Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selecting a cellular carrier frequency for accessing cellular airtime services based upon a list of preferred system identification codes (SIDs). A cellular telephone is programmed to accept into memory a list of preferred SIDs corresponding to carriers through which service is preferred. While any SID remains in a preferred list, the standard A/B system selection function is replaced by a substitute system selection function which includes only three carrier selection modes including the Home Only mode, the SID Only mode, and a Roam Saver mode. With the Roam Saver carrier selection mode, the cellular telephone first prefers service through a home carrier and then through a carrier broadcasting a SID matching a SID on the preferred list, but never denies service to emergency or non-emergency destinations if any SID is detected.

Abstract: A system for amplifying output transmitted power of a mobile battery powered radio transceiver includes a secondary voltage source, multiple power amplifiers, a central processing unit to control the amplification of the output transmitted signal, and a switch to detect the presence of the radio transceiver. The system includes a method for compensating for the signal loses associated with cabling used in the installation of the amplifying circuitry in an automobile application. According to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method for compensating for signal losses is a manually configured bank of switches. When the amplifying circuitry is installed in the automobile application, the bank of switches is set to specify the amount of loss compensation needed. Multiple amplifiers are used for amplification of the output transmitted signal when the radio transceiver is operating at different frequencies.

Abstract: An external control unit (ECU) with a reduced keypad is tightly integrated in a voice activated vehicular telephone system which further includes a voice adapter (VA) providing an intelligent interface between the ECU and a portable telephone removably coupled to a portable telephone holder. By taking full advantage of the voice recognition capabilities of the VA, the ECU is able to effectively harness the extensive power of the vehicular telephone system while requiring a very small amount of vehicle space through the combination of an internal microphone and a keypad with a very few number of keys. The remaining keys are specifically chosen for their unique value in the integrated system and are further defined to support multiple mode-specific functions.

Abstract: A Charging unit for a cellular telephone is provided with having means for connection to an electrical power source and a charging circuit for delivering a charging current to a battery pack or the cellular telephone itself, if the cellular telephone includes an internal energy retaining mechanism (e.g., charge storage device such as a battery). The charging unit further includes a plurality of electrical contacts in electrical communication with the charging circuit. Finally, the invention includes at least one user-selectable switch and at least one electrical contact in electrical communication with the at least one user-selectable switch. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a cellular telephone is provided, wherein the telephone includes a sensing circuit configured to detect the presence of a charging unit. It further includes a circuit configured to identify from the charging unit a designated number to which to forward incoming calls to.

Abstract: A call forwarding automation feature in a wireless telephone provides automated activation and deactivation of conventional carrier system call forwarding. The wireless telephone provides for storing multiple call forwarding telephone numbers, selecting a call forwarding telephone number based upon location information, automatically activating call forwarding to the selected telephone number during a wireless telephone power down sequence, and automatically deactivating the call forwarding during a wireless telephone power up sequence. Programming is also provided for configuring and enabling the call forwarding feature. In another embodiment, the wireless telephone automatically prompts the user for activation of call forwarding each time the user powers down the wireless telephone. The process also provides the user an ability to select from a list of stored call forwarding telephone numbers to use, as well as providing the user an ability to manually input a new telephone number.

Abstract: A portable cellphone, with or without its docking system, is integrated as an accessory to a host system such as by providing a terminal interface (terminal mode) to the host for the purpose of user interface and control of the host. The portable also provides radio frequency (RF) communication capability which is integrated and controlled by the application running on the host. While functioning in a terminal mode of operation, the portable generates and communicates to the host, through the reverse data line, data representing manipulation of the portable keypad. Likewise, the portable relinquishes control of the portable display to the host according to display control commands received by the portable from the host on the forward data line. A user is also provided the ability to use the portable to notify the host through the reverse data line that the portable is available for use in terminal mode.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selecting a cellular carrier frequency for accessing cellular airtime services based upon a list of preferred system identification codes (SIDs). A cellular telephone is programmed to accept into memory a list of preferred SIDs corresponding to carriers through which service is preferred. While any SID remains in a preferred list, the standard A/B system selection function is replaced by a substitute system selection function which includes only three carrier selection modes including the Home Only mode, the SID Only mode, and a Roam Saver mode. With the Roam Saver carrier selection mode, the cellular telephone first prefers service through a home carrier and then through a carrier broadcasting a SID matching a SID on the preferred list, but never denies service to emergency or non-emergency destinations if any SID is detected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selecting a cellular carrier frequency for accessing cellular airtime services based upon a list of preferred system identification codes (SIDs). A cellular telephone is programmed to accept into memory a list of preferred SIDs corresponding to carriers through which service is preferred. While any SID remains in a preferred list, the standard A/B system selection function is replaced by a substitute system selection function which includes only three carrier selection modes including the Home Only mode, the SID Only mode, and a Roam Saver mode. With the Roam Saver carrier selection mode, the cellular telephone first prefers service through a home carrier and then through a carrier broadcasting a SID matching a SID on the preferred list, but never denies service to emergency or non-emergency destinations if any SID is detected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for selecting a cellular carrier frequency for accessing cellular airtime services based upon a list of preferred system identification codes (SIDs). A cellular telephone is programmed to accept into memory a list of preferred SIDs corresponding to carriers through which service is preferred. While any SID remains in a preferred list, the standard A/B system selection function is replaced by a substitute system selection function which includes only three carrier selection modes including the Home Only mode, the SID Only mode, and a Roam Saver mode. With the Roam Saver carrier selection mode, the cellular telephone first prefers service through a home carrier and then through a carrier broadcasting a SID matching a SID on the preferred list, but never denies service to emergency or non-emergency destinations if any SID is detected.