Abstract: In embodiments of an audio control module (318), audio data (310) is received from an audio data source (314) for output to an audio rendering device (316). An initialization input (326) can be received from a wireless audio headset (320) and, responsive to receiving the initialization input, the audio data (328) is communicated to the audio headset. The audio that would be generated from the audio data (322) at the audio rendering device (316) is also limited, such as by replacing the audio data (322) with null audio data, clearing audio data packets from the audio data (322), or by asserting a mute signal (336) to the audio rendering device.

Abstract: A method for selectively distributing content from a backend content distribution system (CDS) to at least one subscriber device includes: receiving information from a monitored environment corresponding to a subscriber device of the at least one subscriber device; correlating, using a processor of the backend CDS, a context identified by the received information to one or more specific content; inserting the specific content into a content stream being transmitted to the subscriber device; and transmitting along with the specific content at least one of (a) correlative information explaining a context surrounding why the specific content is being presented and (b) a selectable affordance by which access to the correlative information is provided. The received information includes at least one of (a) sensor information received from a sensor located within the monitored environment and (b) detected subscriber behavior captured by the subscriber device, and (c) subscriber-provided context information.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for identifying a caller after receiving a missed call from a calling device that is not associated with the caller. An exemplary method involves obtaining an audio message from the caller, recognizing the caller as being a first contact of the called individual by matching an audio sample associated with the first contact to at least a portion of the audio message, and graphically indicating an association between the first contact and the missed call after recognizing the first contact as the caller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing targeted advertisements for linear television is provided herein. During operation a client device will determine whether or not an advertisement opportunity duration is known, unknown, or variable. Based on this determination, advertisements that best match the advertisement opportunity duration will be chosen via separate algorithms. More particularly, a first algorithm will be used to choose advertisements when the advertisement opportunity duration is known, a second algorithm will be used to choose advertisements when the advertisement opportunity duration is unknown, and a third algorithm will be used to choose advertisements when the advertisement opportunity duration is variable.

Abstract: A remote control device for a separate electronic device to be controlled has a secondary display screen, at least one user-input mechanism, and at least one microprocessor running a user interface application for use in providing control over operation of the electronic device to be controlled. The user interface application causes a user interface to be displayed on the display screen of the remote control device, and the user interface displayed on the display screen graphically mirrors a corresponding user interface independently run by the electronic device to be controlled. The remote control device also has a transmitter and receiver mounted within the body enabling a two-way wireless communication link to be established with the electronic device to be controlled. Apparatus and a method for controlling operation of a media display system are also described.

Abstract: A method of operation of a node for multi-band communication routing within a wireless communication system comprises communicating a communication session on a default route within an identified quality of service objective on a first frequency band; broadcasting, on a second frequency band, one or more route discovery messages at each of a plurality of sets of transmission variables; storing one or more alternate route table entries in a route table, wherein each of the one or more alternate route table entries are indexed by each of the plurality of sets of transmission variables that are at least within the quality of service objective; selecting a stored alternate route that is at least within the quality of service objective of the communication session on the second frequency band; and switching the communication session to operate using the transmission variables related to the selected alternate route.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operation of a node within a mobile ad hoc cognitive radio network is provided. The method includes sensing at least one assigned communications channel. Sensing at least one assigned communications channel includes measuring a value of at least one parameter corresponding to the communications channel. The method further includes comparing the measured value of the at least one parameter with a set of stored values of the at least one parameter to determine a change in the measured values. Finally a sleep mode of the node is activated for a time period, wherein the time period is determined using the change in the measured values.

Abstract: A method of operation of a node for multi-band communication routing within a wireless communication system comprises communicating a communication session on a default route within an identified quality of service objective on a first frequency band; broadcasting, on a second frequency band, one or more route discovery messages at each of a plurality of sets of transmission variables; storing one or more alternate route table entries in a route table, wherein each of the one or more alternate route table entries are indexed by each of the plurality of sets of transmission variables that are at least within the quality of service objective; selecting a stored alternate route that is at least within the quality of service objective of the communication session on the second frequency band; and switching the communication session to operate using the transmission variables related to the selected alternate route.

Abstract: A communications system and method for exchanging spectrum usage information through a drop box (100) includes one or more central stations (101) that defines a region of operation. A central drop box (102) is associated with the central station (101) for providing a database of spectrum usage information. Stations (103, 105, 107) using the communications system may submit information regarding spectrum usage to the central drop box (102) that affects the region of operation (109, 115) for providing the most efficient and non-interfering uses of the frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operation of a node within a mobile ad hoc cognitive radio network is provided. The method includes sensing at least one assigned communications channel. Sensing at least one assigned communications channel includes measuring a value of at least one parameter corresponding to the communications channel. The method further includes comparing the measured value of the at least one parameter with a set of stored values of the at least one parameter to determine a change in the measured values. Finally a sleep mode of the node is activated for a time period, wherein the time period is determined using the change in the measured values.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for frequency allocation management in an ad hoc network that includes a plurality of cognitive radio devices. The method comprises dynamically selecting a cognitive radio device from the plurality of cognitive radio devices based on a communication device criteria, assigning a role of a central resource manager to the selected cognitive radio device to assume responsibility of allocating frequency to other of the cognitive radio devices within the ad hoc network, selecting a backup cognitive radio device from other one of the cognitive radio devices within the ad hoc network by the central resource manager, and transferring the role of the central resource manager to the backup cognitive radio based on a second criteria by the central resource manager.

Abstract: A method in a wireless communication device (200) capable of functioning as a node in an ad hoc network, including switching packet data, received from a source node, to a destination node, determining a switching capacity utilization of the wireless communication device, and re-allocating at least a portion of the packet switching performed by the wireless communication device with another switching node based upon the switching capacity utilization of the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A wireless communication device operable as a node in an ad hoc network (100), the device including a controller communicably coupled to a transceiver, wherein the controller is configured to determine priority of a packet received by the transceiver for forwarding to another node in the ad hoc network. The controller is also configured to establish a priority link in the ad hoc network if the priority of the packet satisfies a priority condition, and to cause the transceiver to transmit the received packet on the priority link if the priority condition is satisfied. In one application, the high priority packets are originated by a public safety official communicating in a mesh network.