Remote Control Of Distribution Patents (Class 455/3.03)
  • Patent number: 8041290
    Abstract: A method, system, and program for tracking locally broadcast electronic works are provided. According to one aspect of the invention, a sending player locally broadcasts an electronic work. In particular, the local broadcast may be a wireless broadcast creating an ad-hoc radio system. At least one recipient player receives the localized broadcast of the electronic work and accepts a distribution cookie for tracking distribution of the electronic work. The at least one recipient player updates the distribution cookie with tracking information about the broadcast of the electronic work, including ratings by users at the second player and purchase of the broadcast electronic work. Each of the at least one recipient players may in turn become a sending player that broadcasts the electronic work to other recipient players and requires the other recipient players to accept a copy of the distribution cookie updated by the second player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Brown, Michael A. Paolini, Newton James Smith, Jr., Cornell G. Wright, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8032904
    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: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Ramanathan Ramanathan
  • Patent number: 8027634
    Abstract: The RFID system of the present invention provides activation of a subscription based device wirelessly using a RFID system. The system for activating of a user for a subscription service comprises a first secure RFID sensor associated with a subscription-based device and a second secure RFID sensor associated with a user device. The first and second secure RFID sensors communicate with one another to establish activation of the user device. For example, the first sensor can receive an authentication value associated with the subscription service from the second RFID sensor. After activation, the subscription-based device can broadcast the subscription service to the user device. Alternatively, the user device can also have a capability to verify its separate or related subscription such as WiFi, WiMAX, GSM, CDMA or other wireless-based connectivity service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Eigent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Janice Warner, Robert Warner, Jack Winters
  • Patent number: 8027706
    Abstract: A method of acquiring a preferred ringtone for a telematics unit in a vehicle includes indicating, via a user interface panel in communication with the telematics unit, that an audio emission is related to the preferred ringtone. The audio emission emanates from a vehicle audio system operatively disposed in the vehicle. The method further includes transmitting the preferred ringtone to the vehicle via the telematics unit. The preferred ringtone notifies a user of an incoming communication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: General Motors LLC
    Inventors: Matthew R. Mannikka, Blain F. Levitt
  • Patent number: 8023798
    Abstract: A recording apparatus receives, with respect to an identical program, high image quality digital broadcasting data and low image quality digital broadcasting data, records the high image quality program data and the low image quality program data in a recording medium. When a cellular phone device is connected to the recording apparatus, the recording apparatus transfers the recorded low image quality program data to the cellular phone device via a communication interface. The recording apparatus transmits, to the portable cellular phone device, management information of the end of playback and deletion of the first program data whose program is identical to that of the transferred second program data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Hagiwara, Takashi Onoda
  • Patent number: 8023884
    Abstract: A user is provided with the ability to request the re-transmission of a content selection that is determined to not be locally stored, while the same content is currently being broadcasted. A system and method for replaying content is provided, where a receiver (e.g., car radio) initially receives a command from a user to replay a content selection. A determination may be made as to whether the content selection is locally stored. If it is determined that the content selection is not locally stored, a request is re-communicated for the content selection to be communicated from a service provider. The requested content selection may be received and/or played.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company, LLC
    Inventors: Jamie Christopher Howarter, Douglas Bruce Ceballos, Richard G. Bradford
  • Patent number: 8000647
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for connecting a set-top box (STB) to the Internet over existing and future wireless networks, combining television with wireless Internet access. A conventional television is used in combination with a STB that has a wireless or wired keyboard, a power supply, and audio/visual connections for connecting the STB to the television. In an embodiment, a wireless telephone is placed in a docking station on top of the STB, providing the user with both data (when docked) and voice capabilities (when being used simply for telephone calls). CDMA, CDPD, or other wireless technologies may used for connection to the Internet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: George E. Hill
  • Publication number: 20110189941
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward systems and methods for providing a remote monitoring system with radio dispatch. In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a central monitoring unit for receiving a first event signal from a first remote monitoring device, identifying the first remote monitoring device as the originator of the first event signal, accessing a first prerecorded dispatch message associated with the first event signal, and transmitting the first prerecorded dispatch message. The present invention may also include multiple remote monitoring units for detecting events at a plurality of remote monitoring locations. Upon detection, the remote monitoring units transmit an event signal to the central monitoring unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph Sutton MEHAFFEY
  • Patent number: 7991431
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: MobileMedia Ideas LLC
    Inventor: Yoji Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 7966111
    Abstract: In one example, a network device stores a mapping of application operation modes to vehicle conditions such as a first condition of the vehicle powered but not moving and a second condition of the vehicle moving. The network device receives a wirelessly transmitted request for a particular application to utilize an interface powered by the vehicle. The network device compares an application identifier specified by the received request to the mapping. The network device then identifies a portion of the vehicle interface according to the comparison and signals control software on the vehicle to grant the particular application access to only the identified portion of the vehicle interface itself. The application can reside on the mobile device and utilize the vehicle interface as an extended interface, or the application can reside on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Airbiquity, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamyar Moinzadeh, Leon L. Hong, Lee Zhao
  • Patent number: 7953426
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and method for sending and/or receiving contents, are provided. According to an embodiment, the mobile terminal for sending/receiving contents includes: a transceiver for sending/receiving one or more contents; a display unit for displaying the one or more received contents; and, a controller for controlling the transceiver and the display unit, so that the received contents are reproduced in an overlapping manner over a text message to be sent/received together with the contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dong-Wook Kim
  • Patent number: 7945205
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey Clinton Mikan, Justin McNamara, John Lewis, Fulvio Cenciarelli
  • Patent number: 7945249
    Abstract: A system and method are described herein that leverages an IP (and in particular IMS) mobile network and a fixed network to provide a next generation social networking experience to the users of mobile terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Bobby Fanelli, William Dyer, David Girard, Roberto Quintana
  • Patent number: 7945207
    Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating communications between a monitoring and monitored device using a mobile station are provided. The mobile station includes a wide area network interface for communicating with a monitoring device via a wide area network. The mobile station also includes a short-range wireless network interface for communicating over a short-range wireless communication link with the monitored device. Using these communication links the mobile station can forward data between the monitoring and monitored devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Nextel Communications Inc.
    Inventor: Jihad Hermes
  • Patent number: 7941503
    Abstract: A system and method of providing personalized broadcast transmissions Broadcasting-Party-Designated Recipients over a mobile telecommunications Radio Area Network is provided. The Broadcasting Party can send multimedia content for a personalized broadcast to an IMS Application Server in a SIP Message and broadcast the multimedia content to the mobile telecommunications terminals of the Broadcasting-Party-Designated Recipients. The personalized broadcast transmission can be generating using a plurality of unicast transmissions or a multicast transmission made to a multicast channel/address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Benco, Maria Rg Azada
  • Patent number: 7930000
    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: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Quigley, Ted Rabenko
  • Patent number: 7929903
    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: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Immersion Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: Tazwell L. Anderson, Jr., Geoffrey L. Anderson, Mark A. Wood, Robert J. Kniskern, Todd H. Steele
  • Patent number: 7927212
    Abstract: A disclosed player tracking unit provides a display, a wireless interface device designed or configured to communicate with a portable wireless headset, and a logic device designed or configured to communicate with the display, the wireless interface device, a master gaming controller that controls a game played on a gaming machine, and a player tracking server. The logic device can further communicate with the portable wireless headset using the wireless interface device. The portable wireless headset can include one or more earpieces configured to be worn by a player. Various messages, alerts, music, etc. can be sent from the player tracking unit to the portable wireless headset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: IGT
    Inventors: Joseph R. Hedrick, Binh T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7930387
    Abstract: A location information server system for acquiring the status of a user terminal in wireless communication network, comprising: a plurality of sensor means capable of communicating through a network; a priority database to location information from each sensor means; location information selecting means for selecting a location information having a high priority from overlapping location information with reference to the database; and a sensor information integration processing means which integrates acquisition information from at least two sensor means of the sensor means for acquiring the location information and the sensor means for acquiring identification information of a user terminal, and acquires the user terminal position wherein information from each means is accumulated in the location information server as terminal location information database and the location information server means includes a location information providing means capable of providing the sensor information to a predetermined n
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: National Institute of Information and Communications Technology
    Inventors: Mikio Hasegawa, Masugi Inoue
  • Patent number: 7916679
    Abstract: In a game system including a wireless LAN AP instrument and a portable game device, the AP instrument transmits a beacon signal including a MAC address of the AP instrument and a network ID obtained by encoding an instruction code so that the network ID can be decoded using the MAC address. The portable game device decodes the network ID included in the received beacon signal using the MAC address, and executes control based on control data when authenticity determination data included in the decoded instruction code coincides with specific data and the present date is within a valid period indicated by valid period data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Namco Bandai Games Inc.
    Inventors: Ryoichi Kaku, Yasushi Omori
  • Patent number: 7912006
    Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving system and a method for controlling the same are disclosed. The method a method for controlling a digital broadcast receiving system includes the steps of receiving a broadcast signal having mobile service data and main service data multiplexed therein, extracting transmission parameter channel (TPC) signaling information and fast information channel (FIC) signaling information from a data group within the received mobile service data, acquiring a program table, by using the IP signaling channel within an ensemble included in the received broadcast signal, and controlling the system to create a list of channels mapped with all ensembles transmitted through at least one physical frequency, by using the acquired program table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Hyup Lee, In Hwan Choi, Jeong Woo Kim, Chul Soo Lee, Jae Hyung Song
  • Patent number: 7904119
    Abstract: A method and device for detecting alert events and responsively playing out audio-clips. The audio-clips may comprise data representing a sound recording. Playing out the audio-clips occurs in an order defined by a sequence. The audio-clips and the sequence are maintained in data storage. A processor executes program logic to detect a first alert event and responsively play out at least a first audio-clip of the sequence, and to detect a next alert event and responsively play out at least a next alert event of the sequence. After playing out all audio-clips in the sequence, play out of the audio-clips may then continue with the first audio-clip of the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventors: Devon L. Biere, Michael A. Gailloux
  • Patent number: 7900230
    Abstract: An intelligent switching network for delivering satellite signals to a plurality of Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The network comprises a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least some of the inputs are coupled to the plurality of inputs and receive the satellite signals, and an interface, coupling the plurality of IRDs to the outputs of the multiswitch through the interface on a single cable, wherein the interface controls the flow of signals from the plurality of IRDs to the multiswitch and controls the flow of satellite signals to the plurality of IRDs based on commands from the IRDs to the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. James, Dipak M. Shah
  • Patent number: 7890126
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for provisioning network support to allow an authorized mobile subscriber to update message content of a remote signage system having variable content capabilities such as an electronic road sign or the like. The authorized subscriber does so by transmitting a text message, which is processed by the network and provided to the sign as content for display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Benco, Sanjeev Mahajan, Baoling S. Sheen, Sandra Lynn True
  • Patent number: 7890047
    Abstract: A communication system 100 includes a plurality of user devices 110 and a content delivery network 120 that is in communication with the plurality of user devices 110. The content delivery network 120 communicates a participation signal to each of the plurality of communication devices. The content delivery network 120 communicates a secure authorization message signal to each of the plurality of user devices. The content delivery network 120 authenticates the participation signal for each of the plurality of user devices and, after authentication, communicates the content to the plurality of users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Deanna R. Kidd, Raynold M. Kahn
  • Patent number: 7865924
    Abstract: Providing input and output for a mobile device may be provided. At a mobile device, input may be received from at least one of a plurality of remote input devices. The plurality of remote input devices may be remote from the mobile device. The mobile device may have at least one local input device. The at least one of the plurality of remote input devices may have a greater form factor than the local input device. Next, the received input may be processed. The mobile device may transmit the output to at least one of the plurality of remote output devices. The plurality of remote output devices may be remote from the mobile device. The mobile device may have at least one local output device. The at least one of the plurality of remote output devices may have a greater form factor than the local output device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh A. Teegan, Ishdeep S. Sawhney, Eric I. Chang
  • Patent number: 7865447
    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 conventional land-line or 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Starpound Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Rosenhaft, Barry Brager
  • Patent number: 7860448
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method 1) prompts a user for a description of localized broadcast content that is to be broadcast by a particular broadcast affiliate, and 2) transmits the description of the localized broadcast content to a broadcast content provider. In another embodiment, a computer-implemented method 1) receives a request for localized broadcast content specifying a particular broadcast affiliate; 2) retrieves a description of the localized broadcast content associated with the particular broadcast affiliate; and 3) displays the description of the localized broadcast content to a recording artist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Excelsior Radio Networks, LLC
    Inventor: Skeet Skaalen
  • Patent number: 7843865
    Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for controlling home network devices using a multicast enabled remote control. The system includes a plurality of home network devices capable of receiving and/or transmitting multicast input and/or output signals and a home gateway to receive audio/video signals generated outside of the home and to transform the audio/video signals into multicast output signals. The system also includes a multicast enabled remote control to detect, aggregate, store and display all audio/video multicast output signals on the multicast enabled remote control, to enable a user to redirect an audio/video multicast output signal to one or more of the plurality of home network devices capable of receiving multicast input signals, and to control the plurality of home network devices capable of receiving and/or transmitting multicast input and/or output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Murari Kumar
  • Patent number: 7835688
    Abstract: In a communication of audio signals between first and second portable-telephone devices through a first portable-telephone base station, a second portable-telephone base station and a portable-telephone line network has been connected, IP addresses are exchanged. The IP addresses are required for communicating image data by first and second terminal adapters associated with the first and second portable-telephone devices respectively through an OCN. Image data is then transmitted to the IP addresses received in the communication through the OCN.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Mario Tokoro
  • Patent number: 7822381
    Abstract: A system is provided for generating a remapped audio stream at digital audio broadcast radios from a first audio stream using content insertion to allow tiered subscription services. A remapped audio stream is rebranded by extracting segments from the first audio stream relating to channel identification segments and disk jockey talking segments and replacing them with stored audio items (e.g., commercials, different channel identification segments and different disk jockey talking segments). Stored audio items for insertion are broadcast to the radios with messages for controlling the scheduling of insertion at the radios, and the storage and deletion of these audio segments at the radios. Stored audio items and messages can be sent using a different, localized broadcast system from that used to transmit the source audio stream to permit market-specific commercial insertion. Group file format for delivery permits intermittently used radios to receive the stored audio items and messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: XM Satellite Radio Inc.
    Inventors: G. David Mantel, Paul D. Marko
  • Patent number: 7822686
    Abstract: A method and system are provided in which a user is enabled to record, for example, a song or other radio and/or video content, on demand, and to account for and process appropriate payment for the use of the recorded content. The recorded material is saved and indexed by title and is retrievable for subsequent review, tabulation and/or playing at the user's convenience. In one example, a user is enabled to record received media content by pressing a single “ADD” button at any time while a favorite song is being received and played. The song then being played together with the title of the song or video presentation are then saved to memory for subsequent retrieval and playing. The received content is accounted for and tabulated and a payment for the use of the recorded song is processed by the user in accordance with a predetermined payment schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Viktors Berstis, Fabian F. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7817961
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for broadcasting beacon frames in a short-range wireless ad-hoc network including a plurality of wireless terminals. In order to improve the efficiency of the ad-hoc network in terms of power consumption, the terminal that defines the beacon interval for the network starts as a beacon broadcaster and introduces an identifier list in at least some of the beacon frames broadcast in the network. The identifier list, which includes identifiers of the wireless terminals belonging to the network, is utilized if another wireless terminal is to be selected as the beacon broadcaster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Hasse Sinivaara, Mika Kasslin, Jari Jokela
  • Patent number: 7809647
    Abstract: A method and system are provided in which a user is enabled to record, for example, a song or other radio and/or video content, on demand, and to account for and process appropriate payment for the use of the recorded content. The recorded material is saved and indexed by title and is retrievable for subsequent review, tabulation and/or playing at the user's convenience. In one example, a user is enabled to record received media content by pressing a single “ADD” button at any time while a favorite song is being received and played. The song then being played together with the title of the song or video presentation are then saved to memory for subsequent retrieval and playing. The received content is accounted for and tabulated and a payment for the use of the recorded song is processed by the user in accordance with a predetermined payment schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Viktors Berstis, Fabian F. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7805315
    Abstract: A process, method, and system includes determining if a user has access to a data source. In response to the user being denied access to the data source, a determination is made concerning which upgrade packages would allow the user to access the particular data source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: RealNetworks, Inc.
    Inventor: Anil Kumar Goel
  • Patent number: 7805150
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a mobile device detects proximity to a point on a route and determines whether an audio track is associated with the point. In response to detecting that the mobile device is proximate to the point and a determination that an audio track is associated with the point, the mobile device presents the audio track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: adidas AG
    Inventors: Andrew J. Graham, Alan R. Lee, Jon H. Werner
  • Patent number: 7801941
    Abstract: A handheld computer is provided that includes a transport component that receives a request to perform an action from a handheld computer. A router is coupled to the transport component and identifies an action contained in the received request. An executor is coupled to the router and executes the identified action. Additionally, the executor generates a response based on execution of the identified action. The transport component also communicates the response to the handheld computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Palm, Inc.
    Inventors: Shane Conneely, Nathanial Freitas, Will Meyer, Jonathan Oakes, Evan Simeone
  • Patent number: 7792483
    Abstract: A data transmitting apparatus for transmitting data to a communication recipient by one-way communication includes a data transmitting unit transmitting data to the communication recipient by the one-way communication of a predetermined communication format; a data selecting unit allowing a user to select the data to be transmitted by the one-way communication; an instruction inputting unit allowing the user to input an instruction to transmit the data selected by the data selecting unit to the communication recipient by the one-way communication; a control unit controlling the data transmitting unit to transmit the data selected by the data selecting unit to the communication recipient by the one-way communication on the basis of the instruction input through the instruction inputting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Hashimoto
  • Publication number: 20100216392
    Abstract: A configurable module adapted for coupling to a host device comprises a stored user interface which is uploadable to the host device when it is coupled to the module. The user interface allows the module to be configured via the host device. The module may be coupled to a plurality of different host devices, including devices having a Graphical User Interface, such as a mobile phone, PDA, and laptop or personal computer. The module may be a digital audio broadcast (DAB) module including a DAB receiver. Alternatively, the module may include a wireless transceiver, such as a short range point to point, point to multi-point, or mesh wireless transceiver, for coupling the module to a network of wireless nodes, which may be the same or different. This module can also function when not coupled to a node, if configured by the host device or from prior connection with a node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: THE TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP PLC
    Inventors: Tristan James Barkley, Martin Orrell, Ibrahim Al Rashdan
  • Patent number: 7783248
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting a primary uplink site and a diverse uplink site includes a satellite and a communication line that couples the primary uplink site and the diverse uplink site. The primary uplink site receives television signals and communicates the signals over the communication line using a video-over-internet protocol. The primary site forms primary uplink signals and selectively communicates the primary uplink signals to the satellite. The diverse uplink site receives the television signals from the primary uplink site through the communication line and forms the diverse uplink signals and selectively communicates the diverse uplink signals to the satellite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Cecilia C. Comeaux, Wayne Ladrach, Benjamin Mui, Hanno Basse
  • Patent number: 7774022
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: MobileMedia Ideas LLC
    Inventor: Yoji Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 7756497
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes station preset buttons on a radio frequency receiver to allow the user to browse through the various subchannels included in a single station or channel. The preset buttons still have the standard function of having a frequency and subchannel selection parameter associated with the button that can be used to directly select that subchannel. But subsequent presses of the button may change the currently playing program to a different program contained in the same station or channel using a circular queue ordering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Radiosophy, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A Skeie, Bruce A Young
  • Patent number: 7756467
    Abstract: A wireless communication device includes a Near Field Communication (NFC) interface, a transceiver, and a controller. The NFC interface receives data related to multimedia content from an external NFC tag responsive to establishing an NFC link with the NFC tag. Based on the received data, the controller establishes a communication link with a multimedia server via a wireless communication network, and controls the multimedia server to download information associated with the multimedia content to a user-specified destination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventors: David Bent, Leland Scott Bloebaum, William O. Camp, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7751773
    Abstract: A portable communication device includes a media time controller that facilitates searching for and viewing media content based on user-selected time constraints. The media time controller causes the portable communication device to prompt a user for a time constraint value and to receive user input indicative of the time constraint value. The portable communication device queries a media content database for media content files with durations that are consistent with the time constraint value. The portable communication device with a media time controller allows the user to quickly find suitable media for the time available at the moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB
    Inventor: Thomas S. Linden
  • Patent number: 7725073
    Abstract: A system and method providing content for access by a portable device at an event is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals from a plurality of sources and combining at least some of the plurality of signals for transmission to a plurality of broadcast systems, with the plurality of broadcast systems corresponding to a plurality of events. The method further includes determining the broadcast systems to which each of the combined signals is to be transmitted, transmitting the combined signals to at least one of the determined broadcast systems, and broadcasting the combined signals received by at least one of the broadcast systems corresponding to at least one event. The combined signals are configured to allow selection of content with a portable device, with the content defined by at least one of audio and video signals of the combined signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: Tazwell L. Anderson, Jr., Robert J. Kniskern, Todd H. Steele
  • Patent number: 7720435
    Abstract: A business model of satellite digital audio broadcasting, also referred to as multicasting, teaches computer improvements in business operations for the determination of the number of listeners and listeners' preferences of multicast satellite transmissions and more particularly to the detection of signals from a multitude of individual client radios that simultaneously respond to a polling signal with a radio frequency chirp. A response to a polling signal instruction is synchronized utilizing an instruction embedded within a digital audio broadcast. Further embodiments teach a determination of listener count derived from signal strength, single chirp signal strength contribution derived from reception delay, and media prioritization derived from changes in user preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: David S. Bettinger
  • Patent number: 7720433
    Abstract: An antenna hub having an antenna includes a housing. Uplink circuitry is disposed within the housing. The uplink circuitry includes block upconverters, high-power amplifiers and variable phase combined amplifiers. A diplexer is also disposed within the housing at the antenna hub. A configuration is set-up for redundancy so that uplink signals are not lost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Salvador A. Lozano
  • Patent number: 7715784
    Abstract: In a radio system for transmitting information channels A1, A2, A3 to radio receivers, the information channels A1, A2, A3 are transmitted in parallel over a number of data channels, each using different transmission standards. A radio receiver selects a transmission standard based on the type of its energy supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Reinhard Rueckriem
  • Patent number: 7715780
    Abstract: A wireless audience response system can have a host unit, presenter device, and a plurality of audience response units with keypads, with the host unit being communicatively coupled to a computer. In some embodiments, the audience response units can be used to execute functions using application programs within the computer remotely. Also, in other embodiments, the audience response units track delay times required for transmitting input data, with the delay times being usable in comparing response times at the host unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Qwizdom, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin Beamish, Scott Thielman, George Niederauer
  • Patent number: 7715832
    Abstract: A mobile terminal with a guardianship function, includes: a first module, configured for collecting data related to use of the mobile terminal; a second module, configured for determining the use of the mobile terminal by analyzing the data collected by the first module; and a third module, configured for sending a short message informing the use of the mobile terminal determined by the second module. A method for performing the guardianship function at a mobile terminal is also provided. By using the mobile terminal and the method, a guardian is able to timely learn a ward's use of the mobile terminal, thus effectively monitoring the ward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ping Zhou