4943results about "Current supply arrangements" patented technology

A method and apparatus for managing institutional telephone activity utilizing a computer-based telephony management unit to connect institutional telephones with outside telephone lines. The unit provides institutional users with fully automated, direct dial and collect calling privileges for local, long distance, and international calls. The unit contains a database for storing the calling privileges and restrictions of institutional users, for recording calling transactions made by the users, and for managing user monetary accounts. The unit can record up to 400 hours of conversation in a digital format. The unit provides various administrative capabilities, including user account management, audit trails, transaction reports, centralized management and report capabilities, and detection of fraudulent calling.

A portable computer arranged to rest comfortably in the hand has a small display screen. Accelerometers capable of detecting movement of the pen with respect to gravity provide input to a microcontroller which selects a response from a number of viewing modes. The pen may be held in either hand and the output message to the screen will be oriented according to the location of the pen. Full personal digital assistance functionality may be incorporated in a relatively small plastics casing and functions, such as calendar, contracts the like may be incorporated.

Disclosed is an integrated handheld computer and telephony system. Integration of the handheld computer and telephony system is at the physical and operational level. For example, the integrated handheld computer and telephony system physically integrates a handheld computer with a mobile (e.g., cellular) telephone. In addition, the handheld computer is distinct from telephony system in that they are logically separable. However, they are also operationally integrated, for example, the telephony system executes a telephone application on the processor of the handheld computer. Likewise, the handheld computer can execute applications, for example, a phone book, that can be used to launch the telephony application.

A communication device, wherein when the communication device is in a ringing mode, audio data is output from the speaker, and when the communication device is in a silent mode, audio data is converted to a text data and the text data is output from the display in a visual fashion.

According to certain aspects, the invention allows a person to manage some of the functions of a cell phone without having to actually have the phone in her hands. For example, the invention allows the user to know of the incoming call and further allows the user to send a user-specified message to the caller and / or otherwise manage how the call should be handled through a remote device. In certain embodiments, the invention is comprised of: a decorative watch-like or bracelet-like case; a decorative wrist band; a vibrating incoming call indicator; a partial or full face display; touch screen input capability, accelerometer for wrist flick input capability, and / or side buttons for user inputs; a Bluetooth antenna; a Bluetooth transmitter and receiver; a rechargeable battery; a connector or wireless charging element; a display / general purpose control unit with firmware; and standard Bluetooth link and application software on an associated cellular phone.

The present invention provides a remote notification device in electronic communication with a user's personal communication device that alerts the user that the personal communication device is receiving an incoming telecommunications signal. A user who is not in operable contact with the communication device is alerted to the incoming call, message, or page by the remote notification device, which is in operable contact with the user, and alerts the user with a suitable indication (e.g., visual, audible, and / or tactile). The remote notification device preferably permits the user to not alter his or her desired appearance in social situations. The remote notification device is easily concealable or integral to an article of clothing, piece of jewelry, piercing, or accessory that the user desires to wear or carry independent of the desire to be notified of incoming calls, messages, or pages.

A wireless headset for use with a separate communications device, such as a cellular telephone, includes automatic on / off capabilities to maximize battery life. By detecting a user's interaction, such as picking up the headset or placing it upon the user's body, the wireless headset automatically transitions from an inactive state to an active state. Techniques for automatic headset enabling include but are not limited to motion sensors, attitude or position sensors, proximity sensors, and contact sensors. These techniques may be used individually or in any combination. An internal timer allows the wireless headset to return to its inactive state a defined interval after cessation of movement or removal of the wireless headset. Including an optional sleep state further optimizes battery life. In the sleep state, only a portion of the wireless headset circuitry is enabled. Rather than transitioning from inactive to active, the headset transitions from inactive to sleep. In sleep, the headset periodically monitors for a signal from the separate communications device. Upon detection of such a signal, the wireless headset transitions to its active state, thereby providing full functionality to the user.

A processor (100) is provided that is a programmable fixed point digital signal processor (DSP) with variable instruction length, offering both high code density and easy programming. Architecture and instruction set are optimized for low power consumption and high efficiency execution of DSP algorithms, such as for wireless telephones, as well as pure control tasks. The processor includes an instruction buffer unit (106), a program flow control unit (108), an address / data flow unit (110), a data computation unit (112), and multiple interconnecting busses. Dual multiply-accumulate blocks improve processing performance. A memory interface unit (104) provides parallel access to data and instruction memories. The instruction buffer is operable to buffer single and compound instructions pending execution thereof. A decode mechanism is configured to decode instructions from the instruction buffer. The use of compound instructions enables effective use of the bandwidth available within the processor. A soft dual memory instruction can be compiled from separate first and second programmed memory instructions. Instructions can be conditionally executed or repeatedly executed. Bit field processing and various addressing modes, such as circular buffer addressing, further support execution of DSP algorithms. The processor includes a multistage execution pipeline with pipeline protection features. Various functional modules can be separately powered down to conserve power. The processor includes emulation and code debugging facilities with support for cache analysis.

A method for implementing self-chosen caller identification and instantaneous transmission of caller identification information before communications have been established is described. Aspects of the invention improve upon modem methods and bridge the gap between current technology that allows users to self-identify in communicating with other users and technology that transmits this information before a telephone call is answered. Furthermore, aspects of the invention allow a user to select his or her own identifying information (e.g., picture, ring tone, video) and send it to contacts in his or her contact database. A background transmission process transmits the identifying information upon selection, creating a fast and seamless method of self-identification for caller ID technology. The identifying information may be stored in an association database using factors such as events and identification type. An option may also exist that allows users to override any caller identification information transmitted to them.

A control mechanism for a mobile communication device includes a first mode element, a second mode element and a third mode element. Each mode element corresponds to a distinct operational mode associated with a particular function of the mobile communication device. A physical switch mechanism, which has a first physical positional state corresponding to the first mode element, a second physical positional state corresponding to the second mode element, and a third physical positional state corresponding to the third mode element, is movable between each physical positional state to select an operational mode and to enable the mode element corresponding to the selected operational mode.

A telecommunications system and method is disclosed for allowing network operators to download ringing tone pattern(s) associated with one or more musical scores to mobile stations (MSs) according to the music selection of mobile subscribers associated with the MSs. Once executed, the ringing tone pattern provides a musical ringing tone on the MS, instead of the normal ringing tone. In addition, ringing tone patterns can be used to enhance the "distinctive ringing" function within the MS. Thus, instead of using distinctive ringing patterns to represent different called party numbers, different music can be used.

An electronic apparatus with backlit display and input device allowing reduced power consumption while maintaining necessary brightness is disclosed. A mode detecting section detects a currently set operation mode when performing a function. The brightness of the backlighting is controlled depending on the currently set operation mode. In the case of a data input mode, the brightness of the backlighting is reduced.

A method for generating a ring tone for a given caller based on a prior conversation with that caller. A portion of a conversation with a given caller is recorded and stored in memory as a ring tone. When a subsequent call is received from the same caller, identified by caller ID, the ring tone is played, alerting the user to the incoming call as well as the context of their prior communication. In alternative embodiments of the invention, a prior textual or video conversation is used as the basis for a ring tone, and / or the ‘ring tone’ is delivered by other than audio means. The invention is capable of implementation in telecommunications systems such as cellular, local exchange, and VOIP, and in combination with other forms of internet-based telecommunication.

A mobile telephone (1), when being folded, is set in a lock state by an opening / closing detection and lock mechanism (50), and then a control circuit (30) stops supply of an electric power to a fingerprint authentication unit (60). In this state, upon detection of an incoming call from an external apparatus, the control circuit (30) restarts the supply of the electric power to the fingerprint authentication unit (60), and when a user is authenticated as a legitimate user by the fingerprint authentication unit (60), instructs the opening / closing detection and lock mechanism (50) to carry out an unlocking operation.

Provided is a wireless transmitter-receiver capable of suppressing undesirable power consumption and elongating the continuous operation time by operation of a user with the intention of controlling transmission power and also suitable to secure the “symmetry of communication”.The wireless transmitter-receiver decreases the upper limit value of transmission power by an operation of an operation means 114 and decreases the reception sensitivity in accordance with the decreased upper limit value of transmission power. Thereby, a user can determine the upper limit value of transmission power of the wireless transmitter-receiver and manage the transmission power to suppress power consumption and elongate a continuous operation time. Moreover, the wireless transmitter-receiver can eliminate the influence of radio frequency electromagnetic field on a human body. Furthermore, the degree of imbalance in the “symmetry of communication” can be minimized.

A computerized system and method for selecting the nature and / or form of an alert used to announce a call made by a user participating in a customized alter service. The method includes establishing a customized alert service configuration for a participating user, which configuration is then stored on one or more network accessible devices. The participating user uses a first communications terminal to make a call to a second communications terminal, via a first communications service, the second communication terminal then announces the call by activating an alert using a chosen alert descriptor which has been chosen according to the customized alert service configuration for the participating user.

A mobile phone with music reproduction function has a reproduction unit that reproduces music data and a ring tone which are recorded in a music data recording medium, and a communication unit 108 that detects an incoming call from outside. The mobile phone 100 has a control unit that instructs the reproduction unit to perform a fade-out process of reproducing the music data and to perform a fade-in process of outputting the ring tone when the communication unit detects an incoming call while the reproduction unit is reproducing music data.

Systems, methods, and associated software are described herein for enabling a regular user of an end user device, such as a cellular telephone, to customize parameters associated with haptic effects applied to the user by the end user device. In one implementation, among several, a method described herein includes enabling a user of an end user device to access software adapted to design or modify haptic effects of the end user device. The method further includes enabling the user to open a haptic track file and enter or modify parameters associated with the haptic effects of the opened haptic track file.

A remote notification device and various mounting configurations for notifying a user of an incoming call or message to a mobile communication device are described. In an example, a receiver is coupled to a housing. The receiver receives a notification signal from a mobile communication device. The receiver is the only communication with the remote notification device. The remote notification device is in unidirectional communication with the mobile communication device. An indicator is coupled to the housing. The indicator indicates receipt of the notification signal to a user of the remote notification device. The mobile communication device is remote from the remote notification device.

A mobile telephone comprises a telephony unit to process wireless telephony signals and a browser to enable the user to navigate hypermedia information via a wireless network. The telephony unit receives a signal indicating an incoming telephone call with Caller-ID information. The telephony unit provides the Caller-ID information to the browser, which uses the Caller-ID information to identify an action or data previously associated with the Caller-ID information. In one embodiment, the browser looks up ring tone data associated with the Caller-ID information and provides the ring tone data to the telephony unit, which causes a ring tone to be generated based on the ring tone data. Distinctive ring tones may be associated with particular callers or groups of callers. The browser may request ring tone data from a remote server over the wireless network.

In one form of the invention, an apparatus for visually displaying a non-volatile message includes an integrated circuit having first circuitry. The apparatus also includes a package for the integrated circuit and a display affixed to the integrated circuit package. The first circuitry is coupled to the display and operable to be coupled to an electronic device by pins of the integrated circuit package and to write a non-volatile, visual image via the display responsive to receiving a message from the electronic device.

Apparatus for automatically alerting a user of a handheld communications device of an incoming transmission includes a plurality of sensors each of which produces a signal indicative of a physical parameter of a surrounding environment of the handheld communications device. Also included is a processor that executes a programmed set of instructions to determine an optimal alert mode setting based on a combination of the sensor signals. A plurality of output units produces one or more sensory alert outputs In response to the optimal alert mode setting. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

The invention is directed, in one aspect, to systems and methods for providing digital content to wireless network-enabled devices. In another aspect, the invention is directed to providing custom caller alerts to mobile telephones or other network appliances configured or repurposed for receiving such alerts or digital content.

When a gateway detects that power from a primary power supply is disrupted or unavailable, reserve power, such as from batteries, is provided only to those components, ports, interfaces, and circuits associated with the gateway that are required for making a voice call or a lifeline call.

Sounds, alarms or other indications of conditions of potential interest that are produced by appliances and other household devices are detected by one or more sensors to trigger a notification signal that is sent to a remotely located user. The signals produced by the sensors are advantageously compared with a database of signals representing conditions of potential interest produced by known appliances and devices, producing the appropriate notification signal when a match is found. Notifications may be relayed to one or more selected users only when predetermined conditions are satisfied.

A system for powering a network element of a fiber optic communication network. When communication data is transferred between a central office (CO) and a subscriber gateway using a network element to convert optical to electrical (O-E) and electrical to optical (E-O) signals between a fiber from the central office and copper wires or coax cable from the subscriber gateway, techniques related to local powering of a network element or drop site by a subscriber or customer remote device or gateway are provided. Certain advantages and / or benefits are achieved using the present invention, such as freedom from any requirement for additional meter installations or meter connection charges. Additionally the system is free of monthly meter charges and does not require a separate power network.

A portable phone is equipped with a position detector that detects the geographical position of the portable phone, and a telephone system may ring one or more land-based phones or portable phones according to the geographical position of the portable phone. One or more geographical regions are defined, with corresponding telephone parameters defined for each region. When a portable phone enters a defined region, exits a defined region, or changes between two defined regions, the function of one or more land-based phones or portable phones may change. The preferred embodiments thus allow changing the function of one or more other phones based on the self-detected geographical position of a portable phone. In this manner the convenience of using portable phones is greatly enhanced.

A method, computer-readable medium, and a computing device enable a user or other entity to select and / or customize alerts that can be triggered based on a notification event to thereby improve the ability of a mobile device to assist the user in distinguishing between multiple notification events. A user can create one or more separate and independent profiles for use with a mobile device. The user can preemptively control call interruptions and / or provide a type of alert used by the mobile device to inform the user of a particular notification event.