Abstract: A mobile telephone communication device includes a processing subsystem, a memory subsystem, and a mobile telephone communication device program code comprising program instructions executable by the processing subsystem and stored in the memory subsystem that upon execution cause the mobile telephone communication device to determine if a phone call initiated to a phone number has connected. Then, upon determining that the phone call initiated to the phone number did not connect, the instructions cause the device to determine if the phone number has an associated replace code for any subset of the phone number. Finally, upon determining that the phone number has an associated replace code for any subset of the phone number, the instructions cause the device to replace the any subset of the phone number with the corresponding replace code to obtain a replace code number and initiate a phone call to the replace code number.

Abstract: A method for messaging service, e.g. short message service (SMS), in a mobile phone, capable of inputting a phone number of receiver directly into a message editing window. Disclosed is also a computer-readable recording medium including therein a software program for execution of the method. After the user has entered a message, it is determined which type of a direct input is requested by the user for inputting of the address of the receiver in the message editing window. If the requested type determined by the user for the direct input of the address is an input by a look-up (searching) function, it is activated an address look-up window as a new display layer while still activating the message editing window, and inputted the address of the receiver selected by the user directly into the message editing window.

Abstract: A disposable cellular telephone and business card combination. The cellular telephone circuit is printed on a paper substrate with a conductive ink. A paper microphone diaphragm is attached to one end of the business card and a paper speaker diaphragm is attached to an opposite end of the business card. The microphone and speaker diaphragms are electrically coupled to the circuit, and are attached to the paper substrate in any suitable manner that allows them to vibrate relative thereto. A thin flexible battery cell is formed in the paper substrate at any suitable location so that it doesn't interfere with the position of the circuit, microphone or speaker. A filament antenna is formed in the business card so that it can be extracted therefrom when using the card as a cellular telephone. A switch is provided on the business card that when activated causes a predetermined number to be dialed associated with the text on the business card.

Abstract: A hands-free, telephone system for a vehicle includes a vehicle appliance configured to read over vehicle speakers and display on a vehicle radio display a voice tag associated with a call incoming to a cell phone paired with the appliance for an operator to hear and view. The appliance uses text-to-speech (TTS) to transfer phonebook entries from the cell phone to memory of the appliance. The appliance uses TTS to read and display text messages incoming to the cell phone for the operator to hear and view. The appliance initiates connecting and disconnecting of the cell phone with the appliance in response to voice commands of the operator. The appliance wirelessly communicates vehicle diagnostic information to another device. The appliance controls vehicle functions in accordance with voice commands of the operator. The appliance receives music files from a device and plays the music files in accordance with operator voice commands.

Abstract: A server for use in a mobile communications network to convert an input alphanumeric string into an output numeric string. The server includes an input gateway to receive the input alphanumeric string; memory; and a processor coupled to the input gateway and the memory. The processor is operable to receive the input alphanumeric string; replace one or more characters within the input alphanumeric string with its numeric equivalent to generate an output numeric string; and return the output numeric string.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (100) employs a method and apparatus for automatically initiating a communication with a target device. The communication device includes, inter alia, a user interface (115), an acoustic transducer (113), and an acoustic receptor (109). The user interface receives an identification of the target device (e.g., a telephone number) from a user while the communication device is configured in a first physical or mechanical configuration of at least two user-selectable configurations. Responsive to detecting a reconfiguration of the communication device from the first configuration (e.g., closed) into a second configuration (e.g., open), the communication device automatically initiates the communication with the target device, thereby eliminating the need for manual call initiation after the communication device is properly positioned for in-call use.

Abstract: The invocation of an intelligent network service in a call handler for calls being routed to mobile stations in a mobile communication network is done in such a way that if a call being handled is a call to be routed to a mobile station, and if it is determined that at least one intelligent network identifier is activated for that mobile station a further comparison of a stored condition parameter of the mobile station with a current value of that mobile station's condition parameter is performed, and where the decision regarding the invocation of an intelligent network service depends on the outcome of such a comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically sending, capturing, and utilizing requested information transmitted over a communication network. The utilization may take the form of saving and dialing a requested phone number, or the electronic storing and making known text information. The apparatus removes the need for manual interacting in the employment of its automated capabilities. The apparatus can communicates over the communication network with a provider of the information, instructing the provider to send the requested information (Phone Number or Text Information) in a recognizable electronic format. The apparatus will discern the nature of the retrieve information and act accordingly. If the information is a requested phone number, it will make known the phone number before dialing it. If the information is text information (i.e. address), it will make known the address to the recipient.

Abstract: A method for expedited transmission of a message from a mobile terminal wherein, if the mobile terminal user inputs a short message service (SMS) message into the mobile terminal when the mobile terminal requests that a mobile terminal user input a called party's phone number, the user is provided a means for expedited or speed-dialing of the called party's phone number, with the mobile terminal providing a calling party's phone number and providing means to automate entry of a called party phone number.

Abstract: A method for performing speed dialing using symbols in a communication terminal having a touch pad is disclosed. The method comprises registering a symbol in association with a phone number; comparing a symbol input by a user from the touch pad with the registered symbol; and reading, when the input symbol is identical to the registered symbol, said phone number registered in associated with the registered symbol and automatically dialing the read phone number. An error message, or a re-input request message, is displayed when the input symbol is not identical to a registered symbol.

Abstract: A method and telephone apparatus which detects when a telephone number has been entered into the telephone and determines if the entered telephone number has previously been stored in the memory of the telephone is provided. If the entered telephone number has not been previously stored, it is then stored into memory. In addition, the telephone automatically initiates a call to a remote computer and transmits the entered telephone number to the remote computer. The computer assigns an alphanumeric identifier to the telephone number and transmits the alphanumeric identifier back to the telephone which stores the alphanumeric identifier in the telephone memory in association with the telephone number. Accordingly, the telephone number can later be recalled and dialed through the use of the alphanumeric identifiers.

Abstract: A portable radiotelephone can be shifted between a first condition wherein the radiotelephone does not receive or transmit voice communications by radiotelephone transmissions over radiotelephone channels and a second condition wherein the radiotelephone receives and transmits voice communications by radiotelephone transmissions over radiotelephone channels. The radiotelephone automatically calls a central voice-activated phone dialing system remote from the portable radiotelephone in response to producing the second condition in the radiotelephone. The radiotelephone includes a switch for producing the first and second conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved handle grip for a mobile terminal such as a personal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates to an improved handle grip for a mobile terminal that can be easily secured to and removed from a mobile terminal and provides improved access to the mobile terminal.

Abstract: Provided are telecommunications devices and systems which incorporate and use radio frequency (RF) tag technology. Telecommunications devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention incorporate RF transceivers (readers) which are configured to read associated RF transponders (tags) in order to automatically dial desired telephone numbers without the need for a manual user interface. Tags in systems in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention may be attached to or incorporated with a myriad of items, including picture frames, consumer products and packaging, advertising and promotional material, electronic business cards, record-keeping systems, etc. Devices and systems in accordance with the present invention have a variety of telephony and non-telephony applications.

Abstract: A folding mobile communication device has a storage unit for storing at least one piece of call-destination information, each piece of call-destination information specifying a possible destination of a telephone call; a first display unit for displaying one piece of call-destination information in a position on a main body of the communication device that is exposed when the main body is in a folded state; and a call initiation unit for initiating, following the main body being put into an unfolded state, a telephone call to the destination specified by the piece of call-destination information being displayed.

Abstract: A telecommunication terminal (1,300) comprising a receiver and a transmitter (19) arranged to receive and transmit data, through a telecommunication network (310). The terminal further comprises a user interface (2–6) having display means (3,13) and a key-pad. The key-pad is provided with a group of keys arranged to type an alpha-numerical input to be displayed as an output on the display means. The display means is arranged to display different inputs and states depending on the input from the keypad. One pre-defined key in the group of keys is further arranged to a function for communicating with another terminal, at one state as is arranged to be displayed on said display means. This state will disable the alpha-numerical input of the pre-defined key and enables the function for communicating with another terminal, in order to facilitate browsing on the other terminal.

Abstract: A cordless telephone according to one embodiment of the invention includes a base unit and a handset, wherein the handset includes a keypad, a key scan element adapted to scan the keypad for a predetermined key sequence, and a controller adapted to cause the initiation of an outgoing call based on a determination of the predetermined key sequence. In one embodiment, the predetermined key sequence is 9-1-1. In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, a method of placing a telephone call from a cordless telephone handset that is in an on-hook condition includes the steps of sensing the activation of a predetermined key sequence, and initiating a telephone call based on the sensed activation. The telephone call may be to a telephone number corresponding to the predetermined key sequence, such as 9-1-1.

Abstract: A processor-implemented method of placing telephone calls includes inputting a toll-free number to initiate a phone call, determining whether the mobile device is within a North American Numbering Plan (NANP) service area, upon determining that the mobile device is within a NANP service area, initiating the phone call to the toll-free number, and upon determining that the mobile device is not within a NANP service area, replacing the Numbering Plan Area Code (NPA) of the toll-free number with a corresponding replace code to obtain a replace code toll-free number and initiating the phone call to the replace code toll-free number.

Abstract: A mobile telephone which can easily reach a target person and obtain a plurality of phone numbers thereof is disclosed. Registered phone numbers related to registered names are retrievably stored in a phone directory memory. A radial number memory stores a plurality of radial phone numbers which have been dialed. By selecting one of the radial phone numbers, a registered phone number related to the selected radial phone number is sequentially displayed to be redialed.

Abstract: A telephone dialer includes tables in memory for determining a dialing sequence such as a long distance carrier code to be appended to a dialed telephone number. A variable length prefix portion of the dialed telephone number accesses a prefix table entry that defines an action descriptor for indicating how the telephone number should be processed in a table lookup to determine the dialing sequence. The action descriptor includes a specification of the number of digits to be dialed to trigger a dialing action and may include an indication of an elapsed time to trigger dialing. The action descriptor also includes an indication of the number of digits after the prefix used to determine an action and may specify one of plural ways in which those digits are used to determine the action. The action descriptor also identifies a pointer table to be indexed by the specified digits of the telephone number.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method, device, and database for providing communication addresses for communication devices. In one form, a method for providing a communication address for establishing communication with a communication device is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input character associated with a selectable communication address and determining a communication address reference based upon a communication criteria associated with the input character. The communication device may then display a communication address reference within a user interface in response to determining a communication address.

Abstract: A management server device in a contents providing system can communicate with a user terminal through a communication network. The management server device includes a play-list creation device which creates a play list of contents based on user input to the user terminal, a storage device which stores the created play list in relation to a user, and a transmission device which acquires a play list from the storage device according to a request from the user terminal.

Abstract: Retrieving a desired telephone number from a database in a mobile communication unit is facilitated by utilizing the frequency with which the user calls each telephone number stored in the database in a manner that allows the mobile communication unit to make a “best guess” of which phone number the user is seeking each time the user pushes a key while inputting a name or character string representing the person that the user wishes to call from the mobile communication unit. If the database does not include any name or character string potentially matching a desired character string entered via a keypad, the mobile communication unit automatically switches to normal phone number entry mode.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system for providing location-based services to a remote terminal that is connected to various types of communication systems. A tailored request for information is generated with the remote terminal. In addition, a geographic indicator associated with the remote terminal is also generated in the preferred embodiment. The tailored request for information and the geographic indicator are transmitted to a location-based application server. A structured response to the tailored request for information is generated with the location-based application server, wherein the structured response is based on the geographic indicator of the remote terminal. The structured response is the transmitted to the remote terminal using one of several different types of communication protocols and/or mediums.

Abstract: A speech enabled automatic name dialer dialing system for connection to a telephone system, includes a user computer with a computer-based address book program for retrieval of name-telephone number data for creation of speech enabling phoneme sets for auto dialing by speaking a name, and utilizing telephone application programming interface (TAPI), for use with a telephone systems having telephones with private branch exchanges. There is at least one user computer having a microphone and a speaker; a telephone application programming interface provider installed in the user computer; and at least one loaded address book program or equivalent name-telephone number data base contained in the user computer. The software for the user computer, which accesses the data base, creates the phonemes from names of data sets, receives voice inputs, matches the voice input phonemes to the data and signals to a router and PBX to initiate dialing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically converting a telephone number for dialing in a different country, which comprises the steps of establishing a destination reference table including essential data, setting a roaming place table, establishing a telephone book in the cellular phone, selecting a telephone number from the telephone book, searching the essential data from the destination reference table for making a call in a roaming place selected from the roaming place table based on the selected roaming place by a CPU of the cellular phone, modifying the searched telephone number based on a predetermined rule, and dialing the modified telephone number from the cellular phone in the roaming place.

Abstract: A mobile telephone has a conventional wireless network call handling unit having a sound output for audibly outputting sound information received from a call in progress. In addition a wireless broadcast unit is provided for broadcasting information locally. The user can command the mobile telephone to broadcast the sound information from the call to one or more receivers in a neighborhood of the mobile telephone. Thus others can listen in on the call. Depending on commands by the users, the receivers may broadcast information back to the mobile telephone, for transmission via the call, together with sound information from the mobile telephone itself.

Abstract: Briefly, the mobile phone as a monitoring appliance allows a mobile phone to function as a remote-monitoring device. The mobile phone is turned on and left in the place to be monitored. After the mobile phone has a positive sound volume level comparison or a positive sound volume level comparison and a positive comparison to a target sound, the mobile phone places a telephone call to a predetermined telephone number and transmits the sound received by the microphone in the mobile phone.

Abstract: Communication systems for establishing communication links between first and second computing devices are provided. A representative system includes a second computing device that incorporates a speed-dial system, a first actuator and a menu. The speed-dial system is configured to receive a first user input corresponding to actuation of the first actuator, determine whether a phone number is associated with the first actuator, and enable the user to associate a first phone number with the first actuator without accessing the menu. So configured, after the user associates a phone number with the first actuator, the second computing device speed-dials the phone number in response to actuation of the first actuator to establish a communication link with the first computing device. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: Techniques for providing an automated conversational name dialing system for placing a call in response to an input by a user. One technique begins with the step of analyzing an input from a user, wherein the input includes information directed to identifying an intended recipient of a telephone call from the user. At least one candidate for the intended recipient is identified in response to the input, wherein the at least one candidate represents at least one potential match between the intended recipient and a predetermined vocabulary. A confidence measure indicative of a likelihood that the at least one candidate is the intended recipient is determined, and additional information is obtained from the user to increase the likelihood that the at least one candidate is the intended recipient, based on the determined confidence measure.

Abstract: A mobile radio terminal, such as mobile telephone, equipped with a call-out detecting section for detecting a call-out operation to a destination terminal of telephone number information attached to data being displayed on a data display section, a call-out control section, responsive to the detection of the call-out operation, for executing a call-out process based on the telephone number information, and a display control section for controlling the data display section to display the data after the call-out control section starts executing the call-out process. When the user of the source terminal, such as mobile telephone, makes a call-out on the telephone number information attached to the data displayed on the source terminal, the user can enjoy talking with a companion person on the destination terminal while looking through the data displayed on the data display section.

Abstract: In the case a mobile telecommunications terminal which can be activated at different base stations (a, b, c, d) it is possible to store in a numbers memory (3) with respect to a call number (column 8) information (column 10) which indicates in connection with which of the base stations the call number can be dialed, and display means display only those names among the ones assigned to the call numbers which can be dialed in connection with a designated base station. This base station can be designated manually or automatically by a data exchange with the base station concerned.

Abstract: A technique for determining the last digit of a dialed sequence. Different interdigit time-out periods are pre-assigned to each digit received. If the time-out period expires, it is considered that a full complement of digits has been received, whereupon the received digits are then transferred toward the destination.

Abstract: A wireless communication system has a central computer, one or more wireless access points and one or more personal badges that communicate wirelessly with the one or more wireless access points. The badges provide the user with a communications device that permits the user to initiate telephone calls and conferences, receive telephone calls, receive pages and be located within a particular environment.

Abstract: A mobile device is arranged to receive first voice commands to be interpreted by a digital signal processor in said device having a limited vocabulary voice recognition program and to receive second voice commands which are converted to voice representative data signals to be sent by a WLAN to a remote computer for interpretation using a large vocabulary voice recognition program. The mobile device provides voice control of the remote computer and can also provide voice activated voice communications.

Abstract: A multi-card cellular telephone apparatus includes a central processing unit and a plurality of SIM cards connected to the central processing unit through slots. The plurality of SIM cards are selectively managed by the central processing unit employing an active time agenda that allows reading of an internal clock time and activating the SIM cards as a function of the assigned time range. A process is also disclosed for automatically managing multiple SIM cards.

Abstract: A destination calling control system comprising a database 5, an image data storage unit 4, a display unit 2 on which image data stored in the image data storage unit 4 is displayed, area specification means for allowing the user to specify a desired area within an image displayed on the display unit 2, an input unit 3 through which the user enters destination data, a data registration unit 12 which calculates the coordinates of a destination image area specified by the above-described area specification means as a destination image area, associates the coordinates with destination data entered from the display unit 2, and registers the correspondence data with the database 5, and a destination data search unit 13 which calculates the coordinates of an area specified by the area specification means as the destination and, based on the calculated coordinates, searches the database 5 for destination data.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus allowing easy and reliable phone number transfer to the other party through an established connection now used for telephone conversation is disclosed. A desired phone number can be automatically transmitted to the other party, and the other party automatically receives and stores the desired phone number without human errors. At a receiving side, the correct phone number can be easily registered in a memory or a phone directory memory so as to make a call at the phone number.

Abstract: A wireless telephone which includes the functionality to operate in a plurality of dialing modes. When a wireless telephone is powered up and in an idle mode, a telephone user has the option of operating the phone in a first dialing mode which simulates the operation of a land line phone and a second dialing mode which is a wireless mode of operation. Either mode may be initiated without requiring any additional steps to be performed by the telephone user. In the first mode, the telephone user may depress a “Talk” button on the keypad of the wireless phone. A dial tone is transmitted through the speaker and at this point a telephone number may be entered through the keypad. After entry of the number and the passing of a timeout period, the telephone number is automatically transmitted to the telephone network in order to establish a telephonic connection. In the second mode, a telephone user begins by entering the telephone number into the memory.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing subscriber terminal communications. An actuator, which may be as simple as a single pushbutton switch for instance, may be engaged by a human so as to send an actuation signal to a controller that preferably resides external to the subscriber terminal. The controller receives the actuation signal and further receives an indication of the status of the subscriber terminal (such as whether the terminal is currently engaged in a call, is idle, or is ringing). Based on the actuation signal and the status of the subscriber terminal, the controller determines an action to be taken by the subscriber terminal. The controller then sends a directive to the subscriber terminal, which causes the subscriber terminal to take the action. In one arrangement, for instance, the action may be the subscriber terminal dialing digits that are sufficient to cause a dial-up-connection to a voice-activated-dialing platform.

Abstract: A telecommunication system serves individual programmed instruments by wireless operation, voice dialing and, prepaid operation. The central equipment involves a multiple port wireless platform along with computing capability for interfacing a multitude of mobile station instruments simultaneously for interactive audio communication. Depending on programmed operation, the central equipment may receive vocal instruction data from individual instruments, both to bridge connections to other telephone terminals, and to provide a geographic information service. Specific information on physical locations is addressed and fetched on the basis area and target location characteristics.

Abstract: A telephone is equipped to enable a user to enter a dialing prefix, an append indicator, and a dialing request to quickly place a call to a callee from a location where calling the callee requires the dialing prefix. In response, the telephone places the call to the callee using the dialing prefix and a last placed call number. In an alternate embodiment, a previous dialed number may be used instead. In yet other embodiments, the telephone detects for a dialing error, using voice recognition technology, and either re-places the call or facilitates re-placement of the call in a corrected manner. In one embodiment, the telephone is a wireless mobile phone; in another, the telephone is a wired or cordless telephone handset.

Abstract: A Cellular Telephone Having Data Card Reader and Method for Dialing Responsively is disclosed. The device and method is configured to interact with an “automated business card” such that when the card is swiped or otherwise read by the cellular telephone, the telephone will responsively dial a telephone number stored on the card. The device and method further is capable of optional information also storable on the automated business card such that the telephone will be able to use the optional information to dial other numbers after the initial connection is established. Furthermore the devices and system enable the telephone and telephony system to obtain payment/billing information from the automated business card once a connection has been established.

Abstract: A telephone apparatus of the present invention comprises a telephone number comparator for comparing a telephone number included in caller information delivered from caller identification delivery service with a telephone number registered in an electronic telephone directory, and displays the telephone number registered in the electronic telephone directory in display unit when the telephone numbers match at least in part as a result of the comparison. The telephone apparatus is thus able to display a correct telephone number of the incoming call and dial the telephone number correctly when making a callback.

Abstract: Direct access to telephone dialing from a home screen of a multi-purpose voice-enabled wireless mobile electronic device is provided. Direct access to database entries from a main screen of a telephone application of the device is provided.

Abstract: A method for dialing a telephone number indirectly, including obtaining an alphanumeric identifier that is assigned to a telephone subscriber and associating the identifier with a destination telephone number of the telephone subscriber to form a mapping therebetween. The method further includes storing the mapping in a lookup table, dialing the identifier using an originating telephone, using the identifier as a pointer to the lookup table so as to recover the destination telephone number from the stored mapping, and establishing a connection between the originating telephone and a destination telephone via the destination telephone number.

Abstract: A method of implementing a call-back service by a calling party subscriber attempting to call a telecommunications device operated by a called party, comprising the steps of paging to the telecommunications device, determining that the device is not available, and noting in a calling party subscriber record that a subsequent call is to be placed to the device upon its subsequent registration. The method may include the steps of receiving an indication that the device is available and placing the subsequent call to the device. The method may also includes the steps of notifying the subscriber that the device is available and querying the subscriber as to whether the subsequent call should be placed to the device.

Abstract: A communication device (10) having a smart phonebook (14) and a method (50) of customizing device functionality using the smart phone book includes a transceiver (38 and 44), a memory (32) having at least one phonebook data entry called a PhoneLet 24 and at least one encapsulated data entry (29) associated with the phonebook data entry, and a processor (12) coupled to the transceiver. The processor can be programmed to dynamically customize at least one program running in the communication device and to dynamically customize data associated with the at least one program based on the calling up of the at least one phonebook data entry and based on the at least one encapsulated data entry. The smart phonebook can include a smart phonebook manager (16) and a plurality (20) of PhoneLets.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (100) employs a method and apparatus for automatically initiating a communication with a target device. The communication device includes, inter alia, a user interface (115), an acoustic transducer (113), and an acoustic receptor (109). The user interface receives an identification of the target device (e.g., a telephone number) from a user while the communication device is configured in a first physical or mechanical configuration of at least two user-selectable configurations. Responsive to detecting a reconfiguration of the communication device from the first configuration (e.g., closed) into a second configuration (e.g., open), the communication device automatically initiates the communication with the target device, thereby eliminating the need for manual call initiation after the communication device is properly positioned for in-call use.

Abstract: A terminal adapted to communicate via a communications system includes a keypad having a plurality of keys, where at least one key is associated with at least one directory entry that includes at least one location identifier. The terminal includes a controller capable of executing a text editor in response to actuation of the key(s) associated with an entry, and thereafter receiving a text message into the text editor. The terminal also includes a transmitter for transmitting the text message to a destination identified by the location identifier associated with entry associated with the key(s). The controller can receive a text query that is transmitted to information processing element associated with the key(s) to thereby execute a search based upon the text query.