Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130217463 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD DISPLAYING ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL SYMBOLS OF A GROUP OF DESIGNATED SYMBOLS WHEN LESS THAN ALL OF THE DESIGNATED SYMBOLS OF THE GROUP ARE DISPLAYED - In various embodiments, the gaming system is configured to operate a slot game including a plurality of reels, one of which includes a plurality of designated symbols adjacent to one another on the reel forming a group of designated symbols. For a play of the game, if at least a first quantity of the designated symbols of the group of designated symbols but less than a second greater quantity of the designated symbols of the group of designated symbols is displayed, the gaming system displays one or more other designated symbols of the group of designated symbols in addition to the displayed designated symbols of the group of designated symbols such that the second greater quantity of the designated symbols is displayed. The gaming system determines and provides any awards based on the displayed symbols including any displayed designated symbols of the second greater quantity of the designated symbols. | 08-22-2013 |
20140256399 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A KENO GAME IN WHICH NUMBERS CAN BE SELECTED MORE THAN ONCE - The present disclosure is directed to a gaming system and method providing a game in which symbols can be selected more than once. In one embodiment, the gaming system initiates a play of the game, displays a plurality of different symbols, and receives a selection of at least one of the symbols to form a player symbol set. The gaming system randomly selects a designated quantity of the symbols to form a gaming system symbol set. Each of the symbols can be selected more than once. The gaming system determines any awards based on a comparison of the player symbol set with the gaming system symbol set, and provides any determined awards. If an additional award opportunity triggering event associated with the gaming system symbol set including a plurality of instances of a same one of the symbols occurs, the gaming system provides an additional award opportunity. | 09-11-2014 |
20140274275 | PATTERN MATCHING IN A KENO GAME - A method for determining an award during a keno game includes, but is not limited to any of combination of: generating a predetermined number of draws for placement on a keno board during the keno game, wherein the keno board includes a predetermined number of spots; evaluating a plurality of sub-regions of the keno board associated with the keno game for matches between the generated draws and one or more predetermined patterns; and determining an award based on results of the evaluating step. | 09-18-2014 |
20150038210 | LINE KENO AND KENO DRAWN BALL POSITION PAYS - A method of providing a keno game for plays with duplicate draws is provided. A keno game including a keno game board having a first predetermined number of keno board spots is displayed. A player selection of a second predetermined number of keno board spots is received. Drawn balls for a plurality of ball sets are determined. The determined drawn balls are displayed with one or more paylines overlaying at least some of the drawn balls in the plurality of ball sets. A player award based at least in part on evaluation of each payline is calculated. | 02-05-2015 |
20150080109 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A GAME HAVING A PLURALITY OF ACTIVATABLE AWARD INDICATORS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a game having a plurality of activatable award indicators. Generally, in various embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to play any of a plurality of different games, each of which is associated with a different activatable award indicator of an award generator that is associated with a plurality of awards. For each different game, when a particular award indicator activation event occurs during play of that game, the gaming system activates the award indicator associated with that game. When an award determination triggering event occurs, the gaming system indicates a different award of the award generator for each active award indicator and provides the indicated awards to the player. The gaming system of the present disclosure thus enables the player to activate different award indicators through play of different games. | 03-19-2015 |
20150087380 | CHAIN REACTION KENO - Gaming systems and methods for providing a keno game during which matches from a previous keno game are carried over to the keno game are described herein. A keno board is displayed having a set of available numbers and a first set of one or more matches identified between player selected numbers and drawn numbers from a previous keno game. A first set of drawn numbers from the set of available numbers is selected. The number of the first set of drawn numbers is modified by number of matches in the first set of matches. The payout to the player is calculated based on the first set of matches and a second set of matches between the first set of drawn numbers and the player selected numbers. | 03-26-2015 |
20150206398 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A CARD GAME WITH DECAY VALUE CARDS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a card game with one or more decay value cards having a decay value. The decay value represents a quantity of plays of the card game that the decay value card will remain or be provided for a player. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming session with one or more plays of a card game, wherein for a play of a card game, the gaming system: (1) designates one or more cards within a set of cards to be decay value cards; (2) determines a decay value for each decay value card; (3) determines whether to provide a decay value card during the play of the game; and (4) holds each decay value card having at least a minimum decay value for a subsequent play of the game. | 07-23-2015 |
20150302702 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A CARD GAME WITH COMBINABLE CARDS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a card game wherein two or more cards of a hand of cards are combinable to form at least one resultant card with a higher combined value. In various embodiments, for a play of the card game, the gaming system randomly selects and displays a hand of cards and each card is associated with one of a plurality of different values. The gaming system enables the player to select at least two of the displayed cards to combine to form at least one resultant card. Each resultant card is associated with a resultant value. The resultant value includes the sum of the values associated with each selected card that is combined to form the resultant card. Each resultant card provides an opportunity to convert a non-winning hand into a winning hand. | 10-22-2015 |
20150379823 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A MULTI-HAND CARD GAME WITH A NEW DRAW HAND FOR A DESIGNATED HAND OF CARDS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a gaming system and method providing a multi-hand card game wherein the gaming system provides a new draw hand for a designated hand of cards. In one embodiment, the gaming system displays a plurality of wagered-on hands of cards. The gaming system determines and displays any awards associated with the wagered-on hands of cards. The gaming system also determines whether any of the wagered-on hands of cards include any designated card combinations. For any of the wagered-on hands of cards including one of the designated card combinations, the gaming system displays a new hand of cards. The gaming system determines and displays any awards associated with each new hand of cards. In various embodiments, the gaming system repeats this process until a terminating condition occurs. | 12-31-2015 |
20160110964 | LUCKY SPOT BETTING - Methods and systems are provided for enabling player to play a keno game allowing for additional betting. The player may select keno board spots on the keno board, and then place an additional wager on one of the selected keno board spots. If the selected keno board spot is part of a winning combination, the player may be awarded a supplemental bonus. | 04-21-2016 |
20160125694 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD PROVIDING A GAME HAVING A PLURALITY OF ACTIVATABLE AWARD INDICATORS - Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gaming system and method providing a game having a plurality of activatable award indicators. Generally, in various embodiments, the gaming system enables a player to play any of a plurality of different games, each of which is associated with a different activatable award indicator of an award generator that is associated with a plurality of awards. For each different game, when a particular award indicator activation event occurs during play of that game, the gaming system activates the award indicator associated with that game. When an award determination triggering event occurs, the gaming system indicates a different award of the award generator for each active award indicator and provides the indicated awards to the player. The gaming system of the present disclosure thus enables the player to activate different award indicators through play of different games. | 05-05-2016 |
20160140797 | GAMING SYSTEM AND METHOD DISPLAYING ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL SYMBOLS OF A GROUP OF DESIGNATED SYMBOLS WHEN LESS THAN ALL OF THE DESIGNATED SYMBOLS OF THE GROUP ARE DISPLAYED - In various embodiments, the gaming system is configured to operate a slot game including a plurality of reels, one of which includes a plurality of designated symbols adjacent to one another on the reel forming a group of designated symbols. For a play of the game, if at least a first quantity of the designated symbols of the group of designated symbols but less than a second greater quantity of the designated symbols of the group of designated symbols is displayed, the gaming system displays one or more other designated symbols of the group of designated symbols in addition to the displayed designated symbols of the group of designated symbols such that the second greater quantity of the designated symbols is displayed. The gaming system determines and provides any awards based on the displayed symbols including any displayed designated symbols of the second greater quantity of the designated symbols. | 05-19-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140150554 | MEDIUM COMMUNICATION SYSTEM USING LOG DETECTOR AMPLIFIER - An in-medium monitoring system for monitoring material carried within a pipe. The system includes an acoustic device installed within the pipe that generates voltage signals indicative of changes in the material, such as flow rate or leaks, a hardware unit that includes a detector module and a communication module, a switch for switching the voltage signals to and communication signals from the hardware unit. The hardware unit and a power source are attached to the pipe. The acoustic device may be detector or a sensor. The communication module may communicate date through the sensor in the medium or outside of the pipe to a fixed network. The hardware unit may include a log detection amplifier for generating an amplified pulsed output signal without voltage gain and without significantly adding noise. | 06-05-2014 |
20140154991 | LOW NOISE DETECTION SYSTEM USING LOG DETECTOR AMPLIFIER - A low noise detection system is disclosed in which a modulator located in a transmitter or a receiver is configured to convert a voltage data signal to a frequency signal, to modulate a baseband signal with the voltage data, and to output the modulated data signal. The receiver further includes a log detection amplifier configured to receive the modulated data signal and to regeneratively demodulate the modulated data signal to extract the data in an amplified analog data signal while not significantly amplifying any noise in the modulated data signal. The receiver further includes a digital conversion circuit for converting the amplified analog signal into a digital data signal. | 06-05-2014 |
20140266420 | LOGARITHMIC AMPLIFIER WITH UNIVERSAL DEMODULATION CAPABILITIES - A logarithmic amplifier (LDA) is described that includes an amplifier configured to oscillate a modulated input signal, a feedback establishing a 180 degree phase shift between the amplifier input and the output and maintaining oscillation of the input signal, a parallel resonant circuit connected to the amplifier output causing the amplifier to resonate at or around a center frequency, and a controller connected to the amplifier input cyclically terminating oscillation of the input signal each time a pre-determined threshold of current is detected, the controller including a low pass filter configured to generate a second output signal having a repetition frequency. The LDA may be used for AM with or without a PLL and/or a superhetrodyne. The LDA may be implemented as a mixer and used for phase demodulation. The LDA may be used for phase demodulation. The LDA may be used in place of a low noise amplifier. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269860 | ADAPTIVE LINE EQUALIZER FOR IMPROVING DATA COMMUNICATION OVER LESS THAN PERFECT POWER LINES OR TRANSMISSION LINES - Systems and methods for improving data communication over less than perfect power lines or transmission lines are described. The systems and methods allow for pushing out electrically any null within a frequency range of interest and/or for lossless transmission by providing impedance matching between communication devices and the transmission line. This is achieved by implementing line equalizing modules within the transceivers, at the transmitter side and/or the receiver side, or by plugging, as a stand-alone module, into an electrical outlet within a building. The line equalizing module includes multiple inductor-capacitor cells coupled in cascade where multiple switches allow for selective and concurrent connection between the inductor-capacitor cells. In another embodiment, the line equalizing module includes variable inductor-capacitor cells. The line equalizing module provides a variable propagation delay that allows for stretching electrically the transmission line. Further improvement may achieve by adjusting the operational frequency using an up-conversion or down-conversion operation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140269972 | Low-Power, Noise Insensitive Communication Channel using Logarithmic Detector Amplifier (LDA) Demodulator - A method is provided for communicating signals at a low power level in an electromagnetic interference (EMI) environment. A first device transmits a modulated signal having a first carrier frequency, including the encoded information via a hardwire transmission medium. In one aspect, the power level of the modulated signal can be adjusted to minimize power consumption or reduce the generation of EMI. The modulated signal may be in one of the following formats: frequency modulation (FM) or phase modulation (PM) to name a few examples. A second device including a logarithmic detector amplifier (LDA) demodulator circuit receives the signal, which may be mixed with EMI. The LDA demodulator circuit amplifies the modulated signal, without amplifying the EMI, to supply a demodulated baseband signal, which may be an n-ary digital signal, or an audio signal. A low-power, noise insensitive communication channel is also provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140287704 | COMBINATION OF STEERING ANTENNAS, CPL ANTENNA(S), AND ONE OR MORE RECEIVE LOGARITHMIC DETECTOR AMPLIFIERS FOR SISO AND MIMO APPLICATIONS - Logarithmic Detector Amplifiers (LDAs), multiple antennas, active antennas, and multiple active antennas and receivers are provided in a variety of configurations that are synchronized to reduce or eliminate interference so at to provide, a greater range and bandwidth between wireless routers and their clients in WLAN and WAN environments. | 09-25-2014 |
20150207534 | COMMUNICATION CHANNEL USING LOGARITHMIC DETECTOR AMPLIFIER (LDA) DEMODULATOR - A method is provided for communicating signals at a low power level in an electromagnetic interference (EMI) environment. A first device transmits a modulated signal having a first carrier frequency, including the encoded information via a hardwire transmission medium. In one aspect, the power level of the modulated signal can be adjusted to minimize power consumption or reduce the generation of EMI. The modulated signal may be in one of the following formats: frequency modulation (FM) or phase modulation (PM) to name a few examples. A second device including a logarithmic detector amplifier (LDA) demodulator circuit receives the signal, which may be mixed with EMI. The LDA demodulator circuit amplifies the modulated signal, without amplifying the EMI, to supply a demodulated baseband signal, which may be an n-ary digital signal, or an audio signal. A low-power, noise insensitive communication channel is also provided. | 07-23-2015 |
20150295543 | LOGARITHMIC AMPLIFIER WITH UNIVERSAL DEMODULATION CAPABILITIES - A logarithmic amplifier (LDA) is described that includes an amplifier configured to oscillate a modulated input signal, a feedback establishing a 180 degree phase shift between the amplifier input and the output and maintaining oscillation of the input signal, a parallel resonant circuit connected to the amplifier output causing the amplifier to resonate at or around a center frequency, and a controller connected to the amplifier input cyclically terminating oscillation of the input signal each time a pre-determined threshold of current is detected, the controller including a low pass filter configured to generate a second output signal having a repetition frequency. The LDA may be used for AM with or without a PLL and/or a superheterodyne. The LDA may be implemented as a mixer and used for phase demodulation. The LDA may be used for phase demodulation. The LDA may be used in place of a low noise amplifier. | 10-15-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100237935 | LOGARITHMIC DETECTORS - Disclosed is a logarithmic detector comprising: an amplifier element; means for setting a frequency of operation of the detector; and a controller, wherein an input signal to the amplifier element is arranged to cause an oscillation in the amplifier element, and the controller is operable to sense a pre-determined threshold, indicative of oscillation and, in response to sensing said threshold, to interrupt the oscillation of the amplifier such that the frequency of said interruption is proportional to the logarithm of the power of the input signal. | 09-23-2010 |
20110012806 | Modified Loop Antenna - Disclosed is an antenna comprising a loop element ( | 01-20-2011 |
20110018775 | Planar Compound Loop Antenna - The present invention relates to planar compound field antennas. Improvements relate particularly, but not exclusively, to compound loop antennas having coplanar electric field radiators and magnetic loops with electric fields orthogonal to magnetic fields that achieve performance benefits in higher bandwidth (lower Q), greater radiation intensity/power/gain, and greater efficiency. | 01-27-2011 |
20110018776 | Printed Compound Loop Antenna - The present invention relates to printed or single-sided compound field antennas. The single-sided compound loop antennas have coplanar electric field radiators and magnetic loops with electric fields orthogonal to magnetic fields that achieve performance benefits in higher bandwidth (lower Q), greater radiation intensity/power/gain, and greater efficiency. | 01-27-2011 |
20110018777 | SELF-CONTAINED COUNTERPOISE COMPOUND LOOP ANTENNA - The present invention relates to a self-contained counterpoise compound field antenna. Improvements relate particularly, but not exclusively, to compound loop antennas having coplanar electric field radiators and magnetic loops with electric fields orthogonal to magnetic fields that achieve performance benefits in higher bandwidth (lower Q), greater radiation intensity/power/gain, and greater efficiency. Embodiments of the self-contained antenna include a transition formed on the magnetic loop and having a transition width greater than the width of the magnetic loop. The transition substantially isolates a counterpoise formed on the magnetic loop opposite or adjacent the electric field radiator. | 01-27-2011 |
20110102101 | Improvements in and Relating to Radio Frequency Combiners/Splitters - Disclosed is a radio-frequency divider comprising: an input port; and two output ports, separated by a bridge bar, wherein the divider is arranged in microstrip form and the microstrip structure takes the form of a generally tapering section connecting the input port to the bridge bar such that the input port is positioned at the relatively thinner end of the tapering section and the bridge bar is positioned at the relatively wider end of the tapering section. Also disclosed is a corresponding method. The divider is able to operate equally as a combiner. | 05-05-2011 |
20110187476 | Radio Frequency Combiners/Splitters - Embodiments are directed to a RF combiner/splitter having a first port separated from a second port and a third port by a generally tapering microstrip section. The second and third ports are separated by a generally rectangular bridge bar having a width selected to match the impedance of devices to be connected to the second and third ports and a length selected to provide a separation between the second and third ports of approximately quarter wavelength at a center point of an operational frequency of the devices. In a first embodiment, a horizontal RF choke joint is positioned between the first port and the tapering section. In a second embodiment, one choke joint is positioned between the second port and the bridge bar and a second choke joint is positioned between the third port and the bridge bar. | 08-04-2011 |
20130057440 | Single-Sided Multi-band Antenna - Embodiments provide multi-band, compound loop antennas (multi-band antennas). Embodiments of the multi-band antennas produce signals at two or more frequency bands, with the two or more frequency bands capable of being adjusted and tuned independently of each other. Embodiments of a multi-band antenna are comprised of at least one electric field radiator and at least one monopole formed out of the magnetic loop. At a particular frequency, the at least one electric field radiator in combination with various portions of the magnetic loop resonate and radiate an electric field at a first frequency band. At yet another particular frequency, the at least one monopole in combination with various portions of the magnetic loop resonate and radiate an electric field at a second frequency band. The shape of the magnetic loop can be tuned to increase the radiation efficiency at particular frequency bands and enable the multi-band operation of antenna embodiments. | 03-07-2013 |
20130057441 | Multi-Layered Multi-band Antenna with Parasitic Radiator - Embodiments provide multi-band, compound loop antennas (multi-band antennas). Embodiments of the multi-band antennas produce signals at two or more frequency bands, with the two or more frequency bands capable of being adjusted and tuned independently of each other. Embodiments of a multi-band antenna are comprised of at least one electric field radiator and at least one monopole formed out of the magnetic loop. At a particular frequency, the at least one electric field radiator in combination with various portions of the magnetic loop resonate and radiate an electric field at a first frequency band. At yet another particular frequency, the at least one monopole in combination with various portions of the magnetic loop resonate and radiate an electric field at a second frequency band. The shape of the magnetic loop can be tuned to increase the radiation efficiency at particular frequency bands and enable the multi-band operation of antenna embodiments. | 03-07-2013 |
20130057442 | Multi-Layered Multi-band Antenna - Embodiments provide multi-band, compound loop antennas (multi-band antennas). Embodiments of the multi-band antennas produce signals at two or more frequency bands, with the two or more frequency bands capable of being adjusted and tuned independently of each other. Embodiments of a multi-band antenna are comprised of at least one electric field radiator and at least one monopole formed out of the magnetic loop. At a particular frequency, the at least one electric field radiator in combination with various portions of the magnetic loop resonate and radiate an electric field at a first frequency band. At yet another particular frequency, the at least one monopole in combination with various portions of the magnetic loop resonate and radiate an electric field at a second frequency band. The shape of the magnetic loop can be tuned to increase the radiation efficiency at particular frequency bands and enable the multi-band operation of antenna embodiments. | 03-07-2013 |
20140022142 | CIRCULAR POLARIZED COMPOUND LOOP ANTENNA - Embodiments provide single-sided and multi-layered circular polarized, self-contained, compound loop antennas (circular polarized CPL). Embodiments of the CPL antennas produce circular polarized signals by using two electric field radiators physically oriented orthogonal to each other, and by ensuring that the two electric field radiators are positioned such that an electrical delay between the two electric field radiators results in the two electric field radiators emitting their respective electric fields out of phase. Ensuring the proper electrical delay between the two electric field radiators also maintains high efficiency of the antenna and it improves the axial ratio of the antenna. | 01-23-2014 |
20150070058 | Logarithmic Detector Amplifier System for Use as High Sensitivity Selective Receiver Without Frequency Conversion - A logarithmic detector amplifying (LDA) system is provided for use as a high sensitivity receive booster or replacement for a low noise amplifier in a receive chain of a communication device. The LDA system includes an amplifying circuit configured to receive an input signal having a first frequency and generate an oscillation based on the input signal, a sampling circuit coupled to the amplifying circuit and configured to terminate the oscillation based on a predetermined threshold to periodically clamp and restart the oscillation to generate a series of pulses modulated by the oscillation and by the input signal, and one or more resonant circuits coupled with the amplifying circuit and configured to establish a frequency of operation and to generate an output signal having a second frequency, the second frequency being substantially the same as the first frequency. | 03-12-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090285949 | Expandable Food Container - An apparatus is provided for transporting and rehydrating a dehydrated or other hydratable food component. The food component, which may illustratively comprise a powder or gel, may be reconstituted with water or some other liquid (e.g., milk, juice) to produce tea, coffee, an energy drink, soup, or some other food. The apparatus comprises a flexible pouch that may be provided with the hydratable food already inside. The apparatus includes an aperture for receiving the liquid and extracting the reconstituted food, and expands as the liquid is introduced. The pouch is sturdy enough to allow the liquid and food component to be mixed (e.g., by shaking), but the apparatus may also include a shell into which the pouch may be placed. The optional shell lends rigidity to the apparatus. In some implementations, the pouch may be designed for a single use (and be recyclable), while the shell may be reused. | 11-19-2009 |
20100003647 | System and Method for Automated Meal Recommendations - A system and method are provided for making automatic meal recommendations. A user rates his likes and dislikes regarding various factors/characterizations of food, and identifies any dietary restrictions (e.g., avoid sodium, allergic to peanuts). Illustrative factors include types of cuisine (e.g., Italian), type of food (e.g., seafood, vegetarian), method of preparation (e.g., broiled), specific foods or food components (e.g., hamburger, mustard), etc. A user rating of 1 indicates a “like,” −1 indicates a “dislike.” Some number of preconfigured meals (including snacks) is characterized similarly. A characterization may comprise a 1 for factors that the meal contains or matches, and 0 for factors it does not match. For each factor, a meal's value is multiplied by the user's value, and the products for each factor are added to produce a rank for that meal for the user. Any number of meals may be recommended. | 01-07-2010 |
20100003653 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED BEHAVIORAL COACHING - A system and method for automated coaching to help a person constrain their consumption or other behavior. The constraint may comprise food in general (e.g., calories), may be a specific food component (e.g., sodium, sugar, caffeine), or may be some other substance (e.g., alcohol, cigarettes). The system tracks the user's consumption of the constrained item(s) and offers the person one or more automated coaches to help them make consumption decisions. To help constrain a user's caloric intake, an automated coach offers the user one or more suggestions at the time of a meal event (e.g., lunch, snack, dinner). Each suggestion comprises a number of calories that the user can consume without exceeding a target maximum for the day or other period of time. | 01-07-2010 |
20100231161 | Apparatus for Storing and Charging Electronic Devices - An apparatus is provided for conveying and charging portable electronic devices. The apparatus comprises internal and/or external electrical interfaces (e.g., 120 volt AC, 12 volt DC, USB) electrically coupled to an adapter for plugging into an external power source (e.g., 120 volt AC). Devices coupled to the interfaces are charged while the apparatus is coupled to the external power. The apparatus may also comprise one or more batteries for storing electrical power and charging one or more devices even while the apparatus is not coupled to an external power source. The apparatus may be configured as a briefcase, a purse, a suitcase or other portable container, and may comprise handles and/or wheels to improve its mobility. | 09-16-2010 |
20100235006 | Method and Apparatus for Automatic Charging of an Electrically Powered Vehicle - A method and apparatus for automatically charging an electrically powered vehicle are provided. The apparatus comprises a sensor for sensing proximity or presence of the vehicle, and one or more chargers for automatically coupling with corresponding receptacles of the vehicle and charging an onboard electrical storage device (e.g., a battery). The vehicle may be driven to or parked in a position that automatically couples the apparatus and vehicle as needed, or the apparatus may include locomotion means (e.g., wheels, tracks, rails) for moving along one or more axes of movement. The degree of coupling may depend on the type of charger to be engaged—such as direct contact for conductive and inductive chargers, or close proximity for a near-field charger. The apparatus may also include manual controls for moving/operating the apparatus, a processor for controlling operation of any element(s) of the apparatus, and/or other components. | 09-16-2010 |
20120229040 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO FACILITATE COUPLING AN LED-BASED LAMP TO A FLOURESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE - Some embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatuses to facilitate coupling a light-emitting diode (LED)-based lamp to an electronic or inductive fluorescent light fixture (typically with ballast). Specifically, some embodiments include circuitry that simulates an electrical behavior of a fluorescent lamp. The embodiments also include one or more LEDs that are controlled by the circuitry. | 09-13-2012 |
20130038230 | METHOD AND APPARATUS TO FACILITATE COUPLING AN LED-BASED LAMP TO A FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE - Methods and apparatus to facilitate coupling a light-emitting diode (LED)-based lamp to an electronic or inductive fluorescent light fixture (typically with ballast). An LED-based lamp may include circuitry that simulates an electrical behavior of a fluorescent lamp, and can be installed and operate in the fixture without any modification to the fixture. The LED-based lamp may also include one or more LEDs that are controlled by the circuitry. | 02-14-2013 |
20140013241 | SYSTEM & METHOD FOR ONLINE RATING OF ELECTRONIC CONTENT - A system and method are provided for rating online electronic content. A compilation of information or other item of electronic content is presented to a user, along with comments. The comments may target discrete portions of the content item (e.g., a sentence, a statement, an assertion), the content as a whole, or another comment. A user is able to identify a specific portion of the content item as a target for a new comment, which will automatically be associated with that portion. Users may rate the content item, a portion of the item and/or other users' comments based on credibility and/or other traits (e.g., bias, accuracy, violence, enjoyability, prurience). Users' ratings are tallied to produce an overall rating for comments, commentators, portions of content item, entire content items, a program or series or other source of the content item, etc. | 01-09-2014 |
20140089027 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OUTSOURCING COMPUTER-BASED TASKS - A system and method are provided for outsourcing a computer-based task, such as modifying a document (e.g., text, an image), transcribing audio, performing research, translating from one language to another, etc. Outsourceable tasks are designed by service developers and posted on an exchange. Service providers bid on tasks they are qualified for, to indicate they will perform those tasks if paid the bid. Task buyers browse or navigate through the exchange to find what they need, and select a task based on its description, price and/or other factors (e.g., delivery time, language(s)). The exchange receives a task order (i.e., a purchased task), identifies qualified service providers and routes the task, with any required input, to a qualified provider who can complete the task before a deadline. Upon completion, the provider submits the completed task and any required output (e.g., deliverables) to the exchange, which forwards the output to the buyer. | 03-27-2014 |
20140298432 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED PASSWORD ENTRY - A method and apparatus are provided for protecting security credentials (e.g., username/password combinations) and/or other sensitive data in a “password vault.” A password vault device may be or may be incorporated into a portable (or even wearable) electronic device, such as a smart phone, smart watch, smart glasses, etc. When a security credential is requested during a user's operation of the password vault device or some other computing/communication device, such as when the user is accessing an online site or service via a browser program, the request is passed to the password vault, and the appropriate security credential is retrieved, delivered, and entered into the requesting interface. | 10-02-2014 |
20140316974 | System and Method for Coupling Projected and Actual Energy Cost Savings to Amortized Loans - A computer-implemented method for computing an amortization period for a term loan is presented. The method includes computing a first amortization period such that a first payment is a first predetermined percentage of a first cost savings. | 10-23-2014 |
20140321625 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 10-30-2014 |
20140321626 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 10-30-2014 |
20140321627 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 10-30-2014 |
20140321628 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party. Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. A party to a call may be offered one or more payment mechanisms for completing a purchase in an on-line or real-world transaction. | 10-30-2014 |
20140321630 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 10-30-2014 |
20140352325 | ELECTRONIC COLDPACK AND METHOD OF USE - An electronic coldpack and method of use are provided. The coldpack includes one or more thermoelectric components (e.g., thermocouples) that absorb heat at one surface and dissipate heat at another surface when energized (i.e., when electrical power is applied to the component). Multiple thermoelectric components may be aligned in a grid or other pattern, and sensors (e.g., temperature, optical, infrared) may be included in the coldpack and placed in proximity to some or all of the thermoelectric components. The sensors may monitor temperature output of the coldpack, monitor a temperature of an object to which the coldpack is applied (e.g., a body part), detect a skin condition (e.g., by skin color or temperature), or operate in some other way. In one mode of operation, the coldpack provides long-term uninterrupted cooling of the object. In another mode of operation, the coldpack is used to perform cryosurgery on a skin condition. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358669 | METHOD FOR SELECTING AND RECEIVING PRIMARY AND SUPPLEMENTAL ADVERTISER INFORMATION USING A WEARABLE-COMPUTING DEVICE - A method for detecting an advertisement includes sensing a first information associated with the advertisement by a first wearable-computing device, and identifying the advertisement from one of a multitude of stored advertisements. The method further includes requesting, in response to a user input, a second information associated with the identified advertisement. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358684 | SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING PRIMARY AND SUPPLEMENTAL ADVERTISER INFORMATION USING A SERVER - A system for communicating with a server is configured to receive, by the server, a first information associated with an advertisement, and identify, using the server, the advertisement from one of a multitude of stored advertisements. The system is further configured to supply, in response to a request, a second information associated with the identified advertisement. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358691 | SYSTEM FOR SELECTING AND RECEIVING PRIMARY AND SUPPLEMENTAL ADVERTISER INFORMATION USING A WEARABLE-COMPUTING DEVICE - A system for detecting an advertisement is configured to sense a first information associated with the advertisement by a first wearable-computing device, and identify the advertisement from one of a multitude of stored advertisements. The system is further configured to request, in response to a user input, a second information associated with the identified advertisement. | 12-04-2014 |
20140358692 | METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING PRIMARY AND SUPPLEMENTAL ADVERTISER INFORMATION USING A SERVER - A method for communicating with a server includes receiving, by the server, a first information associated with an advertisement, and identifying, using the server, the advertisement from one of a multitude of stored advertisements. The method further includes supplying, in response to a request, a second information associated with the identified advertisement. | 12-04-2014 |
20150026562 | TECHNIQUES FOR AN AGENT-ASSISTED BROWSING SYSTEM - Techniques are disclosed for agent-assisted information browsing. In one example, an audio connection is established between a mobile device and an agent platform. In addition, a web service is established between the mobile device and the agent platform. The mobile device requests information through audio connection and/or web service. The agent platform searches a database for requested information and updates a webpage on the mobile device through the web service. | 01-22-2015 |
20150074197 | REAL-TIME DATA INPUT RELEVANCE RANKING AND RESULTING DATA OUTPUT - Techniques are presented for ranking and presenting information to a user. In one example, a portable computing device may collect a first set of data from one or more sensors, rank a second set of data (e.g., advertisements, news, etc.) by correlating the first set of data with a third set of data of interest to a user, and present the ranked information to the user. In another example, the portable computing device may transmit the collected information to a server for processing, and receive the ranked information from the server. | 03-12-2015 |
20150149287 | RESPONDING TO AN ADVERTISEMENT USING A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE - A technique for selecting and presenting advertisement information is disclosed. The technique includes, in part, receiving a first set of data from a portable computing device. The first set of data corresponding to measurements performed by one or more sensors. The technique further includes, in part, determining a location of a portable computing device based at least on the first set of data, selecting a first set of output elements from a second set of data in accordance with the determined location and a third set of data of interest to a user, and sending at least one of the one or more elements to the portable computing device. The technique further includes presenting at least one of the one or more elements to a user of the portable computing device. | 05-28-2015 |
20150220992 | PRESENTING AN ADVERTISEMENT IN A VEHICLE - A technique for providing advertisement information is disclosed. The technique includes, in part sending, from a device built into a vehicle, a first set of data to a server, the first set of data corresponding to measurements performed by one or more sensors, receiving a first set of elements from the server in response to the first set of data, presenting one or more elements from the first set of elements to a user of the vehicle on a display in the vehicle, and receiving at least one input corresponding to at least one selected element among the one or more elements. | 08-06-2015 |
20150242895 | REAL-TIME COUPLING OF A REQUEST TO A PERSONAL MESSAGE BROADCAST SYSTEM - According to embodiments of the present invention, a computer implemented method for responding to an environmental signal associated with inputs from a first computing device is presented. The method includes sensing a first information associated with the environmental signal from a sensor associated with a first computing device and transmitting the first information from the first computing device to a second computing device. The method further includes correlating, with the second computing device, the first information with a second information associated with a user interest to form a correlated data and determining, with the second computing device, a resulting information. The resulting information includes one or more interaction options. The method further includes transmitting the resulting information from the second computing device to the first computing device and displaying the resulting information with the first portable-computing device to a user. The method further includes sending one of the one or more interaction options selected by the user from the first computing device to a selected multitude of computing devices not being the first computing device, such as computing devices belonging to those other than the user. | 08-27-2015 |
20150332340 | METHOD OF CREATING DYNAMIC CUSTOM-TARGETED ADVERTISEMENT CONTENT - A method of dynamically generating an advertisement includes collecting information data associated with a viewer, processing the information data to generate a viewer profile, obtaining an intended action from the viewer, generating an advertisement content based on the intended action and the viewer profile, and transmitting the advertisement content to the viewer. | 11-19-2015 |
20160034938 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED PAYMENT DISTRIBUTION FOR A MULTI-LEVEL SOCIAL NETWORK - Certain embodiments are described that allows for automated payment distribution for a multi-level social network. Embodiments of the invention include a multi-tiered social sales network of affiliates and multi-level sales individuals (e.g., national, regional, and/or local) whereby the sale is initiated via a communication, ad, and/or broadcast of a sales opportunity. A purchaser may then act upon the communication, ad, and/or broadcast, whereby incentive payments (e.g., commissions, etc.) are paid out to parties associated with the sale. These parties can involve sales individuals (e.g., in a multi-level sales organization) whom are responsible (directly or indirectly) for the specific sale. | 02-04-2016 |
20160112416 | VERIFYING A USER BASED ON DIGITAL FINGERPRINT SIGNALS DERIVED FROM OUT-OF-BAND DATA - In general, embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and computer readable media for providing a user verification service based on analyzing digital fingerprint signals derived from out-of-band data (i.e., data not directly supplied by the user). In some embodiments, a digital fingerprint engine embedded in an app hosted on a client device being accessed by a user reads various device or user data and then creates a set of encoded user verification data representing out-of-band data stored locally on that device. In some embodiments, the user verification data are encoded as hashes generated by a hash function. In some embodiments, the app is configured to contact a business server via the cloud, and the set of digital fingerprints are included in an authorization request transmitted from the client device to the business server. In some embodiments, a digital fingerprint verification service verifies the set of digital fingerprints by determining whether they match any of a stored set of digital fingerprints representing a group of previously verified users. | 04-21-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140089027 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OUTSOURCING COMPUTER-BASED TASKS - A system and method are provided for outsourcing a computer-based task, such as modifying a document (e.g., text, an image), transcribing audio, performing research, translating from one language to another, etc. Outsourceable tasks are designed by service developers and posted on an exchange. Service providers bid on tasks they are qualified for, to indicate they will perform those tasks if paid the bid. Task buyers browse or navigate through the exchange to find what they need, and select a task based on its description, price and/or other factors (e.g., delivery time, language(s)). The exchange receives a task order (i.e., a purchased task), identifies qualified service providers and routes the task, with any required input, to a qualified provider who can complete the task before a deadline. Upon completion, the provider submits the completed task and any required output (e.g., deliverables) to the exchange, which forwards the output to the buyer. | 03-27-2014 |
20140278583 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSURANCE AND CALCULATION OF PREMIUMS FOR FIREARMS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT - A method of calculating an insurance premium for a firearm and related equipment purchased by a buyer includes receiving information of the buyer by a computer, and collecting data from one or more databases about the buyer by the computer in response to the received information. The method calculates the insurance premium based on a type of the firearm purchased and related equipment and the collected data. | 09-18-2014 |
20140298432 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED PASSWORD ENTRY - A method and apparatus are provided for protecting security credentials (e.g., username/password combinations) and/or other sensitive data in a “password vault.” A password vault device may be or may be incorporated into a portable (or even wearable) electronic device, such as a smart phone, smart watch, smart glasses, etc. When a security credential is requested during a user's operation of the password vault device or some other computing/communication device, such as when the user is accessing an online site or service via a browser program, the request is passed to the password vault, and the appropriate security credential is retrieved, delivered, and entered into the requesting interface. | 10-02-2014 |
20140321625 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 10-30-2014 |
20140321626 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 10-30-2014 |
20140321627 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 10-30-2014 |
20140321628 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party. Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. A party to a call may be offered one or more payment mechanisms for completing a purchase in an on-line or real-world transaction. | 10-30-2014 |
20140321629 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 10-30-2014 |
20140321630 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 10-30-2014 |
20140352325 | ELECTRONIC COLDPACK AND METHOD OF USE - An electronic coldpack and method of use are provided. The coldpack includes one or more thermoelectric components (e.g., thermocouples) that absorb heat at one surface and dissipate heat at another surface when energized (i.e., when electrical power is applied to the component). Multiple thermoelectric components may be aligned in a grid or other pattern, and sensors (e.g., temperature, optical, infrared) may be included in the coldpack and placed in proximity to some or all of the thermoelectric components. The sensors may monitor temperature output of the coldpack, monitor a temperature of an object to which the coldpack is applied (e.g., a body part), detect a skin condition (e.g., by skin color or temperature), or operate in some other way. In one mode of operation, the coldpack provides long-term uninterrupted cooling of the object. In another mode of operation, the coldpack is used to perform cryosurgery on a skin condition. | 12-04-2014 |
20150264174 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. Calls to or from certain parties or numbers may be screened or filtered. | 09-17-2015 |
20160080565 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 03-17-2016 |
20160080915 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, to allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him or her, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his or her local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 03-17-2016 |
20160080917 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to or selected by another party participating in the call, or may be related to or selected by a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 03-17-2016 |
20160080919 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting multimedia content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to or selected by another party participating in the call, or may be related to or selected by a third party (e.g., an advertiser that paid for the ability to have its content presented). Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. | 03-17-2016 |
20160094708 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT PRESENTATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH A TELEPHONE CALL - A method and apparatus are provided for presenting content to a caller and/or a called party in association with a telephone call or other communication connection. Content may be presented pre-ring (before the called party's telephone rings), in-call, and/or post-call. Content presented to a party may be related to another party participating in the call or may be related to a third party. Presented content may be actuable, and allow a caller to change the destination of a call, take advantage of an offer presented to him, redeem a coupon, schedule or queue a subsequent call, etc. To find a desired destination party, a caller may initiate a manual or automatic search of his local contacts (on his telephone) and/or a central or global directory or contact list. Presentation of specified content may include assisted sharing, wherein both parties view the same content and one guides or assists the other. | 03-31-2016 |