Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting communication between mobile devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of achieving communications between first and second mobile devices that are in proximity with one another includes transmitting a first signal from the first mobile device and receiving a first reflected signal at that mobile device, the first reflected signal being the first signal reflected by an object in proximity to that mobile device. The method also includes transmitting a second signal from the first mobile device for receipt by the second mobile device upon being reflected by the object, and receiving a confirmation signal from the second mobile device in response to the second signal. The method further includes achieving a paired relationship of the first mobile device relative to the second mobile device, whereby because of the paired relationship the first and second mobile devices are capable of additional communications therebetween.

Abstract: An optical communication system is provided for conveying signals between multiple housing elements of a device, where respective optical detectors and optical light sources interact via respective point to point communication paths, where the point to point communication path is maintained while the multiple housing elements of the device move relative to one another. In at least some instances, the multiple housing elements correspond to at least a pair of housing elements that are incorporated as part of a communication device having a slider configuration. In some of the same or still further instances, the point to point communication paths correspond to channels formed between the multiple housing elements, which in some instances may be at least partially recessed within one or both of the housing elements. In some instances the channels may traverse free space. In still further instances the channel may include a light pipe.

Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting communication between mobile devices are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of achieving communications between first and second mobile devices that are in proximity with one another includes transmitting a first signal from the first mobile device and receiving a first reflected signal at that mobile device, the first reflected signal being the first signal reflected by an object in proximity to that mobile device. The method also includes transmitting a second signal from the first mobile device for receipt by the second mobile device upon being reflected by the object, and receiving a confirmation signal from the second mobile device in response to the second signal. The method further includes achieving a paired relationship of the first mobile device relative to the second mobile device, whereby because of the paired relationship the first and second mobile devices are capable of additional communications therebetween.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communication device (200) including a wireless transceiver (210) communicably coupled to a processor (220), a satellite positioning system receiver (250), wherein the processor controls an operating mode of the satellite positioning system receiver based on satellite positioning system operating mode information received by the wireless transceiver when the mobile wireless communication device is in a vicinity of a location or will be in the vicinity on which the satellite positioning system operating mode information is based. Controlling the operating mode includes controller whether and when and the frequency with which location measurements are made.

Abstract: A circuit substrate, which supports optically and electrically conveyed signals, and method for forming the same are provided. The circuit substrate includes a substrate upon which one or more electrically conductive traces are formed, where the electrically conductive traces have areas of isolation between adjacent ones of the electrically conductive traces. The circuit substrate further includes one or more optical waveguides, where the one or more optical waveguides are in the same plane as the one or more electrically conductive traces. The optical waveguides are formed using an optically transmissive material, which is deposited in the areas of isolation between the electrical traces.

Abstract: A circuit substrate, which supports optically and electrically conveyed signals, and method for forming the same are provided. The circuit substrate includes a substrate upon which one or more electrically conductive traces are formed, where the electrically conductive traces have areas of isolation between adjacent ones of the electrically conductive traces. The circuit substrate further includes one or more optical waveguides, where the one or more optical waveguides are in the same plane as the one or more electrically conductive traces. The optical waveguides are formed using an optically transmissive material, which is deposited in the areas of isolation between the electrical traces.

Abstract: An optical communication system is provided for conveying signals between multiple housing elements of a device, where respective optical detectors and optical light sources interact via respective point to point communication paths, where the point to point communication path is maintained while the multiple housing elements of the device move relative to one another. In at least some instances, the multiple housing elements correspond to at least a pair of housing elements that are incorporated as part of a communication device having a slider configuration. In some of the same or still further instances, the point to point communication paths correspond to channels formed between the multiple housing elements, which in some instances may be at least partially recessed within one or both of the housing elements. In some instances the channels may traverse free space. In still further instances the channel may include a light pipe.

Abstract: A wireless infrared peripheral interface for a communication device having a cellular radio transceiver includes a peripheral interface. The peripheral interface includes at least one infrared signal source and at least one infrared detector. The signal source and detector are coupled with dispersing optics. An interface circuit is coupled to the infrared signal source and detector. A processor is coupled to the interface circuit, wherein the processor controls the interface circuit to process data signals that are conveyed through the infrared source and detector so as to communicate with a peripheral device that is proximate to the communication device. The dispersing optics reduces the dependency of optical alignment between the infrared data ports of the peripheral device and communication device.

Abstract: A gravity switch and a microprocessor are disposed in an electronic device having a virtual image display. The gravity switch provides a determination of the electronic device's orientation to the microprocessor. The microprocessor provides a display signal to the virtual image display based on the orientation of the electronic device. The microprocessor rotates the input from a display interface based on the orientation of the electronic device. The microprocessor includes a time hysteresis to prevent inadvertent changes to the image orientation due to momentary movements of the electronic device.

Abstract: A wrist-carried radiotelephone, operable without removing from a user's wrist, includes a housing including a display and a battery, and a wristband having a plurality of rigid and flexing portions. The flexing portions mechanically connect the rigid portions. The wristband is electrically and mechanically coupled to the housing. The radiotelephone circuitry is distributed within the rigid portions of the wristband and is interconnected through the flexing portions of the wristband. The circuitry is coupled to the display and the battery through the wristband.

Abstract: A portable communication device (100) comprises a first housing element (202) and a second housing element (204), wherein the second housing element (204) is movingly connected to the first housing element (202) such that the second housing element (202) is settable to substantially three positions. A sensor (112) coupled to the first housing element (202) and the second housing element (204) produces a position signal to indicate the position of the second housing element (204) relative to the first housing element (202), and an activation element (230) produces an activation signal in response to a user input. A controller (106) operates the portable communication device (100) in one of a standby mode, a private-mode, and a speakerphone mode in response to the position signal and the activation signal.

Abstract: The integrated shielding and mechanical support simultaneously addresses the problems of providing RF shielding for an electronic device such as a radio transceiver and providing a rigid mechanical assembly for the electronic device. Two conductive rails (120, 130) hold together multiple printed circuit boards (PCBs) (140, 160) having conductive layers (145, 165) to produce a four-sided shielding box (180) that protects certain electronic circuits on the PCBs from electromagnetic interference. An internal conductive shield (150) subdivides the inside of the shielding box to provide additional protection for sensitive circuitry. The shielding box inserts into an opening in a five-sided housing section (110) using guides (112, 114, 116, 118), which simplifies assembly of PCBs in the housing and facilitates automated assembly. A second housing section (190) attaches to the shielding box (180) once it is inserted into the five-sided housing section (110).