Abstract: A user interface screen includes names stores in a mobile unit device's address book. In order for a user to send an instant message, the user selects a create message display screen, enters a text message using the mobile unit device's keypad, and then selects a recipient (an instant message name) from the address book user interface screen. The instant message routing server checks availability of recipients (instant message names in the stored instant message name list) and sends the results back to the mobile unit device. In a display area, recipients are indicated as signed on the instant message system, or as being signed off the instant message system.

Abstract: A vibrator designed to be integrated into a portable electronic device as part of a haptic alert device has a linear electric motor that is coupled to actively drive a moveable weight in back-and-forth directions to produce the desired vibration. A lock mechanism has a restraining member that is biased into a lock position, which prevents the moveable weight from moving in the back-and-forth directions when the vibrator is inactive. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: Provided is a communication apparatus including a first wireless communication part capable of performing wireless communication according to a first communication scheme and a second wireless communication part capable of performing wireless communication according to a second communication scheme that uses a higher frequency band than the first communication scheme, wherein the second wireless communication part determines a reception timing to receive a beacon transmitted according to the second communication scheme based on a time when a predetermined control signal has been received by the first wireless communication part, and forms, at the determined reception timing, a reception beam having a directionality learned in advance.

Abstract: A device can receive an alert marker corresponding to an alert for broadcast programming content. The apparatus can further broadcast the programming content on one radio broadcast channel and broadcast the alert content of the alert on another broadcast channel. Based on the alert marker, the device can change the channel from the broadcast channel with the programming content to the broadcast channel with the alert content. The apparatus can also remove portions of broadcast programming content and replace it with the alert content.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device, the case includes a lighting unit and a light activation unit, where the light activation unit is configured to detect a notifying event in the electronic device and activate the lighting unit.

Abstract: A system, method, and wireless communication device that profiles a user thereof, or a user at a second wireless communication device in communication therewith. The wireless communication device gathers user data for a user thereof, or from a user at a second wireless communication device, and either directly generates, or has generated elsewhere, a user profile, such as a personality or psychological profile, or medical diagnosis of the user, and can display the user profile to the user and/or alter the wireless communication device functionality based upon the user profile. The gathered user data can be from physical user interaction with the wireless communication device, or from other equipment resident at the wireless communication device, such as a camera and medical diagnostic devices.

Abstract: An event notification method and a portable apparatus with event notification function are provided. The method comprises the following steps: A notification event is detected. Whether the notification event is read after no operation is applied to an electronic device for a first time interval is determined. If not, whether the electronic device changes to a second moving state from a first moving state and maintains the second moving state for a second time interval is determined. If so, a notification signal indicating the occurrence of the notification event is outputted.

Abstract: The invention discloses an electronic terminal and a ringtone prompt method for the electronic terminal. A control module of the electronic terminal instructs a ringtone sound source module to play a test ringtone signal, and instructs a ringtone channel switch system to switch all sound channels one by one to output the test ringtone signal; a sound collection module collects an exterior sound signal while each channel is outputting the test ringtone signal and feeds it back to a signal processing module; the signal processing module processes the intensity of the test ringtone signal therein; the control module determines the output channel of a prompt ringtone signal according to the processing result of the collected signal, instructs the ringtone channel switch system to switch to the determined output channel, and instructs the ringtone sound source module to play the prompt ringtone signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamic treatment of callers are described. Optionally, a communication system may include an application installed on a user communication device. The communication system may be utilized to receive and screen calls, enable a user to specify which calling parties may bypass a low indication mode and/or a non-indication mode, challenge callers, and/or identify urgent calls.

Abstract: A method of communicating an importance level of a call to a recipient mobile device is disclosed. The method includes receiving call information for a particular call at a mobile switching center and generating an initial address message for the particular call. The initial address message may include a notification value field. The method further includes determining whether an importance level has been designated for the particular call, setting a value of the notification value field based on whether an importance level has been designated for the particular call, and transmitting the initial address message for the particular call to a recipient mobile device.

Abstract: A portable communications device, such as a mobile phone, includes a novel tactile alerting mechanism capable of alerting the user of an incoming communication or other event. In some embodiments, a mechanical actuator causes a rod or lever to pulsate, rotate, or protrude out of a static housing for the communications device. In other embodiments, a pneumatic actuator inflates a bladder that protrudes out of the housing. The alerting mechanism may be configured as a movable part of a decorative fanciful housing for the communications device.

Abstract: A computer readable medium stores a program for a calling party controlled ringback tone service. The service enables a calling party to control ringback tones, even overriding called party selected ringback tones. The service can operate in a wireless or wireline network, such as a voice over IP (VoIP) network or time division multiplexed (TDM) network. The calling party can be periodically billed for the ringback tone control service, as well as the ringback tones. The subscriber can configure the service via the web.

Abstract: A second communication mode can be enabled for a source device and a destination device. Each device can be a mobile device having a first communication mode and a default number for the first communication mode. The default numbers for the source device and the destination device can be stored. A call request can be received from the source device operating in the second communication mode. The call request can be directed to the default number of the destination device. The destination device can be determined as a client based on the default number of the destination device. A communication session can be established between the source device and the destination device over a network upon determining the destination device is an active client.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include methods and systems for detecting an incoming telephone signal, processing the incoming telephone signal, transmitting the processed signal to a remote receiver and alerting a remote user of the incoming signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices enable management of notifications across mobile devices and the separation of the notification (e.g., an alarm) from the communication (e.g., an email or SMS message that was the subject of the alarm). By separately managing the manner of notification provided to the user from its associated communication (e.g., managing a vibration or ring announcing a text message separate from the text message itself), the various embodiments enable users to better manage their communications under a variety of circumstances. In the various embodiments, notifications may be managed based on various criteria, such as a communication sender's identity, user device settings, user activities, user device state, user calendar information, time, location, user history data, and/or communication type.

Abstract: A method and device for responding to an incoming call. A first device detects an incoming call from a caller. In response to detecting the incoming call, an indication of the incoming call is sent to a second device different from the first device. The indication identifies the caller. A message indicating a response to the caller is received from the second device.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention uses an abbreviated blanking period, in comparison to the standard VESA and CEA-EIA blanking periods, in order to send data, including low bandwidth, non-timing information, over one or more channels of the digital video link. By shortening the blanking period, the amount of time available for sending data in each scan line is increased, enabling the system to send more data over each channel. The inactive video portion of a scan line sent during vertical sync may also be used to send additional digital data. Shortening the blanking periods and/or using the inactive video sections of the horizontal scan lines adds to the overall data capacity of the link and may be used to send other digital data, such as multichannel audio, video, control, timing, closed captioning or other digital data.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for presenting carrier-specific information associated with an incoming communication on a mobile network. The method, system, and medium include a device that receives call information associated with an incoming call. The call information includes carrier-identification information that is useable to identify an originating carrier responsible for originating the incoming call. The carrier-identification information is communicated to a database and the database retrieves carrier-specific data. The carrier-specific data is communicated to a mobile device and presented via a presentation component coupled to the mobile device. The carrier-specific data may include a carrier identifier (“carrier-ID”), geographic designation, and a denotation as to whether the incoming communication is an in-carrier communication versus an inter-carrier communication. The presentation component may include a display, a speaker, and a vibration apparatus.

Abstract: Ring backs are provided for calls. When a call is placed to a called address, a default ring back may be provided to a calling address. However, the ring back may also be personalized to appeal to the calling address and/or the called address.

Abstract: A character agent function is added to a wireless terminal and an avatar user interface (UI) for generating and processing an event is expressed when an event occurs in the wireless terminal, such that call and message-related events occurring in the wireless terminal can be expressed through the character agent function.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alerts to end users of networked enabled portable devices are provided so that the end users are made aware when broadcast emergency alerts are issued. The systems and methods provide a way for a portable device to receive information about an emergency alert broadcast of which the user should be aware, e.g., from the EAS, and to notify the user of the emergency alert. A flag provides an indication the EAS should be on and the systems and method override the settings made by a user to a portable device to enable EAS reception. The user may then be automatically taken to the emergency alert information by having the portable device automatically tune to the emergency broadcast information, or the user may optionally retrieve the emergency information by tuning to the emergency broadcast channel, or the user may otherwise be presented with a reference to the emergency data (e.g., a link to the information).

Abstract: A method includes determining, through a processor of a data processing device in conjunction with one or more sensor(s) associated therewith, an intent of a user of the data processing device to respond to an alert of an incoming communication thereto expressed through a sound volume level and/or a vibrational level of the alert. The method also includes automatically reducing, through the processor, the sound volume level and/or the vibrational level of the alert following the determination of the intent of the user to respond to the alert.

Abstract: An interactive electronic device shell and light source may enable personalization and increased functionality of an electronic device. The shell may at least partially cover a light source and attach to an electronic device. The shell includes at least some transparent or translucent portions (e.g., light stencils) that enable light from a matrix of the light source to emit through the shell, thus causing a display of light from the shell. In some aspects, the electronic device may be linked with the shell and/or the light source to control light emission through the shell. In various aspects, an illumined portion of the shell may have significance, such as revealing an artistic design or indicating a message based on activity of the electronic device.

Abstract: A vPBX server manages calls in a bridged line appearance (BLA) group. A BLA group can include extensions for location-aware mobile devices. The vPBX server contains location based forwarding rules that can be applied together with BLA redirection rules in managing incoming calls. A single extension can appear as a user interface element (e.g., an icon or button) on multiple mobile devices. Using the user interface element, a primary user can view a secondary user's status, including the secondary user's location information. The vPBX server allows the primary user to redirect the incoming calls to devices in accordance with the forwarding rules and the redirection rules.

Abstract: A wireless communications device includes a memory, an output device, an input device and a processor. The memory is adapted to maintain individual profiles relating to each of a plurality of user contacts. The profiles include a silent notification mode setting. The output device is operable to emit audible notifications responsive to incoming communications from the user contacts. The input device is operable to change a notification mode of the device between an audible notification mode and a silent notification mode. The processor is operable for processing user selections of the silent notification mode setting between a silent mode enabled setting and a silent mode disenabled setting for the profiles. The processor is configured to cause the output device to emit audible notifications responsive to incoming communications from the user contacts having the silent mode disabled, when the device is in the silent notification mode.

Abstract: A mobile terminal capable of recognizing at least one of the presence or absence of a user and a location of the user are provided. The mobile terminal includes: a terminal main body; a user tracking unit configured to recognize at least one of the presence or absence of a user and a location of the user within a certain range based on the terminal main body; and a controller configured to generate a control signal for controlling a function of the terminal based on at least one of the presence or absence of the user or the user location.

Abstract: A method for initiating a service including initiating a communication to a destination according to an address of the destination; detecting the address during initiating of the communication; determining whether the detected address is associated with a trigger function; and triggering a request for the service when the detected address is associated with a trigger function. The request for the service is separate from the communication.

Abstract: Methods for reminding a user of a task associated with a communication are disclosed herein. One example of the method involves reminding the user of a task associated with an incoming communication, and another example of the method involves reminding the user of a task associated with an outgoing communication.

Abstract: A contact receiving unit (110) receives a contact request from another person. An incoming get-through unit (120) allows the received contact request to get through. Note, however, that when the contact request has not got through, if a sender of the contact request is not registered in a communicator registering unit (140), then an incoming presenting unit (130) presents the contact request that has not got through, by a predetermined display image. On the other hand, if a communicator of the contact request that has not got through is registered in the communicator registering unit (140), then a specific presentation unit (150) presents the contact request that has not got through, by a specific display image.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a video multimedia ringtone include setting, by a processor, a silent video separated from a multimedia file, as a media file that is a video file of a ringtone, setting, by the processor, a selected sound source as a bell file that is a sound file of the ringtone, and simultaneously playing back, by the processor, the media file and the bell file that are set as the ringtone, in response to an incoming call signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a ring, a receiver, a processor, and an indicator. The ring may be configured to be worn on a limb. The receiver may be disposed within the ring and may be operable to receive a signal communicated by a mobile device. The processor may be communicatively coupled to the receiver and operable to determine, based at least in part upon the received signal, that the mobile device received a message. The indicator may be communicatively coupled to the processor and operable to generate an alert in response to the determination that the mobile device received the message.

Abstract: A method and system for setting a sound of a user terminal through a sound package include configuring, by a processor, at least two sound sources produced for different usages into a package and providing the package to a user terminal. The two sound sources in the package are employed for different usages at the user terminal and are set as the sound sources.

Abstract: A user device including a haptic feedback system configured to receive and process data captured by one or more sensors and determine contextual characteristics of the user device and a surrounding environment based on the captured data. The contextual characteristics may include, but are not limited to, ambient noise level and ambient light level of the surrounding environment, as well as user possession, movement and/or use and interaction with the device. The haptic feedback system is further configured to adjust haptic feedback effects of the user device based, at least in part, on the contextual characteristics of the user device and surrounding environment so as to provide an optimized haptic feedback effect to the user.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program are provided. The method comprises: performing a first detection of at least one bio-signal from at least one user; controlling a user output device to initiate a user alert, after performing the first detection of the at least one bio-signal; performing a second detection of the at least one bio-signal from the at least one user, after initiating the user alert; and processing the first detection of the at least one bio-signal and the second detection of the at least one bio-signal to determine whether one or more changes in the at least one bio-signal pass a significance test.

Abstract: If an incoming call arrives at a mobile phone as an AV output device while a video signal is output to a TV as an AV input device, as incoming call processing, a command notifying arrival of the incoming call is transmitted to the TV, and thereafter output of the video signal is stopped. The reason for the stop is displayed on the TV. When the call is terminated in the mobile phone, a command notifying termination of the call is transmitted to the TV, and the output of the video signal is resumed. Thereby, a notification screen is stopped on the TV, and reproduction of video is resumed.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a call center from a vehicle telematics unit that has had its cellular service deactivated. The method includes the step of receiving a request from the telematics unit to communicate with the call center via cellular telephony using a cleared telephone number. The call is then established and the type of request is determined at the call center and used to route the cellular call to an appropriate advisor or department in the call center based on the type of request being made.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for forming an event picture in a mobile communication terminal. If an event such as call reception, alarm or message reception occurs while a service picture is displayed on a screen of the terminal, the current service picture is backed up, a command input through the buttons provided to the terminal is interrupted and the event picture is overlapped over the current service picture, thereby allowing a user to perceive the corresponding event. Accordingly, the terminal user can correctly perceive the event occurred during the service. In addition, when the event occurs, the command input through the buttons is interrupted, so that it is possible to prevent an unintended event processing or erroneous operation due to an erroneous button manipulation.

Abstract: A portable electronic device chargeable via at least one speaker port is provided. The portable electronic device comprises a housing containing: a processing unit, a least one speaker for playing audio signals; a power pack for powering the portable electronic device, including the processing unit; and a charging circuit electrically connected to the power pack for charging the power pack from an external power source. The portable electronic device further comprises at least one speaker port for enabling sound from the at least one speaker to exit the housing, the at least one speaker port enabled to convey power from the external power source to the charging circuit such that the power pack is chargeable via the at least one speaker port.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for event management, allowing authorized users or authorities to distribute and display emergency communications on digital displays. In one aspect, an emergency management communications system receives event data sent by an emergency detections system comprised of a network of sensors. The emergency management communications system processes the event data to determine an event perimeter, and then selects one or more digital displays based upon the event data or the determined event perimeter. Next, the emergency management communications system authors one or more emergency communications corresponding to the one or more digital displays and sends said one or more emergency communications to said one or more digital display, thereby allowing the one or more digital displays to display the corresponding one or more emergency communications to the affected populations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which relate to mitigating the detrimental effects of interference to electronic devices from mobile telephones utilizing any form of time-domain multiplexing technology. A wireless transmitter inside the mobile telephone broadcasts a warning transmission which can be received by affected devices. Once the warning transmission is received by an affected device, the device activates a blanking circuit comprising an actuator and a switch or switches. The switches open for the duration of the interference so that the user does not receive undesired output such as: noise through a speaker, noise through a microphone, or other interference with electrical signals.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electronic device includes detecting receipt of an input, determining a response number in response to receipt of the input, and actuating an actuator of the electronic device a discrete integer number of times based on the response number.

Abstract: A method of controlling applications in a mobile terminal is provided. The method includes collecting acceleration values continuously using an acceleration sensor, when the mobile terminal is being moved; identifying a motion trace indicating that the mobile terminal has been moved from the collected acceleration values; matching the identified motion trace with a preset motion trace, and executing a control command mapped to the preset motion trace to control an application in the mobile terminal, if the matching succeeds.

Abstract: A method, device and system for indicating availability of services to a communication device is provided. The method comprises: receiving a service indication of availability of a communication service from a first communications network and a second communications network via a non-traffic channel of each of the first and the second communications networks; when the communication service is available to the communication device from both the second communications network and the first communications network, issuing a service information request to the second communications network over the non-traffic channel of the second communications network; and flashing an indicator on the communication device at a first rate when the communication device roams from a first geographic region into a second geographic region and the second geographic region provides a communication mode for the communication device that is not available to the communication device in the first geographic region.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention relate to a multi-function handheld user device that may have multiple selectable modes of operation. Various mechanisms may be provided for switching between modes. Within each mode, context awareness and situational awareness may be used to obtain additional information or perform additional functions not directly requested by the user.

Abstract: A terminal can include a wireless charger configured to wirelessly receive a power signal from a charging pad to charge power; and a controller configured to control an incoming call notification mode to be changed from a vibration mode to a bell sound mode or silent mode when an event is generated on the charging pad.

Abstract: A plurality of frequencies are generated at a wireless device and a frequency which a user perceives as the loudest frequency is determined. A first frequency range is selected comprising a first minimum frequency and a first maximum frequency. A ringtone is processed to shift the second frequency range to within the first frequency range, wherein an average frequency of the processed ringtone is the determined loudest frequency.

Abstract: A portable device includes: a communication unit configured to transmit and receive additional information corresponding to caller ID over a network; a storage unit configured to store the additional information; a sensor unit configured to detect at least one of a face and a gaze of a user; a display unit configured to display the additional information; and a controller configured to: receive an incoming call; detect the face of the user looking at the portable device; and display first additional information on the incoming call when the face is detected, wherein the first additional information is collected according to the caller ID of the incoming call.

Abstract: A system, method, and wireless communication device that profiles a user thereof, or a user at a second wireless communication device in communication therewith. The wireless communication device gathers user data for a user thereof, or from a user at a second wireless communication device, and either directly generates, or has generated elsewhere, a user profile, such as a personality or psychological profile, or medical diagnosis of the user, and can display the user profile to the user and/or alter the wireless communication device functionality based upon the user profile. The gathered user data can be from a user interaction with the wireless communication device, from information available to the wireless communication device, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Memory 42 stores conditions (schedule, position, and travel condition) for triggering switching to a manner mode. When any of the conditions is met, a CPU 33 requests a user for an instruction as to whether or not to switch to the manner mode according to the condition stored in the memory 42. In response to a user instruction for approvable of the switching to the manner mode, the CPU 33 executes control to switch the mobile phone to the manner mode.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically changing the operating mode of a mobile device in response to changes in positioning or the use of the device includes multiple sensors that provide information relating to the mobile device and its environment. The sensors determine positioning information, incident light intensity, and object proximity and detect the presence of a pointer device. The system monitors the sensors and applications executed by the operating system. Based on the monitoring, the system changes the operating mode of the mobile device.