Abstract: A Personal Content Player is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention is a miniature electronic device which functions as an automatic content receiver and storage device. Digital content is transmitted to the device using the excess capacity in an existing network, such as one or more conventional broadcast radio stations. The content is received by the device, and stored in a memory. The content is then played at a time chosen by the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automatically distributing data and updates to wireless terminals using a point-to-multi-point network is disclosed. In one embodiment, data from a domestic source is conveyed by satellite to a remote location, where the data is then broadcast by a transmitter. The data is automatically pushed to wireless terminals located at remote construction sites around the world.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gradually delivering software over a terrestrial or satellite network are disclosed. Packets of a software program are conveyed wirelessly from a central server to customers using a portion of standard FM radio or television signals. These packets are conveyed to a wireless receiver at the customer's premises over a relatively long period of time. The packets are slowly accumulated in the customer's receiver, which includes a storage device such as an array of hard drives or memory chips. After this “accumulation period” is completed, and a full software program has been built up, subscribers may then retrieve and use the software. The invention provides a highly secure distribution system which thwarts copyright infringement and other unauthorized copying. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the data conveyed to customers is computer software, including operating systems, applications and updates.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for applying radio frequency identification devices or other integrated circuits to substrates like sheets of paper, labels or other surfaces or materials.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gradually delivering information over a network to a customer are disclosed. The information is delivered over a high-speed or low-speed connection to an extremely large storage device located at the customer's premises. A vendor may supply virtually or substantially all of his content to the customer's storage device. The customer then retrieves, uses, displays or enjoys relatively small selections of content instantly, on-demand, without ordering the content or waiting for a download.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gradually delivering information over a terrestrial or satellite network are disclosed. Packets of information are conveyed wirelessly from a central server to customers using a portion of standard FM radio or television signals. These packets are conveyed to a wireless receiver at the customer's premises over a relatively long period of time. The packets are slowly accumulated in the customer's receiver, which includes a storage device such as an array of hard drives or memory chips. After this “accumulation period” is completed, subscribers may then retrieve and display or use the information. The invention may utilize a stand-alone receiver-storage-printer combination which automatically receives the gradual download, and then periodically prints the information on paper. The invention may be used to convey the full-page text and graphical content of newspapers, magazines, catalogs, manuals, directories or the white or yellow pages.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the secure and copy-proof distribution of data are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a network of satellites in low Earth orbit are used to convey packets of data from ground stations to set-top boxes installed in residences. The data is conveyed from the ground stations and to the set-top boxes during times when the network capacity is not fully utilized. In one embodiment, the packets of data which are transmitted from the ground stations to the satellites, and then to the subscribers, are heavily encrypted. In one embodiment, this data is always confined to the secure network, and is never introduced to the Internet or other public networks. The data conveyed by the present invention may be video or audio programming, business data, or any other type of information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the secure and copy-proof distribution of data are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a network of satellites in low Earth orbit are used to convey packets of data from ground stations to set-top boxes installed in residences. The data is conveyed from the ground stations and to the set-top boxes during times when the network capacity is not fully utilized. In one embodiment, the packets of data which are transmitted from the ground stations to the satellites, and then to the subscribers, are heavily encrypted. In one embodiment, this data is always confined to the secure network, and is never introduced to the Internet or other public networks. The data conveyed by the present invention may be video or audio programming, business data, or any other type of information.