Abstract: Tools are provided for distributing access-restricted content in an internet protocol television (“IPTV”) environment based on portable entitlement keys. Such tools can include a decoder, an encoder, and a network entitlement handler. The decoder may be configured to receive a key associated with entitlement information, and transmit the entitlement information over a network. The encoder may be configured to receive content from content providers, and to encode the content to create IP-compatible content, with access restrictions based on entitlement. The network entitlement handler may be configured to receive a request for requested content from the decoder; receive the access-restricted content including (including the requested content) from the encoder; and transmit the requested content over the network to the decoder using IP, when the decoder is entitled to receive the requested content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions, including systems, methods and/or software, for providing handoffs between cellular providers and VoIP providers. In some cases, for example, upon the initiation of a call from a dual-mode cellular phone, the cellular network (and/or a component thereof) may be configured to store the dialed number and/or substitute a predetermined number for the dialed number. The predetermined number may be associated with a VoIP provider's system. Hence, in a particular embodiment, the call may be routed (e.g., via the PSTN) to the VoIP provider's system, which may be configured to obtain (perhaps from an application server) the original dialed number and/or to route the call (e.g., via the PSTN) to the original dialed number. If the dual-mode phone subsequently obtains IP access, a VoIP connection may be established between the VoIP system and the phone and/or a handoff may be performed (e.g.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide novel solutions, including systems, methods and/or software, for providing handoffs between cellular providers and VoIP providers. In some cases, for example, upon the initiation of a call from a dual-mode cellular phone, the cellular network (and/or a component thereof) may be configured to store the dialed number and/or substitute a predetermined number for the dialed number. The predetermined number may be associated with a VoIP provider's system. Hence, in a particular embodiment, the call may be routed (e.g., via the PSTN) to the VoIP provider's system, which may be configured to obtain (perhaps from an application server) the original dialed number and/or to route the call (e.g., via the PSTN) to the original dialed number. If the dual-mode phone subsequently obtains IP access, a VoIP connection may be established between the VoIP system and the phone and/or a handoff may be performed (e.g.

Abstract: Solutions for providing integrated task list functionality. Some such solutions use a user supersystem as a communications hub to generate, display, and/or handle user-based tasks for a family group. For example, tasks may be assigned to one or more members of the family and associated with various types of dates, rewards, audits, etc. Family members may then interact with the tasks through the communications hub and/or through other devices (e.g., cell phones, etc.).

Abstract: According to the invention, a method for establishing a personal communication between an originating end and a terminating end of a communication system is disclosed. In one step, a first number of personal communication modes associated with the originating end is retrieved. A determination is made if a second number of personal communication modes associated with the terminating end comprises any personal communication modes compatible with the first number of personal communication modes. A compatible personal communication mode from the first number of personal communication modes and the second number of personal communication modes is chosen to indicate the compatible personal communication mode to the terminating end.

Abstract: According to the invention, one embodiment of a method and program of synchronizing an end device with a data repository is disclosed. In another embodiment, a method for synchronizing data, both multimedia and non-multimedia, with a repository is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method for synchronizing data with multiple repositories is provided. In another embodiment a software program to implement said methods is provided.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for providing a subscriber with converged voice services, in which calls to one of the subscriber's telephone numbers is routed to some or all of the subscriber's telephone numbers (e.g., sequentially or simultaneously, depending on system configuration and/or subscriber preference). Some implementations employ a VoIP switch to handle call distribution among the subscriber's various phone lines, even if some (or all) of the subscribers telephone lines are not VoIP lines. In such implementations, upon receiving an incoming call directed to one of the subscriber's lines, a service switching point will route the call to a VoIP switch. Instructed by an application server, the VoIP switch will set up call legs (e.g., via the PSTN) to one or more of the subscribers' telephone numbers. Optionally, when one of the call legs is answered, the application server will instruct the VoIP switch to disconnect the other call legs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for providing social interaction opportunities for people watching television is presented. The system includes: a television data source which transmits television data streams for reception by end devices, each end device being represented by an equipment code; a plurality of end devices, including a first user's end device and a second user's end device, each end device configured to receive a television data streams, and each user represented by an identifier code; and an interactive-information server configured to: store, at the first user's behest, the identifier code of the second user; monitor which of the television data streams is being received by the first end device; monitor which of the television data streams is being received by the second end device; and notify the first user when the first end device and the second end device are receiving the same television data stream.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that provide enhanced wireline services at one or more known wireline locations. In some cases, these tools and techniques involve determining that a subscriber is at one or more of the known wireline locations based on a detected location of the subscriber's wireless device (e.g., wireless phone, portable computer, etc.). Once the subscriber's presence at that wireline location has been detected, enhanced services can be provided to a wireline telephone at that location.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for tracing application execution and performance. Some of the tools provide a framework for monitoring the execution and/or performance of applications in an execution chain. In some cases, the framework can accomplish this monitoring with a few simple calls to an application programming interface on an application server. In other cases, the framework can provide for the passing of traceability data in protocol-specific headers of existing inter-application (and/or intra-application) communication protocols.

Abstract: Solutions for distributing telepresence content to users and devices that are not direct participants in the telepresence session in which the content is created. For example, in some cases, a collector device might receive telepresence content from a dedicated telepresence endpoint and/or transmit that content, through a firewall, to a system that is outside the firewall and therefore is accessible from the Internet. In an aspect, such embodiments might employ a protocol that does not require any incoming connection from the outside system and therefore does not require any modification of the firewall policies in order to provide such content.

Abstract: Novel stands for tablet computers and other electronic devices. A stand for a tablet may comprise a body having one or more attachment mechanisms at one location and a crossbar at a second location. The crossbar may comprise a portion of a first material disposed to magnetically interact with a portion of a second material that is provided by the tablet. The magnetic interaction may cause the crossbar to serve as one or more detents that movably affixes the stand in a desired position relative to the tablet.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for providing enhanced services to telephone subscribers with multiple telephone lines, which can include one or more traditional telephone lines, wireless telephone lines, Internet protocol-based telephone lines, and/or the like. For example, certain tools can provide a subscriber with a unified voice mailbox for a plurality of the subscriber's telephone lines. In some cases, the subscriber does not need to check multiple voice mailboxes (each associated with one of the subscriber's telephone numbers) in order to ensure that the subscriber has received all messages intended for that subscriber. Instead, any incoming call on any of the subscriber's lines can be routed to a converged voice mailbox for easy retrieval by the subscriber of all messages from one location. Some tools employ a VoIP switch to handle routing of the incoming call to the correct voice mailbox.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for protecting an electronic device. In one aspect, an electronic device might comprise a housing defining an open front face, a chassis disposed within the housing, a panel disposed within the open front face of the housing and supported on the chassis, and an elastomeric overmold surrounding at least a portion of a perimeter of the panel and disposed between at least a portion of the chassis and at least a portion of the housing. In some cases, the overmold might be configured to provide a perimeter seal around the panel and to deform upon a frontal impact to the panel or housing. The overmold might be configured to prevent intrusion of liquids or particulates within the electronic device. In another aspect, a protective housing, which might comprise the housing, the chassis, and the overmold, may be provided for protecting a stand-alone electronic device.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for protecting camera components on a surface and/or within an internal portion of a portable electronic device. In one aspect, an electronic device might comprise a camera mount, which might comprise a camera barrel assembly configured to have a camera affixed thereto, the camera barrel assembly being rotatably coupled with one of a front panel, a rear panel, or a chassis of the electronic device. The camera mount may further comprise a set of cantilever springs affixed to one of the front panel, the rear panel, or the chassis and biased against the camera barrel assembly to provide rotational friction on the camera barrel assembly. The set of cantilever springs might have sufficient compliance to allow the camera to retract into a body of the portable electronic device upon encountering an external force, which may include an impact force or a dropping force.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are described for waterproof charging contact system. In one aspect, the charging contact system may comprise docking station comprising a first set of compliant charging contacts for a tablet computer system and a second set of compliant charging contacts for a handset computer. Each compliant charging contact comprises a charging pin pressed into an elastomer diaphragm inserted within a body of the docking station. The tablet computer system comprises a first set of static charging contacts configured to mate with the first set of compliant charging contacts. The handset comprises a second set of static charging contacts configured to mate with the second set of compliant charging contacts.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques for providing a subscriber with converged voice services, in which calls to one of the subscriber's telephone numbers is routed to some or all of the subscriber's telephone numbers (e.g., sequentially or simultaneously, depending on system configuration and/or subscriber preference). Some implementations employ a VoIP switch to handle call distribution among the subscriber's various phone lines, even if some (or all) of the subscribers telephone lines are not VoIP lines. In such implementations, upon receiving an incoming call directed to one of the subscriber's lines, a service switching point will route the call to a VoIP switch. Instructed by an application server, the VoIP switch will set up call legs (e.g., via the PSTN) to one or more of the subscribers' telephone numbers. Optionally, when one of the call legs is answered, the application server will instruct the VoIP switch to disconnect the other call legs.

Abstract: Tools and techniques for transmitting utility usage data. In some cases, the tools receive utility usage data provided by a utility meter and transmit that data for reception by a utility provider. In particular cases, the utility usage data may be received at a network interface device. The network interface device might, in some instances, include a broadband modem, such as a digital subscriber line modem, which can be used to transmit the utility usage data to the utility provider.

Abstract: Protective containers for electronic equipment, and methods of testing and manufacture thereof, are provided. The cabinets provide a HEMP protection level to electronic equipment housed therein that meets a HEMP protection level according to MIL-STD-188-125-1.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that provide enhanced wireline services at one or more known wireline locations. In some cases, these tools and techniques involve determining that a subscriber is at one or more of the known wireline locations based on a detected location of the subscriber's wireless device (e.g., wireless phone, portable computer, etc.). Once the subscriber's presence at that wireline location has been detected, enhanced services can be provided to a wireline telephone at that location.