Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a site-specific activity at a plurality of remote locations, for example, the inspection of geographically remote equipment or the gathering of data for a census. A mobile operator transports a portable tool to a plurality of locations where a site-specific activity is to be conducted. The portable tool includes a location detection device. Processing of data using the portable tool is enabled only when the portable tool is located proximate a designated site, as determined by the location detection device. In various embodiments, the enabled site-specific activity may include data recordation, data transmission, data reception, data processing, and/or the display of a data entry form.

Abstract: Access control according to a policy defined for a plurality of electronic devices comprising a cellular modem and associated with the same user If an end user has two electronic devices, such as a fire alarm or an electricity meter, which both have a cellular modem and are allowed to operate in parallel under the same subscription, the end user can abuse this subscription by lending or selling one of the devices to another person. This abuse can be prevented by the present invention in that the network access is controlled according to a policy defined for the plurality of electronic devices operating under the same subscription. In particular, the policy defines a threshold distance between a primary electronic device and each additional electronic device belonging to said plurality of electronic devices operating under the same subscription which specifies the maximum distance from the primary electronic device which still allows to gain access to the network.

Abstract: A communication terminal capable of obtaining assist data without making a configuration of an information providing device for transmitting the assist data complicated is provided. Processing performed by a communication terminal includes the steps of: storing an obtained identifier in a buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained and a buffer area for a standby base station; obtaining an identifier of a wireless base station from a received signal and storing the identifier in a RAM; storing an identifier of a wireless base station after change in the buffer area for a standby base station; and storing the identifier stored in the buffer area for a standby base station in the buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained when the identifier stored in the buffer area for a standby base station is not stored in the buffer area for a base station for which assist data should be obtained.

Abstract: In a mobile phone (1) that is changeable to a plurality of styles, when connecting a call in response to an originating call or an incoming call by a wireless communication section (14), a central control section (11) controls a style detecting section (24) to detect a current style, and judges whether or not the call should be restricted by referring to an operation mode information storage section (M5). The central control section (11) then restricts the call based on this restriction judgment result and the detection result from the style detecting section (24). Also, the central control section 11 drives a notifying section (20) to give a notification indicating that a call in a certain style is restricted.

Abstract: A radio system has silence periods in which wave transmission from a terminal is stopped and in which a base station measures external noise power. The base station includes a receiver for receiving a signal from the terminal, and a controller that has preset frequency information representing a frequency of diagnosing the receiver to a measurement frequency of external noise power, and diagnoses normality of the receiver by using one silence period out of plural silence periods on the basis of the frequency information while measuring the external noise power by using the other silence periods. When the receiver is diagnosed, the external noise cannot be measured during this silence period, and thus during this silence period the external noise measured during the just preceding silence period is held and applied as external noise under the diagnosis of the receiver.

Abstract: A location-based messaging system and its methods of operation are disclosed, including methods for sending geographic location information for a target address from a computing device to a receiving device that will enable the receiving device to display a map and/or directions from a geographic location of the receiving device to the geographic location of the target address. Methods for processing and distributing location-based data, methods for receiving and responding to location-based data, and methods for virally distributing location-based applications are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a case where a communication control apparatus incorporated by a portable device detects a communication request from an external device and decides whether to perform communications, it is hard to determine, with a high degree of precision, whether the owner of the portable device incorporating the communication control apparatus has an intention to use the portable device in response to the communication request. In order to solve this problem, there are included a distance measuring means for measuring spatial distances from any given objects that have distances of a particular range in a direction of a particular range and that are adjacent to each other; a condition storing means for storing predetermined distance conditions; and a communication means that becomes, based on a result of comparison of the values of the spatial distances with the distance conditions, communicatable in response to the externally received communication request.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling the operability of a transmitter on a mobile communications device by determining if the mobile communications device is located proximate to an operator's seat of a vehicle. A condition parameter of the mobile communications device may be determined. The transmitter on the mobile communications device may be disabled in response to the mobile communications device being located proximate to an operator's seat of a vehicle and further in response to the determined condition parameter. The transmitter on the mobile communications device may be enabled, in response to determining that the mobile communications device is not located in a restricted location.

Abstract: In a method for estimating the position of a subscriber station of a radio communication system, a receiver station receives reports from the subscriber station, said reports containing information relating to the signal strength of a receiving signal of at least one transmitting station in the locality of the subscriber station. The reports are stored in a memory of a network device of the radio communication system and a position determining unit takes into account at least two reports stored prior to the request for position estimation, in order to estimate the position of the subscriber station.

Abstract: A system and method for observing a personal networking event which shares the position of a number of friendly participants with other participants within a group. In one form, the position of unknown participants meeting certain criteria is also displayed to a user or one or more friendly participants. The views are selectable by friendly participants on, for example, a GPS equipped cell phone, to include a view from the participant's position, zoom, pan, and tilt views, or views from another friendly location or from another geographic location, giving increased situational awareness and identification of participants. Other information can be shared among friendly participants, including social information, status and directions.

Abstract: An extracting unit detects movement from a first area to a second area, the first area and the second area defined as areas having different priorities. When the extracting unit detects the movement, this changes a communication process defined in the first area to the communication process defined in the second area. A notifying unit notifies that the area changed when the movement is detected. Herein, the priority of the first area and the priority of the second area are defined according to importance of a signal, which should be broadcasted from a processing unit.

Abstract: A mobile communication device and method for reducing exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy during outgoing and incoming transmissions. During outgoing transmissions, media is stored in a local storage element on the mobile communication device as the media is being created. When the device is positioned a safe distance away from the user, the media is transmitted out of storage over the network to the recipient. Alternatively for incoming transmissions, media is stored on the network as it is created. While the wireless communication device is a safe distance away from the user, the media stored on the network is transmitted to the mobile communication device, where it is locally stored. The user of the mobile communication device can then review the incoming media at an arbitrary later time out of storage. As a result, the exposure of the user of the mobile communication device to RF energy for both outgoing and incoming transmissions is either substantially reduced or eliminated altogether.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for EV-DO femtocells to use proximity to prioritize service to access terminals. In an embodiment, a femtocell assigns a first range of MAC IDs to a first group of access terminals, where the first group is those access terminals that are less than a threshold distance from the femtocell. The femtocell assigns a second range of MAC IDs to a second group of access terminals, where the second group is those access terminals that are more than the threshold distance from the femtocell. The femtocell repeatedly transmits (1) a first reverse activity bit (RAB) to the first group and (2) a second RAB to the second group, and measures reverse noise rise (RNR) on a femtocell carrier. If the measured RNR is greater than the threshold, the femtocell responsively (1) clears the first RAB and (2) sets the second RAB.

Abstract: The communication device comprising a voice communication implementer, an attached file email implementer, a geographic location implementer, a dictionary implementer, a schedule notification implementer, a multiple visual data display implementer, a touch panel implementer, a communication device search implementer, a resume enabled video game implementer, and an eticket download implementer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method, system and device for determining information about a location of the mobile device. The mobile device is configured to contact a private response call center (PRCC), e.g., by pressing or selecting one or more buttons or a softmenu. A PRCC operator can identify a potential emergency situation and, upon such an identification, initiate a conference call between a PRCC operator, a user of the mobile device, and a public safety answering point (PSAP) operator. The mobile device may transmit location information previously determined before PRCC call and be commanded to gather new location information during the call. The mobile device may also, while on a call with the PRCC, determine and transmit to the PRCC location information.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed for enabling, disabling or restoring cellPhone operations when these cellPhones are in certain zones. A zone is comprised of cuboids (boxes). Entering or exiting such a zone can disable, enable or restore certain cellPhone operations. A first Global Position Satellite-based system determines if a cellPhone is entering a certain geographical zone. For instance, when it enters, dialing can be disabled. A second GPSS-like system using an ultrasonic signal determines if the cellPhone is in a zone in a moving vehicle. Such a zone might be the space around the driver. A third system uses table-lookup in a system like the second system to determine if the cellPhone is in the zone that the driver is in. In mobile vehicles, the two last-mentioned systems can prevent drivers from texting when the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: I have invented a communication system illustratively comprising: a wireless communication device; a network for controlling wireless communication over said network, said network tracking a location of said wireless communication device based on location data pertaining to said wireless communication device, said network comprising a no communication zone register including a database of predetermined zones in which predetermined communication by, to, or by and to said wireless communication device is to be disabled; wherein when said wireless communication device is in one of said predetermined zones in which communication by, to, or by and to wireless communication device is not permitted, said network disables said predetermined communication by, to, or by and to said wireless communication device.

Abstract: Improper acquisition of position information is prevented in a system in which points are added according to a movement distance of a user owning a cellular phone terminal. Position information of a cellular phone and the time information corresponding thereto are acquired on the basis of GPS or base station information. The movement distance and movement speed are calculated for each predetermined time interval, and whether or not the movement is within a range allowed for the corresponding transportation mode is determined on the basis of these position information and movement speed with reference to the mobile body database where timetables or the like have been recorded. The acquisition of the position information is determined to be improper when the movement is not in the range allowed for any of the transportation modes.

Abstract: Implementation of mobile device communications (MCD) management is provided. A method includes intercepting an input command received on an MCD, the command intercepted in response to detecting a presence of a fixed communications device (FCD), which is embedded in a vehicle within range of the MCD. The method also includes acquiring biometric data from a user of the MCD. The method includes determining an activity status of the vehicle. If the activity status reflects the vehicle is active, the method includes acquiring biometric data for an operator of the vehicle via a biometric scanner of the vehicle and comparing the biometric data from the vehicle with the biometric data for the user of the MCD. If the biometric data from the vehicle matches the biometric data from the MCD, the method includes retrieving an account record for the user and implementing an action specified in the account record. If the activity status reflects the vehicle is inactive, the method includes executing the command.

Abstract: Embodiments are provided for automatically setting an alert mode on a wireless device. Scheduling data is received which defines a predetermined period utilized to set the alert mode. The scheduling data may be received either by direct input in the wireless device or alternatively from an external edge device, such as a network server, in a communications network. In response to receiving the scheduling data, an alert mode on the wireless device is automatically set for the predetermined period. The alert mode may include a silent alert mode on the wireless device. The wireless device may include a sensor for receiving data indicative of a current external state. The sensor data may include location data, temperature data, and ambient noise data. The received sensor data may be utilized to automatically trigger the setting of an alert mode in the wireless device.

Abstract: An apparatus may comprise a location-aware application, a first location detector, and a data storage device. The storage device may contain service-access-point (SAP) data that identifies a first SAP through which the apparatus may access a second location detector. The first detector may obtain data from the second detector via the first SAP and use the obtained data to determine a location of the apparatus. This determined location may be provided to the location-aware application. The data storage may include program instructions for modifying the SAP data such that the SAP data identifies a second SAP through which the apparatus may access a third location detector. The first detector may obtain data from the third detector via the second SAP and then use the obtained data to determine a location of the apparatus. This determined location may be provided to another location-aware application that is executable at the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for changing one or more functional or operational aspects of a wireless device, such as upon the occurrence of a certain event. In one embodiment, the event comprises detecting that the wireless device is within range of one or more other devices. In another variant, the event comprises the wireless device associating with a certain access point. In this manner, various aspects of device functionality may be enabled or restricted (device “policies”). This policy enforcement capability is useful for a variety of reasons, including for example to disable noise and/or light emanating from wireless devices (such as at a movie theater), for preventing wireless devices from communicating with other wireless devices (such as in academic settings), and for forcing certain electronic devices to enter “sleep mode” when entering a sensitive area.

Abstract: Context-based limitation of mobile device operation. An embodiment of a method includes receiving a request for a function of a mobile device. The method further includes obtaining data regarding a context of the mobile device, and determining a current context for the mobile device based on the obtained data. The method includes determining whether the function of the mobile device should be limited at least in part the current context of the mobile device; and responding to the request for the function based on the determination regarding the limitation of the function.

Abstract: A system and method are described. A communication interface receives a request that identifies a service and a first communication device. A location system determines a location of the first communication device and a location of a second communication device. A processing system processes the location of the first communication device and the location of the second communication device to determine if the first communication device is in the vicinity of the second communication device. In response to determining that the first communication device is in the vicinity of the second communication device, the processing system transfers a notification indicating that the first communication device is in the vicinity of the second communication device.

Abstract: A method (200) and an apparatus (106) for a communication device for conveying information contained in an emergency broadcast message to an external device (110) are provided. The communication device (106) monitors (204) incoming broadcast messages in at least one of a broadcast mode and a multicast mode of a Multimedia Broadcast and Multimedia Service, and determines (206) whether the incoming broadcast messages include the emergency broadcast message. If the emergency broadcast message is included, then the communication device (106) receives (208) the emergency broadcast message, transmits (210) an acknowledgment of receiving the emergency broadcast message, and transmits (212) the information (108) contained in the emergency broadcast message to the external device (110).

Abstract: A method and system that limits the use of a communication device present in an area controlled by an intelligent controller. The intelligent controller detects any present communication devices in the area and conducts an inventory providing information about each detected device. The intelligent controller compares that information to a standard of use data, which specifies the conditions need to be present for allowing the usage of a communication device. If such conditions are not met, the intelligent controller sends commands to the communication device to restrict its functionality. Else if, the intelligent controller is incapable of restricting the communication device, it can notify authorities of unauthorized usage of a communication device in the restricted area.

Abstract: A system and method of determining the location of a mobile station by determining the time of transmission of a signal by a mobile station and determining range rings at a plurality of reference stations receiving the transmitted signal, where the range rings represent the distance of the mobile station from the plurality of reference stations.

Abstract: In a wireless device that includes two different radio transceivers that communicate in two different wireless networks, wireless transmissions from one radio in the first network may be timed so that they do not coincide with wireless receptions by the other radio in the second network. A non-wireless interface between the two radios may be used to convey information about the scheduled reception times so that the transmission will not be scheduled during those reception times. This may be particularly useful when the receiving radio is operating in a centralized and highly scheduled network, while the transmitting radio is operating in a more decentralized network.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that utilize a set of heuristics to more intelligently determine when to utilize an audible tone associated with a notification profile or other mechanism used to alert a user of events such as an incoming instant message. The heuristics employed consider the layering of the message screens for the corresponding conversations, in combination with one or more device usage indicators such as the status of the backlight, the idle timer, and the orientation of the mobile device 10A itself as indicated by the orientation sensor.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium to provide alternative communications during jamming in a presence system, that comprises, registering a mobile device as a presentity to a presence server in the presence system, detecting a communication jamming of the mobile device, providing information related to the detected communication jamming as a state information to the presence server, and upon attempting to communicate with the mobile device while being jammed, providing the state information and offering an alternative communication suggestion.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for positioning a transponder, the system comprising an antenna array of at least two spaced-apart antennas coupled to a common generating and switching unit. The generating and switching unit is configured for generating a periodic signal and switching the signal between said at least two antennas, constituting a positioning signal transmitted to the transponder. The system comprises a receiver for receiving a returned signal and a phase difference estimator coupled to the receiver and operable to measure phase differences between portions of the returned signal. The system further comprises a positioning utility coupled to said phase difference estimator and configured to determine the position of the transponder relative to the positioning system.

Abstract: Context-based limitation of mobile device operation. An embodiment of a method includes receiving a request for a function of a mobile device. The method further includes obtaining data regarding a context of the mobile device, and determining a current context for the mobile device based on the obtained data. The method includes determining whether the function of the mobile device should be limited at least in part the current context of the mobile device; and responding to the request for the function based on the determination regarding the limitation of the function.

Abstract: Sensor nodes (or addresses therefore), acting as real-time message decoys, are distributed across a real-time communications network to attract unsolicited real-time messages. Filtering rules are derived from the message characteristics (such as the source address) and messaging content of the traffic encountered at the sensor nodes. The filtering rules are distributed to filtering agents positioned in the communications network in such a way that they can filter traffic for legitimate users. The filtering agents may identify and control the disposition of real-time messaging traffic that is part of a mass communication campaign on behalf of legitimate users of the real-time messaging communication system. Disposition may include suppressing, diverting, or labeling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing location information of a user terminal is provided, which makes it possible to mark the location of a user terminal using geographical information stored in a broadcast receiver.

Abstract: Method for avoiding unauthorized images of a proprietor's information from being transmitted outside the proprietor's control. A photographic image captured with a camera incorporated upon the wireless handheld communication device is wirelessly transmitted to a proprietor's server. The image is stored on the server after capture and transmission, preferably while the device is still in the photography-restricted geographical area that is under the control of the proprietor of the server. Once at the server, the photographic image is analyzed to determine whether or not the image is authorized for dissemination outside the proprietor's control. Local storage of the photographic image can be prevented on the device which assures that the transmission and storage of the photographic image on the proprietor's server is exclusive.

Abstract: An electronic communication system provides text or voice messages to remote receiving devices, such as cell phones or PDA's. The remote receiving devices are equipped with velocity sensors, or position sensors from which velocity may be inferred. The remote receiving devices periodically report a velocity or current position to an alert signal control node of the communication system. The alert signal control node determines a most recent-determinable velocity for each receiving device before transmitting a message alert signal. If the velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the alert signal may be delayed until the velocity drops below the threshold. The system may be operated as a safety measure to prevent reception of distracting alert signals while driving, thereby silencing messaging devices at appropriate times.

Abstract: A method is implemented by a mobile device associated with a short-range wireless network in a vehicle. The method includes identifying a paired device within the short-range wireless network, the paired device having access to a vehicle information system, and receiving, from the paired device, vehicle status information from the vehicle information system. The mobile device determines if the vehicle status information triggers a safety mode for the mobile device and disables particular features or components of the mobile device based on the determination.

Abstract: An electronic device providing ringtone control and method include an infrared sensor. When the electronic device receives an incoming call, the electronic device turns on the infrared sensor if the incoming call has not been answered within a first time period. If one or more human bodies are detected by the sensor, the electronic device turns off the ringtone of the electronic device when the incoming call has not been answered within a second time period.

Abstract: A system for selectively restricting or enabling the use of a cellular telephone module in a zone is described, comprising: a control signal transmitter for generating a control signal at an entrance to the zone or alternatively generating control signals throughout the zone; the cellular telephone including a module; a receiver module within the cellular telephone responsive to the control signal for generating a module enable/restrict upon receipt of the control signal; and a switch within the cellular telephone responsive to the module enable/restrict for selectively enabling or inhibiting the operation of the module for a predetermined period of time after receipt of the control signal. Additionally, this system's cellular telephone can dial a telephone, send a message to it, receive a text message from it, and send digits to it, to handle emergencies or conduct business. Finally, the system can remind owners to recharge their cellular telephone batteries.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a system having Doppler-based control of a mobile device. In one embodiment, at least one measured Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Doppler frequency shift measurement corresponding to a GNSS signal measured at a mobile electronic device is received. The speed of the remote device is then determined based at least in part upon the GNSS Doppler frequency shift measurement. An operation of the remote device is then controlled from the base station when the speed of the remote device exceeds a speed threshold.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for protecting privacy when a mobile device is located in a defined privacy zone are described herein. The available features that a user of a mobile device may use are controlled while the mobile device is located in a define privacy zone. Once a mobile device is detected in the define privacy zone, a database is accessed to determine if the mobile device has the features available that are to be disabled. If the features are available, a disable signal is sent via the communications network to the mobile device and the feature is disabled. Once the mobile device is detected to be outside of the defined privacy zone, the previously disabled mobile device feature is enabled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Assisted Global Positioning System (AGPS) high accuracy positioning in unknown cell areas. By using an approach of three alternative steps a reference position, needed for AGPS positioning, is determined. The first step involves using the location of any neighboring cell. The second involves using the location of a cell within the same Location Area as the cell serving the portable communication device to position. The third step comprises determining a fixed point within the same geographical area as the Serving Mobile Location Center (SMLC) is serving, and using this fixed point as a reference location. Using the three-step approach the AGPS positioning can be optimized, providing a possibility to position, for instance a mobile phone, by AGPS even though the location of the cell serving the phone is unknown to the positioning node operating the serving cell.

Abstract: Method for deactivating at least one mobile station in a radio communication system, particularly in a picocell on board an aircraft in a GSM mobile radio network, where the radio communication system has a first network element, which forms a transmission/reception device for each mobile station in the radio cell, a second network element which is set up to control the first network element, and a device which is connected between the first network element and the second network element, wherein the device carries out the following steps: detection of a piece of identification information, directed at the at least one mobile station, which is transmitted from the second network element to the first network element, use of this identification information to deactivate the at least one mobile station when a deactivation signal is supplied to the device.

Abstract: The communication device comprising a voice communication implementer, an attached file email implementer, a geographic location implementer, a dictionary implementer, a schedule notification implementer, a multiple visual data display implementer, a touch panel implementer, a communication device search implementer, a resume enabled video game implementer, and an oncoming destination name notification implementer.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing enhanced power savings in mobile computing devices are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may include a motion sensor to detect when the device is in motion. The mobile computing device may include a radio processor that may select from among several signal search procedures based on whether the device is in motion, and whether a signal is detectable and adequate. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: In a communication system environment, access points which transmit/receive information by wireless communication, a mobile terminal which moves in a utilization environment and transmits/receives information by wireless communication, and a wireless tag of a weak radio wave which transmits/receives information by wireless communication of weak transmission power smaller than the transmission power of the access points and the mobile terminal are disposed. The mobile terminal transmits a special CTS frame including a MAC address, which cannot exist in the utilization environment, and transmission planned time upon communication with the wireless tag. The access points which have received the special CTS frame prohibit transmission operation for the transmission planned time in the frame, and, during that period, the wireless tag transmits position information or the like to the mobile terminal without being interrupted.

Abstract: A method for controlling a maximum signal level output to headphones of a wireless device is provided. The method includes: determining an impedance of the headphones; determining a carrier specific maximum signal level for headphones having the impedance; and, adjusting an audio amplifier of the wireless device coupled to the headphones to restrict the maximum signal level output to the headphones to the carrier specific maximum signal level.

Abstract: Providing a map and/or directions to a visitor to a facility may include and/or involve a wireless communication device signaling its presence at a location in a facility, and communicating to the wireless communication device a map of the facility indicating the location. This may include and/or involve communicating to the wireless device directions to and/or from the location to a destination within the facility.

Abstract: A mobile communication device, such as a cellular phone, for example, is capable of functioning in a transmitter disabling mode and is set to the transmitter disabling mode in automatic response to a power-on operation and then automatically changed to a transmitter enabling mode provided that a predetermined condition is confirmed. The communication device is instantly set to the transmitter disabling mode in automatic response to the initiation of use of an earphone or camera function and kept in the transmitter disabling mode even if the earphone or camera function enters an out of use condition. Surrounding people are informed of the transmitter disabling mode without fail by a standardized appearance of the earphone or a standardized blinking of a flash unit of the camera function.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of wireless terminals connected to a wireless LAN base station notifies the base station of an address for receiving data by one-to-many communication from the base station when said wireless terminal executes a program using the one-to-many communication in the wireless LAN. The base station records by relating the address notified from the wireless terminal with an address of the wireless terminal for one-to-one communication. When the base station receives one-to-many communication data to be sent out the wireless LAN, the base station converts an address of destination of the one-to-many communication data into the one-to-one communication address corresponding to said destination and transmits the data whose destination address has been converted into the one-to-one communication address.