Abstract: A cellular phone includes a first case and a second case, which are connected in a foldable manner through a hinge. When the cellular phone is in a folded state, a second display unit displays an image with the side (upper side) closer to the hinge as the upper side. Accordingly, the user can hold the second case of the cellular phone in his/her hand regardless of whether the cellular phone is in a folded state or in an open state. The user can easily switch between a folded state and an open state with respect to the first case and the second case.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for facilitating a purchase in conjunction with media content information. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a transmission of media content, information regarding the content, and information for facilitating a purchase of at least one of a copy of the content, a good, and/or a service. The content may include broadcast media content and entertainment media content. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to process the information regarding the content and the information for facilitating a purchase of the copy of the content, the good, and/or the service. The apparatus also includes a display device for displaying information.

Abstract: A method and system for providing customized content for a plurality of users is provided. In one embodiment, the method may comprise receiving user information from a plurality of users including location information of each user. For each of the plurality of users, the method may include constructing first compilation data that includes information of a first plurality of content elements and wherein the first compilation data constructed for each use may be different. For each of the plurality of users, the method may further include presenting the content elements of the first compilation data to each of the plurality of respective users. The first compilation data may be constructed from a first template, and the method may further comprise receiving feedback from a set of the users, modifying the respective first template of the set of users based on the feedback, and constructing second compilation data that includes information of a second plurality of content elements for the set of users.

Abstract: A resistive radio frequency (RF) signal power limiter is for connection between an antenna and a receiver circuit in an RF receiver system. The receiver circuit may include a low noise amplifier (LNA). The resistive RF signal power limiter may include at least one positive temperature coefficient (PTC) thermistor connected in series, and at least one negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor connected in shunt between the at least one PTC thermistor and a reference voltage.

Abstract: A cellular phone includes a first case and a second case, which are connected in a foldable manner through a hinge. When the cellular phone is in a folded state, a second display unit displays an image with the side (upper side) closer to the hinge as the upper side. Accordingly, the user can hold the second case of the cellular phone in his/her hand regardless of whether the cellular phone is in a folded state or in an open state. The user can easily switch between a folded state and an open state with respect to the first case and the second case.

Abstract: An outdoor umbrella includes a supporting frame, an awning frame and an audio system. The awning frame includes a functional umbrella hub suspendedly supported by the supporting frame, a plurality of awning frames radially and outwardly extended from the functional umbrella hub, and an awning supported by the awning arms to define a shading area under the awning, wherein the functional umbrella hub has a speaker compartment and an audio outlet. The audio system, as a built-in sound system includes a control panel supported at the supporting frame for inputting an audio signal, and a speaker unit. The speaker unit is supported within the speaker compartment of the functional umbrella hub to align with the audio outlet, wherein when the audio signal is input at the control panel, the audio signal is transmitted to the speaker unit for generating an audio sound as an additional function for the outdoor umbrella.

Abstract: A garage door opener (GDO) communications gateway module includes a receiver for receiving garage door signals and a transmitter for transmitting control signals to a GDO operable for opening and closing a garage door of a garage of a house. The transmitter transmits a control signal to the GDO to control the garage door upon receipt of a garage door signal by the receiver. The module includes a Bluetooth enabled first transceiver for communicating with a Bluetooth enabled appliance of a vehicle over a wireless communications path when the vehicle is located within the vicinity of the garage. The module includes a second transceiver for communicating with a device of the house over another communications path. The vehicle appliance and the house device communicate with one another over the communications paths via the transceivers. The receiver, the transmitter, and the transceivers are contained within a housing mountable to the garage.

Abstract: When a user gets interested in some music he/she listens to somewhere, for example, in a coffee shop, the user records that music in a memory provided in a portable terminal. A processor reads the information stored in the memory and performs a predetermined process on it. The resultant information is stored on a storage device. The information stored on the storage device is then transferred to a server via a communication device. The server searches the database for the title of the music corresponding to the received information, and returns the result to the terminal. Thus, the user can easily get information about the title of the music.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining and providing status information for network devices.

Abstract: A communication apparatus comprising a media device outputly configured to include various telecommunication and Internet applications. The communication apparatus being configured with an antenna apparatus communicatively connected to a chip in communication with the communication apparatus being responsive to a full access wireless communication connections. The communication apparatus being operatively configured with a communication control apparatus being operable for wireless device applications. Signal transmissions for the radio, the cell phone, and the Internet are separated and outputly communicated to the monitoring screen and the speakers for the media device to allow hands free-communication while driving.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and programs of producing and using traffic signal information take, when a vehicle is closely approaching a traffic signal, an image of traffic signal lamps disposed on the traffic signal. The systems, methods, and programs produce image data of the traffic signal lamps, based on the taken image and analyze the image data. The systems, methods, and programs produce traffic signal state information, the traffic signal state information including a state of the traffic signal as of the time of taking the image of the traffic signal lamps. The systems, methods, and programs store traffic signal information, the traffic signal information including the produced traffic signal state information, traffic signal location information, and time information in a memory.

Abstract: Power management features of a reader device control an amount of electrical energy supplied to the reader device. The power management features include several power control categories that a user may select to affect an amount of power consumed by the reader device. One power control category controls power consumption based on a genre of an electronic book being processed by the reader device. Another power control category controls power consumption based on a time of day an electronic book is being processed by the reader device. Power control instructions that control how much power a reader device consumes may also be generated based on a characteristic of a user's interaction with the device.

Abstract: An on-vehicle emergency call system is powered by a main battery. The emergency call system includes a communication unit that communicates with a service center, a control unit that drives the communication unit with electric power supplied from the main battery to connect a communication line with the service center when an emergency call triggering signal is given thereto. The control unit makes the communication unit send a battery-low-voltage signal if terminal voltage of the main battery becomes lower than a threshold voltage while the communication line is connected with the service center.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus adapted to be mounted on an elevated surface having an electrical socket thereon. The apparatus includes a housing, a photocell and a transceiver. The housing at least partially defines an interior space and has a portion which is translucent. The photocell is supported by the housing in the interior space so that ambient light exterior to the housing passes through the translucent portion to the photocell. The transceiver is also supported by the housing and is positioned within the interior space of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tethered digital butler consumer electronics product and method. The tethered digital butler, of a price and form factor suitable for consumer electronics markets of developed and developing countries, includes a communications and multi-media console and a wireless remote. The remote may resemble a handheld personal computer (HPC), a palm-held personal computer (PPC or PDA) or a smart phone, but has a low cost and feature set supported by the console that is novel in the consumer electronics market. In particular, this disclosure relates to combining telephone service, device control and, optionally, a fingerprint reader for easy user identification/authorization and personalization. As another option, a camera can be incorporated into the remote, thereby enabling video conferencing and other visual features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tethered digital butler consumer electronics product and method. The tethered digital butler, of a price and form factor suitable for consumer electronics markets of developed and developing countries, includes a communications and multi-media console and a wireless remote. The remote may resemble a handheld personal computer (HPC), a palm-held personal computer (PPC or PDA) or a smart phone, but has a low cost and feature set supported by the console that is novel in the consumer electronics market. In particular, this disclosure relates to combining telephone service, device control and, optionally, a fingerprint reader for easy user identification/authorization and personalization. As another option, a camera can be incorporated into the remote, thereby enabling video conferencing and other visual features.

Abstract: A control signal is wirelessly transmitted from a first radio communication unit of a portable communication device to a second radio communication unit. The portable communication device is provided for radio communication over a first radio frequency band using a first modulation technique. The control signal is transmitted by generating a control signal, switching off the first modulation of a carrier signal, shifting the frequency of the carrier signal from a first radio frequency band to a second radio frequency band for the first radio communication unit, switching on the second modulation of the carrier signal having a frequency within the second radio frequency band, wherein the carrier signal is modulated with the control signal, and transmitting the control signal modulated carrier signal wirelessly over the second radio frequency band to the second radio communication unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a signal detector, which discerns the presence of signals in a circumscribed area, and a warning is given if a signal is detected. The signal detector adjusts its conditions for the background noise elimination depending on the detected environments in order to discern the presence of signals more efficiently and correctly. Moreover, the present invention shows on a display device the protocol of the detected signal, and enables the user to know the type of the detected signal. Besides, the user can also choose to control the signal detector in a wired or wireless way through the signal connection port, and the user can manually adjust detecting conditions to its environment.

Abstract: A mobile radio configuration for a motor vehicle has a vehicle-mounted terminal that is firmly installed in the vehicle. The terminal has, or is connected to, a mobile radio module linked with an antenna and a Bluetooth module. The system further includes a radio terminal that is provided with a SIM and a Bluetooth module. A Bluetooth connection can be established between the vehicle-mounted terminal an the mobile radio terminal, via which connection the SIM data can be transferred into the firmly installed terminal which then logs onto the mobile radio network using the SIM data. The mobile radio terminal functions as a handset of the vehicle-mounted terminal and the useful data are exchanged via the Bluetooth modules.

Abstract: A portable audio system includes a housing. A docking cradle includes a connector that is electrically coupled to the electronic audio circuit. The docking cradle is mechanically coupled to the housing such that the docking cradle is capable of being rotated horizontally between an open position in which the connector is external to the housing and a closed position.

Abstract: A carriage receives and secures a portable digital music player in a vehicle audio system. The carriage is mechanically engagable with a dock of the vehicle audio system. Access and control over a portable digital music player received and secured by the vehicle audio system may be provided.

Abstract: A radio accessory for a portable electronic device, such as a digital music player, includes a connector that allows the radio to use accessories designed to couple with the portable electronic device. In addition, the radio includes a pass through connector that allows the radio to couple to the portable electronic device and accessory at the same time such that signals are transferred from the accessory to the portable electronic device through the radio. The radio preferably has a power supply and audio output such that it can function as a stand alone device. The radio can be configured to receive AM, FM or satellite broadcasts. The accessory is preferably a speaker dock designed to receive the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A communication system includes a phone and a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). The phone includes a user input interface, a first wireless transceiver and a first application program interface. The SIM is plugged into the phone and includes storage, a second wireless transceiver, and a second application program interface. The phone uses a service-subscriber key stored in the storage of the SIM to access a plurality of services provided by a wireless network using the first transceiver according to a first communication protocol. The first application program interface, in response to a user selection via the user input interface, interacts with the second application program interface. The phone communicates with a node using the second wireless transceiver according to a second communication protocol by way of the interaction between the first application program interface and the second application program interface.

Abstract: When a user gets interested in some music he/she listens to somewhere, for example, in a coffee shop, the user records that music in a memory provided in a portable terminal. A processor reads the information stored in the memory and performs a predetermined process on it. The resultant information is stored on a storage device. The information stored on the storage device is then transferred to a server via a communication device. The server searches the database for the title of the music corresponding to the received information, and returns the result to the terminal. Thus, the user can easily get information about the title of the music.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic device includes a wirelessly transmitted time data receiver and processor. Associated devices, methods and functionality are also described.

Abstract: Providing content to a device. Content stored on a device can be examined or searched based on the programming of channels that are available to the device over various networks. The content can be searched using other rules related to user preferences or content characteristics. Based on the results of the examination of the content, playlists are generated. Each playlist includes content from the device that matches or partially matches the content associated with one of the channels. Using the playlists, a user can load content from their device that has a theme consistent with a particular channel. When signal loss is detected for a given channel, the playlist associated with that channel can be loaded and played by the device. The device can resume playing the channel when the signal is again adequately detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable terminal in which the orientation of the displayed subject is the same as the actual orientation of the subject. The reference attitude when taking a picture is shown in FIG. 5, with the lid 12 being rotated substantially about 90 degrees about the X-axis with respect to the main body, and a perpendicular of the display 32 is in the same orientation as the optical axis of the CCD 41. In this attitude, the image captured by the CCD 41 is displayed as it is in the display 32. On the other hand, when the angle detector 51 detects that the lid 12 is rotated by a further 90 degrees with respect to the main body 11 from the attitude of FIG. 5 and the lid 12 and the main body 11 are opened by about 180 degrees, the image captured by the CCD 41 is rotated by 90 degrees, and the rotated image is displayed in the display 32. The present invention can be applied to portable type terminals such as mobile phones having a two axially rotatable structure, PDA, personal computers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for automatically detecting the presence of a strobo in an earphone jack port of a mobile terminal wherein the strobo is automatically enabled without the additional operation of the mobile terminal when the strobo is plugged into an earphone jack while a user uses a built-in digital camera. The present invention safeguards the mobile terminal against severe damage being done thereto by mistakenly choosing options to enable a strobo without knowing that an earphone/microphone set is plugged in the earphone jack of a mobile terminal.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver A according to the present embodiment includes a tuner 1, a demodulation unit 3, a TS recorder 5, a decoding unit 7, a combination unit 11 and a display 15. It further includes a control unit 17 that performs the overall control, a ROM 20a that stores programs for performing various processing, a RAM 20b that reads and develops programs and performs high-speed processing, a remote control receiving unit 23 that receives signals from a remote controller, a BML browser 25, a HTML browser 27, a graphics plane 33, a switch unit 31 that performs switching to select the BML browser 25 or the HTML browser 27 to be connected to the graphics plane 33, and an application status monitoring memory unit 35 that monitors the status of applications. The application status monitoring memory unit 35 here monitors which application, the BML browser 25 or HTML browser 27, is active.

Abstract: A method for enabling at least a portion of a multiple function handheld device begins by enabling at least a portion of a digital audio functionality in response to a first mode selection. The method continues by disabling wireless communication functionality in response to the first mode selection.

Abstract: A digital picture frame device and system for displaying digital content. The digital picture frame device includes a display screen, a frame surrounding a periphery of the display screen, a compartment accessible by an opening in a side surface of the frame, a movable door for selectively covering the opening, a memory device port disposed in the compartment for receiving a memory device containing digital content, and control circuitry for controlling a display of the digital content on the display screen. A computer with a processor and a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions thereon can generate or receive digital content and associate at least some of the digital content with one or more playlists. A communications link transfers the playlists of the digital content to the picture frame for display on the display screen. Multiple inputs can be used for receiving and displaying different kinds of digital content.

Abstract: A method of managing audio data received by an accessory device from an electronic equipment over a local wireless interface link includes buffering the audio data; feeding the buffered audio data to a decoder and detecting a decoder under run. After the detection of a decoder under run, the method restarts the feed of audio data to the decoder when an amount of buffered audio data is equal to or greater than a dynamically adjustable threshold amount of audio data.

Abstract: A system including a digital radio broadcast station, a receiver, and a network. The digital radio broadcast station includes a transmitter and a server. The receiver is in communication with the digital radio broadcast transmitter and also includes a user interface for receiving user input commands comprising a request for information from the digital radio broadcast station. The receiver is configured to establish a two-way communication path between the receiver and the digital radio broadcast transmitter. The network is in communication with the server and the receiver for exchanging information therebetween. The request for information is provided to the server via the network and the server is configured to receive the request and transmit a response message to the receiver in accordance with the request.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a device that includes a proximity sensor, a network interface, and a module. The proximity sensor determines the proximity of a mobile device. The module is coupled to the network interface and is coupled to the proximity sensor. The module is configured to receive a signal from the proximity sensor indicating whether the mobile device is in proximity to the proximity sensor. The module is configured to transmit a call forwarding control signal via the network interface. The call forwarding control signal is associated with a landline phone number.

Abstract: A broadcast radio event, such as a song, and a plurality of radio data fields corresponding to the event, such as certain text radio data system RDS fields, is received at a broadcast radio receiver device. At least one radio data field is compared to image identifiers stored locally in the broadcast radio receiver. If a match is found between the at least one radio data field and an image identifier, a locally stored image associated with the matching image identifier is displayed at a local graphical display of the broadcast radio receiver device. If no locally stored matching image is found, an external database may be searched similarly and a non-local matching image is displayed. Various rules for matching are disclosed, as are an apparatus and a computer program product. The selected image may also be displayed alongside other radio data fields as text.

Abstract: A food/drink container having a closure for closing the container and a multimedia module responsive to opening the container, the multimedia module including a speaker and a projection unit for projecting an image or a movie viewable from the outside of the container.

Abstract: A hand-held portable printer includes a number of input devices mounted in or on a printer housing including a barcode scanner, keypad, communication interface in a receive mode and an RFID read/writer in a read mode. The hand-held portable printer also includes a number of output devices including a printing system, the communication interface in a transmit mode and the RFID read/writer in a write mode for writing to an external RFID chip. A processor selects received data from one or more of the input devices manipulates the data and/or combines it with other data for an output device wherein the data selected for one output device may be different then the data selected for another output device. The hand-held portable printer may utilize both an internal antenna and external antenna. Applying different energy levels to the antennas may determine whether the hand-held portable printer reads from and/or writes to a single RFID chip or a plurality of RFID chips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tethered digital butler consumer electronics product and method. The tethered digital butler, of a price and form factor suitable for consumer electronics markets of developed and developing countries, includes a communications and multi-media console and a wireless remote. The remote may resemble a handheld personal computer (HPC), a palm-held personal computer (PPC or PDA) or a smart phone, but has a low cost and feature set supported by the console that is novel in the consumer electronics market. In particular, this disclosure relates to combining telephone service, device control and, optionally, a fingerprint reader for easy user identification/authorization and personalization. As another option, a camera can be incorporated into the remote, thereby enabling video conferencing and other visual features.

Abstract: A method, system, media, and apparatus are directed to radio recording. Radio stations are simultaneously recorded based on a radio parameter including a processing parameter, a memory usage or allocation, a recording status, or the like. The radio parameter is adapted for an individual station, some radio stations, or all radio stations. The processing parameter is adapted based on a processor usage. The memory usage is adapted based on a memory requirement of a station being recorded. A station may be suspended from recording based on a loss of a signal and resumed based on a resumption of the signal. An access to a radio content recorded while a signal was available may be provided, if the signal is unavailable. The plurality of stations may be prioritized.

Abstract: In a portable telephone according to the present invention, a display displays a block indicative of an operator, predetermined information and a pointer; the operator can be operated in directions opposite to each other; and the controller controls the display so as to shift the pointer to a desirable position within a predetermined information on a screen of the display in accordance with an operation of the operator and also display a mark indicative of a direction to which the pointer can be shifted and in which the predetermined information exists, adjacently to the block along a shift direction through the operator.

Abstract: A cellular phone includes a first case and a second case, which are connected in a foldable manner through a hinge. When the cellular phone is in a folded state, a second display unit displays an image with the side (upper side) closer to the hinge as the upper side. Accordingly, the user can hold the second case of the cellular phone in his/her hand regardless of whether the cellular phone is in a folded state or in an open state. The user can easily switch between a folded state and an open state with respect to the first case and the second case.

Abstract: A digital camera having an acoustic member includes a first cover, a water-proof sheet and a second cover. The second cover is spaced from the water-proof sheet. The first cover has a first sound hole opposed to the acoustic member. The water-proof sheet is disposed such as to covers the first sound hole. The second cover has a second sound hole. The second sound hole is deviated in position toward an outer periphery of the first sound hole so that the second sound hole is not located on an extension of an axis of the first sound hole.

Abstract: A method for providing battery charge current to a portable electronic device having a rechargeable battery. The method includes the steps of providing a power adaptor which connects to a power supply and converts power from the power supply into a battery charge current; providing a cable operative to deliver the battery charge current from the power adaptor to the portable electronic device to charge the rechargeable battery; and providing radio frequency (RF) signals induced onto the cable to an RF receiver input.

Abstract: This communicator makes it possible for the user to do telephone, facsimile, and data communication at any location. On a pen input device, a space eye 2, a telephone control system, a facsimile control system, and a data transmission system are mounted. All of them are operated by an input pen 55 or the space eye 2. The pen input device is connected to a wireless telephone equipment 7, and can be connected to a desired party through the public communication channel. In order to make the most of the equipment of a GPS user, the GPS user device 8 is connected to the pen input device 3. The current location of the GPS user is found through the GPS user device 8, and the data on the current location is transmitted to the party. Further. to make this communicator usable in any country, it is provided with means to connect it to a wireless telephone network of an individual service area of the country.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mobile device controlled by moving it, for example, by tilting. The mobile device is equipped with wide-angle optics and with a radiation sensor detecting either visible light or infrared radiation. The wide-angle optics may be directed towards the user, whereupon the radiation sensor receives useful images through the wide-angle optics. The images include contrast or thermal differences which it make possible to determine in which way the user has moved the mobile device. In more detail, a tilt angle or a corresponding change can be calculated and then, on the basis of the change, the content shown on a display of the mobile device is altered. The content is, for example, a menu or a web page.

Abstract: A system and method for formatting numbers is disclosed. The system and method can determine if a telephone number is received, either alone or as part of a string. If a telephone number is received, the system applies a format to the number corresponding to a recognized telephone number format. If a number other than a telephone number is received, the system applies a different kind of format to the number. In some cases, the system applies a format to the number using the pauses between spoken characters or numbers. The system and method can be used with a hands free telephone.

Abstract: A system and method for filtering a signal comprising: receiving a signal of interest; receiving a signal indicating that a stimulus has been applied; receiving the synchronized stimulus signal and signal of interest; recursively selecting a portion of the signal of interest associated with a stimulus being applied and assign the selected portion of the signal of interest to one of the plurality of buffers; combining all responses in each of said plurality of buffers; transforming the combination of all responses in each buffer to a transform space; comparing the transform components of the buffers to determine a scaling factor; applying the scaling factor to the spectral components of the buffers; performing an inverse transform on the result of combining the buffers to return to the time domain to produce a filtered signal, and outputting the filtered signal received from the processor.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides apparatus and methods that can convert frequencies of time-encoded signals. In one aspect, a down-converter circuit includes low-pass filters, a switch, a time encoder, and an output low-pass filter. In another aspect, an up-converter circuit includes an analog or digital input time encoder, low-pass filters, a switch, an output time encoder, and a time-encoded band-pass filter. In yet another aspect, a complete receiver system is provided. The receiver system can operate effectively with signals in the radio frequency range.

Abstract: An audio recording and reproducing apparatus includes a controller for controlling the entire behaviors, hard disc for write and read of audio data, audio compression/expansion circuit for expanding compressed audio data, and external I/O port. The audio recording and reproducing apparatus is connected to a network service center to obtain desired music data from storage of the network service center and to store it in the hard disc.