Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090061884 | DYNAMIC ELECTRONIC COUPON FOR A MOBILE ENVIRONMENT - Dynamic mobile coupons (DMCs) having a variable commercial value and/or other variable coupon characteristic are provided herein. By way of example, a DMC can be distributed to a mobile device based on criteria established by a sponsor of the DMC. A redemption value of the DMC can be variable and dynamically established based at least in part on data associated with a recipient mobile device. Upon redemption of the DMC at a retail entity, the value is fixed and applied to a transaction. Details of the transaction are provided to a remote clearinghouse that performs mediation and indemnification functions to finalize the transaction. As described, the subject disclosure provides a DMC that facilitates a rich and flexible mechanism to generate purchasing incentive for consumers in a mobile environment. | 03-05-2009 |
20090076912 | MANAGEMENT OF DYNAMIC ELECTRONIC COUPONS - Providing for management of a dynamic mobile coupon (DMC) at a mobile device is described herein. Particularly, dynamic characteristics associated with the DMC, such as a redeemable value, can be utilized to browse, sort, search, recall, or redeem the DMC utilizing a user interface of the mobile device. In other aspects, a DMC management application can interact with server components to backup and store DMC data, synchronize dynamic information (e.g., a dynamic redeemable value), access or manage a user profile, interface with other mobile devices to accomplish sharing, trading, exchanging, selling the DMC, and so on. Accordingly, provided is an efficient and personable way to manage mobile coupons in a mobile operating environment and provide increased value and utility for a user of such coupons. | 03-19-2009 |
20090089847 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES OF USER IDENTIFICATION AND NOTIFICATION OF MULTIMEDIA CONTENT - Methods, apparatus and systems for sharing information related to broadcast programs are described. One of the methods includes receiving data identifying at least a portion of a first broadcast of a program, receiving data identifying at least one recipient, and communicating information indicative of the identified at least a portion of the program to the at least one recipient. The method may also include identifying a subsequent broadcast of the program to the at least one recipient, and communicating data indicative of the subsequent broadcast of the program to the at least one recipient. Other aspects include systems, apparatus, and devices for sharing information related to broadcast programs. | 04-02-2009 |
20090132391 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXTRACTING, DECODING, AND UTILIZING HIDDEN DATA EMBEDDED IN AUDIO SIGNALS - A system and method for enabling a user to retrieve, decode, and utilize hidden data embedded in audio signals. An exemplary implementation includes a microphone structured to receive sound waves representative of an audio signal and hidden data embedded in the audio signal. The then microphone converts the received sound waves into an electrical output signal. The system also includes a processor electrically coupled to the microphone and configured to receive the electrical output signal in order to extract the hidden data and provide information represented by the hidden data as an output thereof. A user interface is also provided and is electrically coupled to the processor and configured to receive a first input from the user and activate the processor to selectively initiate extraction of the hidden data. The processor produces as an output the information represented by the hidden data. Finally, the system includes a user presentation mechanism configured to present the information to the user. | 05-21-2009 |
20090187593 | Methods and Apparatus for Targeted Media Content Delivery and Acquisition in a Wireless Communication Network - Apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for targeted media content acquisition on a wireless device. The wireless device selects media content to receive based on a resident user profile, locally constructed based on passive user data, active user data and user inference data drawn from the passive and active user data. Additionally, aspects provide for grouping of the media content prior to distribution, including communicating groups of related data in unison to limit the number of times that a wireless device needs to tune-in and/or wake-up to receive the media content, thereby reducing power consumption. | 07-23-2009 |
20090198608 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUCTIONING WIRELESS DEVICE ASSETS AND PROVIDING WIRELESS DEVICES WITH AN ASSET ALLOCATION OPTION - An auction bidding system is provided. The system allows media content providers, such as advertisers, to define bidding constraints for a targeted audience and bid on wireless device assets, such as wireless device memory, application, ringtone, wallpaper and the like, if a biddable wireless device asset is defined. Additionally, the system provides to wireless device users with an option to participate in the allocation of their respective wireless device assets, such as memory, application, ringtone, wallpaper and the like and define conditions, such as content type, time period, and the like, which is to be met in order for the allocation of the wireless device asset to occur. In one or more aspects, wireless device users may be compensated in some form based on their willingness to opt-in to the asset allocation plan. | 08-06-2009 |
20090282111 | Methods and Apparatus for Referring Media Content - Methods, devices, computer program products and systems are provided for referring media content at communication devices, such as wireless communication devices. The methods, systems and devices allow for all forms of media content to be referred, such as audio, video, multimedia content and the like and, in particular advertising content. In addition, the methods, systems and device provide for the content providers to optimize the delivery schedules and/or methods of delivery based on the volume of referrals. In addition, by tracking the volume of referrals, content providers can alter billing structure, such as advertising rates associated with advertising content. | 11-12-2009 |
20090284245 | WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER FOR APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENTS - Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power transfer. A transmitting device or a receiving device for use in a wireless transfer system may be equipment or a household appliance. The transmitting device includes a transmit antenna to wirelessly transfer power to a receive antenna by generating a near field radiation within a coupling-mode region. An amplifier applies an RF signal to the transmit antenna. A presence detector detects a presence of a receiver device within the coupling-mode region. A controller adjusts a power output of the amplifier responsive to the presence of a receiver device. The presence detector may also detect a human presence. The power output may be adjusted at or below the regulatory level when the presence signal indicates human presence and above a regulatory level when the presence signal indicates human absence. | 11-19-2009 |
20090307739 | REMOTE DISTRIBUTED ANTENNA - Methods and apparatus are described for configuring a CATV system as base station with a distributed antenna supporting a wireless communication system. The CATV system can be configured to implement a frequency translating repeater at each of a plurality of distribution points within the CATV distribution network. | 12-10-2009 |
20100185504 | MANAGEMENT OF DYNAMIC MOBILE COUPONS - Providing for network-based management of dynamic mobile coupons (DMCs) employed in mobile device-related commerce is described herein. Management can include mitigating processing load involved in processing dynamic characteristics of a set of DMCs, facilitating post-transaction evaluation of DMCs, or facilitating a virtual shopping experience in conjunction with redeeming DMCs in a mobile-commerce environment. Communicative association between a mobile device and network components can be implemented to leverage data collected by the mobile device with communication and processing capabilities of the network. Dynamic DMC states are determined from the collected data, which are implemented to facilitate the mobile-commerce. The disclosure provides an integrated mechanism for efficient utilization of DMCs to enhance user experience and satisfaction with mobile commerce. | 07-22-2010 |
20100194335 | WIRELESS POWER AND DATA TRANSFER FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power. A wireless charging device may comprise a charging region configured for placement of one or more chargeable devices. The charging device may further include at least one transmit antenna configured for transmitting wireless power within the charging region. Furthermore, the charging device is configured to exchange data between at least one chargeable device of the one or more chargeable devices. | 08-05-2010 |
20100225270 | WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER FOR CHARGEABLE DEVICES - Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power. A portable chargeable device may comprise an energy storage device configured to receive power from a power source. Furthermore, the portable chargeable device may comprise a transmitter including at least one antenna and configured to transmit power stored in the energy storage device within an associated near-field region. | 09-09-2010 |
20110212705 | SHARING PROFILE DATA BETWEEN TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES - In an embodiment, a profile server creates a profile that includes profile data and is associated with a first subscriber device. A second subscriber device receives an incoming call from the first subscriber device and queries the profile server for a profile associated with the first subscriber device. The profile server determines that the profile data is authorized for distribution to the second subscriber device, and thereby transmits the profile data in response to the received query and based on the determined authorization. | 09-01-2011 |
20130007172 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT BASED NOTIFICATION USING HIERARCHICAL GROUPS - Methods and apparatus for content based notification using hierarchical groups. In an aspect, a method is provided that operates to provide an event notification. The method includes maintaining an event description dictionary comprising one or more event descriptors, and associating content with a selected event descriptor. The method also includes compressing the selected event descriptor to generate a compressed event descriptor, and transmitting the compressed event descriptor on a notification channel. | 01-03-2013 |
20130214909 | AIRPLANE MODE FOR WIRELESS TRANSMITTER DEVICE AND SYSTEM USING SHORT-RANGE WIRELESS BROADCASTS - Methods, systems and devices for tracking and handling broadcast devices associated with luggage. A wireless identity transmitter within luggage may periodically transmit wireless broadcast messages that include obscured identifiers. When within proximity, a proximity broadcast receiver, such as a stationary device within an airport, may receive and relay the broadcast messages to a server which may process the included information. Based on decrypting the obscured identifiers, the central server may determine proximity information of devices related to the relayed messages. The proximity broadcast receiver may transmit messages based on whether the wireless identity transmitter should be handled via a luggage service. Additionally, the wireless identity transmitter may activate/deactivate an operational mode for use in an aircraft in response to receiving disable and enable wireless signals from proximate signaling transmitters. After receiving a disable wireless signal, the wireless identity transmitter may not transmit wireless signals until receiving an enable wireless signal. | 08-22-2013 |
20130217333 | DETERMINING REWARDS BASED ON PROXIMITY OF DEVICES USING SHORT-RANGE WIRELESS BROADCASTS - Methods, systems and devices for presenting rewards to users based on proximity of short-range wireless devices. A wireless identity transmitter may periodically transmit wireless broadcast messages that include obscured identifiers. When within proximity, a proximity broadcast receiver, such as a mobile device carried by a user, may receive and relay the broadcast messages to a server which may process the included information. Based on decrypting the obscured identifiers, the central server may determine whether relayed messages relate to devices associated with a reward program, and may calculate rewards, such as coupons, money, or prizes. Rewards may be presented to users based on sensor data indicated within broadcast messages. In an embodiment, when the server receives a sighting message related to an active search for a target device, a reward is presented to the user of the proximity broadcast receiver that transmitted the sighting message. | 08-22-2013 |
20130244633 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING NOTIFICATIONS - A personal hub for managing notifications across mobile devices and for separating the notification from the content. By separately managing the manner of notification provided to the user from its associated content, the personal hub may give a user more control over a number of mobile devices by allowing the user to escalate or dismiss different notifications across one or more mobile devices. Notifications may be managed based on device settings, priority settings, privilege settings, urgency flags, and/or other factors. In an embodiment, the user may receive an unobtrusive user-perceptible notification of an incoming communication from a personal hub that is less obtrusive than notifications which may be generated by the mobile device receiving the incoming communication. | 09-19-2013 |
20130249481 | WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER FOR CHARGEABLE DEVICES - Apparatus and methods directed to wireless power are disclosed. A charging device includes an antenna circuit for wirelessly receiving power from a first device via a power antenna. Received power can be stored in an energy storage device. The antenna circuit can wirelessly power or charge a plurality of second electronic devices via the power antenna based on power stored in the energy storage device. Furthermore, a wireless charging apparatus is disclosed that includes a display for receiving a device placed on its surface. Changes in a magnetic field in response to the placement of the chargeable electronic device on the surface of the display is detected. A communication link with the chargeable electronic device in response to the change in the level of the magnetic field is activated. A transmit antenna circuit wirelessly transmits power to the chargeable electronic device. | 09-26-2013 |
20130297422 | RETAIL PROXIMITY MARKETING - Methods, systems and devices for presenting marketing information to a customer based on proximity to marketing areas. A wireless identity transmitter associated with the customer may periodically transmit wireless broadcast messages that include obscured identifiers. A proximity broadcast receiver within a retail store, such as near a product display or aisle, may receive and relay the broadcast messages to a server which may process the included information. Based on proximity information and other conditions, the server may transmit marketing information relevant to the customer and a proximate marketing area, such as coupons and offers. In an embodiment, the server may store data based on broadcast messages that may indicate foot traffic and other information valuable to merchants. The server may also transmit messages based on stored permissions that indicate whether the customer desires to receive marketing information and whether the server is authorized to provide the customer's identity to merchants. | 11-07-2013 |
20130300358 | WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER FOR APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENTS - Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power transfer. A transmitting device or a receiving device for use in a wireless transfer system may be equipment or a household appliance. The transmitting device includes a transmit antenna to wirelessly transfer power to a receive antenna by generating a near field radiation within a coupling-mode region. An amplifier applies an RF signal to the transmit antenna. A presence detector detects a presence of a receiver device within the coupling-mode region. A controller adjusts a power output of the amplifier responsive to the presence of a receiver device. The presence detector may also detect a human presence. The power output may be adjusted at or below the regulatory level when the presence signal indicates human presence and above a regulatory level when the presence signal indicates human absence. | 11-14-2013 |