Abstract: In some embodiments, a system comprises a host computing device and an audio device communicatively coupled to the host device and including at least one speaker and a plurality of light emitters. The host computing device can include a processor(s) and one or more machine-readable, non-transitory storage mediums with instructions configured to cause the processor(s) of the host computing device to perform operations including receiving user environment data by one or more sensors of the host computing device, receiving user selection data corresponding to a selected mode of operation of the audio device, determining a characterization profile of a surrounding environment of the user based on the user environment data, and sending the characterization profile to the audio device, the characterization profile configured to cause the audio device to control the plurality of light emitters based on the characterization profile and the selected mode of operation.

Abstract: A conferencing endpoint includes a loudspeaker component, a base microphone, and an adaptive volume control module which evaluates near-end audio conditions at a conferencing endpoint and automatically determines whether to change the audio volume at a near-end loudspeaker. The endpoint can, for example, detect that a person speaking into the base microphone has begun to speak more loudly to compensate for nearby background noise. The endpoint can automatically adjust the loudspeaker volume or provide an alert that the loudspeaker will be changed, giving the user the opportunity to accept or decline an increase in speaker volume.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly disassociating/unpairing a device from a PAN is describe herein. During operation a charger identification is utilized as a trigger to disassociate/unpair a device from a PAN. Thus, a device will sense proximity to a charging device. Once proximity to a particular charging device is detected, the device will disassociate/unpair from the PAN.

Abstract: A communication device and method of controlling an operation of a communication device are provided, by which an application can be efficiently selected according to location information. The communication device includes a wireless communication unit for determining a location using received information, a controller for generating location information based on the determined location and searching for an application corresponding to the location information, and a display for displaying an indicator of the searched application.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first speaker, a first microphone, a storage unit storing a reference signal, and a controller configured to, when the reference signal is output through the first speaker, receive a first signal input through the first microphone and a second signal input through a second microphone of an external electronic device and determine whether to use the first microphone or the second microphone based on at least one of the first signal input through the first microphone and the second signal input through the second microphone.

Abstract: A portable speakerphone having a housing, a receiving transducer, an electrical cable, a transmitting transducer, and a processor. The receiving transducer is affixed to the housing and is configured to receive a first electrical signal from a mobile device. The electrical cable is coupled to and extends from the housing. The transmitting transducer is affixed to the electrical cable, remote from the housing. Also, the transmitting transducer is configured to transmit a second electrical signal, and the second electrical signal is based in part on the first electrical signal. The processor is configured to suppress acoustic echo by modifying the second electrical signal. The processor is also configured to output the modified second electrical signal to the mobile device. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for a passive headset with dynamically controlled LEDs, where the method comprises, in a passive headset comprising speakers, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and LED driver circuitry: receiving an electrical signal that includes an audio signal and an LED control signal, filtering out the LED control signal from the received electrical signal and communicating a resulting output audio signal to the speakers, filtering out the audio signal from the received electrical signal and communicating a resulting output LED control signal to the LED driver circuitry, generating a bias voltage for each of the one or more LEDs utilizing the LED driver circuitry and the output LED control signal, and configuring a light output of the LED utilizing the generated bias voltage. The amplifier may include a mixer that sums an audio signal with a control signal.

Abstract: A contactless connector module includes first and second fiber optic connector assemblies. The first fiber optic connector assembly includes a first fiber optic cable and a first connector provided at an end of the first fiber optic cable. The first connector includes a first converter converting between optical and electrical signals and a first communication chip electrically connected to the first converter. The first communication chip is configured to transmit wireless RF signals. The second fiber optic connector assembly includes a second fiber optic cable and a second connector provided at an end of the second fiber optic cable. The second connector includes a second converter converting between optical and electrical signals and a second communication chip electrically connected to the second converter. The second communication chip is configured to receive the wireless RF signals from the first communication chip.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for preventing an accident in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes obtaining environmental situation information from a sensor, detecting a dangerous object by analyzing the environmental situation information, extracting at least one of a notice service mapped to the dangerous object and a control service mapped to the dangerous object, and executing the at least one of the extracted notice service and the extracted control service.

Abstract: A class AB operational amplifier includes an input stage, an output stage and a level shifter stage to control the quiescent current of the output stage and to transfer the signal from the input stage to the output stage, and a control circuit of the level shifter stage. The control circuit includes a transistor differential pair having a differential input terminals and the differential voltage at the differential terminals of the differential pair controls the level shifter stage.

Abstract: In a communication of audio signals between first and second portable-telephone devices through a first portable-telephone base station, a second portable-telephone base station and a portable-telephone line network has been connected, IP addresses are exchanged. The IP addresses are for communicating image data by first and second terminal adapters associated with the first and second portable-telephone devices respectively through an OCN. Image data is then transmitted to the IP addresses through the OCN.

Abstract: An information processing system in which information transfers between communication devices through a network is limited within a prescribed range by registering unique information obtainable within the prescribed range into each device and permitting information transfer between devices which share common unique information, where the unique information is formed by a pair of public and secret unique information, a bridge device is controlled such that, upon receiving a proxy check request from a reception device, whether a transmission device is another bridge device or not is judged when the public unique information registered by the reception device is registered in the bridge device and one public unique information registered in the bridge device is registered by the transmission device. Then, the secret unique information registered by the reception device is transmitted to the transmission device when the transmission device is not another bridge device.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal wirelessly coupled to at least one mobile communication network comprising a memory for storing user payment information; a first modem for communicating over a first mobile communication network to provide the user payment information to the memory; a second modem for a communicating over a second mobile communication network to read the user payment information from the memory, when performing an electronic transaction over the second mobile communication network; and a transmitter for transmitting the user payment information in a wireless data format, wherein power applied to the first modem is changed from a first state to a second state after providing the user payment information to the memory.

Abstract: The infrared communication unit of the mobile phone receives a first data series transmitted from the other-party mobile phone by infrared communication, and, when transmitting a second data series by infrared communication, the controller of the mobile phone controls the infrared communication unit so as to transmit the second data series in response to completion of reception of the first data series. Alternatively, the controller controls the infrared communication unit so as to receive the first data series in response to completion of transmission of the second data series.

Abstract: A central host performs an automated method of updating multiple remote devices. In one embodiment, the host recognizes a predetermined download time and, in advance of the download time, transmits a calendar update to multiple remote devices. The calendar update includes the download time, and the remote devices may utilize the download time to set calendar reminders for entering an active state. Within a short time after reaching the download time, the host pushes download data to the remote devices by broadcasting the download data. In one aspect, the host may receive message acknowledgements from remote devices in response to a first calendar update, and the host may automatically transmit additional calendar updates to any remote devices that did not receive the first calendar update. Additional embodiments involve related methods and the terminal devices that receive the updates.

Abstract: An emergency notification uses a normal cellular telephone terminal instead of a dedicated terminal without requiring communication using a voice. An emergency notification system has a mobile communication network including a cellular telephone terminal, an emergency notification device for receiving an emergency notification, a communication line connecting the mobile communication network and the emergency notification device, and the cellular telephone terminal including display means for displaying a menu for identifying kind of emergency notification on a display screen and means for performing the emergency notification in response to selection of one of items in the menu by a user.

Abstract: An improved cell phone arrangement has a centrally located orientation key, for referencing a location tactilely via the user's thumb, and the dialing keys arranged in a substantially circular arrangement around the orientation key, in an array having a relatively large diameter but within range of motion of the thumb. The keys are shaped and spaced for tactile reference, i.e., for dialing without the need to look at the keyboard after becoming familiar with it. Cardinal compass-points can be marked by distinct keys, which extend radially outwardly from the central reference point and are of different shape and feel from the dialing keys. The phone housing has finger ridges on one or both sides, and optionally a distinct ridge or bump on the back of the housing, for repeatable positioning of the hand.

Abstract: A wireless communications link between a communication line connector and at least one audio-visual device is provided. The communications link preferably includes a communication line side unit, including: (a) a communication line side connector for engagement with the communication line connector for bidirectional audio-visual data communication, providing communication between a communication line and the at least one audio-visual device, (b) a communication line side infrared transmitter adapted to transmit diffuse infrared radiation corresponding to the data communication, and (c) a communication line side infrared receiver adapted to receive diffuse infrared radiation corresponding to the data communication.

Abstract: When a line for communication of audio signals between first and second portable-telephone devices through a first portable-telephone base station, a second portable-telephone base station and a portable-telephone line network has been connected, IP addresses are exchanged. The IP addresses are required for communicating image data by first and second terminal adapters associated with the first and second portable-telephone devices respectively through an OCN. Image data is then transmitted to the IP addresses received in the communication through the OCN. To put it concretely, an image of the user of the first portable-telephone device is transmitted by the first terminal adapter through the OCN to the IP address of the second terminal adapter to be displayed by a second television receiver associated with the second terminal adapter.

Abstract: It comprises a fixed group composed of a loudspeaker (2), microphone (5), screen (3) and keyboard (4), capable of being handled by the user in contiguity to same; transmission means of the communication by means of infrared optical signals, totally free of microwave-emitting functions; measurement means of the overall microwave power and, possibly, a microwave receiver that enables it to receive messages with the connection signal and which has means for establishing direct communication by infrared optical signal with other analogous mobile phones.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for establishing secure wireless links between a handset and a base station in cordless telephone systems are described. A method of generating a secure wireless link between a handset and a base station includes initiating a linking procedure, generating a security code, displaying the security code at the base station, entering the security code into the handset and then establishing a radio frequency link between the handset and the base station utilizing the security code. A cordless telephone system capable of generating a secure wireless link includes both a handset and a base station. The handset includes a control circuit, a transmitter and a receiver coupled to the control circuit along with a keypad also coupled to the control circuit.

Abstract: An adapter for use in telephone recording of picking-up electric voice signals from a telephone set and outputting them to a sound recording apparatus, comprising a photocoupler having a light emission device that converts electric voice signals picked-up from the telephone set into optical signals and a photoreceiving device for converting the optical signals again into the electric voice signals and outputting them to the sound recording apparatus incorporated into a package case, whereby the telephone set and the recording apparatus are electrically isolated from each other to prevent intrusion of noises from the recording apparatus to the telephone circuit and eliminate the worry of giving unpleasant feeling to the calling party or the worry that the calling party may suspect the contents of telephone call are under recording.

Abstract: In ordinary telephones, a communication partner is called without considering the location of the communication partner and whether or not the communication partner is busy. In the present invention, it is determined whether or not the communication partner is to be called at least based on information relating the position of a communication apparatus possessed by the communication partner.

Abstract: A communication system comprising a first communication node connected to a second communication node by a wireline for integrating parallel layers of wireless communications for exchange with users. The first communication node comprising a free-space laser device, a first wireless system, and a first wireline device, and a second communication node comprising a second wireless system and a second wireline device.

Abstract: In a method and system for effecting bi-directional IR data communication between an object transceiver and a reader, the object transceiver transmits successive data packets to the reader, and upon termination of a transmission of each data packet, opens a time window for receiving a transmission from the reader. The object transceiver is typically one of a plurality of object transceivers each worn by a person to whom a short message is to be transmitted and each having a respective unique ID and being able to effect autonomous transmission to the reader. In such case, each object transceiver transmits for a negligible fraction of its duty cycle thereby reducing a likelihood that two or more object transceivers will try to transmit simultaneously. Alternatively, the same objective can be realized by controlling each object transceiver to have a randomly variable duty cycle.

Abstract: A communication device including an RF transmitter mounted in conjunction with an IR transmitter allowing data to be transmitted by RF as well as by IR. Such a device may be a portable badge worn by moving personnel to transmit IR and RF signals to one of a plurality of second devices each being a fixed reader having an IR and RF receiver, and typically being mounted in a respective enclosed space, such as a room. In use, IR transmissions from the portable device are detected by the IR receiver of the reader in the same room and thus provide an immediate identification of the room (or enclosed space) wherein the portable device is located. On the other hand, if the IR transmitter in the portable device is concealed or for any other reason is not within line-of-sight of the reader in its immediate proximity, then the RF signal transmitted by the RF transmitter in the portable device is detected by the RF receiver in the reader, thereby allowing tracking of the portable device in either eventuality.

Abstract: A point-to-multipoint bi-directional wide area telecommunications network employing atmospheric optical communication. The network comprises a primary transceiver unit, a plurality of subscriber transceiver units and an optical router. The primary transceiver unit may send data destined for the subscriber transceiver units through the optical router, and the subscriber transceiver units may send data destined for the primary transceiver unit through the optical router. The primary transceiver unit and optical router communicate by means of light beams which are transmitted through the atmosphere. Similarly, the optical router and the subscriber transceiver units communicate by means of light beams which are transmitted through the atmosphere.

Abstract: An entertainment system for a passenger compartment of a vehicle, including a lamp assembly mountable within the passenger compartment of the vehicle and having a light source adapted to illuminate the passenger compartment and a transmitter connectable to an audio source and adapted to receive information from the audio source and to transmit signals containing the information within the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and at least one pair of wireless headphones equipped with a sensor, which is capable of receiving said signals, and adapted to convert to the signals into sound.

Abstract: A communications system is described wherein consensual push of services from radio beacons (30, 32, 33) to a user's portable device (14) is enabled. The consent process comprises a user registering the portable device (14) at a registration beacon (30) to consent to data delivery from other relevant beacons (32,33) in a network. The registration beacon 30 has a broadcast range which is constrained within, and highlighted to a user as, an indicated interaction zone (16). The range is preferably constrained and highlighted using electromagnetic shielding (18), or by using a directional antenna, or a combination of both. In use, the user must position their portable device (14) within the indicated interaction zone (16) to register for service delivery.

Abstract: A dialer apparatus that receives a telephone number from a wireless mobile computing device and dials the telephone number over a wire landline telephone system includes wireless transceiver circuitry capable of communicating data with the wireless mobile computing device, for receiving and storing telephone dialing data from the wireless mobile computing device representative of a telephone number to be dialed over the landline telephone system. Off-hook circuitry is connected to the landline telephone system and is responsive to an off-hook command signal, for generating an off-hook signal to the landline telephone system. Dial tone detection circuitry is connected to the landline telephone system and generates a dial tone detected signal whenever a dial tone is detected on the landline telephone system.

Abstract: An optical bus 30 optically connects each board of a signal processing section 22 and each board of a transmission/reception section 40 for transmitting an optical signal output to the optical bus 30 by each board of the signal processing section 22 to each board of the transmission/reception section 40 in a non-block state. In contrast, the optical bus 30 transmits an optical signal output to the optical bus 30 by each board of the transmission/reception section 40 to each board of the signal processing section 22 in a non-block state.

Abstract: A system and method for wireless data transfer between a computer and a telephone line using a remote media interface (RMI). The computer bidirectionally transfers the data to the RMI using an infrared (IR) signal. The RMI acts as an interface between the computer and the telephone line. The wireless data transfer system of the present invention includes an IR transceiver housed on the computer and an IR transceiver housed on the RMI. The RMI includes a data access arrangement (DAA) for converting the data received from the computer into a signal suitable for transmission over the telephone line and vice versa. The RMI also includes an external data interface connected to the telephone line that receives and transmits the signal over the telephone line. A soft modem is installed on the computer whereby at least part of the soft modem uses software to perform the function of a digital signal processor.

Abstract: An antenna system for use with cellular and other radio frequency communications is disclosed. The system includes an antenna for receiving radio frequency transmissions as well as an interface box for converting radio frequency signals to fiber optic signals. The fiber optic signals are then transmited along fiber optic cables, eliminating the need for heavy coaxial cables. The fiber optic signal is converted to a radio frequency signal by a converter. Then, a communication base station receives the radio frequency signal from the converter and transmits that signal.

Abstract: A full duplex infrared communication system suitable for use in connection with a telephone system is disclosed. The communication system includes a base station and a remote wireless set. High quality audio is provided through use of an FM sinusoidal current driven signal transmission between the base station and the remote wireless set. Further, transmission is made over bands which do not harmonically overlap. For example, the base station may transmit at 250-430 1 KHz and the remote wireless set may transmit at 1.45-1.63 MHz. Further, adverse effects of cross-talk and signal reflection are reduced by using transmission carrier signals for the base station and the remote wireless set having different wavelengths. For example, the base station may use LEDs which emit signals at a wavelength of 940 nm while the remote wireless set may use LEDs which emit signals at a wavelength of 880 nm. LEDs with slow turn-on and turn-off times, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for receiving infrared signals that is better able to receive a data signal in the presence of a noise signal. The method according to the present invention involves bandwidth filtering an incoming signal that includes a data signal and a noise signal. The bandwidth filtered signal is then averaged to obtain an average alternating current (AC) value signal of the bandwidth filtered signal. The average AC value signal is integrated to obtain a detect level adjustment signal. The detect level adjustment signal is summed with a minimum detect threshold value to obtain a detection level signal. The incoming signal is then compared to the detection level signal in order to produce a received data signal.

Abstract: It is possible to create a two channel data transfer system using an infrared link according to the invention. It is possible by utilizing it to transfer data between two terminal devices (10, 20, 50, 60) simultaneously to both directions (full duplex), or to establish a two-channel data transfer connection between two terminal devices (30, 40, 70, 80). An infrared link according to the invention is realized using linearly polarized infrared light (LV, LH). In it a data transfer channel formed using an infrared connection is divided into two separate channels using e.g. polarizers (V1, V2, H1, H2) or beam splitters (BS1, BS2). In this case, when data is transferred between two terminal devices (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), the data transfer to one direction is realized e.g. using vertically polarized infrared light (LV), and correspondingly to the other direction using horizontally polarized infrared light (LH).

Abstract: Personalized information is transferred from a first hand portable phone having a first memory means for storing said personalized information to a second hand portable phone having a second memory means for storing said personalized information. A connection between said first hand portable phone and a computer on which a data transfer application is running is established. The data transfer application on said computer is controlled to read said personalized information from said first memory means to store the personalized information in said first hand portable phone in memory means associated with said data transfer application in said computer. Then a connection between said second hand portable phone and said computer on which said data transfer application is running is established.

Abstract: A method of using a first communications device (2), such as a mobile telephone, together with at least one other communications device (27), such as a telephone, comprises the steps of playing back audio signals in the first communications device (2), transmitting the same audio signals to the other communications device (27), and playing back the audio signals in the other communications device (27). By transmitting the audio signals played back in the first communications device to the other device and playing them back there, shared audio listening is achieved and in this way the communications devices can be used also for the shared listening to e.g. music. Thus it is possible for two persons present at different locations to listen to the same audio signals simultaneously or at least almost simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention proposes a communications system that includes at least one stationary transmitting/receiving unit connected to a communications terminal, a mobile radio terminal and a transmitting/receiving unit connected to the microphone and the loudspeaker of the mobile radio terminal that can be connected wirelessly to the stationary transmitting/receiving unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically setting a vibration mode of a mobile terminal using infrared signals and a method therefor. The apparatus determines whether or not the infrared signals are inputted by an infrared signal receiving section. A data content of received infrared signals is interpreted by a control section. The control section then switches the mobile terminal between a vibration mode and a previous incoming call mode according to the resultant interpretation of the data content. Accordingly, a mobile phone may be placed in a vibration mode automatically upon entering a public place requiring silence, and may be switched back to the previous incoming call receiving mode upon exiting the public place.

Abstract: A wireless communications link, including a base unit and at least one remote unit. The base unit is connected to a wired communications line, so as to receive electrical signals from the line and transmit diffuse infrared radiation, modulated responsive to the received electrical signals, and to receive modulated infrared radiation and transmit electrical signals over the communications line responsive to the received infrared radiation. The at least one remote unit is connected to an audiovisual device, and couples the device to the communications line by receiving the modulated infrared radiation transmitted by the base unit and transmitting modulated diffuse infrared radiation to the base unit.

Abstract: A portable terminal system is arranged by an option apparatus 1 for a portable terminal unit and a portable terminal unit. The option apparatus 1 for the portable terminal unit communicates with a base station by using electromagnetic waves by a first radio transmitter/receiver circuit 11, and further communicates with the portable terminal unit 2 by using infrared radiation by a first infrared type connection apparatus 16. On the other hand, the portable terminal unit 2 communicates with the option apparatus 1 used with the portable terminal unit by using infrared radiation by a second infrared type connection apparatus. Since the option apparatus 1 for the portable terminal unit is connected to the portable terminal 2 by way of the infrared radiation, the connection works can be readily performed, and further various types of portable terminal units can be mutually connected to various sorts of option apparatuses for portable terminal units.

Abstract: A handy phone capable of performing infrared communication with an external apparatus is disclosed. As soon as the phone searching for the other station at the beginning of communication detects data via its infrared receipt section, it alerts the user of the detection of a bit error. Therefore, when the received data is free from a bit error, the phone can immediately inform the user of the phone of the fact that physical connection of the phone and the other station has no problems, even before a station location command is sent in all the slots. This eases the user's mind at the earliest possible stage. Further, the phone of the present invention is capable of immediately reporting the fact that the distance between infrared ports or the angle between the axes of the ports may not be adequate to the user, urging the user to correct the distance or the angle immediately.