4425 results about "Mobile telephony" patented technology

A novel system and methodology for conducting financial and other transactions using a wireless device. Credentials may be selectively issued by issuers such as credit card companies, banks, and merchants to consumers permitting the specific consumer to conduct a transaction according to the authorization given as reflected by the credential or set of credentials. The preferred mechanism for controlling and distributing credentials according to the present invention is through one or more publicly accessible networks such as the Internet wherein the system design and operating characteristics are in conformance with the standards and other specific requirements of the chosen network or set of networks. Credentials are ultimately supplied to a handheld device such as a mobile telephone via a wireless network. The user holding the credential may then use the handheld device to conduct the authorized transaction or set of transactions via, for example, a short range wireless link with a point-of-sale terminal.

A method of generating an object oriented interactive multimedia file, including encoding data comprising at least one of video, text, audio, music and / or graphics elements as a video packet stream, text packet stream, audio packet stream, music packet stream and / or graphics packet stream respectively, combining the packet streams into a single self-contained object, said object containing its own control information, placing a plurality of the objects in a data stream, and grouping one or more of the data streams in a single contiguous self-contained scene, the scene including format definition as the initial packet in a sequence of packets. An encoder for executing the method is provided together with a player or decoder for parsing and decoding the file, which can be wirelessly streamed to a portable computer device, such as a mobile phone or a PDA. The object controls provide rendering and interactive controls for objects allowing users to control dynamic media composition, such as dictating the shape and content of interleaved video objects, and control the objects received.

A method and apparatus is provided for controlling a mobile phone when it has been lost or stolen in order to prevent its use except to help the owner find it. Controlling the phone remotely may be implemented via a known Short Messaging System, for example. The security features provided are as follows: (1) Displaying contact information (phone number) of the owner on screen when the mobile phone can not start up normally, for example, due to an incorrect security code entry; (2) Setting the mobile phone in a secure state where it can only be used to call one number (Emergency calls are of course always possible.); and (3) Commanding the mobile phone to send information about its location and usage via SMS to a given number.

A system for providing handoff for a mobile devices comprising a mobile phone programmed to automatically handover between differing data bearers and to optimally detect those bearers in a roaming environment keeping power consumption to a minimum. Repeating means for these mobile devices to extend the range of coverage and the protocol for that coverage.

A technique is used to ensure the authenticity of a wireless transmission source which is requesting a transaction to be performed by a system. The transaction may be a person-to-person money transfer or other value exchange transaction. The wireless transmission source may be a mobile phone or other similar device. The wireless transmission source transmits a key with the transaction request. The system will determine the authenticity of the transmission based on the transmitted key. If the transmission is determined to be authentic, the transaction will be acted upon. Various approaches for determining authenticity are discussed. The technique may also be used to prevent acting upon duplicate transmissions.

Methods and systems for making a financial payment to a payee via a stored value (SV) card utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). The mobile device communicates wirelessly with a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) that stores user information and transaction information. A user enters information via the mobile device identifying a payee and indicating a stored value card payment method. The mobile device generates a mobile payment instruction that includes information corresponding to the identified payee and indicating a stored value card payment method. The mobile payment instruction is wirelessly communicated to the MFTS. The MFTS generates an MFTS payment instruction to a payment instruction recipient that can issue a new stored value card and / or reload funds onto a pre-existing stored value card. The MFTS communicates the MFTS payment instruction to the payment instruction recipient, which arranges for payment to the identified payee by issuing a new stored value card or reloading funds onto a pre-existing stored value card.

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 is directed to a method and apparatus for sending and retrieving location relevant information to a user by selecting and designating a point of interest that is displayed on a graphical user interface and sending the location information associated with that point of interest to a receiver that is also selected using the graphical user interface. The location relevant information may also include mapped routes, waypoints, geo-fenced areas, moving vehicles etc. Updated location relevant information may also be continuously sent to the user while generating updated mapping information on the graphical user interface. The present invention may be practiced by using communication devices such as a personal computer, a personal digital assistance, in-vehicle navigation systems, or a mobile telephone.

In some embodiments, techniques for rewarding presence include detecting a presence of a mobile phone within an enclosed space, transmitting information relating to the presence of the mobile phone within the enclosed space to a server computer, wherein the server computer processes an award for the presence of the mobile phone within the enclosed space, wherein the award is associated with a user account associated with the mobile phone; and receiving from the server computer information relating to the award.

Methods and systems for distributing a mobile device application for use in making and receiving payments utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). A downloadable mobile device application, when installed on a compatible mobile device, is operative for communicating with a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) that facilitates the making and receiving of payments via wireless mobile devices. The downloadable mobile device application is provided via a download system that downloads the application to mobile devices according to download procedures appropriate for a particular type of mobile device. When a payment is made to a payee having a mobile device, system communicates a message to the payee's mobile device that informs that a payment has been made and instructs the payee about the downloadable mobile device application. If the mobile device user / payee downloads and installs the mobile device application on his or her mobile device and provides enrollment information, interaction between the MFTS and the mobile device user / payee is permitted, and payment is provided to the mobile device user as user / payee.

Disclosed is an integrated handheld computer and telephony system. Integration of the handheld computer and telephony system is at the physical and operational level. For example, the integrated handheld computer and telephony system physically integrates a handheld computer with a mobile (e.g., cellular) telephone. In addition, the handheld computer is distinct from telephony system in that they are logically separable. However, they are also operationally integrated, for example, the telephony system executes a telephone application on the processor of the handheld computer. Likewise, the handheld computer can execute applications, for example, a phone book, that can be used to launch the telephony application.

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.

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.

Methods and systems for selecting a payment source for use in making a mobile financial payment utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). A mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) is coupled for electronic communications with one or more financial service providers with which the user maintains one or more accounts, and also for wireless communications with mobile devices. The mobile device displays information corresponding to accounts available to the user as a payment source for use in connection with making a payment using the mobile device. The user selects a payment source for making a payment. The mobile device generates a mobile payment instruction comprising information corresponding to the payment and a selected payment source. The mobile payment instruction is wirelessly communicated to the MFTS. The MFTS generates an MFTS payment instruction that includes an amount, information corresponding to the identified payee, and information indicating the selected payment source. The MFTS payment instruction is communicated to the payment instruction recipient, which effects the payment utilizing the selected payment source.

A system and method for, by means of a mobile terminal, wireless hotel search and selection, reservation / booking, check-in, room access control, check-out and payment services for hotel customers is disclosed. The mobile terminal (1) comprises a mobile telephone and processing unit (23), operating with wireless applications, for wireless communication (2) with a hotel search and reservation server (12) and a reservation / IT system (7) of a selected hotel, and a short-range wireless device (25) for wireless communication (10) with wireless devices (9,16) of door locks (32) and user locating arrangements, respectively. By means of the wireless application of the mobile terminal (1), the user reserves a hotel room. A hotel room key token is transferred from the reservation / IT system (7) to the wireless device (35) of the mobile terminal, and hence to the wireless door lock (9,32). When the terminal (1) and the wireless door lock (9,31) are in-range, the hotel room key token is transferred from mobile terminal (1) to the wireless door lock (9,32), the door is unlocked and check-in is registered. On departure, exit or expiration of the reservation period, the system provides wireless check-out and electronic bill settlement.

A system and method for integrating voice and data operations into a single mobile device capable of simultaneously performing data and voice actions. The mobile device working in a network capable of exchanging both cell phone calls and data items to the mobile device. By wearing an earphone or an ear-bud device the user is capable of dealing with voice conversations while working with data centric information related to the current caller. By providing a data-centric device with voice capabilities there is a new range of features that allow incoming data events to trigger outgoing voice events.

Methods and systems for conducting financial transactions in a mobile environment utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA) that communicates with a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) that stores user and transaction information. The MFTS receives information on behalf of a mobile device user corresponding to bills to pay or other payments to make. The MFTS also receives information corresponding to payment sources available for use in making payments. Selected payments information and payment source information are communicated to the mobile user via a wireless network and displayed for user selection. The user selects a payment to make and a payment source. A mobile payment instruction is generated and communicated to the MFTS. The MFTS instructs a payment instruction recipient to make a payment to an identified payee. Real-time updated account and payment balances are provided to the user's mobile device.

Methods and systems are disclosed for allowing financial transactions to be conducted using mobile phones. A payer initiates a transaction by sending a payment request message from a mobile phone which specifies the payee and amount to be paid. Payees are identified by unique aliases, which are maintained in a database. Methods for assembling the enrollment and alias database are included.

A wireless security module (20) adapted to authenticate a mobile device (16), such as a mobile telephone, thereby to allow communication between the mobile device and a terminal (12), such as a self-service terminal. The wireless security module (20) is paired with the mobile device (16) and is adapted to send an authentication signal to the mobile device (16) or the terminal (12) using a wireless communication path, such as a telecommunications network or an IR link or a Bluetooth connection.

Methods and systems for obtaining real time account balance information for a plurality of financial accounts maintained at one or more financial service providers utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). A mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) is coupled for wireless communications with a mobile device of a user and is also coupled for electronic communication with one or more financial service providers with which the user maintains one or more accounts. The mobile device stores a cached account balance representative of the balance in each account as of a particular date. The MFTS communicates with financial service providers to obtain updated account balance information for a user's accounts. The updated account balance information is wirelessly communicated to a user's mobile device. In response to receipt of updated account balance information from the MFTS, the mobile device displays updated account balance information corresponding to the plurality of user accounts.

A method of providing a mobile wallet is disclosed and may include displaying a mobile wallet login screen and displaying a mobile wallet. The mobile wallet includes at least one of the following: an accounts option, a buy now option, an offers option, a receipts option, and a more option. The method further includes displaying one or more accounts when the accounts option is selected. The one or more accounts may include at least one of the following: a bank account, a credit account, a gift card account, and a rewards account.

A system and method for exchanging messages between a mobile device and a plurality of IM services. The system includes an SMS-based MIM client that runs on a mobile device and provides a plurality of user interfaces for a plurality of respective IM services. A user of the mobile device can log in to at least one of the IM services using the MIM client, and the mobile phone user can use the MIM client to exchange text messages with users logged into the at least one chosen IM service.

Methods and systems for making a financial payment to a payee via a paper check utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA). The mobile device communicates wirelessly with a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) that stores user information and transaction information. A user enters information via the mobile device identifying a payee and indicating a paper check payment method. The mobile device generates a mobile payment instruction that includes information corresponding to the identified payee and indicating a paper check payment method. The mobile payment instruction is wirelessly communicated to the MFTS. The MFTS generates an MFTS payment instruction to a payment instruction recipient that can issue a paper check. The MFTS communicates the MFTS payment instruction to the payment instruction recipient, which arranges for payment to the identified payee by printing and mailing of a paper check to the payee.

Allows for the use of any type of mobile telephone as an activating equipment for payment devices using any mobile telephone network employing any technology in any country connected to the system. Includes a group of payment and operations processing centres (1) in different countries, which are interconnected through international addressing processors (2) to carry out transactions and payments among users-payers and beneficiaries associated to the system in either the same or different countries. The centres (1) have a specific structure in order to allow for different types of purchases, consultations, modifications and the authentication of payment devices. The invention allows for all of the different messages exchanged to use voice messaging. In addition the invention allows for the use of a mobile telephone of a beneficiary / merchant as a POS (22) to carry out transactions.

Embodiments of a location sharing network manager process are described. The process is executed on a server computer coupled to a plurality of mobile communication devices over a wireless network. Each mobile device is a location-aware mobile communication device. The process determines the geographic location of a mobile communication device operated by a user within an area, displays a map representation of the area around the mobile communication device on a graphical user interface of the mobile communication device, and superimposes on the map the respective locations of one or more other trusted users of mobile communication devices coupled to the mobile communication device over the network. A comprehensive network manager process provides management functions to allow communication with mobile phone users outside of the service network and allows for efficient communication with groups of users within the service network.

A reconfigurable tactile input device includes a first rigid electrode layer, a compressible dielectric structure, and a second flexible electrode layer forming together a tactile sensor with appropriate electrode connection means to a control means. The control means may include a mixed-signal IC mounted next to the input device in a compact package and capable of measuring capacitance in real time. The dielectric structure may include a matrix of compressible geometric elements with voids therebetween optionally vented to atmosphere, making the entire assembly thin and facilitating its use for mobile phones and other small, portable electronic devices. Some embodiments provide the user wit tactile feedback upon compression of the electrodes. An optional flexible display may be mounted over the input device to indicate the present configuration to the user.

A method of managing voice messages using a mobile telephone, comprising the steps of: (a) a graphical user interface (GUI) being opened on the mobile telephone, the GUI individually listing remotely stored voice messages in a menu list, the voice messages being meant for a user of the mobile telephone; (b) enabling the user to select a voice message from the list to initiate playback on the mobile telephone. The present invention hence supplants the current approach of retrieving voice messages (based on listening to various options spoken by a synthetic voice, such as “press (1) to reply”, “press (2) to delete”, “press (3) to repeat”) with a GUI based system; this system individually lists voice messages in a menu list, making it very simple for an end-user to select a message to initiate playback of the voice message.

Techniques are disclosed for a mobile telephone, in conjunction with a payment transaction server, to be used directly as a payment device for a variety of financial transactions. Further, the transaction systems and methods for mobile telephone devices described herein allow a mobile telephone to participate in payment transactions in a manner that helps prevent identify theft and without relying on transferring amounts to / from one stored value account to another.

A wireless headset system for use with, e.g. mobile phones, and which incorporates a wireless headset which communicates with a base station via magnetic inductive coupling or radio frequency signals to dial and send or receive calls via a conventional phone, e.g. a mobile phone, attached to the base station. In one embodiment, the mobile phone is carried in the base station which is worn by the user.

A mobile phone capable of displaying video and other information in a user-friendly manner without interrupting video display in the case where other information is displayed during the display of received video. The mobile phone, on receipt of an external event via a wireless unit during display by a display unit of video constituting a TV program received by a tuner, partitions a screen based on a partition ratio stored in a partition information storage unit, and displays both video constituting the TV program and information composed of information showing the occurrence of an external event, information related to an originator, and the like.