Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for routing a message to a communications device. These systems and methods may receive a message via a communications channel, convert the message into a uniform media format, identify at least one of the following: at least one user communications device to receive the message and at least one communications channel for delivering the message, then convert the uniform media formatted message for at least one communications protocol and then forward the message formatted for the at least one communications protocol to the at least one user communications device via at least one communications channel. In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, messages sent in one communications protocol via a communications channel may be delivered to a user in a different communications protocol via a different communications channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a common interface for multiple applications and/or functions in a mobile communication device (MCD). In one exemplary embodiment, this common interface is provided by including one or more micro-servers within the MCD and capable of receiving and processing information from other functions, both internal and external to the mobile communication device. A micro-browser is also optionally resident on the MCD and in communication with the micro-server(s), the latter acting as an application server and as a proxy between the browser and external network agents such as web or carrier servers. The micro-server(s) can also act as a gateway to at least one asynchronous communication channel, and hence allows for more efficient browsing by the MCD.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a haptic feedback for enabling a visually impaired person to mentally visualize an image that includes at least one line. Graphical information data corresponding to the image is stored. A portable, handheld device including position sensing means is manually movable by the visually impaired person through an adjacent space, for providing a position signal representative of a current position within the space to where the device is moved by the person. The stored graphical information data is compared with the position signal to generate a haptic output activation signal when the current position of the device is determined to overlap an image line. The position signal in the space is relatable to the stored graphical information. A tactile feedback mechanism in the portable device is responsive to the haptic output activation signal for providing to the person a tactile indication to create a mental image that the current position of the device is at a line of the image.

Abstract: A technique to electronically deliver a message from a sender to an intended recipient based on tracking movement of a mobile object, including obtaining a message provided by the sender, obtaining a location designated by the sender for delivery of the message, tracking a specified mobile object having a position-determining device that determines its own current position, and which transmits its then current position at preset time intervals, determining from the transmitted current position whether the specified mobile object has reached the designated location, and initiating a procedure for automatic delivery of the message electronically to the intended recipient upon the specified mobile object being determined to have reached the designated location.

Abstract: A method for displaying musical data in three dimensions includes displaying musical data along a spatial path that does not lie within the image plane of a display. Graphical symbols corresponding to the musical data may be displayed on graphical surfaces aligned with the spatial path. The graphical surfaces form, in some embodiments, a tunnel through which the time axis associated with the musical data runs. The musical data may be manipulated to provide the viewer with the appearance of motion along the time axis associated with the musical data. In some embodiments, the viewer is represented by a virtual camera in the three-dimensional environment and the virtual camera is “moved” to provide the appearance of motion. A corresponding apparatus is also discussed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for routing a message to a communications device. These systems and methods may receive a message via a communications channel, convert the message into a uniform media format, identify at least one of the following: at least one user communications device to receive the message and at least one communications channel for delivering the message, then convert the uniform media formatted message for at least one communications protocol and then forward the message formatted for the at least one communications protocol to the at least one user communications device via at least one communications channel. In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, messages sent in one communications protocol via a communications channel may be delivered to a user in a different communications protocol via a different communications channel.

Abstract: A connector includes a modular housing having a jack slidably disposed thereto. The housing includes a substantially U-shaped frame having a cover mounted thereon. A printed circuit board (PCB) is secured to the frame and has an elongated center finger extending between the opposing side walls of the frame. A plurality of partially exposed contact lines are formed on the center finger of the PCB. The jack includes a slide plate having an aperture extending therethrough and a channel communicating with the aperture. The aperture is configured to receive a media plug. Mounted on the slide plate so as to be positioned over the channel is a pin block. The pin block has a plurality of elongated slots formed therein. The slots face the channel and are separated by insulating walls. Disposed within each of the elongated slots is a substantially S-shaped pin.