Abstract: A system for distributing advertisements to a multiplicity of client devices each of which is configured for communications via a communications network preferably includes an advertisement distribution facility that communicates with each of the client devices over the communications network. Most preferably, each of the client devices downloads advertisements from the advertisement distribution facility, and displays at least selected ones of the downloaded advertisements. The advertisement distribution facility includes an auditing function that transmits a send audit data request to a subset of the client devices at prescribed client audit intervals, which send audit data request includes a request that the receiving client device transmit ad-related statistical data to the advertisement distribution facility.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an advertisement distribution system for distributing advertisements to a multiplicity of client devices via a communications network, which system includes at least one ad server that stores the advertisements to be distributed to the client devices, each advertisement being stored in a storage location designated by a source address, and at least one playlist server that provides at least one playlist for each client device. Preferably, the at least one playlist provided for each client device identifies advertisements to be downloaded by that client device.

Abstract: A portable phone has an outer casing with opposite upper and lower walls, one of the walls having an opening for access to the interior of the casing, and a lid removably mounted in the opening for normally closing the opening. A main circuit board is mounted in the outer casing, with a plurality of phone components mounted on the circuit board. A predetermined region of the board aligned with the opening is left exposed or empty of components, and forms a recess for receiving a battery. The battery receiving recess has contact pads, and a battery is removably engaged in the recess with battery contacts engaging the contact pads in the recess, whereby the battery can be removed and replaced via the opening after opening the lid.

Abstract: A method for operating a client device that is configured for communications via a communications network includes steps for effecting an advertisement download communication link between the client device and an advertisement distribution server system, via the communications network, at selected advertisement download times, effecting a data communication link with a data communications service provider, via the communications network, wherein the advertisement download communication link and the data communication link are separate communication links, downloading advertisements from the advertisement distribution server system via the advertisement download communication link, storing downloaded advertisements on a storage medium associated with the client device, and displaying at least selected ones of the stored advertisements, in accordance with ad display parameters prescribed by the advertisement distribution server system.

Abstract: A playlist server system for supplying a playlist response to a client device which exchanges information with an information server system and which receives ads from an ad server over a communications network, includes a playlist response generation device for generating a playlist response identifying a plurality of selected ads to be presented by the client device, and a first communications device that effects a playlist response send communications link with the client device via the communications network over which the playlist response is transmitted to the client device, wherein the information server system and the playlist server are independently controlled.

Abstract: A client device that is configured for communications with a multiplicity of other client devices via a communications network, includes a first device for effecting an advertisement download communication link between the client device and an advertisement distribution server system, via the communications network, at selected advertisement download times, a second device for effecting a data communication link with a data communications service provider, via the communications network, wherein the advertisement download communication link and the data communication link are separate communication links, a third device for downloading advertisements from the advertisement distribution server system via the advertisement download communication link, a fourth device for storing downloaded advertisements on a storage medium associated with the client device, and a fifth device for displaying at least selected ones of the stored advertisements, in accordance with ad display parameters prescribed by the advertise

Abstract: In a mobile satellite system, a mobile communication system includes a user interface system, an antenna system, a transceiver system, a logic and signaling system. The logic and signaling system provides a communication function permitting the mobile communication system to roam between the mobile satellite system and a terrestrial based communication system responsive to the user selection of a primary service and an alternate service. The mobile communication system also includes a digital terminal equipment unit initiating setup and release for a data call, and a facsimile interface unit initiating setup and release for a facsimile call. The facsimile interface unit generates a line control packet responsive to a line state transition indicating transmission of information associated with a new line state over a communication channel.

Abstract: A bracing system protects and secures the internal components of a mobile communication system. The bracing system includes an upper housing comprised of a shock resistant material. The upper housing includes a monitor cavity, elevated portions surrounding the monitor cavity and formed in the upper housing, and elastomer sections disposed on the elevated portions. In addition, the upper housing includes a breakage resistant transparent material placed on the elastomer sections and in conformity with the monitor cavity, a display monitor being protected by the breakage resistant material, and a shock absorbing material disposed around the peripheries of the breakage resistant transparent material and the display monitor. The shock absorbing material is mounted to at least one of the breakage resistant transparent material and the display monitor.

Abstract: In a mobile satellite system, a mobile communication system includes a user interface system, an antenna system, a transceiver system, a logic and signaling system. The logic and signaling system provides a roam function permitting the mobile communication system to roam between the mobile satellite system and a terrestrial based communication system responsive to the user selection of a primary service and an alternate service. The mobile communication system also includes a digital terminal equipment unit initiating setup and release for a data call, and a facsimile interface unit initiating setup and release for a facsimile call. The facsimile interface unit generates a line control packet responsive to a line state transition indicating transmission of information associated with a new line state over a communication channel.

Abstract: A bracing system protects and secures the internal components of a mobile communication system. The bracing system includes an upper housing comprised of a shock resistant material. The upper housing includes a monitor cavity, elevated portions surrounding the monitor cavity and formed in the upper housing, and elastomer sections disposed on the elevated portions. In addition, the upper housing includes a breakage resistant transparent material placed on the elastomer sections and in conformity with the monitor cavity, a display monitor being protected by the breakage resistant material, and a shock absorbing material disposed around the peripheries of the breakage resistant transparent material and the display monitor. The shock absorbing material is mounted to at least one of the breakage resistant transparent material and the display monitor.

Abstract: An antenna mount for a vehicle includes a two axis gimbaled mounting which allows the antenna to rotate in two axes. A pendular mass is provided to maintain the antenna in a particular orientation in the absence of any externally applied acceleration. A chamber is provided attached to the pendular mass for holding a viscous dampening fluid. The dampening fluid allows the antenna mount to rotate in response to an externally applied acceleration but serves to dampen any oscillations induced by an externally applied acceleration. The antenna mount maintains the antenna in substantially a predetermined position despite the influence of externally applied accelerations. Shock absorbers may be supplied to the gimbal mounting to aid in the dampening of large accelerations.

Abstract: A satellite antenna assembly includes a nonpenetrating roof mount having a pair of rectangular ballast trays for respective placement on portions of a pitched roof forward and rearward of the crown of the roof. A hinge structure interconnects the ballast trays and overlies the crown of the roof. The ballast on the trays is concealed by covers that simulate a skylight. A satellite antenna is mounted, at one of the four corners of the ballast tray located on the rear portion of the pitched roof, on a simplified antenna support and adjustment structure that facilitates variation of the polar orientation and elevation of the antenna.

Abstract: Means is provided for use in an optical character recognition system to narrow the possible characters associated with a given unknown input character, primarily based upon subline information. This means also serves to add to the possibility set additional possible characters, and to determine point sizes for each character. In the event that the subline information provided is erroneous, the subline information is corrected.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming feature vectors representing the pixels contained in a pattern desired to be recognized, and reference patterns. One part of the feature vector is representative of the pixels contained in the pattern itself, while not requiring a very large feature vector which exactly defines each pixel of the pattern. One embodiment of this invention provides that another part of the feature vector, consisting of one or more bytes of the feature vector, defines the aspect ratio of the pattern. In one embodiment, each byte of the feature vector representing the pixels contained in the character represents the relative ratio of black pixels to total pixels in a specific area of the character; other functions relating input matrix and output feature vector information can be used.

Abstract: A vehicle-top sign display assembly which is constructed to support a pair of signs in arched back-to-back relation. The assembly includes a pair of corner supports which accommodate opposite vertical edges of the signs in sandwich relation with a pair of wedge-shaped members interposed internally between the signs. A pair of spreaders are disposed transversely across the top and bottom of the assembly to maintain the centers of the signs spaced apart. Each of these includes two pairs of grippers which accommodate the upper and lower horizontal edges of the signs.