Abstract: Multiple copies of a software or operating parameter change are broadcast using a wireless signal to a mobile electronic device. Broadcasting multiple copies increases the probability that the mobile electronic device will receive the change without error. The number of copies broadcast is a function of the expected probability that the device will receive one copy without error and a desired probability that the device will receive the change without error.

Abstract: Multiple copies of a software or operating parameter change are broadcast using a wireless signal to a mobile electronic device. Broadcasting multiple copies increases the probability that the device will receive the change without error.

Abstract: A network datacast system includes a plurality of transmission facilities. Each transmission facility receives primary programs from one or more media studios. Each transmission facility also receives ancillary data programs from a network datacast center. Each transmission facility broadcasts a wireless signal that includes a primary channel and at least one ancillary data channel. The transmission facilities contemporaneously transmit the ancillary programs on the ancillary data channels. A network datacast receiver contemporaneously receives the wireless signals and extracts the datacast programs from each datacast signal. The extracted datacast programs are stored in the receiver for subsequent output to the user.

Abstract: Broadcast programs, e.g., for an audio information program, are divided into one or more segments and are broadcast to a receiver in packet format. The receiver captures the transmitted packets and reassembles the segments and the program for storage and subsequent output to the user. Segment quality of service is evaluated prior to output by ensuring that a minimum percent of packets per segment are usable, and by ensuring that no more than a maximum number of consecutive packets in the segment are unusable. Program quality of service is evaluated by ensuring that a minimum percent of segments per program are usable, and by determining if the first and/or last segment is usable. Different quality of service parameters are specified for particular programs. New quality of service parameters for particular programs are transmitted to the receiver.

Abstract: In a local storage and playback broadcast system, multiple copies of one or more processing parameters used in individual receivers for the local storage and playback are broadcast. In some embodiments each processing parameter is associated with each packet in the program so that a copy of each parameter is broadcast with each packet. In some embodiments the program is divided into segments, each segment having a header, and a copy of the parameter is broadcast in each segment header.

Abstract: The quantity of unused channels in a cellular wireless communications system is identified. From program content that is stored in a database, an amount of program content is accessed based on the identified quantity of unused channels. The accessed program content is formatted for broadcast on at least a portion of the unused channels, and the formatted content is then transferred to the cellular wireless communications system for broadcast to mobile receivers. In some embodiments a content transmission schedule is broadcast on one of the unused channels.

Abstract: Audio and/or video content is remotely stored. A portion of the remotely stored content is transferred to and stored in a mobile on-demand audio and/or video content output device. In addition, a link is transferred to and stored in the mobile output device. The link is associated with the content portion stored in the output device and points to another portion of the remotely stored content that is related to the content portion locally stored on the mobile device. In response to a user command entered on the mobile device, the related portion of the remotely stored content is accessed using a two-way wireless communications system and is transferred from the database to the mobile device for output.

Abstract: A system and method of information dissemination that permits the user to listen to the specific content of information when and where he or she wants to. A radio or television receiver system receives information from an FM subcarrier, a television vertical blanking interval transmission, a television separate audio program transmission or a dedicated channel and stores the transmitted information in a memory. A user interface allows selection from the memory of the stored information via a set of menus controlling a hierarchical database, so as to access particular items of information. Typically the system includes RAM and/or a storage medium such as a digital audio tape,a magneto-optical mini-disk, a magnetic disk or optical disk, sufficient to store information for 10 hours of audio. A decompression device, accepts the accessed compressed digital audio information items which may have been encrypted and transforms them into spoken speech.

Abstract: A universal mounting apparatus to hold personal devices such as cellular telephones, walkie talkies, etc., by attaching onto a vehicle grill vent in the vehicle dashboard. This apparatus is not configured to any particular year or model of automobile or other vehicle, but is adaptable in several different ways so as to provide different attachment configurations. It is attachable without tools to most automobiles by use of two cable tie-like straps. One end of each strap hooks around a rib in the vent grill and the other end extends through a member which is held against a bracket, the feet of which bear against the dashboard immediately surrounding the vent grill. This allows the apparatus to conform to different sizes and shapes of vent grills while maintaining a firm connection.

Abstract: A programming system in which entertainment and information programming is transmitted, received and stored in real time by a multitude of receivers. The stored programming subsequently may be retrieved by a user in non-real time at the user's convenience. This programming system is particularly adaptable for use with receivers located in moveable vehicles wherein, however, the mobile receivers must have access to the transmitted information, that is, to a transmitter, regardless of the extent of the vehicle's journey. To this end, one or more transmitters located within respective service areas transmit identical programming information along with respective transmitter location codes over different frequency channels, wherein each code also defines a transmitter priority of effective radiated power.

Abstract: An entertainment service consists of program material which is encoded, supplied and stored in receivers for later retrieval at the convenience of a subscriber or user. A number of unique options are available and include a format for the presentation of audio/video commercials and other message materials without interfering with the delivery of the program materials within which the message materials are to be inserted. Message materials may be targeted at specific program subscriber groups and specific program categories. The entertainment materials are electronically supplied in a unique format of the program and message materials selectively interspersed with program break flags and message flags. The flags identify and provide preselected access to the materials previously determined by the subscriber's service.

Abstract: The data rate of speech and non-speech audio is selectively reduced by respective compression techniques based upon the information content of the type of signal. A composite audio information signal formed of speech and non-speech audio is applied to both a voice encoder and a wide-band audio compression encoder. An audio-type detection circuit examines the speech spectrum as well as the entire frequency spectrum and dynamic range of the audio information and generates a selection signal indicating whether the signal is speech or non-speech audio. A composite encoded audio signal is produced by intermingling the outputs of the encoders in response to the selection signal. The composite encoded audio signal and an identification signal indicative of the audio signal type are transmitted to respective receivers at the reduced data rates for storage, and subsequent decoding and retrieval by a listener as an audible signal in response to the transmitted identification signal.

Abstract: A system and method of information dissemination that permits the user to listen to the specific content of information when and where he or she wants to. A radio or television receiver system receives information from a FM subcarrier, a television vertical blanking interval transmission, a television separate audio program transmission or a dedicated channel and stores the transmitted information in a memory. A user interface allows selection from the memory of the stored information via a set of menus controlling a hierarchical database, so as to access particular items of information. Typically the system includes RAM and/or a storage medium such as a digital audio tape,a magneto-optical mini-disk, a magnetic disk or optical disk, sufficient to store information for 10 hours of audio. A decompression device, accepts the accessed compressed digital audio information items which may have been encrypted and transforms them into spoken speech.

Abstract: A system and method of information dissemination that permits the user to listen to the specific content of information when and where he or she wants to. A radio or television receiver system receives information from an FM subcarrier, a television vertical blanking interval transmission, a television separate audio program transmission or a dedicated radio channel and stores the transmitted information in a memory. A user interface allows selection from the memory of the stored information via a set of menus controlling a hierarchical database, so as to access particular items of information. Typically the system includes RAM and/or a storage medium such as a digital audio tape, a magneto-optical mini-disk, a magnetic disk or optical disk, sufficient to store information for 10 hours of audio. A decompression device accepts the accessed compressed digital audio information items (which may have been encrypted) and transforms them into spoken speech.

Abstract: A system and method of information dissemination that permits the user to listen to the specific content of information when and where he or she wants to. A radio or television receiver system receives information from an FM subcarrier, a television vertical blanking interval transmission, an active picture area television transmission a television separate audio program transmission or a dedicated radio channel and stores the transmitted information in a memory. A user interface allows selection from the memory of the stored information via a set of menus controlling a hierarchical database, so as to access particular items of the information. Typically the system includes RAM and/or a magnetic storage medium such as a digital audio tape, a magneto-optical mini-disk, a magnetic disk or optical disk, sufficient to store information for several hours of audio output. A decompression device accepts the accessed compressed digital audio information items and transforms them into audible speech signals.