Remote Control Of Distribution Patents (Class 455/3.03)
  • Patent number: 8761663
    Abstract: A multi-band low-profile, low-volume two-way mobile panel array antenna system is described. Operation of the antenna may automatically switch between bands based on various user-entered parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Gilat Satellite Networks, Ltd
    Inventors: Ilan Kaplan, David Gross, Daniel Francis DiFonzo, Kevin Arthur Bruestle, Victor Boyanov, Stanimir Dimitrov Kamenopolski
  • Patent number: 8744338
    Abstract: A mobile transceiver device can communicate with a separate broadcast radio receiver, to receive metadata concerning a main program being received by the broadcast radio receiver. The mobile transceiver device uses the metadata to formulate a request or search query, send the request or search query over a WLAN or cellular data network transceiver, to one or more sources of additional information, which respond with additional information. The additional information can comprise more detailed metadata about the main program as well as content and programming that facilitate a commerce transaction. For example, more detailed metadata can include song lyrics and album art when the main program is a song, while if the main program is an advertisement, the additional information can comprise information for furthering completion of a transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventor: Michael Joseph DeLuca
  • Patent number: 8731603
    Abstract: A radio frequency signal distribution module and panel for receiving such a module are disclosed. One module includes a housing having a front and a rear, a radio frequency signal input connection positioned on the rear of the housing, and a plurality of radio frequency signal output connections positioned on the rear of the housing. The module also includes a splitter within the housing and connecting the radio frequency signal input connection to the plurality of radio frequency signal output connections. Certain modules include an active attenuation component connected to and providing programmable attenuation of a radio frequency signal output connection from among the plurality of radio frequency signal output connections. Other modules include a data port on the housing, the data port configured to communicate information about radio frequency signals within the module to a computing system remote from the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventors: M'hamed Anis Khemakhem, Steven Mark Swam, Jeffrey Louis Peters, Nasser Pooladian, James Stansbury
  • Patent number: 8731458
    Abstract: A system and method for transmitting and accessing real-time amateur sports data is provided. The system allows spectators of amateur sporting events to record game data on a mobile electronic device and share live game updates with other amateur sports fans. The system includes a software application configured to operate on a mobile electronic device. Game data may be input into the software application and uploaded to a remote database by way of a wireless network. The remote database may allow third party users to access the game data as it is uploaded to the database in order to follow the progress of the game in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Edward Matthew Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8725064
    Abstract: A system and method for providing content for access by a portable device at an event are provided. The system includes an interface to receive signals from a plurality of sources. The plurality of sources are located at an event and remote from the event. The signals define event content and non-event content. The system further includes a processor for processing the received signals to generate combined signals based upon the received signals from the plurality of sources. The system also includes a transmitter for transmitting to a plurality of portable devices at the event the combined signals. The combined signals are configured to allow a user to select content using the portable device receiving the combined signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: Tazwell L. Anderson, Jr., Geoffrey L. Anderson, Mark A Wood, Robert J Kniskern, Todd H Steele
  • Patent number: 8725062
    Abstract: An integrated circuit radio transceiver and method therefore includes a wireless access point that is operable to receive media content for subsequent delivery to at least one wireless mobile terminal and to store such media content until a specified delivery time or such media content is requested. The wireless access point is operable to generate transmissions of the media content at an increased power level either directly through attached point-to-point communications that span a super service area that overlaps service areas of other wireless access points or by way of broadcast transmissions at an increased power level that overlap the service areas of other wireless access points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz
  • Patent number: 8718594
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the status of a subject, the method including storing, at a monitoring station, information relating to the status of the subject, communicating a request from a first communication means associated with the monitoring station to a second communication means associated with the subject; and either communicating a response from the second communication means to the first communication means before a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or, in the absence of a timely response, updating the stored status to an alert condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Stewart Edward Braznell
  • Patent number: 8713597
    Abstract: A mobile IPTV system enables authenticating and off-loading of IPTV operations from a mobile device to an external fixed viewing device. The mobile device performs authentication to an IPTV network to receive decryption key(s) for use in decrypting IPTV content and provides the decryption key to the viewing device. The viewing device uses the decryption key to decrypt and render IPTV content thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Yong Sun, Vinod K. Choyi
  • Patent number: 8712319
    Abstract: A system is provided that allows a user using her/his own mobile communication device to control content on a content publishing device. The mobile communication device uses information received from a data tag on the content publishing device to communicate with a content server providing the content to be published on a content publishing device and run a program on the content server allowing the mobile communication device to at least temporarily control the data published on the content publishing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Tahnk Wireless Co., LLC
    Inventor: Einar Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 8683529
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing data. The method of processing data includes receiving a broadcasting signal where mobile service data are multiplexed with main service data, extracting transmission-parameter-channel signaling information and fast-information-channel signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data; obtaining first program table information describing virtual channel information of an ensemble and a service provided by the ensemble using the fast-information-channel signaling information, the ensemble the ensemble corresponding to a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, obtaining information indicating that second program table information, which describes an additional service provided by the ensemble, is included in the ensemblem and parsing the second program table information according to the obtained information; and providing the additional service by using the second program table information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Sang Yoo, In Hwan Choi, Chul Soo Lee, Jae Hyung Song, Min Sung Kwak
  • Patent number: 8676114
    Abstract: A method for specifying content of interest using a digital radio broadcast receiver is described. A digital radio broadcast signal includes first audio content and first program data, wherein the first program data includes information identifying a first item, and includes second audio content and second program data, wherein the second program data includes information identifying a second item. A user command entered at a user interface during reception of audio content is registered, indicating a user's interest in either the first or second audio content. It is determined whether there is an ambiguity in the content of interest. If there is an ambiguity, a first data structure is stored for the first audio content, and a second data structure is stored for the second audio content. The first data structure includes the information identifying the first item, and the second data structure includes the information identifying the second item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: iBiquity Digital Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Michael Dillon, Harvey Chalmers, Rodney Bernard Burke, Joseph F D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 8660499
    Abstract: A delivery system includes a delivery apparatus for delivering a common control signal to an area having one or more available communication systems and a terminal apparatus for receiving the common control signal transmitted from the delivery apparatus. The common control signal includes system information required to access the communication systems in the area, and the system information includes multiple control information items. The delivery system causes the delivery apparatus to generate a first common control signal commonly used in one or more areas, to receive a delivery request signal from the terminal apparatus requesting to deliver a certain control information item and to generate a second common control signal including the certain control information item to transmit to the terminal apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuta Sagae, Hitoshi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 8649772
    Abstract: A method for delivering a stored message to a satellite radio receiver is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to retrieve the message, receiving the message, encoding the message for satellite transmission, and transmitting the message for delivery to the satellite radio receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: John Blake Slemmer, Ryan Schaub
  • Patent number: 8650604
    Abstract: A protocol for wireless transmission of audio/video (A/V) information is provided. The protocol includes sending a request message from a requester to a responder for changing A/V format of an A/V stream transmission between the requester and the responder over a wireless communication medium. In reply to the request message, sending a response message from the responder to the requester for synchronizing the A/V format change. The requester and the responder changing the A/V format of the A/V stream in synchrony.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ju-Lan Hsu, Huai-Rong Shao, Chiu Ngo
  • Patent number: 8646001
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications, LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 8644756
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device location information. In one aspect, the methods and systems seamlessly select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device location information and program break markers. In another aspect, the methods and systems select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device trajectory information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventors: David D. Minter, Albert S. Baldocchi
  • Patent number: 8635164
    Abstract: A system for providing a wide range of telecommunications initiated data fulfillment services in which a multi-function code, such as “#” (star, pound), input into an originating telecommunications device, such as a wireless telephone, triggers the treatment of the input sequence as a multi-function code service request rather than a dialed directory number. The multi-function code is followed by an input data string to complete the multi-function code service request, which the user typically enters into the telecommunications device just like a conventional telephone call, except that the input string begins with the multi-function code. The telecommunications system recognizes the multi-function code as a trigger, and in response takes one or more date fulfillment actions, such delivering a response message to the initiating telecommunications device containing one or more Internet links to webpages associated with the dialed input data string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Starpound Corporation, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rosenhaft, Barry Brager
  • Patent number: 8634761
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory T. Lydon
  • Patent number: 8635112
    Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for auditing in-store sales transactions when a digital receipt is issued. A receipt application server formulates a digital receipt from digital receipt data received from a POS system. The digital receipt is sent from the receipt application server to an auditor mobile device at the location of the POS system. A human auditor can view the digital receipt during an in-store audit. In some embodiments, one or both of the receipt application server and the auditor mobile device reorder receipt entries so that items having specified characteristics are presented more prominently on a display. For example, receipt entries can be re-ordered such that higher profit margin items, bulkier items, or more likely to be stolen items are presented more prominently. As such, a human auditor is more likely to expressly audit these types of items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart Argue, Anthony Emile Marcar
  • Patent number: 8634854
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing information of a device to other devices through the home network are provided. The method includes: generating relative location information indicating that a first device is present in a vicinity of a second device if a remote control signal for the second device is received; and providing the relative location information as location information of the first device to at least one other device belonging to the home network. Accordingly, the user can acquire location information of devices belonging to the home network. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify the correspondence of devices visually recognized by the user to the device list obtained as a result of the search.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Joo-hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8620207
    Abstract: A wireless cellular or other device to control distribution and presentation of audio, video, or combined audio and video content transmitted from a content server and delivered to at least one contiguous device at substantially the same time. The cellular device sends control signals via various wireless communication protocols based upon user input. The control signals are sent to a content server attached to a TCP/IP network. The wireless cellular device and the content server interact through a request and reply interface, located within the wireless cellular device, based on inputs from the wireless device user. Content available for transmission from the content server is displayed and subsequently selected by the user. Separate audio and video content may be distributed to individually distinct rendering devices contiguous to and selected by the user. During or after the content is transmitted, the user may interact with the content through the wireless cellular device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Michael D. Harold
  • Patent number: 8611809
    Abstract: A broadcast satellite single wire interface comprises a low noise block amplifier module having multiple outputs, a plurality of filter banks, each filter bank coupled to each of the outputs of the low noise block amplifier module in a respective fashion and comprising a plurality of filters, and a plurality of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, each A/D converter coupled to a filter in the plurality of filters in the plurality of filter banks in a respective fashion, wherein the A/D converters directly sample incoming downconverted broadcast satellite signals and the sampled incoming downconverted broadcast signals are output on a single wire in a stacked output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert F. Popoli
  • Patent number: 8608439
    Abstract: A system for arranging and operating an array of wind machines to protect crops from damaging weather conditions, such as freezing frost, rain and heat. The method includes a wind machine positioned to force air across the crop. The wind machine is preferably a propeller/tower configuration. The operational method of the wind machine array includes the steps of sensing ambient meteorological and the hardiness of the crop to withstand a particular adverse weather condition and operating the wind machines in response to these factors. Multiples of wind machines are employed in the preferred embodiment of the method, the siting of the wind machines preferably based upon topographic and historical meteorological conditions. The operation of the wind machines can be automatically and remotely operated with the aid of satellite communications including internet links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Daryl G. Hill
  • Patent number: 8607296
    Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Personalized Media Communications LLC
    Inventors: John Christopher Harvey, James William Cuddihy
  • Patent number: 8594655
    Abstract: A method for initiating a video share service of a mobile device based on commands from a remote source. The method includes receiving a request from the remote source to initiate the video share service, authenticating the sender of the request, receiving a command to start the video share service; and transmitting the output of the service. There is also a system configured for receiving a request from a first mobile device to initiate a service from a second mobile device, for authentication of the request, for commanding the second mobile device to start a service under control of the first mobile device, and for delivery of the output of the service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Michael Zubas, John Lewis, Jeffrey Mikan
  • Patent number: 8595762
    Abstract: In an interactive broadcasting system, television programming may be broadcast with interleaved web content information. The progress in broadcasting the web content information over one or more transports and over one or more channels within those transports, may be monitored to provide a time based indication of what content has been broadcast. In one embodiment, markers may be inserted into the data transmission flow and a method may be utilized to associate a handle with a particular marker. A method may be called which obtains the handle and another method may be utilized to invoke the handle to obtain current information about broadcast transmissions. This information may be used within a broadcast encoder or may be provided to a content provider, for example, through a log-in server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Ramanathan Ramanathan
  • Patent number: 8577281
    Abstract: A distribution apparatus distributes a common control signal to one or more regions with one or more communications system which can be used. The common control signal includes system information required for accessing the communications system of each of the regions. The distribution apparatus has a unit which generates the common control signal of each of the regions, a unit which receives a distribution request signal from a terminal apparatus which requests for distribution of the common control signal, and a unit which transmits the common control signal according to a distribution rule. The distribution rule is updated according to a statistical trend of the distribution request signals received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuta Sagae, Hitoshi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 8577282
    Abstract: A method for reporting multi-address information comprises a step wherein each of mobile stations (UE) obtains the positional information relating to the mobile stations (UE) and manages information relating to the obtained positional information, a step for reporting multi-address information provided with an electronic signature to each of the mobile stations (UE), a step wherein each of the mobile stations (UE) verifies the multi-address information by use of the electronic signature provided to the received multi-address information, a step wherein each of the mobile stations (UE), when the verifying is successful, compares positional information contained in the multi-address information with the positional information being managed, and a step wherein each of the mobile stations (UE) performs processing in response to the multi-address information on the basis of the result of comparing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: NTT DoCoMo, Inc.
    Inventors: Wuri Andarmawanti Hapsari, Itsuma Tanaka, Minami Ishii, Alf Zugenmaier
  • Patent number: 8564398
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for identifying a source or sources of noise that interferes or potentially interfere with communications between a remote and a receiver. The noise source may be detected through the operation of a noise detector which is integrated as a component of a remote. The remote may be configured to operate in one of two modes. In a first mode, the remote may convey commands inputted by a user from the remote to the receiver. In a second mode the receiver may operate as a noise detector device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Anthony Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 8559866
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device location information. In one aspect, the methods and systems seamlessly select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device location information and program break markers. In another aspect, the methods and systems select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device trajectory information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventors: David D. Minter, Albert S. Baldocchi
  • Patent number: 8554131
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and computer program products are defined for enhancing the delivery of overhead notifications in a broadcast network, in particular a broadcast network suitable for wireless device implementation. The broadcast-receiving devices only receive new notification messages, as opposed to receiving all of the currently active notification messages. This is achieved by broadcasting a listing of the currently active notifications versions and having the devices compare the currently active notification versions to the locally stored version(s) to determine which version or versions require capturing. In those aspects in which the broadcast-receiving device is a battery powered wireless device, battery power consumption is minimized because the device only captures active notification messages not currently in device memory, as opposed to all of the currently active notifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jangwon Lee, An Mei Chen
  • Publication number: 20130252539
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device location information. In one aspect, the methods and systems seamlessly select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device location information and program break markers. In another aspect, the methods and systems select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device trajectory information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventors: David D. Minter, Albert S. Baldocchi
  • Patent number: 8538388
    Abstract: A system and method for automated activation of a radio, or content receiver, used to receive subscription radio services such as XM or Sirius radio. A wireless communications device with a short range data link wirelessly communicates with the content receiver to control the content receiver and receive a unique identification code from the content receiver. The wireless communications device also has its own unique identification code. The wireless communications device transmits an activation request message over a long range wireless communications link to a control station. The activation request message contains the receivers unique identification code and the communications device's own unique identification code. The control station maintains a database of valid identification codes that is used to authenticate the request. If the control station receives a valid request, an activation signal is sent to the receiver to allow operation of the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Sirius XM Radio Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. De Luca
  • Patent number: 8532562
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for broadcasting media events, the method including the steps of providing a sequence of media events in a first server, the sequence of media events including at least one media event and a plurality of advertisement spots; playing the sequence from the first server to a second server prior to a predetermined broadcast time; and storing at the second server at least a part of the sequence received from the first server. The method may further include the steps of skipping, at the second server, spots during the broadcast of a sequence of media events during a spot-free daypart, inserting preferred content media events in the broadcast sequence, and inserting markers indicating whether a media event has been played during a spot-free daypart are to be played in the sequence of media events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Clear Channel Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lee Littlejohn, David C. Jellison, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8515475
    Abstract: A mobile communications device with a wireless module and a controller module is provided. The wireless module receives a connection release message for leaving a connected mode from a wireless network. The controller module in response to the connection release message, keeps radio resources of a multimedia broadcast and multicast services (MBMS) service unreleased and releases all radio resources other than the MBMS service. Thereafter, the controller module enters an idle mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Te-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8510847
    Abstract: The invention enables digital music content to be downloaded to and used on a portable wireless computing device. An application running on the wireless device has been automatically adapted to parameters associated with the wireless device without end-user input (e.g. the application has been configured in dependence on the device OS and firmware, related bugs, screen size, pixel number, security models, connection handling, memory etc. This application enables an end-user to browse and search music content on a remote server using a wireless network; to download music content from that remote server using the wireless network and to playback and manage that downloaded music content. The application also includes a digital rights management system that enables unlimited legal downloads of different music tracks to the device and also enables any of those tracks stored on the device to be played so long as a subscription service has not terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Omnifone Limited
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Knight, Michael Ian Lamb, Robert John Lewis, Stephen William Pocock, Philip Anthony Sant, Mark Peter Sullivan, Christopher John Evans
  • Patent number: 8510781
    Abstract: The present invention provides a data processing method includes receiving a broadcasting signal where mobile service data are multiplexed with main service data, extracting transmission-parameter-channel signaling information and fast-information-channel signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data, parsing first program table information describing virtual channel information of an ensemble and a service provided by the ensemble using the fast-information-channel signaling information, the ensemble corresponding to a virtual channel group of the received mobile service data, obtaining permission information of broadcasting contents included in the mobile service data from the first program table information and controlling the contents included in the mobile service data in accordance with the permission information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jeong Woo Kim, In Hwan Choi, Chul Soo Lee, Jae Hyung Song, Young Hun Song
  • Patent number: 8489086
    Abstract: Communication is provided which includes receiving a transmitted radio signal at a powerline wherein the powerline functions as a receiving antenna for the wirelessly transmitted radio signal. The powerline is coupled to an input of a radio receiver using a coupler to communicate the radio signal to the radio receiver. For calibration purposes a second antenna not coupled to powerline may be used. A method for powerline communication across transformers, open circuit breakers, and other devices is also provided. In addition, a method of monitoring a device connected to a powerline is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Northern Microdesign, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Black
  • Patent number: 8489153
    Abstract: A two way communication system is adapted to reduce latency while the communications system is operating in a low power mode. The two way communication system includes a local host having a first primary communication channel and a secondary out of band transmitter; and customer premise equipment having a primary communication channel for communicating with the first primary communication channel of the local host and a secondary low power out of band receiver that receives out of band control signals from the out of band transmitter during low power operation of the customer premise equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Quigley, Ted Rabenko
  • Patent number: 8478331
    Abstract: A radio access system receives packets from a local source of streaming media content via a local connection and from remote packet sources via a remote network. The radio access system communicates with a subscriber station via an air interface that includes an uplink and a downlink. A packet classifier in the radio access system maps packets having the subscriber station's IP address as destination address to the subscriber station's downlink. The subscriber station communicates with a content controller via the remote network to request selected streaming media content. The content controller instructs the radio access system to convey the selected streaming media content from the local source to the subscriber station. In response, the packet classifier maps the packets containing the selected streaming media content to a downlink (either the original downlink or a new one) for transmission to the subscriber station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Clearwire IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Frederick C. Rogers, Lyle T. Bertz, Mark A. Lipford, Manish Mangal
  • Patent number: 8457575
    Abstract: A system and method for presenting content related to a radio broadcast are provided. The system may include a radio device having a receiver configured to receive a radio signal including an audio component and digitally encoded data associated with the audio component. The radio device may further include a decoder configured to decode the digitally encoded data from the radio signal. The radio device may further include a processor configured to receive the digitally encoded data from the decoder, extract a data parameter from the digitally encoded data, send a search query including the data parameter to a content service, and receive from the content service metadata associated with the data parameter. The system may further include a display configured to display the metadata received from the content service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua C. Harrison, Megan L. Tedesco, Bruno C. Silva
  • Patent number: 8457661
    Abstract: Methods and systems for managing messaging are described. An illustrative messaging system includes a processor and a content database storing video content and/or other content, and a user database that stores an identifier corresponding to a telecommunications carrier associated with a user mobile phone, and an indicator indicating the messaging capability of the mobile phone of the user. Code is stored in memory that is configured to provide for display on a terminal a form via which a user can view a plurality of videos from the content database, select a video to be sent as a message, and specify a recipient for the video message. The system is optionally configured to initiate the transmission of an approval request message to a terminal, such as a mobile phone associated with the user, wherein the user can approve the sending of the video message to the recipient by taking an action in response to the approval request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Mogreet, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Rossano, James Citron, Norman Schifman
  • Patent number: 8452228
    Abstract: A media device including includes a broadcast receiver that receives broadcast media from a plurality of broadcast sources where the broadcast receiver is tunable to a first broadcast source. The media device also includes a data store that stores a list of contact identifiers where each contact identifier is associated with a broadcast source. The media device includes a user interface that: i) provides a prompt to a user to enable the user to initiate contact with the first broadcast source, and ii) receives a user indication to initiate contact with the first broadcast source. The media device further includes a transceiver that initiates the contact with the first broadcast source by sending a communications session request via a communications network to the first broadcast source that includes a contact identifier associated with the first broadcast source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Allen P. Haughay, Jr., Ryan Perry
  • Patent number: 8452227
    Abstract: Methods and systems for selecting content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device location information. In one aspect, the methods and systems seamlessly select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device location information and program break markers. In another aspect, the methods and systems select content for outputting on a mobile device during a program break in an Internet radio stream using mobile device trajectory information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventors: David D. Minter, Albert S. Baldocchi
  • Patent number: 8447227
    Abstract: A jukebox is described where users having mobile telephones can access a server (2) located remote from the jukebox location and select tracks for playing on the jukebox at the user's location. The user's mobile telephone communicates on WAP or WEB on a mobile with the server (2) thereby allowing the user to view any information relating to the tracks selectable on the jukebox at the user's location. The user's selection is transmitted to the jukebox via a wireless communications network and the track played at the user's location. The communication between the remote server (2) and the jukebox allows information such as track lists selectable and information relating to the tracks to be remotely accessed by owners to allow suitable track lists to be provided for selection for different venues or different times of the day or of the year. For example, all rock songs could be removed from the selection list after 11 pm at night.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Simon Davis
  • Patent number: 8437800
    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 recorded 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 remote server via a communication device. The remote server searches the database for the title of the music corresponding to the received information and the singer's name, and returns the results to the terminal. Thus, the user can easily get information about the title of the music and the singer's name.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Mobilemedia Ideas LLC
    Inventor: Yoji Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 8422953
    Abstract: To provide a center device for accommodating a variety of situations which may occur when a home-use game machine, or the like, is used, in which a plurality of users use their own controller devices such as an input device. A center device communicates with a plurality of devices in either a wired or radio manner, receives an instruction operation from a user of each device, and carries out a process based on the instruction operation, the plurality of devices each having unique identifier, including: a unit that obtains an identifier of a device; a unit that provides information concerning the device, the identifier of the device is not associated with the identifier of the user; and a unit that associates the identifier of the device selected by the user, the identifier of the user is already associated with the identifier of another device, with the identifier of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
    Inventors: Mariko Hino, Satoshi Hashimoto, Ken Kutaragi
  • Patent number: 8417179
    Abstract: A radio broadcast receiver includes a broadcast reception and reproduction unit 1 for outputting a digital sound when being able to receive a digital signal included in a terrestrial digital radio broadcast, and for outputting an analog sound when being unable to receive the digital signal, and a control unit 3 for determining the broadcast type of the digital terrestrial broadcast received by the broadcast reception and reproduction unit 1 to carry out variable control of a transition time required to switch from an output of the analog sound to an output of the digital sound according to the determined broadcast type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kyota Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8406737
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a display, transmitter, memory, and a controller configured to recognize a first SIM card having a first SIM identification that identifies the first SIM card, and to receive access data having conditional broadcast access information via user input, the access data being associated with the first SIM identification. The controller is further configured to store the access data based upon the recognition of the first SIM card in the memory, cause the display to display received broadcast content in accordance with conditions specified by the access data, and delete the access data from the memory after the first SIM card is removed from the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gu Wan Jung, Jae Phil Ki
  • Patent number: RE44142
    Abstract: A scanning radio and method using a receiver, a channel memory and a display in conjunction with a frequency and linked descriptor database. The frequency and linked descriptor database is queried using a geographic reference to produce a list of local radio channels that includes a list of frequencies with linked descriptors. The list of radio channels is transferred into the channel memory of the scanner, and the receiver is sequentially tuned to the listed frequencies recalled from the list of radio channels while the corresponding linked descriptors are simultaneously displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: RadioShack Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne K. Wilson