Abstract: A satellite signal demodulator is configured to use frequency-based channel scanning to sense the presence of a channel and to obtain the frequency profile of the channel. Once the channel is identified and the profile is obtained, channel extraction is used to identify the frequency parameters for a given channel. A coarse parameter estimation is performed to obtain a coarse estimate of the symbol rate (SR) and the center frequency (fc) of the channel. The coarse estimation can then be followed by a fine estimation of the symbol rate and center frequency (fc), using a bit tracking loop (BTL) lock indicator.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for enabling wireless access to a computer network via communication between a remote (client) wireless device and a wireless device physically linked to the computer network. A bank of one or more wireless gateway devices may be cradled and connected to a network server. The wireless gateway devices may then act as a node on the wireless network, and remote wireless devices may send and receive messages to and from the wireless gateway devices using PIN-to-PIN messaging. The wireless gateway devices, when cradled, may communicate with any attached server or other network equipment, and may therefore act as a wireless gateway to the server or other network equipment.

Abstract: A system, method and/or one or more servers, include a memory (or memories) capable of storing venue-based data comprising video captured from more than one camera located in one or more venues, and one or more processors capable of authenticating one or more remote hand held devices to provide one or more users of the remote hand held device(s) access to the venue-based data. One or more ports is capable of transmitting the venue-based data from the server(s) so that the venue-based data may be received by one or more remote hand held device authorized to receive the venue-based data through one or more wireless data communications networks, in order to permit the venue-based data to be accessible via the remote hand held device(s) by the user(s) of the remote hand held device(s) at locations within or remote from the venue(s).

Abstract: A customer relationship management (CRM) method using IBOC-radio signals is provided. A message in the radio signal is parsed to obtain a key. The key is compared to a plurality of stored keys. When the received key matches a stored key, a data structure associated with the message is outputted. A device comprising a lookup table with a plurality of stored keys, a tuner unit that receives a CRM in an IBOC signal, and a controller in electrical communication with the lookup table and tuner is provided. The controller comprises (i) instructions for comparing a key in the CRM to one or more stored keys in the plurality of stored keys and (ii) instructions for permitting the display of a display text associated with the received key when there is a match between the received key and a key in the plurality of stored keys.

Abstract: A method of sharing information between mobile terminals using a local wireless communication network is disclosed. The method includes setting information stored in a first mobile terminal with one of at least two security levels; if registration is requested by a second mobile terminal, registering an identifier of the second mobile terminal and an access rights level of the second mobile terminal to the information set with a security level; if a local wireless communication link is formed with the second mobile terminal, displaying a list of information set with a set security level corresponding to the access rights level of the second mobile terminal; and sharing the displayed information according to a request from the second mobile terminal. According to the present invention, information stored in a mobile terminal may safely be shared with another mobile terminal in a local wireless communication area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a first controlled device, such as a wireless local transmitter that accepts a plurality of digital audio signals and corresponding program information signals converted from a controlled source, such as the encoded digital data provided by a digital data signal source, typically a community antenna television (CATV) cable or direct broadcast satellite, then modulates said digital audio and corresponding program information signals on different carrier frequencies and transmits the modulated signals to a plurality of second controlled devices, such as remote digital receiver/tuners that demodulate said signals to output music in stereophonic sound and display the corresponding program information by means of an alphanumeric display. The first and second controlled devices contain microprocessor systems for communicating, controlling, storing, processing, and display of digital data within the operation of the respective system.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting the amount of satellite radio digital bandwidth used by allowing a vehicle to record and store songs broadcast by the satellite and then play the songs from the vehicle the next times the songs are to be broadcast. When a song is selected to be broadcast, the method determines whether a certain percentage of vehicles will have the song recorded on the vehicle, and if so, will broadcast a song code identifying the song to allow the vehicle to play the recorded song.

Abstract: Updating data between the mobile devices belonging to a given user group is shown. In a mobile device (301, 302), there can be recorded information (406) of the members of a given user group, and a connection can be established from the device (301, 302) to other devices (303, 304, 401) of the user group members. In addition, the device includes means for defining the changing information as update data (407) related to said user group, and means for transmitting (303, 304, 401) the update data automatically to each device belonging to the user group through a defined connection bus. The device also includes means for receiving (303, 304, 401) the data defined to be updated, and means for saving (406, 407) the received update data in the device.

Abstract: A method for multicasting data includes obtaining a set of minimum utility preferences and a utility preference for each user in a multicast group, computing a corresponding probability dist?bution of different multicasting data the users are requesting, running a lottery of operating points of the set according to the corresponding probability dist?bution, and multicasting the operating point determined from the lottery. For scalable layered data the method includes determining initial utility and payoff parameter for each user for a lowest data layer accommodating all group users, running a lottery for the layer using an initialized probability vector to assign the lowest layer, multicasting the lowest layer, determining new initial utility and corresponding payoff parameter for each remaining group user for a plurality of layers of data, running another lottery according to a determined mixed set probability vector to select a particular layer, and multicasting the particular layer.

Abstract: A system and method of a Dial-Up Networking (DUN) approach is disclosed. The DUN system authenticates a wireless network between a portable electronic device and a control module. The DUN system includes the portable electronic device, a transceiver, and the control module. A wireless service carrier is associated with the portable electronic device. The control module includes control logic for determining the wireless service carrier associated with the portable electronic device. The control module further includes control logic for establishing the wireless network connection between the control module and the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for seamlessly switching media playback between a media broadcast, such as a radio broadcast, and media from a local media library. When an electronic device determines that an upcoming media item in a media broadcast is not of interest to a user, the electronic device can switch playback from the media stream to a media item from the electronic device local library. The selected local media item can be related to a previously broadcast media item to ensure continuity in the user's listening or viewing experience. The electronic device can switch away from the local media item and return to the media stream when the media stream again broadcasts media items or segments of interest to the user.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes evaluating local codecs of a cellular telephone. The method further includes playing a content file with a media player on the cellular telephone. The method also includes accessing encoded media referred to by the content file in a format determined based on local codecs of the cellular telephone.

Abstract: By detecting the broadcast frequency of a musical composition in radio broadcasting based on on-air information and now-on-air information being broadcast contents information, the broadcast frequency of each musical composition can be displayed on a display 26 without receiving and outputting radio broadcasting. Thereby, the user can recognize that which musical composition is frequently broadcasted. Thus, even if the user does not listen to the musical composition broadcasted in the radio broadcasting, the broadcast frequency of the musical composition can be shown to the above user.

Abstract: A content output propriety determination unit determines whether an output of the content is allowed in an information reception device based on reception statuses of radio waves from a plurality of radio stations in the information reception device and position information on the information reception device. A communication controller transmits a determination result by the content output propriety determination unit to the information reception device. A table creation unit creates a radio wave status acquisition table based on the position information on the information reception device, and the radio wave status acquisition table is used for acquiring the reception statuses of the radio waves from the radio stations. When some radio stations are receivable, the content output propriety determination unit allows output of contents distributed from the information distribution devices corresponding to all the radio stations included in the table.

Abstract: A method is presented for providing information associated with a geographical area to users of broadcast communication receivers. The information, as well as an indication of the geographical area associated with the information, are transmitted to, and received by, each of the broadcast communication receivers. In each of the receivers, the indication of the geographical area is compared with a geographic code associated with, and stored within, the receiver. Each of the receivers also provides at least one alert to a user of the respective broadcast communication receiver if the geographic area is located on a travel vector of the respective broadcast communication receiver indicated by the geographical code.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for remotely recording video content on a personal video recording server, at the request of a user of a mobile device, and obtaining that recorded content on the mobile device, in some embodiments, at a later time.

Abstract: Systems and methods are used to provide distributed processing on a service provider network that includes a plurality of remotely located consumer devices. Each of the remotely located consumer devices includes a processing device. A service is provided from the service provider network to the remotely located consumer devices. Distributed processing of a task on the processing devices of the remotely located consumer devices occurs, the distributed processing being unrelated to the service provided to the consumers. The distributed processing occurs even when the processing devices are in use by corresponding remotely located consumer devices.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a wireless communication system which can allow a wireless LAN terminal device (1000) to establish a connection to a wireless LAN through a simplified procedure. In the wireless communication system, a wireless LAN access point (1100) performs wireless communication with a wireless LAN terminal device (1000) having personal identification information (1005) necessary to identify a person as a registered user.

Abstract: An authentication controller coupled to a first communication port of a portable media device is allowed to provide authentication on behalf of an accessory device coupled to a second communication port of the portable media device. In one embodiment, a cross transport connector includes a connector configured to couple with an accessory and a connector configured to couple with a portable media device such that the accessory can be coupled to the second communication port of the portable media device. The cross-transport connector also includes an authentication controller. The authentication controller may request authentication from the media device over the first communication port of the portable media device. The request may also include an identifier of the second port, to which authenticated permissions obtained via the first port may be transferred.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating interoperation between a portable media device having an RF tuner and an accessory device. In certain embodiments, the portable media device and the accessory can exchange various commands pertaining to the capabilities, state, and/or operation of the tuner. For example, in one set of embodiments the accessory can send one or more commands requesting information about the capabilities of the tuner, and the portable media device can provide the requested capability information. In another set of embodiments, the accessory can send one or more commands requesting execution of a particular action with respect to the tuner, and the portable media device can perform the requested action. In this manner, certain embodiments of the present invention enable a user to control the tuner functionality of the portable media device via the accessory, rather than, e.g., via an input interface located directly on the portable media device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for selecting alternate channels for broadcast radio channels, and for tracking alternate channel selections, are provided. Some radio systems provide alternate frequencies for tuned radio frequencies to use when the tuned radio frequency signal is no longer receivable. In aspects of the present invention, historical information is generated from alternate channel switching attempts. In further aspects, the generated historical information is used to aid in making a subsequent switch to an alternate channel.

Abstract: A mobile device embodiment communicates program distribution account information to a program distributor. The mobile device embodiment receives from the program distributor, authorization to use programming that is conditioned on the communicated program distribution account information. The mobile device embodiment communicates the authorization to a receiving device.

Abstract: An ad-hoc Adaptive Wireless Mobile Sound System comprises mobile phone nodes and a Master device for sending a query to the nodes, to verify whether they hold in their memory a specific song/track and to learn their music playing capabilities, for conveying to the nodes that do not have a specific file in their memory, a compressed audio stream of the file, for selecting, based on an answer to the query, an appropriate surround scheme that considers the mobile nodes capabilities, for publishing the surround scheme by which a playing role is allocated for each of the nodes, and for synchronizing the mobile nodes and to order them to play a stream audio file according to the surround scheme. In one embodiment, the Master is operable to select a compensating surround scheme when one of the nodes is found incapable of executing its allocated role during play time.

Abstract: A registration server (40) is connected to a mobile terminal (20) via a communication network (10) and registers desired scene information specifying a desired scene of a user in a broadcast program together with the communication address information (telephone number or mail address or the like) of the mobile terminal (20). A scene management server (42) classifies and manages the scene information on the real scene appearing in the broadcast program. A message transmission server (46) checks whether the real scene corresponds to the desired scene. If it does, the scene management server (42) transmits scene information indicating that broadcast of the desired scene is or has been started via the communication network (10) or the data broadcast to the user, i.e., the mobile terminal (20). In response to the notification of the scene information, the user of the mobile terminal (20) can view the scene substantially in real time by the TV On instruction without performing channel setting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving and providing disaster information. The method of providing the disaster information includes: classifying a disaster service district into a plurality of emergency zones according to a danger level; transmitting information regarding the plurality of emergency zones to at least one mobile terminal located within the plurality of emergency zones, and receiving a location of the at least one mobile terminal from the at least one mobile terminal; and sequentially transmitting disaster information according to the danger level, to the at least one mobile terminal in the plurality of emergency zones, based on the location of a disaster which has been received from a disaster information server, when a disaster occurs.

Abstract: A handheld wireless communication device (HWCD) establishes an ad hoc network comprising interconnected networks for a user. The HWCD gains access to content on a first device and controls communication of the content from the first device via the HWCD to a second device. The HWCD enables the second device to consume the content. The content may be streamed from the first device via the HWCD to the second device. The first device is a service provider network device or other network device. The access may be authenticated and/or secure. Secure access to the content is extended from the first device to the second device. The ad hoc network is configured and/or reconfigured until communication is complete. The HWCD comprises multiple wireless interfaces. The ad hoc network comprises a PAN, WLAN, WAN and/or cellular network. The HWCD may hand-off among base stations during communication of the content.

Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving apparatus and a method thereof are disclosed. The digital broadcast receiving apparatus includes a demultiplexer for separating a multichannel transport stream into a plurality of broadcasting channel data and outputting the broadcasting channel data, a buffer unit, including a plurality of buffers having different capacities that correspond to data bit rates, for storing the broadcasting channel data in the buffers having the corresponding capacities, respectively, according to the data bit rates, a user interface for outputting channel identification information corresponding to the broadcasting channel selected by a user, and a switching device for selecting one of outputs of the plurality of buffers according to the channel identification information.

Abstract: Methods and associated apparatus and programs for computers for operating geolocation devices are provided. The methods include determining the duration of a time interval during which the device is configured to remain active, responsive to a comparison between an estimate of benefit of remaining on for that time interval and an estimate of cost of remaining on for that time interval. The estimates of cost and benefit may be determined in response to user-selected parameters where by the end-user may effect a trade-off between battery life and receiver sensitivity. The methods also include varying the maximum duration of each listening period whereby to conserve battery power.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for facilitating a purchase in conjunction with media content information. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a transmission of media content, information regarding the content, and information for facilitating a purchase of at least one of a copy of the content, a good, and/or a service. The content may include broadcast media content and entertainment media content. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to process the information regarding the content and the information for facilitating a purchase of the copy of the content, the good, and/or the service. The apparatus also includes a display device for displaying information.

Abstract: A system and method communicates commands from a command originator to receiving devices, yet the receiving devices do not confirm receipt of the command. The most current command (e.g. the one with the highest sequence number) is rebroadcast by the command originator and the receiving devices, tending to be more frequent upon detection of an event indicating that the most current command was not received by at least one other device, and less frequently upon detection of an event indicating that the most current command was provided with sufficient duplication that if another device could receive it, the device likely did receive it, subject to a maximum and minimum rate.

Abstract: In embodiments, the present invention provides a method and system for switching between broadcast and unicast content on a mobile device. The method and system involves making unicast content available to the mobile device, making broadcast content available to the mobile device; and providing an application on the mobile device which allows for switching between the unicast and broadcast content.

Abstract: Provided is a method for providing a personal broadcasting service. The method includes receiving a request for a broadcast theme or content from a broadcast receiving terminal, searching for broadcast providing terminals configured to provide a personal broadcast associated with the broadcast theme or content, selecting one of the searched broadcast providing terminals, and providing, when a personal broadcast registration request is received from the selected broadcast providing terminal, information associated with the requested personal broadcast to the broadcast receiving terminal.

Abstract: Providing content to a device. Content stored on a device can be examined or searched based on the programming of channels that are available to the device over various networks. The content can be searched using other rules related to user preferences or content characteristics. Based on the results of the examination of the content, playlists are generated. Each playlist includes content from the device that matches or partially matches the content associated with one of the channels. Using the playlists, a user can load content from their device that has a theme consistent with a particular channel. When signal loss is detected for a given channel, the playlist associated with that channel can be loaded and played by the device. The device can resume playing the channel when the signal is again adequately detected.

Abstract: A wireless display system is disclosed comprising a host-side data communication apparatus connected to a host and configured to acquire media data containing at least display data from the hardware of the host, generate data message and transfer the data message wirelessly, and a display-device side data communication apparatus configured to receive the data message transferred wirelessly, interpret it into media data and then output to a display device. With the system of the present invention, CPU does not need to execute a screen-capturing program to acquire display information from a display memory unit and thus has a reduced work load, and transmission delay can also be reduced.

Abstract: A system for transmitting a warning message via a radio network has a transmitter (1) and at least one receiver (2). The transmitter (1) has an antenna for transmitting the warning message (14) over the radio network. The warning message (14) transmitted by the transmitter (1) includes parameters (18) of a warning area, a warning reason (15) and warning behavior (16). The receiver has an antenna (3) for receiving the warning message (14) transmitted via the radio network, a decoder (4), a processor (5), a memory (6) in which the location of the receiver (2) by geographic coordinates is stored and a warning output unit (7). In the processor (5) the received warning message (14) is captured and read out by means of a capture algorithm. The warning area is determined from the parameters (18) of the warning message (14) by using a zone algorithm.

Abstract: A system and method for the aggregation of multimedia information storage via a broadband access gateway is disclosed. Information about storage resources accessible to a broadband access gateway may be collected and used in selecting storage capacity used for storing multimedia information such as, for example, streaming video, broadcast video, digitized video, digitized audio, text, and digitized images. The gateway may manage storage and retrieval of the multimedia information based upon user defined criteria and characteristics of the available storage resources. Multimedia information may be parsed for storage across multiple storage resources, and the location and nature of the storage resources used for storage of multimedia information items may be unknown to the user. Storage services accessible via a broadband connection may also be used as storage resources.

Abstract: A method of retrieving data from broadcast programming on a communication device, the method comprising: mixing a data stream with media to be broadcast; broadcasting the media including the data stream; and processing the data stream on an electronic card.

Abstract: An antenna apparatus of a mobile terminal is provided. The apparatus includes a bar antenna, a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) module, an additional function module, a switching unit, and a controller. The Digital Multimedia Broadcasting module is selectively connected with the bar antenna to perform a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting function. The additional second function module is selectively connected with the bar antenna to perform an additional secondary function different than the Digital Multimedia Broadcasting function. The switching unit is installed on a feed of the bar antenna to perform a selective switching operation on the DMB module and the additional second function module. The controller controls the switching unit.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing network delivery of streaming data is provided. Streaming delivery of data using point-to-point transmitters and broadcast transmitters can be dynamically controlled to maximize the usage of network resources. Current usage of respective systems can be analyzed, as can projected usage be analyzed. Network resources can be reallocated, and connecting devices can be redirected as needed to maintain high efficiency of allocated resources.

Abstract: A system has a plurality of agents with each of a plurality of road side units (RSUs) having at least an agent of the plurality of agents being deployed to deploy and manage interactive regional broadcast services. Each agent includes a RSU receiving/transmitting device to receive at least a service deployment message and broadcast at least a service tracking request, and a storage device to maintain a service table recording at least a service that currently performs broadcasting service content on a corresponding RSU and a service-related topology table recording at least a RSU in a neighborhood of the corresponding RSU when an interactive regional service broadcasting being performed. A processor in the agent may perform interactive regional service deployment, interactive regional service termination and interactive regional service tracking, manage and accomplish at least a broadcast service through the corresponding RSU and the two tables.

Abstract: An integrated user interface system being disposed at a chair and methods for manufacturing and using same. The user interface system comprises one or more interface elements that are disposed at an armrest or other suitable chair location and that are obscured from view or otherwise de-emphasized when a user is distal from the user interface system. At least one selected interface element becomes emphasized when a user hand becomes proximate to the user interface system. The selected interface element can become emphasized, for example, by becoming visible and/or by forming a raised projection. Upon becoming emphasized, the selected interface element is activated for use and can be manipulated to interact with available system resources. The chair advantageously can appear to be an ordinary chair when the user interface system is not in use and can present the user interface system when the user wishes to access the system resources.

Abstract: The invention relates to the selection of devices of a wireless network, particularly wireless home control networks, for example lighting control networks in buildings. It is an object of the invention to provide an improved method and System to select devices of a wireless network, particularly a network of wireless lighting devices. According to the invention, for selecting a certain device in the wireless network a broadcast message is sent out by a wireless remote device (S10). Only devices with a certain communication link quality respond with unicast messages (S20). The wireless remote device then sends a command to the device with best communication link quality for selecting this device. This enables a user to select devices without buttons in a wireless network.

Abstract: A broadcast receiver and a method of processing data are disclosed. The broadcast receiver includes a signal receiving unit, a transmission parameter detector, a block decoder, a storage unit, and a data manager. The signal receiving unit receives a broadcast signal multiplexed mobile broadcast service data including two-way contents and main broadcast service data. The transmission parameter detector detects the transmission parameter. The block decoder symbol-decodes the received broadcast signal included in the mobile broadcast service data in block units, based upon the detected transmission parameter. The storage unit stores the decoded two-way contents. The data manager reads a requested two-way contents from the stored two-way contents with respect to a user's select signal, and provides the requested two-way contents service.

Abstract: When a user gets interested in some music he/she listens to somewhere, for example, in a coffee shop, the user records that music in a memory provided in a portable terminal. A processor reads the information stored in the memory and performs a predetermined process on it. The resultant information is stored on a storage device. The information stored on the storage device is then transferred to a server via a communication device. The server searches the database for the title of the music corresponding to the received information, and returns the result to the terminal. Thus, the user can easily get information about the title of the music.

Abstract: In a content reproduction system including a plurality of content reproduction apparatuses, at least one of the plurality of content reproduction apparatuses may include a reproducing unit configured to reproduce content by reading out content data recorded in a recording medium, and a transmitting unit configured to transmit the content data representing the content being reproduced by the reproducing unit by way of wireless communication, and each of the other apparatuses of the plurality of content reproduction apparatuses may include a receiving unit configured to receive the transmitted content data, and a reproducing unit configured to decode the content data received by the receiving unit and reproduce the content.

Abstract: A receiving device for receiving a satellite broadcast is disclosed which includes a receiver for receiving a sustaining satellite beam and a controller for switching the receiver to receive a high power content beam in response to a determination that the high power content beam can be received by the receiving device. A communication satellite can transmit the high power content beam to different geographical areas at different times. The sustaining beam allows the receiving device to remain synchronised with the communication satellite when the high power content beam is directed elsewhere. The sustaining beam may be a lower power beam. The determination that the high power content beam can be received may be performed based on information in the sustaining beam.

Abstract: A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. A receiving system of the digital broadcasting system includes a baseband processor, a first table handler, an audio/video processor, and a content processor. The baseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile and main service data. The mobile service data may configure an RS frame, and the RS frame may include mobile service data for mobile audio and/or video broadcasting, a first table describing at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data, and a second table transmitting content for data casting service. The first table handler parses the first table from the RS frame, thereby acquiring at least one channel configuration information on the mobile service data.

Abstract: A method and system for mobile vehicle content management. Content may be received wireless from a plurality of access technologies within a mobile vehicle. The content may be balanced from the plurality of access technologies to select the content from at least one access technology for decryption. The selected content may be provided to a receiver device for presentation.

Abstract: A modular, scalable, extensible, In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) data communication system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a hub providing connection between one or more server/switch line replaceable unit including at least one server and a plurality of passenger video display units. A server, such as, for example, an audio server, a video server, an audio/video server, a game server, an application server, a file server, etc., provides data (e.g., entertainment programming, internet file data, etc.) to the video display unit. In one embodiment, the connection between the plurality of server/switch line replacement units, the hub and the plurality of video display units is provided by passive fiber optic links.

Abstract: The design and use of a simplified, highly efficient, waveguide-based wireless distribution system are provided. A low-loss waveguide is used to transport wireless signals from a signal source or sources to one or more receiver locations. One or more adjustable signal coupling devices partially insert into the waveguide at predetermined locations along the length of the system to provide variable, controlled extraction of one or more wireless signals. Low-loss impedance matching circuitry is provided between the waveguide coupling devices and output connectors to maintain high system efficiency and the capability of supplying signals of high strength and quality to a large number of receivers in a wide wireless coverage area via a plurality of signal radiators. Some embodiments of the system are adaptable for wireless distribution service in HVAC plenum spaces while others disclose the combined functions of fire extinguishing and waveguide wireless distribution.