Abstract: Methods and apparatus for distributing multimedia files units are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a plurality of multimedia files are downloaded using a transportation provider wireless device associated with a fare-based transport vehicle, such as a taxi, bus, ferry, or airplane. The downloaded multimedia files are stored in a data storage unit operatively connected to the transportation provider wireless device. In response to passenger input data received from a passenger wireless device, a desired multimedia file selected by the passenger is transferred to the passenger wireless device or played back using local speakers and/or video displays. In some embodiments, a selected multimedia file is associated with digital rights management information regulating authorized uses of the file.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sending a dynamically updated data object to a user of a communication device are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises receiving updated data from an external source at a first communication device and updating a stored data object with the updated data. Upon the occurrence of a trigger, the updated data object, which comprises the updated information, is transferred to a second communication device.

Abstract: Two or more video streams including a high quality video stream and a low quality video stream are simultaneously transmitted to the video receiving device over the wireless network. All of the video streams carry the same video content but with different video quality. The high quality video stream is encoded using an unequal error protection code so that first components (e.g., high frequency components) receive a higher level of error protection than second components (e.g., low frequency components). The video receiving device can select the high quality video stream when channel conditions are favorable. When channel conditions are not good enough to support the high quality video stream, the video receiving device determines whether the first components of the high quality video stream with the greater error protection are usable. If so, the video receiving device combines the first components of the high quality video stream with the low quality video stream.

Abstract: Digital cameras include an image capture system, an object recognition system and an advertisement insertion system. The image capture system captures a visible image as a digital image. The object recognition system recognizes visible objects in the digital image. The advertisement insertion system inserts an advertising-related image into the digital image in response to a visible object in the digital image that was recognized. The user of the digital camera may be compensated for exposure to the advertising-related image.

Abstract: A technique for supplying alternative contact information when a communication attempt is unsuccessful is described. The technique comprises receiving an inquiry that includes an indication of an unsuccessful communication attempt and an identifier or address for the target of the failed communication attempt. Next, it is determined whether the identifier or address is associated with a group. If so, a response is generated, the response including one or more other identifiers or addresses associated with the group. Finally, the generated response is transferred in response to the inquiry.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selectively transferring confidential or private information to a user of a communication device are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a trigger event is detected at a first communication device, resulting in the retrieval of a data object for transmission to a second communication device. If the data object includes private or confidential information, consent of a user of the first communication device is required before the data object may be sent to the second communication device. In some embodiments, consent is obtained by explicitly requesting consent from a user. In others, consent may be deemed under pre-determined circumstances.

Abstract: Two or more video streams including a high quality video stream and a low quality video stream are simultaneously transmitted to the mobile communication device over the wireless network. All of the video streams carry the same video content but with different video quality. The high quality video stream is transmitted with a relatively low margin and the low quality video stream is transmitted with a relatively high margin. The mobile communication device can select the high quality video stream when channel conditions are favorable, and may select the low quality video stream when the channel conditions are not good enough to support the high quality video stream.

Abstract: Two or more video streams including a high quality video stream and a low quality video stream are simultaneously transmitted to the video receiving device over the wireless network. All of the video streams carry the same video content but with different video quality. The high quality video stream is encoded using an unequal error protection code so that first components (e.g., high frequency components) receive a higher level of error protection than second components (e.g., low frequency components). The video receiving device can select the high quality video stream when channel conditions are favorable. When channel conditions are not good enough to support the high quality video stream, the video receiving device determines whether the first components of the high quality video stream with the greater error protection are usable. If so, the video receiving device combines the first components of the high quality video stream with the low quality video stream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling access to a secure facility are disclosed, wherein a determination of whether access is permitted is based at least in part on a digital image of one or more predetermined features of the secure facility. In an exemplary method, an image of a predetermined feature of the secure facility is captured by a user device and compared to stored security data corresponding to the secure facility. A determination of whether access to the secure facility is permitted is made, based on the results of the comparison. The predetermined feature may be a security mechanism attached to the secure facility, for example, or may be textual information, a graphical image, or a machine-readable code posted at the security facility.

Abstract: A camera-equipped wireless communication device captures images of traffic signs that are unfamiliar to a user. A controller in the device analyzes the captured image and generates information that allows the user to identify the traffic sign.

Abstract: Digital cameras include an image capture system, an object recognition system and an advertisement insertion system. The image capture system captures a visible image as a digital image. The object recognition system recognizes visible objects in the digital image. The advertisement insertion system inserts an advertising-related image into the digital image in response to a visible object in the digital image that was recognized. The user of the digital camera may be compensated for exposure to the advertising-related image.

Abstract: To improve the consumer experience with electronic devices, a system and method is provided for customizing media content, and particularly video content, by creating highlight portions of the video content. In exemplary embodiments, the video files are “marked” or “flagged” about the portions of the video content to segment the highlight portions within the media file. The marks or flags may be inputted and incorporated as part of the metadata associated with the video file. A user's electronic device may then extract the marks or flags from the metadata, which causes a media player on the portable electronic device to play only the marked highlight portions. In addition, a user may share the highlights with others by transmitting the marked video files to others' electronic devices. Alternatively, the highlight creator may transmit only the metadata to another's electronic device, and the metadata marks may be extracted and applied to a video file stored on the other's device or streamed thereto.

Abstract: A mobile terminal wirelessly transmits a request to provide geographic position information over an ad-hoc, short-range wireless link, in response to a user request at the mobile terminal to perform an application at the mobile terminal that uses the geographic position information. The application is then performed at the mobile terminal in response to receiving the geographic position information over the ad-hoc, short-range wireless link. The application may include a “Remember Vehicle Location” and/or “Find Return Bus Stop Location” application. Related methods and mobile terminals are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for distributing multimedia files units are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a plurality of multimedia files are downloaded using a transportation provider wireless device associated with a fare-based transport vehicle, such as a taxi, bus, ferry, or airplane. The downloaded multimedia files are stored in a data storage unit operatively connected to the transportation provider wireless device. In response to passenger input data received from a passenger wireless device, a desired multimedia file selected by the passenger is transferred to the passenger wireless device or played back using local speakers and/or video displays. In some embodiments, a selected multimedia file is associated with digital rights management information regulating authorized uses of the file.

Abstract: A technique for supplying alternative contact information when a communication attempt is unsuccessful is described. The technique comprises receiving an inquiry that includes an indication of an unsuccessful communication attempt and an identifier or address for the target of the failed communication attempt. Next, it is determined whether the identifier or address is associated with a group. If so, a response is generated, the response including one or more other identifiers or addresses associated with the group. Finally, the generated response is transferred in response to the inquiry.

Abstract: A method of providing a predictive text function in a mobile terminal includes detecting entry of one or more alphanumeric characters via a user interface in a currently-executing first mobile terminal application. At least one character string including the one or more characters is identified among words in a default database associated with the first mobile terminal application and among words in an additional database associated with a second mobile terminal application. The additional database includes at least one word that is not found in the default database. Accordingly, the at least one character string including the one or more characters is displayed via the user interface in the first mobile terminal application. Related devices and computer program products are also discussed.

Abstract: A method of distributing programs enables distribution of programs on demand to end devices in a communication network to enable communication between first and second end devices. A data object server stores programs that are needed for communication between first and second end devices. The programs are associated by the data object server with a device class. The first and second end devices can send data object requests to the data object server to request an program associated with a particular device class. In response to the data object request, the data object server sends a control program associated with the specified device to one of the first and second end devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sending a dynamically updated data object to a user of a communication device are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises receiving updated data from an external source at a first communication device and updating a stored data object with the updated data. Upon the occurrence of a trigger, the updated data object, which comprises the updated information, is transferred to a second communication device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for selectively transferring confidential or private information to a user of a communication device are disclosed. In an exemplary method, a trigger event is detected at a first communication device, resulting in the retrieval of a data object for transmission to a second communication device. If the data object includes private or confidential information, consent of a user of the first communication device is required before the data object may be sent to the second communication device. In some embodiments, consent is obtained by explicitly requesting consent from a user. In others, consent may be deemed under pre-determined circumstances.