Abstract: The present invention relates to an application layer function outside the BLUETOOTH protocol which associates a BLUETOOTH unique address, i.e., the 48-bit unique BD_ADDR address, with a short passcode or PIN which is associated with a particular type of BLUETOOTH device in a particular piconet. The passcode or PIN can be pre-determined by the manufacturer of the BLUETOOTH device, or can be input and defined by the user. Upon installation in a piconet, in one embodiment shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a user can be asked to manually input a particular passcode or PIN into a relevant piconet device, and an inquiry can be broadcast to all communicating piconet devices and only those other piconet devices having a matching passcode or PIN associated therewith can automatically forward their respective 48-bit unique BD_ADDR addresses to the inquiring piconet device.

Abstract: A pocket speakerphone adapter for a landline-based common telephone to provide the common telephone with speakerphone capabilities. The conventional handset of a conventional common telephone is disconnected from the handset jack of its base unit, and the pocket speakerphone is temporarily connected in its place to the handset jack of the base unit using a conventional handset cord. The conventional common telephone base unit provides interconnection with the public switched telephone network (PSTN), while the pocket speakerphone in accordance with the principles of the present invention provides a temporary adaptation of the land line common telephone to operate as a speakerphone.

Abstract: A key chain rechargeable device which is recharged when a key is inserted into a matching lock. In accordance with one embodiment, the key includes two electrical contacts or is separated into two electrically isolated portions. The two electrical contacts or portions of the key contact mating contacts in the matching lock only when the key is inserted therein. In another embodiment, inductive coupling is used when the key chain rechargeable device is proximate to a matching lock of a key associated therewith. A charging circuit may be integrated in the key chain rechargeable device or in the external device associated with the lock. The key chain rechargeable device may be, e.g., a wireless device such as a BLUETOOTH™ network device, pager, a security alarm enable/disable device, garage door opener, or a keyless entry remote. In a preferred embodiment, the key relates to a vehicle ignition key, and the key chain rechargeable device is recharged during operation of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing an incoming call during a call-in-progress is disclosed. The method and apparatus provide non-visual indicators to a user indicating the type of incoming caller.

Abstract: A key chain rechargeable device which is recharged when a key is inserted into a matching lock. In accordance with one embodiment, the key includes two electrical contacts or is separated into two electrically isolated portions. The two electrical contacts or portions of the key contact mating contacts in the matching lock only when the key is inserted therein. In another embodiment, inductive coupling is used when the key chain rechargeable device is proximate to a matching lock of a key associated therewith. A charging circuit may be integrated in the key chain rechargeable device or in the external device associated with the lock. The key chain rechargeable device may be, e.g., a wireless device such as a BLUETOOTH™ network device, pager, a security alarm enable/disable device, garage door opener, or a keyless entry remote. In a preferred embodiment, the key relates to a vehicle ignition key, and the key chain rechargeable device is recharged during operation of a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an application layer function outside the BLUETOOTH protocol which associates a BLUETOOTH unique address, i.e., the 48-bit unique BD_ADDR address, with a short passcode or PIN which is associated with a particular type of BLUETOOTH device in a particular piconet. The passcode or PIN can be pre-determined by the manufacturer of the BLUETOOTH device, or can be input and defined by the user. Upon installation in a piconet, in one embodiment shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a user can be asked to manually input a particular passcode or PIN into a relevant piconet device, and an inquiry can be broadcast to all communicating piconet devices and only those other piconet devices having a matching passcode or PIN associated therewith can automatically forward their respective 48-bit unique BD_ADDR addresses to the inquiring piconet device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptive microwave oven capable of entering an operation mode which avoids interference with a communication device either upon detection of a communication from a communication device (e.g., a cordless telephone) operating in a microwave frequency range, or upon receipt of a command indicating the operation of a microwave device such as a cordless telephone through a suitable network (e.g., a piconet using BLUETOOTH Technology). In one embodiment, a cooking mode of a microwave oven is paused (or significantly reduced) to best avoid interference with microwave signals between a remote handset and a matching base unit of a cordless telephone. The activity of microwave communications within the vicinity of the adaptive microwave oven can be determined, e.g., using a passive cordless telephone receiver which detects communication activity in the microwave range, or using direct communications from the cordless telephone using a suitable wireless network, e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for allowing a user to selectively disable all or a portion of the manual controls, e.g., the keypad and/or other buttons (including switches, keys, on-hook button, and/or other buttons) of customer premises equipment. The customer premises equipment includes a button disabling module which allows subsequent control signals relating to the particular keys or buttons which have been disabled to be essentially ignored. Thus, for instance, if an on-hook button is inadvertently depressed while the on-hook button has been disabled by the button disabling module, the telephone line interface of the telephone will not signal the termination of the telephone call to the central office. The manual controls of the customer premises equipment can be disabled by the user in any of a number of different ways.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptive microwave oven capable of entering an operation mode which avoids interference with a communication device either upon detection of a communication from a communication device (e.g., a cordless telephone) operating in a microwave frequency range, or upon receipt of a command indicating the operation of a microwave device such as a cordless telephone through a suitable network (e.g., a piconet using BLUETOOTH Technology). In one embodiment, a cooking mode of a microwave oven is paused (or significantly reduced) to best avoid interference with microwave signals between a remote handset and a matching base unit of a cordless telephone. The activity of microwave communications within the vicinity of the adaptive microwave oven can be determined, e.g., using a passive cordless telephone receiver which detects communication activity in the microwave range, or using direct communications from the cordless telephone using a suitable wireless network, e.g.

Abstract: A telephone according to the invention provides a memory adapted to hold a speed dial number, a calling mechanism adapted to place an outgoing call to the speed dial number based on user input, an input unit adapted to receive updating information, and a speed dial updating unit adapted to change the speed dial number in the memory according to the updating information. In an alternative embodiment, a method of updating a telephone number associated with a speed dial button includes the steps of receiving a signal relating to a change in the telephone number, and updating a memory location to reflect the change in the telephone number.

Abstract: A tool according to the invention includes elements adapted to achieve a primary function of the tool, and further includes a writing element adapted to achieve a writing function. In one example, the tool is a screwdriver, and the writing element comprises a pencil lead that can be extended from the head end of the screwdriver to achieve a writing function, and retracted within the head end of the screwdriver to perform a screwdriving function.

Abstract: A Global Positioning Satellite (“GPS”)-based restraint system includes a GPS receiver/transmitter for receiving GPS timing signals, a mapping algorithm, a comparator, and a base station receiver. The receiver/transmitter includes a microprocessor for calculating and storing a waypoint. The mapping algorithm calculates a mapped programmed confinement area from a plurality of waypoints obtained along the perimeter of the physical confinement area, and the comparator provides an output comparing the present position of the receiver/transmitter with the programmed confinement area. The comparator output is transmitted as an output signal by the receiver/transmitter to the base station receiver and the position of the subject is monitored while the receiver/transmitter is attached to the subject. The restraint system also includes deterrent means for administering a deterrent to the subject that can be used either in lieu of or with the base station receiver.

Abstract: A telephone according to the invention includes an indicator adapted to provide an indication of the presence of an incoming call, and a sensor adapted to sense an environmental condition and adjust the indicator based on the sensed condition. For example, the sensor can sense an ambient light level and adjust a ringer to not ring or a speaker to mute when the ambient light level is below a threshold and/or based on an ambient noise level. In an alternative embodiment, a method of responding to a ringing signal includes the steps of sensing a level of ambient light, and adjusting an audible indicator based on the sensed level of ambient light.

Abstract: A cordless telephone base unit includes a registration unit adapted to selectively register with a handset according to at least one predefined criterion, a call handling unit adapted to handle an incoming call when the handset is registered with the registration unit, and a call forwarding unit adapted to forward an incoming call to a forwarding number when the handset is not registered with the registration unit.

Abstract: In a first embodiment according to the invention, a cordless telephone handset of a cordless telephone system includes a user input unit, a signal processor and an output driver. The signal processor is coupled to the user input unit. The signal processor processes user input received via the user input unit. The output driver receives processed information from the signal processor and selectively outputs the processed information to at least one of a plurality of output devices. For example, in one embodiment the user input unit is a keypad, and the signal processor selectively processes the user input as telephone control information and as television control information. In a second embodiment according to the invention, a method of receiving an incoming call in a cordless telephone includes the steps of receiving an incoming call telephone signal, and outputting a television control signal in response to the incoming call telephone signal.