Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for enabling a cell phone service provider or other type of service provider to retain subscribers and attract new subscribers, as well as existing subscribers from other service providers, by providing an incentive to subscribers for selecting its service. The incentive includes awarding the subscribers frequent flyer mileage points and/or other types of points based on cell phone usage time and/or other mobile device usage time while at a particular, predetermined location, such as onboard a particular commercial carrier. A method and system are also disclosed for providing an incentive to mobile device subscribers for selecting a predetermined location from a plurality of predetermined locations for mobile device usage time.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing timely and efficient scheduled media information of upcoming media activities of public persons to interested individuals over a network, such as the Internet. The present invention allows individuals to request upcoming media activities of public persons via a network and be provided with such information via a search engine having access to at least one media schedule database. The system includes a media schedule database storing scheduled media activities of a plurality of public persons and a database manager for creating and revising records of the media schedule database. The database manager is preferably a computer system having access to the media schedule database for revising, appending, deleting, etc. data stored within the media schedule database and for adding data within the media schedule database.

Abstract: A prepaid Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) card to be used for paying for IPP services is provided. A system and method are also provided for paying for IPP services, either by using or not using the prepaid IPP card. The prepaid IPP card is pre-assigned with an amount of monetary funds. The prepaid IPP card can also be pre-assigned a number of tokens, where each token is worth a predetermined amount. The value of the monetary amount of funds or the number of tokens assigned to the prepaid IPP card is displayed on at least one side of the card, along with the selling price of the card. On one side of the prepaid IPP card, the prepaid IPP card has a unique identification code. The unique identification code is used for identifying the prepaid IPP card when print or other services are requested via the Internet or other network.

Abstract: A cellular telephone, system and method are provided which are capable of transferring a portion of or an entire telephone directory consisting of a plurality of telephone numbers to another cellular telephone via a remote central station. The remote central station receives the telephone directory and stores the same in memory for either temporary or permanent storage. The telephone directory can then be transferred from the remote central station to the same or another cellular telephone for storing the telephone directory within a memory of the cellular telephone. An individual, a company, or other entity, utilizing the remote central station, in order to store and transfer a telephone directory from a cellular telephone to the same cellular telephone or to at least another cellular telephone, pays a fee to at least one operator of the remote central station for providing and/or performing the receiving, storing and transferring services.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for pre-paying for Internet access time. After pre-paying, the apparatus is used to access the Internet for receiving Internet content, as well as performing Internet services, such as sending/receiving e-mail. The apparatus includes a processor programmed with instructions for providing a predetermined amount of Internet access time. Hence, when the user purchases the apparatus, the user in effect pre-pays for a predetermined amount of Internet access time. The processor is programmed, for example, to provide 30 hours of Internet access time, thereby enabling the user to access the Internet for 30 hours before the apparatus is cut-off from the Internet. The processor or other device, such as an internal clock, is programmed to clock Internet usage time, either forwards or backwards, and to cut-off the Internet connection when a predetermined time is reached.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided capable of wirelessly receiving an RF signal having a modulation frequency outside the AM and FM band and containing baseband audio content, such as Internet audio content, converting the signal to an RF modulated signal having a modulation frequency within the AM and/or FM band, and transmitting the RF modulated signal having a modulation frequency within the AM and/or FM band to a conventional AM/FM radio or stereo equipment to audibly reproduce the baseband audio content. The apparatus is also capable of receiving a hardwired signal including audio content, such as an Internet audio signal, modulate the audio content to an RF modulated signal having a modulation frequency within the AM and/or FM band, and transmitting the RF modulated signal to a conventional AM/FM radio or stereo equipment to audibly reproduce the audio content.

Abstract: The invention provides a computerized electronic auction payment system and method for effecting a real-time payment for an item won in an electronic auction by setting up and maintaining electronic auction payment accounts for prospective bidders and sellers. In one embodiment, upon being deemed as a winning bidder, the winning bidder accesses a payment page, enters the total amount of funds to be transferred to the seller, and authorizes the computerized electronic auction payment system to effect a real-time payment by debiting his, i.e., the winning bidder's, respective electronic auction payment account and crediting the electronic auction payment account of the seller, and/or another account specified by the seller. In an alternate embodiment, the prospective bidder authorizes the computerized electronic auction payment system to effect a real-time payment to the seller upon the prospective bidder being deemed the winning bidder (i.e., immediately following the conclusion of the auction).

Abstract: The invention provides a computerized electronic auction payment system and method for effecting payment for at least one item sold via an electronic auction web site maintained by an electronic auction system. The system sets up and maintains electronic auction payment accounts for prospective users, e.g., bidders and sellers, of the electronic auction web site.

Abstract: The invention provides a computerized electronic auction payment system and method for effecting a real-time payment for an item sold via an electronic auction web site. The system sets up and maintains electronic auction payment accounts for prospective users, e.g., bidders and sellers, of the electronic auction web site. The system provides for the loaning of funds to users, in order to facilitate or effect payments related to items sold via the electronic auction web site.

Abstract: The invention provides a computerized electronic auction payment system and method for effecting a real-time payment for an item won in an electronic auction by setting up and maintaining electronic auction payment accounts for prospective bidders and sellers. The prospective bidders provide funds to their electronic auction payment accounts maintained by the computerized electronic auction payment system, prior to being deemed as winning bidders, via direct deposit, using a credit card, or sending a check, money order, or other financial document to an operator of the computerized electronic auction payment system. In one embodiment, upon being deemed as a winning bidder, the winning bidder accesses a payment page, enters the total amount of funds to be transferred to the seller, and authorizes the computerized electronic auction payment system to effect a real-time payment by debiting his, i.e.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing timely and efficient scheduled media information of upcoming media activities of public persons to interested individuals over a network, such as the Internet. The present invention allows individuals to request upcoming media activities of public persons via a network and be provided with such information via a search engine having access to at least one media schedule database. The system includes a media schedule database storing scheduled media activities of a plurality of public persons and a database manager for creating and revising records of the media schedule database. The database manager is preferably a computer system having access to the media schedule database for revising, appending, deleting, etc. data stored within the media schedule database and for adding data within the media schedule database.