Abstract: A controller acquires first phonebook data from a portable Bluetooth phone via a Bluetooth interface portion, and stores the first phonebook data in a storage portion. A use flag is attached to the first phonebook data of the portable Bluetooth phone stored in the storage portion. When the use flag is set to “1,” the controller stores a copy of the first phonebook data of the portable Bluetooth phone in the storage portion as second phonebook data for an in-vehicle phone. When the in-vehicle phone is selected, as a used phone, the second phonebook data for the in-vehicle phone stored in the storage portion is available.

Abstract: Various methods for generating and utilizing communications shortcuts are provided. One example method includes associating a contact information detail to an unassigned shortcut for implementing one of at least one communications method associated with the contact information detail, and configuring the unassigned shortcut to initiate a communication session with a party associated with the contact information detail in response to a selection of the unassigned shortcut. Similar and related example methods and example apparatuses are also provided.

Abstract: A digital photo frame, including a memory for storing a plurality of digital photos, and tags associated with the digital photos, where a tag for a digital photo corresponds to an object appearing in the digital photo, a screen for displaying the digital photos, an interface for making connection with a communicator, wherein the communicator includes a storage for storing a contact list of phone numbers for objects, and a controller, coupled with the memory and the interface, for rendering one of the plurality of digital photos on the screen, and for instructing the communicator via the interface (i) to identify the phone number of a selected object, and (ii) to dial the identified phone number, in response to user activation of a tag associated with the rendered digital photo and corresponding to the selected object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling the distribution of digital content are provided. A license holder acquires protected content and an original digital license to the protected content from a content provider system. The license holder in turn delegates all or part of the grants in that original license to other qualified devices or clients. The content remains in its original, protected or encrypted form while it is delivered from the license holder to the client along with a digital sublicense that the client receives from the original license holder, whereupon the content can then be rendered. The original digital license defines or governs the conditions under which such delegation occurs, and includes terms under which such delegation is permitted to continue in order to enforce the intent of the content provider.

Abstract: A method of activating a device involves establishing communication between the device and another device and receiving, at the other device, a message including activation information from a third party facility. The activation information includes a header and a mobile dialing number. The method further includes using the header to identify the message as an activation message for the device and, via the device, retrieving the identified message from the other device. The mobile dialing number is stored in a memory associated with the device, where the mobile dialing number enables the third party facility to initiate communication with the device.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for implementing a dual-mode keypad for a mobile device. The keypad may operate in a telephony mode and a text-entry mode. The keypad may include a plurality of dual-mode keys that each include an associated telephony character and at least one associated text-entry character. The dual-mode keys may include one or more toggle keys, with each toggle key having a plurality of associated text-entry characters and one associated telephony character. The dual-mode keys may be partially covered by the keypad surface so that a plurality of key surfaces extend from the key and protrude through the keypad surface. In text-entry mode, the dual-mode keys are operable to input text-entry characters. In telephony mode, the dual-mode keys are operable to input telephony characters.

Abstract: A cellular mobile telephone apparatus has circuits for generating messages, a storage circuit for storing messages, and transmitter/receiver circuit for transmitting a message. When the user of the cellular mobile telephone apparatus cannot immediately respond to an incoming call, a desired one of a plurality of previously generated and stored messages can be transmitted to a calling party through simple key manipulations or by other means.

Abstract: A cellular mobile telephone apparatus has circuits for generating messages, a storage circuit for storing messages, and transmitter/receiver circuit for transmitting a message. When the user of the cellular mobile telephone apparatus cannot immediately respond to an incoming call, a desired one of a plurality of previously generated and stored messages can be transmitted to a calling party through simple key manipulations or by other means.

Abstract: A wireless communication device is configured to respond to a call initiation instruction from a user with a two dimensional array of pictures or diagrams that each represent a potential call destination. The user can scroll (left, right, up, down) to select the image representing the desired call destination and upon selection from the user the wireless communication device places a call (voice or data) to the selected call destination or allows editing of the corresponding contact record. The pictures or diagrams presented to the user may be from a dynamic (e.g., most frequent contacts) or persistent (e.g., My favorites) predetermined list.

Abstract: A method of performing expedited communication functions on a mobile device includes monitoring the duration-of key press on a keyboard of the mobile device and determining if the monitored duration of the key press is greater than a threshold duration. If the monitored duration of the key press is determined to be less than a threshold duration, then a primary key function associated with the pressed key is activated. If the monitored duration of the key press is determined to be greater than a threshold duration, then an expedited communication function associated with the pressed key is activated.

Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of a mobile terminal having a display screen, and which includes displaying a plurality of avatar images on the display screen, wherein at least a first avatar image represents a first party registered in a phone book of the mobile phone; detecting, via a controller of the mobile terminal, an occurrence of the communication event associated with the first avatar image, the first avatar image having a first shape indicating a first action; and changing the first shape of the first avatar image into a second shape indicating a second action of the first avatar image to inform a user of the mobile terminal about the detected occurrence of the communication event.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including an output device configured to output information, a camera configured to captures an image of a wine label on a wine bottle; and a controller configured to extract wine identification information from a memory that corresponds to information included in the captured image of the wine label, and to output at least a portion of the extracted wine information on the output device.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal including a wireless communication unit configured to receive a call; a touch screen display configured to display indication information that the call is being received and to display a first soft touch item and a second soft touch item on the touch screen display when the call is being received; and a control unit configured to connect the call being received if the first soft touch item is selected, and to control the touch screen display to continue to display the indication information indicating that the call is being received if the second soft touch item is selected.

Abstract: A handheld mobile phone includes at least two buttons, a logic circuit, and a processing unit, wherein each button is used for performing at least one specific function. The logic circuit is coupled to the at least two buttons for generating a corresponding specific signal when one of the at least two buttons is pressed alone, and for generating at least a control signal when all of the at least two buttons are pressed. The processing unit executes the specific function of the pressed button according to the corresponding specific signal. When all of the at least two buttons are pressed, the processing unit controls the handheld mobile phone to enter a reset state from an operating state according to at least the control signal.

Abstract: A mobile communication device with an ergonomic feature comprises a housing, a display unit, a first key module, and a second key module. The display unit is arranged on a lower part of one face of the housing, and the first key module is arranged on the housing on the same face as the display unit to locate closely above the display unit. The first key module comprises a plurality of upside keys which are arrayed into a laterally symmetric hexagonal configuration. The second key module comprises a plurality of lateral keys located on one of two opposite lateral surfaces of the housing. The keys of the two key modules are so arranged on the housing that either a right-handed or a left-handed user can conveniently operate the keys not only with a thumb but also the other four fingers while holding the device with one single hand.

Abstract: Systems, products, and methods are disclosed for facilitating a method of receiving data from a keypad of the mobile communications device. One embodiment of the method includes receiving input by way of a given key of the keypad and then dynamically configuring that given key to be a “5” key. In this way, input received by way of this given key will be received as the Arabic numeral “5” regardless of a prior configuration associated with that key. A final illustrative step includes dynamically mapping numerical values to the eight surrounding keys that surround the newly configured “5” key.

Abstract: Aspects relate to authorizing mobile devices for PBX-based voice services. A mobile device calls a PBX over a voice channel, and phone number identifier information is obtained and matched to identifier information for devices that known (authorizeable) to use the PBX. If there is one incoming call that matches to a given device, and an authentication token provided over a data channel matches an authentication token associated with that device, then the device is authorized for voice services. Where there are multiple matching calls, those devices are instructed to provide authentication tokens over their voice channels. The devices can detect absence of a data channel and provide authentication tokens over the voice channels; the devices also can wait to receive a call connected response and in the absence of such provide their authentication tokens over the voice channel. Tokens can be requested and downloaded for storage at the devices.

Abstract: Phones comprising a touch panel and a controller. The controller is operable to control the touch panel to stop showing a first user interface to show a second user interface when receiving an interrupt signal that is occurred when a dialing icon of the first user interface had been tapped.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal includes a receiver converting an audio signal outputted from the mobile communication terminal into an audible sound; a coupler dividing the audio signal outputted from the receiver into first and second audio signals which are different in phase from each other; an audio signal amplifier amplifying the second audio signal outputted from the coupler according to a predetermined amplification gain; a receiver port to which the receiver is detachably connected and which includes a first output port transmitting the first audio signal outputted from the coupler to the receiver and a second output port transmitting the second audio signal amplified by the audio signal amplifier to the receiver; and a controller controlling the mobile communication terminal and the amplification gain of the audio signal amplifier.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to improved message addressing techniques. In one embodiment, a computing device may comprise a messaging client arranged to receive an input sequence of alphabetic or alphanumeric characters as a destination of an outbound message. The messaging client may recognize that the input sequence represents a mnemonic short code and may automatically generate a common short code comprising a sequence of numeric digits associated with the mnemonic short code. The messaging client may display both the input sequence comprising the mnemonic short code and the common short code and enable the outbound message to be sent using the common short code as the destination. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: Call initiation on a device with potential for a large number of stored telephone numbers is simplified through the use of an integrated field for entry of an ambiguous filter string. As it is not clear, a priori, whether the user is manually specifying, in the integrated field, a telephone number or providing a filter string for filtering contacts, filtering is performed based on at least one filter string. Among the contacts that are part of a filtering result list, a default contact is selected for quick access.

Abstract: A method of performing expedited communication functions on a mobile device includes monitoring the duration-of key press on a keyboard of the mobile device and determining if the monitored duration of the key press is greater than a threshold duration. If the monitored duration of the key press is determined to be less than a threshold duration, then a primary key function associated with the pressed key is activated. If the monitored duration of the key press is determined to be greater than a threshold duration, then an expedited communication function associated with the pressed key is activated.

Abstract: A communication terminal having one or more one-touch-dial buttons simplifies operations needed for registration of destination data such as phone numbers or mail addresses. A communication terminal (e.g., a cellular phone) having one or more one-touch-dial buttons includes a destination-data registration unit (e.g., a phone-directory database) that allows destination data such as phone numbers or mail addresses to be registered therein, a one-touch-dial registration unit that allows destination data to be registered therein so as to be associated with the one or more one-touch-dial buttons, and a control unit that, in response to an operation of the one or more one-touch-dial buttons, determines whether destination data has been registered in the one-touch-dial registration unit or the destination-data registration unit, and that outputs a result of the determination and a query message regarding registration of the destination data.

Abstract: A method for communicating data between devices, comprising the steps of: receiving data at a first user device; the first user device automatically selecting, in dependence on the nature of an activity being made available to a user by the first user device, a way of integrating the data with a functionality of the first user device; and integrating the transmitted data with the functionality in the selected way.

Abstract: A method for setting a voice tag is provided, which comprises the following steps. First, counting a number of phone calls performed between a user and a contact person. If the number of phone calls exceeds a predetermined times or the user fails to perform a voice dialing before calling to the contact person within a predetermined duration, the user is inquired whether or not to set a voice tag corresponding to the contact person after the phone call is complete. If the user decides to set the voice tag, a voice training procedure is executed for setting the voice tag corresponding to the contact person.

Abstract: A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a system for transmitting mobile IP packets without loss. The method includes the steps of storing, by an old radio access station, packets that are not transmitted to a mobile terminal when a handover indication message is received, and creating, by the old radio access station, a tunnel to a new radio access station, and transmitting the stored packets to the new radio access station via the tunnel when a link-layer handover procedure is completed. Thus, upon the handover of the mobile terminal, IP packets directed to the old access control router and the old radio access station are stored in the buffer and then transmitted via the tunnel after the handover, thereby preventing loss of packets during the handover. Thus, yield cannot be degraded upon the handover and seamless network connection service can be provided.

Abstract: A telephone is described that allows any arbitrary combination of key strokes, including numerical keys, extension keys, as well as function keys such as TRANSFER, CONFERENCE, etc., to be programmed such that the entire sequence of key strokes can be recalled with the touch of a single button. The phone can be programmed directly by operation of the telephone user interface on the phone (i.e., the keys, phone display, and speaker prompting the user) and a program button dedicated to the feature of programming a separate programmable button to map to the specified key sequence. The feature can be implemented in advanced telephones capable of voice over Internet Protocol networks, and supporting the Session Initiation Protocol. In these more advanced phones, the programming can be done by a system administrator or by the user of the phone via a computer with internet access.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and communication device for initiating voice calls. Number strings are identified in displayed text. Number strings are displayed in different formats depending on whether the number strings meet predetermined criteria. A list of user selectable functions is displayed when predetermined user input is detected. The list of user selectable functions includes a voice call function for initiating a voice call to a selected number string. A voice call to the selected number string can be initiated when the voice call function is selected.

Abstract: A picture captured via an optical input of a mobile device is received. A selection of an area of the picture via the touch screen input on the mobile device is received. An item in the selected area of the picture is identified. The picture is tagged with an identification of the item. An offer related to the identified item is generated.

Abstract: A call is processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call and allowing the call to complete in a jurisdiction associated with a national nature of address indicator if the nature of address indicator is international. A call is also processed by examining a nature of address indicator in a signaling message associated with the call. A number of digits associated with a calling party number in the signaling message is determined and the call is allowed to complete if the nature of address indicator is national and the number of digits associated with the calling party number exceeds ten.

Abstract: A device and method include detecting signal strength received at a mobile cellular communication device. A dropped call is detected between the device and another device as a function of detected signal strength. The dropped call is reconnected when detected signal strength reaches a selected first threshold.

Abstract: Face images are extracted from still image content and linked to communication address information. When a person is selected from the still image content the communication address information is acquired, and a communication section is controlled to prompt a telephone call or e-mail according to the communication address information. In the still image content, the image of the person determined to be linked to the communication address information is displayed in a display mode that is different from a display mode for a person not linked to communication address information.

Abstract: A communication terminal, computer program product and method thereof by which an image set for a phone number can be provided using a plurality of partial images in inputting a phone number to which a call signal will be transmitted. Also, a display for displaying information, a user input unit for inputting a plurality of digits configuring a phone number, and a controller for controlling the display to complete an image including at least one or more partial images by sequentially displaying the at least one or more partial images, when a plurality of the digits are inputted via the user input unit.

Abstract: A method of activating a device involves establishing communication between the device and another device and receiving, at the other device, a message including activation information from a third party facility. The activation information includes a header and a mobile dialing number. The method further includes using the header to identify the message as an activation message for the device and, via the device, retrieving the identified message from the other device. The mobile dialing number is stored in a memory associated with the device, where the mobile dialing number enables the third party facility to initiate communication with the device.

Abstract: A mobile terminal having a display including a touch screen, and a control unit configured to display on the touch screen a plurality of key buttons, and when a first key button of the plurality of key buttons is touched, to display at least one item that is relevant to the first touched key button in an area of the touch screen defined by the key buttons.

Abstract: A method and device exchanging contact information on an electronic device. Contact information is obtained from a contact by scanning a barcode using an electronic device and decoding the barcode to recover the contact information encoded therein. The contact information may be used to reciprocate by sending user contact data in a message addressed to an electronic address obtained from the contact information. The user contact data may be encoded in a second barcode displayed on the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and mobile device for initiating telephone calls through a wireless communication network are provided. Number strings are identified in text displayed on a visual display of the mobile device. Number strings may be hyperlinked when the strings meet predetermined criteria. The mobile device monitors for a predetermined user input and upon detecting the predetermined user input causes a list of user selectable functions to be displayed on the visual display. The list of user selectable functions includes a telephone call function for initiating a telephone call to a selected number string. A telephone call to the selected number string can be initiated through the wireless communications network when the telephone call function is selected.

Abstract: Apparatus (58), and an associated method, for facilitating delivery of network-specific dialing codes to a mobile node (12). When a mobile node (12) is registered to a network part (18) of the network infrastructure of a radio communication system (10), a request (62) is generated by the mobile node (12), requesting download thereto of the dialing codes used in the network part (18) to call service centers (42) associated therewith. The requested dialing codes are downloaded to the mobile node (12). And, the downloaded dialing codes are indexed (68) together with the dialing codes normally used by the mobile node (12) to call the corresponding service centers (42). Subsequently, when a call is placed to a service center, the dialing codes are transposed (74), if necessary, to permit the call to a designated service center (42) to be completed.

Abstract: An interface protocol for the functional manipulation of complex devices such as consumer electronic devices without the necessity of the visual feedback via textual or graphic data, wherein the sensor functions change with time rather than placement, so that a user action biases a binary state switch, which is correlated to a timed audible audio data stream, the correlation indicating the desired action selected by the user.

Abstract: A display screen comprises a receiving module, a control module electronically connected to the receiving module, a backlight drive module, and a backlight module. The receiving module is configured for receiving incoming calls and transmitting the incoming calls to the control module. The control module is configured for converting incoming calls to control signals and transmitting the control signals to the backlight drive module. The backlight module has different operation modes according to the incoming calls. One end of the backlight drive module is electronically connected to the control module, the other end of the backlight drive module is electronically connected to the backlight module. The backlight drive module is configured for driving the backlight module. A method of shining the display screen is also provided.

Abstract: A mobile device and corresponding service provider are configured to provide a user of the mobile device with access to one or more instant messaging help entities, from the mobile device. The one or more instant messaging help entities may be associated with the corresponding service provider or with a service that is external to the corresponding service provider. In some cases, some of the one or more instant messaging help entities may be embedded as part of the mobile device or service, so that access to the one or more help entities may not be permanently terminated by the user. In some cases, the user may control access to some of the one or more instant messaging help entities, such as by adding or removing the access to the instant messaging help entities from a list of instant messaging entities.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and method for transferring call charges between mobile terminals are disclosed. To transfer call-related charges between mobile terminals, the mobile terminal and call charge transfer method place a call by a calling mobile terminal to a called mobile terminal to establish a call connection for conversation, transmit a call transfer request by the calling mobile terminal to impose call-related charges on the called mobile terminal, and perform, if the called mobile terminal accepts the call transfer request, a call transfer operation to impose the call-related charges on the called mobile terminal, and maintain, if the called mobile terminal rejects the call transfer request, the call to impose the call-related charges on the calling mobile terminal. As a result, during a call between mobile terminals, the called user can accept a call transfer request of the calling user to transfer call-related charges to the called party, thereby enabling flexible and efficient billing.

Abstract: A method for displaying speed dial settings is disclosed. The method is used for a mobile communication device, comprising the steps: detecting whether a speed dial setting operation is implemented to a button of a keypad of a mobile communication device, and displaying an indicator for the button if the speed dial setting operation is detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an accessory device for a mobile host device is disclosed. An accessory device for interfacing with a mobile host device includes a communication channel designed to establish a bi-directional communication link between the accessory device and the host device. In some embodiments, the accessory device allows walkie-talkie communication between an accessory device and a mobile host device as well as control by the accessory device of functions of the mobile host device. In some embodiments, the accessory device allows simplified speed dial control of a mobile phone host device. In other embodiments, accessory devices provide walkie-talkie communication with a mobile host device and provide positioning information to a mobile host device so that an application on the mobile host device can track locations of a plurality of accessory devices. These and other embodiments are more fully disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for operating a call function of a portable terminal that may simply execute a call function while operating various applications, and intuitively provide a call relation interface, and an apparatus thereof, are provided. The method for operating a call function, includes displaying a call interface in which a phone number is automatically input when interaction is input to the call item, and executing a call function using the phone number when a call transmission interaction is input from the call interface.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium encoded with executable instructions for a text messaging service for dynamically associating a first user to a first business via a shared common short code is provided. The instructions are for receiving a first text message from a first user via a first shared common short code, determining a user history associated with the first user based on an identification of the first user, and determining an association of the first shared common short code with a first business based on the user history associated with the first user. The instructions are further for storing the association of the first shared common short code with the first business for the first user in the user history associated with the first user and routing the first text message to the first business.

Abstract: Devices and methods are presented to remotely dial wireless communications devices. A device is equipped with a microphone and a plurality of logic units to analyze incoming acoustic signals in the form of Morse code. Acoustic signals may comprise tapping sounds, or voice patterns to create the “dits” and “dahs” associated with Morse code. Background noise can be eliminated using digital signal processing (DSP). The device can be used in a variety of environments where phone numbers and addresses need to be dialed from a distance or in emergency situations.

Abstract: A communication system has a control computer, one or more concentrators and one or more computing device communicates wirelessly with the one or more concentrators is provided. The computing device is an access device to the communications system that permits the user to interact with the communication system in order to, using voice commands, initiate telephone calls and conferences, receive telephone calls, receive pages and be located within a particular environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of a communication device is provided. In one embodiment, a mobile phone device includes: a communication section configured to perform radio communication; an operation section including number keys and a call-initiating key; and a control section configured to activate, on the basis of an operation that is performed using the operation section, a call-initiating program or a non-call-initiating program, and depending on what operations are performed by a user using the operation section of the mobile phone device, determining whether to interrupt a currently activated program to initiate a predetermined call with increased ease of use and convenience to the user.