Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080225815 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MESSAGES ON A WIRELESS DEVICE CONNECTING TO AN APPLICATION SERVER - A system and method for providing a message on the graphic display of a wireless device while the wireless device is connecting to an application download server across a wireless network. When the wireless device attempts to communicate with an application download server or changes files while navigating an application download server, a message is transmitted across the wireless network to the computer platform of the wireless device and displayed to the user of the wireless device. The message can be transmitted to the wireless device from the same application download server that the wireless device is attempting to connect to or navigate, or alternately, the message can be transmitted from another server on the wireless network. | 09-18-2008 |
20090132673 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING ALERT LOCATIONS TO NAVIGATIONAL DEVICES - An originating navigation device sends an alert location to a recipient navigation device over a wireless network. The originating navigation device is operable to classify the alert location (e.g. traffic accident) and associate additional data. The recipient navigation device receives the alert location and may plan an alternative route, which circumnavigates the alert location. Further, if the recipient navigation device already has a route selected, the recipient navigation device may determine the estimated delay caused by the alert condition occurring at the alert location. The recipient device may apply filtering rules in order to screen out undesired alert locations sent by the originating navigation device. | 05-21-2009 |
20090264149 | CELLULAR HANDHELD DEVICE WITH FM RADIO DATA SYSTEM RECEIVER - A handheld device includes an FM receiver to receive FM radio signals and a processor that is configured to monitor Radio Data System (RDS) data within FM radio broadcasts and to activate an application when a particular RDS data pattern is received. Methods for recognizing and using the RDS data to activate or initiate applications on the handheld device enable a wide range of uses and new services. A server may provide data to the handheld device in response to queries which are based on or include part of the RDS data. Operating in conjunction with FM radio broadcasters, the handheld device and the server provide a data communication system that can deliver useful services and additional entertainment options for users. | 10-22-2009 |
20100173608 | SAFE APPLICATION DISTRIBUTION AND EXECUTION IN A WIRELESS ENVIRONMENT - The present invention provides safe and secure application distribution and execution by providing systems and methods that test an application to ensure that it satisfies predetermined criteria associated with the environment in which it will execute. Furthermore, by using rules and permission lists, application removal, and a modification detection technique, such as digital signatures, the present invention provides mechanisms to safely distribute and execute tested, or untested, applications by determining whether the application has been modified, determining if it has permission to execute in a given wireless device environment, and removing the application should it be desirable to do so. | 07-08-2010 |
20100211441 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product. | 08-19-2010 |
20100273450 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ACTIVATING COMPUTER APPLICATIONS WITH SMS MESSAGING - A method and system for remote activation of computer based applications uses Simple Message Service (SMS) messages to inform a remote computer that an application should be activated. The SMS message may be sent by a cell phone or from a computer. The remote computer receives the SMS message, parses the message to determine the application to be started, and starts the indicated application. If the remote computer is turned off, the SMS message can be received by an SMS receiver within a modem which can be configured to start the computer so the application can be activated. | 10-28-2010 |
20100311402 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING SOFT SWITCH OF VIRTUAL SIM SERVICE CONTRACTS - A system and method for providing updated rules governing the switching of enabled provisioning data supporting a wireless service contract. A mobile device may be initially programmed with a profile data table and priority list index data table to automatically enable provisioning data supporting one of the plurality of service providers stored in a VSIM internal memory unit to conduct a wireless communication when certain operational parameter values are satisfied. The profile data table and priority list index data table may be automatically updated in response to a variety of triggers. The profile data table and priority list index data table may be stored remotely. Operational parameters regarding each call request are collected and transmitted to a remote service contract selection server. The selection of an optimal service provider account may be made remotely in the service contract selection server and transmitted back to the mobile device. | 12-09-2010 |
20100311404 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR UPDATING RULES GOVERNING THE SWITCHING OF VIRTUAL SIM SERVICE CONTRACTS - A system and method for providing updated rules governing the switching of enabled provisioning data supporting a wireless service contract. A mobile device may be initially programmed with a profile data table and priority list index data table to automatically enable provisioning data supporting one of the plurality of service providers stored in a VSIM internal memory unit to conduct a wireless communication when certain operational parameter values are satisfied. The profile data table and priority list index data table may be automatically updated in response to a variety of triggers. | 12-09-2010 |
20100311418 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SWITCHING VIRTUAL SIM SERVICE CONTRACTS WHEN ROAMING - A system and method store provisioning data supporting a plurality of service providers in a VSIM internal memory unit of a mobile device. The mobile device may automatically enable provisioning data supporting one of the plurality of service providers stored in the VSIM internal memory unit to conduct a wireless communication so as to avoid roaming fees. | 12-09-2010 |
20100311444 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SWITCHING VIRTUAL SIM SERVICE CONTRACTS BASED UPON A USER PROFILE - A system and method store provisioning data supporting a plurality of service providers in a VSIM internal memory unit of a mobile device. A user may specify a user profile to automatically enable provisioning data supporting one of the plurality of service providers stored in the VSIM internal memory unit to conduct a wireless communication when certain criteria values are satisfied. The automatic enabling of provisioning data may be determined based upon mobile device location, communication usage request and/or time and date. | 12-09-2010 |
20100311468 | VIRTUAL SIM CARD FOR MOBILE HANDSETS - A system and method store provisioning data supporting a plurality of service providers in a VSIM internal memory unit of a mobile device. A user may selectively enable provisioning data supporting one of the plurality of service providers stored in the VSIM internal memory unit to conduct a wireless communication. An embodiment permits backing up, retrieving and restoring personal data in the VSIM internal memory unit using a remote database. Another embodiment allows a mobile device to select an optimal service provider to conduct a wireless communication. The optimal service provider may be determined based upon mobile device location, communication usage request and/or time and date. | 12-09-2010 |
20110022303 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENDING DESTINATION LOCATIONS TO NAVIGATION DEVICES - A navigation device receives a destination location to automatically calculate a route to the destination location over a wireless network. The destination location may be generated by a third party at a remote computer or wireless device. The destination location may be entered into the remote computer or wireless device, or may be automatically generated by the device. The destination location is transmitted from the remote computer or wireless device to the navigation device. Once received, the user of the navigation device may have the option of accepting or rejecting the destination location. The navigation device then uses the destination location to calculate a route which is communicated to the user with minimal to no user interaction. Multiple destinations may be sent to the navigation device, thus allowing advanced programming of an entire trip. | 01-27-2011 |
20110022315 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENDING DESTINATION LOCATIONS TO NAVIGATION DEVICES - A navigation device receives a destination location to automatically calculate a route to the destination location over a wireless network. The destination location may be generated by a third party at a remote computer or wireless device. The destination location may be entered into the remote computer or wireless device, or may be automatically generated by the device. The destination location is transmitted from the remote computer or wireless device to the navigation device. Once received, the user of the navigation device may have the option of accepting or rejecting the destination location. The navigation device then uses the destination location to calculate a route which is communicated to the User with minimal to no user interaction. Multiple destinations may be sent to the navigation device, thus allowing advanced programming of an entire trip. | 01-27-2011 |
20110053577 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR COMMUNICATING BY VIBRATING OR MOVING MOBILE DEVICES - Methods and systems enable mobile devices to receive communications and inform users about received communications by vibrating based on a vibration pattern. The mobile device may inform a user about the type of communication, the identity of the communicator and the content of a message by generating vibrations according to preset vibration patterns. Vibration patterns may be implemented according to Morse code. The mobile device may also receive commands and instructions from the user in the form of accelerations (e.g., tapping or patting) of the mobile device. The mobile device may translate the accelerations into acceleration pattern data which may be compared to stored patterns or templates to determine a corresponding command. The mobile device may execute the command and verify the execution. | 03-03-2011 |
20110205965 | VIRTUAL PERIPHERAL HUB DEVICE AND SYSTEM - Methods and devices provide a virtual peripheral hub and services enabling remote access to peripherals commonly connected to personal computers in a manner that simplifies device networking. A virtual peripheral hub device may include a processor and wireless communication transceivers configured to connect to cellular and/or WiFi networks to access a remote server, and wired and/or wireless local networks for connecting to peripheral devices. The virtual peripheral hub device may plug into a power source (e.g., a wall socket or cigarette lighter), connect to a peripheral device, and be configured to enable any computer attached to a local area network or the Internet to use or access the peripheral device. An associated server-based service enables discovery of the virtual peripheral hub device and connected peripherals. The associated server-based server may provide the drivers for various peripherals, store and forward data, and provide remote access to the various peripherals. | 08-25-2011 |
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 |
20120137349 | SAFE APPLICATION DISTRIBUTION AND EXECUTION IN A WIRELESS ENVIRONMENT - The present invention provides safe and secure application distribution and execution by providing systems and methods that test an application to ensure that it satisfies predetermined criteria associated with the environment in which it will execute. Furthermore, by using rules and permission lists, application removal, and a modification detection technique, such as digital signatures, the present invention provides mechanisms to safely distribute and execute tested, or untested, applications by determining whether the application has been modified, determining if it has permission to execute in a given wireless device environment, and removing the application should it be desirable to do so. | 05-31-2012 |
20130013423 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE - A system and method for determining the identity of a product and then calculating an offer price for the product are disclosed. The identity of the product may be determined using near-field communication in one aspect. The system and method are operable to enable retailers to provide a lowest price for the product and conduct a series of offer calculations to determine an offer for a consumer. The offer is based, in part, on costs to the consumer in executing the transaction (e.g., travel time, fuel, etc.). The offer may be higher than the lowest price as determined by each retailer, respectively, while still providing a discount to the consumer to entice a purchase of the product. | 01-10-2013 |
20130017806 | INTELLIGENT PARENTAL CONTROLS FOR WIRELESS DEVICESAANM SPRIGG; Stephen A.AACI PowayAAST CAAACO USAAGP SPRIGG; Stephen A. Poway CA USAANM SWART; HugoAACI San DiegoAAST CAAACO USAAGP SWART; Hugo San Diego CA USAANM JAMES; R. MichaelAACI San MateoAAST CAAACO USAAGP JAMES; R. Michael San Mateo CA US - Methods, systems and devices for controlling mobile device functions via a combination of parental control settings set by a parent-user and parental control settings set by a third party-user. A parental control server receives parental control settings and context criteria from a parent-user, and parental control settings from a third party user. The parental control server receives authorization from the parent-user to allow third party parental controls to control a child's device. When the context criteria identified by the parent is present (e.g., child device is in identified location, time of day, day of week, etc.), a combination of parental controls designated by the parent-user and the third party control the mobile device. | 01-17-2013 |
20130040604 | CONTROLLING TEXT MESSAGES ON A MOBILE DEVICE - Methods, systems and devices for controlling access to messaging (SMS, MMS, email, etc.) on mobile devices (e.g., cell phones) during times or in locations in which such activity is prohibited or inhibited by the parental control settings. Parental control settings limit messaging features available to mobile devices to certain times and/or locations. Messages received at restricted times/locations are stored in temporary memory without notifying the mobile device user (i.e., messages are not placed in the inbox), unless the message is received from a pre-approved source (e.g., parent, teachers, etc.). Once the context for restricting access to messaging (e.g., time, location, etc.) no longer applies, the stored messages may be transferred from the temporary memory to the inbox and the user may be alerted regarding the new message. | 02-14-2013 |
20130040629 | WEB-BASED PARENTAL CONTROLS FOR WIRELESS DEVICES - Methods, systems and devices to dynamically generate community based parental controls for cell devices based on most common parental control settings selected by members of the community. Communities may establish sponsored profiles on a parental control server that contains a community-based set of parental control settings. Parents may select a community based setting and modify each of the settings in accordance with the parents' personal preferences. The parental control server continually monitors the modifications to those settings and generates new community-based settings reflecting the most common modifications that may be selected by other parents. | 02-14-2013 |
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 |
20130217332 | Platform for Wireless Identity Transmitter and System Using Short Range Wireless Broadcast - Methods, systems and devices for locating a wireless identity transmitter with a central server connected with one or more proximity broadcast receivers, such as stationary receivers or mobile devices operating as wireless receivers. The wireless identity transmitter may be a compact device configured to broadcast messages, such as through Bluetooth® advertisements, including an identification code. When within proximity, a proximity broadcast receiver may receive broadcast messages from the wireless identity transmitter and relay location information along with the wireless identity transmitter's identification code to a central server as sighting messages. The proximity broadcast receiver's own location may provide an approximate location for the wireless identity transmitter. The central server may process sighting messages, which may include signal strength information, to accurately locate the wireless identity transmitter. The central server may transmit data to third-party devices and/or mobile devices of users in response to receiving sightings messages. | 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 |
20130278414 | BIOMETRIC ATTRIBUTE ANOMOLY DETECTION SYSTEM WITH ADJUSTING NOTIFICATIONS - A system, methods and server for monitoring health and safety of individuals in a population and sending alert notifications when exceptions are detected include comparing biometric data obtained from the individuals to a biometric model generated for the individual through computer-learning methods. Biometric data may be gathered by wireless biometric sensor devices which transmit biometric data to receiver devices, which relay the biometric data to a server. The biometric model may be maintained in the server and include nominal and threshold biometric parameters for each individual based on biometric sensor data gathered or analyzed over a period of time. An alert may be issued by the server when an individual's biometric data is outside a threshold in the biometric model. The transmitted alert may depend upon the nature of the exception, user settings and past notification experience. Alerts may be escalated when not answered within defined durations. | 10-24-2013 |
20130282438 | SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING RELEVANT USER INFORMATION BASED ON PROXIMITY AND PRIVACY CONTROLS - Methods, systems and devices for providing relevant user information to devices within proximity of a user. A wireless identity transmitter associated with the user periodically broadcasts messages that include obscured identifiers. A proximate proximity broadcast receiver may receive and relay the broadcast messages to a central server which may process the included information. Based on categories related to the proximity broadcast receiver and the user, the central server may identify subsets of stored profile information about the user that are relevant to the proximity broadcast receiver. The central server may transmit relevant profile information to devices to assist in activities associated with the proximity broadcast receiver. In an embodiment, the central server may only transit relevant profile information that is authorized by the user via permissions associated with the profile. Further, the central server may transmit payment authentication profile information for use by point-of-sale devices within proximity of the user. | 10-24-2013 |
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 |
20140128054 | METHOD, SOFTWARE AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING ACTIONS ON A WIRELESS DEVICE USING ACTION LISTS AND VERSIONING - A system and method for performing actions on a wireless device using action lists and versioning. The system includes receiving, over a network, a remote action list version number, the remote action list version number associated with a remote action list containing an instruction for the wireless device. The system further includes determining whether the remote action list version number is different from a local action list version number. The system also includes sending, over a network, a request for the remote action list in response to determining the remote action list version number is different from the local action list version number. Also, the system includes receiving, over a network, the remote action list. | 05-08-2014 |
20140133656 | Preserving Security by Synchronizing a Nonce or Counter Between Systems - Methods, systems and devices enable synchronizing obscured identification information between a wireless identity transmitter and a central server to support one-way communication of the obscured identification information to the central server. The wireless identity transmitter may be a compact device configured to broadcast messages, such as through Bluetooth® advertisements, including an obscured identifier for receipt and relay to the central server by proximate proximity broadcast receivers via sighting messages that may also include location information. The central server may decode received identification codes to identify the wireless identity transmitter. The wireless identity transmitter may create message data by concatenating identifying information with an incrementing nonce, encrypting the concatenated information, and truncating the encrypted information. Alternatively, concatenated identification information may be encrypted with a pseudo-random function and a secret key known by the central server. The central server that may compare received data to pre-calculated encrypted data. | 05-15-2014 |
20140244811 | DOWNLOADABLE CONFIGURING APPLICATION FOR A WIRELESS DEVICE - Systems, methods, and programs for activating a feature on a wireless device includes requesting the feature at the wireless device. A feature includes additional functions and services that add capability to or accessed by the wireless device, such as, but not limited to, voice mail, voice recognition, access to GPS, MPEG functions, and access to a data channel or increased data rates. The wireless device downloads a component from a download server that contains the logic to configure the wireless device as well as a carrier server to activate the feature. An expiration parameter or other licensing term may be associated with the requested feature. Upon expiration, the wireless device and/or carrier server is reconfigured to deactivate the feature. | 08-28-2014 |