Abstract: A companion device provides non-native function to a different electronic device. In the preferred embodiments, the electronic device and the companion device both include a local wireless interface that allows communicating between the two, such as a Bluetooth interface. When the electronic device comes within range of the companion device, it detects the presence of the companion device, and thus knows what enhanced function the companion device provides. In a first embodiment, the electronic device transmits information to the companion device, which processes the information and transmits the processed information to the electronic device. In a second embodiment, the companion device receives information from a source other than the electronic device, processes the information, and transmits the information to the electronic device. In both embodiments, the companion device provides non-native functions to the electronic device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, method, and program product for performing ad hoc media delivery. Enhanced handheld devices are used in combination with the other components to route media and control its presentation. Enhanced media presentation stations detect the presence of one or more of the handheld devices. Information regarding the presence of a handheld device is then communicated from the media presentation stations to an enhanced server. The server uses this information to maintain a record of the location of each handheld device. The recorded location information is used to route the media to the media presentation station that is closest to the location of the handheld device. Control information, such as media selection and fidelity control (when appropriate), is forwarded from the handheld device to the server, so that the server can take appropriate action relative to transmission of the media to the media presentation station at issue.

Abstract: Disclosed is an Information Supply Facility. The Information Supply Facility utilizes a personal/hand held device that transparently interacts (via various access points) with a centralized server. The server collects identification and location information about the personal device and makes a determination as to whether the person associated with the device should be notified regarding the proximity of other individuals and/or regarding one or more topics of interest to the particular person. The collected information along with certain profile information is stored in a database where it can be made available to third parties (e.g., governmental entities) for tracking and notification purposes.

Abstract: A local wireless device serves as a unique identifier for students and teachers in a school system. The school is equipped with multiple stationary hubs for tracking the location of students and teachers. The school may also be equipped with multiple mobile hubs, such as hand-held hubs and hubs on school buses, which allow easily and quickly determining if a student or teacher is where he or she should be. The local wireless device may be used in conjunction with a pager, mobile phone, a voicemail device, and devices for storing, reviewing and sending audio and video files. The preferred embodiments also includes a single device that provides all of the above-mentioned functions. In addition, a wireless display may be coupled to the local wireless device as needed. The function of these devices may be controlled according to the needs of the system. For example, some of the functions may be disabled during class periods, but enabled between classes.

Abstract: A wireless repeater and controller is placed between a light socket and a light bulb, such as in a ceiling light fixture. The wireless repeater and controller has an extending threaded portion that screws into the light socket, and a recessed threaded portion that receives a light bulb. In this manner a wireless repeater may be installed very quickly without tools in any location where there is a lightbulb. When the light switch that would normally control the light bulb is on, power is provided to the wireless repeater and controller. When the wireless repeater and controller receives a wireless message, it repeats the wireless message at a predetermined power level. When the wireless repeater and controller receives a wireless command message to turn the light on, the wireless repeater and controller connects line power to the light bulb.

Abstract: A mobile wireless device is used to communicate with one or more wireless devices that correspond to predetermined physical locations. A product/service provider uses a mobile wireless device to broadcast a first digital message to one or more wireless devices that are within range of the mobile wireless device and that correspond to physical locations. A wireless device at a physical location responds to the first digital message by sending a second digital message to the mobile wireless device to provide requested information. The product/service provider then acts in accordance with the information in the second digital message. In this way, a product/service provider receives information that allows the driver to determine an appropriate course of action.

Abstract: A companion device provides non-native function to a different electronic device. In the preferred embodiments, the electronic device and the companion device both include a local wireless interface that allows communicating between the two, such as a Bluetooth interface. When the electronic device comes within range of the companion device, it detects the presence of the companion device, and thus knows what enhanced function the companion device provides. In a first embodiment, the electronic device transmits information to the companion device, which processes the information and transmits the processed information to the electronic device. In a second embodiment, the companion device receives information from a source other than the electronic device, processes the information, and transmits the information to the electronic device. In both embodiments, the companion device provides non-native functions to the electronic device.

Abstract: A wearable data network is disclosed. The wearable data network a universal data warehouse (UDW) and at least one purpose optimized device (POD). The UDW is carried by the user and is, essentially, a personal data warehouse to store data having a variety of different types and uses (e.g., personal financial data, audio and video files, and presentation files). The UDW, however, is incapable of processing the user's data. Instead, one PODs are used in conjunction with one or more UDWs to process the user's data. As is suggested by its name, a POD is a device that has been optimized to carry out a specific purpose. One example, is a POD that is designed to play the user's audio files, another example is a POD that is designed to render the user's video files, and yet another example is a POD that is designed to render the user's presentation files.

Abstract: A communications system includes a single transmitter and a large number of individual receivers. The transmitter broadcasts a signal over a medium a continuous stream of digitally coded text items, each carrying information as to one or more subjects described by an index term. Each receiver includes a demodulator for continuously receiving the broadcast signal, a profile storage tailorable by each user individually to contain a list of desired index terms, means for selecting only those items having index terms matching those in the profile storage, and a memory for storing the selected items. The user can activate the receiver to play back items in the memory and to choose among the stored items. The items chosen for playback are converted from digital text to a synthesized voice, which is sent as an audio signal to the user.