Abstract: A device, method, and system for providing real-time location and alerts, and more specifically to devices, methods, and systems for providing real-time tracking of individuals and items within a predetermined area. At least one tracking device is connected to at least one user device and at least one remote server. The at least one tracking device provides real-time location updates to the at least one user device and the at least one remote server. The at least one tracking device is also operable to provide transactional and personal information to the at least one remote server.

Abstract: Methods for activating operations of a communication device coupled to an external communication bus include detecting a communication event on the external communication bus at a wake up circuit while a host controller coupled to the external communication bus is in an inactive state. An interrupt signal is provided to a processor of the communication device that is operating using a first clock signal running at a first clock rate from a first clock responsive to detection of the communication event by the wake up circuit. A clock enable signal is provided from the processor of the communication device, responsive to the interrupt signal, to a second clock in an inactive state. The second clock is coupled to a second circuit of the communication device separate from the processor of the communications device. Active state operations of the second clock are initiated to generate a second clock signal at a second clock rate greater than the first clock rate responsive to the clock enable signal.

Abstract: Methods for activating operations of a communication device coupled to an external communication bus include detecting a communication event on the external communication bus at a wake up circuit while a host controller coupled to the external communication bus is in an inactive state. An interrupt signal is provided to a processor of the communication device that is operating using a first clock signal running at a first clock rate from a first clock responsive to detection of the communication event by the wake up circuit. A clock enable signal is provided from the processor of the communication device, responsive to the interrupt signal, to a second clock in an inactive state. The second clock is coupled to a second circuit of the communication device separate from the processor of the communications device. Active state operations of the second clock are initiated to generate a second clock signal at a second clock rate greater than the first clock rate responsive to the clock enable signal.

Abstract: The generation of an audio output sound from an electronic communications device includes monitoring a level of an electrical power supply for the electrical communications device, and adjusting an audio input signal responsive to changes of the level of the electrical power supply for the electronic communications device. The adjusted audio input signal is amplified, and an output sound is generated responsive to the adjusted and amplified audio input signal. In addition, an audio output signal can be generated responsive to received sound including an echo of the output sound, an estimate of the echo of the output sound can be generated using the adjusted audio input signal and a model of an echo path of the output sound, and the echo portion of the audio output signal can be reduced using this estimate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing power consumption of a communications accessory attached to a vehicle based on the state of vehicle's ignition and upon the power on/off history of the wireless communications device attached to the communications accessory. The method determines whether the last powering off of the wireless communications device was due to user action. If so, then the wireless communications device is left in a powered off state when the ignition is turned back on. If, instead, the last powering off of the wireless communications device was in response to an automatically generated request from the communications accessory (prompted by the ignition being turned off), the wireless communications device is powered back on when the ignition is turned back on. An ignition sense circuit determines the power state of the vehicle's ignition and tracks the recent power on/off history of the wireless communications device.

Abstract: A speaker phone module is disclosed. The module includes a housing defining a cradle for removably receiving a cellular telephone battery charger. The housing further encloses speaker phone circuitry for interconnecting a cellular telephone within the battery charger to a microphone and speaker within the housing. A connector within the cradle provides means for electrically connecting the speaker phone circuitry to the battery charger.

Abstract: A digital communication system with digital short message system text capability including a miniaturized transceiver and cooperating intelligent docking station which provides memory to store the received texts and for indication and selective display of the short message service texts plus additional external communication links to other networks.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging a battery has a power supply terminal, a controllable power control switch coupled to said power supply terminal, a charging circuit having a charging terminal for connection to a terminal of the battery, and means for opening and closing the power control switch if a battery is disconnected or connected to the charging terminal, respectively. The means for opening and closing the power control switch may include an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a hybrid analog/digital circuit or a mechanical switch. A method of controlling a power control switch of a battery charging system is disclosed, comprising the steps of generating a reference voltage level, sensing the voltage level at the charging terminal, comparing the voltage level at the charging terminal to the reference voltage, and controlling the power control switch in response to the comparison of the reference voltage level and the voltage level at the charging terminal.

Abstract: A speakerphone having echo suppression is provided. The speakerphone has an audio control system comprising a transmit path, a receive path, a pair of rectifiers for producing rectified signals indicative of the strength of the signals present on the receive path and the transmit path, respectively, and an analog-to-digital converter for generating digital samples of the rectified signals for further processing. The audio control system further includes a general use microprocessor. Samples of the rectified signals are taken periodically and processed to determine if the receive path or the transmit path should have control, or if the audio system should be in an idle state. If speech is detected on either channel, the samples are weighted depending on the current state of the audio system. The weighted samples are then analyzed to determine which path should have control.

Abstract: An apparatus providing combined mouse-stylus-pointer functionalities for interfacing with an electronic device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body defining a chamber for containing electronic circuitry and a stylus member for mechanically actuating an electronic device. A light source projects a light beam out of the body for acting a light beam pointer. The circuitry within the body provides cordless mouse functionalities and pointer functionalities. The mouse circuitry drives a pointer on a display of the electronic device. The pointer functionalities controls the light source projecting the light beam. A user is able to select the various functionalities through an activation interface consisting of a button or other type of mechanical means.