Abstract:
A vehicle messaging method (600) and system (100) can include any number of data sources (101-103), an interface (104) that formats messages and addresses from the data sources, and a corresponding number of messaging servers (111-113) that receive targeted messages intended for a predetermined subset of subscribers associated with a vehicle identification number (VIN). Each messaging server can include a corresponding controller (121-123) programmed to assign (604) targeted messages to a predetermined channel and encode (606) the addresses of the targeted messages to the predetermined subset of subscribers using a VIN or portion thereof. The controller can be further programmed to transfer (608) the targeted messages and addresses to a satellite uplink (107) and satellite (110) via a messaging uplink interface (106) for retransmission and reception by a plurality of selective call receivers 109 addressable individually using a predetermined VIN or portion thereof.
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. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
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. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
Abstract:
Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a method and system for setting up devices for communication on a communication network and may include a headend that may detect when a first device is initially coupled to the communication network and assign an address to the first device. The headend may transfer the assigned address to the first device and in response to receiving the transferred assigned address and/or an identifier of the first device from the first device, the headend may communicate the transferred received assigned address and/or the identifier of the first device to at least one communication server coupled to the communication network. The assigned address of the first device may be a static address, a dynamic address and/or an embedded device address such as a MAC address. The identifier of the first device may be a digital certificate and/or a serial number.
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. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
Abstract:
Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a method and system for setting up devices for communication on a communication network and may include a headend that may detect when a first device is initially coupled to the communication network and assign an address to the first device. The headend may transfer the assigned address to the first device and in response to receiving the transferred assigned address and/or an identifier of the first device from the first device, the headend may communicate the transferred received assigned address and/or the identifier of the first device to at least one communication server coupled to the communication network. The assigned address of the first device may be a static address, a dynamic address and/or an embedded device address such as a MAC address. The identifier of the first device may be a digital certificate and/or a serial number.
Abstract:
A method includes providing identifying information for a customer premises communication device to a provider network, wherein the customer premises communication device is a node of a customer premises network. The method may further include registering a communication channel between the customer premises communication device and the provider network. In addition, the method may include receiving at least one service alert message from the provider network using the communication channel. The type of service alert message is selected based on the customer premises communication device.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach for transmitting/broadcasting messages/content (e.g., audio) by routing such messages to an intended audience/recipient(s), and optionally applying audio preferences to broadcast characteristics. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may receive a message/broadcast in a queue, and identify a set of intended recipients of the broadcast (e.g., based on the content therein). Once the intended recipients have been identified, a set of locations of the intended recipients may be determined. Based on the locations, at least one output device is selected (e.g., based on proximity of the output device(s) to the intended recipients). Thereafter, the broadcast may be transmitted to the intended recipients via the selected output device(s), while any associated audio preferences are applied. In one embodiment, if an intended recipient is listening to other content, such content may be muted and/or paused so that the transmitted broadcast may be heard.
Abstract:
A method of processing a multicast frame in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and an apparatus supporting the method are provided. The method comprises receiving, at a station, a unicast frame from an access point (AP), the unicast frame including an unicast address indicating a single station which receives the unicast frame, receiving a multicast frame from the AP, the multicast frame including a group address indicating a group of stations which receives the multicast frame, determining whether the unicast frame is duplicated with the multicast frame, and discarding the multicast frame if the unicast frame is duplicated with the multicast frame.
Abstract:
The invention relates to apparatus and methods for a television terminal with a modem. The television terminal may be a set top terminal for use with a cable television program delivery system. The modem may be integral to the terminal or may be provided as a hardware upgrade unit or expansion card connected to the terminal to modularly enhance the functionality of the terminal. The modem enables the terminal to communicate with interactive services and on-line databases, including services and databases outside of the television program delivery system. The services and databases may provide home shopping, airline reservations, news, financial information, classified advertisements, home banking, and/or interactive teletext.