Abstract: A wireless transmission device for communicating a plurality of audio streams to remote devices comprises a plurality of inputs for receiving a plurality of digital audio streams, a combiner connected to the inputs for combining control codes and the received audio streams in a predetermined format to form a signal wherein the control codes for controlling the operation of a remote device equipped for processing the signal to extract the audio streams therefrom in accordance with the predetermined format, and a transmitter connected to the combiner to transmit the signal for reception by the remote device. The transmitter may include an infra-red light emitter for transmitting the signal as an infra-red light signal.

Abstract: A bag for a mobile phone with a function of sealing is made of soft plastic material treated by way of high frequency thermo-bonding technique to form an air sac surrounding a transparent part. As soon as the air sac is filled with the air, the air sac swells and encloses the mobile phone contained in the bag so as to perform excellent shock mitigation after collision or falling down. Furthermore, the entire bag for a mobile phone can float on the water level while the user takes outdoor or aquatic activities so that it can provide an extremely good water resistance.

Abstract: A mobile client device, such as a wireless mobile or a palm sized personal digital assistant, is provided with a number of sensors and companion programming instructions/circuitry to generate a heart rate reading for a user holding the device. The sensors are used to sense blood flow rate of the user. The sensors are advantageously disposed in a distributed manner, in a number of locations of the mobile client device. The programming instructions/circuitry are used to infer a holding pattern of the device, and generate the heart rate reading, using a subset of the sensed data, based at least in part on the inferred holding pattern.

Abstract: Eyewear comprises a microphone and a speaker. An eyewear neck strap couples the microphone and speaker to a wearer unit carried by the eyewear wearer. The wearer unit exchanges wireless signals with a base station. The base station is coupled to various devices such as surgical theater equipment, and/or to a telecommunication system, such as a telephone system. The eyewear enables the wearer to conduct hands-free communication such as telephone conversations and command and control operations, as well as to perform other hands-free tasks such as dictation. The wearer also receives data in audio form or as an image using a video display coupled with the eyewear.

Abstract: A portable electronic system equipped with a spare battery device. The portable electronic system includes a spare battery device and a portable device. The spare battery device includes a first fixer unit, a power storage unit and a sensory control unit. The sensory control unit further includes a constant voltage source, a resistor, a resilient object, output contact pads, and a control unit. The portable device includes a second fixer unit, a covering, and input contact pads. By adjusting the coupling relationship between the first fixer unit and the second fixer unit, each output contact pad can be coupled to the associated input contact pads; and the control unit is for controlling output power of the spare battery device.

Abstract: Microelectronic devices, methods of operating microelectronic devices, and methods of providing microelectronic devices are described. In one embodiment, a microelectronic device includes a microelectronic package which provides a housing within which integrated circuitry is received. An integrated circuit die is received within the microelectronic package and includes integrated circuitry formed thereon. The integrated circuitry comprises first transmit/receive circuitry configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals.

Abstract: When a main device 1 detects an incoming message, the main device 1 transmits a call frame to auxiliary devices 2, 3 during a first time slot of a first cycle. In succession with this, the auxiliary-device 2 transmits a ready frame in a slot 2 to notify main devices of other systems that the communication channel is being used. Neither of the auxiliary devices 2, 3 respond in the third time slot. The same transmission and reception processes are performed in the second cycle. However, afterward in the third cycle, the auxiliary device 2 is brought into an off-hook condition and so transmits an off-hook frame during the third time slot of the third cycle. The main device 1 receives the off-hook frame and transmits a connect frame in the first time slot of the fourth cycle to the auxiliary device 2. In response, the auxiliary device 2 starts communication.

Abstract: A method for establishing a communication link between a transmitter and a receiver for the purpose of relaying audio material derived from an existing source to a user desiring to remain unencumbered by the source apparatus comprises the steps of: placing the receiver unit into physical contact with the transmitter unit, powering up both transmitter and receiver units, and waiting for an indication of process completion before setting the receiver unit in place. The transmitter unit searches for a free rf communication channel, initiates transmission of user-chosen audio material over permitted broadcast bands, and programs the receiver unit with information allowing it to receive on the same channel. The receiver unit is lightweight, worn in the outer canal of the ear or on the head in the conventional manner. The entire programming and transmission process takes place automatically without further user intervention.

Abstract: An inexpensive, PCMCIA-based radio transceiver is provided that interfaces to a separate baseband modem, which may itself be PCMCIA-based or may be an internal modem of a notebook computer. Together, the PCMCIA-based radio transceiver and the baseband modem realize a wireless modem. In order to miminize cost and increase versatility of the resulting wireless modem, the radio transceiver is a relatively unintelligent, protocol-agnostic, slave device that is controlled by commands issued by the baseband modem. The baseband modem may be a hardware modem or a software modem. In either case, the character of the baseband modem may be changed by downloading new software. The radio transceiver may also be exchanged for another within a family of radio transceivers, each of which customized for a particular radio standard. The result is an extremely flexible, extremely low-cost wireless modem solution.

Abstract: A radio telephone in which the re-chargeable battery (1) is an integral structural component. The battery provides Radio Frequency (RF) screening for at least some of the electronic components within the telephone as well as providing additional strength without adding additional weight.

Abstract: A personal electronic device includes a main body and an ear flip member coupled to the main body. The ear flip member includes a speaker assembly. The speaker assembly includes a housing including front and rear opposed surfaces spaced apart along a depthwise axis. A transducer is disposed in the housing between the front and rear surfaces and along each of the depthwise axis, a longitudinal axis extending perpendicular to the depthwise axis, and a transverse axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis and perpendicular to the depthwise axis. The housing defines a tuned resonator volume therein and in fluid communication with the transducer. At least a portion of the tuned resonator volume is disposed laterally adjacent the transducer along at least one of the longitudinal and transverse axes. The ear flip member may be coupled to a main body of a personal electronic device.

Abstract: An entertainment device is provided. The entertainment device includes a main processing station which provides an output signal. The main processing station includes a control interface. A front panel is removably connected to the control interface. The front panel includes a memory for storing multimedia content. The front panel provides control parameters to the main processing station. The content of the memory is provided to the main audio processing station for output. In addition, the front panel processes and presents the stored multimedia content as a portable device. Both control parameters and multimedia (e.g. audio or video) information may be exchanged between the front panel and the main processing station. The front panel also includes a telecommunications device and an alarm transponder.

Abstract: A wireless method and apparatus for transmitting signal, for example, from a source, to headphones or speakers, while allowing relatively unrestricted range of movement/placement for the headphones or speakers. An infrared transmitter diverges its signal by passing the signal through a concave lens. The signal is processed to bounce off of objects, such as, walls, ceilings and floors before reaching the receiver on the headphones/speakers. The receiver has a convex lens affixed to it, so as to converge the transmitted signal. The signal is polarized so that ambient light is filtered.

Abstract: A belt clip for attaching a device to a user includes a back plate having first and second wing portions which include flanges for engaging with the exterior surface of an electronic device. The first and second wing portions are coupled together by an integrated biasing portion that allows the first and second wing portions to be forced together when the flanges are gripping the electronic device and apart when it is desired to remove the electronic device from the belt clip. The wing portions each include integrally formed cam members that engage with a cam hole formed in a clip member. As the clip member is rotated relative to the back plate, the cam members and thus the wing portions are brought together to grasp the electronic device. The clip member is then retained relative to the back plate with a locking feature.

Abstract: A watch type portable radiotelephone is disclosed which includes a body element having upper and lower case frames, data input means, an LCD unit for outputting inputted data and displaying a variety of information, an antenna unit electrically connected to a receiver and a transmitter, a speaker unit, and a microphone unit. The radiotelephone also includes a holding part formed integrally with the lower case frame of the body element. The holding part at least partially defines a receiving space in which a battery pack for supplying power to the body element is able to be received. The holding part secures the battery pack to the body element. A locking projection for locking and unlocking the battery pack to and from the body element is formed on the battery pack. An electrically conductive connection assembly is provided for electrically connecting the body element and the battery pack with each other.

Abstract: A tradesworker's radio has a weather and impact resistant features to enable a tradesworker to use the radio under adverse working conditions, such as construction or other work sites. Louvered grills covering moisture resistant loudspeakers are angled downward to protect the speakers from direct splash in case the radio is left outdoors in a heavy downpour. A layer of felt-like material is interspersed between the louvered grills and the loudspeaker cones to offer improved moisture resistance. A non-telescoping antenna of the rubber covered spring type material folds neatly into recess when not in use. The controls include waterproof pushbuttons for on/off, volume adjustment, a weather channel, AM/FM selection and tuning. Elastomeric blocks are bonded to the interior of the housing and the blocks have bonded threaded studs, which are used to shock mount the radio circuit board to the inside of the housing. This circuit board is treated with a conformal coating to improve its moisture resistance.

Abstract: An electronic instrument 1 includes an instrument body 2, a first operation unit 3, a second operation unit 4 and a drive mechanism. The first operation unit 3 and the second operation unit 4 are moved over a first position, a second position and a third position by the drive mechanism. At the first position, the first operation unit 3 covers the second operation unit 4. The first operation unit 3 and the second operation unit 4 move downward from the first position. At the third position, a recording medium insertion slot is exposed. The first operation unit 3 moves downward from the third position whereas the second operation unit 4 moves upward from the third position. At the second position, the exposed planes 8a and 11a are exposed. In the above configuration, there is provided an electronic instrument which can easily visually recognize the operating state of itself.

Abstract: In a mobile terminal capable of preventing its breakage or damage by absorbing a shock of a contact between a folder and a main body in unfolding or folding of the folder by installing a buffer member to contact portions of the folder and the main body, a mobile terminal includes a main body housing a circuit substrate inside and having an operational button on the front surface, a folder rotatively connected to the main body and having a liquid screen, a hinge connecting unit for rotatively connecting the main body and the folder, and a buffer means for absorbing a shock of a contact between the main body and the folder when the folder is unfolded.

Abstract: A portable phone includes a front portion, and a cover made of titanium material and detachably engaged onto the front portion of the portable phone for shielding the electromagnetic waves generated by the portable phone. The cover includes a latch or one or more sockets or one or more catches for engaging with the latch opening or the lock studs or the lock notches of the portable phone and for detachably securing the cover to the portable phone. The cover includes a number of orifices and a window for aligning the dial buttons and the displayer of the portable phone.

Abstract: An audio entertainment system has a signal producing portion which is worn on the person and an associated sound producing portion which is carried on a vehicle. Where the vehicle comprises a bicycle, the sound producing portion may advantageously comprise a combination of speaker and power supply on the frame of the bicycle. In especially preferred bicycle embodiments the sound producing portion is removably carried by a bracket sized and dimensioned to carry a water bottle. The signal producing portion may advantageously comprise at least one of a radio tuner, a CD player and a tape player.

Abstract: A mobile telephone uses a laser diode to indicate the presence of incoming telephone calls. The laser diode is energized by the incoming radio frequency (rf) signal by rectifying the rf signal to produce dc voltage. The antenna assembly has a transparent window for the emitted light to radiate. The emitted light passes through a patterned mask to generate artistic light rays. Using different kinds of semiconductor material for the laser diode, the laser diode can emit different colors.

Abstract: A hand-free apparatus having improved portability is disclosed. The apparatus includes an apparatus body including a transmitter and a receiver, an input/output cable connected with the transmitter and the receiver and extending outside from the apparatus body, a cable case incorporating a cable spool capable of taking up the cable and a retaining member capable of detachably retaining the apparatus body on the cable case. The apparatus body when retained by the retaining member extends along a peripheral face of the cable spool.

Abstract: A wearable personal audio system to audibly deliver audio information, even at a low volume level, to the wearer. The system includes an audio unit, and at least one miniature speaker, that are located within and suitably fixed to the article of clothing so as to be supported in an unseen manner. Each speaker is operatively coupled to the audio unit to enable audio information from the audio unit to be audibly delivered to the wearer via the speakers.

Abstract: A portable communication device assembly comprises a first communication device housing (12), a second communication device housing (14), and a snap retainer (40) for interconnecting the housings (12 and 14).

Abstract: Sharing of wireless telephone services between a subscriber's personal wireless telephone and the subscriber's vehicular wireless telephone. The shared service may be a connectivity service, allowing the subscriber's personal wireless telephone to communicate directly with the subscriber's vehicular wireless telephone. Alternately, or additionally, the shared service may be one or more services provided for by the wireless service agreement plan of the subscriber's vehicular wireless telephone or the subscriber's personal wireless telephone.

Abstract: A radio telephone system for use in a vehicle is composed of an accessory mounted in the vehicle and a radio telephone that is separated from the accessory. The accessory transmits a mode switch signal indicating an operation state of the vehicle to the radio telephone by wireless means such as radio or infrared. When receiving the mode switch signal from the accessory, the radio telephone changes its operation mode depending on the mode switch signal. The operation state of the vehicle is an on/off state of an ignition key or a speed of the vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for reducing power consumption in physiological condition monitors that use a memory data storage device that operates in a high power mode when data is being written to the memory data storage device and operates in a low power mode when inactive. The apparatus comprises: 1) a controller for receiving incoming data to be written to the memory data storage device; and 2) a first low power buffer coupled to the controller. The controller stores the incoming data in the first low power buffer until a predetermined amount of incoming data has been accumulated in the first low power buffer and transfers the accumulated predetermined amount of incoming data to the memory data storage device in a single data transfer.

Abstract: A tradesworker's radio has a weather and impact resistant features to enable a tradesworker to use the radio under adverse working conditions, such as construction or other work sites. Louvered grills covering moisture resistant loudspeakers are angled downward to protect the speakers from direct splash in case the radio is left outdoors in a heavy downpour. A layer of felt-like material is interspersed between the louvered grills and the loudspeaker cones to offer improved moisture resistance. A non-telescoping antenna of the rubber covered spring type material folds neatly into recess when not in use. The controls include waterproof pushbuttons for on/off, volume adjustment, a weather channel, AM/FM selection and tuning. Elastomeric blocks are bonded to the interior of the housing and the blocks have bonded threaded studs, which are used to shock mount the radio circuit board to the inside of the housing. This circuit board is treated with a conformal coating to improve its moisture resistance.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the context of a wireless device is disclosed. An emitter (108) transmits an infrared signal to a wireless client (112). Emitter (108) is placed at a known location and has a known coverage area associated therewith. The location and coverage area form a locational context for emitter (108) and a client (112) located within the coverage area. Emitter (108) receives data from a service provider (102). The received data is relevant to the locational context of emitter (108). Emitter (108) transmits the data to client (112) using a diffuse infrared signal (142). Client (112) receives the signal and processes it such that only information of interest to a user of client (112) is displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating a telecommunications call. A plurality of beacons (102) are geographically disposed in a telecommunications system (100). Each beacon (102n) radiates an electromagnetic carrier that is modulated with an identifying address (e.g., a telephone number, an Internet address) for an associated terminal. An identifying signal is stored in a memory (206). A controller (208) modulates a carrier with the identifying signal and a transmission element (210) transmits the carrier to allow a communications terminal (104) to initiate a call to the associated communications terminal (114, 116). A wireless terminal (104a) includes a directional receiver (204). To initiate a call, a user points directional receiver (204) at a beacon. The directional receiver (204) receives the electromagnetic carrier and the wireless terminal recovers the identifying address.

Abstract: A portable device, for example a portable phone (1), has a display comprising a first element (2) and a second element (3). The first element (2) is adapted to display information, and the second element (3) is an electrochromic element, which at least partially covers the first element (2). This has the advantage of allowing the electrochromic window to enhance the design flexibility of the display. In addition, the display enables power consumption to be saved in a portable device having such first and second elements, by switching off the first display element when the device is placed into a standby mode, and switching the electrochromic element into a non-transparent state to indicate that it is in said standby mode. The device may also be used with other portable devices such as a personal organizer or laptop computer.

Abstract: A digital, wireless PC/PCS modem is disclosed for incorporation with personal home computers, laptop units, hand-held computer units, and cellular phones for providing wireless communication via satellite transmission. The invention is a device that combines a personal computer (PC) modem with a satellite link and relay system for computers. This will allow the user to establish a communications link with Internet(TM) access, access to direct dial telephones, faxing on demand, hyperterminal access for remote computer link-up, video, and voice applications. Utilizing existing software and hardware, this invention uses digital satellite technology and combines it with a PC modem for access to various communication links including phone links, without a phone line. In order to accomplish this, the laptop has a type II PCMCIA card slot for receiving the PC modem. An antenna is attached to the plug-in cellular phone card for the modem using a swivel joint assembly.

Abstract: An adaptor for supporting and connecting a portable electronic device, such as a portable phone, computer or other wireless communication device. The adaptor includes a pocket member and an interface module. The portable phone mechanically and electrically connects to the pocket member, and the pocket member mechanically and electrically connects to the interface module. The mechanical and electrical connections between the pocket member and the interface module are common between any interface module and any pocket member. In contrast, the receiving section of the pocket member is varied between different pocket members to accommodate portable electronic devices having different physical constructions. The pocket member attaches to the interface module with a limited, one-dimensional movement of the pocket member relative to the interface module to optimize use of space, particularly in vehicles.

Abstract: A radio communication device includes an antenna for a predetermined frequency band, a radio communication circuit connected to the antenna, and a ground pattern connected to the antenna, a peripheral length of the ground pattern being 0.7 to 1.4 times as great as one wavelength of the predetermined frequency band. With the structure, it is possible to obtain a broader band characteristic without deteriorating the radiation efficiency of the antenna.

Abstract: A structure wherein a hand held computer module can be conveniently and interchangeably coupled to accessory devices. The hand held computer module is detachably connected to a first accessory module by a first interlocking structure. The computer module includes the first interlock mechanism and the first accessory module includes the second interlock mechanism. The first and second interlock mechanisms are mated together to form a physical connection between the computer module and the first accessory module. The first accessory module also includes a third interlock mechanism which is similar to the first interlock mechanism. A second accessory module has a fourth interlock mechanism which is similar to the second interlock mechanism. The first accessory module can be detachably connected to a second accessory module by means of a second interlocking structure which includes the third and fourth interlock mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and means for setting a personal communication station into a selected operational mode, which comprises a pre-selected subset of operational settings within a superset of operational settings. The station is capable of communicating in at least one communication network. The method includes a sequence of steps, which begins with initiating the station (301). A first prompting message is then presented (302) to the user who is then requested to respond to the prompting message. The response (303) is then interpreted (304), whereby a negative response entails setting the station into a stand-by mode (305) and an affirmative response entails presenting a number of prompting messages (306), which requests a user to supply a number of responses (307) which comprise the operational settings in the pre-selected subset of operational settings.

Abstract: A tetherless handset telephone with an earpiece connection port is disclosed. The handset is small in size and has an internal antenna. Thus, the handset can easily be placed within the user's pocket. A belt carrier for use with the handset holds the handset upside-down with the connection port easily accessible. The handset is arranged so that it can be cradled within a base unit and recharged while the handset is face-up.

Abstract: A releasable coupling for a suspension stud on a first face wall, especially of a mobile telephone. The coupling includes an orifice made in the wall and a device for axial retention of the stud, a coupling end of which is accommodated in the orifice in order to perform the coupling. The retention device includes a rod which passes through the orifice and is provided at its free end with a device for bearing axially on the perimeter of the orifice. The retention device can move, along a coupling path, between a coupling position in which the bearing device is applied against the wall and an uncoupled position in which the axial bearing device is disengaged from the wall. A device is furthermore provided for immobilizing the retention device with respect to the wall in its coupling position.

Abstract: A tradesworker's radio has a weather and impact resistant features to enable a tradesworker to use the radio under adverse working conditions, such as construction or other work sites. Louvered grills covering moisture resistant loudspeakers are angled downward to protect the speakers from direct splash in case the radio is left outdoors in a heavy downpour. A layer of felt-like material is interspersed between the louvered grills and the loudspeaker cones to offer improved moisture resistance. A non-telescoping antenna of the rubber covered spring type material folds neatly into recess when not in use. The controls include waterproof pushbuttons for on/off, volume adjustment, a weather channel, AM/FM selection and tuning. Elastomeric blocks are bonded to the interior of the housing and the blocks have bonded threaded studs, which are used to shock mount the radio circuit board to the inside of the housing. This circuit board is treated with a conformal coating to improve its moisture resistance.

Abstract: A telecommunication system incorporates individual station instruments simplified by wireless operation, voice dialing, prepaid and custom-programmed operating characteristics, all enabled by cooperative operation with supporting central equipment. Wireless operation of the central equipment involves a multiple port wireless platform along with other units for interfacing a multitude of mobile station instruments simultaneously for interactive audio communication to: program the operating characteristics as with respect to language, out call, anti-fraud and available data, as well as to regulate, control, monitor and record operations of the instruments, and bridge communication with selected remote terminals through the public switched telephone network. Message capability, rapid dialing, emergency abort to an operator station and security features supplement the basic system.

Abstract: A portable telephone to which additional function units, such as a flip unit and a slide unit, that provide additional functions for the main body of a portable telephone, are easily mounted on the case of a basic unit that includes only the essential units required for speech. One or more of an LCD bezel 40, a flip cover 50, a keypad bezel 60, grips 70, a keypad slide cover 80 and a slide cover 90, which are additional function units, are mounted on a basic unit 20. Therefore, this arrangement can cope with a request from a user who desires to alter a portable telephone he or she purchased to obtain a model he or she favors.

Abstract: A portable communication device includes a speaker enclosure having a speaker and a plurality of telescoping nested shells moveable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The shells have a top and bottom surface and interlocking sidewalls such that when the enclosure is deployed into an expanded configuration the shells form a rigid enclosure with a substantially sealed acoustic space therein. The space tunes an acoustic compliance for the speaker so as to improve broadband frequency response whether the communication device is using a privacy or speakerphone mode of operation.

Abstract: A module for radio frequency signal circuits includes an electrically conductive housing. Coax connectors are secured to the rear face of the housing. A circuit board is contained within the interior spaced between sidewalls of the housing. A ground side of the circuit board includes a layer of electrically conductive material which is electrically connected to the housing. Coax cables extend within the interior of the housing from the coax connectors and between the ground side of the circuit board and an opposing sidewall. An opposite side of the circuit board contains circuit components interconnected with one another through a plurality of circuit paths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a computer peripheral radio receiver joined in the computer peripheral input equipment such as mouse, key board and hand writing board. The radio receiver is composed of a micro controller for associating sound receiving and processing a FM phase-lock loop circuit, an oscillator, a FM integrated circuit, and an input displacement detector. The sound receiving circuit associated with an antenna and cables for transmitting audio and communication signals, is then connected to the computer peripheral input equipment with the cables thereby accomplishing two way communication with the computer at a specified regulation using a soft ware driving program.

Abstract: Disclosed is a speaker having a device capable of generating sound and vibration for notifying reception of an incoming call when a radio incoming signal is received. The speaker comprises a cylindrical frame; magnetic field forming means disposed in the cylindrical frame for forming first and second magnetic flux; a sound generating section for producing electromagnetic force by interaction with the first magnetic flux and thereby generating sound, when a signal having a frequency which is no less than a predetermined frequency, is applied thereto; and vibration generating means for producing electromagnetic force by interaction with the second magnetic flux and thereby generating vibration, when a signal having a frequency which is less than the predetermined frequency, is applied thereto.

Abstract: A device includes: a communication device case 2 having therein a display panel 13 supported by a support frame 12 and a circuit board 15 stacked with a battery 22 and electrically connected to the battery 22; and an antenna 6 housed in the communication device case 2, the antenna having a first conductor portion 23 formed in a ring, a second conductor portion 24 opposed to the first conductor portion 23 at a predetermined interval, and a third conductor portion 25 for electrically connecting the first conductor portion 23 and the second conductor portion 24. And a communication module assembly 3 is formed by disposing a communication device module in the antenna 6, the communication device module including the circuit board and the support frame.

Abstract: The telephone watch includes a crystal (1) including a keyboard (2) formed in particular of a plurality of capacitive sensors (3) disposed under the crystal. This crystal includes a thick zone (4) at its center and a thinned zone (5) at its periphery. The keyboard (2) is deposited under the thinned zone (5).

Abstract: An electrical connector establishes electrical connection between transceiver electronics disposed in a main body of the phone and remote electrical components contained in a movable cover. One or more fixed contacts operatively connected to the transceiver electronics are disposed on the main body of the phone. Movable contacts operatively connected to the remote electrical components are disposed on the cover. The movable contacts on the cover engage the fixed contacts on the main body when the cover is in the open and closed positions. Commutating contacts can be used to maintain a continuous connection as the cover travels between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A mobile phone handset having a housing that includes a front part and a back part, in which the front part and back part housings are joined in an overlapping manner. The mobile phone handset is capable of allowing significant variations on the physical appearance of the handset such as changing the shape of the front face. These variations involve no re-design of the back part and a core of the phone because the housing of the front part overlaps the housing of the back part when being connected.

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.