1693results about "Wireless networks" patented technology

Enhancements of and to cell phone operations are based in whole or in part on determining the location of the cell phone. Systems and methods select and determine locations or areas of importance or relevance, and based on that information and other programmed factors affect or alter the operations of the cell phone. While the systems and methods are illustrated by use of cell phone embodiments and applications, they are equally applicable to virtually any portable or mobile communication device, including for example, wireless laptop computers and PDAs.

A Software Fault Management (SFM) system for managing software faults in a managed mobile telecommunications network. The SFM system includes an Intelligent Management Information Base (I-MIB) comprising a Management Information Base (MIB) and a Knowledge Base (KB) having a functional model of the managed network and a trouble report / known faults (TR / KF) case base. The SFM system also includes an intelligent multi-agent portion having a plurality of agents which process the software faults utilizing the functional model from the I-MIB, case-based information, and other management information. The I-MIB and the intelligent multi-agent portion are compliant with Telecomunications Management Network (TMN) principles and framework. Fault management is both proactive and reactive. The SFM system is made independent of technology-specific implementations by representing the underlying switch design knowledge in a modular and changeable form which is then interpreted by the intelligent multi-agent portion. A clear separation is maintained between the generic procedural inference mechanisms and agents, and the specific and explicit models of the different network elements of a mobile telecommunications network.

This provides for controlling mobile device functions and features. For example, it limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user, when the user is engaged in another activity. In an example, it enables other mobile device features based on occurrence of events related to the user or environment. Another example addresses controlling the mobile device features, such as SMS, while the user is in a vehicle or driving. Another example restricts the ability of the driver of a vehicle to text, while the vehicle is in motion, by automatically disabling the texting ability of mobile device within and around the perimeter of the driver's seat. Other variations, examples, improvements, detection mechanisms, models, techniques, calculations, verification mechanisms, and features are also described in details.

A system for exchanging GPS or other position data between wireless devices for purposes of group activities, child location monitoring, work group coordination, dispatching of employees etc. Cell phones and other wireless devices with GPS receivers have loaded therein a Buddy Watch application and a TalkControl application. The Buddy Watch application communicates with the GPS receiver and other wireless devices operated by buddies registered in the users phone as part of buddy groups or individually. GPS position data and historical GPS position data can be exchanged between cell phones of buddies and instant buddies such as tow truck drivers via a buddy watch server. Emergency monitoring services can be set up with notifications to programmable individuals in case an individual does not respond. Positions and tracks can be displayed. TalkControl simplifies and automates the process of joining talk groups for walkie talkie services such as that provided by Nextel.

The present invention discloses a method and system for providing location-based services to a remote terminal that is connected to various types of communication systems. A tailored request for information is generated with the remote terminal. In addition, a geographic indicator associated with the remote terminal is also generated in the preferred embodiment. The tailored request for information and the geographic indicator are transmitted to a location-based application server. A structured response to the tailored request for information is generated with the location-based application server, wherein the structured response is based on the geographic indicator of the remote terminal. The structured response is the transmitted to the remote terminal using one of several different types of communication protocols and / or mediums.

An apparatus that includes a mobile phone detection system is provided. The detection system includes a processor and a plurality of sensors that are operative to be used by the processor to determine which individuals in a group of individuals are and are not transmitting a predetermined type of RF signals. The sensors include a frequency antenna operative to receive RF signals from locations associated with positions of each respective individual. The sensors include a further sensor that is operative to detect data that is used by the processor to corroborate which individuals in the group are and are not transmitting the predetermined type of RF signal. The detection system is operative to communicate to a remote server, data corresponding to at least a portion of the determination made regarding which of the individuals in the group are and are not transmitting the predetermined type of RF signal.

In a mobile communicating system, a mobile terminal has a position information detecting unit for detecting position information, a position information transmitting unit for transmitting the position information to an information center, an up-load data transmitting unit for transmitting up-load data to the information center and an information / service utilizing unit for utilizing information / service from the information center, whereas the information center has an accumulating unit for accumulating information / services, a retrieving unit for receiving the position information from the mobile terminal to retrieve the information / services in the accumulating unit, an accumulation controlling unit for accumulating the up-load data in the accumulating unit, and an information / service transmitting unit for taking out the information / service retrieved by the retrieving unit from the accumulating unit and transmitting it to the mobile terminal, thereby providing not only map information showing the current position of the mobile terminal but also information of facilities on the map to the mobile terminal.

A system for exchanging GPS or other position data between wireless devices for purposes of group activities, child location monitoring, work group coordination, dispatching of employees etc. Cell phones and other wireless devices with GPS receivers have loaded therein a Buddy Watch application and a TalkControl application. The Buddy Watch application communicates with the GPS receiver and other wireless devices operated by buddies registered in the users phone as part of buddy groups or individually. GPS position data and historical GPS position data can be exchanged between cell phones of buddies and instant buddies such as tow truck drivers via a buddy watch server. Emergency monitoring services can be set up with notifications to programmable individuals in case an individual does not respond. Positions and tracks can be displayed. TalkControl simplifies and automates the process of joining talk groups for walkie talkie services such as that provided by Nextel.

A system and method of interactive and live computerized matching in which a first user is provided with a personal data device including a wireless communication system. A secure network is configured to include a server programmed with a personal characteristic database and a database searching algorithm, and a wireless communication system at a specific geographic location that is capable of communicating with the user's personal data device. The first user is allowed to log on through the wireless communication system to the secure network using his or her personal data device, and communicates to and stores in the database personal data defining his or her characteristics and those for his or her ideal match. Either the secure network automatically identifies the first users precise geographic location, or the user himself otherwise indicates and stores in the database of the network an identifying address that indicates his current specific geographic location. The user then instructs the database searching algorithm to search for and identify other users similarly logged on to the network at the same specific geographic location. The user is able to initiate a search of the database for possible matches within the pool of other users also logged on to the network at the same specific geographic location. The secure network then indicates to the first user the results of the search.

A mechanism for providing a connection from an IP-based network to a circuit-switched network, such as a GSM network is disclosed. A temporary routing number for the circuit-switched network, such as an E.164 number, is delivered to a user terminal, and a circuit-switched call leg is established from the user terminal to the IP-based network using the routing number. Thereby, IMS-services are provided for end users which are located in the radio access network not having sufficient QoS required for voice over IP. In the example of a conference call service, a request for a conference call may forwarded via a data channel or data path to an application server which provides that conference call service. The application server then selects a conference routing number and returns the routing number to the conference host terminal via the data channel. Using the received conference routing number, the conference host terminal can then set up a circuit-switched connection as a call leg of the conference call.

A method and apparatus are disclosed to allow individuals to initiate, join, manage, and participant in a conference call. Members of a community can meet and collaborate over telephones, especially cellular telephones, or computer workstations, in a way that is freeform or prescribed, automatic or moderated, spontaneous or scheduled, unassisted, and selectably anonymous. The invention provides broadly customizable degrees of collective and individual organizational control, and provides social safeguards to minimize disruptions by unruly participants.

This provides for controlling mobile device functions and features, along with systems incorporating these devices and methods. For example, it limits or disables the use of some of mobile device features which could cause distraction to the user, when the user is engaged in another activity. In an example, it enables other mobile device features based on occurrence of events related to the user or environment. Another example addresses controlling the mobile device features, such as SMS, while the user is in a vehicle or driving. Another example restricts the ability of the driver of a vehicle to text, while the vehicle is in motion, by automatically disabling the texting ability of mobile device within and around the perimeter of the driver's seat. Other variations, examples, improvements, detection mechanisms, models, techniques, calculations, verification mechanisms, and features are also described in details.

The present invention is essentially a method and system for leaving and retrieving messages at specific coordinate way points within a commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) provider network. Users carry or transport interface devices for communicating over the network and are able to record and view messages at specific coordinate locations while traveling in the network. The location of the device is calculated by the device or by the network while the device is powered on and in within the physical boundaries of the network, or through a combination of both. Messages can be made available to network subscribers when their interface devices come within an area centered about a physical coordinate location. Personalized messages can also be left by subscribers at any coordinate point within the boundaries of the network. The invention can also be used to facilitate access of information about an asset when a technician comes within a physical proximity threshold relative to said asset.

The present invention relates to an improved order fulfillment system. The system is provided with improved data entry system for selecting items for purchase by a customer, and an improved item collection terminal and order delivery system. The portable terminal to be used for collecting of items is provided with an audio as well as video presentation means which are used to provide assistance to the to terminal user.

In a multimedia communications system (100), a conference establishment server coordinates the scheduling of a conference call. The server receives request for conference calls (202). The request includes a list of participants and may include an indication of the resources necessary and any rules for the conference call. The request may indicate critical resources or participants that are required for the call. Based on the request, the server determines a conference time and notifies participants of the time (204, 206, 210). Prior to conference time, participants are reminded of the time and automatically connected to the call. The server may check the status of users on the telecommunications network to determine availability. If a critical participant or resource is unavailable at conference time, the conference may be cancelled with notification to the participants.

Methods, graphical user interfaces and devices for creation and management of voicemail greetings are disclosed. A user of a mobile communication device can create and manage multiple voicemail greetings. In one aspect, a user of a mobile communication device can create customized voicemails. The customized voicemails can be assigned to specific contacts (or groups of contacts) known to the mobile communication device. The customized voicemail greetings can also have controlled expiration dates. In another aspect, customized voicemails can be assigned to incoming calls in real-time.

A method and system for distributing voice prompts and messaging closer to the calling or called party via the Voice Access Port (VAP) of a wireless centrex system comprises the steps of transmitting a message request to the VAP from a network server platform, retrieving a selected message and forwarding the message, for example, to the calling party, for example, when the called party is not available or during conference call set-up, call hold or call screening. In accordance with a further embodiment, the voice prompt or message may be personalized with the calling / called party's name, address or other personalized information as appropriate.

A wireless system comprises at least one subscriber unit in wireless communication with an infrastructure. Each subscriber unit implements a speech recognition client, and the infrastructure comprises a speech recognition server. A given subscriber unit takes as input an unencoded speech signal that is subsequently parameterized by the speech recognition client. The parameterized speech is then provided to the speech recognition server that, in turn, performs speech recognition analysis on the parameterized speech. Information signals, based in part upon any recognized utterances identified by the speech recognition analysis, are subsequently provided to the subscriber unit. The information signals may be used to control the subscriber unit itself; to control one or more devices coupled to the subscriber unit, or may be operated upon by the subscriber unit or devices coupled thereto.

A system and method for tracking purchases in a location-based services system is disclosed wherein a request for information on a particular product is received from a consumer using a remote terminal. A geographically tailored response to the request is then generated with the location-based services system. At least one offer is then displayed to the consumer based on the geographically tailored response. An acceptance of a respective offer made by the consumer is then processed by the location-based services system and information is stored about the transaction in a usage data file or database.

A system, apparatus and method for relating a security association to a contact in a namespace familiar to the user, and using this association to make access control decisions. An identifier of a first device is received at a second device. Using the identifier, the second device locates a contact entry corresponding to the identifier in a contact directory. A contact name associated with the identified contact entry is presented to the user of the second device to facilitate user authorization of the wireless proximity connection. An authorization identifier, e.g., a Bluetooth link key, is associated with the contact entry if authorized by the user of the second device. A wireless proximity connection, e.g., a Bluetooth connection, is established between the first and second devices in response to associating the authorization identifier with the entry. When subsequent wireless proximity connection are attempted between the first and second devices, the connection may be automatically established.

An apparatus and method for managing a mobile phone answering mode and outgoing message or other indicator based on a location of the mobile phone are provided. The apparatus and method make use of a location system to ascertain the current location of a mobile telephone being carried by a user. Based on the current location, the apparatus and method determine whether operation of the mobile telephone to receive and / or send calls should be restricted. In addition, the apparatus and method determine an appropriate outgoing message to be provided to calling parties while the mobile telephone is located in an area where use of the mobile telephone to receive calls is prohibited. The particular outgoing message provided is customized to the current location of the mobile telephone and optionally, the caller ID of the calling party.

A method and apparatus for adding a member to an active call in a group communication network provides for receiving a member list from a user and sending a request to a server to add the member list to the active group call. The method and apparatus further provides for announcing each member in the member list that they are being added to the group call, receiving acknowledgement from a member who wishes to participate in the group call, and forwarding media to the member. The method and apparatus also provides for a significant reduction in the actual total dormancy wakeup time and latency by exchanging group call signaling even when mobiles are dormant and no traffic channel is active.

A method and apparatus for accessing wireless carrier networks by mobile computing devices. An access client hosted by a mobile computing device accesses carrier networks using wireless access points. The access client uses an access point database to identify access points and carrier networks. The access client uses a methods database and a tokens database to access the carrier networks. The access client updates the access point database, the methods database, and the token database using an access server when the access client is operably coupled to a carrier network. The access client transmits user information to the carrier network. The carrier network uses the user information to authenticate the user and to generate session data while the user is accessing the carrier network. The carrier network transmits the session data to the access server. The access server uses the session data to generate billing information for the user. The access client also collects network performance data for individual access points and carrier networks. The access client transmits the network performance data to the access server. The access server aggregates network performance data from a plurality of access clients to generate quality of server reports for both individual access points and carrier networks. The access client further includes access point detection and evaluation features for use by a user in selecting access points available at a single location.

Enhancements of and to cell phone operations are based in whole or in part on determining the location of the cell phone. Systems and methods select and determine locations or areas of importance or relevance, and based on that information and other programmed factors affect or alter the operations of the cell phone. While the systems and methods are illustrated by use of cell phone embodiments and applications, they are equally applicable to virtually any portable or mobile communication device, including for example, wireless laptop computers and PDAs.

A portable radio communications device that has as a priority in an idle state an option to compose an MMS voice message, that has as a priority when an MMS voice message has been received an option to play the received voice message and that has as a priority when a received MMS voice message has been played an option to reply to the played voice message with an MMS voice message. A received message may be determined to be a voice message by comparing one or more parameters of the received message against one or more predetermined parameters that are characteristic of a voice message.

An anonymous location wireless network service for use in a wireless network that tracks the location and identity of network users, such as networks complying with enhanced 911 standards. The service provides content providers with the location of network users without revealing their identities. The service includes a wireless network having a proxy server, a network communication link to a plurality of web sites, and a wireless communication link to a plurality of handheld devices. The proxy server blocks identity by reading the location and identity information of network devices, generating dummy identifications, relating the dummy identifications to the identity information, storing the relationships in a memory storage, and forwarding the location information and dummy identifications to the global computer network. Upon receiving return messages from the global computer network, the proxy server reads the dummy identifications, looks up the related identity information in the memory storage, and forwards the data to the appropriate network devices.

An approach is provided for securely communicating in a wireless network. A cryptographic server generates a command to enable a secure mode of operation for a wireless device, wherein the wireless device can operate in a secure mode and an unsecure mode in support of two-way messaging. The cryptographic server sends the command to the wireless device to activate the secure mode of operation. The secure mode of operation provides transmission of an encrypted message by the wireless device over the wireless network.

The subject invention provides a system and / or a method that facilitates automatically updating contact information. An interface can receive identification data related to a first mobile communication device, wherein a contact update component can provide contact information to a second mobile communication device and automatically update such contact information. The update can be before, during, and / or after a communication session between the first mobile communication device and the second mobile communication device. Moreover, the update can be applied to an address book and / or a memory storage associated with the second mobile communication device.

A plurality of public safety answering points (PSAPs) are accessible via a voice-over-packet (VoP) network. Each wireless access point of the VoP network is identified by a basic service set identifier (BSSID). A mobile node associates with a wireless access point and stores the wireless access point's BSSID as an indicator of the mobile node's location. A user of the mobile node dials digits for an emergency services call. In response, the mobile node transmits a SIP INVITE message that includes the BSSID and an additional indicator of the mobile node's location, e.g., determined using GPS or tower triangulation. A SIP proxy server receives the SIP INVITE message and attempts to determine the appropriate PSAP to answer the call based on the BSSID. If the attempt is unsuccessful, the SIP proxy server determines the appropriate PSAP based on the additional indicator.

A wireless network system and method to secure Quality of Service (QoS) according to a type of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) service in a WLAN communication system based on IEEE 802.11 includes: an authentication server adapted to set a priority for an access category of a wireless network service requested by a user to perform an authentication procedure in response to a user terminal requesting authentication for access to a wireless network; and an Access Point (AP) adapted to receive and store access category information of the user terminal authenticated by the authentication server and to compare access category information contained in a packet received from the user terminal to the previously stored access category information of the user terminal to control access to the wireless network.