Abstract: A portable communication device includes a housing and a push-to-talk button. The push-to-talk (PTT) button is disposed on the front surface of the housing and further occupies a substantial portion of the front surface of the housing. The portable communication device also includes a light emitting diode (LED) stripe that is disposed on the PTT button. The LED stripe is placed on a flexible cable to allow the LED stripe and the PTT button to be moved together when any portion of the front surface of the housing containing the LED stripe and the PTT button is activated. The PTT button is configured to activate transmission of a PTT signal on a talk group channel when the PTT is activated.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus and system for a portable communication device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a mounting plate configured to be attached to a planar surface. The mounting plate has elastically bendable arms adapted to engage around peripheral portions of a portable communication device and to secure the device with the mounting plate. The device has a front-facing PTT button that is configured to transmit a non-voice based signal notification when the PTT button is depressed and when the device is secured to the mounting plate. The apparatus includes a modular electronic accessory that aligns with top or bottom surfaces of the device when the device is secured with the mounting plate. The accessory may include a speaker microphone or camera. When the PTT button is pressed, a bidirectional audio-only call, an audio-video call, or an access control function is established depending on the type of accessory that is aligned with the portable communication device.

Abstract: A portable communication device (100) comprises a housing that provides an elongated aperture (114) having a non-touch user interface (116) residing therein. The non-touch user interface (116) is formed of an elongated rounded rectangular shaped body. A plurality of non-touch user interface features (118) are spaced apart side-by-side along the single elongated rounded rectangular shaped body of the non-touch user interface (116). The elongated aperture (114) with non-touch user interface (116) residing therein define a visible non-touch user interface zone (120) on the surface of the portable communication device for the protection of the non-touch user interface features (118).

Abstract: A portable communication device (100) comprises a housing that provides an elongated aperture (114) having a non-touch user interface (116) residing therein. The non-touch user interface (116) is formed of an elongated rounded rectangular shaped body. A plurality of non-touch user interface features (118) are spaced apart side-by-side along the single elongated rounded rectangular shaped body of the non-touch user interface (116). The elongated aperture (114) with non-touch user interface (116) residing therein define a visible non-touch user interface zone (120) on the surface of the portable communication device for the protection of the non-touch user interface features (118).

Abstract: A ruggedized housing for a portable radio is provided. The housing is formed of a front housing portion, a rear housing portion, and a battery cover. The front housing portion has a top surface with offset tapered edges, without any user interface radio controls. An antenna protective cover having offset tapered edges and a straight vertical side couples to the top surface. The offset tapered edges of the antenna protective cover align with the offset tapered edges of the top surface of the radio. The straight vertical side of the antenna protective cover aligns flush with the side housing of the radio. A lanyard through-hole feature is located and protected by a contoured end of the top surface and is located diagonally opposite a top tip end of the antenna protective cover. The top tip end of the antenna protective cover and the lanyard encasement are sloped in opposite directions.

Abstract: A user desires to complete a call utilizing a head-mounted display and a communication device. A call-initiating event is detected at the communication device. In response to the call-initiating event, an intended call recipient is identified utilizing the head-mounted display. A call is then initiated with the intended call recipient utilizing the communication device.

Abstract: An interface system for communication devices comprises a radio having a through-hole opening from a front surface to a back surface, the through-hole forming a coaxial connector shaped interface for coupling to an accessory. The coaxial connector shaped interface allows for a plurality of different interchangeable electronic accessories to interface to the radio.

Abstract: A safety alert device (200) is formed of a clip (210) and integrated whistle (220) coupled to a portable communication device (300). The clip and integrated whistle can be removed or re-oriented from the radio (300) to provide user access to the whistle. The removal or rotation of the safety alert device (200) having clip and integrated whistle can further enable emergency radio mode operation. The whistle (220) operates as a safety alert when the battery of the portable communication device is either charged or discharged.

Abstract: A loudspeaker audio accessory provides and non-cable interface to a portable radio. The accessory can operate in conjunction with the radio or as a standalone device. An accessory loudspeaker is contained within the accessory housing, the accessory loudspeaker being positioned at a tilted angle within the housing to direct audio upwards towards audio porting located on a top surface of the accessory housing. The accessory provides a plurality of operational modes, the first mode of operation being a stand-alone mode generating an emergency alert audio tone via the loudspeaker in response to a switch being enabled; and the second mode of operation provides boosted audio via the accessory loudspeaker when the accessory is coupled to a radio. The accessory can also operate in conjunction with the radio via a short range link to selectively emergency signals and boosted audio.

Abstract: A loudspeaker audio accessory provides and non-cable interface to a portable radio. The accessory can operate in conjunction with the radio or as a standalone device. An accessory loudspeaker is contained within the accessory housing, the accessory loudspeaker being positioned at a tilted angle within the housing to direct audio upwards towards audio porting located on a top surface of the accessory housing. The accessory provides a plurality of operational modes, the first mode of operation being a stand-alone mode generating an emergency alert audio tone via the loudspeaker in response to a switch being enabled; and the second mode of operation provides boosted audio via the accessory loudspeaker when the accessory is coupled to a radio. The accessory can also operate in conjunction with the radio via a short range link to selectively emergency signals and boosted audio.

Abstract: An interface system for communication devices comprises a radio having a through-hole opening from a front surface to a back surface, the through-hole forming a coaxial connector shaped interface for coupling to an accessory. The coaxial connector shaped interface allows for a plurality of different interchangeable electronic accessories to interface to the radio.

Abstract: An improved user interface is provided by a portable radio (100) having a housing (102) having a through-hole (110) formed therethough. The through-hole provides a user interface for accommodating a plurality of interchangeable accessories through the incorporation of electrical interface (114) and alignment features (116) within the through-hole.