Webtv Networks, Inc.

Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Danger, Inc.

Joe Freeman Britt, Jr

Bruce A Leak

Phillip York Goldman

Andrew T McFadden

Andrew E Rubin

Pablo M Calamera

Matthew J Hershenson

Christopher M White

David R Anderson

Jeffrey D Yaksick

Jeffrey Alan Bush

Mark H Krueger

Mandar Khadilkar

Oscar A Montemayor

Henry W Gebhardt, Iii

Timo A Bruck

Ronald L A Theis

A location service for wireless devices is described. In embodiments, a connection identifier is received that indicates a wireless device is linked to a communication node for wireless communication. Additional wireless devices are also linked to the communication node for wireless communication, and the additional wireless devices can each identify its geographic location. Location data is received from the additional wireless devices, where the location data indicates the respective geographic locations of the additional wireless devices. A location of the communication node can be determined from the location data that is received from the additional wireless devices, and a current location can then be assigned to the wireless device based on the determined location of the communication node.

Location service for wireless devices

In embodiments of managing subscribers on a cellular network, a service provider tracks subscriber devices that are connected for voice communication via a network. The service provider can estimate an increased service load on the network by combining a number of the subscriber devices estimated to still be connected at an appointed time with a number of additional subscriber devices estimated to request connection at or within a predetermined range of the appointed time. The service provider can then cause a number of inactive subscriber devices to be disconnected for at least a predetermined period of time in anticipation of the increased service load.

Managing subscribers on a cellular network

A system and method are described for securing over the air communications between a service and a communication device. For example, one embodiment of a method for creating a security token on a communication device for communication between the communication device and a service includes combining a device identification of the communication device with a device capability to create a device information, the device capability known by the service. The method further includes encrypting the device information.

Over the air communication authentication using a service token

Over the air communication authentication using a device token

A method for surveying and gathering user and status information from data processing devices coupled to a network. Data processing devices, such as cellular phones and handheld devices, may be coupled to a network manager through phone lines or RF networks. The network manager transmits survey inquiries and receives survey responses from users. The specific set of users may be selected based on user characteristics and/or device characteristics compiled by the network manger. Other status information, such as the location of each data processing device on the network and whether each data processing device on the network is active, may also be collected by the network manager. Collected information may then be distributed or made available to other data processing devices on the network.

Identifying and surveying subscribers

A method for managing the assignment of addresses in a cellular network is described. Messages are sent to connected, but inactive, subscribers causing them to disconnect and then to reconnect. This occurs without the user knowing of the disconnection.

Systems and methods for obtaining and maintaining operable and updated versions of software on a client, which may be a set-top box or a personal computer. A server automatically downloads software updates over a satellite link to a client after such upgrades become available at the server without requiring interaction with a user. Similarly, corrupted software is automatically replaced by the client first automatically detecting if a corrupted state exists in local software or data using a checksum technique. If such corruption is found, the client automatically connects over the Internet to a server that contains a replacement for the corrupted program or data. The client then automatically receives a download of the program or data from the server.

Downloading software from a server to a client

A method is disclosed for storing program code on a data processing device comprising: splitting the program code into one or more blocks; assigning each of the blocks a header containing a sequence number identifying which portion of the program code each of the blocks correspond to; and storing the one or more blocks of program code and the associated headers in a non-volatile memory.

Apparatus and method for allocating memory blocks

An apparatus is disclosed which is configured to announce a transmission from a caller by vibrating in a predetermined manner associated with the caller. Also disclosed is a method comprising: receiving a transmission from a first caller; identifying the first caller; and vibrating a device in a predetermined manner based on said first caller's identity.

Distinctive vibrate system, apparatus and method

A method for disabling a wireless data processing device is described comprising: receiving an indication from a user that the data processing device is missing; and responsively transmitting a disable command to the data processing device, the disable command disabling the data processing device using a first disabling technique.

System and method for disabling and providing a notification for a data processing device

A system and method for providing access to a server by a wireless computing device is described. A server and a wireless computing device and a communications link between the wireless computing device and the server are provided. The wireless computing device includes a hardware component including a processor and a memory. The server generates instructions and converted data based on data requested by the wireless computing device. The wireless computing device also includes an identification module. The identification module can provide identification data to the server.

System and method of linking user identification to a subscriber identification module

A portal device is described comprising: a processor; and a memory for storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive data transmitted from a portal server on which a user of the portal device is registered, the data being identified by the user upon registering a user account with the portal server.

Method for configuring and authenticating newly delivered portal device

A method is described, comprising: forwarding a request for data to an Internet site on behalf of a portal device; receiving the data from the Internet site on behalf of the portal device; converting the requested data to a format which the portal device can interpret to produce converted data; and transmitting the converted data to the portal device.

Portal system for converting requested data into a bytecode format based on portal device's graphical capabilities

A method is described, comprising: searching for portable device software configured on a client; automatically installing the portable device software if the portable device software is not configured on the client; searching for a portable device attached to the client; and logging in a user of the portable device upon identifying the portable device.

Apparatus and method for portal device authentication

Web browser software is implemented in a processing system housed in a set-top box connected to a television and communicating over a wide-area network with one or more servers. The browser allows a user to use a remote control device to navigate between hypertex, anchors in World-Wide Web pages displayed on the television. User inputs are entered from the remote control device using an infrared IR link in order to move a selection between hypertext anchors or various control buttons displayed on the television display. The browser is capable of downloading audio files from Web sites and generating sound through a speaker of the television set based on the audio files. Background music is generated during Web browsing based on audio files downloaded from one of the servers or audio files stored in memory in the set-top box. A background music audio file from a server can be downloaded while another background music audio file is played. An audio panel can be displayed when an audio file from a Web site is downloaded and played to form a user interface by which the user to play, stop, pause, rewind, or fast-forward the audio file.

Growing community of inventors

Los Gatos, CA, United States of America

Joe Freeman Britt, Jr