Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080221715 | Method, system, and computer program product for managing controlled residential or non-residential environments - A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of devices connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The devices include audio/visual devices (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). The control server supports video/audio serving, telephony, messaging, file sharing, internetworking, and security. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the network devices from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The controllers are enhanced to support location-awareness and user-awareness functionality. | 09-11-2008 |
20080313548 | Systems and methods for activity-based control of consumer electronics - The present invention provides apparatus, systems and methods for activity-based control of multiple consumer electronic devices independent of a state of the consumer electronic devices. In an embodiment a remote control apparatus for controlling consumer electronic devices includes a user interface, a consumer electronic device interface, a transition-based controller and control logic. The transition-based controller generates transition commands to control multiple consumer electronic devices independent of keeping track of state information. A transition command includes a pre-defined sequence of consumer electronic device commands that can be transmitted to transition the consumer electronic devices from one user experience to another. A method for activity-based control of multiple consumer electronic devices independent of a state of the consumer electronic devices is also provided. | 12-18-2008 |
20090094450 | FIRMWARE IMAGE UPDATE AND MANAGEMENT - An embodiment of the present invention allows the firmware of one processor in a multi-processor system to be updated even if that processor is unstable due to a corruption of system software. For example, in a system that includes a primary processor and one or more secondary processors, an embodiment of the present invention allows the firmware of a secondary processor to be updated even if that processor is unstable due to a corruption of system software. An embodiment of the present invention also enables a network-based firmware update of a processor or microcontroller in a system, such as a consumer electronics device, wherein the processor or microcontroller requires such updates to occur via a serial port. | 04-09-2009 |
20090103691 | System for Supporting Analog Telephones in an IP Telephone Network - An integrated VoIP phone that seamlessly integrates POTS phones and IP phones is provided. In an embodiment, the integrated VoIP phone includes a Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”) registrar, a SIP session border control (“SBC”), a SIP proxy, a SIP feature server, a SIP-PSTN gateway, a user interface and VoIP telephony functionality found in traditional VoIP phones. In an embodiment, the integrated VoIP phone includes one or more analog telephone adaptors. Other VoIP entities, such as FXS adaptors, register themselves with the integrated VoIP phone through the SIP SBC. These other entities appear as extensions on the integrated VoIP phone and the outside network will only directly communicated with the integrated VoIP phone. | 04-23-2009 |
20090116475 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTER-PROCESSOR COMMUNICATION - A means for reliable inter-processor communication in a multi-processor system is described. In accordance with one aspect, a specially-configured serial bus is used as a general-purpose data link between a first processor and a second processor. The serial bus may be an Inter-IC Sound (I | 05-07-2009 |
20100031295 | Method, system, and computer program product for managing controlled residential or non-residential environments - A control server, or similar central processor, manages the distribution of data (including audio and video), voice, and control signals among a plurality of devices connected via a wired and/or wireless communications network. The devices include audio/visual devices (such as, televisions, monitors, PDAs, notepads, notebooks, MP3, portable stereo, etc.) as well as household appliances (such as, lighting, ovens, alarm clocks, etc.). The control server supports video/audio serving, telephony, messaging, file sharing, internetworking, and security. A portable controller allows a user to access and control the network devices from any location within a controlled residential and/or non-residential environment, including its surrounding areas. The controllers are enhanced to support location-awareness and user-awareness functionality. | 02-04-2010 |
20100156665 | System, Method and Apparatus for Advanced Utility Control, Monitoring and Conservation - The present application is directed to a system and method of providing flexible real-time two-way energy control and monitoring between utility providers and consumers. Consumer friendly nodes permit communication of targeted information and control, while permitting the utility provider to remotely communicate and control in a real-time environment. Data collection of and accessibility by a community of utility consumers provides social feedback through comparative usage statistics. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157989 | APPLICATION STORE AND INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM FOR NETWORKED TELEPHONY AND DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES DEVICES - Telephony and digital media services may be provided to a plurality of locations, such as to a plurality of homes and offices, though the deployment of telephony and digital media services devices to the locations, wherein each device is configured to function as a voice, data and media information center. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes an application store and an application intelligence subsystem implemented on one or more computers. Each of the application store and the application intelligence subsystem is communicatively connected via a network to a plurality of such telephony and digital media services devices. The application store is operable to provide applications via the network for installation and execution on each of the plurality of devices. The application intelligence subsystem is operable to obtain and report information about applications installed and executed on each of the plurality of devices. | 06-24-2010 |
20100157990 | SYSTEMS FOR PROVIDING TELEPHONY AND DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES - A system, method and apparatus for providing telephony and digital media services to a location, such as a home or office, is described herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a telephony and digital media services device that is configured to function as an all-in-one voice, data and media information center. The device provides telephony functionality both directly and through associated handsets. The device pairs a user-friendly touch-screen interface with a high-performance hardware/software architecture capable of delivering advanced media applications and graphics combined with landline quality telephony service all in one integrated system. | 06-24-2010 |
20100159898 | SERVICES PLATFORM FOR NETWORKED DEVICES THAT PROVIDE TELEPHONY AND DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES - Telephony and digital media services may be provided to a plurality of locations, such as to a plurality of homes and offices, though the deployment of telephony and digital media services devices to the locations, wherein each device is configured to function as a voice, data and media information center. A services platform in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention enables entities to deploy, manage optimize and monitor a network of such devices in a turnkey fashion. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the services platform is implemented on one or more computers and includes at least a device monitoring subsystem, a device management subsystem and a user interface. | 06-24-2010 |
20100178876 | Network-Extensible and Controllable Telephone - A system that includes a telephone adapted for connection to a data communications network. The telephone is capable of discovering other devices connected to the data communications network and using those devices to extend its own functionality. The telephone is also accessible and controllable by other devices on the data communications network. | 07-15-2010 |
20110261834 | LEGACY DEVICE BRIDGE FOR RESIDENTIAL OR NON-RESIDENTIAL NETWORKS - A legacy device bridge for use in a network, such as a wired or wireless residential network, is provided. The legacy device bridge performs protocol conversion to enable a network-attached entity that uses a packet-based communication protocol to communicate with and control legacy devices, such as consumer electronics, that rely exclusively on infrared (IR) or serial communication protocols. The legacy device bridge also performs a virtualization function that allows legacy devices to be advertised to the network as devices that comply with a packet-based discovery and control protocol, and to be controlled as such. The legacy device bridge is also adapted to probe, deduce and publish information relating to the state of a legacy device to other entities on the network. | 10-27-2011 |
20110283274 | FIRMWARE IMAGE UPDATE AND MANAGEMENT - An embodiment of the present invention allows the firmware of one processor in a multi-processor system to be updated even if that processor is unstable due to a corruption of system software. For example, in a system that includes a primary processor and one or more secondary processors, an embodiment of the present invention allows the firmware of a secondary processor to be updated even if that processor is unstable due to a corruption of system software. An embodiment of the present invention also enables a network-based firmware update of a processor or microcontroller in a system, such as a consumer electronics device, wherein the processor or microcontroller requires such updates to occur via a serial port. | 11-17-2011 |
20110296011 | SHARED HEARTBEAT SERVICE FOR MANAGED DEVICES - Systems, methods, and apparatuses for facilitating communication between remote services and applications installed on a device are described. In accordance with embodiments, each of a plurality of remote services generates an application-specific message intended for processing by a corresponding application installed on a device and transmits the application-specific message to a device management system (DMS) server, where it is queued. A DMS client installed on the device sends heartbeat messages to the DMS server indicating that the device is available to receive messages. In response to receiving the heartbeat messages, the DMS server transmits the application-specific messages to the DMS client. The DMS client then publishes each application-specific message to the particular application that the application-specific message was intended for. | 12-01-2011 |
20120032945 | PORTABLE COMPUTING DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION OF SAME - A managed services platform and method of operation of same are described herein. The platform can include a device management service (DMS) server in which the DMS server can act as a gateway for communications with one or more computing devices, and the computing devices are associated with a first entity. The platform can also include an application service (AS) server in which the AS server is communicatively coupled with the DMS server. When a first computing device contacts the DMS server, the DMS server is operable to provide a bundle to the first computing device. As an example, the bundle contains content that at least includes one or more configuration messages and an application set that contains one or more predefined applications. The content of the bundle can be determined at least in part by the first entity. | 02-09-2012 |
20120036245 | MANAGED SERVICES PLATFORM AND METHOD OF OPERATION OF SAME - A managed services platform and method of operation of same are described herein. The platform can include a device management service (DMS) server in which the DMS server can act as a gateway for communications with one or more computing devices, and the computing devices are associated with a first entity. The platform can also include an application service (AS) server in which the AS server is communicatively coupled with the DMS server. When a first computing device contacts the DMS server, the DMS server is operable to provide a bundle to the first computing device. As an example, the bundle contains content that at least includes one or more configuration messages and an application set that contains one or more predefined applications. The content of the bundle can be determined at least in part by the first entity. | 02-09-2012 |
20120036440 | SUPERVISORY PORTAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF OPERATION OF SAME - A managed services platform and method of operation of same are described herein. The platform can include a device management service (DMS) server in which the DMS server can act as a gateway for communications with one or more computing devices, and the computing devices are associated with a first entity. The platform can also include an application service (AS) server in which the AS server is communicatively coupled with the DMS server. When a first computing device contacts the DMS server, the DMS server is operable to provide a bundle to the first computing device. As an example, the bundle contains content that at least includes one or more configuration messages and an application set that contains one or more predefined applications. The content of the bundle can be determined at least in part by the first entity. | 02-09-2012 |
20120036442 | MANAGED SERVICES PORTALS AND METHOD OF OPERATION OF SAME - A managed services platform and method of operation of same are described herein. The platform can include a device management service (DMS) server in which the DMS server can act as a gateway for communications with one or more computing devices, and the computing devices are associated with a first entity. The platform can also include an application service (AS) server in which the AS server is communicatively coupled with the DMS server. When a first computing device contacts the DMS server, the DMS server is operable to provide a bundle to the first computing device. As an example, the bundle contains content that at least includes one or more configuration messages and an application set that contains one or more predefined applications. The content of the bundle can be determined at least in part by the first entity. | 02-09-2012 |
20120036552 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING DEVICES AND METHOD OF OPERATION OF SAME - A managed services platform and method of operation of same are described herein. The platform can include a device management service (DMS) server in which the DMS server can act as a gateway for communications with one or more computing devices, and the computing devices are associated with a first entity. The platform can also include an application service (AS) server in which the AS server is communicatively coupled with the DMS server. When a first computing device contacts the DMS server, the DMS server is operable to provide a bundle to the first computing device. As an example, the bundle contains content that at least includes one or more configuration messages and an application set that contains one or more predefined applications. The content of the bundle can be determined at least in part by the first entity. | 02-09-2012 |
20120046074 | SYSTEM CONTAINING A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND ASSOCIATED DOCKING STATION - A communication system is described that includes a mobile communication device and a docking station with which the mobile communication device can be selectively engaged and disengaged. The mobile communication device includes telephony logic that enables a user to conduct a voice call using a first speaker/microphone and/or a first network interface provided by the mobile communication device when the mobile communication device is disengaged from the docking station and that enables the user to conduct a voice call using a second speaker/microphone and/or a second network interface provided by the docking station when the mobile communication device is engaged with the docking station. The telephony logic is also capable of dynamically switching between the use of the first and second speakers/microphones and/or the first and second network interfaces in response to detecting engagement or disengagement of the docking station during a voice call. | 02-23-2012 |
20120174237 | LOCATION AWARE SELF-LOCKING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A MOBILE DEVICE - A mobile device includes a protected mode in which the device automatically locks itself after a period of inactivity. In the protected mode, the device can determine whether it is in a trusted location. If the device is not in a trusted location, the device continues in the protected mode. If the device is within a trusted location, the device can alter the protected mode, such as by disabling the protected mode. Alternatively, a parameter associated with the protected mode can be changed. For instance, the period of inactivity before the device automatically self locks can be increased. The trusted location can be defined by a specific network, specific wireless access point, specific geographic coordinates or an express user indication. Such a device can avoid the frustration of repeatedly locking and unlocking the device if the user is located in an environment in which privacy and security concerns are minimized. | 07-05-2012 |
20120203859 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERACTION BETWEEN E-MAIL/WEB BROWSER AND COMMUNICATION DEVICES - Systems and methods are provided for improving the interaction between e-mails/web browsers and communication devices. In such systems and methods, an action of one communication device can effect an action on another communication device. A content source identifier is presented in an email or web page being viewed on a first communication device. If the content source identifier has a specific content type descriptor associated therewith (such as a particular MIME type), then a command can be sent to a second communication device to initiate an action thereon. The command can be sent to the second communication device by the first communication device and/or by a management server communicatively linked to the first and second communication devices. In one embodiment, the first communication device can be a desktop computer or a laptop computer, and the second communication device can be a laptop computer, a tablet computer or a smart phone. | 08-09-2012 |
20120303476 | COMMUNICATION DEVICES, NETWORKS, SERVICES AND ACCOMPANYING METHODS - Mobile electronic devices, docking stations, and communication systems that include the same, as well as features and services offered by such mobile electronic devices, docking stations and communication systems are described. A mobile device in accordance with one embodiment includes a dual-mode capacitance sensor that can perform both a fingerprint scanning function and a user interface device function. A docking station in accordance with another embodiment can engage a mobile electronic device and also be removably attached to a component. Docking stations are also described that can communicate with one another to extend the feature sets of each. A mobile electronic device in accordance with another embodiment supports multiple profiles. Finally, a system in accordance with an embodiment performs attribute-based presentation of applications available in an application store to a mobile electronic device. | 11-29-2012 |
20130028446 | Orientation adjusting stereo audio output system and method for electrical devices - Arrangements described herein relate to systems and methods for adjusting the audio output from an electrical device based on the orientation of the device to provide proper stereo audio output for more than one orientation of the device. The audio output system includes at least two speakers. The device includes an orientation sensor, which can be accelerometer, a gravity sensor, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, an electronic compass, or combinations thereof. The audio output system can be operatively connected to the orientation sensor. Based on orientation data collected by the orientation sensor, output from the audio output system can be adjusted to provide audio output from opposing left and right regions of the device. Such adjustments can be implemented by the orientation sensor itself or by a switching device (such as a processor, digital logic gate or switching transistor) operatively positioned between the orientation sensor and the audio output system. | 01-31-2013 |
20130091543 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING SECURE APPLICATIONS - A method for generating a secure application is described herein. The method can include the steps of obtaining a target application and decomposing the target application into original files that contain predictable instructions. One or more predictable instructions in the original files may be identified. In addition, the target application may be modified to create the secure application by binding one or more intercepts to the target application. These intercepts can enable the modification of the predictable instructions in accordance with one or more policies such that the behavior of the secure application is different from the original behavior of the target application. Modification of the target application may be conducted without access to the source code of the target application. | 04-11-2013 |
20130186405 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT - A method and system for monitoring a medical device to ensure usage compliance by a patient are described herein. The method can include the steps of monitoring one or more parameters associated with the operation of the medical device, comparing the monitored parameters with one or more predetermined operational profiles and generating a signal that is indicative of whether the medical device is being used by the patient in substantial conformance with a predetermined usage pattern assigned to that patient. In one arrangement, the use of the medical device by the patient requires voluntary actions on the part of the patient to be in substantial conformance with the predetermined usage pattern. | 07-25-2013 |
20140289314 | SYSTEMS FOR DISTRIBUTING APPLICATIONS AND METHODS OF OPERATION OF SAME - A managed services platform and method of operation of same are described herein. The platform can include a device management service (DMS) server in which the DMS server can act as a gateway for communications with one or more computing devices, and the computing devices are associated with a first entity. The platform can also include an application service (AS) server in which the AS server is communicatively coupled with the DMS server. When a first computing device contacts the DMS server, the DMS server is operable to provide a bundle to the first computing device. As an example, the bundle contains content that at least includes one or more configuration messages and an application set that contains one or more predefined applications. The content of the bundle can be determined at least in part by the first entity. | 09-25-2014 |
20140317679 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING SECURE APPLICATIONS - A method for generating a secure application is described herein. The method can include the steps of obtaining a target application and decomposing the target application into original files that contain predictable instructions. One or more predictable instructions in the original files may be identified. In addition, the target application may be modified to create the secure application by binding one or more intercepts to the target application. These intercepts can enable the modification of the predictable instructions in accordance with one or more policies such that the behavior of the secure application is different from the original behavior of the target application. Modification of the target application may be conducted without access to the source code of the target application. | 10-23-2014 |
20140359117 | SHARED HEARTBEAT SERVICE FOR MANAGED DEVICES - Systems, methods, and apparatuses for facilitating communication between remote services and applications installed on a device are described. In accordance with embodiments, each of a plurality of remote services generates an application-specific message intended for processing by a corresponding application installed on a device and transmits the application-specific message to a device management system (DMS) server, where it is queued. A DMS client installed on the device sends heartbeat messages to the DMS server indicating that the device is available to receive messages. In response to receiving the heartbeat messages, the DMS server transmits the application-specific messages to the DMS client. The DMS client then publishes each application-specific message to the particular application that the application-specific message was intended for. | 12-04-2014 |
20150016472 | LEGACY DEVICE BRIDGE FOR RESIDENTIAL OR NON-RESIDENTIAL NETWORKS - A legacy device bridge for use in a network, such as a wired or wireless residential network, is provided. The legacy device bridge performs protocol conversion to enable a network-attached entity that uses a packet-based communication protocol to communicate with and control legacy devices, such as consumer electronics, that rely exclusively on infrared (IR) or serial communication protocols. The legacy device bridge also performs a virtualization function that allows legacy devices to be advertised to the network as devices that comply with a packet-based discovery and control protocol, and to be controlled as such. The legacy device bridge is also adapted to probe, deduce and publish information relating to the state of a legacy device to other entities on the network. | 01-15-2015 |