Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for acquiring services on a multiplicity of devices. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a service management center (SMC) (100) that has a plurality of service centers (102-110) for supplying services to a corresponding plurality of devices (120-128), and a controller (112) for managing operations of the service centers. The controller is programmed to receive (202) from a select one of the devices an identification reference in response to a request for service by an end user, search (210) for one or more services associated with the identification reference, select (212) from the search results one or more services appropriate for the requesting device, and enable (220) the one or more services on the selected device.

Abstract: One or more content providers push data related to: movies, movie products, digital movie content over a network (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network) onto an information filling station which, in turn, wirelessly transacts (over a network based on the 802.11b protocol) and transmits any requested data to a portable computer-based device (e.g., laptop, a pen-based computer device, a PDA, a wireless phone, or a pager). The portable device performs financial transactions for: purchasing movie tickets (directly or via auctions), downloading digital entertainment content of interest (e.g., copy of a movie of interest, copy of a movie identified based on a pre-stored profile, copy of soundtrack of a movie of interest), or movie related products. Any purchased digital content is either transferred wirelessly onto the portable device or, optionally, sent on a storage medium to a physical address associated with the profile.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for acquiring services on a multiplicity of devices. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a service management center (SMC) (100) that has a plurality of service centers (102-110) for supplying services to a corresponding plurality of devices (120-128), and a controller (112) for managing operations of the service centers. The controller is programmed to receive (202) from a select one of the devices an identification reference in response to a request for service by an end user, search (210) for one or more services associated with the identification reference, select (212) from the search results one or more services appropriate for the requesting device, and enable (220) the one or more services on the selected device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for acquiring services on a multiplicity of devices. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a service management center (SMC) (100) that has a plurality of service centers (102-110) for supplying services to a corresponding plurality of devices (120-128), and a controller (112) for managing operations of the service centers. The controller is programmed to receive (202) from a select one of the devices an identification reference in response to a request for service by an end user, search (210) for one or more services associated with the identification reference, select (212) from the search results one or more services appropriate for the requesting device, and enable (220) the one or more services on the selected device.

Abstract: One or more content providers push data related to: movies, movie products, digital movie content over a network (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network) onto an information filling station which, in turn, wirelessly transacts (over a network based on the 802.11b protocol) and transmits any requested data to a portable computer-based device (e.g., laptop, a pen-based computer device, a PDA, a wireless phone, or a pager). The portable device performs financial transactions for: purchasing movie tickets (directly or via auctions), downloading digital entertainment content of interest (e.g., copy of a movie of interest, copy of a movie identified based on a pre-stored profile, copy of soundtrack of a movie of interest), or movie related products. Any purchased digital content is either transferred wirelessly onto the portable device or, optionally, sent on a storage medium to a physical address associated with the profile.

Abstract: One or more content providers push data related to: movies, movie products, digital movie content over a network (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network) onto an information filling station which, in turn, wirelessly transacts (over a network based on the 802.11b protocol) and transmits any requested data to a portable computer-based device (e.g., laptop, a pen-based computer device, a PDA, a wireless phone, or a pager). The portable device performs financial transactions for: purchasing movie tickets (directly or via auctions), downloading digital entertainment content of interest (e.g., copy of a movie of interest, copy of a movie identified based on a pre-stored profile, copy of soundtrack of a movie of interest), or movie related products. Any purchased digital content is either transferred wirelessly onto the portable device or, optionally, sent on a storage medium to a physical address associated with the profile.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for acquiring services on a multiplicity of devices. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a service management center (SMC) (100) that has a plurality of service centers (102-110) for supplying services to a corresponding plurality of devices (120-128), and a controller (112) for managing operations of the service centers. The controller is programmed to receive (202) from a select one of the devices an identification reference in response to a request for service by an end user, search (210) for one or more services associated with the identification reference, select (212) from the search results one or more services appropriate for the requesting device, and enable (220) the one or more services on the selected device.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for acquiring services on a multiplicity of devices. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a service management center (SMC) (100) that has a plurality of service centers (102-110) for supplying services to a corresponding plurality of devices (120-128), and a controller (112) for managing operations of the service centers. The controller is programmed to receive (202) from a select one of the devices an identification reference in response to a request for service by an end user, search (210) for one or more services associated with the identification reference, select (212) from the search results one or more services appropriate for the requesting device, and enable (220) the one or more services on the selected device.

Abstract: Data content providers transfer data content (including DRM protected content) over a broadband network onto one or more information filling stations (IFSs) situated at one or more physical locations. Users are able to wirelessly communicate with the IFSs via one or more of portable devices that are operable in close proximity to the IFS. Data content requested by the portable devices include, but are not limited to: multimedia files, WWW data, real-time and interactive games, e-mail (with or without attachments), electronic newspapers, news and sports information, traffic and weather information, e-books, interactive messaging, and/or data files. Additionally, the portable devices are also capable of facilitating point-of-sale purchases and electronic funds transfers. Optionally, the IFS also forwards advertisements promoting products and services to the portable devices.

Abstract: A system includes a passive cable splitter and an ultra wideband adapter located at a customer premises. The passive cable splitter receives a video signal and a modulated ultra wideband data signal from a remotely-located ultra wideband adapter via a first cable. The video signal and the modulated ultra wideband data signal are output to a set-top box device via a second cable. The ultra wideband adapter located at the customer premises includes a combined signal interface to receive the video signal and the modulated ultra wideband data signal via a third cable. A demodulator extracts a data signal from the modulated ultra wideband data signal to generate a computer readable data signal. The computer readable data signal is output to a computing device via a data connection interface.

Abstract: A system and method for providing ultrawide band (UWB) communications service including voice, data, and video signals to a number of neighboring dwelling units or community access centers via a Passive Optical Network (PON) are presented. A neighborhood pedestal can be provided to serve multiple neighboring dwelling units equipped with user access. Public access centers can provide an ultrawide band signal via a PON to reach a plurality of signal receiving locations to serve a community of users. Electrical power to an UWB device may be supplied via an electrical power grid. Alternately, due to the low power consumption of UWB devices, a solar panel, or metallic-sheathed fiber cable with a center metallic member may be utilized to deliver power to the PON/UWB devices.

Abstract: A system includes a passive cable splitter and an ultra wideband adapter located at a customer premises. The passive cable splitter receives a video signal and a modulated ultra wideband data signal from a remotely-located ultra wideband adapter via a first cable. The video signal and the modulated ultra wideband data signal are output to a set-top box device via a second cable. The ultra wideband adapter located at the customer premises includes a combined signal interface to receive the video signal and the modulated ultra wideband data signal via a third cable. A demodulator extracts a data signal from the modulated ultra wideband data signal to generate a computer readable data signal. The computer readable data signal is output to a computing device via a data connection interface.

Abstract: One or more content providers push data related to: movies, movie products, digital movie content over a network (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network) onto an information filling station which, in turn, wirelessly transacts (over a network based on the 802.11b protocol) and transmits any requested data to a portable computer-based device (e.g., laptop, a pen-based computer device, a PDA, a wireless phone, or a pager). The portable device performs financial transactions for: purchasing movie tickets (directly or via auctions), downloading digital entertainment content of interest (e.g., copy of a movie of interest, copy of a movie identified based on a pre-stored profile, copy of soundtrack of a movie of interest), or movie related products. Any purchased digital content is either transferred wirelessly onto the portable device or, optionally, sent on a storage medium to a physical address associated with the profile.

Abstract: An ultra wideband adapter and a system including the ultra wideband adapter are disclosed. The ultra wideband adapter includes a first input to receive video from a passive optical network element, a second input to receive data from the passive optical network element, an ultra wideband modulator to modulate the received data, a diplexer to diplex the received video with the modulated ultra wideband data to provide a diplexed video, and an output to transmit the diplexed video.

Abstract: One or more content providers push data related to: movies, movie products, digital movie content over a network (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network) onto an information filling station which, in turn, wirelessly transacts (over a network based on the 802.11b protocol) and transmits any requested data to a portable computer-based device (e.g., laptop, a pen-based computer device, a PDA, a wireless phone, or a pager). The portable device performs financial transactions for: purchasing movie tickets (directly or via auctions), downloading digital entertainment content of interest (e.g., copy of a movie of interest, copy of a movie identified based on a pre-stored profile, copy of soundtrack of a movie of interest), or movie related products. Any purchased digital content is either transferred wirelessly onto the portable device or, optionally, sent on a storage medium to a physical address associated with the profile.

Abstract: An ultra wideband adapter and a system including the ultra wideband adapter are disclosed. The ultra wideband adapter includes a first input to receive video from a passive optical network element, a second input to receive data from the passive optical network element, an ultra wideband modulator to modulate the received data, a diplexer to diplex the received video with the modulated ultra wideband data to provide a diplexed video, and an output to transmit the diplexed video.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to a system including a passive optical network element and a first ultra wideband adapter coupled to the passive optical network element. The first ultra wideband adapter is coupled via a data communication line to a second ultra wideband adapter. The second ultra wideband adapter has a connection to an end user computing device.

Abstract: One or more content providers push data related to: movies, movie products, digital movie content over a network (e.g., a LAN, a WAN, the Internet, or a wireless network) onto an information filling station which, in turn, wirelessly transacts (over a network based on the 802.11b protocol) and transmits any requested data to a portable computer-based device (e.g., laptop, a pen-based computer device, a PDA, a wireless phone, or a pager). The portable device performs financial transactions for: purchasing movie tickets (directly or via auctions), downloading digital entertainment content of interest (e.g., copy of a movie of interest, copy of a movie identified based on a pre-stored profile, copy of soundtrack of a movie of interest), or movie related products. Any purchased digital content is either transferred wirelessly onto the portable device or, optionally, sent on a storage medium to a physical address associated with the profile.

Abstract: A system and method for providing ultrawide band (UWB) communications service including voice, data, and video signals to a number of neighboring dwelling units or community access centers via a Passive Optical Network (PON) are presented. A neighborhood pedestal can be provided to serve multiple neighboring dwelling units equipped with user access. Public access centers can provide an ultrawide band signal via a PON to reach a plurality of signal receiving locations to serve a community of users. Electrical power to an UWB device may be supplied via an electrical power grid. Alternately, due to the low power consumption of UWB devices, a solar panel, or metallic-sheathed fiber cable with a center metallic member may be utilized to deliver power to the PON/UWB devices.

Abstract: Data content providers transfer data content (including DRM protected content) over a broadband network onto one or more information filling stations (IFSs) situated at one or more physical locations. Users are able to wirelessly communicate with the IFSs via one or more of portable devices that are operable in close proximity to the IFS. Data content requested by the portable devices include, but are not limited to: multimedia files, WWW data, real-time and interactive games, e-mail (with or without attachments), electronic newspapers, news and sports information, traffic and weather information, e-books, interactive messaging, and/or data files. Additionally, the portable devices are also capable of facilitating point-of-sale purchases and electronic funds transfers. Optionally, the IFS also forwards advertisements promoting products and services to the portable devices.