Abstract: An apparatus and method for restricting access to data are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a communications network and a device comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input receives data in a first format from the communications network. The logic receives a request from the device to access the data and determines whether the interface device is authorized to access the data. If the interface device is authorized to access the data, then the logic receives the data from the communications network. The logic then identifies a second format compatible with the device, translates the data to the second format, and transmits the translated data to the device.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a service that delivers location information associated with a caller. The service operates in both wireline and wireless networks, providing called parties with the location information of calling parties who use either stationary terminal devices or mobile devices. The service can operate as a stand alone service or can be a part of a calling name delivery service (or caller-ID service), delivering location information in addition to the conventional name, number, date, and time. The components of the present invention include a service control point, an address database in communication with the service control point, and a network that tracks the locations of mobile network users. The system further includes a mapping converter if the location data provided by the network is not meaningful to a subscriber.

Abstract: Location-blocking and identity-blocking services that can be commercially offered by a service promoter, e.g., a cellular service provider or a web advertiser. In the identity-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the current physical location of a mobile subscriber (i.e., a cellular phone operator) to a third party (e.g., a web advertiser) subscribing to the identity-blocking service. However, the service promoter may not send any identity information for the mobile subscriber to the third party. On the other hand, in the location-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the mobile subscriber's identity information to the third party, but not the current physical location of the mobile subscriber. Blocking of the mobile subscriber's identity or location information may be desirable for privacy reasons, to comply with a government regulation, or to implement a telecommunication service option selected by the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for processing responses in a prompting system. A response is received to a prompt and compared to a set of conditions for interpreting the response. If the response is not interpretable, then an alternative presentation of the prompt is obtained. A supplemental prompt is sent that presents the alternative presentation of the prompt.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for using location information associated with wireless devices. The system includes a wireless device, a location system, and a feature server. The wireless device includes any wireless apparatus having wireless communications capabilities. The location system can generate location information pinpointing the location of the wireless device. The feature server can use the location information to determine whether to execute an action in accordance with subscriber rules. A large number of applications may be implemented to execute the action via a number of communications channels, including without limitation, a wireless communications network, a computer network, and a public switched telephone system, for example.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for an infringer finder to search public information sources for possible patent infringers. Some embodiments provide for analyzing an issued patent, associated patent support data, such as Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) information, and other reference materials, along with user input to create a patent search profile. Using the patent search profile, a search is made of public information sources and a report is generated summarizing possible patent infringement targets.

Abstract: An audio/video reproducing system is automatically electronically controlled in response to specific sensed sounds, specific sensed images and/or specific sensed patterns of nonvisible electromagnetic radiation that are identified electronically from a predefined set of specific sounds, a predefined set of specific images and/or a predefined set of electromagnetic radiation patterns. User preferences may be set to identify specific combinations of sensed patterns. The sensed patterns may be ambient sensed patterns and/or remote sensed patterns. Related systems, methods and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aggregating and accessing data according to user information are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing data between a first device and a second device comprises an input, an output, logic, and a repository for storing personal data and data associated with one or more users. The input of the interface device receives data in a first format from the first device. The logic receives a data request, identifies a second device for receiving the data, identifies a second format for the second device, and translates the data to the second format. The translated data is then transmitted to the second device via the output. The logic may further collect, aggregate, and transmit the aggregated data to a requesting device. The input may be a product identification input device. The second device may be billed for the data services.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products describe a remote control for consumer electronics devices. The remote control has multiple transceivers simultaneously receiving multiple streams of content, and multiple displays simultaneously presenting the streams of content. The remote control includes means for switching between multiple sources for each stream of content displayed on each display. The multiple sources may include wireless content from a wireless source, cable content from a cable service provider, satellite content from a satellite service provider, broadband content from a broadband service provider, and local content from a local source. The remote control also has a communication mode when a voice over internet protocol telephone call is received. One of the transceivers terminates its stream of content and a processor mutes an audible portion of all other streams of content, and the transceiver begins receiving the communication.

Abstract: A location query service is disclosed. The service provides requestors with a location of a device. The service receives a location query from a requestor, retrieves location information associated with the network user, and returns the location information to the requestor. Before returning the location information to the requestor, the service is configured, in some embodiments, to authenticate that the requestor is authorized by the network user to receive the network user's location information. Methods for providing a location query service also are disclosed.

Abstract: Location-blocking and identity-blocking services that can be commercially offered by a service promoter, e.g., a cellular service provider or a web advertiser. In the identity-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the current physical location of a mobile subscriber (i.e., a cellular phone operator) to a third party (e.g., a web advertiser) subscribing to the identity-blocking service. However, the service promoter may not send any identity information for the mobile subscriber to the third party. On the other hand, in the location-blocking service, the service promoter may disclose the mobile subscriber's identity information to the third party, but not the current physical location of the mobile subscriber. Blocking of the mobile subscriber's identity or location information may be desirable for privacy reasons, to comply with a government regulation, or to implement a telecommunication service option selected by the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing communication capabilities of networks and devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a first and a second device comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input of the interface device receives data in a first format from the first device. The logic identifies the second device for receiving the data and identifies a second format compatible with the second device. The data is then translated to the second format. The logic may also determine a status of the interface device by testing components of the interface device to determine if the components are accessible and functioning. The output of the interface device then transmits the translated data to the second device.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium for interfacing devices with communications networks are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a first communications network and a device associated with a second communications network comprises one or more inputs, one or more outputs, and logic. The one or more inputs of the interface device receive data in a first format from the first communications network. The logic translates the data to a second format compatible with the second communications device. The translated data is then transmitted to the device associated with the second communications network via the one or more outputs. The first and second formats may comprise rich media content.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a location blocking service for use in a wireless network that tracks the location and identity of network users, such as networks complying with enhanced 911 standards. The service provides a network user with the ability to prevent the location of her wireless handheld device from being disclosed to parties other than the wireless network provider and PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points). The network user blocks the forwarding of location information by signaling to the wireless handheld device when the location information originates from the wireless handheld device, or by signaling to the network when the location information originates from the wireless handheld device or the network. Primary components of the present invention include at least one user interface and at least one location block processor provisioned in the wireless handheld device and/or the wireless network.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for prioritizing communications between devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between at least one source device and at least one destination device comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input of the interface device receives data in a first format from the source device. The logic identifies the destination device for receiving the data. The logic then identifies a second format compatible with the destination device and translates the data from the first format to the second format. Transmission of the translated data is then prioritized by the logic based on characteristics of the translated data, which may include the format of the translated data or a service plan associated with the destination device or source device. The translated data is then transmitted to the identified destination device via the output.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing distinctive vibration alerts are described herein. In different aspects, the methods may include sensing an event and determining a corresponding vibration definition for the event based on one or more properties of the event. The methods also include providing the corresponding vibration definition. The methods then further include producing mechanical vibrations of the device based on the vibration definition.

Abstract: A wireless digital personal communications system (or PCS) having a plurality of radio cell base stations, fixed terminals, and portable handset terminals, each having a predetermined radio cell coverage area. The wireless PCS has a full digital network interface. The personal communications system facilitates the interconnection and switching of PCS call traffic through the digital network interface and the public switched telephone network, or any switched network. The personal communications system has voice/data/image (or any combination thereof) and incoming and outgoing calling capability. The PCS is fully operational and compatible with any and all modulation approaches selected for wireless communications.

Abstract: A location query service is disclosed. The service provides requesters with a location of a device. The service receives a location query from a requestor, retrieves location information associated with the network user, and returns the location information to the requestor. Before returning the location information to the requestor, the service is configured, in some embodiments, to authenticate that the requestor is authorized by the network user to receive the network user's location information. Methods for providing a location query service also are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a service that delivers location information associated with a caller. The service operates in both wireline and wireless networks, providing called parties with the location information of calling parties who use either stationary terminal devices or mobile devices. The service can operate as a stand alone service or can be a part of a calling name delivery service (or caller-ID service), delivering location information in addition to the conventional name, number, date, and time. The components of the present invention include a service control point, an address database in communication with the service control point, and a network that tracks the locations of mobile network users. The system further includes a mapping converter if the location data provided by the network is not meaningful to a subscriber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a user interface for facilitating communications between devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device provides communications between a first device and a second device. The interface device has an input for receiving data in a first format from the first device. Logic within the interface device is configured to receive a request to interact with the interface device and to provide a user interface in response to receiving the request. The logic identifies a second device for receiving the data from the first device. The logic identifies a second format that is compatible with the second device and translates the data to the second format. The interface device further has an output for transmitting the translated data to the second device.