Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus capable of providing information requests includes a wireless communication device having a wireless transceiver configured to send and receive communications across a wireless communication network. A hands-free unit can be included and coupled to the wireless communication device. The hands-free unit includes a speaker and a microphone configured to provide audio information to a user and to accept audio information from the user. A position determination system determines a location of the apparatus and provides position data indicative of such location to a server along with the information request. The server can process the information request along with the position information and provide a response to the request to the wireless communication apparatus.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention, a system and method of collecting surveys remotely for survey requesting entities, such as pharmaceutical companies and others, include generating survey request messages via a plurality of two-way communication devices periodically to request survey information therefrom. Survey response messages are then uploaded from the communication devices in response to the survey request messages. The response messages are then stored, and may then be distributed to the survey requesting entities.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus and method for a hospital or other health care facility includes a plurality of sensors for determining operating states of a plurality of devices, respectively. The devices may include a refrigerator for storing blood, medicine, foods or other substances requiring close monitoring, as well as a lock box drug cabinet, for example. Each sensor provides operating state information to a transceiver, which outputs it to an access point. The access point provides the received information to a server, which determines, based on the received information, whether or not personnel at the hospital need to be notified in order to correct a problem with one or more of the devices being monitored.

Abstract: A wireless location-based information-retrieval system includes a wireless communication device. The wireless device has a transceiver for sending and receiving communications across a wireless communication network, a position-determination device for determining the location of the wireless device, and an Internet browser. A remote server communicates with the wireless device. The server receives the location data from the wireless device over the network and maintains a web page listing information service options. The information service options are accessible to and selectable by the wireless device via the browser. The server retrieves information from a database based on the location data provided by the wireless device and on the selected service option. The retrieved information is sent to the wireless device over the network.

Abstract: A wireless knowledge-based information-retrieval system includes a wireless communication device. The wireless device has a transceiver for sending and receiving communications across a wireless communication network, a software agent responsible for quickly and efficiently accessing relevant information and providing it to a user, at least one knowledge database, and a position-determination device for determining the location of the wireless device. The software agent takes information requests from the user and communicates them via the wireless network and the Internet to a knowledge agency. The knowledge agency comprises individual knowledge agents that take the request and search for relevant information in information resources such as the Internet and electronic databases and directories. The knowledge agency transmits the information back to the software agent, which delivers it to the user.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus capable of providing information requests includes a wireless communication device having a wireless transceiver configured to send and receive communications across a wireless communication network. A hands-free unit can be included and coupled to the wireless communication device. The hands-free unit includes a speaker and a microphone configured to provide audio information to a user and to accept audio information from the user. A position determination system determines a location of the apparatus and provides position data indicative of such location to a server along with the information request. The server can process the information request along with the position information and provide a response to the request to the wireless communication apparatus.

Abstract: A wireless communication handset includes at least one processor and is configured to shutdown at least one of a display, display backlight and keypad backlight of the handset. A first timer is set when the display is turned on, and the first timer is started to time a display time-out period. If a keypad entry is made by a user during the timeout period, the first timer is reset. On the other hand, if a keypad entry is not made by the user before the time-out period expires, the display is shut off to conserve power. Likewise, a time-out period can be implemented to control automatic shut-off of other power-consuming features such as a display backlight and a keypad backlight. Features can be included to automatically re-enable shut-down features upon the occurrence of events such as the receipt of an incoming call, a keypad entry, or the opening of a flip panel on the handset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing voice-interactive access to the internet via wireless networks enabling a subscriber, while driving or performing other tasks, to input commands to the internet using a voice input function, such as voice recognition, and retrieve the information from the internet using a voice output function, such as voice synthesis. The present invention allows a subscriber to enter voice commands at an internet terminal, as well as commands through other external interfaces, such as a key pad or touch screen. The internet terminal can also display and store the received data from the internet. in addition to the output by voice synthesis. The present invention may utilize a hands-free kit, allowing the subscriber to drive a car or perform other tasks and receive the internet information without any additional action on the part of the subscriber.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus capable of providing information requests includes a wireless communication device having a wireless transceiver configured to send and receive communications across a wireless communication network. A hands-free unit can be included and coupled to the wireless communication device. The hands-free unit includes a speaker and a microphone configured to provide audio information to a user and to accept audio information from the user. A position determination system determines a location of the apparatus and provides position data indicative of such location to a server along with the information request. The server can process the information request along with the position information and provide a response to the request to the wireless communication apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for allowing a communication device to accepts voice commands from a user. The voice commands can include commands to execute or dial key sequences or commands to control device functionality. Voice commands are received from a user of the communication device, indicating a command to be carried out by said communication device. The commands are interpreted and executed by the communication device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing one or more tiers of alternative rates or rate plans to wireless telephone subscribers utilizes one or more home regions, in which the subscriber can make and receive wireless calls at reduced service rates. The home regions are preferably defined within the wireless subscriber's local calling area and can be defined as a region in proximity with the subscriber's home, office, or other location. Additionally, a second tier of reduced rate services can be provided in another region referred to as the home-perimeter region. The home-perimeter region, in one embodiment, is a subset of the home region, and preferably covers an area somewhat equivalent to the area covered by the subscriber's conventional land line services. As such, the subscriber can make wireless calls in or near his or her home, office, or other location at rates competitive to those offered by land line service providers.

Abstract: A wireless communication apparatus capable of providing information requests includes a wireless communication device having a wireless transceiver configured to send and receive communications across a wireless communication network. A hands-free unit can be included and coupled to the wireless communication device. The hands-free unit includes a speaker and a microphone configured to provide audio information to a user and to accept audio information from the user. A position determination system determines a location of the apparatus and provides position data indicative of such location to a server along with the information request. The server can process the information request along with the position information and provide a response to the request to the wireless communication apparatus.