Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and which reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel is located a V-shaped groove which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: An information processing unit, such as a mobile phone, equipped with a fingerprint sensor and which reconciles size reduction with operability at a high level. Adjacent to an operation panel, a V-shaped groove is provided which contains a first slope stretching away from the operation panel and slanting downward and a second slope stretching further away from the operation panel and slanting upward, where the V-shaped groove contains a fingerprint sweep sensor which detects a fingerprint on a finger moved along the first slope and the second slope.

Abstract: A compressed digital music apparatus is described, which includes a cigarette-lighter power port, a headphone jack and an FM modulator/transmitter. In one mode of operation the FM modulator/transmitter modulates compressed digital music from a digital music player and then transmits the modulated music to an FM receiver. In a second mode, when a headphone is connected for personal listening the FM transmitter is disabled.

Abstract: Communication control is made which satisfies the needs of both an owner or manager of a communication place and users of wireless communication terminals. As a user of a cellular phone passes through an automatic ticket gate and enters a predetermined area, The ticket gate and cellular phone check whether the cellular phone has an electronic ticket for entering the area. After this check, the automatic ticket gate requests the cellular phone to restrict the communication function. After the requested restriction is set by the cellular phone, entrance to the area is permitted and the gate is opened.

Abstract: A mobile communications device includes a keypad, microphone, speaker and a communications application. The communications devices keypad can be changed from a disabled state, or a state in which depressing keys on the keypad have no effect on the functionality of the communications device, to an enabled state. A user can change the state of the communications device keypad to be enabled, from a disabled state, by providing the communications device with input which results in the communications device displaying a prompt for the user to act on in order to enable the keypad.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented to regulate the usage of electronic devices when the device is located within a predetermined region of space. The sound or light emitted from, or range of motion of the electronic device, for example, may be regulated in the predetermined region of space.

Abstract: A method utilizing a transmitter emitting a unique signal and a base station receiver having a database of household members is used to ascertain the identity of household members who are home at any particular time. Such information is used by the local telephone network to provide specialized telephone services to the household based on the identity of the household members who are home. A manual and emergency services override is provided to permit the completion of telephone calls from emergency services personnel and other persons irrespective of the presence or absence of any household member. The information regarding the presence or absence of household members also may be used to intelligently provide other household services such as heating and cooling or home security depending on the identity of persons who are home.

Abstract: A mobile terminal keypad is provided having a plurality of key switches on the keypad that provides a first signal or a second signal according to the pressure applied to the key switch. In each of the plurality of key switches, a plate is provided to sequentially contact with a first contact and a second contact according to the applied pressure.

Abstract: More convenient text inputting can be achieved by receiving text entries from a user via a keypad in a particular text input mode, activating a different text input mode via a text input mode converter operated by the user, and receiving text entries from the user via the keypad in the different text input mode while the text input mode converter is being depressed or continuously touched by the user.

Abstract: A wireless service network includes logic to receive one or more requests for temporary dialable numbers from wireless devices, and logic to determine temporary wireless numbers and to provide the temporary wireless numbers to the wireless devices in response to the requests.

Abstract: A portable telephone which enables operations other than transmission and reception functions, such as retrieving telephone numbers, creating e-mails, playing games, without emitting strong electromagnetic waves even in areas where communication by a portable telephone is prohibited, thereby preventing occurrence of misunderstanding by or disturbance to a third person.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing closed user group service in a packet radio system, which includes at least one network and at least one group including a plurality of subscribers. The closed user group access conditions for at least one subscriber are determined in the network, the access conditions include at least one of the following conditions: right to communicate with parties outside the group, and right to communicate with at least one member of the group without communicating with all members of the group. The access conditions are checked when packets are being sent to/from the subscriber. The packets are transferred if the access conditions allow the transmission.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a control station detects the presence of a portable radio device within range of a radio frequency communications link, and sends a command to the portable radio device to change an internal setting of the portable radio device. In another embodiment, a control station receives at least one message from a portable radio device on an out of band channel, the at least one message indicating an identification of the portable radio device, a request to make an external connection, and an identification of an external device to which the portable radio device wishes to connect. The control station then establishes a connection to the identified external device, and couples the portable radio device to the established connection using an out of band channel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for disabling a cellphone in the presence of certain conditions, and for switching it off in the presence of some other conditions, while allowing its use in the normal fashion in the absence of these two sets of conditions. Thus, this system regulates cellphone use in accordance with specified restrictions in specific locations, and allows its normal functioning when these restrictions are not required. Specifically, a first condition is an attempt to operate a cellphone by the driver of a vehicle having its ignition on and/or moving above a certain speed. In such a condition the system would automatically disable the OK switch of a cellphone and may also perform the CALL END function. In the second condition the system automatically switches off any cellphone in the ON condition being carried on the person of an individual occupying a seat in an aircraft, or a committee room, or any other such location where such a restriction is envisaged.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide for enabling a user to select telephone numbers to which a wireless device may place calls and from which the wireless device may receive calls. One preferred embodiment of the present invention includes software for use on a general purpose computer allowing the user to input into the memory of a wireless device desired telephone numbers that may not be changed by the operator of the wireless device. The computer software also programs the wireless device to only place calls to, or receives calls from, the telephone numbers entered into the memory of the wireless device by the owner.

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.

Abstract: A control unit 102 of a mobile telephone 10 sets a radio wave mode to ON or OFF, and stores the setting of the radio wave mode internally. ON shows that radio wave transmission is permitted, and OFF shows that radio wave transmission is prohibited. When the stored radio wave mode setting is OFF, radio wave transmission is suppressed even if input such as that for mail transmission is received. By setting the radio wave mode to OFF, functions that do not require radio wave transmission can be used, even in places where radio wave transmission is prohibited.

Abstract: In a communication recording system using a headset with a radio communication function which transmits the first speech signal and receives the second speech signal by radio communications, the headset is provided with a time information acquisition unit for acquiring a time information indicating occurrence times of the first speech signal and the second speech signal, an information production unit for producing a recording information to be stored in which the time information is set in correspondence to the first speech signal and the second speech signal, and a memory unit for storing the recording information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for improving the performance of a mobile radiocommunication system, through the use of a power control algorithm. In this invention, the performance of a mobile radiocommunication system is improved by regularly estimating if a certain criterion is met or satisfied, to determine if a power control algorithm should be deactivated or not. The estimation of whether or not the set criterion is met is based on the estimation of a deviation value, which is representative of a deviation between an estimated transmission quality and a target or desired transmission quality. Thus, the present invention aids in avoiding situations in which the power control algorithm would normally be wrongly activated and, therefore, improves the overall performance of the mobile radiocommunication system.

Abstract: A display order deciding unit decides the display order upon displaying a telephone directory on the basis of setting if the telephone directory is displayed in the display order in response to a usage frequency or in the alphabetical order by a learning function setting unit, the information about the number of callings stored in a count storing unit, setting of the display mode of the telephone directory (by a day of the week) by a display mode selecting unit, and the information of a day of the week that is recognized by a day recognizing unit, and manages it in a display order managing unit. Upon displaying the telephone directory, an information display unit displays the information that is managed by the display order managing unit.

Abstract: A simple base station device is installed in the entrance or the like of a building and a power OFF signal is supplied. A portable telephone set that has received the signal informs the simple base station of its telephone number, also informs a position management server of the same via a public base station device to register it, the position management server being located in a radio network, and switches OFF power for a radio section. An incoming call operation to the portable telephone set is carried out by referring to the registered content of the position management server. Thus, a power supply for a portable telephone set in a use prohibition area is reduced and no incoming call control is performed.

Abstract: A method for preventing an illegal use of a mobile communication terminal includes the steps of: transmitting a short message service (SMS) message to a lost terminal when a user requests a phone-locking service; and analyzing the received SMS message to set a phone-locking state for the lost terminal. When a terminal is lost, an SMS message containing a ciphered string is transmitted to the lost terminal to set a phone-locking or forcefully turn off an LCD power, so that the lost terminal can be prevented from illegally using by a third party or a stranger and user's personal information can be effectively prevented from leaking.

Abstract: The present invention provides for selectively blocking outgoing calls based on blocking criteria configured by a telephony subscriber or representative thereof. When a call is initiated, blocking criteria associated with the telephony terminal from which the call is being initiated are used to determine whether the call should be blocked or allowed to continue. Once a determination is made, a telephony switch or telephony server supporting the telephony terminal either blocks the call or allows the call to continue as dictated by the blocking criteria. The blocking criteria may be applied to one or more telephony terminals. Further, the blocking criteria may be based on the party being called, time of day, day of week, financial authorization, type of call, or any combination thereof. The subscribers or representatives thereof can easily and efficiently configure the blocking criteria to control whether or not outgoing calls are blocked or allowed to continue.

Abstract: An automated telephone dialing system. The system enables a handheld PID to automatically dial a telephone number stored its memory by interacting with a telephone. The telephone is equipped with a wireless port for short-range wireless data transfer. Similarly, the PID is equipped with a wireless port for short-range wireless data transfer. The PID establishes a wireless communication with the telephone. The PID is configured to control the telephone via the wireless communications such that the telephone dials a telephone number stored on the PID. The telephone number can be dialed in response to the user interacting with application executing on the PID. The application can be a contact management or address management program. The user can interact with the program, select a contact, address, phone number, or the like, through a GUI of the PID, and have this number automatically dialed by the telephone.

Abstract: Context-aware and location-aware cellular phones and methods are described. In one embodiment, cellular phones are configured to wirelessly receive information that pertains to their current context or location. The phones then automatically use the information to modify one or more cellular phone behaviors, e.g. by turning the phone off, changing the ringer's pitch, or placing the phone in a vibrate mode. In one particular embodiment, various location types are defined and have associated attributes that define a desired cellular phone behavior. One or more transmitters at a location for which a behavior is desired transmit information that pertains to the location's class type. The cell phones can carry an association of class types and their behaviors so that when the phones receive the class type information, they can automatically adjust their behavior.

Abstract: Improved approaches are disclosed for processing overloaded keys substantially more in accordance with user's expected behavior. With the improved approaches, users are less likely to undergo unexpected processing in response to overloaded key presses. In one embodiment, the processing ignores certain overloaded key presses and/or imposes delays to ensure that users have an opportunity to appreciate when an overloaded key has switched to another function. These approaches are particularly well suited for small-scale mobile devices having reduced size displays and overloaded keys such as mobile phones (e.g., cellular phones), two-way pagers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), or other two-way mobile communication devices.

Abstract: A cellular telephone set is capable of allowing release dial lock function by a child even when parent manages an identification number. A control portion of the cellular telephone set is responsive to input of identification number through a key operating portion after dial lock condition is established by dial lock means to make judgment whether the input identification number is a dial lock releasing number in a dial lock releasing number storage region. When the control portion makes judgment that the identification number is the dial lock releasing number, dial lock condition of a predetermined function preliminarily set in an identification number setting information storage region is released.

Abstract: A method for messaging service, e.g. short message service (SMS), in a mobile phone, capable of inputting a phone number of receiver directly into a message editing window. Disclosed is also a computer-readable recording medium including therein a software program for execution of the method. After the user has entered a message, it is determined which type of a direct input is requested by the user for inputting of the address of the receiver in the message editing window. If the requested type determined by the user for the direct input of the address is an input by a look-up (searching) function, it is activated an address look-up window as a new display layer while still activating the message editing window, and inputted the address of the receiver selected by the user directly into the message editing window.

Abstract: A disposable cellular telephone and business card combination. The cellular telephone circuit is printed on a paper substrate with a conductive ink. A paper microphone diaphragm is attached to one end of the business card and a paper speaker diaphragm is attached to an opposite end of the business card. The microphone and speaker diaphragms are electrically coupled to the circuit, and are attached to the paper substrate in any suitable manner that allows them to vibrate relative thereto. A thin flexible battery cell is formed in the paper substrate at any suitable location so that it doesn't interfere with the position of the circuit, microphone or speaker. A filament antenna is formed in the business card so that it can be extracted therefrom when using the card as a cellular telephone. A switch is provided on the business card that when activated causes a predetermined number to be dialed associated with the text on the business card.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cellular communication system (200), billing processor (223) and method of billing. The communication system includes a subscriber unit (201) having a user updateable identity to phone number association table used for dialling phone numbers based on an identity such as a name. It also includes means (203, 205,219,217) for communicating the table to a billing processor (223) being part of the fixed network. The billing processor (223) comprises means (227) for receiving the table and generating a billing association table containing information from the identity to phone number association table. It furthermore comprises a billing report generator (225) for generating a billing report for the subscriber unit (201) including identity information derived from the billing association table. The invention is applicable to cellular communication systems such as UMTS.

Abstract: A wireless communication device (100) employs a method and apparatus for automatically initiating a communication with a target device. The communication device includes, inter alia, a user interface (115), an acoustic transducer (113), and an acoustic receptor (109). The user interface receives an identification of the target device (e.g., a telephone number) from a user while the communication device is configured in a first physical or mechanical configuration of at least two user-selectable configurations. Responsive to detecting a reconfiguration of the communication device from the first configuration (e.g., closed) into a second configuration (e.g., open), the communication device automatically initiates the communication with the target device, thereby eliminating the need for manual call initiation after the communication device is properly positioned for in-call use.

Abstract: A terminal usage limiting apparatus for limiting the use of a portable telephone in a specific predetermined area. The terminal usage limiting apparatus 105 is installed to provide service to mobile terminals 101 in a usage limiting area 108. The terminal usage limiting apparatus 105 outputs control signals as a base station and additional usage limit messages. The terminal usage limiting apparatus 105 enables a mobile terminal 101 in the usage limiting area 108 to recognize the apparatus 105 as a base station so that the mobile terminal is switched from the base station to the apparatus 105. As a result, the mobile terminal 101 receives a usage limit message from the apparatus 105. Thus, the mobile terminal 101 enters into a predetermined operation limit mode where call originations are restricted. In addition, in this mode, the mobile terminal 101 receives control messages from the terminal usage limiting apparatus, and the control message includes a long code mask corresponding to the apparatus 105.

Abstract: Only an information output from a wireless terminal for mobile unit to a wireless base station is allowed in response to an operation of operating means of the wireless terminal for mobile unit. When only the information output from the wireless terminal for mobile unit to the wireless base station has been allowed by the operation of the operating means, an information output from the wireless base station to the wireless terminal for mobile unit is allowed in response to another operation of the operating means. The wireless terminal for mobile unit is constructed so as not to respond to another operation of the operating means during the predetermined time since the first operation of the operating means.

Abstract: A mobile telecommunications device having a wireless transmitter unit that can be set to a transmit-disabled mode in which all wireless transmission is disabled. The mobile telecommunications device includes accepting means for accepting call request operations from a user and releasing means for, when the transmit-disabled mode is set, responding to acceptance of a call request operation by releasing the tr ansmit-disabled mode and causing the wireless transmitter unit to conduct wireless transmission based on the accepted call request operation.

Abstract: A system and method for a call receiving pager apparatus, system and method utilizing a dedicated switch for providing proprietary access, billing functions and other enhanced features is described. The system utilizes a subscriber apparatus having pager or radiotelephone functions whereby a caller may call the apparatus and gain direct two-way communication with the subscriber. The caller is billed for the communication. A call receiving pager apparatus, system and method which enables two-way text messaging as well as the storage, retrieval, and recall of telephone numbers making calls to the pager apparatus where the recalls are made by way of sending a data package to the stored caller number is described. The subscriber is unable to initiate any real time two-way communication with the outgoing connection.

Abstract: A telephone docking station that combines the operation of a wireless telephone, a cordless telephone, and a land-line telephone interface is taught. The wireless telephone and land-line interface provide telephone resources to the cordless telephone, which functions as a telephone terminal unit. Telephone calls can originate or terminate from either telephone resource. The cordless telephone handset provides for selection and display of the presently connected telephone resource. Caller ID information from both resources are routed to the cordless telephone. The cordless telephone automatically answers the presently ringing resource when is received. A speakerphone and an answering machine are added as alternative telephone terminal units in an illustrative embodiment. A Caller ID preview and hold function is provided so that the user can manage multiple calls from the telephone resources.

Abstract: The disclosed invention makes mobile terminals physically impossible to use in specific spaces without using radio waves of so high intensity as to affect medical devices and without requiring telephone companies that operate wireless communications systems (WCS) to take special measures. Cooperation of a telephone company on the implementation of making mobile terminals physically impossible to use in specific spaces makes mobile terminals provided by the telephone company easy to use. Pseudo signals of downlink pilot signal in WCS are emitted off the pilot timing in specific spaces. Uplink channel radio waves in cooperative telephone compannies' WCS are relayed and communication path is disconnected if the uplink channel radio waves are for communication of an attribute banned in the space. Communication path can be disconnected without increasing the intensity of radio waves so high.

Abstract: Forward/Backward Call Indicators and the Progress Indicator (PI) of ISUP messages are used in call control signals, such as for setting up a mobile multimedia call, to indicate the involvement of a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) terminal. Either terminal of an end-to-end connection can initiate the call and likewise either can respond to the call control signals initiated by the other terminal to immediately recognize the unambiguous fact that a PSTN terminal is involved in the call and to immediately respond by correctly setting up an appropriate and compatible communication format.

Abstract: Restrictions on use of a cellular telephone in a vehicle, such as an automobile, are imposed using a global position system (GPS) device to determine the location of a vehicle in relation to geographic regions in which legal or customer restrictions on cellular telephone use are to be imposed. Network or local short-range wireless transmitters supply information to a cellular telephone describing potentially applicable restriction information retrieved from network databases. In response, a cellular telephone determines applicability of such restrictions and applies them to further use of the cellular telephone while such restrictions continue to apply. Alternative arrangements allow vehicle-based or network based processing of region and restrictions information to yield command messages to cellular telephones to control their further use.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for automatically disabling cell phone ringing and/or cell phone beeping. An RF transmitter is used to transmit an RF non-audible mode or control signal. Upon receiving the non-audible mode or control signal, the cell phone and/or beeper automatically disables its audible alarm. Users are notified of incoming calls and/or pages by means of blinking lights or vibration. When the user no longer receives the non-audible mode or control signal or upon the elapse of a fixed, pre-determined amount of time, the cell phone and/or beeper automatically reverts back to its normal mode of operation whereby incoming calls and pages are indicated by cell phone ringing and pager beeping.

Abstract: A wireless communications terminal stores owner information and function states. A terminal control device transmits, to the wireless communications terminal, control data including control target information for specifying a terminal to be controlled and function state change information indicating a change made in the function states of the terminal. The wireless communications terminal determines, based on the received control target information and the stored owner information, whether or not a function state(s) is to be changed, and changes the stored function states in accordance with the determination result. The wireless communications terminal transmits, to the terminal control device, a process end notification including the terminal's own identification information and indicating whether or not the function state(s) has been changed.

Abstract: A cellular telephone having restricted dialing authority and a simplified keypad. The keypad includes a plurality of preprogrammed hot keys. Incoming telephone calls from authorized telephone numbers are answerable and incoming telephone calls from other numbers do not ring. The authorized telephone numbers are programmable. In one embodiment, predetermined encoded messages can be transmitted silently.

Abstract: Improved approaches are disclosed for processing overloaded keys substantially more in accordance with user's expected behavior. With the improved approaches, users are less likely to undergo unexpected processing in response to overloaded key presses. In one embodiment, the processing ignores certain overloaded key presses and/or imposes delays to ensure that users have an opportunity to appreciate when an overloaded key has switched to another function. These approaches are particularly well suited for small scale mobile devices having reduced size displays and overloaded keys such as mobile phones (e.g., cellular phones), two-way pagers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), or other two-way mobile communication devices.

Abstract: A system and method for a call receiving pager apparatus, system and method utilizing a dedicated switch for providing proprietary access, billing functions and other enhanced features is described. The system utilizes a subscriber apparatus having pager or radiotelephone functions whereby a caller may call the apparatus and gain direct two-way communication with the subscriber. The caller is billed for the communication. A call receiving pager apparatus, system and method wherein a subscriber can initiate an outgoing connection to at least one predetermined telephone number in order to send a pre-recorded voice or data message is also provided. The subscriber is unable to initiate any real time two-way communication with the outgoing connection.

Abstract: A mobile communication system including a fixed station, a detection unit, and mobile terminals, which provides a wireless communication for the mobile terminals. The detection unit detects a utilization condition indicative of a state where the mobile terminals are being used. The fixed station contains a storage unit that stores a utilization-admission condition indicative of a state where said mobile terminals are permitted to be used, and a processing unit for executing communications with the mobile terminals. The processing unit therefore halts communications with the mobile terminals in accordance with the utilization condition and utilization-admission condition.

Abstract: A call management system is provided to manage the use of specified wireless telephones in order to limit or manage their use for unofficial calls and to report on official as well as unofficial uses. Calls originated from or directed to a controlled wireless telephone are routed to a call management center from a wireless central office. The call management center determines whether the call is approved by consulting a database of approved telephone numbers. If the call is approved it is completed normally. If the call is not approved, the caller is prompted to provide an access code. The call is completed if the access code matches a predetermined security code. Customizable exception reports are generated to reflect unofficial usage, incorrect access attempts, and other detailed information concerning the use of the specified wireless telephones.

Abstract: A mobile radiotelephony device intended for accommodating a linked user identification module offers protection against theft. The device prevents a normal operation of the device with an unlinked identification module, and permits the normal operation of the device with the linked identification module until such time the device has been inactive for a defined period of time. A debugging code can be supplied to the device subsequent to a detection of the defined period of time to again permit the normal operation of the device with linked identification module.

Abstract: A cellular radio system comprises a multitude of base stations (101-106, 201-204, 211-212, 501-504) for offering a radio interface to mobile terminals (205, 215, 508). The radio interface is used for communicating general information to the mobile terminals and arranging for dedicated communication between a certain mobile terminal and the cellular radio system. For imposing restrictions to the operation of the mobile terminals on at least one isolated, geographically defined restricted area (107, 108, 200, 213) the system comprises a certain first base station arranged to transmit, similar to said general information, information about the nature of the restrictions applicable on said area to the mobile stations.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling access to configuration of a wireless communication device (100) are provided. Once the access control is enabled, the wireless communication device keeps track the elapsed time (212, 310) using an internal timing circuitry (116), and compares it against a predetermined duration (214, 312). When the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined duration, the access to configuration is changed (216, 314).

Abstract: Direct access to telephone dialing from a home screen of a multi-purpose voice-enabled wireless mobile electronic device is provided. Direct access to database entries from a main screen of a telephone application of the device is provided.