Abstract: A customer acquisition system for targeting potential customers may comprise: a non-transitory data storage device having one or more databases embodied therein; a data transmission device; and a processor operatively coupled to the non-transitory data storage device and the data transmission device, wherein the processor is communicatively coupled with an on-site user device positioned at a merchant and configured to interact with a user via a customer interface apparatus, wherein the processor receives, via said on-site user device, user visit data reflecting the user's activities with the merchant during a visit, wherein the processor is configured to access an offer database stored to the non-transitory data storage device, the offer database comprising a plurality of offers, wherein the processor uses said user visit data to identify one or more of said plurality of offers to be sent to the user for consideration, and wherein the processor communicates said one or more of said plurality of offers to said

Abstract: A method of handling multimedia digital content in a network that interconnects diverse electronic devices is provided. Multimedia digital content with associated metadata is acquired by a device on the network from a source, and characteristics of a target device on which the multimedia digital content is to be played are obtained. At least one or both of the metadata of the multimedia digital content and the characteristics of the target device are analyzed for determining rules or parameters for encoding the source multimedia digital content. After the analyzing and determining steps, the source multimedia digital content is encoded with the determined rules or parameters and the encoded multimedia digital content is transmitted to the target device. Accordingly, the encoding step produces a content adaptation that is specifically optimized for playback on the target device. A Media Interoperability Unit (MIU) and a Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) system are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for two-way, interactive communication regarding emergency notifications and responses for mobile environments are disclosed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a specific geographic area is designated for selective emergency communications. The emergency communications may comprise text, audio, video, and other types of data. The emergency notification is sent to users' mobile communications devices such as in-vehicle telematics units, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptops, etc. that are currently located in the designated area. The sender of the emergency message or the users' service provider(s) may remotely control cameras and microphones associated with the users' mobile communications devices. For example, a rear camera ordinarily used when driving in reverse may be used to capture images and video that may assist authorities in searching for a suspect.

Abstract: Methods for establishing communication with a person using a communication device such as a cell phone are disclosed. The communication device has two or more contact numbers for establishing communication with a particular the person (e.g., work, home or cell), such as might be programmed into a the cell phone's phonebook. The user defines calling rules for the person, and the rules are associated with the various contact numbers of the person. When the user selects to communicate with the person, the communication device initiates a call based on the user-defined rules, such that the user need not specify any particular contact number for the person. The user-defined rules can include a preferred order of the numbers for calling the person, a preferred period of time by which the various numbers of the person are to be used to call the person, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A self-orienting audio system includes a master controller and a plurality of loudspeaker modules. Each module includes an audio input and a controller coupled to the audio input and loudspeaker. The master controller communicates with the plurality of loudspeaker modules. The master controller can determine a distance to each of the loudspeaker modules and assign an audio channel to each of the loudspeaker modules depending upon that distance. The master controller can be incorporated into one of the modules. Distance to each module can be determined using signal delay or signal magnitude.