Abstract:
A telephone with a card reader is disclosed. The telephone includes means for providing a first communication service. The card includes a memory, which stores information, where the telephone reads the information stored in the memory and provides a means for providing a second communication service based on the information. In providing the second communication service, the telephone obtains second communication service information from a datastore, which includes pairs of information and corresponding second communication service information. The telephone may include the datastore. The telephone may alternatively obtain the second communication service information from or a service server in response to a request. Alternatively, the information stored in the memory can be the second communication service information itself.
Abstract:
Provided is a method and system for displaying video from a plurality of video streams on a display. It includes an input interface for receiving video data from a plurality of video streams and transferring the video data to a frame controller in communication with a television display. The frame controller causes the video data from each of the plurality of different video streams to be displayed in a separate frame on the television display, and each frame occupying an area of the television display separate from an area occupied by any other frame. The frame controller displays a channel group on the television display. The channel group comprises a list of channels sharing at least one common attribute.
Abstract:
A method and system for recording a media content onto a media player are disclosed. A recording interface of the media player is unlocked by a media recorder using a key. Next, the media player receives the media content from the media recorder through the recording interface. The media content is stored onto a storage of the media player, where the storage resides within the media player prior to receiving the media content from the media recorder. The media player includes a mechanism for playing the media content. Then, the recording interface of the media player is locked by the media recorder. In this manner, a way is provided to distribute media content while also protecting against the improper copying of media content.
Abstract:
Provided is a method and system for receiving and displaying video from both an Internet and a broadcast video source. Also provided is a frame controller for receiving video data from an Internet video stream and from a cable broadcast video stream, the frame controller further in communication with a television display and causing the Internet video stream and the cable broadcast video stream to each be displayed in a separate frame on the television display.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention include methods and apparatuses for adjusting audio content when more multiple audio objects are directed toward a single audio output device. The amplitude, white noise content, and frequencies can be adjusted to enhance overall sound quality or make content of certain audio objects more intelligible. Audio objects are classified by a class category, by which they are can be assigned class specific processing. Audio objects classes can also have a rank. The rank of an audio objects class is used to give priority to or apply specific processing to audio objects sin the presence of other audio objects of different classes.
Abstract:
In providing a music program, a personal music player displays personal activity choices. A user selects a personal activity and provides a time duration for the activity. The player sends a request to a music program server for a music program. The request includes the personal activity and the time duration. The music program server selects a music program record from a plurality of music program records that has an activity attribute which matches the personal activity and a program duration which matches or is less than the time duration. The server extracts location information for the music program from the program entry in the music program record, and sends this to the player. The player uses the location information to obtain the music program. In this manner, a music program is provided to a user based on the personal activity of the user.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention include methods of distributing telephone identity associations among multiple telephone systems in a telephone network. In one embodiment, the present invention includes methods of distributing, receiving, redistributing and withdrawing telephone identity association data, telephone system association data and other data within in a network of telephone identity association processors. In another embodiment, the present invention includes automated, semi-automated and manual methods to initiate distribution of telephone identity association data.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for customizing a telephone are disclosed in which preferred communication services are conveniently accessible to a user, in which a telephone is tailored to the specific requirements of a user.
Abstract:
Provided is a method and system for displaying video streams, including receiving video data from a plurality of video stream by a frame controller in communication with a television display including a first picture and a second picture, and also receiving a television program summary list. The television program summary list includes television program data corresponding to the received video streams, and displaying the television program summary list in the second picture, and allowing the selection of a program from the television program summary list by a consumer, and displaying the selected video stream in the first picture.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for refreshing a display of a telephone. A telephone apparatus includes a telephone having a display panel and function by which a user can access a plurality of communication services provided over a communication network. The function may represent a given set of conditions associated with a user, such as static and variable conditions. The function is typically associated with one or more commonly used communication services that would be used by a user under a given set of conditions. A method for automatically refreshing a screen on a display panel of a telephone based on a function change includes displaying on a telephone display a first screen based on a function, the display representing a commonly used communication service associated with the function, and selecting a function based on information.