Abstract: This invention relates to a method and device for improving the reliability and performance of cellular telephones. In particular, this invention provides a method of transmitting two signals which are substantially identical over two different cellular networks. The transmitted signals are received by a receiving device and synchronized and combined into one combined signal. The invention also discloses a cellular telephone system that is able to transmit two substantially identical signals over two different cellular networks which are received by a telephone device capable of synchronizing and combining the signals into one combined signal.

Abstract: A wireless remote control system is provided for use with an extendable mast arrangement. The wireless remote control system includes a wireless remote control and a base. The wireless remote control has an operator interface for the input of mast control commands and/or devices on the mast and a transmitter for outputting electromagnetic waves that correspond to mast control and/or other device commands inputted by the operator. The base includes a receiver for receiving electromagnetic control commands from the wireless remote control, and a converter for converting the electromagnetic control commands into electric command signals suitable for the control system of the extendable mast arrangement. The base is in electrical communication with the control system of the extendable mast arrangement and is configured to communicate the electrical command signals to the control system.

Abstract: A method for efficiently comparing two trinary logic representations, including the steps of creating a first data structure (a VALUE data structure) representative of a first set of properties; creating a second data structure (a KNOWN data structure) representative of whether the first set of properties is known; creating a third data structure (a TARGET data structure) representative of a target set of properties; creating a fourth data structure (a WANT data structure) representative of whether the target set of properties is wanted; and comparing the first, second, third, and fourth data structures using bit-wise binary operations to determine whether the first set of known properties are wanted as a target set of properties. In exemplary embodiments, the bit-wise binary operations are performed according to the Boolean equation: (not WANT) or (KNOWN and ((TARGET xor VALUE))).

Abstract: A remote controlled system employs a computer-based remote control facilitator to facilitate remote control of a controlled device from a non-dedicated remote controller. The computer facilitator is coupled to the remote controller and controlled device via a wireless or wire-based network. The computer facilitator runs an application that corresponds to the controlled device. Neither the remote controller nor the controlled device need have any awareness of the other, or any knowledge as to how to communicate with one another. The computer tells the remote controller what options to present to a user and translates the selection entered by the user into a command that is sent to the controlled device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for delivering content in a communications system. A communications system is provided that includes a plurality of terminals and a content director. The terminals are adapted to communicate via a communications network, and are each capable of requesting and thereafter receiving content via the communications network. The content director, on the other hand, is capable of receiving a request for content from one terminal. The content director can then push the content to the terminal based upon the request, and push the content to at least one other terminal before the other terminals request the content. Each terminal can have an associated user interest correlation with each other terminal. In such instances, the content director can push the content to other terminals based upon the user interest correlation of the other terminals with respect to the terminal requesting the content.

Abstract: Descriptions of audio contents available for playback via voice calls are displayed visually on a screen of a telephone handset (such as a cellular phone supporting Internet access, or a personal digital assistant supporting voice telephony). On selection of an audio content, the handset places a voice call to a computer that plays the audio content to the user (during the voice call). A data connection is used to retrieve description(s) for visual display, but this data connection is not used for retrieval of a file containing the audio content. Instead, a voice call is placed in the normal telephony manner, and the audio content is played by the computer that receives the voice call. The just-described method and system eliminates a prior art need for the user to navigate through a set of voice prompts to identify an audio content to be played, e.g. as required by an interactive voice response system.

Abstract: A device and method for facilitating various functions associated with audio and visual elements of a production manages analog and digital signals as they are sent in a bi-directional communications system. In one embodiment, the communications system includes a microphone or instrument pickup and an in-ear monitoring system.

Abstract: A system and method for gathering data from wireless communication networks, the wireless communication network including a plurality of cell sites, mobile subscriber units, and a mobile telephone switching office. The data gathering system comprises a plurality of data gathering nodes and a control center. Each data gathering node comprises multiple receivers, with each receiver gathering data from a different wireless communication network. Stored data at the control center is processed to generate marketing information on each wireless communication network.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is arranged to communicate over a cellular communication system with a control system connected to a plurality of field devices in an industrial process, in order to remote control, configure or monitor the field devices. The mobile terminal accesses through a dedicated data connection established over the cellular communication system an interactive user interface associated with the control system and arranged to utilize the configuration, control and management data of the control system. In the preferred embodiment, the interactive user interface is provided by a World Wide Web server.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing music and data. The music or data is first transmitted to a consumer via a satellite radio network. The system includes a satellite radio receiver for the user which is capable of receiving the wireless transmission and providing an audio and/or visual output in response thereto. In addition, the receiver is adapted to receive an input (e.g., voice command) from the user by which the user is able to signal an interest in recording a selection of music or data being played and/or displayed. In response to this signal and a record-ability signal, an ID signal is stored on a removable media which identifies the selection being played and/or displayed. The ID signal may be a composite signal indicating the time and channel, a signal that identifies a selection by number, or other suitable ID signal.

Abstract: Techniques for providing access to databases from handheld devices are disclosed. Techniques can be used to implement a database system. The database system provides a graphical user interface which can be displayed on handheld devices. This allows users of handheld devices to conveniently by interacting with the graphical user interface. As will be appreciated, the user can access the database to perform a variety of operations. Moreover, the user can perform these operations without having to write programs and virtually in real time. Thus, the user can conveniently access the database and be provided with up-to-date information. In addition, the user can be provided with hyperlinks which allow the user to conveniently perform various tasks without having to switch between different operation modes.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an operating information control system of a construction machine comprising: operating information collection device for collecting operating information regarding operation of a construction machine; storage device for storing the operating information; and transmission controller for transmitting the operating information read from the storage device to a first receiving device provided except the construction machine through a wireless radio, the transmission controller capable of transmitting the operating information to the first receiving device when receiving a transmission request from outside of the construction machine, or continuously for a predetermined period. Thereby, since the operating information of the construction machine is transmitted making use of a low power wireless radio without using a communication satellite or a public circuit network, lots of communication cost can be reduced.

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

Abstract: A store and forward receiver for a satellite communication system employs a multi-threaded command interpreter, and an associated reduced complexity audio control language (ACL) to define commands for controlling actions at different receiver sites, each of which is programmable for its own local programming purposes. Upon receipt of a relatively simple command from the headend, the interpreter accesses and executes an associated sequence of potentially locally unique, previously stored commands, causing performance of a sequence of actions, e.g., play back of potentially locally unique, previously stored information files, interleaved with portions of a headend-source commercial audio program being rebroadcast at the receiver site. This allows different affiliate stations to produce separate potentially locally unique complex sequences of actions from a single headend-sourced command for all receivers in a network grouping.

Abstract: A data broadcasting system of the present invention transmits contents used in a program and presentation control data specifying the manner of presentation of each content, in multiplex by assigning in arbitrary channels in each program. In this system, plural contents groups composed of at least one of real time reception type contents selectively received and reproduced in real time in the receiving terminal device, first store type contents reproduced after being stored as reception is started by selection, second store type contents read and reproduced when selected as being automatically received and stored, and parallel contents combining the real time reception type contents and the first or second storing type contents are provided a series of program.

Abstract: A data providing system utilizes the resources of a digital broadcast and a network efficiently so as to provide data for a great number of users at high efficiency. The system includes a server station for communicating with terminal devices individually via the network, and a host station for transmitting the same data to all the terminal devices all at once in real time by the digital broadcast. Individual data and light-load data are handled by the server station, and the information such as load data, which should be shared by the terminal devices, are handled by the host station.

Abstract: A receiver for a radio broadcast signal, in particular a car radio, and a method for receiving a radio broadcast signal, including a signal decoder for decoding an audio signal contained in the radio broadcast signal in encoded form, and/or for decoding a data signal contained in the radio broadcast signal in encoded form, the signal decoder being operable so that the encoded signal is only decoded, when the signal decoder obtains an external authentication signal, which is received via an external transmission path that is different from the transmission path of the radio broadcast signal.

Abstract: A wireless local loop access network system includes (a) at least one base station (13) making radio communication with a plurality of subscriber's terminals, and (b) a base station controller (14) controlling the base station (13) and connected to a public switched telephone network. The base station controller (14) includes a memory (16) for storing subscriber data therein. For instance, the memory (16) stores a first identifier used for identifying a subscriber in an interface protocol between the wireless local loop access network system and the public switched telephone network, a second identifier used for identifying a subscriber in an radio-signal interface protocol in the wireless local loop access network system, and data about correspondence between the first and second identifiers.

Abstract: A digital broadcast transmission/reception system includes a transmission posting apparatus for performing a communication call through a telephone line network before a broadcast transmission apparatus starts transmitting individual information. The system also includes a distributor having a register which stores a transmitter ID signal of the transmission posting apparatus. The distributor compares a transmitter ID signal at the communication call with the transmitter ID signal stored in the register, outputs a power control signal when these ID signals match, and connects the telephone line network with a telephone when these ID signals do not match. The system also includes a power control apparatus for tuning ON power to a broadcast reception apparatus according to the power control signal. Therefore, the power to the broadcast reception apparatus can be controlled through the telephone line network.

Abstract: The system for browsing objects in reality that enables a user to obtain information via a wireless browser-enabled device. The browser-enabled device includes a modulated laser that is directed toward target sensors located on or near objects for which information is sought by a user. The target sensors, in turn, relay information as well as information received from the modulated laser via Internet to a wireless network that serves the browser-enabled device of the user. Information concerning the object of interest is then relayed to the browser-enabled device allowing the user to view information concerning the object.

Abstract: To address the scarcity of radio frequency (RF) spectrum, the disclosed systems offer unique ways to mitigate interference between television broadcasters (including their direct audience and viewers served via cable television) and other concurrent users of the RF spectrum, e.g. for one-way or two-way wireless communication. A preferred embodiment makes use of the “framing” characteristics of the “letterbox” video display format. RF emissions of the simultaneous RF spectrum user are keyed “on” only or substantially only during the time intervals when the blanking intervals and/or letterbox-border video lines are being scanned on the display, i.e. when the potentially affected (interfered with) television display is in the letterbox-frame-scanning portions of each video field. The concurrent uses may support services for voice (including telephony, music etc.), data (including Internet, intranet, etc.

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: A method provides seamless porting of a user telephone number from a first telephone service provider network to a second telephone service provider network. A network interface device is provided that is interconnected to the first telephone service provider network, a second telephone service provider network, and at least one user communications device. The network interface device may be remotely controlled using the second telephone service provider network to transfer the user telephone number from the first network to the second network.

Abstract: Reliable transferring of data between mobile wireless nodes positioned at two points in a wireless network occurs through the dynamic formation of transmit/receive groups that collectively establish reliable communications. A mobile node at each point creates a neighbor list by periodically probing its surroundings to discover nearby nodes with which it can relaibly communicate. Prior to establishing a route or transmitting data, a node A first probes a distant next point in the network to determine if it can reliably communicate with that point. Upon receiving this probe and knowing one's neighbors, the nodes at this distant point dynamically form a receive group and choose a controlling node. Members of the group individually receive all future data from node A and pass the received data to the controlling node, which combines the individual signals for reliable reception.

Abstract: A method for handling access requests at multiple PoPs using the sharing of NAS information between the PoPs, enabling each PoP to maintain its own, independent, database of user records. When an access request is received, it is forwarded to a specific PoP designated as the user's “home PoP”. This home PoP is the only PoP to contain the user's records. The home PoP may then handle the access request by utilizing a local NAS list, the local NAS list being synchronized with other NAS lists in the network and providing information on all the “known” NASes throughout the entire network. This allows for a user to roam between PoPs, while reducing the bandwidth and security concerns that have existed in the past when users chose to roam. The NAS lists may then be updated via a central Network Control Console.

Abstract: A dynamic quality of service maintenance system for use with a broadband wireless or cable access system comprising a plurality of wireless modems and a wireless hub, the dynamic quality of service maintenance system maintaining adequate bandwidth for the wireless modems based upon the services provided to the wireless modems by the broadband wireless access system.

Abstract: A technique is used for providing additional information about a broadcast presentation that allows a user interested in the additional information to acquire it easily, using a selective call device or a television remote control device to easily acquire an information address during the broadcast when a prompt is presented during the broadcast. An advertiser can send the additional information over a wide area radio selective call communication system or can post it at a universal resource locator of a computer network. The information address is used to acquire the additional information. The information address can be stored, selected and deleted in the selective call device or remote control device. The prompt can be disabled or enabled manually or based on location.

Abstract: A remote control transmission monitoring system. The system monitors remote control transmissions for the purpose of updating state tables for one or more remotely controllable appliances. The state tables may then be queried for the purpose of determining the present state of an appliance whereby the transmission of a command that would place an appliance in an unintended state may be avoided.

Abstract: The cell phone has a plurality of batteries for supplying power according to their use. When the power of a battery is nearly depleted while the user is viewing a TV program, the cell phone informs the user of that fact to restrict the viewing of the TV program.

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.

Abstract: Information with local relevance is diffused locally using mobile devices equipped with non-wired short-range communication means, the information being propagated from an originating point in messages passed from device to device in an unstructured way. The devices implement measures for limiting message propagation. For a device that is arranged to propagate a received message multiple times, these measures include increasing (75) the interval between retransmissions in dependence on how many times the same message has been received by the device either in total or during a recent period.

Abstract: An interactive media system includes a broadcasting or sending device for broadcasting or sending content signals and a receiving device for receiving the said content signals. The content signals, broadcasted by the broadcasting device include screen related action codes which include device type, action type and the detail action information. The receiving device includes means for storing the reference address for other home electronic devices, and a trigger means for the users to start interactive with the interactive media system. The receiving device is connected by wire or air to those other home electronic devices. The receiving device will read the action codes coming with the screen contents, and based on the device type and the reference address from the reference address means, send the action type and the action detail information to the designated home electronic device, and perform the action on or interactive with the designated home electronic device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to associating a received command with a control such as a push button on a mobile telecommunication device, and enabling an action associated with the command to be performed when the control is later activated. The command may be received from another mobile device or remote computer. The actions that may be associated with the performance instruction include tuning to a broadcast such as a radio or television, browsing a web site or hyperlinked text, and tuning to a streamed broadcast over a network, such as the Internet. The command button can be a physical element such as the “*” key on a keypad or a virtual button on a display.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, system, and apparatus for finding, playing, and recording broadcasts on a mobile device (400) that includes two or more tuners and also works as a cellular telephone. The user can provide specific preferences or a pattern of use is employed by the mobile device to identify a broadcast. The mobile device tunes one tuner (452) to an identified broadcast and plays it for the user. While one tuner is playing a broadcast, the other tuner (453) is employed to scan for another broadcast based on user preference. When another broadcast is identified, the other tuner can start playing the scanned broadcast, cause it to be recorded for play back at a later time, or resume scanning for yet another broadcast based on user preference. When the mobile device is used for other purposes, the mobile device can resume playing a broadcast from the point of interruption.

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.

Abstract: In a route-adaptive on-demand radio communication system, a program selector (15) selects, from a plurality of broadcast programs broadcasted from a broadcasting apparatus (11), a matched one of the broadcast programs that matches the type information stored in a favorite storage unit (13) and the location information of one of a start point, transit points, and a destination point stored in a route storage unit (14). The matched broadcast program is stored in a broadcast program storage unit (16). A reproduction program selector (20) selects, as a selected broadcast program, the matched broadcast program stored in the broadcast program storage device if the matched broadcast program matches a current time instant held in a current time instant storage unit (17) and a current location held in a current location storage unit (18). The selected broadcast program is reproduced by a reproducing unit (19).

Abstract: A leisure management system for use in leisure facilities comprising fixed and mobile transceiver units. A mobile unit is assigned to a customer at the facility and provides the customer with audio entertainment. The mobile unit transmits telemetry and other data from the customer to the fixed transceiver units. The signal strength of the signal used to transmit data from the mobile unit to at least two fixed units is used to locate the mobile unit within the leisure facility. This information is used to provide relevant control information to equipment within the facility.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling telephone voting in a digital mobile communication network that includes a plurality of mobile subscriber communication stations provides for automated, statistically-appropriate control of telephonic voting via such mobile stations. Using a polling server, a predetermined initial proportion of the mobile stations is authorized to concurrently transmit a vote by transmitting a voting authorization to the authorized mobile stations over a control channel from the polling server. A voting application stored in or associated with each mobile station monitors the control channel and enables transmission of a vote from a mobile station only after the authorization has been received by that mobile station. The invention thereby accommodates and assures the staggered transmission of votes in a telephonic poll so as to avoid overloading of the network.

Abstract: In a processing terminal, operational request information inputted from an operational request unit is transmitted as additional information to a communication unit of a CATV distributor. In the CATV distributor, the additional information is received in the communication unit, and when the additional information is the operational request information, an operational command generator generates operational command information corresponding to the operational request information. The operational command information is transmitted to a communication unit of a receiver through the communication unit. In the receiver, as the communication unit receives the operational command information for the receiver, an operating unit operates the receiver to perform the desired operation in response to the operational command information.

Abstract: A wireless cable networking gateway, a method of wireless cable networking and a Wi-Fi system incorporating the gateway or the method. In one embodiment, the gateway includes: (1) a wireless transceiver for transferring data between wireless and wireline domains, (2) wide-area and premises cable interfaces for coupling the wireless cable networking gateway to respective wide-area and premises cable networks and (3) channel insertion and extraction circuitry, coupling the wireless transceiver, the wide-area cable interface and the premises cable interface, that routes the data between the wireless transceiver and at least a portion of a television channel to be transmitted across at least the premises cable interface, remaining television channels being transmitted from the wide-area cable interface to the premises cable interface.

Abstract: A wide area communication network includes at least two hub sites which are interconnected by a communication backbone Each hub site provides millimeter microwave wireless coverage in at least one sector. At least two remote sites reside in each sector and are coupled to a corresponding hub site via a point to multi point broadband millimeter microwave wireless system. The network preferably includes at least one service node which is accessible to the remote sites via the hub sites and backbone.

Abstract: A remote controlled system employs a computer-based remote control facilitator to facilitate remote control of a controlled device from a non-dedicated remote controller. The computer facilitator is coupled to the remote controller and controlled device via a wireless or wire-based network. In one implementation, the computer facilitator is a general-purpose computer that runs an open platform operating system. The computer facilitator runs an application that corresponds to the controlled device. The application contains program code, data, information, and any other intelligence that may be used by the facilitator to assist the remote controller in controlling the controlled device. Neither the remote controller nor the controlled device need have any awareness of the other, or any knowledge as to how to communicate with one another. The remote controller gains its power and flexibility from the general-purpose computer.

Abstract: A plurality of radio relay stations 1 are connected so that bi-directional ring-like paths are made up of radio transmission paths. The respective radio relay stations 1 bidirectionally transmit data inputted from terminals placed thereunder onto the bidirectional ring-like paths respectively. The respective data are respectively received by radio relay stations 2 having data destination terminals placed thereunder along the bidirectional ring-like paths. Each radio relay station, which has received the data destined for the terminals placed thereunder from both directions, transmits earlier incoming data to each terminal placed thereunder and discards later incoming data. Thus, a radio relay system can be implemented which is capable of relaying data with a high degree of reliability.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing audio content over a global communications network such as the Internet or the Worldwide Web that can efficiently organize and categorize audio content of interest while providing a simple user interface to access the desired audio content. The system includes a Web radio device with a simplified user interface having a plurality of pushbuttons, a wireless transmission infrastructure, a gateway device, and a Web portal coupled to back-office devices that provide the processing of a tuning engine. The tuning engine finds and downloads Web pages associated with selected audio broadcasts, extracts information pertaining to the audio content of the Web broadcasts from the Web pages, and classifies the audio content into show classification types in the tuning engine based on a web page's key words or meta-data.

Abstract: This invention relates to an image sensing control method and apparatus, and an image transmission control method, apparatus, and system, in which a camera such as a video camera is connected, the operation of the camera is controlled in accordance with a control command sent from a client via a network, and an image signal sensed by the camera is transmitted to the client via the network. Upon reception of a control command of the pan and tilt angles, zoom value, or the like of the camera from the client, the position control of the camera is done in accordance with the command, and transmission of the image signal sensed by the camera is suspended until the instructed operation is complete. Alternatively, upon reception of such control command, the image signal sensed by the camera is compressed at a high compression ratio, and the compressed image signal is transmitted.

Abstract: Accurate location information about a mobile telecommunication transceiver is used to generate advertising content responsive to a user approaching the location of a business. This advertising content is tailored to the user's preferences and the particular business involved. Once the advertising content is delivered, the position of the user is monitored to track the effectiveness of the advertisement. If the user enters the business' store and/or makes a purchase, the advertisement is logged as having been successful. If the user does not enter the store within a predetermined period of time or moves away from the store, the advertisement is considered to have been ineffective.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a portable wireless terminal equipped with a music data download function, which is provided with a reservation function used to download music data at a designated time instant.

Abstract: A system and method for remote maintenance and service of one or more wireless modems in communication with a wireless hub is provided. The system and method include the capability of the wireless hub to instruct the wireless modem(s) to change any operational parameters in order for the wireless hub to diagnose any problems with or to improve operation of the wireless mode.

Abstract: A method that allows users to use their favorite sounds (which may include human voices) as ring tones for their mobile phones. The method includes receiving a sound from a first mobile phone, generating ring tone data from the sound, storing the ring tone data in a server, receiving a download request from a second mobile phone, and sending the ring tone data from the server to the second mobile phone in response to the download request. The ring tone data is used for generating a ring tone of the second mobile phone.