US6108562A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Travel converter for a mobile telephone
Assignee: Optis Wireless Technology LLC
•
Filing: 1997-08-15
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Granted: 2000-08-22
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Expires: 2017-08-15
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for effectuating communication between a mobile telephone and at least one communication network not supported by the mobile telephone. A converter interfaces to a mobile telephone to effectuate communication between the mobile telephone and the communication network. The converter includes a controller for controlling operation of the converter and further for selecting a communication network for communicating with the mobile telephone. Communication protocol functionality within the mobile computer effectuates communication between the mobile telephone and the selected communication network and an interface provides for communication between the mobile telephone and the communication network.
Inventors
- 👤 Nils Rutger Carl Rydbeck
- 👤 Michael Kornby
- 👤 Tord Martin Wingren
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 01:46
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W88/00; H04W88/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A mobile telephone for communicating with a plurality of communication networks using a plurality of communication protocols comprising: a man machine interface having at least a microphone and an earphone; a plurality of communication modules, each module containing functionality for effectuating communication with an associated communication network using a distinct communication protocol; a converter for selecting a communication network and a communication module from the plurality of communication modules, the selected communication module having functionality to effectuate communication using the protocol of the selected network, the converter further for effectuating communication between the man machine interface and the communication module; means for coupling the plurality of communication modules to the converter to permit communication with the converter; and wherein each communication module includes a memory containing protocol information identifying the communication protocol of the communication module, the protocol information being read by the converter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A mobile telephone for communicating with a plurality of communication networks using a plurality of communication protocols comprising: a man machine interface having at least a microphone and an earphone; a plurality of communication modules, each module containing functionality for effectuating communication with an associated communication network using a distinct communication protocol; a converter for selecting a communication network and a communication module from the plurality of communication modules, the selected communication module having functionality to effectuate communication using the protocol of the selected network, the converter further for effectuating communication between the man machine interface and the communication module; means for coupling the plurality of communication modules to the converter to permit communication with the converter; and wherein each communication module includes a memory containing protocol information identifying the communication protocol of the communication module, the protocol information being read by the converter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The mobile telephone recited in claim 1, further including a means for interfacing the man machine interface to the converter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The mobile telephone recited in claim 2, wherein the means for interfacing the man machine interface to the converter is a fiber optic cable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mobile telephone recited in claim 3, wherein the means for interfacing the man machine interface to the converter is a wireless radio frequency communication link.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The mobile telephone of claim 4, wherein the wireless radio frequency communication link is an infrared communication link.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mobile telephone of claim 2, wherein said means for interfacing includes a semiconductor chip socket.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
38 words
The mobile telephone recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality of communication protocols include at least one of the following: a Global System for Mobile communication; an Advanced Mobile Phone Service; and a Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
49 words
The mobile telephone recited in claim 1, wherein the mobile telephone is incorporated into a personal computer and the means for coupling includes the plurality of communication modules physically and electrically mated to the mobile telephone via the personal computer using a personal computer memory card interface association connector.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mobile telephone of claim 1, wherein said means for coupling includes means for physically and electrically mating the plurality of communication modules to the converter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
The mobile telephone recited in claim 9, wherein the means for physically and electrically mating the plurality of communication modules to the converter comprises a plurality of slots positioned on the converter and an edge connector positioned on each of the communication modules for inserting into one of the plurality of slots.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The mobile telephone recited in claim 9, wherein the means for physically and electrically mating the plurality of communication modules to the converter comprises, a ribbon cable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mobile telephone recited in claim 9, wherein the means for physically and electrically mating the plurality of communication modules to the converter comprises, a personal computer memory card interface association connector.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mobile telephone of claim 1, wherein said means for coupling includes a wireless communication link.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The mobile telephone of claim 13, wherein said wireless communication link is an infrared communication link.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The mobile telephone of claim 1, wherein the selected network is a satellite network.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
131 words
A mobile telephone for communicating with a plurality of communication networks using a plurality of communication protocols comprising: a man machine interface having at least a microphone and an earphone: a plurality of communication modules, each module containing functionality for effectuating communication with an associated communication network using a distinct communication protocol; a converter for selecting a communication network and a communication module from the plurality of communication modules, the selected communication module having functionality to effectuate communication using the protocol of the selected network, the converter further for effectuating communication between the man machine interface and the communication module; means for physically and electrically mating the plurality of communication modules to the converter; and said converter including a sensor for detecting the presence of communication modules mated to the converter.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
131 words
A mobile telephone for communicating with a plurality of communication networks using a plurality of communication protocols comprising: a man machine interface having at least a microphone and an earphone: a plurality of communication modules, each module containing functionality for effectuating communication with an associated communication network using a distinct communication protocol; a converter for selecting a communication network and a communication module from the plurality of communication modules, the selected communication module having functionality to effectuate communication using the protocol of the selected network, the converter further for effectuating communication between the man machine interface and the communication module; means for physically and electrically mating the plurality of communication modules to the converter; and said converter including a sensor for detecting the presence of communication modules mated to the converter.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
63 words
The mobile telephone of claim 16, wherein said converter includes a controller for selecting the communication network and further for selecting the communication module, and a switch for electrically connecting the man machine interface to the selected communication module, the switch being controlled by the controller, and wherein said sensor is operable for communicating the presence of the communication modules to the controller.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for selecting a communication network and a communication module in a mobile telephone comprising the: detecting the presence of communication modules coupled to the mobile telephone; reading from respective memories of the detected communication modules protocol information identifying respective communication protocols of the communication modules; identifying the communication networks currently available; and selecting, according to a defined criteria, the communication network and communication module from the intersection of the set of communication networks identified as being available and the communication modules coupled to the mobile telephone.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for selecting a communication network and a communication module in a mobile telephone comprising the: detecting the presence of communication modules coupled to the mobile telephone; reading from respective memories of the detected communication modules protocol information identifying respective communication protocols of the communication modules; identifying the communication networks currently available; and selecting, according to a defined criteria, the communication network and communication module from the intersection of the set of communication networks identified as being available and the communication modules coupled to the mobile telephone.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method recited in claim 18, further including the step of connecting a man machine interface of the mobile telephone to the communication module.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-08-22 | 2004-02-21 | 2004-08-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-08-22 | 2008-02-21 | 2008-08-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-08-22 | 2012-02-21 | 2012-08-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |