Abstract: A digital broadcast receiving apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive a digital broadcast signal in which predetermined data is transmitted repeatedly. A transmission time estimating unit estimates a transmission time for transmitting data per transmission unit, by analyzing separation information contained in the digital broadcast signal where the separation information describes a time for the transmission unit of data corresponding to the predetermined data. A determining unit determines whether content of the predetermined data has been updated for each data reception starting time after the transmission time has been estimated. If the content has not been updated, the control unit inhibits reception processing by the receiving unit for a predetermined period of time based on the estimated transmission time, and if the content has been updated, the control unit permits the reception processing by the receiving unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a first controlled device, such as a wireless local transmitter that accepts a plurality of digital audio signals and corresponding program information signals converted from a controlled source, such as the encoded digital data provided by a digital data signal source, typically a community antenna television (CATV) cable or direct broadcast satellite, then modulates said digital audio and corresponding program information signals on different carrier frequencies and transmits the modulated signals to a plurality of second controlled devices, such as remote digital receiver/tuners that demodulate said signals to output music in stereophonic sound and display the corresponding program information by means of an alphanumeric display. The first and second controlled devices contain microprocessor systems for communicating, controlling, storing, processing, and display of digital data within the operation of the respective system.

Abstract: A method of registering a device with a wireless home entertainment hub in a home entertainment system includes broadcasting by a wireless home entertainment hub a request for a reply from at least one unregistered device. The reply is received from at least one of the unregistered devices and a list of the at least one unregistered device is presented to a user for the purpose of the user selecting a device to register. An indication of the registration of the device selected by the user for registration is stored, and the selected device is removed from the list of unregistered devices after the indication of the registration is stored.

Abstract: An audio playback apparatus includes an integrated circuit in which an FM reception circuit and a near field wireless communication circuit are integrated and packaged into one chip, a switch unit configured to switch between output of an audio signal supplied from the FM reception circuit and output of an audio signal supplied from the near field wireless communication circuit, and a connection terminal configured to output an audio signal selected using the switch unit and supply an FM broadcast signal received through a cable of an earphone connected to the connection terminal to the FM reception circuit. An associated method performed by the audio playback apparatus cooperates with the mobile terminal apparatus and associated method to provide a functional system.

Abstract: A network configuration and method of delivering targeted advertisement during an audio broadcasting using a targeted radio advertisement manager (“TRAM”) are disclosed. A TRAM process for delivering targeted advertisement (“AD”) is able to receive a packet carrying identification (“ID”) identifying a radio and a time stamp associated with a tune-in broadcast station via a cellular communication network. After identifying at least one user associated with the radio, a user preference is determined in accordance with the user. After generating a set of targeted ads based on user preference, the set of targeted ads is forwarded to the radio. The targeted ads are selectively disseminated during commercial intervals between radio broadcasting in accordance with a predefined broadcasting schedule.

Abstract: A method of creating a video sequence. The method comprises setting at least one repetitive reminder in a schedule managed by a handheld device having an image sensor, alarming a user according to the at least one repetitive reminder, capturing a sequence of images using the image sensor, automatically identifying a facial image depicting a face in a preset area in the sequence of images, automatically selecting the facial image, in response to the identification, and adding the facial image to a facial video sequence.

Abstract: A method is provided for transmitting data, particularly having multimedia contents, from a first communications unit to a second communications unit (40; 114) in a telephone communications network, whereby at least one transmission status message assigned to the data is transmitted to the first communications unit. In the event that data cannot be delivered to the second communications unit, an item of information concerning a non-deliverability of the sent data is provided in the transmission status message.

Abstract: An interface (100) is provided between an accessory (102) and a radio (104) to enable three functions over a single signal line (140) thereby minimizing pin count in a connector (112). The functions of accessory detect, one-wire memory and accessory PTT press are controlled over the single signal line (140) through the use of two comparators (116, 118) and two voltage dividers (106, 108, 110).

Abstract: Songs titles and song artists or other content received on an HD-radio are cross-referenced to one or more geographic locations where they were heard on the radio by identifying a song title or artist in the HD radio data stream and instructing a global positioning system navigation unit to contemporaneously determine its location. The determined location and song title and/or artist are cross-referenced to each other in a list or database. A touch-sensitive display device is configured to display the location or portion of a route where a listened-to song was heard. Song titles and/or artists can be determined by tactile selection of portions of a route displayed on the map.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing sales or customer support using a telephone having a camera to capture at least a partial image of a product or service; wherein the at least partial image is used to select a database updated by one or more knowledgeable persons on the product or service.

Abstract: An acoustic apparatus and a method thereof in a mobile terminal are provided. More particularly, an apparatus and a method for establishing a multi-sound system that provides sounds of sense of reality by connecting with players existing in the neighborhood and reproducing channels of contents using a plurality of players when reproducing the contents including multi-sound channels are provided. The apparatus includes a control player, a server player, and a client player. The control player selects players that reproduce respective channels using information of the channels forming the multi-sound channel contents. The server player analyzes the contents to be reproduced by the players to provide the information regarding the channels to the control player. The client player reproduces the channels of the relevant contents under control of the control player.

Abstract: A broadcast response system provides, e.g., a radio broadcast listener with the ability to obtain media content such as music or speech while listening to the radio. The user can respond to items in the radio broadcast such as advertisements, fund raising drives, or interactive listener polls during the broadcast. Data such as song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored, can be transmitted using, e.g., the RBDS/RDS data stream. A reference number representing song title and artist, author or publisher and the IP address for the location where the digital version of the content is stored can also be employed for ease of implementation. This reference number can reside in a lookup table to be accessed by broadcast response server.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application relate generally to electrical and electronic hardware, computer software, wired and wireless network communications, wearable, hand held, and portable computing devices for facilitating communication of information. More specifically, disclosed are wireless media devices that include image projection systems and/or binaural microphone systems for media presentations. The image projection system may comprise a miniature video projector, such as a pico-projector or the like, for example. Audio and video content may be streamed or otherwise accessed from the Cloud, the Internet, or a streaming service, for example. A wireless media device incorporating the image projection system and/or binaural microphone system may also record the audio and video content using those systems.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for remotely controlling and interacting with a multimedia device using a mobile phone. This is accomplished by utilizing cell and mobile phones capable of establishing persistent Internet connections. A software application is provided for the mobile phone that receives inputs entered by a user on the mobile phone's keypad and translates the inputs into commands that are recognized by a multimedia device. For example, the multimedia device may be a television, set top box, or a digital video recorder such as a Tivo or ReplayTV. The software application transmits the data input by the user to the device, either directly, or through at least one central server. Mapping of the commands entered on the mobile phone into commands recognized by the remote device may occur on the phone, at a central server, or at the device itself.

Abstract: A POD module system includes a housing, a coaxial cable connector formed on the housing and connectable to a first device to receive a cable signal, a port formed on the housing to receive a wire or wireless signal from a second device, a module unit to process at least one of the cable signal and the at least one of the wireless signal to generate at least one of a copy protection signal and one of video and audio signals, respectively, and a connector formed on the housing and connectable to a third device to transmit the at least one of the copy protection signal and the one of video and audio signals to the third device such that the third device generates at least one of an image and a sound to correspond to the at least one of the copy protection signal and the one of video and audio signals.

Abstract: A personal media device including a broadcast receiver that receives broadcast media and broadcast media data from a broadcast source where the broadcast media data includes a media identifier associated with the broadcast media. The media device also includes a data transceiver that sends a retrieval request to a media server for enhanced media data where the retrieval request includes the media identifier and receives the enhanced media data via a wireless data channel. The media device further includes a processor that performs a media device operation in response to the received enhanced media data.

Abstract: A system and method to efficiently use a plurality of ‘receivers’ to monitor a larger plurality of ‘sources’ for audio content. Upon identifying that a source is active, one of the plural receivers is assigned to convey the content to a destination. All other receivers are prevented from monitoring that specific source for the duration of its activity, but continue to monitor the remaining sources. ‘Source’ includes any source of information containing audio content. ‘Receiver’ includes any device capable of selectively conveying such content, including physical switches, hardware or software multiplexers, microphones, radio receivers, or any other means of obtaining such content.

Abstract: A wireless communication system and in particular to a wireless communication system for digital audio players that provides for increased functionality, such as communication, interaction and synchronization between a computing platform and various mobile, portable or fixed digital audio players, as well as providing a communication link between the various digital audio players themselves. The computing platform may act, for example, through a wireless network or wireless communication platform, to control the digital audio players; to act as a cache of digital audio data for the digital audio players; as well as provide a gateway to the Internet to enable the digital audio players to access additional digital audio content and other information.

Abstract: Techniques to seamlessly switch reception between multimedia programs are described. For “continued decoding”, a wireless device continues to receive, decode, decompress, and (optionally) display a current program until overhead information needed to decode the new program is received. For “early decoding”, the wireless device receives a user input and identifies a program with potential for user selection. The wireless device initiates decoding of the identified program, prior to its selection, so that the program can be decompressed and displayed earlier if it is subsequently selected. For time-compensated transmission, a base station transmits video and audio for a program in a manner to account for the difference between audio processing delay and video processing delay at the wireless device. This allows the wireless device to present the audio earlier during a program change, since its processing delay is shorter, and thus provide a faster response to the program change.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for syncing multiple electronic devices for collective audio playback. According to certain aspects, a master device connects (218) to a slave device via a wireless connection. The master device calculates (224) a network latency via a series of network latency pings with the slave device and sends (225) the network latency to the slave device. Further, the master devices sends (232) a portion of an audio file as well as a timing instruction including a system time to the slave device. The master device initiates (234) playback of the portion of the audio file and the slave devices initiates (236) playback of the portion of the audio file according to the timing instruction and a calculated system clock offset value.

Abstract: Internet multimedia content delivery methods, devices and systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for communicating internet multimedia data to a consumer electronic via a wireless network comprises receiving the internet multimedia data via the wireless network, converting the internet multimedia data to a data type associated with the consumer electronic device, and forwarding the internet multimedia data of the data type to the consumer electronic device, where the internet multimedia data via the wireless network is serviced by an internet multimedia data server.

Abstract: A portable device for use with audio or visual content (e.g., an MP3 player-like device, or a camera-enabled device) is equipped with one or more features/capabilities, including: a user interface through which a consumer can instruct that content be delivered to a different consumer's device, the ability to derive identifiers from content and take action(s) based thereon, the ability to count playbacks of content; and/or the ability to interact with remote web services. A variety of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

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

Abstract: A technique for determining the position of a mobile device includes receiving messages from respective mobile reference devices. Each of the messages is broadcast beginning at one of several predetermined message start opportunity (MSO) times that have known timings relative to a reference time. Each of the messages contains a MSO value identifying the MSO time at which transmission of the message started. The MSO value is used to determine the time of transmission of each of the messages received at the mobile device, and the position of the mobile device is determined via multi-lateration. According to another approach, the mobile device receives a set of ADS-B messages from a respective set of mobile reference devices. The time of transmission of each of the ADS-B messages is supplied in the ADS-B message itself or in a subsequent message and used to determine the position of the mobile device.

Abstract: A digital media device for providing digital media services to a mobile phone is disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, the device includes: a phone memory card that is reversibly deployable to a port of the mobile phone; and a digital media-player application residing on the phone memory card, wherein the combination of the digital media device and the mobile phone is operative to effect a playback of a media file, using the digital media-player application and using at least one of: an operating system; user controls; a visual display system, and an audio system. Optionally, the device further includes: a digital rights-management engine residing on the phone memory card for providing digital rights-management services for at least one media file. Optionally, the device further includes: a media-download engine operative to effect a download of at least one media file into the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A method is provided for transmitting data to user equipments, a communication system, a base station and a mobile station. Data is transmitted to user equipments from a first base station (BBS) and from second base stations (CBS) in a time division multiplexed manner in frames (F). Each frame (F) has a first sub-frame and a second sub-frame. The user equipments are located in cells, each cell a second base station (CBS). Data is transmitted wirelessly, during a first sub-frame of a frame, data from the first base station (BBS) to user equipments in a plurality of cells. Data is transmitted wirelessly, during the second sub-frame of the frame (F), from second base station (CBS) to at least one the plurality of user equipments. The data being transmitted from the first base station (BBS) is also transmitted by the second base station (CBS) to at least one of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: Methods and systems to produce audio output signals from audio input signals. In one embodiment, a first portion of the audio input signals can be pre-processed, with the output used to modulate ultrasonic carrier signals, thereby producing modulated ultrasonic signals. The modulated ultrasonic signals can be transformed into a first portion of the audio output signals, which is directional. Based on a second portion of the audio input signals, a standard audio speaker can output a second portion of the audio output signals. Another embodiment further produces distortion compensated signals based on the pre-processed signals. The distortion compensated signals can be subtracted from the second portion of the audio input signals to generate inputs for the standard audio speaker to output the second portion of the audio output signals. In yet another embodiment, noise can be added during pre-processing of the first portion of the audio input signals.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing and recording parameters of events on portable devices with a digital television receiver, a method for remote configuration of service parameters for capturing and recording events on portable devices, as well as a portable device and server. More specifically, a system and method for capturing audience data, the method for remote configuration of audience data capture service, especially adapted for digital TV services on portable devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, and personal digital assistants, among others, that helps in remotely setting up the service. Another aspect of the present architecture is the fact that it is completely based on software, using only resources that are already present in portable devices with an embedded service.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for allowing a telephone user to share captured audio and/or video with a set top box user are described. Methods and apparatus can be implemented without the need for a called party to support video conferencing and/or have a computer system. In various embodiments a telephone call is used to contact a party to who content from a telephone may be streamed, e.g., in real time. Assuming the contacted party is interested a video session is established with a STB or other device corresponding to the called party and video content delivered from the cell phone. Audio may also be streamed with the video and/or the initial telephone call is maintained while video content is delivered allowing for bi-direction communication via the calling and called party's telephones. While IP signaling maybe used for video delivery an analog VOD session may alternatively be used.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to broadcasting and telecommunication and, more particularly, to broadcasting of text and visual messages over a geographical area. In one embodiment, a visual information broadcaster is disclosed, comprising: a hardware processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory comprises a plurality of modules capable of being executed by the processor to perform operations, and wherein the plurality of modules comprises: a receiving module configured to receive a first input comprising a string of characters selected from a text, an image, or a combination thereof, a transforming module configured to transform the first input into a first image having at least two dimensions; an encoder module configured to convert the first image into a one-dimensional signal waveform; and a modulator module configured to modulate the one-dimensional signal waveform for transmission via a modulated one-dimensional signal waveform.

Abstract: The interactive authentication system allows a consumer to interact with a base station, such as broadcast media (e.g., television and radio) or PC, to receive coupons, special sales offers, and other information with an electronic card. The electronic card can also be used to transmit a signal that can be received by the base station to perform a wide variety of tasks. These tasks can include launching an application, authenticating a user at a website, and completing a sales transaction at a website (e.g., by filling out a form automatically). The interaction between the base station and the electronic card is accomplished by using the conventional sound system in the base station so that a special reader hardware need not be installed to interact with the electronic card. The user is equipped with an electronic card that can receive and transmit data via sound waves. In the various embodiments, the sound waves can be audible or ultrasonic (which can be slightly audible to some groups of people).

Abstract: The device may include a contactless element and a set of least two auxiliary elements. Each auxiliary element may include a slave SWP interface connected to a same master SWP interface of the contactless element through a SWP link, and a management module configured for activating at once only one slave SWP interface on the SWP link.

Abstract: A system and method for creating and distributing diagnostic tests to diagnostic devices. The system includes user devices, diagnostic devices, diagnostic development system and validation/authentication system. The system can create, validate and distribute one or more diagnostic tests to various diagnostic devices. This allows user to have the latest diagnostic tests in a timely manner.

Abstract: Producing a light display for entertainment at a venue includes broadcasting a sonic timing signal, and driving internal timers on mobile handheld electronic devices at the venue toward a synchronous state via the sonic timing signal. Producing the light display further includes triggering illumination of the devices at different times each determined by the corresponding internal timer and contingent upon a location at the venue, to generate a light display. Related control methodology and control logic is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A connector for connecting at least one output device to a rendering device, wherein the connector includes at least one detection unit for detecting at least one external signal, characterized in that the connector comprises at least one communication unit for communicating with at least one wireless communication device wirelessly, wherein the detection unit is connected to the communication unit for managing the communication unit, and a method for managing connections to an output device from a rendering and/or a communication device, wherein the output device is connected to a connector for connecting the output device to the rendering and/or communication device, characterized in that the connector upon detection of a specific external signal which was detected wirelessly activates a communication unit of the connector for communication with the communication device.

Abstract: An image recording system is provided. The image recording system includes an image recording apparatus, a mobile terminal to wirelessly manipulate the image recording apparatus and including a display device, a receiver to receive a signal from one of the image recording apparatus and the mobile terminal, a distance determining unit to determine a distance between the image recording apparatus and the mobile terminal, a range determining unit to determine a range, which includes the detected distance amongst a plurality of continuously incremental ranges partitioned by a predetermined reference distance originating from the image recording apparatus, a storage to store information concerning a plurality of operation screens associated with the plurality of ranges respectively, and a display controller to control the display device to display one of the plurality of operation screens associated with one of the plurality of ranges, which includes the detected distance.

Abstract: A method includes receiving samples of audio data and storing the samples of audio data in a buffer. Each of the samples of audio data includes a plurality of bits. The method also includes transmitting each of the plurality of bits, of each of the samples of audio data retrieved from the buffer, across a single-bit bus; and subsequent to transmitting each of the samples, transmitting a selected number of dummy bits across the single-bit bus. The selected number is greater than one. The method further includes analyzing activity of the buffer and, based on the activity of the buffer, dynamically adjusting the selected number. The method also includes acquiring the samples of audio data transmitted across the single-bit bus and ignoring the dummy bits. The method further includes generating analog signals in response to the samples of audio data acquired across the single-bit bus.

Abstract: The present inventions pertain to the geographically based information distribution systems, including in particular systems configured to display advertisements and information about current status of public transit vehicles based on geographic position of the vehicle and/or the displays.

Abstract: A multimedia apparatus and a synchronization method thereof are provided. The multimedia apparatus includes a video output unit which outputs a video, and a control unit which transmits an audio signal to the external device through the communication module and operates the video output unit to display a video corresponding to the audio signal by delaying the video based on delay information received from the external device through the communication module.

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

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

Abstract: A wireless communication device comprises a first wireless interface configured to communicate with a device over a first wireless network, and a second wireless interface configured to communicate with a remote server over a second wireless network, the remote server storing one or more executables. The wireless communication device includes a configured to receive device configuration information from the device over the first wireless network, the device configuration information identifying at least processing hardware resources in the device.

Abstract: Presence detection using Bluetooth and hybrid-mode transmitters is disclosed. In some embodiments, a transmitter is configured to broadcast a secure identifier comprising a venue identifier using Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) and/or an ultrasonic audio channel. The secure identifier broadcast by the transmitter is captured by a handset and decoded to infer presence of the handset at a venue identified by the venue identifier.

Abstract: A method of operating a radio in a vehicle includes tuning the radio to a first radio source. Information identifying the first radio source is transmitted from the vehicle to a remote processor. The processor monitors broadcast content of the first radio source on a web site. The processor identifies a second radio source having broadcast content matching the broadcast content of the first radio source. Information identifying the second radio source is transmitted from the processor to the vehicle. When a quality of a broadcast signal from the first radio source received at the vehicle falls below a threshold quality level, tuning of the radio is switched from the first radio source to the second radio source.

Abstract: A network-enabled audio device that provides a display device that allows the user to select playlists of music much like a jukebox is disclosed. The user can compose playlists from disk files, CD's, Internet streaming audio broadcasts, online music sites, and other audio sources. The user can also select a desired Web broadcast from a list of available Web broadcasts. In addition, the user can play standard audio CD's and MP3 encoded CD's and have access to local AM/FM stations. Further, the software, the user controls, and the display in the network-enabled audio device are operably configured and connected such that the user can listen to playlists that include CD's and other audio sources just as the user would choose a playlist in a jukebox.

Abstract: A method for providing a radio channel list and a mobile terminal supporting the method are disclosed. The mobile terminal includes a radio module for performing a radio channel search and for supporting radio broadcast reception, a radio antenna that serves as an antenna for the radio module, a switch placed between the radio module and the radio module, and a control unit for controlling a process of generating a first channel list of ineffective radio channels by performing radio channel search while the radio antenna is disconnected from the radio module by the switch, generating a second channel list of effective radio channels by performing radio channel search while the radio antenna is connected to the radio module by the switch, creating a valid radio channel list by removing entries of the first channel list from the second channel list, and providing the created valid radio channel list.

Abstract: An audio system for a motor vehicle is provided. The system includes a radio with loudspeakers for outputting a sound pattern. The radio comprises a data connection with an engine control of the vehicle. The system also includes a mobile telephone with computer functionality, including a data connection with the radio via which audio data is transferable from the mobile telephone to the radio, and further data is transferable from the radio to the mobile telephone. This results in a sound pattern being generated which is an artificial driving noise.

Abstract: Disclosed here is an audio system and a method of operating the same. The audio system comprises a receiver module for receiving radio frequency (RF) input signal associated with a plurality of radio stations, an Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) coupled to the receiver for digitizing the received RF input signal and a stored set of computer-executable instructions. The instructions include those for selecting a particular radio station from the plurality of radio stations, shifting the frequency of the particular radio station to an intermediate frequency (IF), demodulating the frequency shifted portion of the RF input signal to retrieve an output signal and generating a time division multiplexed signal based on the output signal.

Abstract: We have disclosed an enhanced radio system that provides for the capture and playback of one or more radio stations. The user may tune to a station, or scan through stations, rewind to hear what was missed, and fast-forward through undesired content. The system allows a user to rate content, and to be notified when that content is being played on any station. The system may make radio station recommendations. The system allows the user to respond easily to radio content, download audio content, and send radio content to another user. The system may provide other radio related and radio content related information. The system may provide a karaoke mode. The system may also allow the user to integrate a telephone with the radio. The system may report usage information to a collection facility.