With Subscriber Selection Or Switching Patents (Class 455/3.04)
  • Publication number: 20090298417
    Abstract: An audio transmission method and system. The method includes detecting by a computing system, a wireless device belonging to a user. The computing system enables a connection between the wireless device and the computing system. The computing system receives from the wireless device, a request for receiving an audio broadcast. The computing system transmits to the wireless device, a language list comprising different languages for the audio broadcast. The computing system receives from the wireless device, a selection for a first language from the language list. The computing system transmits a message indicating the selection to the wireless device. The computing system requests the audio broadcast. The computing system receives the audio broadcast. The computing system transmits the audio broadcast comprising the first language to the wireless device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Phillips
  • Publication number: 20090280739
    Abstract: A system and method for managing distribution of wideband radio frequency signals includes detecting an impedance signature of a device connected at the end of transmission medium. A switch is opened to apply a wideband radio frequency signal to a transmission medium for distribution. A biasing voltage can be applied to the transmission medium based on the detected impedance signature. A signal conditioning circuit is selected based on the amplitude of the biasing voltage, and the wideband radio frequency signal is distributed to an output device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Z-BAND, INC.
    Inventors: David A. SAAR, Robert D. Stine, Earl Hennenhoefer, Richard V. Snyder
  • Patent number: 7610011
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for allowing a user using a communications device to interact with first media material that is broadcast on a first broadcast channel by a first broadcast media source and second media material that is broadcast on a second broadcast channel by a second broadcast media source, the first media material and the second media material include a first media item and a second media item, respectively, the first media item and the second media item are associated with a first representation of the first media item and a representation of the second media item, respectively, 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, the item identifier identifies one of a first media item-related information and a second media item-related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Adam Albrett
  • Patent number: 7606528
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a distributed array of antenna elements for receiving a radio frequency signal on a satellite communications link, wherein the radio frequency signal includes a known preamble; a plurality of mixers for translating the radio frequency signal to a plurality of baseband signals having in-phase and quadrature components; a processor for applying weights to the baseband signals, wherein the weights are found adaptively in response to the preamble in combination with decision-directed feedback when the preamble is not present; and a receiver for processing the weighted baseband signals. A pre-processor can be used to create sub-arrays of the antenna elements using maximal-ratio weighting. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: David Keith Mesecher
  • Patent number: 7606327
    Abstract: A receiver is disclosed. The receiver includes a first antenna, a second antenna, a system controller, a national broadcast demodulator, a local broadcast demodulator, and an information output select device. The first antenna for receives a signal from a satellite that contains information of national interest. The second antenna receives a signal from a land-based transmitter that contains information of local interest. The national broadcast demodulator is coupled to the first antenna and the system controller. The national broadcast demodulator provides a first interrupt indicator to the system controller. The local broadcast demodulator is coupled to the second antenna and the system controller. The local broadcast demodulator provides a second interrupt indicator to the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn A. Walker, Mark A. Pollard, Duane E. Mateychuk
  • Patent number: 7602802
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to interrupting use of a frequency layer convergence scheme that favors selection of a cell on a preferred frequency of a joined point-to-multipoint service. Specifically, a mobile terminal that has joined a point-to-multipoint service having a preferred frequency uses a frequency layer convergence scheme for selecting a cell. The frequency layer convergence scheme favors the selection of a cell on the preferred frequency layer. However, use of the frequency layer convergence scheme is interrupted upon an occurrence of a trigger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Myeong-Cheol Kim
  • Patent number: 7596351
    Abstract: A radio record module includes a radio data system (RDS) decoder module, that decodes a received RDS signal, that has an associated audio signal, into received RDS data. A record module produces a digital data file from the digital audio signal in response to a record signal. A catalog generation module generates catalog data associated with the digital audio file, the catalog data including an RDS parameter of the received RDS data. A memory module stores the digital audio file and the catalog data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew D. Felder
  • Patent number: 7593686
    Abstract: A wireless handset may connect to a media server in order to receive streaming media content. The wireless handset may send the media server one or more indications of the wireless handset's presentation capabilities. In response, the media server may send the wireless handset a list of media content and transmission modes, and the list of media content and transmission modes may be tailored, at least in part, based on the presentation capabilities of the wireless handset. A user of the wireless handset may then select from the list of media content, and the media server may stream the media content to the wireless handset using the selected transmission mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Sprint Spectrum L.P.
    Inventor: Dale Knoop
  • Patent number: 7590703
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for operating an automation system in a Web Service environment includes providing at least one client and at least one device, the at least one client and the at least one device configured with a web services for devices stack protocol, connecting a network comprising at least one server with the web services for devices to the at least one client and the at least one device, and transmitting automation-based control and communication between the at least one client and at least one device. The process and apparatus further includes connecting a set top box coupled between the network and at least one of the clients and providing the client coupled thereto with a user interface for controlling the devices, wherein the at least one device includes an audio system, a video system, an intercom system, a lighting system, a security system, a link, and a HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Exceptional Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Steve Cashman, Seale Moorer
  • Patent number: 7587464
    Abstract: Automation system and process of operating an automation system in a Web Service environment includes providing at least one automation client and at least one automation device, the at least one automation client and the at least one automation device configured with a web services for devices stack protocol, connecting a network including at least one server with the web services for devices to the at least one automation client and the at least one automation device, and transmitting automation-based control and communication between the at least one automation client and at least one automation device. The at least one automation client includes one of a TV, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a control panel, and a game controller and the at least one automation device comprises an audio system, a video system, an intercom system, a lighting system, a security system, and a HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Exceptional Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Seale Moorer, Eric Eichensehr
  • Patent number: 7580671
    Abstract: A radio record module includes a radio data system (RDS) decoder module that decodes a received RDS signal, that has an associated audio signal, into received RDS data. A memory module stores a record request, the record request having an RDS parameter. A comparison module compares the received RDS data to the RDS parameter of the record request and asserts a record signal when the received RDS data compares favorably to the RDS parameter. A recording module records the associated audio signal in response to the record signal being asserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew D. Felder
  • Patent number: 7577397
    Abstract: Transmitting streaming media data in overlapping bursts can reduce data loss when transmitting over radio frequencies to a roving digital receiver. A digital transmitter transmits streaming media information in bursts, where each burst of data preferably contains several seconds of streaming media information. The streaming media information to be transmitted is grouped into transmission bursts, or packets, each transmission burst containing several units of media content, or content units. A content unit is an amount of content that is stored and played by a digital receiver. Each burst contains a certain amount of information, such as a certain number of content units, which are the same as some of those sent in the previous burst. Each burst also contains new content units, i.e. content units that have not previously been transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Fredric Klein
  • Publication number: 20090199283
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for wirelessly receiving broadcast signals using intelligent cards. In some implementations, a service card includes a physical interface, a communication module, memory, and a service module. The physical interface connects to a port of a mobile host device. The mobile host device includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The communication module wirelessly receives broadcast signals encoding content. The memory stores user information used to decrypt the encoded content independent of the mobile host device. The stored information is associated with a content provider. The service module decrypts the encoded content in response to at least an event and presents the content through the GUI of the mobile host device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: DEVICEFIDELITY, INC.
    Inventor: Deepak Jain
  • Patent number: 7555259
    Abstract: A digital broadcast receiver (mobile's receiver terminal) 1 for receiving a digital broadcast signal DS carrying many contents and also outputting the content based on thus received digital broadcast signal DS, including a content accumulation portion (database) 1c for accumulating received contents, a reception state detection portion for detecting whether the digital broadcast signal DS can be received normally, and a switch-over portion (reproduction/switch-over portion) 1b for switching from output of the content received to reproduction of the content accumulated in the content accumulation portion 1c if the reception state detection portion detects that the digital broadcast signal cannot be received normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Kawamata, Kimiya Yamaashi, Takaharu Ishida, Osamu Tomobe
  • Patent number: 7542715
    Abstract: In a satellite receiving system, program channels are selected from one or more broadband signals and combined with other selected channels and transmitted from a first unit, for example an outdoor unit, to a second unit, for example a gateway, server, or set-top box, using a single cable. Channels can be selected by digitizing the broadband signal then digitally filtering to isolate the desired channels. The outputs of several LNBs can be selected and combined into one signal. Multiple set-top boxes can receive independent signals over a single cable from the outdoor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Entropic Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Itzhak Gurantz, Ladd El Wardani, Michael Landry
  • Patent number: 7542718
    Abstract: A wireless communication terminal is disclosed which has mass data such as stream data delivered thereto efficiently over a wireless communication network so that the overall utilization efficiency of the network is improved as well. While a wireless communication terminal (100) is receiving stream data for its use, a main controller (120) checks a radio wave reception level LB coming from a receiver unit (103) in the terminal. If the reception level is found to drop below a predetermined level, the main controller (100) causes a frequency synthesizer (105) to control reception frequencies fed to the receiver unit (103) so as to receive radio waves from a plurality of base stations in the vicinity. A search is thus made for a base station which offers a radio wave reception level higher than the predetermined level and which is delivering the stream data in question, and that base station is selected preferentially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Matsui, Katsutoshi Sakao, Hirokatsu Kimata
  • Patent number: 7539484
    Abstract: A method and system for enhancing voice calls is described. In some examples, the system receives a dialed number from a user associated with a voice call, determines that the voice call is associated with a party capable of providing data services to the user, and provides data services to the user. In some cases, the system provides the data services to the user during the voice call. In some cases, the system provides the data services to the user in lieu of the voice call.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: SNAPin Software Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Roundtree
  • Publication number: 20090104871
    Abstract: A mobile terminal including an input unit configured to enter a broadcast mode so as to display a broadcast program on a first broadcast channel, a buffering unit configured to buffer a broadcast program on a second broadcast channel different than the first broadcast channel, and a display unit configured to display the buffered broadcast program on the second broadcast channel when a channel change command is entered on the input unit for changing the first broadcast channel to the second broadcast channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Beom Seok CHO
  • Patent number: 7522875
    Abstract: In a satellite receiving system, program channels are selected from one or more broadband signals and combined with other selected channels and transmitted from a first unit, for example an outdoor unit, to a second unit, for example a gateway, server, or set-top box, using a single cable. Channels can be selected by digitizing the broadband signal then digitally filtering to isolate the desired channels. The outputs of several LNBs can be selected and combined into one signal. Multiple set-top boxes can receive independent signals over a single cable from the outdoor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Entropic Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Itzhak Gurantz, Ladd El Wardani, Michael Landry
  • Patent number: 7519341
    Abstract: A user's media preferences can be obtained and stored for later use in setting up a currently-available media device. The media device inputs are programmed based on the media device's capabilities and the available media sources for the particular geographic area in which the user is currently located. Media device inputs may be set by the media device itself or by a computer attached to the media device, either directly or via a network. Device data, including information such as the number of media device inputs to be programmed, and whether or not the media device inputs can be toggled between several stations, is obtained. Station data, including available media sources, is obtained for the current geographic area. A user profile, including information such as input preference settings and genre preferences, is also obtained. The media device inputs are then programmed based on the user profile, the station data for the geographic area, and the media device capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Doudnikoff, Doreen L. Galli, Steven Michael Miller
  • Patent number: 7515042
    Abstract: A mobile communications network is provisioned to provide surveillance services. A subscriber database is adapted to include surveillance service information. For example, the subscriber database is adapted to include an IP address of a surveillance sensor such as a camera or microphone associated with a subscriber and located at a place to be monitored. A mobile switching center is adapted to determine a surveillance session start time, receive the surveillance sensor IP address from the subscriber database and connect to the surveillance sensor associated with the IP address. The MSC is also adapted to receive surveillance information from the surveillance sensor and transmit the surveillance information to a mobile communications device of the subscriber. The mobile communications device presents the surveillance information to the user. For example, images are displayed and/or audio signals are produced. The subscriber database can be provisioned by the subscriber through a web portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Benco, Kevin J. Overend, Baoling S. Sheen, Sandra Lynn True, Kenneth J. Voight
  • Patent number: 7505732
    Abstract: Described are methods and systems, including computer program products, for broadcasting user-specific information through satellite radio or digital radio. Generally, information specific to a user is correlated with an identifier associated with a receiver associated with the user, and the information is broadcast to the receiver, such that use of the information is restricted to the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: FMR LLC
    Inventors: John C. McDonough, Nina K. Harvey, Boris Olegovich Kalinichenko
  • Patent number: 7501941
    Abstract: In one general aspect, a request to determine a status of a first of a plurality of advertising devices is received. The advertising devices are spatially separated. Operating conditions of the first advertising device are identified. The status of the first advertising device is determined based, at least in part, on the operating conditions. A presentation including information indicating the status of the first advertising device is transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Lites Out, LLC
    Inventors: Brent D. Arnold, Brian K. Reinle, Scott H. Galaise
  • Patent number: 7502588
    Abstract: A dissemination system for satellite broadcasting comprises a satellite receiving antenna for receiving satellite signals, receivers for demodulating the signals received by the antenna, and a line system for relaying the signals to a plurality of subscribers, in which the receivers are assigned to the satellite receiving antenna in close spatial proximity, and only demodulated or decoded signals are relayed to the subscribers by means of the line system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: SMSC Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Hetzel, Rainer Klos, Patrick Heck, Christian Thiel
  • Publication number: 20090053991
    Abstract: A system is provided for generating a remapped audio stream at digital audio broadcast radios from a first audio stream using content insertion to allow tiered subscription services. A remapped audio stream is rebranded by extracting segments from the first audio stream relating to channel identification segments and disk jockey talking segments and replacing them with stored audio items (e.g., commercials, different channel identification segments and different disk jockey talking segments). Stored audio items for insertion are broadcast to the radios with messages for controlling the scheduling of insertion at the radios, and the storage and deletion of these audio segments at the radios. Stored audio items and messages can be sent using a different, localized broadcast system from that used to transmit the source audio stream to permit market-specific commercial insertion. Group file format for delivery permits intermittently used radios to receive the stored audio items and messages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: G. David Mantel, Paul D. Marko
  • Patent number: 7477872
    Abstract: An automatic tuning system for a mobile DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting-Terrestrial) receiver includes a position detecting system, a plurality of tuners, a plurality of demodulators configured to process DVB-T signals, each of which is paired with one of the plurality of tuners, for demodulating each of the signals received by each of the tuners and comparing the strengths of the signals. A database sets a frequency code relating to the optimum frequency found by the demodulators, to an area-cell code relating to the receiver position, in a processor. The processor controls the automatic tuning system on the basis of the stored frequency codes and current position data from the position detecting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Pioneer Digital Design Centre Ltd
    Inventor: Kyoichiro Fujii
  • Patent number: 7477871
    Abstract: In a satellite receiving system, program channels are selected from one or more broadband signals and combined with other selected channels and transmitted from a first unit, for example an outdoor unit, to a second unit, for example a gateway, server, or set-top box, using a single cable. Channels can be selected by digitizing the broadband signal then digitally filtering to isolate the desired channels. The outputs of several LNBs can be selected and combined into one signal. Multiple set-top boxes can receive independent signals over a single cable from the outdoor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Entropic Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Itzhak Gurantz, Ladd El Wardani, Michael Landry
  • Patent number: 7474621
    Abstract: A broadcast system BS includes a broadcast apparatus 1 and a reception apparatus 2. The broadcast apparatus 1 first receives and stores therein a proxy request PR including at least an identifier assigned to the reception apparatus 2 and a command to be transmitted to the reception apparatus 2. Moreover, the broadcast apparatus 1 extracts the set of the identifier of the reception apparatus 2 and the command for the reception apparatus 2 from the proxy request PR stored therein, and assembles a command packet from the set of the identifier and the command. Then, the broadcast apparatus 1 generates a stream in which the assembled command packet is multiplexed, and sends it out to a broadcast channel. The reception apparatus 2 separates the command packet from the stream sent out to the broadcast channel, and restores the set of the identifier and the command of the reception apparatus 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Mimura, Shigeaki Watanabe, Tadao Kusudo, Tomonori Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080311847
    Abstract: Method and system for managing delivery of communications such as advertisements to mobile telephone subscribers where delivery to subscribers is temporarily prevented or blocked at the request of the subscribers. In particular, a subscriber can temporarily suspend delivery of advertisements when they are roaming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: CVON Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Timo Ahopelto, Timo Romppanen, Marko Ahtisaari, Ismo Antikainen
  • Publication number: 20080293356
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Swisscom AG
    Inventor: Thomas KUMMERNUSS
  • Patent number: 7450900
    Abstract: A method and system for communicating information via a plurality of different networks may comprise requesting in a mobile terminal capable of receiving and processing cellular frequency band services and VHF/UHF broadcast frequency band services, media having a specified quality of service. A description of said requested media and/or a quality of service associated with the requested media may be displayed via a user interface in the mobile terminal. An input may be received in the mobile terminal that indicates at least one required quality of service associated with the requested media. Based on information stored in the mobile terminal, at least one required quality of service associated with the requested media may be determined. One or more required quality of service associated with the requested media may be stored in a profile within the mobile terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Pieter Gert Wessel van Rooyen
  • Publication number: 20080268772
    Abstract: A method for providing a personalized radio experience on a mobile device is provided. The method comprises receiving an indication of a musical preference from a user of a mobile device. A song list is generated based at least in part on the musical preference. The song list comprises an identifier of a song associated with the musical preference. Header files associated with one or more radio broadcasts are scanned. A radio broadcast having the identifier in its header file is selected. A link associated with the radio broadcast is transmitted to the mobile device. The song list may be may be modified based on feedback received from the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Mikko Linnamaki, Tero Katajainen
  • Patent number: 7444165
    Abstract: A method and system for communicating information via a plurality of different networks may comprise circuitry in a mobile terminal that receives broadcast information via a VHF/UHF broadcast communication path and simultaneously receives in the mobile terminal, cellular information via a cellular communication path. The system may further comprise circuitry in the mobile terminal that switches between processing of the broadcast information received via the VHF/UHF broadcast communication path and the cellular information received via the cellular communication path based on a measured broadcast signal statistic associated with a signal bearing the broadcast information and a measured cellular signal statistic associated with a signal bearing the cellular information. The broadcast information and the cellular information may be the same information. The broadcast information and the cellular information may comprise video data. The cellular information may comprise voice data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Pieter Gert Wessel van Rooyen
  • Patent number: 7440516
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for receiving digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) signals in a wireless terminal. The apparatus includes a first antenna for receiving a satellite DMB signal and a first terrestrial DMB signal, a second antenna for receiving a second terrestrial DMB signal, a satellite DMB receiver for processing the satellite DMB signal, a terrestrial DMB receiver for processing the first and second terrestrial DMB signals, and a switch for switching the satellite DMB signal and the first terrestrial DMB signal received by the first antenna to one of the satellite DMB receiver and the terrestrial DMB receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Sung-Gu Kim, Hark-Sang Kim, Seok-Hyo Park
  • Patent number: 7437316
    Abstract: There are provided methods and systems enabling a customer to order products from an audio advertisement, for example from a radio advertisement heard in an automobile, using only a standard audio receiver and mobile telephone. Pre-registration by the retailer advertising the product enables the storing of pertinent product information by a fulfillment center. Pre-approval of mobile telephone service(s) enables billing to be performed through a customer's mobile telephone account. The actual customer order is completed by simply dialing the telephone number transmitted in the advertisement. The remainder of the fulfillment and billing process is substantially automated. More specifically, the fulfillment center uses the dialed telephone number to determine the ordered product and the calling telephone number to determine delivery information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Synapse Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Loeb
  • Publication number: 20080242220
    Abstract: The described embodiments relate generally to methods, systems and computing devices, including at least a mobile device, for ordering a discovered device list according to a Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) of each device in the discovered device list. Thus, the discovered device list has at the top of the list the device that has the highest RSSI, with the remaining devices in the discovered device list presented in descending order of RSSI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: RESEARCH IN MOTION LIMITED
    Inventors: Sean Elliott Wilson, Christopher Pattenden
  • Patent number: 7430438
    Abstract: A method for an antenna architecture that handles US band cellular and broadcast channels may be provided. The method may comprise receiving at a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) integrated within a mobile terminal, first signals via a first antenna, where the first signals comprise signals within a 1900 MHz band. The method may further comprise receiving at a second RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal, second signals via the first antenna, where the second signals comprise signals within at least one of a 1900 MHz band and a 850 MHz band and receiving at a third RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal, third signals via the first antenna, where the third signals comprise signals within a VHF/UHF broadcast band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Pieter Gert Wessel van Rooyen
  • Publication number: 20080216126
    Abstract: A video repository unit includes a plurality of disk drives arranged in a redundant array and circuitry to control writing/reading of video programs to/from the redundant array. A wireless transceiver receives video programs and transmits a selected video program to a remote viewer responsive to a request received by the wireless transceiver. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Stephen G. Perlman
  • Patent number: 7421244
    Abstract: A method for an antenna architecture may comprise receiving at a first radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) integrated within a mobile terminal, first signals via at least a first antenna, where the first signals may comprise signals within a 2100 MHz band. Second signals may be received at a second RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal via at least one of the first antenna and at least one other antenna, where the second signals may comprise signals within at least one of an 1800 MHz band and a 900 MHz band. Third signals may be received at at least a third RFIC integrated within the mobile terminal via at least one of the first antenna and at least one other antenna, where the third signals may comprise VHF/UHF broadcast signals within at least one of a DVB broadcast band, an ATSC broadcast band and an ISDB broadcast band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Pieter Gert Wessel van Rooyen
  • Patent number: 7412205
    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: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Jyrki Järvi, Jukka Nihtilä
  • Patent number: 7412202
    Abstract: A recommendation system is disclosed that generates recommendations for one or more items based on user preferences and one or more environmental factors. The user's preferences are learned under various environmental conditions using an environmental data collection system. The observed environmental conditions may include, for example, location, characteristics of the location, weather or characteristics of the user's motion, such as a rate of movement. For each positive and negative behavioral example, a number of attributes of the selected item are classified in the user profile together with the prevailing environmental conditions. When recommending an item, the disclosed recommender retrieves the user preferences and evaluates the current environmental conditions. A recommendation score can be generated for each available item based on the user's demonstrated preferences under similar environmental conditions, such as in the same or a similar geographic area or under similar weather conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Srinivas Gutta, Mi-Suen Lee, Lalitha Agnihotri
  • Patent number: 7403753
    Abstract: A receiver contains a demodulator system that can deliver a stream of digital data comprising at least a first and a second audio program. If a user selects the first audio program, the receiver applies a first bit rate decompression to generate a stream of decompressed digital data. If the user selects the second audio program, the receiver applies a second bit rate decompression to generate a different stream of decompressed digital data. A digital to analog converter can be used to generate the corresponding analog signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Inventor: Hark C. Chan
  • Patent number: 7398050
    Abstract: A method of communicating data in a satellite digital audio radio (SDAR) system includes transmitting two radio frequency digital signals to a SDAR receiver within a motor vehicle. The two signals include substantially identical information. Each signal includes universal data, and also group-specific data that may or may not be relevant to the particular receiver. The group-specific data is located in a predetermined time location within the signals. This method includes combining the group-specific data from one of the two signals with group-specific data from the other signal to create a group-specific output signal. Similarly, the universal data from one of the two signals is combined with universal data from the other signal to create a universal output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Walker
  • Patent number: 7395052
    Abstract: A process provides access data to a transportable subscriber station, for establishing access to a service provider station. A first access mode which can be provided using first access data includes a first network that is accessible by means of a selectable network account, a first switching station, and a second network. A second access mode can be provided by means of second access data by way of the first network and a fixedly defined second switching station. If first access data for the selected network account are not available a request for the second access mode is made to the service provider station, using the stored second access data, and a request is made for first access data for the selected network account in the second access mode. This requested access data for the selected network account are transmitted to the subscriber station in the second access mode and stored for the selected network account in the subscriber station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignees: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ilse Mitterreiter, Thomas Diessel, Thorsten Lange, Michael Fischer, Michael Bueter, Frank Ulke
  • Publication number: 20080139112
    Abstract: The intelligent personalized content delivery system described herein generally includes a wireless mobile device, a mobile network infrastructure, an intelligent personalized content delivery server, and content database. The mobile device transmits the user content request to mobile network infrastructure over the wireless link to the server. Once the requested content is identified, the server obtains the requested content from the content database and generates a response for the wireless mobile device, where the response conveys at least a portion of the requested content or a link to download content. The personalized content delivery server includes an intelligent subsystem that processes the mobile user content request automatically and learning the mobile user content preferences and building an intelligent recommendation database for the mobile user. The recommendation database is used to recommend personalized content and also send targeted advertisements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Hari Prasad Sampath, Pedar Arulanandam
  • Publication number: 20080139111
    Abstract: The time-sharing of mobile devices over the Internet between remote users that need access to them is disclosed. Mobile devices are distributed across the globe in target geographies and networks, and users are provided with over-the-Internet access to these devices. The mobile devices are grouped in a mobile device pool. Devices in the pool can be in different physical locations, but they all report their locations and status to a central server (“AccessServer”) using standard internet protocols. This central server gives a single unified view of the mobile device pool to the user. Users are able to get this unified view and access the mobile devices using a software application (“DeviceConductor”) that runs on their local computer. A user can check-out a device and operate it remotely, having the ability to control all inputs of the device and view all outputs from the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Mudassir Ilyas Sheikha, David John Marsyla, Faraz Ali Syed
  • Patent number: 7386273
    Abstract: A decision portion decides whether a tuner can receive real-time broadcast content delivered from a server apparatus. If the real-time broadcast content can be received, a control portion controls the tuner so that it may receive the delivered real-time broadcast content. Further, a signal selection portion selects the broadcast content received by the tuner in place of the broadcast content delivered from the server apparatus. A presentation processing portion performs presentation processing on the broadcast content selected by the signal selection portion. It is thus possible to present, with a good quality, the real-time broadcast content delivered by the server apparatus even if an amount of traffic over a network increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Satoshi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7379721
    Abstract: A user's media preferences can be obtained and stored for later use in setting up a currently-available media device. The media device inputs are programmed based on the media device's capabilities and the available media sources for the particular geographic area in which the user is currently located. Media device inputs may be set by the media device itself or by a computer attached to the media device, either directly or via a network. Device data, including information such as the number of media device inputs to be programmed, and whether or not the media device inputs can be toggled between several stations, is obtained. Station data, including available media sources, is obtained for the current geographic area. A user profile, including information such as input preference settings and genre preferences, is also obtained. The media device inputs are then programmed based on the user profile, the station data for the geographic area, and the media device capabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Michael Doudnikoff, Doreen L. Galli, Steven Michael Miller
  • Publication number: 20080119131
    Abstract: A system for mobile devices that facilitates the creation and dissemination of user interest surveys to a plurality of mobile devices and PCs/laptops that comprise a user interest survey client component. A computer or PC comprising an user interest survey generator is used to generate audio assisted user interest surveys and communicate it to a distribution server for dissemination. Recipient devices, such as PCs and Mobile devices comprise an user interest survey client component to receive and present user interest survey to a user, gather user interest information, and to send it back to the distribution server or an alternate destination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Bindu Rama Rao
  • Publication number: 20080119132
    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: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Bindu Rama Rao