frequencies for tuned radio frequencies to use when the tuned radio frequency signal is no longer receivable. In aspects of the present invention, historical information is generated from alternate channel switching attempts. In further aspects, the generated historical information is used to aid in making a subsequent switch to an alternate channel.

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 method of developing a visual/audio campaign for delivery to a device having a radio wave receiver is disclosed. The method includes a managing node receiving broadcast specific information from a plurality of radio stations, the managing node receiving broadcast non-specific information, the managing node creating the visual/audio campaign at least partly by matching an item of broadcast non-specific information with an item of broadcast specific information, and delivering the visual/audio campaign to the device via radio waves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a broadcast editing apparatus and method for editing a satellite broadcast signal in a mobile terminal of a wireless communication system. A satellite broadcast signal received from a satellite or a gap filter is divided into a video signal and an audio signal. An inputted user's voice or sound effect is either multiplexed with the separated video signal or integrated with the separated audio signal. The integrated audio signal and the separated video signal may be multiplexed to edit a satellite broadcast. The edited satellite broadcast may be stored to be reproduced at anytime by the user. Accordingly, the user can edit and appreciate the satellite broadcast according to his preference. Also, an audio signal may be transmitted to another person by being inserted into a satellite broadcast through a multimedia message service.

Abstract: A telecommunications system that supports the provision of video messaging, yet maintains compatibility and operation with user equipment that is not capable of processing, receiving or rendering video content. Based on the type of user equipment, as well as user selected options, network configurations and status, and class-of-service characteristics, the telecommunications systems can revise the manner in which content is provided to the user equipment. Variations in the content provision include providing synchronized audio and video content, audio content only, video content only, video content with closed-captioning and closed-captioning only.

Abstract: A configurable serial interface for a mobile communications device is provided to access audio information (e.g., audio files) stored on a removable memory device. In normal operation, the mobile communications device accesses audio information stored on the removable memory source through a conventional serial interface located in the digital application processor and/or directly interfaced with the main processing device. The interface is configurable to change to a second interface (e.g., Serial Low-power Interconnect for Media or SLIMbus (SLIMbus)) after receiving a command to change the interface. The second interface generally utilizes significantly less power than the first interface because the main processing device is not utilized to convert the digital audio files stored on the removable memory device. Control of the first and/or second interface may be maintained by a control circuit used for controlling the main processing device.

Abstract: A telecommunications system that supports the provision of video messaging to certain user devices, based on the calling line identifier or ANI associated with the user devices. Based on the CLID or the ANI, as well as user selected options, network configurations and status, and class-of-service characteristics, the telecommunications systems can revise the manner in which content is provided to the user equipment. Variations in the content provision include providing synchronized audio and video content, audio content only, video content only, video content with closed-captioning and closed-captioning only.

Abstract: An antenna hub having an antenna includes a housing. Uplink circuitry is disposed within the housing. The uplink circuitry includes block upconverters, high-power amplifiers and variable phase combined amplifiers. A diplexer is also disposed within the housing at the antenna hub. A configuration is set-up for redundancy so that uplink signals are not lost.

Abstract: In a radio system for transmitting information channels A1, A2, A3 to radio receivers, the information channels A1, A2, A3 are transmitted in parallel over a number of data channels, each using different transmission standards. A radio receiver selects a transmission standard based on the type of its energy supply.

Abstract: A user of a combined mobile telephone and IPDC receiver (10) accesses a WAP portal (16) through the Internet (82) and/or a mobile telephone network (81). The WAP portal (16) provides a service menu, comprising a number of links to service menus further down in the hierarchy or to IPDC services. The WAP portal (16) is provided with information relating to IPDC services by an IPDC operator (80). This information includes at least the name of the service, the IP address and the port number relating to each service. The information may additionally include a Network Information Table, IP/MAC Notification Table and Program Mapping Table, although this information may be provided to the mobile terminal instead by broadcast from a DVB transmitter (13).

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for allowing a user using a communications device to interact with first media material that is broadcast on a first broadcast channel by a first broadcast media source and second media material that is broadcast on a second broadcast channel by a second broadcast media source, the first media material and the second media material include a first media item and a second media item, respectively, the first media item and the second media item are associated with a first representation of the first media item and a representation of the second media item, respectively, that are received and presented by a broadcast reception device while the broadcast reception device is tuned to a third broadcast channel. The method includes maintaining in a temporary storage an item identifier, the item identifier identifies one of a first media item-related information and a second media item-related information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for broadcasting in a satellite communication system includes uplinking first uplink signals using a primary site, determining a switchover event and determining a primary site switch time. The primary site switch timer is determined along with a diverse site switch timer that is after the primary switch time. The uplink signal is discontinued from the primary site and the uplinking second uplink signals from the diverse site.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver includes a smart antenna, a tuner which extracts a signal of predetermined channel from among airwaves received by the smart antenna, a signal processing unit which processes the signal extracted by the tuner, and a control unit, in a case the airwave has become unreceivable, to set a pointing direction of the antenna on that occasion as a reference direction, to shift the pointing direction a predetermined magnitude counterclockwise or clockwise, and to decide propriety of reception of the airwave. The control unit iterates counterclockwise and clockwise shifts alternately in a region near the reference direction, while the shift magnitude of the pointing direction is being increased in succession and so that the direction as to which the propriety of reception has been decided once may not be included in the directions of the shifts, until the reception of the airwave becomes possible.

Abstract: A portable multimedia player is used to wirelessly access and control a media server that is streaming digital media by way of a wireless interface to a media unit such as a stereo/speakers in the case of streaming digital audio. In one embodiment, the portable multimedia player is wirelessly synchronized to a selected one(s) of a number of digital media files stored on the media server in such a way that digital media file metadata (song title, author, etc.) associated with the selected digital media file(s) only is transferred from the media server to be stored in the portable media player.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a satellite communication system with regional redundant sites and a central site includes a satellite and a regional site uplinking regional uplink signals to the satellite and condition signals to a terrestrial communication link. The satellite generates regional downlink signals from the regional uplink signal. A central site receives the regional downlink signals from the satellite and terrestrially receives the condition signals and generates control signals for the regional site through the terrestrial communication link.

Abstract: A printing device of the present invention has an additional function of switching over connection with two wireless networks. The printing device enters a user's wireless LAN based on first setting information, while establishing connection with a maker's wireless LAN based on second setting information to communicate with a printer, which is one of additional devices newly entering the user's wireless LAN. In response to a requirement from the printer, the printing device temporarily disconnects from the user's wireless LAN and enters the maker's wireless LAN to transmit setting information relating to the user's wireless LAN to the printer. This arrangement desirably relieves the labor of the user for settings in the additional devices to establish connection with the wireless network.

Abstract: A transmitting apparatus adapted to effectively use the band for transferring programs of television broadcasting. A program of a first channel transmitted from the transmitting side can be viewed in real time on the receiving side. A program of a second channel is transmitted to the receiving side in advance in a time zone of lower audience rate than other time zones and stored in a storage device of the receiving side. Each program to be stored is encrypted. When a provision time of a program comes, the data such as a key are transmitted from the transmitting side to the receiving side along with the program data of the first channel. The receiving side extracts the data such as a key and, by use of the extracted data, provides the program stored in the storage device to viewers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable terminal, and to a method and apparatus for improving broadcasting reception performance of the portable terminal by filtering a transmission frequency of a radio frequency unit introduced to a broadcasting reception path without experiencing broadcast signal loss. The filtering can be achieved using a filter that includes a variable capacitor in the broadcasting reception path. Accordingly, the transmission frequency of the radio frequency unit may be filtered without a broadcast signal loss. A capacitance of the variable capacitor may be controlled according to the broadcast channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to presentation of content to mobile users. In the method, data associated with presentation of content is transmitted from a communication system, the data including information regarding an event. The data is received at mobile user equipment and stored in a memory of the mobile user equipment. In response to the event, presentation of the content is triggered. The presentation is based on the data stored in the memory of the mobile user equipment.

Abstract: A system for collecting, evaluating and using usage activity includes one or more media devices and a network with a ratings service. A media device includes a logging service for logging usage activity when media content is accessed and played, shared, deleted and/or stored. When a connection to the network is present, the usage activity is transmitted to the ratings service. The ratings service evaluates the usage activity and prepares a usage report, which can be transmitted to one or more content providers and/or can be used to refine programming content and/or influence advertising decisions. A content provider can collect votes by sending a list of possible song choices to media devices and receiving vote data collected by logging services on the media devices. The vote data is evaluated and a vote report is prepared that can be used to refine programming content and/or to influence advertising decisions.

Abstract: A receiver system equipped with a first and second reception units for receiving a satellite radio broadcasting prevents a reception unit switching operations by using signal selection data that provides satellite availability for respective operation areas. The satellite radio broadcasting reception quality in each of the respective operation areas is improved because of the reduced chance of dropout or the like in the broadcasted contents of the satellite radio broadcasting received by the receiver system.

Abstract: Various techniques for receiving broadcast at a mobile broadcast receiver are described. In an aspect, the broadcast receiver provides user notification and/or automatically launches an application based on user preferences. In another aspect, the broadcast receiver improves channel switching time by predicting future channel selection based on real-time monitoring of user inputs. In another aspect, the broadcast receiver supports drag-and-drop user interface. In another aspect, the broadcast receiver provides additional information associated with a selected broadcast stream. In another aspect, the broadcast receiver processes a broadcast stream and sends output data to an external device for further processing and/or display. In another aspect, the broadcast receiver simultaneously displays live content and stored content. In another aspect, the broadcast receiver simultaneously receives multiple broadcast streams for displayed on one or more display units.