Restrictive Dialing Circuitry Patents (Class 455/565)
  • Patent number: 8406813
    Abstract: A system and a method for restricting wireless communication are provided. A wireless communications device stores a list of geographic characteristics such as, for example, area codes representing either area codes to which calls are only allowed or area codes to which calls are not allowed. If the stored area codes are area codes to which calls are only allowed, then the wireless communications device only allows calls to one of the stored area codes. If the stored area codes are area codes to which calls are not allowed, then the wireless communications device does not allow calls to any of the stored area codes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Bilhan Kirbas, Maria-Ellen Christy
  • Publication number: 20130053105
    Abstract: An apparatus includes: a display unit to display a first function icon and a second function icon associated with first-layer functions; an input unit to receive a first selection input corresponding to the first function icon, and to receive a first execution input in succession with the first selection input; and a controller to execute a first function associated with the first function icon, in response to the first execution input. The display unit displays a first sub-function icon by replacing the second function icon, in response to the first selection input, the first sub-function icon being associated with a sub-function of the first function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: PANTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Ho LEE, Hun Hee KANG, Young Ju SUNG
  • Patent number: 8385884
    Abstract: A do not disturb (DND) mode for telephonic devices, in which the DND mode is automatically deactivated after a time increment has elapsed, the DND mode having been activated based on detecting, upon receiving a telephone call, a selection of the control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Hertzfeld, Mathias Marc Agopian
  • Patent number: 8385952
    Abstract: A mobile communications device user interface is described. In an implementation, a method is implemented by a mobile communications device that includes outputting a user interface having a portion that is configured to accept content. When an option is selected in relation to the portion to initiate a communication and the content includes one or more contacts, the communication is formed that includes the content and is automatically addressed to the one or more contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Friedman, Michael J. Kruzeniski, Brian M. Wilson, Michael A. Smuga, Darren A. Apfel, Nell H. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 8380161
    Abstract: Provided is a mobile communicator apparatus comprising a locational tracking unit and a disabling circuit. The locational tracking unit determines the location of the mobile communicator. The disabling circuit is configured to change the state of the mobile communicator from an enabled state, wherein the audible receiving and transmitting functions of the mobile communicator are enabled, to a disabled state, wherein the audible receiving and transmitting functions of the mobile communicator are disabled when the location of the mobile communicator as determined by the locational tracking unit satisfies the at least one condition. Also provided is a corresponding mobile communicator disabling system comprised of a mobile communicator apparatus and a network of signal transceivers and a corresponding method for disabling a mobile communicator apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mobile Communication Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Robert C. Ewell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8369270
    Abstract: A method to merge telephony services over a circuit switched network (3) and a packet switched data network (4), in a mobile phone terminal, comprises the steps of: receiving communication events arriving via a circuit switched network (3), receiving communication events arriving via a packet switched data network (4), storing communication events into a shared memory, and analyzing communication events arriving via the circuit switched network (3) and communication events arriving the via the packet switched data network (4), and then routing each communication event to a voice application, either directly or via said means for storing, in order to store it temporarily, so that all the events concerning a same call are synchronized when they are received by said voice application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Emmanuel Helbert, Vincent Bronner
  • Patent number: 8355751
    Abstract: A system and method for speed measurement of a mobile device, using an speed sensor such as a satellite navigation system or an accelerometer, does not need such speed sensor to be continually activated. The system and method make use of a monitor for monitoring at least one motion indicium for indicating that the speed of the mobile device is above an initial threshold, including but not limited to: monitoring the Doppler shift measurements of a timing signal; monitoring the timing advance of a cellular radio signal; monitoring the number of base stations visible to the mobile device; monitoring the frequency of base station handover, however determined; monitoring the level crossings and/or the autocorrelation of an RSSI signal; and/or triangulation of the position of the mobile device. When the monitor determines that the mobile device may be travelling in excess of a threshold speed, a speed sensor is activated to confirm the indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: David Blaine Dietz, Nagula Tharma Sangary, Sean Bartholomew Simmons, Mihal Lazaridis, Jonathan Cyril Skilton Doll, Perry Jarmuszewskl
  • Patent number: 8351976
    Abstract: A method for modifying a signal transmitted from a mobile communication device comprising by perturbing a transmit diversity parameter from its nominal value by modulating the parameter with respect to the nominal value in a first direction for a first feedback interval and then in a second direction for a second feedback interval, receiving a feedback signal including feedback information relating to the perturbed signal as received at a feedback device, and based at least on the feedback information, adjusting the nominal value of the transmit diversity parameter by increasing, decreasing, or preserving the nominal value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo Abreu, Haim Harel, Kenneth Kludt, Yair Karmi
  • Patent number: 8351893
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing software functions in a mobile station apparatus comprising several externally accessible keys, one or more displays and means for locking the keys. The presented method comprises the steps of detecting that one or more keys are pressed down when the keypad is locked, performing software functions when said one or more keys are pressed down while the keypad is locked, and showing the result obtained after having performed software functions on one or more mobile station displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Jouni Ylitalo
  • Patent number: 8335854
    Abstract: Techniques are generally described that relate to a computer-implemented method of using a virtual device operating in a first computer network to perform a service on behalf of a low-power device operating in a second computer network includes receiving, by the virtual device, device data reports and a device descriptor from the low-power device. The virtual device may be adapted to store the device data reports and/or the device descriptor in computer-readable memory coupled to the virtual device. The virtual device may also be adapted to receive a low-power device service request from a requesting device operating in a third computer network and may determine that the device descriptor indicates that the low-power device is unavailable to respond to the low-power device service request. A response to the low-power device service request may be generated by the virtual device based on the device data reports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Charles A. Eldering
  • Patent number: 8311577
    Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention addresses the problem of accidental user operation (e.g., dialing) of a mobile communication device such as a mobile telephone. In this regard, embodiments of the invention provide a proactive solution for preventing unintended operation of a mobile device based on various types of input data of the device, most notably sensory data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John Allan Bivens, Joel W. Branch, Daby Mousse Sow
  • Patent number: 8301200
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Woojae Lee, Trevor Daniel Shipley
  • Patent number: 8295885
    Abstract: Techniques in a wireless device for use in providing restrictions on communications via a cellular network are described. The wireless device communicates with a host enterprise server of a private network which is external to the cellular network for performing data synchronization in association with a personal information manager (PIM) application. The wireless device receives communication restriction information from this same host enterprise server in the private network, and stores this information in its memory. The wireless device determines whether a communication is restricted by comparing a user selected code of a communication attempt with one or more codes of the stored information. If the communication is determined to be restricted, the wireless device disallows the communication via the cellular network. If the communication is determined to not be restricted, the wireless device may allow the communication via the cellular network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Graham N Pearce
  • Patent number: 8280411
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Casio Hitachi Mobile Communications Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Chiashi
  • Patent number: 8260366
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Quenton Gilbert, James Carlton Bedingfield, Sr., Steven Tischer
  • Patent number: 8244231
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for unlocking a mobile communication device are provided, the mobile communication device comprising an input device, and a display device, the mobile communication device enabled to initiate emergency calls in a locked state. Password input data is received via the input device, when the mobile communication device is in the locked state, the password input data for unlocking the mobile communication device, the password input data comprising at least a sequence of characters for initiating an emergency call. In response to receiving the sequence of characters for initiating the emergency call, the display device is controlling to provide a representation of instructions to initiate the emergency call upon receipt of emergency call initiate data from the input device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Ravi Singh, Kristof Takacs, Neil Patrick Adams
  • Patent number: 8224393
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Michael G. Elizarov, Sergey V. Kolomiets
  • Patent number: 8218734
    Abstract: A communication device supports leaving a message using a communication device input interface when the device is in a locked state. The communication device may be a network telephone having a display interface and a user input interface. The communication device may be configured to transition to a locked state, store a message based on input received at the locked communication device, and present the message to an intended recipient. The message may be presented to the intended recipient upon unlocking the device (e.g., stored locally and presented when the phone is unlocked), presented to the intended recipient in accordance with communication settings (e.g., delivered to an email account, cell phone, etc.), or otherwise delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Dhirendra Kumar Bhupati
  • Patent number: 8204489
    Abstract: A mobile terminal and method of controlling data transmission and reception therein are disclosed. In a mobile terminal selectively performing a data transceiving operation or a signal transceiving operation, the present invention includes performing the data transceiving operation, determining whether the data transceiving operation in the course of being performed meets a prior execution condition, if the data transceiving operation in the course of being performed by the wireless communication unit meets the prior execution condition, setting up a data prior mode for enabling the data transceiving operation to be performed prior to the call signal transceiving operation, wherein as the data prior mode is set up, if the call signal transceiving operation is detected, the data transceiving operation is preferentially performed. Accordingly, a data transceiving operation can be performed prior to a call signal transceiving operation despite that a hybrid mode is set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Dong Ho Kim, Young Wan Lim, Il Won
  • Patent number: 8200291
    Abstract: A safety device for automotive vehicles (cars, buses and trucks) or rail locomotives. The device inhibits use of cellular telephones and other communication devices that run the risk of distracting a driver/operator while the vehicle is in motion. Several techniques for inhibiting use are described which can be used individually or in a complementary combinations. In one technique, a rapidly varying signal level is created local to the communication device. The variations exceed the operational limits of the system, thereby inhibiting communications. In another technique, the safety device emits radiation that interferes with the reception of signals by the communication device only within the interior of the vehicle and will not interfere with cell phones or wireless devises outside the automotive vehicle or rail locomotive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Allan Steinmetz, Douglas Magyari, Stuart Lipoff
  • Patent number: 8180036
    Abstract: The invention comprises a method and apparatus for enabling missed call information to be accessed from a remote device via a packet network. Specifically, the method comprises receiving missed call information associated with a called party, storing the missed call information and transmitting the missed call information towards a remote device associated with the called party via a packet network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Dirk-Jaap Plas, Jeroen van Bemmel, Harold Teunissen
  • Patent number: 8180937
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a low noise amplifier with tolerance to large inputs are disclosed and may include generating at least one control signal that controls a plurality of directional modes of at least one contact pad on a mobile multimedia processor (MMP) in an integrated circuit. Selectable modes may include: bidirectional, input, and an output mode. Each of the modes includes a bypass mode and a processing mode that may be controlled by the generated control signal. Received data may be processed by circuitry in the MMP when the processing mode may be enabled. Received data may be passed through the MMP without being processed by the MMP when the bypass mode may be enabled. An additional signal may be generated to dynamically pull-down a potential of the at least one contact pad and/or to pull-up a potential of said at least one contact pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy James Ramsdale
  • Patent number: 8175636
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for providing an external wireless interface for use with a desktop telephone are disclosed. In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a telephone is provided which may include a universal connector operable to removably connect to any of a plurality of external radio transceivers. The external radio transceivers operate according a plurality of wireless communication protocols. In one embodiment, the universal connector may comprise a USB connector, and the external radio transceiver may be embodied as a USB dongle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Polycom Inc.
    Inventor: Sunil K. Bhalla
  • Patent number: 8170480
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bypassing Bluetooth discovery for devices in a special list. A first Bluetooth device identification (ID) may be stored on a second device. A friendly name may be associated with the stored device ID. The first Bluetooth device ID may be accessed on the second device. An associated friendly name may be displayed as a representation of the first Bluetooth device id. A user of the second device may select to initiate Bluetooth communications with the first device. If so chosen, a Bluetooth communication session may be established between the two devices in a manner that bypasses the Bluetooth discovery process for these devices. In this novel manner, Bluetooth communication sessions may be established with trusted devices. Further, the time and power required for a Bluetooth discovery process may be conserved. In addition, the user interface may be improved over a user interface requiring Bluetooth discovery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: David Kammer, Mark T. Davis, Eric Klein
  • Patent number: 8150480
    Abstract: A device with a front face such as an operating face, including elements of the user interface of the device is provided. A major part of the front face is concave so that the front face is retracted and thereby protected from being scratched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Panu Mårten Jesper Johansson
  • Patent number: 8150441
    Abstract: A feedback signal is received from a feedback communication device. The feedback signal provides feedback information for a signal at a feedback rate. A modifying communication device modifies the signal by adjusting a nominal value of a transmit diversity parameter in accordance with the feedback information at a nominal value adjustment rate. The signal is perturbed according to the adjusted nominal value at a perturbation rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Magnolia Broadband Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo Abreu, Haim Harel, Kenneth Kludt, Yair Karmi
  • Patent number: 8140722
    Abstract: A character conversion apparatus makes a predictive search of a conversion database for conversion candidates on the basis of one or more characters inputted by use of a character input key. The apparatus obtains, in reference to a table, the total number of times the character input key is to be pressed down before inputting an unconverted character included in each of the searched conversion candidates and immediately following the one or more characters. The table contains characters assigned to the total numbers of times the character input key is pressed down. The apparatus determines the order of display, on a screen of a display device, of the conversion candidates to align with a descending order of the total number of times the character input key is to be pressed down before inputting the unconverted character. On the screen, the conversion candidates are displayed in the determined order of display. The apparatus receives confirmation of one of the conversion candidates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ikeda, Masao Iseki, Manabu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8116750
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for enabling an owner of one or more cellular telephones to select one or more telephone number(s) to which the cellular telephone(s) may place calls, and one or more telephone number(s) from which the cellular telephone(s) may receive calls, the control of the cellular telephone(s) occurring at the wireless network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Deron J. Ringen, Brenda S. Wilch-Ringen
  • Patent number: 8116752
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Masashi Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 8112121
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus f preventing transmitting message input error in a mobile communication terminal are provided. When another event is generated while the transmitting message is being inputted, character input keys are inactivated and an event window is displayed. It is checked whether an ENTER key is pressed while the event window is displayed. If the ENTER key is pressed, the event window and an icon notifying generation of the event are closed. Accordingly, a user of the mobile communication terminal can recognize the generation of the event and prevent transmitting message input error after identifying the generated event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kyu-Ok Choi, Ki-Tae Lee, Hyo-Jin Joung, Hee-Woon Kim
  • Patent number: 8107922
    Abstract: A mobile portable terminal includes a function suppressing section having a suppression request receiving means for receiving a suppression request for a function provided to the mobile portable terminal, an intention transmitting means for transmitting acceptance or rejection of the suppression request in response to a user operation, and a function suppressing means for executing suppression of the function in response to the suppression request in the case of acceptance; and a function suppression canceling section having a suppression cancellation command receiving means for receiving a suppression cancellation command and a function suppression canceling means for canceling the suppression of the function suppressed by the function suppressing means upon receipt of the suppression cancellation command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Hisanori Itaya
  • Patent number: 8078143
    Abstract: A wireless handset configured to be remotely accessed is described. The wireless handset comprises a user interface, a handset memory, a processor, and a software module. The user interface resident on the wireless handset is configured to enable the wireless handset to be remotely controlled with a remote lock password. The handset memory stores the remote lock password. The processor is adapted to receive a remote lock message from another electronic device. The remote lock message comprises a received password and a target phone number. The software module matches the received password with the remote lock password and then proceeds to send at least one call to the target phone number. Additionally, a method for controlling usage of the wireless handset is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Diego Kaplan
  • Patent number: 8050720
    Abstract: A speed dialing method for displaying contact information for use in a mobile communication device is disclosed. Plural time threshold values and information display transparencies corresponding to the time threshold values, respectively, are defined. When the mobile communication device receives a trigger signal generated by pressing a button and a time for continuously receiving the trigger signal respectively reaches the time threshold values, contact information corresponding to the pressed button is displayed with information display transparencies corresponding to the time threshold values on a screen of the mobile communication device. When the time for continuously receiving the trigger signal reaches a dial threshold value, a contact phone number assigned to the pressed button is dialed by the mobile communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventor: Yuan-Mao Tsui
  • Patent number: 8041298
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a method where a first communications device (10) and a second communications device (20), previously unknown to each other, communicate with each other wirelessly using short-range RF technology, said second communications device being at a certain moment of time in a first mode where the address of said second communications device is determinable by means of an inquiry wirelessly sent to it. In the method, the first communications device (10) sends (31) a first message in order to determine the address of said second communications device, said second communications device (20) receives (32) the first message, and said second communications device (20) generates and sends (33) to the first communications device a second message in response to the first message, the second message containing the address of said second communications device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Johanna Annola, Sonja Karvinen, Jari Karlsberg, Rauno Mäkinen
  • Patent number: 8036651
    Abstract: Systems and methods for enforcing calling restrictions are provided. When a first and second communication station are located in different domains, calling restrictions for a first communication station can be based on a current geographic location of the second communication station. The calling restrictions can be enforced independent of an address/identifier of the first or second communication station. The calling restrictions can be based on the current geographic locations of the first and second communication stations and the allowed geographic area of the first communication station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Nextel Communications Inc.
    Inventors: Arun Manroa, Manish Sharma
  • Patent number: 8009817
    Abstract: A method and system for tracking telephone usage and notifying a user of his telephone usage includes a software program for tracking telephone usage based on the time and day that a phone call is made. The software program designates a timer for tracking phone usage. The timer has a time block and a time usage variable associated therewith. When a call is made, the time used by the call is recorded to the time usage variable if the call was made within the time block. The user may then be notified of how much time has been used. The software may be implemented in a number of environments, including a computer system accessible remotely or a processor located on the user's telephone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventor: Shannon M. Short
  • Patent number: 8005464
    Abstract: A portable cellular phone system and a portable cellular phone device, with separate communication and an accessory services is structured such that the cellular phone provider can control the use of an accessory function, based upon a customer's use of the communication services. The portable cellular phone device accessory function and information as to whether use of the accessory function by the device is restricted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuaki Miyauchi
  • Publication number: 20110151934
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic keypad unlocking method and apparatus for mobile terminal, so as to automatically unlock a keypad when the mobile terminal is to be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SONY ERICSSON MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AB
    Inventor: Qian GENG
  • Patent number: 7966014
    Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for controlling roaming restrictions for dispatch calling of a mobile station in a network are provided. A home location register receives a dispatch application processor identifier and a mobile station identifier. The domain in which the dispatch application processor is located may be determined by the home location register, based upon the dispatch application processor identifier. A determination can be made whether the mobile station is authorized to operate in the domain, based upon the mobile station identifier. If the mobile station is not authorized to operate in the domain, the mobile station is prevented from operating in the domain. On the other hand, if the mobile station is authorized to operate in the domain, the operation of the mobile station may be allowed, but restricted to certain predetermined calling features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Nextel Communications Inc.
    Inventor: Arun Manroa
  • Patent number: 7962169
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Vadim Fux, Michael G. Elizarov, Sergey V. Kolomiets
  • Patent number: 7953449
    Abstract: A portable radiotelephone can be shifted between a first condition wherein the radiotelephone does not receive or transmit voice communications by radiotelephone transmissions over radiotelephone channels and a second condition wherein the radiotelephone receives and transmits voice communications by radiotelephone transmissions over radiotelephone channels. The radiotelephone automatically calls a central voice-activated phone dialing system remote from the portable radiotelephone in response to producing the second condition in the radiotelephone. The radiotelephone includes a switch for producing the first and second conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Gregory Clyde Griffith, Benjamin F. Holcomb
  • Patent number: 7953450
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing restrictions on long distance calls from wireless communication devices. The wireless devices are preferably combined voice and data communication devices. In one illustrative example, each wireless device receives and stores long distance call restriction information which is pushed from a private computer network through the wireless network. During typical operation, a wireless device determines whether call attempts from the wireless device are restricted by the long distance call restriction information. If a call attempt is restricted by the long distance call restriction information, the wireless device restricts the call attempt from the wireless device and provides for a call restriction alert indication (e.g. an alert tone or visual text). If a call attempt is not restricted by the long distance call restriction information, the wireless device allows the call attempt from the wireless device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Graham N. Pearce
  • Patent number: 7929993
    Abstract: A mobile device includes first identification circuitry and second identification circuitry. The first identification circuitry is associated with a first network and the second identification circuitry is associated with a second network. The mobile device simultaneously registers itself with the first and second networks using the first and second identification circuitry, respectively. The first and second identification circuitry may each comprise subscriber identity modules. The mobile devices handle outgoing and incoming calls based on user preferences. The user may override the preferences for selected calls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Sudhakar Nagarajan
  • Patent number: 7899498
    Abstract: A system and method for recognition of incoming call to a voicemail system is disclosed. A radio frequency identification (RFID) authenticates a user of a mobile communication device. The mobile communication device enables a one-button dialing of a voicemail system based on the RFID signal. The voicemail system recognizes the incoming call as the owner of the voicemail system and presents a plurality of options for accessing the voicemail system without playing the outgoing message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Maureen Bender, Paul R. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 7899471
    Abstract: Wireless terminals are remotely controlled by identifying a wireless terminal that is located at a premises and obtaining at least one operational authorization rule for the wireless terminal that was identified, and that applies to the premises at which the wireless terminal is located. Selected operations of the wireless terminal are disabled and/or enabled in response to the at least one operational authorization rule that was obtained for the wireless terminal that was identified and that applies to the premises at which the wireless terminal is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I., L.P.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Aaron
  • Patent number: 7877528
    Abstract: Methods and systems for input/output pads in a mobile multimedia processor are disclosed and may include receiving data from a host device in an integrated circuit having at least one contact pad and generating at least one control signal that controls the contact pads. The received data may be processed by the MMP based on the generated at least one control signal, or may be passed through the MMP in a bypass mode based on the control signal, thereby allowing the received data to pass through the MMP without processing to an external memory via the at least one contact pad, thereby sharing the external memory with the host device. The data may be transferred to external memory coupled to a contact pad on the MMP when the received data is to be passed through the MMP. The received data may be stored temporarily before transfer to an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy James Ramsdale
  • Patent number: 7869831
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Toshikazu Houmura, Kazuhiro Yoshihara, Takako Yamaguchi, Kazuma Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 7860536
    Abstract: A method of using a portable communications device includes displaying a first image of a rotary dial in a display of the portable communications device in response to a first contact by a user with a click wheel. The first image of the rotary dial includes a plurality of icons arranged proximate to a periphery of the rotary dial. The plurality of icons include numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Jobs, Scott Forstall, Greg Christie, Bas Ording, Imran Chaudhri, Stephen O. Lemay, Marcel Van Os, Freddy Allen Anzures, Mike Matas
  • Patent number: 7844290
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for establishing a call connection in a wireless terminal, which can make a call connection using one line number when a call connection fails through another line number in a wireless terminal subscribing to a service in which the portable terminal uses two line numbers. The method includes receiving call release signals from a mobile switching center with respect to a call request of the wireless terminal; reattempting the call request in the wireless terminal with respect to the mobile switching center using a line number having priority, when the call release signal is received from the mobile switching center to the wireless terminal; and assigning resources from a resource pool used for another purpose so as to establish the call connection to the line number having priority when the mobile switching center receives the call request, which uses the line number having the priority, from the wireless terminal again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Jong-Man Park
  • Patent number: RE42831
    Abstract: Disclosed are a mobile communication terminal provided with a hands-free function and a controlling method thereof comprising the steps of: setting a hands-free function of a mobile communication terminal; certifying whether an originating call command or a calling request message are received; searching information of a calling party inputted by a user's voice or an arbitrary originating party's information from a mounted telephone directory; and guiding the searched calling party's information by voice and then connecting a calling. According to this, the user can originate or receive a calling by using a voice recognition function and the hands-free function of the terminal without his hands' using even while driving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Dong-Jin Yoon