Abstract: An exemplary variable position desktop charger comprises a base, a cradle, an electrical interface, and a charger. The base and cradle are rotatably coupled such that the display of the portable electronic device can be adjusted continuously between a first angle and a second angle.

Abstract: A single signal trace can be multiplexed between a circuit that provides a reference voltage and another circuit that is not operational while the reference voltage is needed. Fewer signal connections will be needed due to the multiplexing. As one possible example, a clock signal that is used at initial power up of an electrical circuit can later be used as a reference voltage. In one specific example, a signal line is connected from one electronic device to a second electronic device. The signal line is connected to a clock input of a circuit and an input to an amplifier. When the devices first power up a clock signal is active on the signal line and is used to the clock input. When the clock signal is no longer needed the signal can be used to drive the amplifier to create a reference voltage.

Abstract: A communication system allows multiple, simultaneous access by a multiplicity of users to a plurality of area networks. Users are granted access to the plurality of area networks by an authentication server coupled to the plurality of area networks The authentication server retrieves a subscriber's profile information from a database coupled to the authentication server to verify that a user has a subscription to at least one of the area networks, thus allowing the user to “roam”.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile station configured to perform soft, softer, and soft softer handoffs. The mobile station comprises a smart antenna module and a logic module which are configured to make use of signals that, up to now, have been categorized as noise, interference, or both. Using the heretofore unused signals allows the handset to perform all of its handoffs more efficiently and in conditions that previously would not have allowed a handoff, which prevents dropped calls and/or poor reception.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection in electronic devices by guiding electrostatic charges to a ground through ESD channels within electrical insulation sheet. The ESD channels are positioned within the electrical insulation sheet to provide electrical paths to ground having a lower impedance than electrical paths to protected areas covered by the electrical insulation sheet. Accordingly, an ESD follows the path of least resistance safely to ground rather than to a critical component within the electronic device. In the exemplary embodiment, the ESD channels are openings in a dome contact layer of a keypad where the openings are positioned over one or more ground areas of a printed circuit board (PCB) and the insulting material of the dome contact layer covers areas of the PCB that are protected from ESD. By implementing dedicated GPIO lines, grounded metal domes cover the signal pads in the target discharge area to protect the GPIO lines from ESD.

Abstract: A portable wireless handset with enhanced acoustic functions is disclosed having a chamber gasket that has an opening sized to receive a speaker. When inserted into the opening, the speaker seals to the chamber gasket. The chamber gasket also seals to a support surface, so that a sealed acoustic chamber is created. The keypad has an opening in the user interface area for receiving a speaker, and a navigation input key may be positioned over the speaker. In this way, the speaker shares an area with the navigation key, and projects sounds through vents in the navigation key. With the speaker sealed to the keypad, and the keypad sealed to a printed circuit board, a sealed acoustic chamber is formed. Acoustic energy emitted from the back of the speaker is received into the sealed chamber, thereby improving the sound quality for sound projected from the front of the speaker.

Abstract: A message is automatically broadcast to a plurality of recipients from a mobile wireless communications device. A recipient list of recipient names and addresses is preprogrammed and stored in the wireless communications device. Recorded voice and text messages are sent to recipients and recipient telephones, voicemail systems, and email and Internet addresses from the recipient list Delivery status options can be selected to identify the recipient addresses receiving the message, the recipient addresses with answering machines receiving the message, the recipient addresses not accepting the message, or non-communicating recipient addresses. In addition, recipient message response options can be selected including accepting, displaying or storing the responses. Recipient non-receipt options also can be selected, such as rebroadcasting the message, displaying a status message, or doing nothing in response to recipient addresses not receiving the message.

Abstract: A mobile communication device 10 for converting between alphanumeric data and TTY formatted data. A conversion table 20, 40 is stored in a memory associated with microprocessor 16 of mobile 10. Microprocessor 16 converts alphanumeric characters input by a user to TTY formatted data for transmission in digital mode. TTY formatted signals that are received by mobile 10 are converted to alphanumeric data by TTY decoder 26 and microprocessor 16 for display on mobile display 14. In analog mode, tone generator 44 produces a Baudot tone formatted signal for transmission from mobile 10. Tone detector 46 detects Baudot tone formatted signals received in analog mode. Microprocessor 16 converts the Baudot tone formatted signals to alphanumeric data for display on display 14.

Abstract: An exemplary battery pack comprises a battery cell having a first terminal and a second terminal disposed on a first end of the battery cell. A support member is attached to the first end of the battery cell, and a first L-shaped contact is connected to the first terminal via a protection circuit module. The protection circuit module is configured to disconnect the first terminal from the L-shaped contact upon a disconnect event. A second L-shaped contact connected to the second terminal, and a top cover encloses the first end of the battery cell, the support member and the protection circuit module. The first and second L-shaped contacts are exposed through corresponding apertures in the top cover, and a label including a body section and first, second, third and fourth flap sections is wrapped around the battery cell such that at least one of the flap sections secures the top cover to the battery cell.

Abstract: A wireless communication system, a wireless handset, and a method for remotely changing a ring tone on the wireless handset are described. The wireless communication system comprises antennas, a network system and a set of programming instructions. The network system processes a request to change the first ring tone to a second ring tone. The request is made from the remote electronic device that is accessed by a validated user. The set of programming instructions are communicated from the network system to the wireless handset via the antennas. The wireless handset with the first ring tone comprises a handset memory, a handset antenna, a processor, and a handset speaker is also described. The processor is configured to process the set of programming instructions communicated by the validated user that changes the first ring tone to the second ring tone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selecting an input source for data input to a wireless communication device are provided that allow a wireless communication device to be in active communication with one or more remote devices via wired or wireless links and receive input from a user through a remote device or through the user interface on the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device establishes an input source upon detection of the active communication link with the remote device and thereafter maintains an active input state to preserve a single input source during the session with the remote device. When the user switches the source of input, the wireless communication device detects the new input source, updates the active input state and provides the updated active input state to the remote device. Subsequent input from the new input source is thereafter received and processed and any subsequent input from a previous input source is discarded or buffered as appropriate.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a global positioning system (GPS:) enabled antenna system are provided. The GPS enabled antenna may be used, for example, on a wireless communications device such as a wireless handset. The wireless communications device includes a GPS switching module coupled to a conventional communications antenna, including its associated circuitry. The GPS switching module is adapted to selectively couple the communications antenna to GPS matching circuitry. In this arrangement, the GPS matching circuitry adjusts impedance at approximately 1575 MHz to more closely match the communications antenna to GPS circuitry in the wireless device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for field updating software in wireless communications devices. The software in the devices is organized into libraries referenced or organized by symbols, and is organized into associated code segments or sections. Software can be changed in the field by downloading, through a wireless connection, individual code sections. The downloaded code sections are incorporated into a code base or in the referenced section of the library, and then executed. Also disclosed is a code section management tool, which includes the ability to properly load the downloaded sections into the executable software.

Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing optimally sized Picture ID images are provided that allow a wireless communication device to modify the size of the camera viewfinder when capturing an image to be used as a Picture ID. During the capture of a Picture ID image, the camera viewfinder image area is optimally sized for the capture of an image to be stored as a Picture ID image. When a Picture ID image is captured, any excess image data that is outside of the optimally sized camera viewfinder is discarded and the remaining optimally sized image stored with the contact record.

Abstract: An electrical connector with a frequency-tuned groundplane is disclosed. The connector includes a signal medium to communicate an electrical signal and a frequency-tuned groundplane medium to communicate a reference voltage (i.e., ground). The groundplane medium differentially supplies the reference voltage to the groundplane second end, responsive to the frequency of the electrical signal. In one aspect, the first groundplane layer conductive trace includes a transmission line pattern, and the second groundplane layer conductive trace is connected to the first groundplane layer conductive trace through a plurality of conductive vias. For example, the first groundplane layer may include a plurality of conductive patches, some of which have a via connection to the second groundplane layer conductive trace.

Abstract: A push to talk (PTT) user interface for a wireless communications device utilizes a single all contacts database. The database is updated and utilized by the user in either a “PTT contacts” list screen or in an “all contacts” list screen. These screens are used for direct PTT calls, group PTT calls, alert calls, and standard cellular voice calls. Push to talk contacts are defined by the user and are stored on the wireless device. A direct PTT call allows a user to place a PTT call to another party or to a group with more than one party. The user can create a group “ad hoc” PTT call by selecting multiple contacts from the PTT contacts list screen. The PTT contact screen also is utilized to send an “alert” message to an individual with a PTT contact number. The alert message is either a brief text message or simply an “Alert” without text. During a PTT call, the user can view a variety of screens to add another party to the active PTT call and to save or edit participant information.

Abstract: A system and a method for wireless communications includes an antenna, a GPS circuit with a GPS matching circuit that is coupled to the antenna, a communications circuit with a communications matching circuit that is coupled to the antenna. The communications matching circuit is adapted to switch between different impedances, for example, to match the communications circuit with the antenna for a particular communications band or to isolate the communications circuit from the antenna. The communications matching circuit or the GPS matching circuit may be actively adapted.

Abstract: A wireless, display-less, keypad-less communication device for placing a call to and receiving a call from a contact of a select number of contacts includes a housing; a call actuation mechanism situated on the housing; a memory storing a predetermined number of contacts; and a controller configured to initiate an outgoing call to one of the predetermined number of contacts upon actuation of the call actuation mechanism. The controller is further configured to limit outgoing calls to the predetermined number of contacts.

Abstract: A system abstracts channel information from field data gathered in actual wireless communication system environments. The abstracted data is then transformed into control signals or programming codes that can be used to control channel simulators so as to recreate the field conditions, including path loss, slow fading, fast fading, path delay, fading power spectral density with and without line-of-sight (LOS), and different kind of handoff scenarios, such as soft, softer, intra-band hard, inter-band hard handoffs. The system thus can accurately simulate a realistic wireless communication link originated from multiple signal sources in different band channels and formed by multipath signal propagation. The simulated realistic wireless communication link can be condensed by selecting the most useful scenarios from its original field data files or modified by tuning its parameters as desired.

Abstract: A ferro-electric (FE) tunable antenna matching circuit is provided for a multi-band antenna. The tunable matching circuit is integrated with a diplexer on one substrate. The tunable matching circuit has a first and second inductor coupled to the antenna. The second inductor is couple to a first capacitor and a second capacitor. One side of the second capacitor forms an input/output port for connection to a duplexer. One or more of the matching circuit elements is a ferro-electric (FE) tunable component.