Abstract: A programming recorder receives information after receiving at least two programming event recording requests, detects a conflict between the programming event recording requests based on the received information, creates a ranked list of alternative sources for the programming event recording requests, and resolves the conflict by fulfilling at least one of the at least two programming event recording requests utilizing an alternative source. The alternative source may be automatically selected or selected by a user. The ranked list of alternative sources may be ordered utilizing a set of one or more priority criteria. The programming event recording requests and/or the received programming information may include metadata and determining alternative sources may comprise comparing the metadata. The programming recorder may display an indication that the conflict between the at least two programming event recording requests was detected and resolved.

Abstract: A non-contact deployment method generally includes: configuring a component so that it is in a low-power state; receiving an activation signal (e.g., light, RFID, WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.); causing a deployment module within the component to wake up; and instructing the component to perform the appropriate deployment steps. The activation signal is preferably a type of signal that does not require special equipment, i.e., a signal that would conventionally be present within an environment in which a network is being deployed. The signal may be received, for example, while the component is within its shipping box or other enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies for direct device-to-device transfer of configuration information, such as network information, are provided herein. As described herein, network keys and other information can be transferred from a device that stores and/or utilizes the information to one or more devices to be initialized on a corresponding network. Network information can be communicated using audio tones, light pulses, and/or other similar signals to facilitate transfer of network information using one or more hardware components present at devices involved in the transfer for other purposes and without requiring specialized hardware. Systems and methodologies disclosed herein enable new devices to a network to be programmed by an already-programmed device, thereby reducing the need for off-site network initialization in cases where a small number of devices are to be added to an existing population.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting the presence of broadcast receivers, such as mobile communication devices, within a communication network and transitioning to selective communications to one or more of the receivers. The method including sending a broadcast query to a plurality of mobile units (“MUs”), receiving at least one response from each at least one of the MUs, each of the responses specifying whether each of the at least one MU that can receive a broadcast transmission, and indicating to a user whether any of the MUs responded to the broadcast query. Described is a further method including receiving a broadcast transmission from an MU, sending a request to the MU to conduct a private communication session, and conducting the private communication session with the MU. Described is a device including means for determining whether further devices can receive a broadcast transmission from the device, and means for transitioning from a broadcast communication session to a private communication session.

Abstract: A charging cradle having an embedded server, wherein the server software is a ubiquitous and integral part of the charging cradle. Additionally, the server enables monitoring of an enterprise mobile device for battery level and availability, and can push software/firmware updates to the mobile device via an integrated data connection. Furthermore, the charging cradle can distribute services to the mobile devices, reducing the overall complexity of the mobile devices.

Abstract: A system and method for managing content between different client devices in various domains (such as vehicle, home, and person). The system and method include receiving an input from a user on the first client device to pause the content. After receiving the input, the first client device determines whether the first client device is connected to a wireless communication system. If the first client device is connected to the wireless communication system, the first client device sends a data message to the second client device through a host system. In one embodiment, the second client device will then store the content in the second client device after receiving the data message to permit the user to resume playback of the content on the second client device. In another embodiment, the host system will store the content itself or access the content from a content provider and transfer the content directly to the second device with a data message that indicates the paused location of the content.

Abstract: In an information appliance system 100, a user device 108 comprises a client platform (200, FIG. 5) that includes a service framework (235, FIG. 5) to discover and connect with a variety of services, both remote and local, transient and persistent, and to disconnect from them when they are no longer of interest or become unavailable. The service framework 235 provides a standard, consistent, simplified way for services to make themselves available and for service-using entities to locate and connect with the services of interest to them. From the perspective of the client platform 200, all services, whether local or remote, are presented as local services to the application. Each remote service is represented as a local service through the use of a local proxy that insulates the service user from the complexities of communicating with a remote server. Various methods of operating a service framework are also described.

Abstract: A navigation system having a client device and a service center. The client device is capable of transmitting a starting point and a destination point from a user. The client device also includes a memory having a memory limit. The service center is capable of receiving the starting point and the destination point and calculates a route between the starting point and the destination point. The service center further is capable of generating and transmitting data associated with the calculated route to the client device. However, before transmitting the data, the service center makes a determination whether the size of the data associated with the calculated route is greater than the memory limit of the memory in the client device. If so, the data associated with the calculated route is transmitted to the client device in a plurality of segmented data files, each at a different time. The division of data may take a variety of forms including a division by geographic area.

Abstract: A method of in situ immunohistochemical analysis of a biological sample is provided. The method allows for the multiplex and simultaneous detection of multiple antigens, including multiple nuclear antigens, in a tissue sample.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a circuit interrupter. The exemplary circuit interrupter includes conductive spanner that completes an electrical pathway between first and second electrical conductors. To facilitate a good electrical connection between the conductive spanner and the first and second conductors, the exemplary interrupter includes a biasing mechanism that biases the conductive spanner toward the first and second conductors. However, in the event of a fault condition, for instance, the conductive spanner is displaced away from the first and second conductors by magnetic forces, and the electrical path is interrupted. To facilitate this displacement, the biasing mechanism presents an opposing force to displacement relationship with a negative slope. That is to say, the biasing force provided by the biasing mechanism decreases as the distance between the conductive spanner and the first and second electrical conductors increases.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a circuit interrupter. The exemplary circuit interrupter includes conductive spanner that completes an electrical pathway between first and second electrical conductors. To facilitate a good electrical connection between the conductive spanner and the first and second conductors, the exemplary interrupter includes a biasing mechanism that biases the conductive spanner toward the first and second conductors. However, in the event of a fault condition, for instance, the conductive spanner is displaced away from the first and second conductors by magnetic forces, and the electrical path is interrupted. To facilitate this displacement, the biasing mechanism presents an opposing force to displacement relationship with a negative slope. That is to say, the biasing force provided by the biasing mechanism decreases as the distance between the conductive spanner and the first and second electrical conductors increases.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes an information appliance system (100) having an information appliance device (102) with a focus manager (206). Among other things, the focus manager is disposed to manage a plurality of asynchronous entities (214). Focus manager (206) receives an asynchronous request (209), stores it in a queue (250) and assigns it a priority level (252, 254, 256). Based on the priority level (252, 254, 256), an asynchronous entity (214) takes over control of user interface device resources from an entity (210), utilizes the resources, and returns them to the entity (210).

Abstract: In an information appliance system 100, a user device 108 comprises a client platform (200, FIG. 5) that includes a service framework (235, FIG. 5) to discover and connect with a variety of services, both remote and local, transient and persistent, and to disconnect from them when they are no longer of interest or become unavailable. The service framework 235 provides a standard, consistent, simplified way for services to make themselves available and for service-using entities to locate and connect with the services of interest to them. From the perspective of the client platform 200, all services, whether local or remote, are presented as local services to the application. Each remote service is represented as a local service through the use of a local proxy that insulates the service user from the complexities of communicating with a remote server. Various methods of operating a service framework are also described.

Abstract: In an information appliance system 100, a user device 108 comprises a client platform (200, FIG. 5) that includes a service framework (235, FIG. 5) to discover and connect with a variety of services, both remote and local, transient and persistent, and to disconnect from them when they are no longer of interest or become unavailable. The service framework 235 provides a standard, consistent, simplified way for services to make themselves available and for service-using entities to locate and connect with the services of interest to them. When a service is requested from a remote server, a service frontend (281, FIG. 9) on the client platform attempts to find its corresponding service backend (282, FIG. 9) on a server providing the requested service and, if it finds it, the frontend and backend coalesce in a fully formed service that is made available to a requesting service-using entity. As a result, platform resources and security are maintained.

Abstract: An internet radio for portable applications and uses such as in an automobile. The internet radio allows access to a host of audio, visual and other information. Normal radio channel function is provided along with programmable content and channel selection, as well as automatic content and channel updating by location and style. Internet access is also provided. Direct or targeted advertising, as well as electronic commerce is supported. Connection to the internet is through wireless communications. Programmability is achieved off-line via a web page and remote computer. Customized information is also communicated to the radio such as stock quotes, travel information, advertising, and e-mail. Onboard global positioning allows for channel updating by location, traffic information, geographic advertising and available similar content.

Abstract: In an information appliance system 100, a user device 108 comprises a client platform (200, FIG. 5) that includes a service framework (235, FIG. 5) to discover and connect with a variety of services, both remote and local, transient and persistent, and to disconnect from them when they are no longer of interest or become unavailable. The service framework 235 provides a standard, consistent, simplified way for services to make themselves available and for service-using entities to locate and connect with the services of interest to them. From the perspective of the client platform 200, all services, whether local or remote, are presented as local services to the application. Each remote service is represented as a local service through the use of a local proxy that insulates the service user from the complexities of communicating with a remote server. Various methods of operating a service framework are also described.

Abstract: In an information appliance system 100, a user device 108 comprises a client platform (200, FIG. 5) that includes a service framework (235, FIG. 5) to discover and connect with a variety of services, both remote and local, transient and persistent, and to disconnect from them when they are no longer of interest or become unavailable. The service framework 235 provides a standard, consistent, simplified way for services to make themselves available and for service-using entities to locate and connect with the services of interest to them. When a service is requested from a remote server, a service frontend (281, FIG. 9) on the client platform attempts to find its corresponding service backend (282, FIG. 9) on a server providing the requested service and, if it finds it, the frontend and backend coalesce in a fully formed service that is made available to a requesting service-using entity. As a result, platform resources and security are maintained.