Programmable communicator

Abstract

A system and method for a programmable communicator is described which can provide an improved child communication device, a telecommunications platform for a smart clothes application, as well as a programmable remote data communicator to report the status of a technical apparatus such as a vending machine. The programmable communicator can be programmed remotely by a mobile phone or any Personal Data Assistant (PDA) type device using any data transmission technology such as BlueTooth, Infra red light or any wireless radio communication either directly at close range, or via a mobile telecommunications network connection from a hand-held device or computer terminal connected to a data or IP transmission network such as the Internet.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a programmable wireless communications apparatus. More particularly, it relates to a programmable wireless communications apparatus, which can provide an improved means of communication between children and their parents, between elderly persons and caring relatives, and between mentally less-able individuals and supervising adults. In addition, the invention provides a solution for smart clothes applications, which may comprise a telecommunications means within the lining of a jacket or other article of clothing, as well as a solution for user-programmable data tags which convey information from remotely located devices such as vending machines. The invention relates to and significantly improves upon a previously filed patent application claiming Finnish priority of Sep. 9, 1997 entitled a Portable Hotlink Communicator published as international patent application PCT / GB98 / 02715.[0002] In this previously filed application, is taught the invention of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved programmable communications apparatus, which can be remotely programmed by any mobile phone or IP device such that it can be linked to any particular fixed or mobile phone or IP device.

Problems solved by technology

The concern relates to the cost of the mobile phone should it be lost or stolen and also to the cost of the use of the mobile phone.

In addition to these concerns about the failures of existing mobile communications technology to provide an improved and more secure method of instant communication between a parent and a young child, and the means to determine the position of the child, there is additional concern that the battery of the communicator may drain its power without the parent knowing, or may be removed, which would prevent the communicator from receiving calls or dialling to the programmed fixed or mobile number to which the communicator is linked.

In addition to these specific communication problem needs, there is a growing yet unsubstantiated concern about the potentially harmful effect of electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones upon the developing brains of young children.

The problem with prior art solutions is that unless the smart clothes tag can be user-programmable to call any fixed or mobile number by making use of an acceptable method such as via an SMS data call or via a BlueTooth radio transmission from a mobile phone or intelligent PDA, the solution is impractical to implement.

Further to these limitations of existing technologies, and so far as is known, no portable communication apparatus is presently available which serves to offer an improved programmable communicator which is directed towards the specific needs of this problem area as outlined.

Images