Abstract: An alert content reception apparatus comprises a communications interface (229) compatible with a data broadcast service and capable of receiving, when in use, a broadcast data message comprising reference data concerning alert content. The apparatus also comprises a processing resource (202) arranged to analyze, when in use, the broadcast data message and acquire the alert content associated with the reference data in response to determining that the alert content associated with the reference data has not previously been acquired. The communications interface (229) is compatible with a bidirectional data communications service, the processing resource (202) also being arranged to cooperate with the communications interface (229) in order to retrieve the alert content via the bidirectional data communications service.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for receiving an identifier of a first transmission channel for a first media station, determining whether content of the first media station is available via a second transmission channel for the first media station, and automatically initiating transmission of content of a second media station to a client computing device over a transmission channel for the second media station based on results of the determining.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a method for operating the same are discussed. The method for operating the mobile terminal includes displaying on the mobile terminal a remote control screen for remotely controlling an image display apparatus, entering a wireless audio reception mode if a wireless audio reception mode start signal is received during the displaying of the remote control screen, and displaying on the mobile terminal a wireless audio reception mode screen. Accordingly, it is possible to improve user convenience.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, a method, a service server, an end-point terminal, a connection method and storage media for recommending an efficient connection path, in which if an end-point terminal connected to a mobile communication terminal through a short-range communication network can be connected to a service server through two or more mobile communication terminals, the end-point terminal can use a service through a mobile communication terminal capable of providing an optimum connection.

Abstract: A communications system may include at least one mobile wireless communications device for storing personal interest information for respective contacts and for storing calendar event data. The system may further include a notification server communicating with the at least one mobile wireless communications device via a wireless communications network and configured to access the personal interest information and calendar event data from the at least one mobile wireless communications device, and send notifications to the at least one mobile wireless communications device based upon the personal interest information and the calendar event data.

Abstract: To provide information of a device in communication between devices, an operating method of a device includes including device information of the device in a message defined by a communication protocol used to connect to the other device; and transmitting the message comprising the device information using the communication protocol. The device information comprises at least one of a device type, support of a mirror link, mobile communication network connection support, automatic execution of an application corresponding to the device, vendor identification information, and product identification information.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for capturing information associated with wireless audio sounds among a plurality of users. When a user encounters audio sound files of interest, the user can capture information regarding the audio sounds, such as title, artist, collection, genre, year, encoding rate, size, playlist, a unique identifier, or other desired information. The information can be used to seamlessly purchase the sound files from a remote digital repository.

Abstract: A method, system, media, and apparatus are directed to radio recording. Radio stations are simultaneously recorded based on a radio parameter including a processing parameter, a memory usage or allocation, a recording status, or the like. The radio parameter is adapted for an individual station, some radio stations, or all radio stations. The processing parameter is adapted based on a processor usage. The memory usage is adapted based on a memory requirement of a station being recorded. A station may be suspended from recording based on a loss of a signal and resumed based on a resumption of the signal. An access to a radio content recorded while a signal was available may be provided, if the signal is unavailable. The plurality of stations may be prioritized.

Abstract: A radio receiver may comprise a receiver adaptable for receiving a plurality of broadcast streams over a plurality of broadcast channels, wherein the receiver will attempt to receive a selected broadcast stream on a selected broadcast channel, and if the selected broadcast stream is not receivable on the selected broadcast channel, the receiver will attempt to receive the selected broadcast stream on an alternative broadcast channel. A computer readable medium may allow a user of a receiver to create a composite stream comprising at least one portion selected from each of at least two of a plurality of broadcast streams. A method of open interface merge replication may involve comparing data between first and second databases, and if a conflict exists, updating one of the first and second databases with at least a portion of data from the other of the first and second databases to resolve the conflict.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: The invention proposes a scan control device, wherein in the scan operation a network detection is performed, the device comprising a request receiving means (41) for receiving at least one request for providing scan information, and a scan control means (42) for performing a scan operation independently from receiving the scan information requests. The invention also proposes a corresponding method and a computer program product.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method of communicating with a user including wirelessly broadcasting content which is accessible to a multiplicity of users and which includes at least some non-audio content which is not visible to the users without user actuation and which includes product-specific information, enabling a user to select a portion of the content, responsive to a selection by the user, capturing at least part of the non-audio content, corresponding to the portion of the content selected by the user and employing at least part of the captured content to access a contact using a mobile communicator by initially establishing contact with a non product-specific communication facility and employing product-specific information contained in the non-audio content. A system for communicating with a user is also disclosed.

Abstract: A media device including a broadcast receiver that receives broadcast media from a plurality of broadcast sources where the broadcast receiver is tunable to a first broadcast source. The media device also includes a data store that stores a list of contact identifiers where each contact identifier is associated with a broadcast source. The media device includes a user interface that: i) provides a prompt to a user to enable the user to initiate contact with the first broadcast source, and ii) receives a user indication to initiate contact with the first broadcast source. The media device further includes a transceiver that initiates the contact with the first broadcast source by sending a communications session request via a communications network to the first broadcast source that includes a contact identifier associated with the first broadcast source.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a receiver, a registration section, a determination section, and a controller. The receiver receives broadcast waves including signals of a plurality of channels. The registration section registers a recognition target. The determination section determines whether or not the recognition target, registered in the registration section, exists in a frame of an image including the signals of the plurality of channels included in the broadcast waves received by the receiver. The controller sequentially switches, in accordance with a determination result obtained by the determination section, the plurality of channels received by the receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing broadband signals to a portable user device is disclosed. Broadband signals, such as satellite radio signals, are received at a base station having a plurality of antennas. The content of the broadband signals are then encoded using space time coding (STC), and the STC encoded broadband content is transmitted from the plurality of antennas via a first wireless network protocol. The STC encoded broadband content can be received at a portable user device having a plurality of antennas or at a wireless access point having a plurality of antennas, which then transmit the broadband signals via a second wireless network protocol.

Abstract: In embodiments, the present invention provides a method and system for switching between broadcast and unicast content on a mobile device. The method and system involves making unicast content available to the mobile device, making broadcast content available to the mobile device; and providing a facility through which access to broadcast content may be paused for unicast content and later resumed in response to receiving an indication of access to the broadcast content.

Abstract: The invention proposes a scan control device, wherein in the scan operation a network detection is performed, the device comprising a request receiving means (41) for receiving at least one request for providing scan information, and a scan control means (42) for performing a scan operation independently from receiving the scan information requests. The invention also proposes a corresponding method and a computer program product.

Abstract: A process for a language selection using one or more language preferences is disclosed. Information for presenting a language preference selection control may be sent to a user. A language preference may be received from the user and stored to a server. A cookie, which includes an indication of the language preference, may be caused to be stored to a device of a user. The stored language preference may be accessed from the cookie responsive to a communication from the user. Responsive to whether the user has logged into an account, the language preference may be retrieved from either the server or from the cookie. The retrieved language preference may be compared with languages available in an application and a most preferred language for the application may be determined based upon the comparison. Information from the application may be provided to the user in the most preferred language.

Abstract: Various techniques that relate to prolonging the battery life on a portable electronic device during the buffering and playback of audio broadcast data are provided. In accordance with disclosed embodiments, upon detecting a low power state, the device may implement one or more low power actions, including starting, continuing, or stopping one or more audio broadcast functions, such as buffering or playing back audio broadcast data, to reduce overall power consumption, and thus prolong battery life. In one embodiment, a user may specify one or more low power actions that are to be implemented during a low power state by configuring user settings stored on the device. In another embodiment, the device, upon detecting a low power state, may prompt the user to make a selection from a listing of selectable low power action options and perform the selected low power action.

Abstract: A multi-band low-profile, low-volume two-way mobile panel array antenna system is described. Operation of the antenna may automatically switch between bands based on various user-entered parameters.

Abstract: A mobile transceiver device can communicate with a separate broadcast radio receiver, to receive metadata concerning a main program being received by the broadcast radio receiver. The mobile transceiver device uses the metadata to formulate a request or search query, send the request or search query over a WLAN or cellular data network transceiver, to one or more sources of additional information, which respond with additional information. The additional information can comprise more detailed metadata about the main program as well as content and programming that facilitate a commerce transaction. For example, more detailed metadata can include song lyrics and album art when the main program is a song, while if the main program is an advertisement, the additional information can comprise information for furthering completion of a transaction.

Abstract: A radio receiver may comprise a receiver adaptable for receiving a plurality of broadcast streams over a plurality of broadcast channels, wherein the receiver will attempt to receive a selected broadcast stream on a selected broadcast channel, and if the selected broadcast stream is not receivable on the selected broadcast channel, the receiver will attempt to receive the selected broadcast stream on an alternative broadcast channel. A computer readable medium may allow a user of a receiver to create a composite stream comprising at least one portion selected from each of at least two of a plurality of broadcast streams. A method of open interface merge replication may involve comparing data between first and second databases, and if a conflict exists, updating one of the first and second databases with at least a portion of data from the other of the first and second databases to resolve the conflict.

Abstract: Order requests for playing audio contents and/or video contents are transmitted by way of communication transmission apparatus (3) via a telecommunication network (2) to a computer-based central unit (1). The central unit (1) determines one of several geographically distributed play units (5, 6, 7) which are remote from the central unit (1) and are separate from the communication transmission apparatus (3), on account of details which are transmitted with the order requests, e.g. an identification or a location detail of a play unit (5, 6, 7), or a location detail of a mobile communication transmission unit (3), for playing the audio contents and/or video contents. The audio contents and/or video contents are transmitted from the central unit (1) as a continuous data flow to the selected play unit (5, 6, 7), and are played there via loudspeakers (51, 61, 71) or displays (52, 72).

Abstract: A method and system for managing multiple user locks and deletion requests on a digital video recorder (DVR) is disclosed. Files associated with the DVR can be protected from deletion by allowing users to lock a recorded file utilizing a number of locking strategies. The recorded file can also be locked by multiple users and the recording can be deleted when the users specifically remove the lock. A simpler interface for each user can be provided to prevent other users from deleting recorded files, which have not yet been viewed. Such an approach allows for an administrative override to prevent users from locking recordings and never unlocking in order to prevent the DVR exhausting disk space.

Abstract: A system and method is directed to modifying a satellite radio subscription in a mobile vehicle. The method provides for receiving at least one satellite radio subscription modification request from the vehicle at a service provider, retrieving current satellite radio program subscription status at the service provider, determining at least one adjustment required to implement the at least one modification, and sending the determined adjustments required to implement the at least one modification. The system further provides means for receiving at least one satellite radio subscription modification request from the vehicle at a service provider, means for retrieving current satellite radio program subscription status at the service provider, means for determining at least one adjustment required to implement the at least one modification, and means for sending the determined adjustments required to implement the at least one modification.

Abstract: A system is provided that allows a user using her/his own mobile communication device to control content on a content publishing device. The mobile communication device uses information received from a data tag on the content publishing device to communicate with a content server providing the content to be published on a content publishing device and run a program on the content server allowing the mobile communication device to at least temporarily control the data published on the content publishing device.

Abstract: A method for specifying content of interest using a digital radio broadcast receiver is described. A digital radio broadcast signal includes first audio content and first program data, wherein the first program data includes information identifying a first item, and includes second audio content and second program data, wherein the second program data includes information identifying a second item. A user command entered at a user interface during reception of audio content is registered, indicating a user's interest in either the first or second audio content. It is determined whether there is an ambiguity in the content of interest. If there is an ambiguity, a first data structure is stored for the first audio content, and a second data structure is stored for the second audio content. The first data structure includes the information identifying the first item, and the second data structure includes the information identifying the second item.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an audio signal for an event at a venue are disclosed. For example, the method authorizes a customer endpoint device, wherein the authorizing enables the customer endpoint device to decode the audio signal for the event. The method transmits the audio signal for the event at the venue.

Abstract: A method for delivering a stored message to a satellite radio receiver is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request to retrieve the message, receiving the message, encoding the message for satellite transmission, and transmitting the message for delivery to the satellite radio receiver.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to retaining customers for a wireless-service provider (“carrier”). A ratio is calculated based on a number of incoming calls received by a mobile device and a number of outgoing calls originating from the mobile device. The ratio is also based on locations of callers that originated the incoming calls. The ratio is compared to an influencer threshold. When the ratio is greater than the influencer threshold, then a subscriber associated with the mobile device is indicated to be an influencer that potentially affects decisions of other subscribers regarding whether to cancel or maintain their subscriptions with the wireless service. An incentive is provided to the influencer to increase the likelihood that the influencer will retain a subscription with the wireless service, thereby increasing the likelihood that other subscribers who might be influenced by the influencer will retain their respective subscriptions.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for auto-installing an integrated receiver/decoder (IRD) includes issuing an auto-installation command from the IRD to an outdoor unit (ODU) and receiving a plurality of tones from the ODU in response to the auto-installation command, each tone representing a center frequency of available user bands (UBs). The auto-installation also includes acquiring a UB center frequency by the IRD, requesting the ODU to confirm a UB number corresponding to the acquired UB center frequency, and receiving confirmation from the ODU that a UB number corresponds to the acquired UB center frequency. The auto-installation also includes sending an acceptance of the assigned UB number from the IRD to signal the ODU that it may mark the assigned UB as assigned.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for recording radio broadcasts received in an analog format at a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device receives analog radio broadcast signals and analog radio data system information signals corresponding to the analog radio broadcast signals. A radio application extracts radio data system information in response to users selecting a record operation, creates a file name from the extracted radio data system information, and stores radio content corresponding to the extracted radio data system information in response to the user selecting the record operation. The radio application further monitors the radio data system information for pre-defined criteria and sends alerts to the user upon detecting the pre-defined criteria. In response to selecting the record operation, the radio application further enables users to rewind the stored radio content by a pre-determined amount and append buffered radio content to a beginning of the stored radio content.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for providing information of a device to other devices through the home network are provided. The method includes: generating relative location information indicating that a first device is present in a vicinity of a second device if a remote control signal for the second device is received; and providing the relative location information as location information of the first device to at least one other device belonging to the home network. Accordingly, the user can acquire location information of devices belonging to the home network. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify the correspondence of devices visually recognized by the user to the device list obtained as a result of the search.

Abstract: A wireless cellular or other device to control distribution and presentation of audio, video, or combined audio and video content transmitted from a content server and delivered to at least one contiguous device at substantially the same time. The cellular device sends control signals via various wireless communication protocols based upon user input. The control signals are sent to a content server attached to a TCP/IP network. The wireless cellular device and the content server interact through a request and reply interface, located within the wireless cellular device, based on inputs from the wireless device user. Content available for transmission from the content server is displayed and subsequently selected by the user. Separate audio and video content may be distributed to individually distinct rendering devices contiguous to and selected by the user. During or after the content is transmitted, the user may interact with the content through the wireless cellular device.

Abstract: An electronic infrastructure consisting a plurality of client mobile devices, a distribution server and a media creator computer, wherein the client mobile devices present interactive media upon user request. The plurality of client mobile devices support dynamic screen display and, contain a plurality of soft keys. The media creator is a personal computer that generates interactive media and sends them to the distribution server for distribution. The distribution server processes and sends the interactive media to the client mobile device and the client mobile devices presents the interactive media in a series of screens to the user. The client mobile devices interactively send the user responses back to the distribution server.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for integrated FM recording are provided. A multimedia device with various integrated systems such as an integrated FM radio may provide content-based multimedia content recording, recorded content retrieval, and playback of desired or potentially relevant contents. The multimedia device may receive multimedia content along with information identifying the received multimedia content via the various integrated systems. A segment of the received multimedia content may be recorded selectively by comparing the corresponding content information with a favorite content list. The favorite content list may be generated and updated based on the multimedia content and/or program selection data. The multimedia device may have access to additional related stored multimedia contents to retrieve and render the stored segment of the received multimedia content.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: In a mobile terminal device, a communication unit configured to communicate wirelessly in a first communication mode in which the mobile terminal device communicates with another mobile terminal device directly, or a second communication mode in which the mobile terminal device communicates with an external network via a router device. A communication control unit controls the operation of the communication unit. The communication control unit controls the switching of the first communication mode and the second communication mode in the communication unit and notifies the user that the first communication mode is terminated when the first communication mode is switched to the second communication mode.

Abstract: A contents distributing system capable of reproducing a plurality of contents continuously at the client not to put a waiting time can be provided. A server 100 reads respective contents constituting a group from a memory device 102 and then transmits continuously the contents when such server receives a request for distribution of plural pieces of contents formed into a group. A client 200 stores sequentially the received contents in a buffer 205. An AV outputting portion 206 of the client reads the contents stored in this buffer sequentially from the early stored contents and then reproduces the contents.

Abstract: A mobile based learning and testing system comprising a mobile device for mobile based learning and testing, wherein the mobile device is communicatively coupled to a server that supports retrieving educational and instructional material and testing. The mobile device comprises a downloadable educational mobile app capable of presenting educational and instructional material retrieved from the server, facilitating group interactions, providing a mock test, conducting an actual test and arranging automatic registration of a user of the mobile device based on a test result from the actual test. The downloadable educational mobile app presents the educational and instructional material (retrieved from the server, or locally available in the mobile device where it is stored in storage components) to the user of the mobile device based at least on the user's membership in a group of users, the user's membership information being maintained by the server.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus providing promotion information to a mobile device are provided by certain embodiments of the invention. According to one embodiment, promotion information for a program may be associated with an information carrying tone that is transmitted to a mobile device associated with an operator by a tone transmission device. An indication received responsive to the mobile device receiving the information carrying tone can be stored, and at least one entry associating the promotion and the operator can be stored responsive to receiving the indication. Also according to various aspects, following receipt of the indication, it may be determined whether the promotion is validated and/or can be activated for the operator, and promotional information can be communicated to the operator, such as a activation confirmation or a redeemable promotion.

Abstract: A sending receiving method for data, such as musical data, in which plural data stored in a first storage unit are retrieved based on the request information sent from a host side device. The retrieved data is sent to a terminal side device. The sent data is checked to see as to whether or not the sent data is data newly stored in the first storage unit. If the results of check indicate that the sent data is data newly stored in the first storage unit, the sent data is stored in a second storage unit of the terminal side device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus receiving promotion information by a mobile device are provided by certain embodiments of the invention. According to one embodiment, an information carrying tone may be received at a mobile device from a tone transmission device, wherein the information carrying tone includes at least one location identifier associated with promotion information. A tone processing application of the mobile device may further provide for processing the information carrying tone to extract at least one location identifier, and to transmit, to an information source, an indication responsive to receiving the information carrying tone. Also according to various aspects, following transmission of the indication, promotional information can be received by the mobile device for subsequent processing and utilization, such as an activation confirmation or a redeemable promotion.

Abstract: Described in example embodiments herein are techniques that combine at least two network (communication) technologies (such as protocols, signaling methods, etc.) and limit when a wireless device employs one of the technologies. In an example embodiment, a passive technology, such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, can be employed to determine whether a certain network technology is available.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing recommended radio stations to a user. In particular, an electronic device can compare media from a locally stored or accessed media library with media items provided as part of radio streams received by the device. The electronic device can identify the radio streams having the most media items overlapping with the local library, and recommend those streams as being most likely to be of interest to the user. The electronic device can further access a remote database of a large number of users' libraries, and receive recommendations based on the media items common to the user's library, other users' libraries, and radio broadcasts. This approach allows the electronic device to provide recommendations without requiring any monitoring of the user's listening habits or receiving preference information from the user.

Abstract: Provided are a satellite VSAT apparatus and a control method thereof. The satellite VSAT apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can switch a modulation type of a signal to be transmitted from an indoor unit (IDU) to the outdoor unit to a linear or non-linear type in a case in which outputting of a transmitted signal is not controlled to an outdoor unit due to limitations, that is, there is no function such as an automatic signal level control in a block up-converter (BUC), a case in which transmission output limitation is large due to a lot of interference requirements for an adjacent channel, a case in which the number of adjacent channels (carriers) is large, or a case in which adjacent channel interference is large due to a frequency in a satellite multi-beam environment and polarization reuse, in a satellite VSAT apparatus system which aims at a low-priced user terminal.

Abstract: A portable electronic device including a user interface, a sensor configured to provide an output signal when the device is oriented from resting on a first housing surface portion to resting on a second housing surface portion, and a controller coupled to the user interface and to the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to invoke a mode of operation in response to an output signal from the sensor and wherein the mode of operation is indicated at the user interface.

Abstract: A transparent commodity trading network facilitates transactions among parties. A plurality of mobile communications devices are each configured to broadcast product/service needs and/or product/service offerings of a party associated with the respective mobile communications device. Each mobile communications device is configured to receive product/service needs and/or product/service offerings broadcast by other mobile communications devices when respective mobile communications devices pass within a predetermined distance of each other. Each mobile communications device is configured to identify when a product/service need or product/service offering broadcast by another mobile communications device matches a corresponding product/service offering or broadcast product/service need broadcast by the respective mobile communications device.