Abstract: An apparatus includes a plurality of software-controlled broadcast stations, each station capable of operating in a leader mode or a follower mode during a simulcast. Each station in the follower mode is configured to broadcast the same programs as a station in the leader mode during common program periods, and to selectively broadcast programs that are different from those broadcast by the station in the leader mode during independent program periods.

Abstract: An approach is providing for supporting broadcast transmission of low density parity check (LDPC) coded signals. A receiver includes a decoder configured to decode an LDPC signal to output a decoded signal. The decoder is further configured to operate as an encoder; as such, interference cancellation can be implemented by the encoder re-encoded the received decoded signal. The above approach has particular applicability to satellite broadcast systems.

Abstract: Multiple receivers may be enabled to receive satellite-based digital audio radio (SDAR) services under a single subscription. For example, an SDAR service provider can enable multiple vehicles, a home-based digital radio, or a portable digital radio, singly or in any combination. Multiple receivers transmit information to each other. One receiver is designated as a primary receiver, and the other receivers are designated as secondary receivers. The SDAR service provider transmits a list of associated secondary receivers to the primary receiver. The primary receiver enables the associated secondary receivers to receive SDAR services by placing them in an authorized state. The secondary receivers must periodically communicate with the primary receiver to remain authorized. A secondary receiver that fails to communicate with the primary receiver within a prescribed time period is switched to an unauthorized state. In this unauthorized state, the secondary receiver no longer performs as an authorized receiver.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to defining hierarchical digital broadcast transport streams as separate cells, which reduces the signaling in OSI layer 1, and removing use of sub-cells so that the coverage area of a transposer may be treated as a cell. In accordance with at least one embodiment, each hierarchical DVB-H stream (i.e., the HP stream and the LP stream) has its own separate dedicated “current signal” frame. This allows the streams to be independent of each other (even to belong to different networks). Furthermore, in accordance with the hierarchical signal arrangement, a cell can be uniquely identified by its network_id and cell_id. In accordance with at least one embodiment, frequency may be used as an additional identifier thereby allowing a first cell to be transposed to a sub-cell.

Abstract: A method for allocating a shared wireless bandwidth in a packet-centric wireless point to multi-point telecommunications system. The method includes allocating the shared bandwidth between a wireless base station and one or more subscriber customer premises equipment (CPE) stations. The method can include dynamically allocating the shared bandwidth. The method can include allocating the shared bandwidth on a frame basis, such as (1) allocating the frame of the shared bandwidth in an uplink direction from a subscriber CPE station to the wireless base station; or (2) allocating the frame of the shared bandwidth in a downlink direction from the wireless base station to a subscriber CPE station.

Abstract: Systems and techniques to wirelessly provide audio in a spa. A system includes an audio system coupled with a spa, and a wireless communication system communicably coupled with the audio system and with a remote audio source, wherein the wireless communication system provides audio signals from the remote audio source to the audio system, and a volume of the audio system is controlled locally at the spa without affecting a volume indication at the remote audio source.

Abstract: In a method for operating a radio station, the radio station periodically receives content files via a satellite data channel. The received content files are stored. At least some of the stored files are then retrieved, played and broadcast in accordance with an electronic schedule. In accordance with another method, a plurality of affiliate radio stations are provided with content files via a satellite-based content delivery system. Each of the affiliate radio stations is also provided with an electronic schedule that instructs an automation system of the affiliate radio station to retrieve, play and broadcast ones of the content files, thereby generating a near real-time radio broadcast. Methods and apparatus for recording said content files for tiers of affiliates, and for recording said content for multiple or singular affiliates, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile communication apparatus is provided, which permits highly efficient communication even between mobile units that cannot communicate directly because of signal-shielding communication obstacles. The mobile communication apparatus 10 includes transmission means 11, reception means 11, surrounding environment detection means 13, 14 for detecting whether or not there are communication obstacles in the surroundings of a mobile unit, communication state decision means 15 for making decisions as to the quality of the communication state of the mobile unit based on detection results of the surrounding environment detection means 13, 14, and control means 16 for controlling transmission, via the transmission means 11, of information received by the reception means 11 based on decision results of the communication state decision means 15.

Abstract: A method of communicating data in a satellite digital audio radio (SDAR) system includes transmitting two radio frequency digital signals to a SDAR receiver within a motor vehicle. The two signals include substantially identical information. Each signal includes universal data, and also group-specific data that may or may not be relevant to the particular receiver. The group-specific data is located in a predetermined time location within the signals. This method includes combining the group-specific data from one of the two signals with group-specific data from the other signal to create a group-specific output signal. Similarly, the universal data from one of the two signals is combined with universal data from the other signal to create a universal output signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method where sleep sensor signals are obtained to a mobile communication device from sensor devices. The mobile communication device checks the sleep sensor signals for a sleep state transition, determines the type of the sleep state transition, forms control signals based on the type of the sleep state transition and sends the control signals to at least one electronic device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for distributing urgent public information. For example, one exemplary of the invention provides a method for providing an alert to a subscriber. The exemplary method comprises receiving an alert message from at least one alert source. The alert message often will be pertinent to at least one of the subscribers. The alert message can comprise an alert and associated alert information. The alert information can provide information about the alert such that the information can be analyzed determine whether a particular subscriber likely should receive the alert. Other embodiments provide systems, which can be used to perform the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method and system for conveying contextually relevant information to a wireless client are disclosed. More particularly, a transmitter transmits a diffuse infrared signal to a client having an IrDA compliant communication interface. The transmitter communicates with the client by making a link layer in the transmitter compliant with an IrDA link layer running on the client. To perform communication, data is received at the transmitter from a service provider. The data is formatted into an IrDA compliant diffuse infrared signal and transmitted to the client. The client receives the data and parses it to extract contextually relevant information contained therein. The client may reply to the transmitter if a user of the client is interested in a service offered by the service provider. If the service provider receives a reply from the client, the service is made available to client.

Abstract: A broadcasting system which can monitor all input devices for their operating conditions, the broadcasting system includes input devices 11-1M for receiving sound, output devices 31-3N for broadcasting sound, and a controller 4. These features are interconnected through a network 2. In response to a broadcasting request from an arbitrary input device, the controller 4 delivers routing data indicative of a combination of the input device, which has made the broadcasting request, with an output device which should broadcast the sound from the input device to all the input devices 11-1M. The routing data includes priority data indicative of a priority thereof, so that a display unit of each input device makes a display based on the priority data included in the routing data when it receives the routing data from the controller 4.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for sharing content between a content source device and a remote device. The content source device is connected to a mobile device that communicates with the remote device using a wireless network. The mobile device is used to facilitate the sharing of content with the remote device. The content shared with the remote device is formatted for its use by either the content source device or the mobile device. The present invention is directed to a wireless content sharing system that may include a content source device that supplies the content, a mobile device to facilitate the sharing of content, and a remote device to receive the content.

Abstract: A wireless audio distribution system may have a wireless transmitter, responsive to a plurality of audio input channels, for transmitting signals carrying the audio, a receiver, responsive to the transmitted signals for selecting one or more of the audio input channels to be reproduced in accordance with local setting selectors at the receiver. An additional audio source, such as a microphone, can be selectively used by for example the driver to talk on the cell phone or to make announcements to passengers via the wireless audio distribution system in accordance with a master settings selector which may be used to override local settings such as audio channel or volume selection.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention supplement the termination process having the mobile subscriber unit to terminate the call upon completion of an OTA programming session. In one embodiment, the termination is initiated by the mobile subscriber unit after every session. In another embodiment, the termination is initiated after the network fails to terminate the call. In another embodiment, the termination is only initiated in circumstances where it is known that the service provider has failed to terminate the call.

Abstract: Various configurations and equipment are described for providing satellite television programming from multiple satellite antennas to receivers, particularly to receivers located in apartments within a multiple-dwelling unit and having one or more satellite television receivers. In some arrangements a multitude of signals are provided to the users independent of what programming is actually being used. In an alternate configuration the system provides the user with signals that are selected from the available signals according to the programming selected by the user.

Abstract: A remote cell phone back-up system which provides constant real-time redundant automatic back-up storage of all information contained in the cell phone at the wireless service provider and/or at a modular unit in a user's home or office. The remote cell phone back-up system automatically stores voice messages, missed calls, text messages, ring tones, phone numbers, email addresses, photographs, music and all data normally stored within the cell phone. The data may be accessed by phone or Internet connection.

Abstract: A method and system for location-specific delivery of digital satellite broadcast data comprising determining a current service location, selecting a satellite radio band based on the determination, monitoring the selected satellite radio band for a data package, and initiating reception of the data package at the mobile device using the determined satellite radio band. A computer usable medium with suitable computer program code is employed for location-specific delivery of digital satellite broadcast data.

Abstract: When a line for 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. To put it concretely, an image of the user of the first portable-telephone device is transmitted by the first terminal adapter through the OCN to the IP address of the second terminal adapter to be displayed by a second television receiver associated with the second terminal adapter.

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.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system of receiving signals comprising a retransmission base to amplify signals captured at a point in a domestic environment and retransmit them at the same frequency to digital receivers of the said domestic environment. According to the invention, the retransmission base amplifies and retransmits up to N DVB-T channels the positions of which can be anywhere in the receive band and are chosen dynamically by the system users. Means are provided in the system to share the system's amplification resources between the system's various digital receivers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for recording digital broadcasts on an exchangeable storage medium are provided for automatically recording broadcast contents desired by a user on the exchangeable storage medium. When recording the digital broadcast contents on exchangeable storage media MS1 to MS3, a recording condition of the broadcast contents is written in the exchangeable storage medium, and then the digital broadcast with n channels data multiplexed therein is received. At this time, it is checked whether or not the recording condition in the exchangeable storage medium is satisfied, with reference to information included in each channel data. If predetermined channel data satisfies the recording condition, the broadcast contents included in the predetermined channel data are recorded on the exchangeable storage medium.

Abstract: The present invention enables efficient communication of location identification of remote movable objects or vehicles over capacity-constrained wireless communications systems by transmitting only the truncated latitude and longitude coordinate data relative to a dynamically alterable and previously unknown coordinate reference anchor.

Abstract: In an information distribution system for outputting information using an information output unit that is distributed from an information distribution unit, it is an object of the present invention to obtain an information distribution system capable of readily changing information in a short time to be outputted from the information output unit. In order to achieve this object, an information distribution system includes an output unit (10) for outputting information to be provided to a user, a distribution unit (11) for distributing a piece of information to the output unit (10) as the information to be provided, the piece of information being selected from several pieces of information prepared in advance, and an input unit (12) connected to the distribution unit (11) through a communication line and inputting a control signal to the distribution unit (11) through the communication line, the control signal selecting the information to be provided from the several pieces of information.

Abstract: In a content distribution system, when distributing content to a plurality of user equipment, a multicasting channel is assigned between the user equipment and the distribution system, content being multicasted using this multicasting channel. If a user equipment fails to receive distributed content, the radio network controller allocates an individual channel between the user equipment and the distribution system to perform re-distribution of the content in response to the user's request.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved security in handset reprogramming are provided that prevent a handset from being reprogrammed in the field without authorization from carrier. When a handset receives a reprogramming request, or detects a reprogramming attempt, the handset contacts the carrier for authorization to be reprogrammed. The network can provide the authorization, deny the authorization, require additional information from the reprogramming device, or contact the reprogramming device directly to authorize the reprogramming. Additionally, the carrier may provide the handset and the reprogramming device each with a private key that can be converted by each device and then compared by the handset to determine if the reprogramming device is authorized.

Abstract: A broadcast data receiver (BDR) is provided with a web browser system. A service provided by the web browser system si selectable by a user of the BDR and, when selected, is controllable by the user via a remote control handset, thereby allowing an Internet web site page for display on a display screen connected to or forming part of the BDR to be determined and one or more user options can be selected if required. One or more icons are generated on at least a portion of the display screen and each of the icons represents a button on the remote control handset. Each icon is mapped to a specific control function or option of the web browser, thereby allowing user selection of a web browser control function or option by selection of the appropriate button on the remote control handset.

Abstract: A signal-repeating device control arrangement facilitates user control of various types of media equipment in a facility. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, the different types of user-controllable media equipment are located with respective user-interface units in various zones of the facility to provide user-selectable interaction for the user. The signal-repeating device control arrangement includes a transceiver for wirelessly communicating with a user's remote control, a data-routing circuit for communication with packet-communicating devices such as over an Ethernet, and an emulation circuit for providing an interface to manufacturer-specific equipment for control of other devices types and/or user input devices.

Abstract: A program video and program-related information are input, and program-related contents are generated based on a tree structure defined in advance. Based on a preset viewing data quantity as a viewing request from each user who has a portable terminal, leaf nodes in the tree structure of the program-related contents are selected as presentation candidates for each user. A presentation route that follows the leaf nodes of the presentation candidates starting from the root of the tree structure is generated as a presentation scenario for each user. The generated presentation scenario is transmitted to the portable terminal of the corresponding user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide interactive audience participation at live entertainment events. Enjoyment for a plurality of participants is enhanced. Participants employ wireless interactive devices that present a promotional message and include user input and output interfaces. Participants are queried, and enter answers via the user input interface. The answers are transmitted to a central processor, stored as participant data, and processed into results. A visual display or the user output interface announces the results to the participants.

Abstract: A wireless audio distribution system may include a wireless transmitter transmititing an encoded digital bitstream serially combining each of a plurality of audio input channels and control data, a wireless receiver receiving the transmitted bitstream, a manual selector switch to for selecting one or more of the audio input channels and a sound producing device reproducing the selected audio channels in accordance with the control data. A system may include a wireless receiver receiving an encoded digital bitstream combining each of a plurality of audio input channels with control data disbursed therein, a manual selector switch for selecting audio input channels and a sound producing device for selectively decoding and demultiplexing the selected audio channels to be reproduced in accordance with the control data.

Abstract: A cable has miniaturized, low-cost, highly-integrated wireless network access points embedded in the cable at periodic intervals along the length of the cable. Power conductors that run the length of the cable supply each of the access points with electrical power. Each access point has an antenna for receiving and transmitting radio signals. The antenna of an access point is encapsulated, along with the rest of the access point circuitry, underneath an insulating protective outer sheath of the cable. The cable includes conductors that are usable for a purpose other than deploying a wireless network. When the cable is physically installed (for example, in the wall or ceiling of a building) for the other purpose, the access points are simultaneously physically installed. The access points so installed can then be activated and used as part of a wireless network.

Abstract: A system and method for managing content between different client devices in various domains (such as vehicle, home, and person). The system and method include receiving an input from a user on the first client device to delay the content. After receiving the input, the first client device determines whether the first client device is connected to a wireless communication system. If the first client device is connected to the wireless communication system, the first client device sends a data message to a host system. In one embodiment, the host system will then obtain the content (in whole or in part) after receiving the data message to permit the user to resume playback of the content on the first client device or another client device.

Abstract: An appliance control system of the present invention comprises an appliance and a mobile computing device configured for controlling the appliance by at least one of determining an available content for the appliance, selecting the content used by the appliance, and applying user preferences to the appliance. A method of controlling an appliance of the present invention comprises establishing a wireless communication link between an appliance and a mobile computing device, and controlling the appliance with the mobile computing device includes at least one of determining an available content for the appliance, selecting the content used by the appliance, and applying user preferences to the appliance.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product including providing a main server including software for managing network resources from a single point of administration, wirelessly connecting a plurality of electronic devices to the main server to create a wireless local area network (LAN), and managing the electronic devices using the software. The electronic devices include at least one of an appliance, an environmental control device, and an entertainment device and may be monitored by monitoring management initiating parameters for the electronic devices, determining a management action to be performed on an electronic device to be managed based on the management initiating parameters, and transmitting a management action data packet to the electronic device to be managed. The monitoring management initiating parameters monitored may include monitoring at least one of a system clock and sensed parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for distributing urgent public information. For example, one exemplary of the invention provides a method for providing an alert to a subscriber. The exemplary method comprises receiving an alert message from at least one alert source. The alert message often will be pertinent to at least one of the subscribers. The alert message can comprise an alert and associated alert information. The alert information can provide information about the alert such that the information can be analyzed determine whether a particular subscriber likely should receive the alert. Other embodiments provide systems, which can be used to perform the methods of the invention.

Abstract: This application concerns a process for controlling access by a user (7) to a value added service (VAS) (5) received via receiver device (2), designed for connection to a device (3) for transmission of said VAS via network (4). Receiver device (2) receives said VAS (5) from transmitter device (3) in partially enciphered form. Said VAS is transmitted by said transmitter device without any request from user (7). Receiver device (2) receives said VAS (5) from transmitter device (3) in partially enciphered form. This application also applies to the system for implementation of said process.

Abstract: An aircraft in-flight entertainment (IFE) system includes a headend unit, and a plurality of seat electronic boxes (SEBs) spaced throughout the aircraft. The headend unit includes a digital satellite radio receiver. A local area network (LAN) connects the digital satellite radio receiver for providing digital satellite radio signals to the SEBs. The IFE system further includes a plurality of passenger control units (PCUs) connected to the plurality of SEBs, with each PCU permitting passenger selection of the digital satellite radio signals.

Abstract: A method for setting up signaling connection between an RNC and an SGSN in a mobile communication system is provided. Upon receiving a service request for a particular MBMS service from a particular UE, an RNC determines whether it is necessary to set up new signaling connection for the particular MBMS service, and sets up signaling connection with an SGSN according to the determination result. The SGSN, if it desires to stop the particular MBMS service, sends a service stop request to the RNC over the signaling connection set for the particular MBMS service. The RNC then instructs at least one UE providing the particular MBMS service to stop the particular MBMS service in response to the service stop request.

Abstract: Connected to a satellite earth station for transmitting a broadcast signal to a communication satellite, a data (distribution) center publishes contents of stored information on a home page (HP) of the Internet to submit retrieval of users. When each user determines date to be gotten by retrieving on HP, the user transmits a request signal to the date center via a ground Internet or the communication satellite. Responsive to the request signal, the date center returns a reservation signal including a group address and a distribution scheduled time instant to a request source via the communication satellite. A user's terminal receives date with the group address at a reserved time instant, deciphers the date using a key given from the date center separately, and stores deciphered date in a memory thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems for receiving and displaying venue-based data at hand held devices are disclosed herein. Data transmitted from one or more venue-based data sources may be received by at least one hand held device present within a venue, such as a sports stadium or concert arena. Such data can be processed for display on a display screen associated with the hand held device. The processed data may be then displayed on the display screen, thereby enabling a user of the hand held device to view venue-based data through the hand held device. Such venue-based data viewable through the hand held device within the venue may include real-time and instant replay video images and clips, advertising and promotional information, scheduling, statistical, historical and other informational data, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A direct broadcast system receiving a plurality of broadcast signals within a direct broadcast receiver having an outdoor unit (ODU) is provided. The ODU includes a first low noise block (LNB) and a second LNB. The first LNB has a housing and amplifies a first broadcast signal. The second LNB amplifies a second broadcast signal. The ODU is electrically coupled to an integrated receiver and decoder (IRD). The IRD transmits a selection signal to the ODU. The first LNB and the second LNB are electrically coupled to a plurality of selection switches within the housing. The plurality of selection switches switch between the first LNB and the second LNB in response to the selection signal. A method of receiving a plurality of broadcast signals within a direct broadcast receiver is also provided.

Abstract: A remote control device is located in an environment proximate to conditions to be monitored and actions to be implemented. The remote control device is able to receive and transmit wireless text based communications. A user employing a wireless communication device that supports text based messaging can transmit a control message containing a predetermined command to the remote control device. After preferably authenticating the user, the remote control device initiates a predetermined action based on receipt of a corresponding command.

Abstract: A method and system for booking and scheduling requests for broadcast of programs by a station in which a request has at least a program time duration and required minimum broadcast bandwidth and the station has a fixed bandwidth broadcast capability. A schedule is maintained of programs that have been booked for broadcast, each booked program having a date of broadcast, time for broadcast, time duration and broadcast bandwidth and the request is checked against the schedule of the booked programs for availability of the requested minimum bandwidth for the time duration of the request. The request also can contain a specified time and date for the broadcast. If the request can be satisfied a notice of acceptance is sent and if it cannot, advice is given of this and a listing of alternate times is provided at which the request can be satisfied.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of providing a mobile phone broadcasting service using a cell broadcasting system (CBS) including (1) processing information in forms of voice, multimedia, text and image by an information providing system and transmitting the processed information to a mobile phone broadcasting system through an Internet network, (2) simultaneously transmitting the text and image information out of the information received from the mobile phone broadcasting system, a linked phone number connectable to an automatic response system (ARS) or a linked URI, connectable to a wireless Internet broadcasting server to a plurality of mobile phone terminals through a wireless network, and (3) when the linked phone number is selected in order to receive voice information out of the information individually received from the mobile phone terminals, the ARS providing the voice information to a mobile phone terminal for the selected phone number, or when the linked URI, is selected in order to receive multimedia infor

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for controlling a plurality of devices in a building. The technique includes detecting a first network event at a first device, updating a network state on the first device based on the first network event, determining at the first device an action based on the network state, and transmitting a second network event to a second device.

Abstract: Program guide information of the program to be broadcast by the broadcast station 1 is reserved in the EPG server 15 of the center station 11. The EPG server 15 retrieves for each user, the program satisfying the conditions such as the category of the program registered in the personal information database 16, and then transmits the guide information of the retrieved programs to the portable telephone 14 of a user who has set the conditions, via the communication network 10. Thereby, even if the user is outside the home, if there is a program satisfying the conditions specified by the user, the user can obtain the information concerning the program by utilizing the portable telephone 14. Then, the user can instruct, with reference to the obtained program information, a recording operation from the portable telephone 14 to the VTR 6 in the home 12.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling integrated receiver operation in a communications terminal includes using an electronic device having a broadcast receiving module and a two-way communications module. The device may use the configuration of the receiving module to form a message to be sent to a peer device. The electronic device can use an incoming message to change a configuration of the receiving module. The incoming message may be sent from a notification node that is remotely configurable by a user. The receiving module can be controlled from an application program on the electronic device. In one aspect, the receiving module can be controlled from a Java™2 Micro Edition MIDlet.

Abstract: A wireless transmission device for communicating a plurality of audio streams to remote devices may include a plurality of inputs for receiving a plurality of digital audio streams, a combiner connected to the inputs for combining control codes and the received audio streams in a predetermined format to form a signal wherein the control codes for controlling the operation of a remote device equipped for processing the signal to extract the audio streams therefrom in accordance with the predetermined format, and a transmitter connected to the combiner to transmit the signal for reception by the remote device. The transmitter may include an infra-red light emitter for transmitting the signal as an infra-red light signal.