Detachable wireless terminal

• US 8,358,983 B2
• Filed: 04/12/2006
• Issued: 01/22/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/12/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: OL Security LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Mochis Investment LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Lieu, Winston Hong, Zhao, Haixiong
• Primary Examiner(s): Lu, Zhiyu
• Application Number:
  US11/279,564
• Publication Number:
  US 20070242424A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,477 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 455/90.2
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0256 wherein the modules are operable in the detached state, e.g. one module for the user interface and one module for the transceiver
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/6775 by providing access to preprogrammed keys
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72424 with manual activation of emergency-service functions
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

A limited-capability wireless terminal that is particularly well adapted for use in emergency situations, recreational activities and occasional calls is disclosed. The detachable wireless terminal does not have a display or a numeric keypad. Rather, the detachable wireless terminal has several “one-touch” buttons that place a call to pre-programmed phone numbers when pressed. The detachable wireless terminal is small enough and light enough to be worn around a user'"'"'s neck, received by a lanyard or a necklace. The wireless terminal detachably couples to a relatively larger docking device, which can be used to program it.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a docking device, comprising;

a wireless telecommunications antenna and transceiver configured to enable two-way communications over a common wireless network, and

an interface configured to enter a user programmed number and to transmit said user programmed number; and

a wireless terminal, detachably coupled to said docking device, configured to enable two-way voice communications independent of said docking device over said common wireless network, said wireless terminal comprising;

a first button configured to, in response to being depressed, activate a call to a preprogrammed number,

a second button configured to, in response to being depressed, activate a call to said user programmed number, and

a first interface configured to transmit data to and receive data from said docking device, including said user programmed number;

wherein said wireless terminal and said docking device are communicatively coupled in a walkie-talkie mode.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said docking device further comprises:

a suitably-programmed processor; and

control circuitry configured for programming said wireless terminal.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said docking device comprises a mobile phone.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless terminal further comprises a plurality of buttons for placing calls.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said first button is visually distinguishable from the plurality of buttons.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first interface of the wireless terminal is selected from a group comprising a wireless interface and a port.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless terminal further comprises a coupler configured to enable said wireless terminal to be physically coupled to an item that facilitates carrying said wireless terminal.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said item is selected from a group comprising a lanyard, a necklace, a bracelet, a key-ring, and a belt.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first button is configured to, in response to being pressed, activates one of a 9-1-1 call, a call to home, a call to police, or a call to a hospital.

9. An apparatus, comprising:

a docking device, comprising;

a wireless telecommunications antenna and transceiver configured to enable two-way voice communications over a common wireless network, and

an interface configured to enter a user programmed number and to transmit said user programmed number; and

a plurality of wireless terminals, detachably coupled to said docking device, configured to enable two-way voice communications independent of said docking device over the common wireless network, a wireless terminal of said plurality of wireless terminals comprising;

a first button configured to, in response to being depressed, activate a preprogrammed 9-1-1 call,

a second button configured to, in response to being depressed, activate a call to said user programmed number,

an interface configured to transmit data to and receive data from said docking device, including said user programmed number;

wherein said plurality of wireless terminals and said docking device are communicatively coupled in a walkie-talkie mode.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said wireless terminal does not have a display.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first button is visually distinguishable from other buttons.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said wireless terminal of said plurality of wireless terminals further comprises a coupler configured to couple said wireless terminal to an item that facilitates carrying said wireless terminal, wherein said item is selected from a group comprising a lanyard, a necklace, a bracelet, a key-ring, and a belt.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said interface of said wireless terminal is selected from a group comprising a wireless interface and a port.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said mobile docking device is selected from a group comprising a cellular phone and an MP3 player with wireless telecommunications capability.