The invention provides a system for monitoring a vehicle that includes a wireless appliance in electrical contact with an in-vehicle computer. The wireless appliance features: 1) a data-collection component that supports communication software that collects diagnostic data from the computer; and 2) a data-transmission component, in electrical communication with the data-collection electronics, configured to transmit an outgoing data packet comprising the diagnostic data over a network and receive over the same network an incoming data packet that modifies the communication software. The wireless appliance communicates with a host computer system that is configured to: 1) receive the outgoing data packet from the network; 2) process the outgoing data packet to generate a set of vehicle diagnostic data; 3) host a web site on the Internet that displays the vehicle diagnostic data; and 4) send out the incoming data packet over the same network to modify the communication software.

Internet-based vehicle-diagnostic system

Methods and apparatus for generating and delivering selected primary content and contextually-related, targeted secondary content to users of a network. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a packet-switched data (e.g., IP) network such as the Internet, and the primary content comprises video or media clips that are user-selectable via a network site or web page. The primary content carries with it descriptive metadata that is accessed by a distribution server and forwarded to a secondary content source. The secondary content source (or its proxy) utilizes the metadata to identify and return contextually-related secondary content such as advertising links. This secondary content is then presented to the user in conjunction with the primary content, such as in a common display window and in a seamless fashion, thereby avoiding distractions to the user associated with generating ancillary windows or other display mechanisms, and providing the user with highly relevant secondary content choices.

Method and apparatus for context-specific content delivery

When a network resource request having a domain name is received, it is determined whether the network resource can be located including determining whether the domain name is resolvable. Rather than, or in addition to, displaying an error message or processing a search request in response to determining that a network resource can not be located or of an unresolvable domain name, the domain name can instead be redirected to a registration service where the domain name may automatically be used to perform a registration request and determine domain name availability. When the domain name is not available for registration, domain name registrant information is provided. However, when the domain name is determined available, a registration form is provided. For example, such a domain name in question may be redirected from the autosearch feature of a web browser to a service, which determines that the domain name is available for registration enabling a potential registrant to register the available domain name by selecting a domain name registration provider from a list of domain name registration providers.

Method, product, and apparatus for requesting a network resource

A method is provided for modifying an image. The method comprises displaying an image, the image comprising a portion of an object; and determining if an edge of the object is in a location within the portion. The method further comprises detecting movement, in a member direction, of an operating member with respect to the edge. The method still further comprises moving, if the edge is not in the location, the object in an object direction corresponding to the detected movement; and modifying, if the edge is in the location, the image in response to the detected movement, the modified image comprising the edge in the location.

Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program

A system for providing handoff for a mobile devices comprising a mobile phone programmed to automatically handover between differing data bearers and to optimally detect those bearers in a roaming environment keeping power consumption to a minimum. Repeating means for these mobile devices to extend the range of coverage and the protocol for that coverage.

System for Providing Mobile VoIP

An internet radio for portable applications and uses such as in an automobile enables the selection of content on a wireless communication device comprising the steps of providing a format for displaying content on said wireless communication device; detecting the loss of a signal for a channel providing a predetermined genre; and providing a new format for displaying content having a new channel providing the predetermined genre to replace the lost channel. Customized information is also communicated to the radio such as stock quotes, travel information, advertising, and e-mail. Onboard global positioning allows for channel updating by location, traffic information, geographic advertising and available similar content.

Method and apparatus for enabling the selection of content on a wireless communication device

An internet radio for portable applications and uses such as in an automobile. The internet radio allows access to a host of audio, visual and other information. Normal radio channel function is provided along with programmable content and channel selection, as well as automatic content and channel updating by location and style. Internet access is also provided. Direct or targeted advertising, as well as electronic commerce is supported. Connection to the internet is through wireless communications. Programmability is achieved off-line via a web page and remote computer. Customized information is also communicated to the radio such as stock quotes, travel information, advertising, and e-mail. Onboard global positioning allows for channel updating by location, traffic information, geographic advertising and available similar content.

Remotely configurable multimedia entertainment and information system for vehicles

In an information appliance system 100, a user device 108 comprises a client platform (200, FIG. 5) that includes a service framework (235, FIG. 5) to discover and connect with a variety of services, both remote and local, transient and persistent, and to disconnect from them when they are no longer of interest or become unavailable. The service framework 235 provides a standard, consistent, simplified way for services to make themselves available and for service-using entities to locate and connect with the services of interest to them. From the perspective of the client platform 200, all services, whether local or remote, are presented as local services to the application. Each remote service is represented as a local service through the use of a local proxy that insulates the service user from the complexities of communicating with a remote server. Various methods of operating a service framework are also described.

Service framework with local proxy for representing remote services

In an information appliance system 100 , a user device 108 comprises a client platform ( 200 , FIG. 5 ) that includes a service framework ( 235 , FIG. 5 ) to discover and connect with a variety of services, both remote and local, transient and persistent, and to disconnect from them when they are no longer of interest or become unavailable. The service framework 235 provides a standard, consistent, simplified way for services to make themselves available and for service-using entities to locate and connect with the services of interest to them. When a service is requested from a remote server, a service frontend ( 281 , FIG. 9 ) on the client platform attempts to find its corresponding service backend ( 282 , FIG. 9 ) on a server providing the requested service and, if it finds it, the frontend and backend coalesce in a fully formed service that is made available to a requesting service-using entity. As a result, platform resources and security are maintained. Various methods of operating a service framework are also described.

Service framework supporting remote service discovery and connection

In an information appliance system 100 , a user device 108 comprises a client platform ( 200 , FIG. 5) that includes a service framework ( 235 , FIG. 5) to discover and connect with a variety of services, both remote and local, transient and persistent, and to disconnect from them when they are no longer of interest or become unavailable. The service framework 235 provides a standard, consistent, simplified way for services to make themselves available and for service-using entities to locate and connect with the services of interest to them. The service framework 235 comprises service event notification registries ( 254, 256 , FIG. 7) in which service-requesting entities register templates defining the types of services they want to locate and connect with. However, the service framework 235 , rather than connecting with any service that matches a desired service type, can further control a remote service lookup operation in accordance with various transport characteristics in the template, such as signal strength, quantity of data to be transferred, range, available bandwidth, communications cost, service location, time of day, vehicular velocity, and so forth. This conserves the platform's memory and bandwidth resources by not connecting with services that would not satisfy a user's request or that would be unduly transitory. Various methods of operating a service framework are also described.

Mark Clayton

Papers

Method and apparatus for enabling the selection of content on a wireless communication device

Remotely configurable multimedia entertainment and information system for vehicles

Service framework with local proxy for representing remote services

Service framework supporting remote service discovery and connection

Service framework for evaluating remote services based upon transport characteristics