Abstract: An apparatus for engaging in wireless commercial transactions includes a mobile phone equipped with a dedicated actuator for initiating a commercial transaction, and an optical input for receiving information concerning prices of goods; a network hub for wireless exchange information between a commercial establishment and said mobile phone within the boundaries of the establishment; and a financial/authorization institution for associating a PIN number with said mobile phone and for authorizing transactions initiated by said mobile phone.

Abstract: A method and system for initiating an incident-specific request for assistance from a citizen call station by touching a sequence of positions on a display screen. The citizen call station comprises a display having a touch-responsive mechanism for entering a call sequence of statements including initiating an alert, reporting a concern, and selecting help needed. A transmission mechanism for transmitting the call sequence to a control location is provided. A confirmation of the request, sent from the control location, may be received at the call station. The call station may also deliver information from a central location. The call station may include cameras, various sensors, two-way communications, and may be used to provide information on demand, outside of the normal security concerns.

Abstract: A method for delivering electronic services in a personal area network (PAN) can include providing a kiosk in a publicly traversable area. The kiosk can be configured to deliver electronic services over short-range radio communications links to wireless devices in a personal area network (PAN). The kiosk also can be configured to communicate over an existing physical communications link medium. A PAN can be established in the publicly traversable area. Electronic services can be selectably retrieved through the existing physical communications link medium into the kiosk. Finally, the retrieved selected electronic services can be delivered to wireless devices in the PAN over the short-range radio communications link. Notably, the step of establishing a PAN in the publicly traversable area can include establishing a BLUETOOTH-based PAN with wireless devices in the publicly traversable area.

Abstract: A public phone with enhanced communications services for the hearing impaired and hard of hearing.

Abstract: A public telephone device includes a high speed data connection controller for communicating with an attached peripheral such as a digital camera. The high speed data connection controller is electrically connected to the telephone controller. A high speed data connection hub also provides connectivity to the attached peripheral via a high speed data connection, the high speed data connection hub being electrically connected to the high speed data connection controller. The high speed data connection is accessible through an outer housing of the telephone device such that data is capable of being transferred from the attached peripheral via the high speed data connection hub and the high speed data connection controller over the telephone network.

Abstract: The invention concerns an office automation and communication equipment (1) designed for information exchange, in particular written or oral, via one or several communication networks, for processing data, in particular documents, and for accessing resources available on one or several of said communication networks. Said office automation and communication equipment (1), also known by the name PUBLIDESK (registered trademark in France), is designed to be installed in an existing telephone booth (CA) connected to one of the communication networks, as replacement for a telephone apparatus initially equipping said telephone booth. It is further designed to communicate via the communication network(s) with a central service site designed to manage a set of such office automation and communication equipment installed in an existing network of telephone booths. The invention is particular useful in providing access to Internet and office automation resources form a pool of existing telephone booths.

Abstract: A system and method that enables high-speed communications access from a fixed location public terminal. A fixed location public terminal includes a high-speed communications interface. The high-speed communications interface is coupled to one or more data servers via a high-speed communications network. The high-speed communications interface includes one or more data ports enabling one or more data application devices to be connected to the fixed location public terminal. The fixed location public terminal operates as an interface that initiates high-speed communications between the one or more data servers and one or more data application devices. A user places a telephone call to a high-speed data communications provider. The telephone call terminates at a data server that determines a data port address of the fixed location public terminal according to a plain-old-telephone system (POTS) number assigned to the fixed location public terminal.

Abstract: A public terminal links to an analog telephone network (STN) and to a digital network (ISDN), and includes a central unit (12) furnished with peripherals (14, 16, 18) providing a human/machine interface, an algorithm for navigating around the computer network, and a telecommunications payment card reader (22) that is linked to telephony circuits for establishing a telephone link with a server center as a function of available credit and for maintaining the telephone link. The terminal is linked to the digital network by a relay (38) controlled by the central unit (12) in such a way as to establish a communication between the central unit and the digital network so long as the analog telephone link with the server center is maintained.

Abstract: A payphone or coin-operated telephone that functions as an information transmittal device that dispenses user-selected information audibly to the user via the speaker in the payphone handset. A variety of information is stored in an information storage unit provided within the payphone unit. The information includes frequently-requested information on topics such as, for example, news, weather, sports, financial market reports, local travel information, local telephone yellow pages, etc. The user of the payphone may incur a nominal charge to retrieve the information from the payphone. A processing unit within the payphone or the information storage unit may update the content of the information with the help of an external information server or the Internet. The information server may be located within a telephone company central office and the central office switch may connect the information server to the processing unit in the payphone for desired data transfer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for notifying a subscriber via a telephone calling card that a message has arrived at the message center of a service subscriber. The messaging center may be a voice mail or e-mail system. In accordance with the method, the service provider receives and stores an incoming message for the subscriber. The service provider then transmits a radio signal to the telephone calling card of the subscriber indicating that the incoming message has arrived.

Abstract: The period for which advertisements are displayed on display screens is monitored by coupling the displaying time with the time of a telephone call from a public telephone booth near the display panel. Preferably, the call made from this booth is paid with a pre-payment memory card. This memory card also has a memorizing zone in which it is possible to record an advertisement which is precisely the advertisement to be displayed.