US20070232352A1 - Cellular phone cordless home base unit - Google Patents
Cellular phone cordless home base unit Download PDFInfo
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- US20070232352A1 US20070232352A1 US11/490,422 US49042206A US2007232352A1 US 20070232352 A1 US20070232352 A1 US 20070232352A1 US 49042206 A US49042206 A US 49042206A US 2007232352 A1 US2007232352 A1 US 2007232352A1
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- base unit
- cell phone
- network
- portable cell
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/725—Cordless telephones
- H04M1/72502—Cordless telephones with one base station connected to a single line
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
- H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
- H04M1/72—Mobile telephones; Cordless telephones, i.e. devices for establishing wireless links to base stations without route selection
- H04M1/725—Cordless telephones
Definitions
- the field of the invention is communication systems.
- a particular communication device such as a cell phone needs to be integrated into a communication network before it can be used to communicate with users of the network, or to use the network to communicate with users outside the network.
- Integration into a communication network typically requires that the communication device be provided with integration information that is required for the device to communicate with the network.
- a cell phone uses three numbers to integrate it into a communication network, an electronic serial number (“ESN”, a mobile identification number (“MIN”), and a system identification code.
- ESN is a unique 32-bit number programmed into the phone when it is manufactured.
- the MIN is a 10-digit number derived from a phone number associated with the phone.
- the SID is a unique 5-digit number that is assigned to each carrier by the FCC.
- both the MIN and SID codes are programmed into the phone when a service plan is purchased and the phone activated (i.e. integrated into the communication network).
- the MIN and ESN paired together form a unique tag for the communication device that is used by the network to determine whether the device should be permitted access to the network.
- Cell phones are typically adapted to be held in the palm of a user's hand, and to be operated while being so held.
- Cell phones are typically mobile communication devices in that the are sized, dimensioned, and otherwise adapted to be operated while being carried.
- Cell phones can be used to communicate with non-mobile communication devices such as desktop phones that are adapted to be placed on, and possibly attached to, a supporting surface such as a table or wall, and to be operated while being supported by such a surface.
- the present invention is directed to methods and devices facilitating temporary substitution of a first communication device for a second communication device in a communication network by causing the first communication device to obtain integration information from the second communication device.
- a cellular phone or other communication device can be integrated with a communication network by at least temporarily coupling it to another cellular phone or communication device that was previously integrated with the communication network and obtaining integration information from the previously integrated telephone or device.
- the cellular telephone to be integrated may be a unit used in place of a mobile cellular phone when the user of such a phone is at a particular location such as his or her home.
- Such a unit may integrate itself when coupled to a previously integrated phone by obtaining a MIN and ESN from the previously integrated phone.
- Such a unit may also provide access to non-integration information contained in the previously integrated phone such as data related to contact, tasks, and appointments.
- devices to be integrated will comprise one or more cordless handsets and at least one base unit where the one or more handsets are adapted to communicate with the base unit, and the base unit is adapted to be temporarily coupled to a mobile cellular telephone, and to communicate with a cellular telephone network via the network's cell towers. It is contemplated that some embodiments may comprise a base unit having two antennas wherein a first of the two antennas is adapted to transmit signals to and receive signals from the wireless handset and a second of the two antennas is adapted to transmit signals to and receive signals from the communication network.
- the devices described herein may be integrated into a communication network by temporarily coupling the communication device to a communication device previously integrated into the communication network; and causing the communication device to be integrated to obtain integration information from the previously integrated communication device.
- the previously integrated communication device is a mobile cellular telephone
- the communication network is a cellular telephone network
- the communication device adapted to be integrated into the network is a non-mobile cellular telephone.
- FIG. 1A is a view of the network of FIG. 1A having and a non-integrated communication device.
- FIG. 1B is a view of the network and device of FIG. 1A while the device is being integrated into the network.
- FIG. 1C is a view of the network and device of FIG. 1A after the device is integrated.
- FIG. 1D is a view of the network and device of FIG. 1A after the device as been disconnected from the network.
- FIG. 2 is a view of a non-mobile cell phone adapted to be integrated into a cellular communication network and a cell phone already integrated into the cellular communication network.
- FIG. 3 is a back view of the non-mobile cell phone of FIG. 2 .
- mobile communication devices 20 are an integrated part of a communication network 1 that also comprises fixed units 30 .
- Communication device 10 is a device that is to be temporarily substituted for one of devices 20 in network 1 by causing device 10 to obtain integration information from device 20 B.
- network 1 is a cellular telephone network
- fixed units 31 would be cell towers transmitting and receiving signals from mobile cellular telephones 20
- fixed unit 32 would be a mobile telephone switching office (MTSO).
- MTSO mobile telephone switching office
- device 10 would likely also be a cellular telephone (although not necessarily a mobile one) capable of communicating with towers 31 once it is integrated into network 1 .
- the devices and methods described are particularly suitable for use with mobile cellular telephone networks, they are also suitable for use in any type of network where a non-integrated device can be integrated by providing it with integration information from a previously integrated device. Integration of a device is intended to indicate that the device can be used to transmit information to and receive information from some portion of the network. In a mobile cellular telephone network, integration of device 10 may be accomplished by providing device 10 with the MIN and ESN of device 20 B, but in some mobile cellular telephone networks or other types of networks may require providing device 10 with information other than a MIN and ESN pair from device 20 B.
- device 10 is coupled to device 20 B in order to facilitate device 10 obtaining integration information from device 20 B.
- a connection is preferably made by physically coupling device 20 B to device 10 via mating electrical connectors, but may be done in any manner that allows device 10 to obtain information from device 20 B.
- device 10 is still coupled to device 20 B, but device 20 B has been temporarily disconnected from network 1 . It is preferred that any device (such as 20 B) coupled to unit 10 be disconnected from (i.e. not communicating with) network 1 while unit 10 is integrated and communicating with network 1 . Such disconnection may involve turning off device 20 B after integration information is obtained from it, temporarily removing integration information from device 20 B, or placing device 20 B in a standby mode wherein in remains powered on but does not communicate with network 1 . In less preferred embodiments, device 20 B may remain integrated with and engage in communications with network 1 even while device 10 is integrated and communicating with network 1 .
- device 10 has been disconnected from network 1 . It is contemplated that in some instances de-coupling device 20 B from device 10 will cause device 10 to disconnect itself from network 1 . Such a disconnection may simply involve device 10 not using integration information obtained from removed device 20 B to communicate with network 1 , or may involve deletion of any such obtained integration information from device 10 so as to de-integrate device 10 from network 1 . In other instances, device 10 may remain integrated with network 1 even if device 20 B is de-coupled from device 10 .
- FIG. 2 Shown in FIG. 2 are a first cellular telephone 100 and second cellular telephones 200 that are embodiments of devices 10 and 20 of FIGS. 1A-1D .
- Telephones 100 and 200 are preferably all adapted to communicate with a MTSO ( 32 in FIGS. 1A-1D ) via towers ( 31 in FIGS. 1A-1D ), or directly with other cellular telephones.
- Telephone 100 is adapted to be integrated into a communication network (such as network 1 of FIGS. 1A-1D ) by temporarily coupling telephone 100 to one of telephones 200 (such as 200 A or 200 B) where telephones 200 are telephones previously integrated into the network, and by subsequently obtaining integration information from one of telephones 200 while such a telephone ( 200 A or 200 B) is coupled to telephone 100 .
- a communication network such as network 1 of FIGS. 1A-1D
- Mobile cellular telephones 200 may comprise any type of cellular telephone integrated into a communication network, where such integration is at least partially dependent on the telephone containing integration information (such as a MIN and ESN).
- telephones 200 comprise bodies 201 A and 201 B, antennas 203 A and 203 B, transceivers 241 A and 241 B, displays 207 A and 207 B, keypads 215 A and 215 B, and male connectors 206 A and 206 B.
- Alternative embodiments of telephones 200 may include fewer or additional features to those shown. For example, other types of connectors or means of connection are contemplated, including infrared and wireless.
- device 100 is a non-mobile telephone comprising at least one handset ( 110 A or 110 B) and at least one base unit 120 .
- Telephone 100 may also comprise one or more charging units 130 that include a power cord 134 and a cradle 132 for receiving one of handsets 100 A and 100 B to permit charging of such a handset without coupling it to base unit 120 .
- Handsets 110 A and 110 B are adapted to wirelessly communicate with the base unit 120 , and the base unit 120 is adapted to be temporarily coupled to at least one mobile cellular telephone ( 200 A or 200 B), and may be adapted to be coupled to at least two mobile cellular telephones 200 A and 200 B at the same time.
- handsets 110 A and 110 B comprise bodies 111 A and 111 B, antennas 113 A and 113 B, transceivers 141 C and 141 D, speakers 116 , displays 117 , microphones 114 , and keypads 115 .
- Alternative embodiments of telephones handsets 110 A and 110 B may include fewer or additional features to those shown, and may coupled to base unit 120 by an optical or electrical conductor.
- Base unit 120 preferably comprises at least two transceivers 141 A and 141 B and two antennas 123 A and 123 B with one antenna and one transceiver being adapted to communicate with wireless handsets 110 A and 110 B, and the second antenna and transceiver being adapted to communicate with a cellular telephone network (possibly via towers 31 in network 1 of FIG. 1 ).
- Base unit 120 is preferred to also comprise at least one mobile cellular phone cradle 129 A (and/or 129 B), and at least one corresponding charging units 144 A (and/or 144 B).
- the embodiment of FIG. 2 comprises two cradles, 129 A and 129 B.
- Cradles 129 A and 129 B facilitate temporarily coupling mobile cellular phones 200 A and 200 B to base unit 120 .
- cradles 129 A and 129 B each comprise a female connector 126 A or 126 B adapted to mate with one of connectors 206 A and 206 B of telephones 200 .
- base unit 120 also comprises power cord 124 and keypad 125 .
- Alternative embodiments of base unit 120 may include fewer or additional features to those shown.
- base unit 120 be adapted to charge any mobile cellular telephone coupled to it.
- base unit 120 preferably comprises charging units 144 A and 144 B to permit charging of mobile cellular 200 A and 200 B while they are in cradles 129 A and 129 B.
- Base unit 120 may also be adapted to be hardwired to one or more lines of a non-cellular communication network (not shown) via one or more telephone cords.
- base unit 120 may comprise one or more connectors ( 128 A and 128 B in FIG. 3 ) adapted to receive any such telephone cords.
- Base unit 120 will typically also comprise a power cord 124 . Although some embodiments may permit hardwired connections to non-cellular communication networks, not all embodiments need have this feature.
- telephone 100 will be integrated into a communication network simply by temporarily coupling one of mobile telephones 200 to telephone 100 where coupling one of telephones 200 to telephone 100 causes telephone 100 to obtain integration information from the coupled telephone.
- Telephone 100 may integrate itself when coupled to one of telephones 200 by obtaining the MIN and ESN from one of telephones 200 .
- coupling telephones 200 A and 200 B to device 100 simply comprises placing telephones 200 A and 200 B in cradles 129 A and 129 B of base unit 120 so that the male connectors 206 A and 206 B of telephones 200 mate with the female connectors 126 A and 126 B of base 120 .
- one or more actions may need to be taken after placing telephones 200 A and 200 B in cradles 129 A and 129 B in order for base unit 120 to obtain integration information from devices 200 A and 200 B.
- one ore more of telephones 200 may be coupled to base unit 120 without placing those telephones 200 in a cradle. Such embodiments may wirelessly connect one or more telephones 200 to base unit 120 , possibly through the use of infrared communications.
- handset 110 A may be used to access non-integration data contained in a mobile cellular telephone 200 A (and/or 200 B) while telephone 200 A (and/or 200 B) is coupled to the base unit 120 .
- non-integration data may comprise data relating to at least one of the following: contacts, tasks, appointments, calls made, calls received, and calls missed. If multiple cellular telephones are coupled to base unit 120 , handset 110 A (and/or 100 B) preferably provides a mechanism for selecting one of the coupled cellular telephones and accessing the non-integration data contained in the selected phone.
- handsets 110 A and 110 B may be used to access digital data from a mobile cellular telephone or provider which includes music files, text messaging files, voicemail files, picture files and even email files. It is contemplated that handsets 110 A and 110 B will provide access to all data and functionality of telephones 200 A and 200 B. Handsets 110 A and 110 B may also incorporate any other known telephone feature such as voice activation and dialing.
- base unit 120 may comprising one or more signal amplifiers or other adaptations that permit unit 120 to have a range beyond that of any devices 200 coupled to it.
- Base unit may also be adapted to be coupled to an external antenna such as an antenna mounted on the roof of the building containing the base unit.
- telephone 100 may act as a connection point for connecting an entire local telephone system to a communications network.
- telephone 100 will be one of many interconnected devices of the local network.
- a house, office or other location may comprise a number of telephones connected together by wires, and integrating telephone 100 with a communication network allow any one of the wired together telephones to access the network.
- telephone 100 is itself a cellular telephone, it need not use any of telephones 200 to transmit and receive data to and from the network it has been integrated into. However, less preferred embodiments may permit one to choose between using telephone 100 or one of telephones 200 to exchange data with the network.
Abstract
A cellular telephone can be integrated in a base unit, and thereby used in addition to, or in place of a land line. Viewed from another perspective, a cellular phone or other communication device can be integrated with a communication network by at least temporarily coupling it to another cellular phone or communication device that was previously integrated with the communication network. Such a unit may integrate itself when coupled to a previously integrated phone by obtaining a MIN and ESN from the previously integrated phone. Such a unit may also provide access to non-integration information contained in the previously integrated phone, such as data related to contacts, tasks, and appointments.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/482,847 filed Jan. 5, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,142,885 which is a U.S. national phase of International Patent application number PCT/US02/35881 filed Nov. 8, 2002 both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- The field of the invention is communication systems.
- In many instances a particular communication device such as a cell phone needs to be integrated into a communication network before it can be used to communicate with users of the network, or to use the network to communicate with users outside the network. Integration into a communication network typically requires that the communication device be provided with integration information that is required for the device to communicate with the network. As an example, a cell phone uses three numbers to integrate it into a communication network, an electronic serial number (“ESN”, a mobile identification number (“MIN”), and a system identification code. The ESN is a unique 32-bit number programmed into the phone when it is manufactured. The MIN is a 10-digit number derived from a phone number associated with the phone. The SID is a unique 5-digit number that is assigned to each carrier by the FCC. While the ESN is considered a permanent part of the phone, both the MIN and SID codes are programmed into the phone when a service plan is purchased and the phone activated (i.e. integrated into the communication network). The MIN and ESN paired together form a unique tag for the communication device that is used by the network to determine whether the device should be permitted access to the network.
- Cell phones are typically adapted to be held in the palm of a user's hand, and to be operated while being so held. Cell phones are typically mobile communication devices in that the are sized, dimensioned, and otherwise adapted to be operated while being carried. Cell phones can be used to communicate with non-mobile communication devices such as desktop phones that are adapted to be placed on, and possibly attached to, a supporting surface such as a table or wall, and to be operated while being supported by such a surface.
- In many instances tradeoffs made while designing cell phones or other devices to be mobile communication devices result in devices that have characteristics that are undesirable, particularly when less mobility is required. As such, users often utilize cell phones while traveling outside their homes and offices, but land line based phones while operating within their homes and offices. Unfortunately doing so requires access to land line based systems, and typically requires subscribing to multiple service plans.
- The present invention is directed to methods and devices facilitating temporary substitution of a first communication device for a second communication device in a communication network by causing the first communication device to obtain integration information from the second communication device. As such, a cellular phone or other communication device can be integrated with a communication network by at least temporarily coupling it to another cellular phone or communication device that was previously integrated with the communication network and obtaining integration information from the previously integrated telephone or device. The cellular telephone to be integrated may be a unit used in place of a mobile cellular phone when the user of such a phone is at a particular location such as his or her home. Such a unit may integrate itself when coupled to a previously integrated phone by obtaining a MIN and ESN from the previously integrated phone. Such a unit may also provide access to non-integration information contained in the previously integrated phone such as data related to contact, tasks, and appointments.
- In preferred embodiments, devices to be integrated will comprise one or more cordless handsets and at least one base unit where the one or more handsets are adapted to communicate with the base unit, and the base unit is adapted to be temporarily coupled to a mobile cellular telephone, and to communicate with a cellular telephone network via the network's cell towers. It is contemplated that some embodiments may comprise a base unit having two antennas wherein a first of the two antennas is adapted to transmit signals to and receive signals from the wireless handset and a second of the two antennas is adapted to transmit signals to and receive signals from the communication network.
- The devices described herein may be integrated into a communication network by temporarily coupling the communication device to a communication device previously integrated into the communication network; and causing the communication device to be integrated to obtain integration information from the previously integrated communication device. If the preferred devices are used in such a method, the previously integrated communication device is a mobile cellular telephone, the communication network is a cellular telephone network, and the communication device adapted to be integrated into the network is a non-mobile cellular telephone.
- Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.
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FIG. 1A is a view of the network ofFIG. 1A having and a non-integrated communication device. -
FIG. 1B is a view of the network and device ofFIG. 1A while the device is being integrated into the network. -
FIG. 1C is a view of the network and device ofFIG. 1A after the device is integrated. -
FIG. 1D is a view of the network and device ofFIG. 1A after the device as been disconnected from the network. -
FIG. 2 is a view of a non-mobile cell phone adapted to be integrated into a cellular communication network and a cell phone already integrated into the cellular communication network. -
FIG. 3 is a back view of the non-mobile cell phone ofFIG. 2 . - In
FIG. 1A ,mobile communication devices 20 are an integrated part of acommunication network 1 that also comprisesfixed units 30.Communication device 10 is a device that is to be temporarily substituted for one ofdevices 20 innetwork 1 by causingdevice 10 to obtain integration information fromdevice 20B. Ifnetwork 1 is a cellular telephone network, fixedunits 31 would be cell towers transmitting and receiving signals from mobilecellular telephones 20, andfixed unit 32 would be a mobile telephone switching office (MTSO). In such aninstance device 10 would likely also be a cellular telephone (although not necessarily a mobile one) capable of communicating withtowers 31 once it is integrated intonetwork 1. Although the devices and methods described are particularly suitable for use with mobile cellular telephone networks, they are also suitable for use in any type of network where a non-integrated device can be integrated by providing it with integration information from a previously integrated device. Integration of a device is intended to indicate that the device can be used to transmit information to and receive information from some portion of the network. In a mobile cellular telephone network, integration ofdevice 10 may be accomplished by providingdevice 10 with the MIN and ESN ofdevice 20B, but in some mobile cellular telephone networks or other types of networks may require providingdevice 10 with information other than a MIN and ESN pair fromdevice 20B. - In
FIG. 1B ,device 10 is coupled todevice 20B in order to facilitatedevice 10 obtaining integration information fromdevice 20B. Such a connection is preferably made by physicallycoupling device 20B todevice 10 via mating electrical connectors, but may be done in any manner that allowsdevice 10 to obtain information fromdevice 20B. - In
FIG. 1C ,device 10 is still coupled todevice 20B, butdevice 20B has been temporarily disconnected fromnetwork 1. It is preferred that any device (such as 20B) coupled tounit 10 be disconnected from (i.e. not communicating with)network 1 whileunit 10 is integrated and communicating withnetwork 1. Such disconnection may involve turning offdevice 20B after integration information is obtained from it, temporarily removing integration information fromdevice 20B, or placingdevice 20B in a standby mode wherein in remains powered on but does not communicate withnetwork 1. In less preferred embodiments,device 20B may remain integrated with and engage in communications withnetwork 1 even whiledevice 10 is integrated and communicating withnetwork 1. - In
FIG. 1D ,device 10 has been disconnected fromnetwork 1. It is contemplated that in some instancesde-coupling device 20B fromdevice 10 will causedevice 10 to disconnect itself fromnetwork 1. Such a disconnection may simply involvedevice 10 not using integration information obtained from removeddevice 20B to communicate withnetwork 1, or may involve deletion of any such obtained integration information fromdevice 10 so as tode-integrate device 10 fromnetwork 1. In other instances,device 10 may remain integrated withnetwork 1 even ifdevice 20B is de-coupled fromdevice 10. - Shown in
FIG. 2 are a firstcellular telephone 100 and secondcellular telephones 200 that are embodiments ofdevices FIGS. 1A-1D .Telephones FIGS. 1A-1D ) via towers (31 inFIGS. 1A-1D ), or directly with other cellular telephones.Telephone 100 is adapted to be integrated into a communication network (such asnetwork 1 ofFIGS. 1A-1D ) by temporarily couplingtelephone 100 to one of telephones 200 (such as 200A or 200B) wheretelephones 200 are telephones previously integrated into the network, and by subsequently obtaining integration information from one oftelephones 200 while such a telephone (200A or 200B) is coupled totelephone 100. - Mobile
cellular telephones 200 may comprise any type of cellular telephone integrated into a communication network, where such integration is at least partially dependent on the telephone containing integration information (such as a MIN and ESN). As pictured inFIG. 2 ,telephones 200 comprisebodies antennas transceivers 241A and 241B,displays keypads male connectors telephones 200 may include fewer or additional features to those shown. For example, other types of connectors or means of connection are contemplated, including infrared and wireless. - In the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 2 ,device 100 is a non-mobile telephone comprising at least one handset (110A or 110B) and at least onebase unit 120.Telephone 100 may also comprise one ormore charging units 130 that include apower cord 134 and acradle 132 for receiving one of handsets 100A and 100B to permit charging of such a handset without coupling it tobase unit 120. -
Handsets base unit 120, and thebase unit 120 is adapted to be temporarily coupled to at least one mobile cellular telephone (200A or 200B), and may be adapted to be coupled to at least two mobilecellular telephones FIG. 2 ,handsets bodies antennas transceivers speakers 116,displays 117,microphones 114, and keypads 115. Alternative embodiments oftelephones handsets base unit 120 by an optical or electrical conductor. -
Base unit 120, as shown inFIGS. 2-3 , preferably comprises at least twotransceivers antennas wireless handsets towers 31 innetwork 1 ofFIG. 1 ).Base unit 120 is preferred to also comprise at least one mobilecellular phone cradle 129A (and/or 129B), and at least one corresponding charging units 144A (and/or 144B). The embodiment ofFIG. 2 comprises two cradles, 129A and 129B.Cradles cellular phones base unit 120. As shown inFIG. 2 , cradles 129A and 129B each comprise afemale connector connectors telephones 200. As shown inFIG. 2 ,base unit 120 also comprisespower cord 124 andkeypad 125. Alternative embodiments ofbase unit 120 may include fewer or additional features to those shown. - It is preferred that
base unit 120 be adapted to charge any mobile cellular telephone coupled to it. As such,base unit 120 preferably comprises charging units 144A and 144B to permit charging of mobile cellular 200A and 200B while they are incradles -
Base unit 120 may also be adapted to be hardwired to one or more lines of a non-cellular communication network (not shown) via one or more telephone cords. In such an instance,base unit 120 may comprise one or more connectors (128A and 128B inFIG. 3 ) adapted to receive any such telephone cords.Base unit 120 will typically also comprise apower cord 124. Although some embodiments may permit hardwired connections to non-cellular communication networks, not all embodiments need have this feature. - It is contemplated that
telephone 100 will be integrated into a communication network simply by temporarily coupling one ofmobile telephones 200 to telephone 100 where coupling one oftelephones 200 to telephone 100 causestelephone 100 to obtain integration information from the coupled telephone.Telephone 100 may integrate itself when coupled to one oftelephones 200 by obtaining the MIN and ESN from one oftelephones 200. In the embodiment ofFIG. 2 ,coupling telephones device 100 simply comprises placingtelephones cradles base unit 120 so that themale connectors telephones 200 mate with thefemale connectors base 120. In less preferred embodiments, one or more actions may need to be taken after placingtelephones cradles base unit 120 to obtain integration information fromdevices - In alternative embodiments, one ore more of
telephones 200 may be coupled tobase unit 120 without placing thosetelephones 200 in a cradle. Such embodiments may wirelessly connect one ormore telephones 200 tobase unit 120, possibly through the use of infrared communications. - In preferred embodiments,
handset 110A (and/or 110B) may be used to access non-integration data contained in a mobilecellular telephone 200A (and/or 200B) whiletelephone 200A (and/or 200B) is coupled to thebase unit 120. Such non-integration data may comprise data relating to at least one of the following: contacts, tasks, appointments, calls made, calls received, and calls missed. If multiple cellular telephones are coupled tobase unit 120,handset 110A (and/or 100B) preferably provides a mechanism for selecting one of the coupled cellular telephones and accessing the non-integration data contained in the selected phone. Preferably,handsets handsets telephones Handsets - It is contemplated that
base unit 120 may comprising one or more signal amplifiers or other adaptations that permitunit 120 to have a range beyond that of anydevices 200 coupled to it. Base unit may also be adapted to be coupled to an external antenna such as an antenna mounted on the roof of the building containing the base unit. - In some
embodiments telephone 100 may act as a connection point for connecting an entire local telephone system to a communications network. Insuch embodiments telephone 100 will be one of many interconnected devices of the local network. As an example, a house, office or other location may comprise a number of telephones connected together by wires, and integratingtelephone 100 with a communication network allow any one of the wired together telephones to access the network. - It is important to note that, at least partially because
telephone 100 is itself a cellular telephone, it need not use any oftelephones 200 to transmit and receive data to and from the network it has been integrated into. However, less preferred embodiments may permit one to choose between usingtelephone 100 or one oftelephones 200 to exchange data with the network. - Thus, specific embodiments and applications of cellular phone cordless home base units and related methods and devices save been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. In particular, the methods and/or devices described herein may be used in any communication network wherein communication devices are integrated into the network by providing the device with integration information, particularly when the device to be integrated is a mobile device. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
Claims (22)
1-17. (canceled)
18. A base unit comprising:
a docking facility that that communicatively engages a first portable cell phone having an identity on a cellular network; and
a subsystem that receives information from the portable cell phone sufficient to allow the docking facility to connect to the network using the identity of the portable cell phone, in place of the portable cell phone, while still allowing the portable cell phone to resume its identity on the network upon disengagement from the docking facility.
19. The base unit of claim 18 , further comprising a memory that holds integration information sufficient to identify the docking facility to the network as a device distinct from the portable cell phone.
20. The base unit of claim 18 , further comprising a first antenna that communicates with the network, and a second antenna that communicates with a wireless handset
21. The base unit of claim 18 wherein the information includes at least one of an electronic serial number and a mobile identification number.
22. The base unit of claim 18 , further comprising a cordless handset wirelessly coupled to the subsystem.
23. The base unit of claim 18 wherein the subsystem receives additional information from the portable cell phone other than the serial number and a mobile identification number.
24. The base unit of claim 23 wherein the additional information comprises data relating to at least one of the following: contacts, tasks, appointments, calls made, calls received, and calls missed.
25. The based unit of claim 18 wherein the information includes at least one of digital data.
26. The based unit of claim 18 wherein the digital data comprises data relating to at least one of the following: music file, picture file, text file, voicemail file and e-mail file.
27. The base unit of claim 18 , further comprising a memory that stores identity information different from the identity of the portable cell phone, such that the docking facility can be used as a stand alone cell phone.
28. The base unit of claim 18 , further comprising a connection for coupling with a land line.
29. The base unit of claim 18 , further comprising a second docking facility that can communicatively engage a second portable cell phone having an identity on the network that is different from the identify of the first portable cell phone.
30. The base unit of claim 29 , further comprising a first wireless handset that can communicate with the network using the identity of the first portable cell phone, and a second wireless handset that can simultaneously communicate with the network using the identity of the second portable cell phone.
31. The base unit of claim 18 further comprising a memory that retains the information upon disengagement of the portable cell phone from the docking facility.
32. The base unit of claim 18 wherein the docking facility includes a cradle.
33. The base unit of claim 18 , further comprising a charging unit that provides charging power to the portable cell phone through the cradle.
34. The base unit of claim 18 wherein the docking facility includes first and second cradles.
35. The base unit of claim 18 wherein the docking facility further includes a keypad.
36. The base unit of claim 18 wherein the docking facility further includes a speaker.
37. The base unit of claim 18 wherein the docking facility further includes a LCD screen.
38. A base unit comprising:
a docking facility that that communicatively engages a first portable cell phone having an identity on a cellular network; and
a subsystem that receives information from the portable cell phone sufficient to allow the base unit to connect to the network using the identity of the portable cell phone, in place of the portable cell phone, while still allowing the portable cell phone to resume its identity on the network upon disengagement from the base unit.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/490,422 US20070232352A1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2006-07-19 | Cellular phone cordless home base unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/US2002/035881 WO2004045098A1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2002-11-08 | Cellular phone cordless home base unit |
US10/482,847 US7142885B2 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2002-11-08 | Cellular phone cordless home base unit |
US11/490,422 US20070232352A1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2006-07-19 | Cellular phone cordless home base unit |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/482,847 Division US7142885B2 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2002-11-08 | Cellular phone cordless home base unit |
PCT/US2002/035881 Division WO2004045098A1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2002-11-08 | Cellular phone cordless home base unit |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070232352A1 true US20070232352A1 (en) | 2007-10-04 |
Family
ID=32311643
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/482,847 Expired - Fee Related US7142885B2 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2002-11-08 | Cellular phone cordless home base unit |
US11/490,422 Abandoned US20070232352A1 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2006-07-19 | Cellular phone cordless home base unit |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/482,847 Expired - Fee Related US7142885B2 (en) | 2002-11-08 | 2002-11-08 | Cellular phone cordless home base unit |
Country Status (5)
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---|---|
US (2) | US7142885B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1559201A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1695310A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2002368344A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004045098A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US7363045B2 (en) * | 2003-01-03 | 2008-04-22 | Vtech Telecommunications Limited | Systems and methods for exchanging data and audio between cellular telephones and landline telephones |
US7327981B2 (en) * | 2004-03-03 | 2008-02-05 | Vtech Telecommunications Limited | Systems and methods for using landline telephone systems to exchange information with various electronic devices |
US20050250488A1 (en) * | 2004-05-06 | 2005-11-10 | Lucent Technologies Inc. | Wireless interface that supports multiple remote station sets and devices |
WO2005120098A1 (en) * | 2004-05-29 | 2005-12-15 | Nahla Fouad Elmenayer | Sationary non-mobile cellular phones |
US7873384B2 (en) | 2005-09-01 | 2011-01-18 | Broadcom Corporation | Multimode mobile communication device with configuration update capability |
BRPI0822578A8 (en) * | 2008-04-21 | 2016-07-19 | Nokia Corp | PROVIDING POSITIONING ASSISTANCE DATA |
US20110158214A1 (en) * | 2009-12-30 | 2011-06-30 | Miriam Gema Sorondo | Cellular phone in a body of a home/office telephone |
CN102098363B (en) * | 2010-12-30 | 2014-02-19 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Wireless fixed-line telephone device |
US9462634B1 (en) | 2015-08-18 | 2016-10-04 | Margarita Moore | Mobile-cordless phone systems |
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-
2002
- 2002-11-08 EP EP02807923A patent/EP1559201A4/en not_active Ceased
- 2002-11-08 AU AU2002368344A patent/AU2002368344A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2002-11-08 US US10/482,847 patent/US7142885B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2002-11-08 WO PCT/US2002/035881 patent/WO2004045098A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2002-11-08 CN CN02829860.8A patent/CN1695310A/en active Pending
-
2006
- 2006-07-19 US US11/490,422 patent/US20070232352A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US5745850A (en) * | 1994-10-24 | 1998-04-28 | Lucent Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus and method for mobile (e.g. cellular or wireless) telephone call handover and impersonation |
US6073031A (en) * | 1997-12-24 | 2000-06-06 | Nortel Networks Corporation | Desktop docking station for use with a wireless telephone handset |
US6266539B1 (en) * | 1998-06-12 | 2001-07-24 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Telephone docking station for personal digital assistant |
US7221950B2 (en) * | 2001-12-26 | 2007-05-22 | Bellsouth Intellectual Property Corp. | Auto sensing home base station for mobile telephone with remote answering capabilities |
US20030144030A1 (en) * | 2002-01-29 | 2003-07-31 | Newmark Jordan Adam | Method and apparatus for communicating over a wireless communications network |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2004045098A1 (en) | 2004-05-27 |
CN1695310A (en) | 2005-11-09 |
EP1559201A1 (en) | 2005-08-03 |
EP1559201A4 (en) | 2007-06-27 |
US7142885B2 (en) | 2006-11-28 |
US20050085262A1 (en) | 2005-04-21 |
AU2002368344A1 (en) | 2004-06-03 |
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Legal Events
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