Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing communication capabilities of networks and devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a first and a second device comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input of the interface device receives data in a first format from the first device. The logic identifies the second device for receiving the data and identifies a second format compatible with the second device. The data is then translated to the second format. The logic may also determine a status of the interface device by testing components of the interface device to determine if the components are accessible and functioning. The output of the interface device then transmits the translated data to the second device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a user interface for facilitating communications between devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device provides communications between a first device and a second device. The interface device has an input for receiving data in a first format from the first device. Logic within the interface device is configured to receive a request to interact with the interface device and to provide a user interface in response to receiving the request. The logic identifies a second device for receiving the data from the first device. The logic identifies a second format that is compatible with the second device and translates the data to the second format. The interface device further has an output for transmitting the translated data to the second device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for restricting access to data are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a communications network and a device comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input receives data in a first format from the communications network. The logic receives a request from the device to access the data and determines whether the interface device is authorized to access the data. If the interface device is authorized to access the data, then the logic receives the data from the communications network. The logic then identifies a second format compatible with the device, translates the data to the second format, and transmits the translated data to the device.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium for interfacing communication devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a first device and a second device comprises one or more inputs, one or more outputs, and logic. The one or more inputs of the interface device receive data in a first format from the first device. The logic translates the data to a second format compatible with the second device. The translated data is then transmitted to the second device via the one or more outputs. The translation may be based on a user profile or device characteristics and may include translating between signaling protocols, transmission media, and filtering or enhancing the content of the data.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and computer-readable medium for communicating between and controlling network devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a first device and a second device comprises first, second, and third interfaces and logic. The first interface is for receiving a request for rich media from the first device and for transmitting the rich media to the first device. The second interface is for receiving rich media from the second device. The third interface is for transmitting device control instructions to the second device for controlling the second device. The logic receives the media request, provides device control instructions to the second device, receives the requested media, translates the media to a format compatible with the first device, and transmits the translated rich media to the first device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing communications and connection-oriented services to devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between a first device and a second comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input of the interface device receives data in a first format from the first device. The logic performs a connection-oriented service on the data. The connection oriented service may include overriding caller identification information associated with the data, sending the data to a voicemail system, and storing a detail record associated with the data. The logic also identifies the second device for receiving the data. The logic then identifies a second format compatible with the second device and translates the data to the second format compatible with the second device. The translated data is then transmitted to the second device via the one or more outputs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing emergency and alarm communications between devices via an interface device are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device comprises an input, an output, and logic. The input receives data in a first format from the first device. The logic detects whether the data is intended to request assistance from emergency services and if so, determining proper routing, retrieving location information and transmit the data and location information to the proper destination. If not intended to request assistance, a second device for receiving the data is identified as well as a second format, the data is translated to the second format and transmitted to the second device. A battery may selectively provide power to essential components of the interface device upon detection of a power failure. Notifications are made upon detection of a power failure, malfunction, or emergency request.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for prioritizing communications between devices are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing communications between at least one source device and at least one destination device comprises an input, logic, and an output. The input of the interface device receives data in a first format from the source device. The logic identifies the destination device for receiving the data. The logic then identifies a second format compatible with the destination device and translates the data from the first format to the second format. Transmission of the translated data is then prioritized by the logic based on characteristics of the translated data, which may include the format of the translated data or a service plan associated with the destination device or source device. The translated data is then transmitted to the identified destination device via the output.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aggregating and accessing data according to user information are provided. According to one aspect, an interface device for providing data between a first device and a second device comprises an input, an output, logic, and a repository for storing personal data and data associated with one or more users. The input of the interface device receives data in a first format from the first device. The logic receives a data request, identifies a second device for receiving the data, identifies a second format for the second device, and translates the data to the second format. The translated data is then transmitted to the second device via the output. The logic may further collect, aggregate, and transmit the aggregated data to a requesting device. The input may be a product identification input device. The second device may be billed for the data services.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as the this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for mounting a wireless network component to a fluorescent light. The internal electronics of the wireless network component are contained within a housing. Attachment means are used to attach the housing to a fluorescent lamp. The attachment means may comprise a support tube removably attached to the housing. The support tube fits over the fluorescent lamp and attaches to the housing to secure the wireless network component to the fluorescent lamp. Alternatively, the housing may include power coupling pins on one side and fluorescent lamp pin connectors on the opposite side. The power coupling pins fit into one receptacle of the fluorescent light fixture and the pins of the fluorescent lamp are inserted into the fluorescent lamp pin connectors of the housing such that the wireless network component is mounted between the fluorescent lamp and the fluorescent light fixture.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication as originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as to this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for an external device from the power source of a fluorescent light. The power source includes a fluorescent ballast electrically connected to the connectors of a light fixture for receiving an input voltage and for converting the input voltage to a lamp voltage suitable for powering a fluorescent lamp. The fluorescent ballast may be modified to include an output line that outputs a voltage for powering the external device to a power port. The power port may be mounted on or near the fluorescent light. Alternatively, the power port may be integrated within a housing that contains one of the connectors of the light fixture. The ballast may be further modified to include an output line for extracting network data and control signals from the power line carrier signals on the input voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for an external device from a circuit of a fluorescent light. A first circuit supplies power from a fluorescent light power source to a fluorescent lamp. The power converter of an external device can be electrically connected to any two points within that circuit to create a second circuit to supply power to the external device. The power converter may be connected to the first circuit via one or more power coupling or power tether. At least one of the two points within the first circuit may comprise a pin of the fluorescent lamp. Alternatively, at least one of the two points may comprise a connector of a fluorescent light fixture designed to receive a pin of the fluorescent lamp or a point within the fluorescent ballast of the fluorescent light fixture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for a wireless network component from the power source of a fluorescent light. Power couplings are electrically connected to the pins of a fluorescent lamp and to a power converter of the wireless network component so that a circuit is completed between the pins and the power converter. The power couplings may alternatively be electrically connected to the fluorescent lamp connectors of a fluorescent light fixture and to the power converter of the wireless network component to complete the circuit. Power supplied to fluorescent lamp is drawn by the circuit to power the wireless network component. Alternatively, the ballast of the fluorescent light power source may be modified to include an output line that outputs a voltage for powering the wireless network component to a power port. The power port may be mounted on or near the fluorescent light.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for deriving power for a wireless network component from the power source of a fluorescent light. Power couplings are electrically connected to the pins of a fluorescent lamp and to a power converter of the wireless network component so that a circuit is completed between the pins and the power converter. The power couplings may alternatively be electrically connected to the fluorescent lamp connectors of a fluorescent light fixture and to the power converter of the wireless network component to complete the circuit. Power supplied to fluorescent lamp is drawn by the circuit to power the wireless network component. Alternatively, the ballast of the fluorescent light power source may be modified to include an output line that outputs a voltage for powering the wireless network component to a power port. The power port may be mounted on or near the fluorescent light.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatuses for mounting a wireless network component to a fluorescent light. The internal electronics of the wireless network component are contained within a housing. Attachment means are used to attach the housing to a fluorescent lamp. The attachment means may comprise a support tube removably attached to the housing. The support tube fits over the fluorescent lamp and attaches to the housing to secure the wireless network component to the fluorescent lamp. Alternatively, the housing may include power coupling pins on one side and fluorescent lamp pin connectors on the opposite side. The power coupling pins fit into one receptacle of the fluorescent light fixture and the pins of the fluorescent lamp are inserted into the fluorescent lamp pin connectors of the housing such that the wireless network component is mounted between the fluorescent lamp and the fluorescent light fixture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for developing and deploying a wireless market demand validation system (“WDVS”). This system allows a mobile network operator to prevalidate any demand in a given coverage area before expensive wireless network infrastructure is deployed. The WDVS replicates the necessary over the air functions of a full mobile system in order to create an environment where a wireless subscriber device will attempt a registration onto the WDVS. The WDVS will then capture this information and further instruct the wireless subscriber device to tune to another network. With this information the wireless network operator can then determine the potential demand as well as the cost effectiveness of deploying a full wireless network. The system may also be used to evaluate potential base station locations and select preferred base station locations based on the measured performance of the test radio at each location.

Abstract: A system for communicating with the user of a cellular telephone via the cellular mobile radio (CMR) system and the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A communications interface appends the telephone exchange number of an outgoing communication to include an identifier unique to the communications interface. The outgoing communication is transmitted by the cellular telephone to the CMR system, which recognizes and verifies the outgoing communication as originating with the communications interface. Accordingly, the origination of the outgoing communication from a communications interface is documented prior to forwarding the outgoing communication to its intended recipient via the PSTN. Communications incoming to a communications interface are authenticated as such, and a record as to this is created, prior to forwarding the incoming communication to the cellular telephone.

Abstract: A method for programming a cellular set over a control channel may be used to update data stored within a cellular set by having the cellular set search the control channel for data updates that are broadcast over the control channel upon command of a controller coupled to the wireless system. In one embodiment, the method updates a carrier list of system identification numbers ("SIDs"). A cellular set searches the control channel for a unique identifier that is followed by the current carrier list number. The cellular set compares the current carrier list number with a stored carrier list number. If the carrier list numbers do not match, the cellular set stores the current carrier list number in memory and enters an acquisition mode in which it continuously monitors the control channel for updated data, possibly in the form of SIDs to add or remove from the list. The cellular set is programmed to recognize the updated data and retrieve it into memory.