Abstract: System for providing alert-based communication services for which corresponding alert conditions to be met by mobile stations are defined. The system includes an alert engine capable of firing alerts associated with the alert-based communication services if location data regarding the mobile stations is indicative of the mobile stations meeting the alert conditions corresponding to the alert-based communication services. A requirements engine is provided for determining an expected earliest future time at which at least one alert condition is capable of being met by a particular mobile station and outputting a data element indicative of a requirement to obtain updated location data about the particular mobile station in advance of the expected earliest future time.

Abstract: A personal annunciation device (PAD) providing, in an area of interest, compensatory annunciation of the presence of an abnormal condition in a hazardous area and accountability of the user of the PAD. Compensatory annunciation supplements primary annunciation provided by an emergency notification system (ENS). A detection system detects an abnormal condition, and a wireless transmission system transmits a wireless transmission to the PAD. The PAD has a housing enclosing the components of the PAD including a communication module for receiving the wireless transmission, a power supply, processor, memory, annunciation system, and RFID module. The RFID module has an RFID receiver that listens for an RFID transmission from an RFID reader disposed in a portal of an area of interest. The PAD identifies the transmission and changes its operating state based on the transmission. The RFID readers recognize, record, and transmit the state of the PAD to a base station providing accountability of the wearer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of alerting clients of the status of a scheduled appointment comprising the steps of: accepting an appointment from a client; logging the appointment time into an electronic calendar; transmitting an appointment reminder to the client; transmitting an appointment status alert to the client on the day of the scheduled appointment; and providing the client with the option to reschedule the scheduled appointment. If the client should elect to reschedule after receiving the appointment status alert, the client's new appointment time is logged into the electronic calendar. The appointment reminder and appointment status alert according to the present invention is transmitted over a communications network, where the communications network may be either the Internet and/or a wireless communications network. The client may receive the appointment reminder and appointment status alert on a cell phone, a smart phone or a telephone.

Abstract: A message status synchronization scheme. In one embodiment, a method may comprise: automatically detecting arrival of a message at a messaging server for a user having a mail address thereat, the message being displayable on a computer for the user with a status indicator icon associated therewith; processing at least a portion of an instance of the message for transmission to the user's mobile data communication device over a wireless network; receiving a status signal from the mobile data communication device indicating that the message has been deleted on the mobile data communication device; and altering the status indicator icon associated with the message on the computer responsive to the status signal.

Abstract: A system to convey user alert messages is disclosed. The system may have a alert service coupled between alert providers and a number of households. After receiving in the alert service an alert message from an alert provider, the alert service may alter the alert message to identify the household designated to receive the alert message. The alert service sends a notification to a home media system within the household designated to receive the alert message.

Abstract: An alert device for a vehicle includes a communications receiver for receiving file fragments for the device, a positioning data receiver for providing vehicle location data, a microcontroller system including a microcontroller and a programmable non-volatile memory system, for building and storing application and data files from the fragments, and executing an alert application of the device by processing at least one application file and associated data identified by configuration instructions included in at least one of the fragments to provide alert data for the vehicle corresponding to the location of the vehicle determined by the application on the basis of the vehicle location data.

Abstract: A mobile handset including a light-alert feature that overcomes some of the problems of cell phone ringers and vibration mechanisms. A mobile handset includes a phone housing, a display carried by the phone housing, one or more illumination devices other than the display carried by the housing that illuminate upon one or more events, and at least one of electronics and software to cause the one or more illumination devices to illuminate upon one or more events.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including an output unit configured to output an alarm, a memory configured to store an expandable alarm-integrated database, and a controller configured to expand the alarm-integrated database to include alarm information corresponding to an alarm feature of content added after the mobile terminal was manufactured.

Abstract: A method for responding to incidents includes receiving incident information corresponding to an incident at an incident location. An incident scenario is generated based at least in part on the incident information, where the incident scenario identifies a number of responders for responding to the incident. A responder is identified based at least in part on an incident effectiveness of the responder with respect to the incident, where the incident effectiveness is based at least in part on past performance of the responder. A request for assistance with the incident is sent to a mobile device of the responder.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer program products for providing ambient noise sensitive alerting. The methods comprise receiving ambient noise, converting the ambient noise to an electrical signal, detecting a parameter of the electrical signal which is indicative of ambient noise, sensing an incoming call or message, and controlling the volume of an audible alert in response to the detected parameter of the electrical signal.

Abstract: A system for tracking luggage is provided so that a traveler may know where the luggage arrives. The system can notify the traveler of the arrival of the luggage at a destination and allows for the traveler and luggage to be reunited in quicker, more efficient manner. A method of using the system is also provided.

Abstract: A method and device for a global information and early warning system, based on satellite navigation systems and user terminals, comprising the following steps and/or devices for carrying out this step: transmitting at least one warning message about one or more hazard area(s) by way of a satellite navigation system to user terminals in at least one information coverage area; receiving at least one warning message by means of a user terminal in the at least one information coverage area; and checking the warning message by means of the user terminal whether the user terminal is affected by the warning message.

Abstract: An infrastructure that (1) leverages technology to apply an array of techniques, strategies, capabilities, etc. to, for example, the output of CCTV systems to yield, possibly inter alia, augmented threat identification capabilities and (2) allows mobile subscribers, through their wireless devices, to fully participate in such threat detection mechanisms to provide for, possibly inter alia, enhanced threat alerting capabilities. The infrastructure may optionally leverage the capabilities of a centrally-located Messaging Inter-Carrier Vendor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (110) for sender controllable modalities includes the step of generating a communication command (108). The method and apparatus further includes generating a priority command (110) wherein the priority command includes a modality alert command. The priority command (108) may be any suitable command indicating a level of priority as it relates to the communication command (110). The method and apparatus further includes thereupon transmitting the communication command and the priority command (112) to the recipient device (120). The method and apparatus further includes the recipient device (120) verifying the sender device (100) and performing an internal verification (124) of whether the sender device (100) has the ability to override the internal modality setting and to verify if the priority level requests overriding the internal modality setting.

Abstract: A mobile phone apparatus is provided which can register the settings for a ringing operation when receiving a telephone call depending on the situation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for controlling the output level of an enunciator on a portable electronic device. In the system, an enunciator management system for an electronic device is provided. The system comprises: an enunciator having a first enunciation level and a lower, second enunciation level; a sensor; a monitoring circuit connected to the sensor providing a trigger signal that registers a notable activation of the sensor; memory to store data relating to the first and the second enunciation levels for the enunciator and adjustment information for the enunciator for an application operating on the device; and an enunciator management module to initiate the enunciator at the first enunciation level and selectively activate the enunciator at the lower, second enunciation level depending on the adjustment information and the trigger signal from the monitoring circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a wireless device to automatically toggle the alert. The control station automatically transmits at least one signal to the wireless device, which instructs the wireless device to use a silent alert. The control station can also include a database for storing identifiers of wireless devices having users who must remain available, allowing those wireless devices to use a tactile alert instead of a silent alert. The control station can automatically instruct the wireless device to use a silent alert, a tactile alert, or an audible alert depending upon the time of day.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which provide for simultaneously monitoring and controlling multiple consumer devices located in a fixed and/or mobile environment includes a handheld RF communications device having multiple controls. In addition, a transceiver device is provided which simultaneously a) receives output signals from selected ones of the consumer devices and transmits the received output signals as radio frequency signals to the handheld communications device, and b) receives control signals from the handheld communications device, and relays the control signals to an associated consumer device to control the associated consumer device.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing channel access scheduling for multiple wireless computing devices over a wireless network improves channel access efficiency with respect to a primary channel. An access point, or host computer, includes a host transceiver for receiving control information from the wireless computing devices over a low power channel. Upon receiving the control information, the access point applies a scheduling algorithm to schedule channel access for the wireless computing devices to transmit data over the primary communication channel. The wireless computing devices include a low power radio for receiving scheduling information via the low power channel during idle periods. When the scheduling information is received, the wireless computing device activates its primary channel network interface components to communicate data through the primary channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile communication device (200) having a functional cover (202) for controlling sound applications by means of measuring motion of said functional cover (202). In particular, the present invention relates to a functional cover (202) for a mobile communication device (200) measuring motion and providing a control signal to the mobile communication device (200) in accordance herewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for associating a command with an event at a first device, communicating the command to a second device when the event occurs and causing an action at the second device depending on the command.

Abstract: The method and system serve to notify the user of an event through a control device. Active notification takes place even when the computer sound and screen are disabled, for example, when in a power saving mode or screen saving mode. Notification may include visual notification, audio notification, vibratory notification, or tactile notification. Tactile notification can also serve to provide a private notification system which will not alert or disturb other people in the vicinity of the user. Such tactile notification can be provided by means of a texture change in the surface of the control device. One way in which this could be done is by raising a plurality of pegs through the surface of a control device to change its texture.

Abstract: Simplified data message terminals and data communicating voice terminals are described for providing additional functionality in a facility using a wireless data communication system. The simplified data message terminals provide message and paging communication to employees or customers in a simplified terminal configuration using the existing data communication system. By performing voice to data and data to voice conversions, the same system provides voice communication without interruption of data communication services.

Abstract: A method of giving the user information on the operation of a portable device, and a portable device. In the method, an event that concerns the operation of the device and interests the user is detected by the control means of the device. If at least one silent alarm pattern producing a tactile sensation in the user is attached to the event, the user is given abstract information on the operation of the device by using at least one silent alarm pattern implemented with the alarm device and sensed by the user. Various alarm patterns differ from one another such that at least one alarm pattern characteristic sensed by the user varies. The characteristic can be the alarm pattern frequency, amplitude, changing rate of the amplitude, changing rate of the frequency or duration of the alarm pattern. One way to perform a silent alarm is vibration. The user interface is particularly intended for users with impaired hearing and/or vision.

Abstract: A user interface by which contents of what is being processed can be confirmed with the sense of touch is provided. On a first surface of a portable phone, first piezoelectric devices are arranged, and on a second surface of the portable phone, second piezoelectric devices are arranged. When radio waves are transmitted, a displacement is generated from the first and second last piezoelectric devices at the same time when radio waves are transmitted from an antenna, and the displacement moves in sequence to the piezoelectric devices of the upper portion. When the displacement moves to the first and second initial piezoelectric devices, a displacement is generated repeatedly from the first and second last piezoelectric devices, and is continued until the other party to which a call is being originated responds.

Abstract: A communication system (10) uses commercial, mass market paging transmission facilities (16) to deliver messages (18′) to a population of reception devices (22). Each reception device (22) includes a display screen (48) at which lines (72) of national and local news and advertising, a banner advertising box (74) and a clock (76) are displayed. Line buttons (54′) are aligned with the displayed lines (72). The reception device (22) is configured so that a user may press a line button (54′) aligned with a particular line (72) scrolling on the display screen (48) to view additional details related to the subject matter of the particular line (72). Selected lines (72) include alert activating codes (42) which signal the reception device (22), when enabled, to activate an alert which attracts the user's attention to those selected lines (72).

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal is provided with a light-emitting element for notifying an unanswered incoming call. When the cancellation of an incoming call is canceled in a state where an incoming call response operation has not been carried out, the mobile communication terminal is brought into the standby state and then the light-emitting element is caused to emit light.

Abstract: An electronic device (103, 200) employs a method and apparatus for selectively audibly alerting a user as to the status of the device's DC power source (119). The device receives input from the user indicating a time period during which the audible low power alert is not to be emanated from the device. After receiving such input, the device determines whether a low power condition exists during the time period and deactivates the audible low power alert if such a condition is met. Alternatively or additionally, after receiving the time period input from the user, the device may determine the likelihood of a low power condition occurring during the time period and activate the audible alert prior to commencement of the time period if such a condition is likely to occur, thereby providing the user advance notice of the potential for such a condition.

Abstract: An electromechanical and electroacoustic transducer is compact and has a simple drive circuit. Two independent magnetic circuits share a single permanent magnet. A voice coil is placed in one of the magnetic circuits, and a magnetic weight is placed in the other magnetic circuit. A switching element is turned on and off upon movements of the magnetic weight.

Abstract: A system (100) for communicating multimedia messages includes a multimedia message server (102) that is operable to transmit (1404, 1406, 1408) visual media, a vibration melody (1200), and an audio segment (1300) that is preferably filtered (1402) to exclude frequencies of the vibration melody (1200) through a network (104) to a client device (106), and is operable to, preferably at a later time, to transmit instructions (1410) to the client device (106) to output the vibration melody (1200), audio segment (1300) and visual media. At the client device, (106) the audio segment (1300) and the vibration melody (1200) and visual media are preferably stored (1504, 1508, 1512) in a memory (608) and in response to the instruction signal are read (1616, 1518, 1520) from the memory (608), decoded (1522, 1524, 1526) and output (1528, 1530, 1532) to a user. The vibration melody (1200) and the audio segment (1300) are preferably applied at least partially concurrently applied to an electromechanical transducer (212).

Abstract: A method and device are configured to generate alerts that are varied based upon whether an incoming communication is perceived to be mode (i.e., a non-urgency mode), with different tactile-based patterns being dependent upon the selection of the mode. That is, the patterns of the alerts for providing notification of urgent communications are distinguishable from the patterns of alerts for providing notification of non-urgent communications. In the preferred embodiment, the communications device allows a user to assign particular vibrational patterns to specific sources of incoming communications, so that the vibration pattern identifies the urgency pattern and the original source of the communication. In the pager application, the pager may be configured by a user to uniquely associate a particular callback number with a first alert that is used when the pager is in the urgency mode and a second alert that is used when the pager is in the normal mode.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the location of individuals, such as parolees, includes a wearable device worn by the individual and a portable device operatively coupled to the wearable device. The portable device is operatively coupled to a monitoring system through a wireless telephone network. The portable device transmits periodically encrypted location information as well as status information across the wireless network to the monitoring system. The monitoring system tracks the location of the individual and alerts the appropriate authorities when the individual violates a rule, such as a condition for parole. The portable device increases the time between transmissions when the individual is within a specified home location and reduces the time between transmissions when outside the specified location.

Abstract: A method and system for mobile device power consumption management decreases the instantaneous power consumption of a mobile device, increasing operational lifetime of the device. In an embodiment of the invention, the mobile device is associated with a plurality of device behavior modification techniques that can be set in response to data collected from a plurality of sensors associated with the device. In an embodiment, the sensors detect the device's motion, tilt, proximity to a user, contact with a user, and orientation with respect to a user. In a further embodiment, the sensors detect a temperature related to the device or its environment.

Abstract: Techniques for providing a dynamic alert indication to a user of a signal receiving device. One technique includes the steps of processing a signal transmitted from a signal transmitting device to determine at least one mode to be associated with an alert indication, wherein the processing step includes the step of accessing a look-up table containing information associated with a user of the signal receiving device to determine the at least one mode to be associated with the alert indication; and alerting the user of the signal receiving device via the alert indication that the signal has been received by the signal receiving device.

Abstract: Unique, voicemail pages are used to improve communication systems which combine both voicemail and paging devices. A “deletion”, voicemail page is used to automatically delete previously sent voicemail pages in a pager at virtually the same time as a corresponding voicemail message is being deleted in a voicemail system. Other unique voicemail pages make it possible to restrict the notification of a received voicemail page and provide the capability of listening to voicemail messages while viewing a separately sent, corresponding page on a pager.

Abstract: A portable radio information terminal provided with at least two circuits, namely, an input-signal judging circuit and a message-notification-operation halting circuit. The input-signal judging circuit operates to form a judgment as to whether or not an input signal generated by an input device in the course of a message-notification operation is a rotary input signal generated by a rotary/press input device and supplies a result of the judgment to the message-notification-operation halting circuit. The message-notification-operation halting circuit continues the message-notification operation if the result of the judgment received from the input-signal judging circuit indicates that the input signal is a rotary input signal, and halts a message notifying unit currently carrying out the message-notification operation if the judgment indicates input signal is not a rotary input signal.

Abstract: A multimode radio has: an antenna that transmits and receives calls via radio signals of a plurality of communication modes; receivers that convert the received radio signals to signals for particular communication modes; an incoming call notifying unit having a speaker, display, or vibrator that respectively output a different sound, display content, or vibration according to the current communication mode; and a control unit that controls operations, detects the receiver that has received a call signal, and controls the incoming call notifying unit according to the communication mode set in a currently active receiver. Different notification methods are preassigned for the different communication modes, and when an incoming call to the address of the multimode radio is detected, the communication mode of the detected call is identified and a user is notified of the call by the notification method that corresponds to the identified communication mode.

Abstract: An on-premises restaurant paging system and method for paging a customer in the restaurant. A data token provided to the customer includes an encoded customer identifier which the customer inputs into one of a plurality of paging receivers that are mounted on different tables in the restaurant. Each of the paging receivers includes a data input device for reading the data token, and storing the customer identifier in a database. A programmable paging transmitter broadcasts a paging message in the restaurant that includes a broadcast customer identifier. Each of the fixed paging receivers receives the broadcast paging message, extracts the broadcast customer identifier, and compares the broadcast customer identifier with the customer identifier stored in its database. The paging receiver that determines a match generates an alert signal to alert the customer.

Abstract: An apparatus for alerting a user at an alerting device that data has been delivered to a wireless communication device includes an adapter that receives a data receipt signal from the communication device and activates an associated alerting device after verifying its identify. Verifying the identity of the alerting device includes comparing an alerting device identifier, which is either stored or delivered to the alerting device from a remote location, with a communication device identifier that is embedded or otherwise included with the data that is delivered to the associated communication device. The alerting device is activated if the comparison shows that the alerting device is that which corresponds to the communication device that received the data. Alerting devices may be incorporated into jewelry, garments releasable straps and other objects that are convenient for the user.

Abstract: A person paging method in which a first user (A) wishes to page and transmit a message to a second user (B) with the aid of a paging service. The first user (A) requests paging of the second user (B) at a paging central (1) which offers an alerting service and a message service which supplements the alert with the message. The paging central (1) alerts the second user (B) by means of the alerting service. The invention is characterized in that the paging service is not associated with any particular telecommunication network, but can be performed in at least one telecommunication network (e.g. in N1 and N5) chosen from among at least two possible telecommunication networks (N1-N5). The message service is also made independent of the alerting service, in that the message service is not activated until a request to do so is received from the second user.

Abstract: A transmitted signal including a message and address data is received. A plurality of sets of assigned address data is stored. A received message is stored when an address data in a received transmitted signal agrees with any of the stored assigned address data sets. A user is alerted when a command signal causes the message to be read from storage. A counter counts the number of times the message is received when the address data in the received transmitted signal agrees with one of the assigned address data sets. The count is compared to a reference. An alarm issues when the count exceeds the reference.

Abstract: The accounting management of a user of a pager receiving a service in which the user is charged for the number of calls is desired to be facilitated by displaying an illustrated image representing the number of received messages within a fixed period of time. In a pager and a method of displaying the number of signals received by the pager including a controller for counting the number of radio signals received and identifying time of the signal reception, a storage for storing therein the counted number of received radio signals, a display having an area for displaying in an illustrated image representing the stored number of received signals, a changing unit for changing the illustrated image in accordance with the number of received signals, and a count period setting unit for setting a fixed period for the counting of the number of received signals. The pager displays an accumulated number of radio signals received during a particular count period set by the count period setting unit.

Abstract: An electron device, in which accommodation space for a display can be extended over the space where a speaker is supposed to be disposed, is realized. A portable terminal, as an example of an electron device, is provided with a display/speaker section, an operating section, and a microphone on the front surface of its main body. The portable terminal does not have an independent speaker. A display cover located in front of the display/speaker section for protecting the display surface vibrates in response to an audio signal by a drive to output sound. Consequently, the display can be situated even over the space where a speaker is supposed to be disposed.

Abstract: A communication apparatus of the present invention includes a message storage 8 and an unconfirmed message number storage 9. When the apparatus receives a radio signal, a message contained in the radio signal is written to the message memory 8. At the same time, the number of unconfirmed messages stored in the unconfirmed message number storage 9 is incremented by 1 (one). An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 10 and an alert section 11 cooperate to alert the user of the apparatus to a call incoming. When the user presses a switch 5 in response to the alert, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 7 determines that the user has confirmed the received message. At this time, the number of unconfirmed messages stored in the storage 9 is decremented by 1 and then displayed on the LCD 10. If the user does not press the switch 5 within a preselected period of time, then the CPU 7 determines that the received message has not been confirmed, and displays the number of unconfirmed messages stored in the storage 9 on the LCD 10.

Abstract: An interactive office nameplate includes at least one of a receiver for receiving cellular wireless signals and a wireline interface for receiving wireline signals. The nameplate further includes a display for presenting information on an individual associated with the interactive office nameplate. A messaging module in the nameplate is responsive to the wireless and/or wireline signals to actuate the display to display a text message relating to the individual associated with the nameplate. A user interface further enables the preprogramming of predetermined messages within the display module or the clearing of messages presently contained within the display.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a temperature based alerting signal to a user to alert the user to the occurrence of a particular or predetermined event. The temperature based alerting device may be incorporated into jewelry, garments, or a releasable strap and includes at least one spot heating element that is maintained in substantial contact with the user's skin. Upon detected occurrence of the predetermined event, as for example an incoming telephone call or page, the user is silently alerted by a change in the temperature of the spot heating element in contact with the user's skin. Subsequent action by the user, as for example answering of the incoming call or page, causes the temperature based alerting device to reset to an initial, non-alert state.

Abstract: A foldable communication device (10) with a housing having two portions (11,12) pivotably mounted to each other to allow relative movement therebetween. This relative movement is about an axis (13) and enabled by mounting portion (11) to two mounts (14,15) of portion (12). Device (10) has a transceiver (17) housed in the housing, an alert transducer (18) associated with transceiver (17) to provide an audible alert at a predetermined volume when a communication call for device (10) is received by transceiver (17) and a controller (19) coupled to transducer (18). In response to the relative movement of portions (11,12), controller (19) reduces the volume of the audible alert without the communication call being answered.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cordless telephone according to the invention includes a base unit, including a paging mechanism, and a handset, including an alerting mechanism responsive to the paging mechanism. At least one of the base unit and the handset includes a page adjusting mechanism to affect an alerting signal output from the alerting mechanism based on a condition. Thus, the paging signal is adaptive to increase the opportunity for a user to determine the location of a misplaced handset. In another embodiment, a cordless telephone is equipped so that the base unit can provide an indication related to a distance between the base unit and the handset. In yet another embodiment, a cordless telephone is equipped so that the paging mechanism is adjusted based on user control. In a further embodiment according to the invention, a method is provided for affecting an alerting signal output by an alerting mechanism of a cordless telephone handset.

Abstract: A reminder system operating at a specified location is provided. When an information ID (such as an “address C, B, AA, and bookstore”) transmitted from a small antenna station agrees with information (such as an “address C, B, AA, and bookstore”) stored in a memory of a reminder passing by the installation location of the small antenna station, the reminder outputs an alarm, and displays free messages (“The address here is C, B, AA” and “There is a bookstore”) on the display of the reminder. Thus, a user carrying the reminder is alerted to the business input in advance to the reminder.

Abstract: In a communication terminal equipment and in a method of controlling call incoming, unnecessary noises in a period from the start of an alert sound to carrying out of the next operation can be reduced. When a predetermined operation is effected under the condition that an alert sound is ringing, the alert sound is stopped or the volume of the alert sound is reduced at least over a duration of call incoming. Thus, such a fear that persons in the surroundings may be troubled by the continuous ringing of the alert sound can be remarkably reduced. Further, since the situation that a power supply is cut off forcibly during all origination can be avoided, the fear that a person on the call origination side may be given an unpleasant feeling can be eliminated.