Abstract: A system to verify user identity on a computer uses a server with a set of stored or created images. An image is selected and transmitted over a computer network to the computer whose user identity is to be verified. The user captures the image on a mobile communication device using, by way of example, a built-in camera. The captured image is transmitted via a public mobile network back to the server where the captured image is compared with the stored image. If the images match, the user identity is verified. In another embodiment, multiple images may be displayed and user-selectable options are selected by capturing one of the multiple images.

Abstract: A transaction authentication system uses a computer network and mobile telephone network to authenticate a user. The user initiates a transaction and provides an identity token, such as the mobile telephone number. The identity token is used by an authentication server to initiate the issuance of a new temporary identity for the corresponding mobile device. The new temporary identity is forwarded from the mobile device to the authentication server which issues a security code if there is a match between the new temporary identities. The security code is forwarded to a transaction server which relays it to the authentication server. If the forwarded security code matches the generated security code, the transaction is permitted to continue.

Abstract: The identity of a mobile communication device can be authenticated to allow the device to access a web site without the need for a user log-in operation. The mobile device stores an identity token and sends it to the web server in the web browser data stream. Additionally, the mobile device transmits an identity token to an authentication entity using a data stream other than the web browser data. The authentication entity queries the wireless network to verify authentication of the mobile device. The identity token may be the mobile telephone number itself, a temporary mobile subscriber identity assigned by the mobile network, or encrypted or hashed versions of either. Alternatively, a new temporary mobile subscriber identity may be sent to the mobile device and retransmitted back to the authentication entity.

Abstract: A system for robust transmission in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) communication network is disclosed. An individual wireless communication device is assigned a set of OFDM tones for transmission in an uplink timeslot. If the received signal is not satisfactory, the number of OFDM tones assigned to the individual wireless communication device may be doubled such that the OFDM signal is duplicated in the additional set of OFDM tones. This process can be extended to multiple additional sets of OFDM tones. The multiple sets of OFDM tones may be combined at the base station to enhance recovery of the original transmitted signal. The assigned OFDM tones need not be contiguous within a block of available tones. Because a large number of OFDM tones are available, the concept may be extended to a large number of duplicate sets of OFDM tones.

Abstract: A system to permit push-to-talk communications in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) communication network. Individual wireless communication devices that are part of a Group Call are assigned the same set or sets of OFDM tones for a downlink timeslot. Because each wireless communication device receives the same set of tones, each device will receive a communication simultaneously. The assigned OFDM tones need not be contiguous within a block of available tones. Because a large number of OFDM tones are available, the concept may be extended to a large number of groups that each separately support a Group Call function.

Abstract: An integrated communication system includes a satellite portion and a terrestrial portion. A plurality of timeslots are allocated for transmission and reception of data by the various components of the satellite portion and terrestrial portion. The allocation of timeslots to the satellite portion and the terrestrial portion may be predetermined or dynamically allocated based on traffic loads, time of day, day of week, and the like. Communication may be accomplished on a single frequency with the appropriate allocation of timeslots. The system includes delay compensation to accommodate signal processing delays and signal propagation delays. For example, a satellite may be instructed to terminate transmission prior to the end of its allocated timeslot to permit the signal from the satellite to propagate to its intended destination within the allocated timeslot to thereby avoid spillover into the next timeslot. This avoids interference between various elements of the communication system.

Abstract: A system and method for using a consumer wireless device in retail transactions utilizes a fixed communication device that functions as a base station for the consumer wireless device. The fixed communication device has a limited coverage zone. When a consumer wireless device comes within the coverage zone of the fixed communication device, the consumer wireless device selects the fixed communication device as the preferred base station and initiates a registration with that base station. The consumer wireless device is uniquely identified with ID data transmitted by the consumer wireless device to the fixed communication device. The unique identification is subsequently used in the process of completing a transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for using a consumer wireless device in retail transactions utilizes a fixed communication device that functions as a base station for the consumer wireless device. The fixed communication device has a limited coverage zone. When a consumer wireless device comes within the coverage zone of the fixed communication device, the consumer wireless device selects the fixed communication device as the preferred base station and initiates a registration with that base station. The consumer wireless device is uniquely identified with ID data transmitted by the consumer wireless device to the fixed communication device. The unique identification is subsequently used in the process of completing a transaction.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering coupon messages to a consumer wireless device utilizes a fixed communication device that functions as a base station for the consumer wireless device. The fixed communication device has limited coverage zone. When the consumer wireless device comes within the coverage zone of the fixed communication device, the consumer wireless device selects the fixed communication device as the preferred base station. Upon completion of registration, the fixed communication device transmits one or more coupon messages to the consumer wireless device. The consumer may enter the associated retail establishment and complete a transaction using the received coupon message. The consumer wireless device may be viewed manually, or the display scanned or read electronically to accept the coupon message in the retail establishment.

Abstract: A system and method for multi-source data communications includes a receiver configured to receive a first data stream from a first data source, such as a satellite. Associated with the first data stream is an instruction to the receiver that causes the receiver to receive a second data stream from a second data source. The second data source may be a different satellite beam from the first satellite, a second satellite, or a terrestrial source. A receiver processes the first and second data streams to produce an output. The second data stream may be inserted into the first data stream at a predetermined point. Alternatively, the first and second data streams may be processed concurrently and combined by an output device. The first and second data streams may be identical data types, or differing data types.

Abstract: An integrated communication system includes a satellite portion and a terrestrial portion. A plurality of timeslots are allocated for transmission and reception of data by the various components of the satellite portion and terrestrial portion. The allocation of timeslots to the satellite portion and the terrestrial portion may be predetermined or dynamically allocated based on traffic loads, time of day, day of week, and the like. Communication may be accomplished on a single frequency with the appropriate allocation of timeslots. The system includes delay compensation to accommodate signal processing delays and signal propagation delays. For example, a satellite may be instructed to terminate transmission prior to the end of its allocated timeslot to permit the signal from the satellite to propagate to its intended destination within the allocated timeslot to thereby avoid spillover into the next timeslot. This avoids interference between various elements of the communication system.