With Subscriber Selection Or Switching Patents (Class 455/3.04)
  • Patent number: 8532713
    Abstract: An electronic infrastructure comprising 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 distribution server supports delivery of interactive media to the client mobile devices. The media creator is a personal computer that generates interactive media and sends them to the distribution server for distribution. The electronic infrastructure is used to provide innovative group communication solutions for real-estate vendors and their customers. Vendors send real estate related information via the distribution server and the downloadable client components in the client mobile devices interactively send the user responses back to them via the distribution server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Bindu Rama Rao
  • Patent number: 8532636
    Abstract: A system for mobile devices that facilitates the creation and dissemination of interactive media to a plurality of mobile devices and PCs/laptops that comprise a client component. The interactive media may comprise of a list of products and services that are for sale and the user can select one or more for purchase. It may also comprise a list of real estate entries with associated user interest solicitation and the user can indicate his interest in one or more of the entries. The server can help the user make an appointment to view the corresponding real estate properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Bindu Rama Rao
  • Patent number: 8521078
    Abstract: Radio Data System (RDS) Interactive Services (IS) combines data feeds and interactivity with programs broadcast on FM channels. An RDS-IS client application on user equipment (e.g., handset) extracts RDS information from the RDS enabled FM receiver, and presents content on a mobile screen in a user-friendly format. Broadcasted RDS message can include special strings or “anchors” for special treatment by receivers. Receivers replace text with visuals to enhance user experience, such as cartoons or photographic icons based on names in RadioText fields. The RDS-IS client application generates specific prompts and composes interactive screens, enables hot keys and decides actions (e.g., voice calls, SMS) on key press, triggers contextual e-commerce by invoking data calls to given URLs, and sends statistics to the operator of a two-way data channel that provides enhanced content (e.g., CDMA reverse link, SMS, wireless access network, etc.) based upon “anchors” or “tags” included with the RDS-IS message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Vineet Mittal, Rajeev Durai Rajan, Jatin Chandrakant Kadakia, Michal James Koenig, Thein Lee, Jason Miller
  • Patent number: 8515411
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shantanu Sarkar, Roger Chi-yee Cheung, Morris J. Katz
  • Patent number: 8509747
    Abstract: A system comprises a mobile device configured to facilitate communications with a network. The system may further comprise a plurality of various data services, an identification service and an aggregation service. The mobile device identifies a subject and initiates a search for the subject, searching at least one of the data services. The mobile device then provides a summary of the data to the user via the user interface on the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Roberts, Donald H. Relyea
  • Patent number: 8510847
    Abstract: The invention enables digital music content to be downloaded to and used on a portable wireless computing device. An application running on the wireless device has been automatically adapted to parameters associated with the wireless device without end-user input (e.g. the application has been configured in dependence on the device OS and firmware, related bugs, screen size, pixel number, security models, connection handling, memory etc. This application enables an end-user to browse and search music content on a remote server using a wireless network; to download music content from that remote server using the wireless network and to playback and manage that downloaded music content. The application also includes a digital rights management system that enables unlimited legal downloads of different music tracks to the device and also enables any of those tracks stored on the device to be played so long as a subscription service has not terminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Omnifone Limited
    Inventors: Mark Stephen Knight, Michael Ian Lamb, Robert John Lewis, Stephen William Pocock, Philip Anthony Sant, Mark Peter Sullivan, Christopher John Evans
  • Patent number: 8509687
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a device comprising a receiver port configured to be operatively coupled to a local receiver antenna; a transmitter port configured to be operatively coupled to a local transmitter antenna and to receive signals received by the local transmitter antenna at least for a portion of time while the local receiver antenna is not operatively coupled to the receiver port; and a quiet spot determination unit configured to receive signals received by the local receiver antenna at least for a portion of time while the local receiver antenna is operatively coupled to the receiver port, receive signals received by the local transmitter antenna at least for the portion of time while the local receiver antenna is not operatively coupled to the receiver port, and determine a quiet spot frequency. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrick Clement, Lydi Smaini
  • Patent number: 8503925
    Abstract: A system for flexibly targeting information sent over a broadcast communications medium includes a sender of information signals each carrying information and a targeter for use by a user having a receiver with a targeter. There are a number of the receivers constructed and arranged to receive signals from the sender through a broadcast communications medium. The targeter includes a number of selectors associated with an action ID and a number of key value paired, constructed and arranged to indicate action to be taken by a user of a selected receiver in the condition that the selector evaluates to true given the values stored in the targeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: TV Band Service LLC
    Inventor: John M. Chapin
  • Patent number: 8494590
    Abstract: An integrated media user interface is described. In an implementation, a user interface is output that includes a plurality of representations of media, each of the media rendered by the mobile device through execution of a respective one of a plurality of applications. Responsive to selection of at least one of the representations, a corresponding application is located to render the media represented by the at least one said representation. The media represented by the selected representation is rendered through execution of the located application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Kerri I. H. Sheldon, Timothy J. Scudder, Veronica Y. Law, Marc S. Doll, Jonathan D. Wiswall, Megan L. Tedesco, Sergey Chub, Eric J. Hull
  • Patent number: 8472923
    Abstract: The specification describes systems, and operation of systems, that allows a parent or other responsible party to monitor the mobile device activities of a child. In addition, it optionally allows the parent to dynamically control the mobile device activities of the child. It relies on software, or a network adjunct, that links a mobile device to a station set or mobile phone under the control of the parent. Calling traffic to and from the mobile device may be routed to a receiver at a location monitored by the parent. In preferred embodiments, software is designed to allow the parent to intervene in the communications of the child. The intervention may take a variety of forms, such as interrupting a call in progress, terminating all call activity, interrupting or terminating Internet access. Where the mobile device is provided with pre-programmed restraining software, the intervention may be to modify the restraining software to add new restraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul J. Fellingham, Christopher Gilboy
  • Patent number: 8472934
    Abstract: A method for handling a plurality of processes running on a portable apparatus including: receiving a first user input and in response to the first user input suspending a subset of the plurality of processes. Corresponding portable apparatus, computer program product and user interface are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Hering
  • Patent number: 8467333
    Abstract: A method of controlling a receiver that is arranged to operate in a reception operating mode for receiving an amount of data in a transmission from a sender and in one or more further operating modes, the method comprising: setting an internal transmission-over indicator to an initial value at the beginning of the transmission and subsequently adapting the internal transmission-over indicator in the course of the transmission, monitoring the internal transmission-over indicator in the course of the transmission in order to determine whether a transmission-over condition is fulfilled, and, in response to determining that the transmission-over condition is fulfilled, leaving the reception operating mode for entering one of the one or more further operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventors: Thorsten Lohmar, Uwe Horn
  • Patent number: 8452855
    Abstract: A system and method for presentation of media related to a context. A request is received over a network from a requesting device for media related to a context, wherein the request comprises at least one criteria. A query is formulated based on the context criteria so as to search, via the network, for user profile data, social network data, spatial data, temporal data and topical data that is available via the network and relates to the context and to media files so as to identify at least one media file that is relevant to the context criteria. A playlist is assembled via the network containing a reference to the media files. The media files on the playlist are transmitted over the network to the requesting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Yahoo! Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Higgins, Christopher T. Paretti, Nicola Stefano Ghezzi, Michael Spiegelman, Ronald Martinez, Marc Davis, Chris Kalaboukis
  • Patent number: 8452228
    Abstract: A media device including includes a broadcast receiver that receives broadcast media from a plurality of broadcast sources where the broadcast receiver is tunable to a first broadcast source. The media device also includes a data store that stores a list of contact identifiers where each contact identifier is associated with a broadcast source. The media device includes a user interface that: i) provides a prompt to a user to enable the user to initiate contact with the first broadcast source, and ii) receives a user indication to initiate contact with the first broadcast source. The media device further includes a transceiver that initiates the contact with the first broadcast source by sending a communications session request via a communications network to the first broadcast source that includes a contact identifier associated with the first broadcast source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Allen P. Haughay, Jr., Ryan Perry
  • Publication number: 20130122801
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael Ingrassia, Jeffery Lee
  • Patent number: 8442428
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventors: Min-Liang Tan, Hoe Chan, Terence Tang
  • Publication number: 20130109295
    Abstract: A method and system optimally selecting antenna elements based on the current availability of antenna elements and the current usage of other antenna elements within a two or three dimensional array. The present system and method pertain to an approach to allow the maximal usage of each antenna element while simultaneously reducing the coupling between antenna elements to improve the signal strength in each antenna element by ensuring that antenna elements in the same incident path are not tuned to the same frequency or physically or electrically near elements tuned to identical or adjacent frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: AEREO, INC.
    Inventor: Aereo, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8417179
    Abstract: A radio broadcast receiver includes a broadcast reception and reproduction unit 1 for outputting a digital sound when being able to receive a digital signal included in a terrestrial digital radio broadcast, and for outputting an analog sound when being unable to receive the digital signal, and a control unit 3 for determining the broadcast type of the digital terrestrial broadcast received by the broadcast reception and reproduction unit 1 to carry out variable control of a transition time required to switch from an output of the analog sound to an output of the digital sound according to the determined broadcast type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kyota Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8406737
    Abstract: A mobile terminal includes a display, transmitter, memory, and a controller configured to recognize a first SIM card having a first SIM identification that identifies the first SIM card, and to receive access data having conditional broadcast access information via user input, the access data being associated with the first SIM identification. The controller is further configured to store the access data based upon the recognition of the first SIM card in the memory, cause the display to display received broadcast content in accordance with conditions specified by the access data, and delete the access data from the memory after the first SIM card is removed from the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gu Wan Jung, Jae Phil Ki
  • Patent number: 8385813
    Abstract: A media distribution server presenting interactive media on mobile devices and receives mobile user response interactively. During the presentation of interactive media the user is prompted with multiple choices for their selection, which can be provided using softkeys on the mobile device. The media distribution server prepares the subsequent portions of the interactive media and delivers them to the mobile device. In one embodiment, the necessary text, graphics, audio and video are assembled and integrated dynamically and is presented on the mobile device to the user. Further the mobile user is prompted to approve online purchases, make online appointment requests, show interest in products, etc. while browsing the interactive media on their mobile device. The media distribution server supports such activities as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Bindu Rama Rao
  • Patent number: 8380175
    Abstract: A system for mobile devices that facilitates the creation and dissemination of interactive media to a plurality of mobile devices and PCs/laptops that comprise a client component. The interactive media may comprise of a list of products that are for sale and the user can select one or more for purchase. It may also comprise a list of real estate entries with associated user interest solicitation and the user can indicate his interest in one or more of the entries. The server can help the user make an appointment to view the corresponding real estate properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Bindu Rama Rao
  • Patent number: 8364073
    Abstract: A radio receiver receives a broadcast signal and generates an RF signal, generates an IF signal from the RF signal, detects the electric field intensity and the frequency of the IF signal, detects the IF signal and generates a detected signal, detects the intensity of a noise signal that is a harmonic component of a digital signal that exists in a certain specific frequency band from among the detected signals, determines that the broadcast signal includes a desired analog broadcast signal when the electric field intensity of the IF signal is equal to or larger than a predetermined electric field intensity, the frequency is within a predetermined frequency range, and also the signal intensity detected by the noise signal detection unit is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, and then performs a control to stop a search.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Takashi Senoo
  • Patent number: 8355362
    Abstract: A method for managing channels in a mobile multimedia terminal comprises receiving ensemble information associated with a multimedia channel, and identifying the multimedia channel into a plurality of services based on the ensemble information. The method also comprises identifying service components required for reception of the plurality of services. The method also comprises determining a service type of each of the plurality of services, and organizing the plurality of services based on service types. The organizing of the plurality of services based on the service types may further comprise receiving user service preference input from a user, and organizing the plurality of services based on the user service preference input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Song-Pil Ryu
  • Patent number: 8351843
    Abstract: A method for specifying content of interest using a digital radio broadcast receiver is described. A digital radio broadcast signal includes first audio content and first program data, wherein the first program data includes information identifying a first item, and includes second audio content and second program data, wherein the second program data includes information identifying a second item. A user command entered at a user interface during reception of audio content is registered, indicating a user's interest in either the first or second audio content. It is determined whether there is an ambiguity in the content of interest. If there is an ambiguity, a first data structure is stored for the first audio content, and a second data structure is stored for the second audio content. The first data structure includes the information identifying the first item, and the second data structure includes the information identifying the second item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: iBiquity Digital Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Michael Dillon, Harvey Chalmers, Thomas Joseph O'Brien, Gregory Nungester, Rodney Bernard Burke, Joseph F. D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 8346203
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Aram Lindahl, Richard Michael Powell, Joseph M. Williams
  • Patent number: 8340569
    Abstract: A data transmission system for minimizing the number of errors during Tx/Rx times of mobile service data under mobile environments, and a data processing method for the same are disclosed. The system additionally codes the mobile service data, and transmits the resultant coded mobile service data. As a result, the mobile service data has a strong resistance to noise and channel variation, and can quickly cope with the rapid channel variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jong Moon Kim, In Hwan Choi, Kook Yeon Kwak, Byoung Gill Kim, Won Gyu Song, Jin Woo Kim, Eun Hyung Cho, Hyoung Gon Lee
  • Patent number: 8320823
    Abstract: For each audio and data service, a table of contents (TOC) specifies which logical channel may carry data. The TOC may be transmitted over the NRSC-5 transmission system using a pre-defined protocol, which is received and decoded at an NRSC-5 receiver apparatus that extracts the TOC. When a user or an application requests a specific service from the receiver, the receiver logic may examine the TOC and may identify which LC may carry the requested service data. The receiver may only decode the LCs that are needed for the requested service, and may not decode other unneeded LCs thereby conserving power and memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: SiPort, Inc.
    Inventor: Oren Arad
  • Patent number: 8320821
    Abstract: A receiving apparatus discriminates RDS data containing traffic information corresponding to the vehicle's own position from RDS data of broadcasting stations searched for by frequency sweeping by a sub tuner front end 7; stores step by step into a pool memory 16 frequencies of alternative stations identified by each PI code of the RDS data and the number of the alternative stations; determines the PI code with the greatest number of the alternative stations by comparing the numbers of the alternative stations for individual PI codes stored in the pool memory 16 in a frequency sweeping range; and receives the traffic information from the station with the highest received electric field strength among all the alternative stations identified by the PI code determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nakata
  • Publication number: 20120297440
    Abstract: A system and method for optimizing pairing between a remote device and a plurality of devices including establishing a list of pairing-capable devices, the list comprising a portion of the plurality of devices, measuring a plurality of link qualities between the remote device and the pairing-capable devices, comparing, with a processor, the plurality of link qualities with one another and determining a highest link quality, selecting, by a computing device, an available pairing-capable device having the highest link quality, pairing with the selected device, and controlling a presentation device, the controlling including checking if the selected device is the associated device and where the selected device is not the associated device, relaying commands via the network to the associated device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: William R. Reams, Christopher W. Bruhn
  • Patent number: 8315555
    Abstract: A portable multimedia player is used to wirelessly access and control a media server that is streaming digital media by way of a wireless interface to a media unit such as a stereo/speakers in the case of streaming digital audio. In one embodiment, the portable multimedia player is wirelessly synchronized to a selected one(s) of a number of digital media files stored on the media server in such a way that digital media file metadata (song title, author, etc.) associated with the selected digital media file(s) only is transferred from the media server to be stored in the portable media player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Ko, Stephen O. Lemay
  • Publication number: 20120289146
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CLEAR CHANNEL MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Zigler, Kevin R. Lockhart, Richard D. Wooden, Jacqueline J. Lockhart, Theodore N. Myers, Evan A. Hill, Tanya R. Jellison
  • Patent number: 8301076
    Abstract: Two or more wireless devices can be independently controlled by their respective users, a mixer component, or a leader wireless device to perform audio recording, convert the recorded audio into a standard or proprietary audio stream format, and transmit the audio stream to a server. The real-time clocks of two or more participating wireless devices can be synchronized. A wireless device can insert timestamps into the audio stream to facilitate the mixing operation. Mixing of the two or more audio streams recorded by wireless devices can be performed by a mixer component either in real time (contemporaneously with the recording) or asynchronously with respect to the recording. The mixing can be performed in a fully automated mode, and/or in an operator-assisted mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Syracuse University
    Inventors: David Grandinetti, James Howison, Ian Molloy
  • Patent number: 8295760
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and method of controlling a broadcast therein are disclosed, by which a currently-output broadcast content can be continued to be output despite expiration of a validity term of a broadcast viewing authority. The method includes acquiring a first broadcast viewing authority, receiving and outputting a first broadcast content if the first broadcast viewing authority is acquired, determining whether a validity term of the acquired first broadcast viewing authority expires within a broadcast time of the output first broadcast content, and if the validity term expires within the broadcast time, displaying an image for a purchase of the first broadcast content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Chan Jeong, Jang Hyung Cho, Seung Woo Seo, Young Seok Ko
  • Patent number: 8290426
    Abstract: In a mobile radio communication system of the cognitive radio method, a database device has a use state table indicating a probability that each frequency band is used for each period of time and for each location. An on-vehicle terminal acquires a frequency band having the highest probability that the band is empty at the current time and the current location according to the use state table and performs a radio communication by using the frequency band. The use state table is preferably created by a statistical process using the database device which acquires the use states of frequency bands of various locations and times by using respective vehicles as probe cars. Thus, it is possible to detect the frequency of the empty state in a short time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignees: Toyota Infotechnology Center Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Onur Altintas
  • Patent number: 8290425
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for allowing a user to interact with first media material that is broadcast on a first broadcast channel and second nedia material that is broadcast on a second broadcast that are received and presented by a broadcast reception device while the broadcast reception device is tuned to a third broadcast channel. The method includes maintaining in a temporary storage an item identifier. Additionally, when the broadcast reception device is tuned to the third broadcast channel and presents the first representation of the first media item, the method includes providing the item identifier as a basis for identifying the first media item-related information. When the broadcast reception device is tuned to the third broadcast channel and presents the first representation of the second media item, the method includes providing the item identifier as a basis for identifying the second media item-related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Refractor Applications, LLC
    Inventor: Adam Albrett
  • Patent number: 8290534
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for subscribing to a digital broadcasting service using mobile network subscription information in a system where a 3G (third generation) mobile communication network interacts with a DBS (digital broadcasting system) are provided. When a user requests subscription to the digital broadcasting service through a digital broadcasting-enabled mobile equipment, a DBS-CSCF (call session control function) in the 3G network transmits to an SAS (subscription agent server) of the DBS a service subscription request including the mobile subscription information or additional user personal information. The SAS processes the subscription and transmits information required for reception of the digital broadcasting to the mobile equipment. The mobile equipment changes its digital broadcasting reception setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Han-Na Lim, Jong-Hyo Lee, Un-Taek Lim, Sung-Jin Park, Ki-Ho Jung, Ju-Yeon Song, Jun-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 8285196
    Abstract: An electronic infrastructure consisting a plurality of client mobile devices, a distribution server and network that communicatively couples the plurality of client mobile devices and distribution server, wherein the distribution server collects survey questionnaires from a questionnaire source, distributes survey questionnaire to the plurality of client mobile devices. Then, the distribution server receives responses from the users of plurality of client mobile devices and analyses the responses based upon several criteria. The questionnaire source is a user of the distribution server who delivers survey questionnaire. The criteria includes region based analysis, race based analysis, age based analysis, other criteria based analysis, high priority analysis and/or satisfaction level analysis. The survey questionnaire may be presented as one question per screen with multi choice answers, or multiple questions per screen in a tabular form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: Bindu Rama Rao
  • Publication number: 20120252352
    Abstract: A media distribution server presenting interactive media on mobile devices and receives mobile user response interactively. During the presentation of interactive media the user is prompted with multiple choices for their selection, which can be provided using softkeys on the mobile device. The media distribution server prepares the subsequent portions of the interactive media and delivers them to the mobile device. In one embodiment, the necessary text, graphics, audio and video are assembled and integrated dynamically and is presented on the mobile device to the user. Further the mobile user is prompted to approve online purchases, make online appointment requests, show interest in products, etc. while browsing the interactive media on their mobile device. The media distribution server supports such activities as necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: BINDU RAMA RAO
  • Patent number: 8281353
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting audio information and digital images via a wireless switching network by performing the operations of starting a photo or audio session by a digital camera or audio appliance; connecting the digital camera or audio appliance to a wireless telecommunication terminal; reserving bandwidth on the wireless switching network; transmitting digital images or audio information between the digital camera or audio appliance and a centralized database via a first path on the wireless switching network; and establishing a second path for transmission of digital images or audio information upon the first path being interrupted using the reserved bandwidth for the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa Kerry Bjornseth, David Lee Chavez, Jr., Mahesh Narasimhan, Timothy Mark Larison
  • Patent number: 8260230
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Clear Channel Management Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Zigler, Kevin R. Lockhart, Richard D. Wooden, Jacqueline J. Lockhart, Theodore N. Myers, Evan A. Hill, Tanya R. Jellison
  • Patent number: 8244171
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ingrassia, Jeffery Lee
  • Patent number: 8238810
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for selecting alternate channels for broadcast radio channels, and for tracking alternate channel selections, are provided. Some radio systems provide alternate frequencies for tuned radio frequencies to use when the tuned radio frequency signal is no longer receivable. In aspects of the present invention, historical information is generated from alternate channel switching attempts. In further aspects, the generated historical information is used to aid in making a subsequent switch to an alternate channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Srikanth Uppala
  • Patent number: 8229347
    Abstract: A base transceiver station (202) for use in a wireless telecommunications system comprising at least one radio transceiver of a first type connected to an antenna of a first type (108) for providing wireless access for remote subscriber units (114) and a radio transceiver of a second type connected to an antenna of a second type (206). The radio transceivers of the first type are operably connected via cables (208), in an intermediate 10 frequency domain, to the transceiver of the second type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventor: Michael Johannes Fuss
  • Patent number: 8214253
    Abstract: An embodiment of the current invention is directed to retaining customers for a wireless-service provider (“carrier”). A plurality of users who are influencers are identified from a group of wireless-service subscribers, wherein an influencer is a user who is likely to affect decisions of other users regarding whether to cancel or maintain their subscriptions with a particular carrier based on whether the influencer cancels or maintains his or her subscription. A list of influencers is thereby created. An incentive to provide the list of identified influencers is determined. The incentive increases the likelihood that the set of influencers will retain their respective subscriptions, thereby increasing the likelihood that other subscribers who might be influenced will also retain their respective subscriptions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: David Lindel Harris, Claudio Ribeiro Lima, James Dale Black
  • Patent number: 8213984
    Abstract: An auxiliary interface device, comprising an electronic circuit to interface to the signal output of a signal source, said signal source developing or receiving more than one signal, and providing for the user selection of at least one of the signals in deference to the others so that said apparatus provides for the selection of at least one special signal having predetermined characteristics, a detector which recognizes the presence of the at least one said special signal when present or part of a signal developed by the apparatus to which said auxiliary interface device is connected, said detector being able to distinguish between said at least one special signal and other signals ordinarily present or developed by the apparatus to which said auxiliary interface device is interfaced, a signal switch to substitute at least one auxiliary signal in place of a signal output by the apparatus to which said auxiliary interface is interfaced, said signal switch being configured to substitute said at least one auxil
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: David Fiori, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8194828
    Abstract: A voice messaging system associates each stored voice message with a unique combination of a retrieval telephone number and a recipient identifier such as a recipient telephone number. When a voice message is received, the system sends a notification message containing the retrieval telephone number to the intended recipient. Upon receiving the notification message, the intended recipient can access the voice message directly by calling the message retrieval telephone number. The system detects the recipient identifier, for example, via caller identification of the recipient telephone number. Using the unique combination of retrieval telephone number and recipient identifier, the system retrieves and plays the appropriate voice message. In one embodiment, the access point for retrieving messages is different from the access point for leaving voice messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Pinger, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph K. Sipher
  • Patent number: 8180276
    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 distribution server that supports delivery of interactive media to the client mobile devices. The media creator is a personal computer that generates interactive media and sends them to the distribution server for distribution. A network such as combination of Internet and mobile network communicatively couple the plurality of client mobile devices, distribution server and personal computer (media creator). The personal computer sends interactive media to the distribution server, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventor: Bindu Rama Rao
  • Patent number: 8175516
    Abstract: A communication terminal according to the invention aims at improving convenience by proper reflection of a user's intention changing in accordance with a status of the terminal. A portable phone terminal provided with a broadcast program reception function, including: a program reservation unit 31 for reserving a process for a broadcast program; a terminal status detection unit 42 for detecting a status of the terminal; and a terminal operation control unit 43 for performing control to correct the reserved process in accordance with the terminal status up to a predetermined point of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Nakao, Kouji Hatano, Toshio Yagi
  • Patent number: RE43546
    Abstract: A digital broadcasting receiving apparatus has a fixed unit and a portable unit removably attached to the fixed unit. The fixed unit includes a tuner portion, a first memory, an audio decoder portion, an audio amplification/control portion and a first radio IF. The tuner portion receives digital broadcasting including encoded information. The first memory stores information included in the digital broadcasting. The audio decoder portion decodes audio information included in the digital broadcasting. The audio amplification/control portion outputs the audio information to a speaker. The first radio IF transmits information to the portable unit. The portable unit has a second radio IF, a second memory, a second CPU and a display/operation portion. The second radio IF receives information from the fixed unit. The second memory stores information. The second CPU decodes information. The display/operation portion displays the decoded information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Kouichi Chikaishi
  • Patent number: RE44390
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention comprise a digital mobile terminal system for accessing mobile internet services including a VHF/AM/FM radio receiver and a subsystem that handles interfaces and interactions between the digital mobile terminal and a radio network via a digital (e.g., RDS) data stream, interfaces and interactions between the digital mobile terminal and a mobile internet services platform, and interfaces and interactions between the digital mobile terminal and a user seeking to access and interact with mobile internet services. The present invention also comprises a radio broadcasting server platform for transmitting an RDS data stream including a subsystem that handles interfaces and interaction between the radio broadcasting server platform and a radio network via the digital (e.g., RDS) data stream and interfaces and interactions between the radio broadcasting server platform and a mobile internet services platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jyrki Jarvi, Jukka Nihtila