Patent Application
20060116167
The present invention relates to selectable functionality mobile communication systems generally and to user interfaces and user interface cards for use therein.
The following patents documents are believed to represent the current state of the art:
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,524,072; 6,481,623; 6,434,648 and 6,037,933.
Published U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 09/853,017; 09/860,660; 09/725,713; 09/773,091; 09/908,213; 10/168,231 and 10/087,098.
The present invention seeks to provide an improved selectable functionality mobile communication system, user interfaces and user interface cards for use therein.
There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a user-interface card for use in the context of an existing call between a voice communications device and a server, the user-interface card including a plurality of information modules each operative to actuate an application on the server, a user selectable transmitter for transmitting a selected one of the plurality of information modules to the server, via the voice communications device, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user and an audio transducer driven by the transmitter for transmitting the selected one of the plurality of information modules to the voice communications device as sound.
There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a voice enabled server, a voice communication device capable of actuating a call between the voice communication device and the server and a user-interface card including a plurality of information modules each operative to actuate an application on the server, a user selectable transmitter for transmitting a selected one of the plurality of information modules to the server, via the voice communications device, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user and an audio transducer driven by the transmitter for transmitting the selected one of the plurality of information modules to the voice communications device as sound.
There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a function actuation card and a mobile device, the function actuation card containing at least one audio and visual actuating information module which interacts with the mobile device.
There is yet further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a server, a mobile device and a function actuation card interacting with the server, via the mobile device, the function actuation card containing at least one audio and visual actuating information module which interacts with the server, via the mobile device. Preferably, the function actuation card includes a user selectable transmitter for transmitting the at least one audio and visual actuating information module to the server, via the mobile device, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user and an audio transducer driven by the transmitter for transmitting the at least one information module to the mobile device as sound.
There is still further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a function actuation card and a mobile device, the function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with the mobile device and causes the mobile device to interact with an external source.
There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a server, a mobile device and a function actuation card interacting with the server, via the mobile device, the function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with the mobile device and causes the mobile device to interact with an external source. Preferably, the function actuation card includes a user selectable transmitter for transmitting the at least one information module to the server, via the mobile device, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user and an audio transducer driven by the transmitter for transmitting the at least one information module to the mobile device as sound.
There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a function actuation card and a mobile device, the function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with the mobile device and causes the mobile device to obtain content from an external source.
There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a server, a mobile device and a function actuation card interacting with the server, via the mobile device, the function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with the mobile device and causes the mobile device to obtain content from the server. Preferably, the function actuation card includes a user selectable transmitter for transmitting the at least one information module to the server, via the mobile device, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user and an audio transducer driven by the transmitter for transmitting the at least one information module to the mobile device as sound.
There is yet further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a server, a mobile communicator, a function actuation card interacting with the server, via the mobile communicator and a television set-top box, the function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with the server, via the mobile communicator, and with the set-top box and causes the set-top box to receive information from an external source. Preferably, the function actuation card includes a user selectable transmitter for transmitting the at least one information module to the server, via the mobile communicator, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user and an audio transducer driven by the transmitter for transmitting the at least one information module to the mobile communicator as sound.
There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a user-interface card for use with a voice communications device, the user-interface card including a plurality of information modules each operative to actuate an application on the voice communications device, a user selectable transmitter for transmitting a selected one of the plurality of information modules to the voice communications device, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user and an audio transducer driven by the transmitter for transmitting the selected one of the plurality of information modules to the voice communications device as sound.
There is still further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a user-interface card for use with a voice communications device, the user-interface card including a plurality of information modules each operative to actuate an application on the voice communications device, a user selectable transmitter for transmitting a selected one of the plurality of information modules to the voice communications device, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user and an IR transducer driven by the transmitter for transmitting the selected one of the plurality of information modules to the voice communications device as sound.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the server is a voice enabled server. Additionally or alternatively, the server is an IVR enabled server.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the card is sound communication enabled. Alternatively, the card is sound and IR communication enabled.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the plurality of information modules includes video content. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of information modules includes audio content. The plurality of information modules may also include computer programs. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of information modules may include games. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the plurality of information modules includes entertainment content. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of information modules includes security information. The plurality of information modules may also include gaming programs. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes a message. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the plurality of information modules includes transactional information. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of information modules includes mobile commerce data.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card also includes user actuable programming functionality. Additionally or alternatively, the user-interface card also includes user actuable personalization functionality.
In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the card includes a bottom substrate, an electronic circuit and a top substrate. Preferably, the bottom substrate is printed on an inside surface thereof so as to present application specific visual graphics on an outside surface thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the top substrate is printed on an inside surface thereof so as to present application specific visual graphics on an outside surface thereof.
In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the plurality of information modules are selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of a plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Additionally or alternatively, the user-interface card also includes functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card also includes functionality which changes the content of at least one of the plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Alternatively or additionally, the user-interface card also includes functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.
There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a communications method for communicating in the context of an existing call between a voice communications device and a server including providing a user-interface card including a plurality of information modules each operative to actuate an application on the server, transmitting a selected one of the plurality of information modules to the server, via the voice communications device, as sound, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user.
There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a mobile communications method including providing a voice enabled server, providing a user-interface card including a plurality of information modules each operative to actuate an application on the server, actuating a voice communications device to call the server and transmitting a selected one of the plurality of information modules to the server, via the voice communications device, as sound, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user.
There is yet further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a mobile communications method including providing a mobile device, providing a function actuation card containing at least one audio and visual actuating information module and interacting with the mobile device by actuating the at least one audio and visual actuating information module.
There is still further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a mobile communications method including providing a server and a mobile device, providing a function actuation card containing at least one audio and visual actuating information module and interacting with the server, via the mobile device, by actuating the at least one audio and visual actuating information module.
There is even provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a mobile communications method including providing a function actuation card and a mobile device and interacting with an external source, via the mobile device, by actuating a function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with the mobile device.
There is also provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a mobile communications method including providing a server, providing a mobile device, interacting with the server, via the mobile device, by actuating a function actuation card containing at least one information module and interacting with an external source, via the mobile device, by actuating the information module which interacts with the mobile device.
There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a mobile communications method including providing a mobile device, providing a function actuation card containing at least one information module and obtaining content from an external source, via the mobile device, by interaction of the at least one information module with the mobile device.
There is yet further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a mobile communications method including providing a server, providing a mobile device, providing a function actuation card containing at least one information module and obtaining content from the server, via the mobile device, by interaction of the at least one information module with the mobile device.
There is still further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a communications method for communicating with a voice communications device including providing a user interface card including a plurality of information modules each operative to actuate an application on the voice communications device and transmitting a selected one of the plurality of information modules to the voice communications device, as sound, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user.
There is even further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a communications method for communicating with a voice communications device including providing a user interface card including a plurality of information modules each operative to actuate an application on the voice communications device and transmitting a selected one of the plurality of information modules to the voice communications device, employing IR communication, in response to application specific actuation of the card by a user.
There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a method for distributing content including providing a user interface card having at least one user-actuable contact location and at least one information module selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of the at least one user-actuable contact location, the at least one information module enabling user-independent access to content sought to be distributed and employing the user interface card in association with a mobile communications device to access the content.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the transmitting includes transmitting video content. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting includes transmitting audio content. The transmitting may also include transmitting computer programs. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitting includes transmitting games. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the transmitting includes transmitting entertainment content. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting includes transmitting security information. The transmitting may also include transmitting gaming programs. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitting includes transmitting a message. In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the transmitting includes transmitting transactional information. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitting includes transmitting mobile commerce data.
There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a user-interface card for use with an interactive communications device, the user-interface card including a plurality of user-actuable contact locations, a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a communications interface providing communication of the information modules to the interactive communications device in response to the actuation.
There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a user-interface subsystem for use with an interactive communications device, the user-interface subsystem including a user-interface card including a plurality of user-actuable contact locations, a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a communications interface providing communication of the information modules to the interactive communications device in response to the actuation and a user-interface card intermediary operative to communicate with the communications interface of the user-interface card and with the interactive communications device.
There is further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a physical hyperlink system including a user-selectable function operative device and a user-interface card including a plurality of user-actuable contact locations, a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a communications interface providing communication of the information modules to the user-selectable function operative device in response to the actuation.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communications interface includes a plurality of ports. Additionally, a first one of the plurality of ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of the plurality of ports communicates information module data.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card includes a contact location actuation data processor which provides information module selection inputs operative to cause communication of selected information modules via the communications interface. Additionally or alternatively, the user-interface card also includes contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to the user in response to the actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Preferably, the contact location actuation feedback functionality includes tactile feedback functionality associated with at least some of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card also includes at least one visually sensible information module indicator associated with each of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.
Preferably, the plurality of information modules includes at least one information string. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes video content. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes audio content. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes computer programs. Preferably, the plurality of information modules includes games. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes entertainment content. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes security information. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes gaming programs. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes a message. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes transactional information. Additionally, the plurality of information modules includes a request to be sent by a mobile device to a remote server to download information from the server. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes mobile commerce data.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card does not contain a source of electrical power.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card also includes user actuable programming functionality. Alternatively, the user-interface card also includes user actuable personalization functionality.
In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-interface card also includes functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Additionally, the user-interface card also includes functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Alternatively, the user-interface card also includes functionality which changes the content of at least one of the plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the device is a television set-top box. Additionally, the communications interface providing communication in response to the actuation also provides communication to another interactive communications device operating as a back-channel communicator.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes an information module receiver operative to receive the information modules from the user-interface card and an information module transmitter operative to transmit received information modules to the device. Additionally, the intermediary also includes an information module processor for processing at least some of the received information modules.
In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes an information receiver operative to receive information from the device and an information transmitter operative to transmit received information to the user-interface card. Additionally, the user-interface card intermediary also includes an information processor for processing at least some of the received information.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes at least one wireless communications link. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediary includes a plurality of intermediary ports. Preferably, a first one of the plurality of intermediary ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of the plurality of intermediary ports communicates information module data. Additionally, the at least one wireless link interconnects the intermediary and the device.
In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the physical hyperlink system also includes an intermediary for communicating with the user-interface card and with the user-selectable function operative device.
Preferably, the user-selectable function operative device is operative in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations on the user-interface card to cause information to be downloaded to the user-selectable function operative device. Additionally, the information to be downloaded is downloaded from the user-interface card. Alternatively, the information to be downloaded is downloaded from an external information source.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-selectable function operative device includes a communicator. Alternatively, the user-selectable function operative device includes a game device. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the user-selectable function operative device includes a television and associated set-top box. Alternatively, the user-selectable function operative device includes a communicator connected to a communications network.
There is still further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a function actuation card, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function selectable mobile device, the function actuation card containing at least one audio-visual information module which interacts with at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device.
There is also provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a function actuation card, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function selectable mobile device, the function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device and causes the at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device to download information from an external source.
There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication system including a function actuation card, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a television set-top box, the function actuation card containing at least one information module which interacts with at least one of the intermediary and the set-top box and causes the at least one of the intermediary and the set-top box to download information from an external source.
Preferably, the function actuation card includes a plurality of user-actuable contact locations, a plurality of information modules selectably accessible in response to actuation by a user of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a communications interface providing communication of the information modules to the function selectable mobile device in response to the actuation.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediary and the mobile device communicate with each other in a wireless manner. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediary and the mobile device communicate with each other in a bidirectional communications manner.
In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the at least one information module is modifiable through communication between the function actuation card and at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device.
Preferably, the intermediary includes a user interface. In accordance with a preferred embodiment the user interface includes selection buttons. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface includes a ringer. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface includes an LED.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes an information module receiver operative to receive the information modules from the function actuation card and an information module transmitter operative to transmit received information modules to the function selectable mobile device. Additionally, the intermediary also includes an information module processor for processing at least some of the received information modules.
In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes an information receiver operative to receive information from the function selectable mobile device and an information transmitter operative to transmit received information to the function actuation card. Additionally, the user-interface card intermediary also includes an information processor for processing at least some of the received information.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the communications interface includes a plurality of ports. Additionally, a first one of the plurality of ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of the plurality of ports communicates information module data.
Preferably, the function actuation card also includes a contact location actuation data processor which provides information module selection inputs operative to cause communication of selected information modules via the communications interface. Additionally or alternatively, the function actuation card also includes contact location actuation feedback functionality operative to provide feedback to the user in response to the actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Preferably, the contact location actuation feedback functionality includes tactile feedback functionality associated with at least some of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card also includes at least one visually sensible information module indicator associated with each of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.
Preferably, the plurality of information modules includes at least one information string. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes video content. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes audio content. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes computer programs. Preferably, the plurality of information modules includes games. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes entertainment content. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes security information. In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes gaming programs. In accordance with another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes a message. In accordance with still another preferred embodiment the plurality of information modules includes transactional information. Additionally, the plurality of information modules includes a request to be sent by a mobile device to a remote server to download information from the server. Alternatively, the plurality of information modules includes mobile commerce data.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card does not contain a source of electrical power. Alternatively, the function actuation card contains at least one information module providing electrical power.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card also includes user actuable programming functionality. Alternatively, the function actuation card also includes user actuable personalization functionality.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the intermediary includes at least one wireless communications link. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediary includes a plurality of intermediary ports. Preferably, a first one of the plurality of intermediary ports communicates contact location actuation data and a second one of the plurality of intermediary ports communicates information module data. Additionally, the at least one wireless link interconnects the intermediary and the function selectable mobile device.
In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card also includes functionality which limits the number of times at least one of a plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Additionally, the function actuation card also includes functionality which changes information modules which are accessible in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Alternatively, the function actuation card also includes functionality which changes the content of at least one of the plurality of information modules in response to user actuation of at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card contains at least one information module actuating functionality of the mobile device. Alternatively or additionally, the function actuation card contains at least one information module providing a mobile device ringtone.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the function actuation card also contains at least one information module which interacts with a communications device providing back-channel functionality in association with the set-top box.
There is further provided in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention a communication method including providing a user-selectable function operative device and a user-interface card including a plurality of user-actuable contact locations and a plurality of information modules, actuating, by user selection, at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations and communicating at least one of the plurality of information modules from the user interface card to the user-selectable function operative device.
There is even further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication method including providing a function selectable mobile device, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function actuation card containing at least one audio-visual information module and communicating information from the at least one audio-visual information module to at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device.
There is still further provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication method including providing a function selectable mobile device, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function actuation card containing at least one information module, communicating information from the at least one information module to at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device; and downloading information from an external source to the at least one of the intermediary and the mobile device, in response to the communicating.
There is yet further provided in accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention a selectable functionality mobile communication method including providing a television set-top box, a function actuation card/mobile device intermediary and a function actuation card containing at least one information module, communicating information from the at least one information module to at least one of the intermediary and the set-top box and downloading information from an external source to the at least one of the intermediary and the set-top box, in response to the communicating.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communication method also includes communicating information between the card and the device. Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes downloading information to the device. Preferably, the downloading includes downloading information from the card. Additionally or alternatively, the downloading includes downloading information from an external information source.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating includes receiving the at least one of the plurality of information modules from the user-interface card and transmitting received information modules to the user-selectable function operative device. Additionally, the communicating also includes processing at least some of the received information modules.
In accordance with still another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating information includes receiving information from the user-selectable function operative device and transmitting received information to the user-interface card. Additionally, the communicating information also includes processing at least some of the received information.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating includes communicating contact location actuation data and communicating information module data.
Preferably, the method also includes providing feedback to a user in response to the actuating. Additionally, the providing feedback includes providing tactile feedback.
In accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating includes communicating via a wireless communications link.
In accordance with still another preferred embodiment the method also includes limiting the number of times at least one of the plurality of information modules are accessible in response to user actuation of a corresponding at least one of the plurality of user-actuable contact locations. Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes changing information modules which are accessible in response to the actuating. Additionally or alternatively, the method also includes changing the content of at least one of the plurality of information modules in response to the actuating.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating also includes communicating to another user-selectable function operating device operating as a back-channel communicator.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention the communicating also includes communicating to a user-selectable function operating device operating as a back-channel communicator.
The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:
FIGS. 8/1 and 8/2 are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
FIGS. 9/1 and 9/2 are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
FIGS. 10/1 and 10/2 are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
FIGS. 11/1 and 11/2 are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
FIGS. 12A/1 and 12A/2 are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
FIGS. 12B/1 and 12B/2 are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
FIGS. 13/1 and 13/2 are, taken together, a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
FIGS. 52 is a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
Reference is now made to
Although the illustrated embodiments show a generally rectangular, two-dimensional, user interface card 102, it is appreciated that the user interface card 102 may be of any shape, such as circular or a geometrically irregular shape, such as a beverage bottle or car. It is further appreciated that the user interface cards described in all of the embodiments contained hereinbelow may also be of any shape.
At any appropriate time thereafter, such as during a game, while seated in the stands, the sports fan may employ the card 102 in one of a number of different functional contexts, three examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to
Turning to
Turning to
It is noted that in an environment wherein an external server is involved, the interaction with the server may be employed additionally to effect payment for functionalities actuated via the user interface card of the present invention. Thus, for example, in such an environment, the card could be distributed for free or a nominal cost and some or all of the user actuable functionalities could be billable through a network-based billing system, preferably a mobile operator or television satellite or cable operator billing system.
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, such as during a bus ride, the child may employ a sound and/or IR communication enabled mobile communication system card 202 to download a selected JAVA or BREW game onto his PDA 200 by initially using the PDA 200 to dial to a server 204, via a mobile network, as shown in
The information module includes, inter aila, a request to the server 204 to download a selected game to the PDA 200. The server 204 acknowledges the request, via the PDA 200, and the game is sent by the server 204 to the PDA 200, via the mobile network, and is displayed on a PDA display, designated by reference numeral 208.
In the illustrated embodiment, sound and/or IR communication is employed between the card 202 and the PDA 200, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card 202 and the PDA 200 may be employed.
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, such as during a get-together with girlfriends, the teenage girl may employ card 302 in one of a number of different functional contexts, three examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to
In
In the illustrated embodiment, sound communication is employed between the card 302 and the mobile telephone 300, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card 302 and the mobile telephone 300 may be employed.
Turning to
Turning to
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, such as while watching a television program, the consumer may select an application, via an interactive television functionality, such as a set top box 406. As shown in
The server 410, in turn, typically communicates, via Internet, with a TV cable network server 414, typically located at a service center 416. A confirmation of the order receipt is displayed on a television screen, designated by reference numeral 418. When prompted by server 414 a service center representative arranges for the music video compact disk to be delivered to the consumer. A confirmation of the order receipt may be displayed on a mobile telephone display, designated by reference numeral 420.
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, the fan club member may employ the card 502 in one of a number of different functional contexts, two examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to
In
Turning to
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, the lottery player may employ the card 602 in a number of different functional contexts, one of which is described hereinbelow with reference to
Turning to
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, the PC user may program the user interface card 702 by inserting the user interface card 702 into a card programmer 704, which is connected to the computer 701. As seen in
It is to be appreciated that the foregoing description and drawings present various examples of various features of systems and subsystems constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Novel combinations of the features described hereinabove in various different contexts are within the scope of the present invention.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 8/1 and 8/2, which, together, are a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
As seen in FIGS. 8/1 and 8/2, following a dialup connection between the mobile telephone 100 and the server 104, in response to a user's pressing on the ringtone button 106 (
The sequence of tones received by microphone 810 is transmitted to a controller 812 of mobile telephone 100. Controller 812 transmits the sequence of tones, via a mobile transceiver 814 and via the mobile network, to an analog/digital trunk interface 816 of an IVR server 818, forming part of server 104. The received sequence of tones is supplied by the trunk interface 816 to an audio decoder 820, forming part of an application server 822, which may be integral with IVR server 818 or may, as shown, be separate therefrom, and forms part of server 104.
An application script 824, whose functionality is described hereinbelow in greater detail with reference to
Audio decoder 820 decodes the sequence of tones and transmits the decoded information modules, via API 828, typically to a user management module 830 and a database 832 in application server 822, for determining user entitlement. Upon validation of user entitlement, the user management module 830 sends a request, via a content access module 834 and an API 836, to a content server 838, which also forms part of server 104.
The request is received, via an API 850, by a content management module 852. The content management module 852 retrieves an appropriate ringtone in an appropriate format from a content store 854 and sends it from the content store 854, via a content delivery module 856, via the mobile network, to the mobile telephone 100. Content store 854 may be updatable in real time, so as to provide, for example, access to real-time video, as in the embodiment of
Where card 102 is not a pre-paid card, the content management module 852 may also provide a billing instruction to a billing module 858. Billing module 858 may reside in the content server 838, as shown, or may be remote therefrom. Billing module 858 may communicate, via the mobile network or via any other suitable network, with a remote billing server, as appropriate.
The user management module 830 in the application server 822 may provide various user prompts or other user communications as determined by a user interactivity module 860. These user communications may, for example, inform the user, that the selected ringtone has been sent to mobile telephone 100 or inform the user of the card's current entitlement status. As another example, a user communication may request that the user listen to the requested ringtone prior to sending it to the user's mobile telephone. The user communications are preferably transmitted, via an audio response module 862 in the IVR server 818. Audio response module 862 is preferably also employed for providing user communications during dialup.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to FIGS. 9/1 and 9/2, which, together, are a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
As seen in FIGS. 9/1 and 9/2, following a dialup connection between the mobile communications enabled PDA 200 and the server 204, in response to a user's pressing on the “PLAY GAME” button 206 (
The sequence of tones received by microphone 910 is transmitted to a controller 912 of PDA 200. Controller 912 transmits the sequence of tones, via a mobile transceiver 914 and via the mobile network, to an analog/digital trunk interface 916 of an IVR server 918, forming part of server 204. The received sequence of tones is supplied by the trunk interface 916 to an audio decoder 920, forming part of an application server 922, which may be integral with IVR server 918 or, may, as shown, be separate therefrom, and forms part of server 204.
An application script 924, whose functionality is described hereinbelow in greater detail with reference to
Audio decoder 920 decodes the sequence of tones and transmits the decoded information modules, via API 928, typically to a user management module 930 and a database 932 in application server 922, for determining user entitlement. Upon validation of user entitlement, the user management module 930 sends a request, via a content access module 934 and an API 936, to a content server 938, which also forms part of server 204.
The request is received, via an API 950, by a content management module 952. The content management module 952 retrieves an appropriate game, such as a JAVA or BREW game, in an appropriate format from a content store 954 and sends it from the content store 954, via a content delivery module 956, via the mobile network, to the PDA 200. Content store 954 may be updatable in real time, so as to provide, for example, access to real-time games. The game can be sent to the PDA 200 in one of a number of possible formats, such as, for example, SMS, WAP and MMS.
Where card 202 is not a pre-paid card, the content management module 952 may also provide a billing instruction to a billing module 958. Billing module 958 may reside in the content server 938, as shown, or may be remote therefrom. Billing module 958 may communicate, via the mobile network or via any other suitable network, with a remote billing server, as appropriate.
The user management module 930 in the application server 922 may provide various user prompts or other user communications as determined by a user interactivity module 960. These user communications may, for example, inform the user, that the selected game has been sent to PDA 200 or inform the user of the card's current entitlement status. An audio response module 962 is preferably also employed for providing user communications during dialup. As a further example, the game can be provided in interactive form in the context of a WAP session initiated by the content delivery module 956.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 10/1 and 10/2, which, together, are a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
As seen in FIGS. 10/1 and 10/2, following a dialup connection between the mobile telephone 300 and the server 304, in response to a user's pressing on the “SPRING COLLECTION” button 306 (
The sequence of tones received by microphone 1010 is transmitted to a controller 1012 of mobile telephone 300. Controller 1012 transmits the sequence of tones, via a mobile transceiver 1014 and via the mobile network, to an analog/digital trunk interface 1016 of an IVR server 1018, forming part of server 304. The received sequence of tones is supplied by the trunk interface 1016 to an audio decoder 1020, forming part of an application server 1022, which may be integral with IVR server 1018 or may, as shown, be separate therefrom, and forms part of server 304.
An application script 1024, whose functionality is described hereinbelow in greater detail with reference to
Audio decoder 1020 decodes the sequence of tones and transmits the decoded information modules, via API 1028, typically to a user management module 1030 and a database 1032 in application server 1022, for determining user entitlement. Upon validation of user entitlement, the user management module 1030 sends a request, via a content access module 1034 and an API 1036, to a content server 1038, which also forms part of server 304.
The request is received, via an API 1050, by a content management module 1052. The content management module 1052 retrieves an appropriate image in an appropriate format from a content store 1054 and sends it from the content store 1054, via a content delivery module 1056, via the mobile network, to the mobile telephone 300. Content store 1054 may be updatable in real time, so as to provide, for example, access to real-time image updates which may be sent to the mobile telephone 300 in one of a number of possible formats, such as, for example, SMS, WAP and MMS.
Where card 302 is not a pre-paid card, the content management module 1052 may also provide a billing instruction to a billing module 1058. Billing module 1058 may reside in the content server 1038, as shown, or may be remote therefrom. Billing module 1058 may communicate, via the mobile network or via any other suitable network, with a remote billing server, as appropriate.
The user management module 1030 in the application server 1022 may provide various user prompts or other user communications as determined by a user interactivity module 1060. These user communications may, for example, inform the user, that the selected image has been sent to mobile telephone 300 or inform the user of the card's current entitlement status. An audio response module 1062 is preferably also employed for providing user communications during dialup. As a further example, the image can be provided in interactive form in the context of a WAP session initiated by the content delivery module 1056.
With particular reference to the embodiment of
With particular reference to the embodiment of
Reference is now made to FIGS. 11/1 and 11/2, which, together, are a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
As seen in FIGS. 11/1 and 11/2, following selection of an appropriate cable/TV channel, such as a buying channel, as by IR communication with set top box 406 (
The user initiates a dialup connection between the mobile telephone 400 and the server 410. In response to a user's pressing on the “BUY VIDEO 1” button 412 (
The sequence of tones received by microphone 1110 is transmitted to a controller 1112 of mobile telephone 400. Controller 1112 transmits the sequence of tones, via a mobile transceiver 1114 and via the mobile network, to an analog/digital trunk interface 1116 of an IVR server 1118, forming part of server 410 (
An application script 1124, whose functionality is described hereinbelow in greater detail with reference to
Audio decoder 1120 decodes the sequence of tones and transmits the decoded information modules, via API 1128, typically to a user management module 1130 and a database 1132 in application server 1122, for determining user entitlement. Upon validation of user entitlement, the user management module 1130 sends a request, via a content access module 1134 and an API 1136, to a TV/CABLE server 1138, which also forms part of server 410.
The request is received, via an API 1150, by an order management module 1152. The order management module transmits a request to a content store 1154 to transmit an order for an appropriate video cartridge to be sent to the user, such as by mail or courier. Content store 1154 then transmits the request, via a content delivery module 1156, to the TV cable network server 414 (
Alternatively, order management module 1152 transmits a request to provide an appropriate video to be displayed on the TV of the user. The order management module 1152 then orders the appropriate video to be sent from the content store 1154, via the content delivery module 1156 and the TV cable network server 414, to the display 418 (
Content store 1154 may be updatable in real time, so as to provide, for example, access to real-time video.
Where card 402 is not a pre-paid card, the order management module 1152 may also provide a billing instruction to a billing module 1158. Billing module 1158 may reside in the TV/CABLE server 1138, as shown, or may be remote therefrom. Billing module 1158 may communicate, via the mobile network or via any other suitable network, with a remote billing server, as appropriate.
The user management module 1130 in the application server 1122 may provide various user prompts or other user communications as determined by a user interactivity module 1160. These user communications may, for example, inform the user, that the selected video has been sent to the user or inform the user of the card's current entitlement status. Audio response module 1162 is preferably also employed for providing user communications during dialup.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A/1 and 12A/2, which, together, are a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
As seen in
As seen in FIGS. 12A/1 and 12A/2, following a dialup connection between the mobile communications enabled mobile telephone 500 and the server 504, in response to a user's pressing on the “ADD $10” button 506 (
The sequence of tones received by microphone 1210 is transmitted to a controller 1212 of mobile telephone 500. Controller 1212 transmits the sequence of tones, via a mobile transceiver 1214 and via the mobile network, to an analog/digital trunk interface 1216 of an IVR server 1218, forming part of server 504. The received sequence of tones is supplied by the trunk interface 1216 to an audio decoder 1220, forming part of an application server 1222, which may be integral with IVR server 1218 or may, as shown, be separate therefrom, and forms part of server 504.
An application script 1224, whose functionality is described hereinbelow in greater detail with reference to
Audio decoder 1220 decodes the sequence of tones and transmits the decoded information modules, via API 1228, typically to a user management module 1230 and a database 1232 in application server 1222, for determining user entitlement. Upon validation of user entitlement, the user management module 1230 sends a request, via a content access module 1234 and an API 1236, to a content server 1238, which also forms part of server 504.
The request is received, via an API 1240, by a content management module 1242. The content management module 1242 retrieves an appropriate message, such as an SMS message, from a content store 1243 and transmits the message, via a content delivery module 1244, via the mobile network, to the mobile telephone 500, indicating the updated balance of the user. The content management module 1242 also provides a credit update instruction to a billing module 1246. Billing module 1246 may reside in the content server 1238, as shown, or may be remote therefrom. Billing module 1246 may communicate, via the mobile network or via any other suitable network, with a remote billing server, as appropriate.
The user management module 1230 in the application server 1222 may provide various user prompts or other user communications as determined by a user interactivity module 1248. These user communications may, for example, inform the user of the card's current entitlement status. Audio response module 1249 is preferably also employed for providing user communications during dialup.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 12B/1 and 12B/2, which, together, are a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
As seen in FIGS. 12B/1 and 12B/2, following a dialup connection between the mobile communications enabled mobile telephone 500 and the server 514, in response to a user's pressing on the “CALL THE FAN CLUB” button 516 (
The sequence of tones received by microphone 1260 is transmitted to a controller 1262 of mobile telephone 500. Controller 1262 transmits the sequence of tones, via a mobile transceiver 1264 and via the mobile network, to an analog/digital trunk interface 1266 of an IVR server 1268, forming part of server 514. The received sequence of tones is supplied by the trunk interface 1266 to an audio decoder 1270, forming part of an application server 1272, which may be integral with IVR server 1268 or may, as shown, be separate therefrom, and forms part of server 514.
An application script 1274, whose functionality is described hereinbelow in greater detail with reference to
Audio decoder 1270 decodes the sequence of tones and transmits the decoded information modules, via API 1278, typically to a user management module 1280 and a database 1282 in application server 1272, for determining user entitlement. Upon validation of user entitlement, the user management module 1280 sends a request, via a content access module 1283, to a dialer module 1284, which typically resides in IVR server 1268 and which dials to a fan club phone center.
The user management module 1280 in the application server 1272 may provide various user prompts or other user communications as determined by a user interactivity module 1286. These user communications may, for example, inform the user of the card's current entitlement status. Audio response module 1288 is preferably also employed for providing user communications during dialup.
Reference is now made to FIGS. 13/1 and 13/2, which, together, are a simplified generalized functional block diagram illustration of operation of the selectable functionality mobile communication system of
Additionally, point-of-sale programmable card 602 preferably includes a point-of-sale programmable information module 1308, which may receive a secret identification number, preferably via a programming port 1310, which preferably includes one or more electrical contacts. The card, which may be reusable, typically has no value until it is programmed at the point of sale, by conventional point-of-sale card programming apparatus, and then is enabled in accordance with predetermined criteria.
As seen in FIGS. 13/1 and 13/2, following a dialup connection between the mobile communications enabled mobile telephone 600 and the server 606, in response to a user's pressing on the “LOTTERY TICKET” button 608 (
The sequence of tones received by microphone 1314 is transmitted to a controller 1316 of mobile telephone 600. Controller 1316 transmits the sequence of tones, via a mobile transceiver 1318 and via the mobile network, to an analog/digital trunk interface 1320 of an IVR server 1322, forming part of server 606. The received sequence of tones is supplied by the trunk interface 1320 to an audio decoder 1324, forming part of an application server 1326, which may be integral with IVR server 1322 or may, as shown, be separate therefrom, and forms part of server 606.
An application script 1328, whose functionality is described hereinbelow in greater detail with reference to
Audio decoder 1324 decodes the sequence of tones and transmits the decoded information modules, via API 1338, typically to a user management module 1340 and a database 1342 in application server 1326, for determining user entitlement. Upon validation of user entitlement, the user management module 1340 sends a request, via a content access module 1344 and an API 1346, to a content server 1348, which also forms part of server 606.
The request is received, via an API 1360, by a content management module 1362. The content management module 1362 retrieves an appropriate response in an appropriate format from a content store 1364 and sends it from the content store 1364, via a content delivery module 1366, via the mobile network, to the mobile telephone 600.
Where card 602 is not a pre-paid card, the content management module 1362 may also provide a billing instruction to a billing module 1368. Billing module 1368 may reside in the content server 1348, as shown, or may be remote therefrom. Billing module 1368 may communicate, via the mobile network or via any other suitable network, with a remote billing server, as appropriate.
The user management module 1340 in the application server 1326 may provide various user prompts or other user communications as determined by a user interactivity module 1370. These user communications may, for example, inform the user of the card's current entitlement status. An audio response module 1372 is preferably also employed for providing user communications during dialup.
The lottery server 605 preferably includes an entry registry 1382 which stores a register of all secret numbers assigned to each of the individual cards 602. In this embodiment, a secret number information module 1384 typically resides in the point-of-sale terminal 604 and assigns a secret number to the programmable information module 1308 of card 602 through the programming port 1310. Point-of-sale terminal 604 also includes information module interface software 1390 and secret number management software 1392.
The secret number information module 1384 is communicated by the functionality described hereinabove, via API 1394, the application server 1326 and the mobile network, to the entry registry 1382 of the lottery server 605. The secret number information module 1384 may be updatable in real time, so as to assign, for example, secret numbers to each of the individual cards 602.
The secret number of each card is supplied to a random selection module 1396 of the lottery server 605, which determines whether that secret number is a winner.
Reference is now made to
The server provides a voice response to the user, via the user's mobile communicator, and provides an audio prompt to the user, requesting that the user press one of the buttons on the sound communication enabled mobile communication system user interface card, such as card 102 (
The user then presses a selected button on the user interface card, causing transmission of a selected information module contained in the user interface card, via the mobile communicator, to the server. The server preferably provides a voice acknowledgement of the selected card button press to the user, via the mobile communicator.
The server decodes the received information module and preferably extracts therefrom a unique card ID and an indication of which button was pressed by the user.
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Reference is now made to
Turning particularly to
PCB 2314 preferably defines a plurality of user-actuable contact locations by defining a plurality of perimeter contacts 2342 and a plurality of inner contacts 2344. Each cooperating pair of one perimeter contact 2342 and an inner contact 2344 disposed therewithin defines electrical connections to a single button 2300.
Disposed over PCB 2314 there is preferably provided a spacer 2348, typically formed of polyester and having apertures 2356, 2358 and 2360 corresponding in position to apertures 2326, 2328 and 2330, respectively, and configured to accommodate piezoelectric sound transducer 2336 and batteries 2338 and 2340, respectively.
Spacer 2348 also preferably includes apertures 2362, which are configured to accommodate conductive button contacts 2364, which are in electrical contact with contacts 2342 and 2344. Conductive button contacts are operative, while depressed by a finger of a user, to establish electric contact between a perimeter contact 2342 and its corresponding inner contact 2344. Conductive button contacts 2364 are preferably formed as resilient metal domes, which return to their original, non-contact, orientation in the absence of user engagement therewith. Conductive button contacts 2364 provide desired tactile feedback to a user of pressing each given button 2300.
Disposed above spacer 2348 and conductive button contacts 2364 is a top substrate 2370, which is preferably formed of transparent polycarbonate. Top substrate 2370 is preferably printed on an inside surface thereof to present advertising or other user information on the outside surface thereof.
Regions of top substrate 2370 which overlie conductive button contacts 2364 may be designated as user-actuable contact locations by suitable graphics printing thereon.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of electrical contacts 2372 are formed on PCB 2314 and interconnected with circuitry thereon to permit programming of the cards, such as by download of selected information modules to the card, designated by reference numeral 702 in
The various layers of the card described above are preferably secured together by means of a suitable adhesive.
Reference is now made to
In
Programmable pad circuitry 2406 of electrical contacts 2372, shown in 5
In
Reference is now made to
Although the illustrated embodiments show a generally rectangular, two-dimensional, user interface card 2602, it is appreciated that the user interface card 2602 may be of any shape, such as circular or a geometrically irregular shape, such as a beverage bottle or car. It is further appreciated that the user interface cards described in all of the embodiments contained hereinbelow may also be of any shape.
At any appropriate time thereafter, such as during a game, while seated in the stands, the sports fan may insert the card 2602 into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator 2604, a suitably equipped computer or mobile communicator, or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The sports fan may employ the card 2602 and the facilitator 2604 in one of a number of different functional contexts, three examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to
Turning to
Turning to
It is noted that in an environment wherein an external server is involved, such as in the embodiments of
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, such as during a bus ride, the child may insert the card 2702 into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator 2704 or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The child may employ the card 2702 and the facilitator 2704 to communicate with his PDA 2700 in a number of different functional contexts, one of which is described hereinbelow with reference to
Turning to
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, such as during a get-together with girlfriends, the teenage girl may insert the card 2802 into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator 2804 or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary to upload a selected feature onto her telephone 2800. The teenage girl may employ the card 2802 and the facilitator 2804 in one of a number of different functional contexts, two examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to
In
Turning to
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, such as while watching a television program, the consumer may insert the card 2902 into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator 2904 or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary to upload a selected feature onto his television set via an interactive television application, such as a set top box 2905. The consumer may employ the card 2902 and the facilitator 2904 in one of a number of different functional contexts, three examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to
In
If the consumer wishes to purchase a compact disk of the music video clip, he orders a selected music video clip pressing on a “BUY VIDEO 1” button 2910 on the card 2902, causing a “BUY VIDEO 1” information module to be communicated from the card 2902 to or through the facilitator 2904 and enabling the facilitator 2904 to communicate the music video clip compact disk purchase order to the set top box 2905. The set top box 2905, in turn, communicates, via a return channel network such as a cable network, with a TV network server 2912, typically located at a service center 2914. A confirmation of the order receipt may be displayed on the television screen, designated by reference numeral 2916. In response to a prompt from the TV network server 2912 a service center representative arranges for the requested music video clip compact disk to be delivered to the consumer.
A confirmation of the order receipt may be displayed on a telephone display, designated by reference numeral 2930.
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, the consumer may insert the mobile communication system user interface card 2902 into a card enabled set top box remote controller 2932 or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary to upload a selected feature onto his television set via the interactive set top box 2905. The consumer may employ the card 2902 in a number of different functional contexts, one examples of which is described hereinbelow with reference to
In
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, the fan club member may insert the card 3002 into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator 3004 or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The fan club member may employ the card 3002 and the facilitator 3004 in one of a number of different functional contexts, two examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to
In
Turning to
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, the lottery player may insert the card 3102 into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator 3104 or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The lottery player may employ the card 3102 and the facilitator 3104 in a number of different functional contexts, one of them described hereinbelow with reference to
Turning to
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, the customer may insert the card 3202 into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator 3204 or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The customer may employ the card 3202 and the facilitator 3204 in one of a number of different functional contexts, two examples of which are described hereinbelow with reference to
Turning to
In
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, the young customer may insert the card 3302 into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator 3304 or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The customer may employ the card 3302 and the facilitator 3304 in a number of different functional contexts, one of which is described hereinbelow with reference to
In
In the illustrated embodiment, infrared communication is employed, it being understood that any other suitable type of communication between the card 3302 and the telephone 3306 may be employed. A facilitator software upgrade confirmation is displayed on the telephone screen, designated by reference numeral 3312.
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, the teenage boy may insert the card 3402 into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator 3404 or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary. The teenage boy may employ the card 3402 and the facilitator 3404 in a number of different functional contexts, two of which are described hereinbelow with reference to
In
The telephone 3405, in turn, communicates, via a mobile network, with server 3408, downloads the requested game from server 3408 and displays the introduction of requested game on the telephone display 3412. Facilitator 3424 may also include a LED 3432 and/or a ringer 3434, typically to provide confirmation to the user that his request is being processed. The user then receives a subsequent message on the telephone display 3412 to start the game. By a user pressing the selection buttons on the facilitator 3424, the facilitator 3424, communicates, via a mobile network, with server 3408 and enables playing of the requested game, which is displayed on the telephone display 3412.
Reference is now made to
At any appropriate time thereafter, the PC user may effect the download by inserting the user interface card 3502 into an interface card/mobile telephone communication facilitator 3504 or any other suitable user-interface card intermediary and connecting facilitator to connect with computer 3501, via a connector 3505, which is connected to the computer 3501.
As seen in
Reference is now made to
The consumer may employ the telephone 3550 having facilitator functionality in a number of different functional contexts, one of which is described hereinbelow with reference to
Turning to
It is to be appreciated that the foregoing description and drawings present various examples of various features of systems and subsystems constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Novel combinations of the features described hereinabove in various different contexts are within the scope of the present invention.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 2604, preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone 2600, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 2604 transmits audio information containing the selected ringtone in a format suitable for use by telephone 2600. This audio information may be identical to that received from card 2602 or may have undergone processing in the facilitator 2604 in order to adapt it to telephone 2600.
Turning to
The facilitator 2604, preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone 2600, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 2604 transmits a “LIVE UPDATE” request to the telephone 2600 in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone 2600, in turn, to communicate via a mobile network, a “LIVE UPDATE” video stream request to server 2612. The server provides a requested “LIVE UPDATE” video stream, which is displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference numeral 2616.
The facilitator 2604, preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone 2600, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 2604 transmits a “SPORTS INFO” request to the telephone 2600 in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone 2600, in turn, to communicate via a mobile network, “SPORTS INFO” data request to server 2612. The server provides the requested “SPORTS INFO” data, which is displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference numeral 2622.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 2704, preferably communicating, via a RF channel or more specifically a BlueTooth channel, with the PDA 2700, requests certain operational parameters regarding the PDA 2700 and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 2704 transmits software information containing the selected game in a format suitable for use by the PDA 2700. This information may be identical to that received from card 2702 or may have undergone processing in the facilitator 2704 in order to adapt it to the PDA 2700.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 2804, preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone 2800, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 2804 transmits a “SPRING COLLECTION” request to the telephone 2800 in a format suitable for the telephone 2800, causing the telephone 2800, in turn, to communicate, via a mobile network, a “SPRING COLLECTION ” image request to server 2808. The server 2808 provides the requested “SPRING COLLECTION” image, which is displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference numeral 2810.
In
The facilitator 2804, preferably communicating via wired connection with telephone 2800, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone 2800 and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 2804 transmits a “CLICK TO WIN” draw entry request to the telephone 2800 in a format suitable for the telephone 2800, causing the telephone 2800, in turn, to communicate via a mobile network, a “CLICK TO WIN” request to server 2808. The server provides the requested “CLICK TO WIN” draw results, which are displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference number 2814, and enables further browsing of the fashion sweepstakes internet site.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 2904 preferably communicates via an infrared or RF channel with an interactive television device such as a set top box 2905, which transmits a “VIEW VIDEO 1” request to a set top box 2905. The set top box 2905 displays the requested music video clip on the television screen, designated by reference numeral 2908.
It is also seen that in response to a user's pressing on the “BUY VIDEO 1” button 2910 a “BUY VIDEO 1” select information module is transmitted from the card 2902 to the facilitator 2904, causing the facilitator 2904 to pull from card 2902 a “BUY VIDEO 1” request information module.
The facilitator 2904, preferably communicating via infrared or RF channel with the set top box 2905, transmits a “BUY VIDEO 1” video request to set top box 2905. The set top box 2905, in turn, communicates via a cable or satellite TV network or any other suitable return channel, the “BUY VIDEO 1” request to TV network server 2912, which in turn, transmits an order receipt confirmation that is displayed on the TV screen 2908. A service center representative responds to the “BUY VIDEO 1” request, transmitted by the server 2912, and arranges for delivery of the music clip compact disk.
In
The facilitator 2904, preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone 2918, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 2904 transmits a “BUY VIDEO 1” request to the telephone 2918 in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone 2918, in turn, to communicate via a mobile network, the “BUY VIDEO 1” request to mobile communications server 2922 which communicates, via the Internet, with TV network server 2924. Server 2924 communicates, via a cable or satellite TV network or any other return channel network with set top box 2905 to communicate a “BUY VIDEO 1” video response. A request acknowledgement is displayed on the TV screen, here designated by reference numeral 2928.
The mobile communications server provides a “BUY VIDEO 1” request acknowledgement, which is displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference numeral 2930.
Reference is now made to
The remote controller 2932, preferably communicating via an infrared or RF channel with set top box 2905 transmits a “VIEW VIDEO 1” video request to set top box 2905. The requested video clip is then displayed on the television screen, here designated by reference numeral 2934.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 3004, preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone 3000, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 3004 transmits an “ADD $10” request containing the corresponding secret “ADD $10” PIN number to the telephone 3000 in a format suitable for the telephone 3000, causing the telephone 3000, in turn, to communicate via a mobile network, an “ADD $10” request and a corresponding “ADD $10” secret PIN number to server 3008. The server credits the requested “ADD $10” crediting confirmation, which is displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference numeral 3010.
In
The facilitator 3004, preferably communicating via wired connection with telephone 3000, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 3004 transmits a “CALL THE FAN CLUB” request to the telephone 3000 in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone 3000, in turn, via the mobile network 3014, to dial a voice call to the fan club destination.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 3104, preferably communicating via a wired connection, with telephone 3108, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone 3108 and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 3104 transmits a lottery ticket draw entry request containing a secret lottery number to the telephone 3108 in a format suitable for the telephone 3108, causing the telephone 3108, in turn, to communicate via a mobile network, a lottery ticket draw entry request containing a secret lottery number to server 3110. The server 3110 provides the requested lottery results, which are displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference numeral 3112.The server 3110 transmits a new secret lottery number to the point-of-sale terminal 3103, via the intranet.
The facilitator 3104, preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone 3108, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone 3108 and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 3104 transmits a lottery ticket draw entry request containing a secret lottery number to the telephone 3108 in a format suitable for the telephone 3108, causing the telephone 3108, in turn, to communicate via a mobile network, a lottery ticket entry request containing a secret lottery number to server 3110. The server provides the requested lottery results, which are displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference number 3112.The point-of-sale 3103 activates a new secret lottery number at the server 3110.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 3204, preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone 3200, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 3204 transmits phone upgrade software information containing the selected phone upgrade in a format suitable for use by telephone 3200. This phone upgrade information may be identical to that received from card 3202 or may have undergone processing in the facilitator 3204 in order to adapt it to telephone 3200.
Turning to
The facilitator 3204, preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone 3200, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the card 3202 transmits facilitator upgrade software information containing the selected facilitator upgrade in a format suitable for use by the facilitator 3204. Upon completion of the facilitator software upgrade, the facilitator 3204 transmits a confirmation of completion of facilitator software upgrade to the telephone 3200. A facilitator software upgrade confirmation is displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference numeral 3212.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 3304, preferably communicating via an infrared channel with telephone 3306, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 3304 transmits facilitator software upgrade information containing the selected facilitator software upgrade request in a format suitable for use by telephone 3306, causing the telephone 3306, in turn, to communicate via a mobile network a facilitator software upgrade request to server 3310. The server 3310 provides the requested facilitator software upgrade via a mobile network to the telephone 3306.The telephone, in turn, transmits to the facilitator 3304 the facilitator software upgrade software information in a format suitable for use by the facilitator 3304. Upon completion of the facilitator software upgrade, the facilitator 3304 transmits a confirmation of completion of facilitator software upgrade to the telephone 3306. A facilitator software upgrade confirmation is displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference numeral 3312.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 3404, preferably communicating via wired connection with telephone 3405, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone 3405 and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 3404 transmits a “TRIVIA GAME” request to the telephone 3405 in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone 3405, in turn, to communicates via a mobile network, a “TRIVIA GAME ” request to server 3408. The server downloads the requested “TRIVIA GAME”. In response to a user's input via the telephone 3405, the trivia game may be played interactively as indicated by reference number 3412.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 3424, preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone 3405, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 3424 transmits a “TRIVIA GAME” request to the telephone 3405 in a format suitable for the telephone, causing the telephone 3405, in turn, to communicates via a mobile network, a “TRIVIA GAME” request to server 3408. The server downloads the requested “TRIVIA GAME”.
Reference is now made to
The facilitator 3504, preferably communicating via a physical connection with the computer 3501, requests programming of the card 3502 with one or more new information modules. Upon receipt of this request, the computer 3501 transmits software information containing the selected information modules, in a format suitable for use by the card 3502. Upon completion of the programming of new information modules the a confirmation of completion of the card programming is displayed on the computer 3501, designated by reference numeral 3508.
Turning to
The facilitator 3504, preferably communicating via a wired connection with telephone 3510, requests certain operational parameters regarding the telephone and receives suitable responses. Upon receipt of these responses, the facilitator 3504 transmits the “PROGRAM CARD” request information module in a format suitable for use by telephone 3510, causing the telephone 3510, in turn, to communicate via a mobile network a card programming request to the server 3512. The server 3512 provides the requested new information modules, which may be downloaded to or via server 3512 from the Internet site that has simulated programmable cards. The server 3512 transmits the new information modules via a mobile network to the telephone 3510 The telephone, in turn, transmits the requested new information modules in a format suitable for use by card 3502. Upon completion of the card programming, the card 3502 transmits a confirmation of completion of card programming to the telephone 3510. A card programming confirmation is displayed on the telephone display, designated by reference number 3514 (
Reference is now made to
The card 3502 transmits visual information containing the selected image in a format suitable for use by telephone 3550, such as enabling the display of the image and further transmission of the image.
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 2604 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 4612 and an information module facilitator connector port 4616. Port 4612 communicates with connector port 4602 on card 2602 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 4622, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 4624. A preferred functionality of facilitator 2604 is for management circuitry 4624 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 4622 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 4600 and the connector port 4602 in the card 2602 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 4602 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 4602, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 4622 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 4622 informs management circuitry 4624 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 4624, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 4626 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 4604 in card 2602, via ports 4606 and 4616. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 4626, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 2602.
Management circuitry 4624 communicates with telephone 2600 via an IR port 4628 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters, which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 4624 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 4630, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone.
Circuitry 4630 preferably outputs to management circuitry 4624, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 4632, enabling circuitry 4632 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 2600.
The output of circuitry 4632 is supplied to management circuitry 4624 which uploads it to telephone 2600 via IR port 4628.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 2604 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 4662 and an information module facilitator connector port 4666. Port 4662 communicates with connector port 4652 on card 2602 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 4672, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 4674. A preferred functionality of facilitator 2604 is for management circuitry 4674 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 4672 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 4650 and the connector port 4652 in the card 2602 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 4652 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 4652, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 4672 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.
When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 4672 informs management circuitry 4674 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 4674, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 4676 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 4654 in card 2602, via ports 4656 and 4666. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 4676, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 2602.
Management circuitry 4674 communicates with telephone 2600 via an IR port 4678 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 4674 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 4680, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 4680 preferably outputs to management circuitry 4674, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 4682, enabling circuitry 4682 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 2600 in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone 2600 to a remote server 2662.The request is intended to cause the remote server 2612 to download content to telephone 2600. The output of circuitry 4682 is supplied to management circuitry 4674, which uploads it to telephone 2600 via IR port 4678.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present invention that only a relatively small amount of information need be stored in an information module on the card 2602 in order to produce download of a potentially large amount of information from a remote server. It is appreciated that the content to be downloaded to the telephone from the remote server may thus be dynamic and need not even exist at the time that the card is distributed to users.
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 2704 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 4712 and an information module facilitator connector port 4716. Port 4712 communicates with connector port 4702 on card 2702 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 4722, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 4724. A preferred functionality of facilitator 2704 is for management circuitry 4724 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 4722 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 4700 and the connector port 4702 in the card 2702 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 4702 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 4702, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 4722 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 4722 informs management circuitry 4724 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 4724, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 4726 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 4704 in card 2702, via ports 4706 and 4716. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 4726, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 2702.
Management circuitry 4724 communicates with PDA 2700 via an RF port, or a BlueTooth port 4728 and requests and receives information relating to specific PDA parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 4724 communicates the received specific PDA parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 4730, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given PDA. Circuitry 4730 preferably outputs to management circuitry 4724, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 4732, enabling circuitry 4732 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific PDA 2700.
The output of circuitry 4732 is supplied to management circuitry 4724 which uploads it to PDA 2700 via RF port 4728.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 2804 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 4812 and an information module facilitator connector port 4816. Port 4812 communicates with connector port 4802 on card 2802 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 4822, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 4824. A preferred functionality of facilitator 2804 is for management circuitry 4824 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 4822 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 4800 and the connector port 4802 in the card 2802 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 4802 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 4802, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 4822 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation
When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 4822 informs management circuitry 4824 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 4824, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 4826 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 4804 in card 2802, via ports 4806 and 4816. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 4826, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 2802.
Management circuitry 4824 communicates with telephone 2800 via a wired connection 4828 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 4824 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 4830, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 4830 preferably outputs to management circuitry 4824, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 4832, enabling circuitry 4832 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 2800 in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone 2800 to a remote server 2808 The request is intended to cause the remote server 2808 to download content to telephone 2800. The output of circuitry 4832 is supplied to management circuitry 4824 which uploads it to telephone 2800 via wired connection 4828.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 2904 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 4912 and an information module facilitator connector port 4916. Port 4912 communicates with connector port 4902 on card 2902 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 4922, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 4924. A preferred functionality of facilitator 2904 is for management circuitry 4924 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 4922 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 4900 and the connector port 4902 in the card 2902 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 4902 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 4902, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 4922 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.
When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 4922 informs management circuitry 4924 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 4924, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 4926 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 4904 in card 2902, via ports 4906 and 4916. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 4926, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 2902.
Management circuitry 4924 communicates with set top box 2905 via an IR port 4928 and requests and receives information relating to specific set top box parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the set top box. Management circuitry 4924 communicates the received specific set top box parameters to received set top box parameter interface circuitry 4930, which employs the received specific set top box parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given set top box. Circuitry 4930 preferably outputs to management circuitry 4924, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 4932, enabling circuitry 4932 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific set top box 2905 in the form of a request to be communicated via the set top box 2905 to a remote server 2912. The request is intended to cause the remote server 2912 to download content to set top box 2905. The output of circuitry 4932 is supplied to management circuitry 4924, which uploads it to set top box 2905 via IR or RF port 4928.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 2904 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 4952 and an information module facilitator connector port 4946. Port 4952 communicates with connector port 4942 on card 2902 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 4962, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 4964. A preferred functionality of facilitator 2904 is for management circuitry 4964 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 4962 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 4940 and the connector port 4942 in the card 2902 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 4942 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 4942, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 4962 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 4962 informs management circuitry 4964 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 4964, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 4966 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 4944 in card 2902, via ports 4946 and 4956. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 4966, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 2902.
Management circuitry 4964 communicates with telephone 2918 via an IR port 4968 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the set top box. Management circuitry 4964 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 4970, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 4970 preferably outputs to management circuitry 4964, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 4972, enabling circuitry 4972 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 2918 in the form of a request to be communicated via telephone to a remote server 2922. The request is intended to cause the remote server 2922 to download content to the telephone 2918. The output of circuitry 4972 is supplied to management circuitry 4964 which uploads it to the telephone 2918 via IR or RF port 4968.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Remote control 2932 correspondingly includes a function select button connector port 4988 and an information module facilitator connector port 4990. Port 4988 communicates with connector port 4986 on card 2902 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 4992, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 4994. A preferred functionality of the remote control 2932 is for management circuitry 4994 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 4992 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated.
In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 4900 and the connector port 4902 in the card 2902 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 4982 and sensing the voltage oh one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 4982, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 4992 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.
When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 4992 informs card management circuitry 4994 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 4994, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 4995 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 4984 in card 2902, via ports 4986 and 4990. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 4995, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 2902.
Management circuitry 4994 of the card interface manager communicates the information containing the information modules with set top box interface manager via set top box management circuitry 4996 on the set top box interface manager. Conventional remote control circuitry 4997 typically also forms part of the set top box interface manager. The information modules received by the set top box interface management circuitry 4996 are transmitted to set top box 2905 via IR transmitter 4998 and cause the set top box to display the music video clip on the display screen 2934. The output of management circuitry 4996 is transmitted to set top box 2905 via IR transmitter 4998.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 3004 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 5012 and an information module facilitator connector port 5016. Port 5012 communicates with connector port 5002 on card 3002 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 5022, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 5024. A preferred functionality of facilitator 3004 is for management circuitry 5024 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 5022 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 5000 and the connector port 5002 in the card 3002 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 5002 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 5002, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 5022 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 5022 informs management circuitry 5024 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 5024, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 5026 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 5004 in card 3002, via ports 5006 and 5016. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 5026, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 3002.
Management circuitry 5024 communicates with telephone 3000 via a wired connection 5028 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 5024 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 5030, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 5030 preferably outputs to management circuitry 5024, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 5032, enabling circuitry 5032 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 3000 in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone 3000 to a remote server 3008. The request is intended to cause the remote server 3008 to download content to telephone 3000. The output of circuitry 5032 is supplied to management circuitry 5024 which uploads it to telephone 3000 via wired connection 5028.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 3004 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 5062 and an information module facilitator connector port 5066. Port 5062 communicates with connector port 5052 on card 3002 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 5072, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 5074. A preferred functionality of facilitator 3004 is for management circuitry 5074 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 5072 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 5050 and the connector port 5052 in the card 3002 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 5052 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 5052, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 5072 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.
When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 5072 informs management circuitry 5074 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 5074, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 5076 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 5054 in card 3002, via ports 5056 and 5066. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 5076, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 3002.
Management circuitry 5074 communicates with telephone 3000 via a wired connection 5078 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 5074 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 5080, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 5080 preferably outputs to management circuitry 5074, which provides appropriate instructions to telephone voice call initiation adaptation circuitry 5082, enabling circuitry 5082 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 3000 in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone 3000 to a remote server 3014. The request is intended to cause the remote server 3014 to download content to telephone 3000. The output of circuitry 5082 is supplied to management circuitry 5074 which uploads it to telephone 3000 via wired connection 5078.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Point-of-sale terminal 3103 correspondingly comprises secret number management software 5108 which communicate with information module interface software 5109 which communicate, in turn, with a information module card connector port 5110. Information module card connector port 5110 communicates with connector port 5106 on card 3102.
Facilitator 3104 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 5112 and an information module facilitator connector port 5116. Port 5112 communicates with connector port 5102 on card 3102 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 5122, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 5124. A preferred functionality of facilitator 3104 is for management circuitry 5124 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 5122 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 5100 and the connector port 5102 in the card 3102 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 5102 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 5102, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 5122 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.
When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 5122 informs management circuitry 5124 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 5124, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 5126 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 5104 in card 3102, via ports 5106 and 5116. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 5126, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 3102.
Management circuitry 5124 communicates with telephone 3108 via wired port 5128 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 5124 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 5130, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 5130 preferably outputs to management circuitry 5124, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 5132, enabling circuitry 5132 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 3108 in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone 3108 to remote server 3110. The request is intended to cause the remote server 3110 to issue the request and display request results on the telephone screen 3112 (
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 3204 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 5212 and an information module facilitator connector port 5216. Port 5212 communicates with connector port 5202 on card 3202 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 5222, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 5224. A preferred functionality of facilitator 3204 is for management circuitry 5224 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 5222 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 5200 and the connector port 5202 in the card 3202 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 5202 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 5202, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 5222 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 5222 informs management circuitry 5224 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 5224, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 5226 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 5204 in card 3202, via ports 5206 and 5216. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 5226, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 3202.
Management circuitry 5224 communicates with telephone 3200 via an IR port 5228 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 5224 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 5230, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 5230 preferably outputs to management circuitry 5224, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 5232, enabling circuitry 5232 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 3200.
The output of circuitry 5232 is supplied to management circuitry 5224 which uploads it to telephone 3200 via IR port 5228.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 3304 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 5312 and an information module facilitator connector port 5316. Port 5312 communicates with connector port 5302 on card 3302 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 5322, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 5324. A preferred functionality of facilitator 3304 is for management circuitry 5324 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 5322 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 5300 and the connector port 5302 in the card 3302 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 5302 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 5302, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 5322 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.
When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 5322 informs management circuitry 5324 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 5324, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 5326 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 5304 in card 3302, via ports 5306 and 5316. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 5326, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 3302.
Management circuitry 5324 communicates with telephone 3306 via an IR port 5328 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 5324 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 5330, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 5330 preferably outputs to management circuitry 5324, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 5332, enabling circuitry 5332 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 3306 in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone 3306 to a remote server 3310.The request is intended to cause the remote server 3310 to download content to telephone 3306. The output of circuitry 5332 is supplied to management circuitry 5324 which uploads it to telephone 3306 via IR port 5328.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 3404 correspondingly includes an information module facilitator connector port 5416. Card insertion and removal interpretation circuitry 5422 communicates with management circuitry 5424. A preferred functionality of facilitator 3404 is for management circuitry 5424 to intermittently trigger card insertion and removal interpretation circuitry 5422 to intermittently inquire as to whether any card has been inserted or removed. Card insertion and removal interpretation circuitry 5422 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation When a the card is inserted, card insertion and removal interpretation circuitry 5422 informs management circuitry 5424 of the identity of the inserted card. Management circuitry 5424, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 5426 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 5404 in card 3402, via ports 5406 and 5416. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 5426, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 3402.
Management circuitry 5424 communicates with telephone 3405 via a wired port 5428 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 5424 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 5430, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 5430 preferably outputs to management circuitry 5424, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 5432, enabling circuitry 5432 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 3404 in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone 3405 to a remote server 3408.The request is intended to cause the remote server 3408 to download content to telephone 3408. The output of circuitry 5432 is supplied to management circuitry 5424 which uploads it to telephone 3404 via IR port 5428.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 3424 correspondingly includes an information module facilitator connector port 5466. Function select buttons interpretation circuitry 5472 communicates with management circuitry 5474. A preferred functionality of facilitator 3424 is for management circuitry 5474 to intermittently trigger function select buttons 5472 to intermittently inquire as to whether any card has been inserted or removed. Function select buttons 5472 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation.
When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 5472 informs management circuitry 5474 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 5474, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 5476 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 5454 in card 3422, via ports 5456 and 5466. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 5476, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 3422.
Management circuitry 5474 communicates with telephone 3405 via a wired port 5478 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 5474 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 5480, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 5480 preferably outputs to management circuitry 5474, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 5482, enabling circuitry 5482 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 3424 in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone 3405 to a remote server 3408.The request is intended to cause the remote server 3408 to download content to telephone 3405. The output of circuitry 5482 is supplied to management circuitry 5474 which uploads it to telephone 3405 via IR port 5478. In the present embodiment which comprises a ringer and or a LED, once the telephone is uploaded management circuitry 5474 triggers the ringer circuitry 5490 and or the LED circuitry 5492.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 3504 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 5512 and an information module facilitator connector port 5516. Port 5512 communicates with connector port 5502 on card 3502 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 5522, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 5524. A preferred functionality of facilitator 3504 is for management circuitry 5524 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 5522 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 5500 and the connector port 5502 in the card 3502 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 5502 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 5502, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 5522 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 5522 informs management circuitry 5524 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 5524, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 5526 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 5504 in card 3502, via ports 5506 and 5516. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 5526, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 3502.
Management circuitry 5524, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 5532, enabling circuitry 5532 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific PC 3501.
The output of circuitry 5532 is supplied to management circuitry 5524 which uploads it to PC 3501 via PC port 5528.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator 3504 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 5552 and an information module facilitator connector port 5556. Port 5552 communicates with connector port 5546 on card 3502 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 5562, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 5564. A preferred functionality of facilitator 3504 is for management circuitry 5564 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 5562 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 5540 and the connector port 5542 in the card 3502 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 5542 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 5542, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 5552 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 5552 informs management circuitry 5564 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 5564, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 5566 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 5504 in card 3502, via ports 5546 and 5556. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 5556, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 3502.
Management circuitry 5564 communicates with telephone 3510 via a phone port 5568 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 5564 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 5570, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 5570 preferably outputs to management circuitry 5564, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 5572, enabling circuitry 5572 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 3510 in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone 3510 to a remote server 3512. The request is intended to cause the remote server 3512 to download content to telephone 3510. The output of circuitry 5572 is supplied to management circuitry 5564 which uploads it to telephone 3510 via phone port 5568.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Facilitator incorporated into the back cover 3552 correspondingly includes a function select button facilitator connector port 5582 and an information module facilitator connector port 5584. Port 5582 communicates with connector port 5576 on card 3502 and with button actuation interpretation circuitry 5586, which in turn communicates with management circuitry 5588. A preferred functionality of facilitator in back cover 3552 is for management circuitry 5588 to intermittently trigger button actuation interpretation circuitry 5586 to intermittently inquire as to whether any button has been actuated. In practice, where electrical connections between the function select buttons 5574 and the connector port 5576 in the card 3502 are arranged in a matrix, this may be achieved by applying voltage to one or more of the electrical contacts in connector port 5576 and sensing the voltage on one or more other electrical contacts in connector port 5576, thereby indicating which button was actuated. Button actuation interpretation circuitry 5582 also typically applies long and short duration thresholds to valid button actuation
When a valid button actuation takes place, button actuation interpretation circuitry 5586 informs management circuitry 5588 of the identity of the actuated button. Management circuitry 5588, in turn, instructs information module interface circuitry 5590 to retrieve a corresponding information module from information modules 5576 in card 3502, via ports 5576 and 5584. The retrieved information module is typically decompressed and appropriately formatted by information module interface circuitry 5584, which typically also verifies authenticity of the card 3502.
Management circuitry 5588 communicates with telephone 3550 via an Internal data port 5591 that receives the facilitator information modules from the IR port 5592 and requests and receives information relating to specific telephone parameters which affect the form of information uploaded to the telephone. Management circuitry 5588 communicates the received specific telephone parameters to received telephone parameter interface circuitry 5594, which employs the received specific telephone parameters to provide instructions for adaptation of the contents of the retrieved information module to the given telephone. Circuitry 5594 preferably outputs to management circuitry 5588, which provides appropriate instructions to information module contents adaptation circuitry 5596, enabling circuitry 5596 to adapt the contents of the retrieved information module for upload to specific telephone 3550 in the form of a request to be communicated via the telephone 3550 to download content to telephone 3550.
In the embodiment of
Reference is now made to
Turning particularly to
PCB 5714 preferably defines the user-actuable contact locations by defining a plurality of perimeter contacts 5721 and a plurality of inner contacts 5722. Each cooperating pair of one perimeter contact 5721 and an inner contact 5722 disposed therewithin defines electrical connections to a single button 5700. A circuit comprising multiple PCB conductors 5724 interconnects the peripheral and inner contacts 5721 and 5722 of each button in a matrix arrangement to preferably seven electrical contact pads 5726.
Disposed over PCB 5714 there is preferably provided a spacer 5728, typically formed of polyester and having an aperture 5730 corresponding in position to apertures 5716 and 5718 and configured to accommodate micromodule 5720. Spacer 5728 also preferably includes an aperture 5732, which is configured to accommodate contact assembly 5702, which is in electrical contact with pads 5726. Spacer 5728 also comprises a plurality of apertures 5734 which overlie perimeter contacts 5721 and inner contacts 5722. Apertures 5734 are each configured to accommodate a conductive button contact 5736, which is operative, while depressed by a finger of a user, to establish electric contact between a perimeter contact 5721 and its corresponding inner contact 5722. Conductive button contacts 5736 are preferably formed as resilient metal domes, which return to their original, non-contact, orientation in the absence of user engagement therewith. Conductive button contacts 5736 provide desired tactile feedback to a user of pressing each given button 5700.
Disposed above spacer 5728 and conductive button contacts 5736 is a top substrate 5750, which is preferably formed of transparent polycarbonate. Top substrate 5750 is preferably printed on an inside surface thereof to present advertising or other user information on the outside surface thereof.
Top substrate 5750 is formed with an aperture 5752 which corresponds in position with apertures 5730, 5718 and 5716 and is somewhat smaller in size than those apertures, such that top substrate 5750 retains micro-module 5720 within the card, while permitting electrical contact with the contact assembly 5704. Top substrate 5750 also includes an aperture 5754, which corresponds in position with aperture 5732 and is somewhat smaller in size than that aperture, such that top substrate 5750 retains contact assembly 5702 within the card, while permitting electrical contact therewith.
Regions of top substrate 5750 which overlie conductive button contacts 5736 are designated as user-actuable contact locations by suitable graphics printing thereon.
The various layers of the card described above are preferably secured together by means of a suitable adhesive, such as double-stick tapes commercially available from 3M.
Reference is now made to
Initially, upon operative engagement of the card with a facilitator, either automatically or via a button press, a card identity information module 5800 is read from the card. This module preferably contains a non card-specific card validity signature, a card type-specific ID and a protected card-specific identifier. Typically thereafter, a card definition information module 5802 is read. This module preferably contains information regarding card functionalities and possible interfaces, such as lists of types of mobile communicators and mobile networks with which it operates.
The card preferably also includes a plurality of button specific or button combination specific information modules 5804, each of which preferably contains a distinct and complete functionality, such as, for example, a specific ring tone, a video clip and a greeting. The button or button combination specific information modules may contain all data required to enable a mobile communicator to carry out the desired functionality or may contain instructions enabling the facilitator and/or the mobile communicator to download from a remote source some or all of the data required for the indicated functionality.
Reference is now made to
A pair of spaced PCBs 5912 and 5914 are disposed within the housing and define therebetween a slot 5916 into which a card 5918 may be inserted. When the card 5918 is properly inserted into slot 5916, contact assemblies 5702 and 5704 (
A self-explanatory electrical schematic illustration of the circuitry found on PCBs 5912 and 5914 appears in
Reference is now made to
The circuitry of
Reference is now made to
Thereafter, the software checks validity of the user interface card by reading a validity string from the retrieved information module and activates a communication channel, such as an IRDA communication channel for communication with a communicator. The supported command set of the communicator is requested and received and a message is prepared in an appropriate format, such as SMS and communicated, such as via IRDA to the communicator. A confirmation is received from the communicator and appropriate user feedback, such as visual or audio feedback is provided.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 151573 | Sep 2002 | IL | national |
Applicant hereby claims priority of Israel Patent Application Serial No. 151573, filed on Sep. 2, 2002, entitled “Device for Transfer of Mobile Data and Content to Mobile Handsets”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/367,603, filed Feb. 14, 2003, entitled “Selectable Functionality Communication System and Methodologies” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/471,875, filed on May 19, 2003, entitled “Selectable Functionality Communication System and Methodologies”.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL03/00719 | 9/1/2003 | WO | 3/1/2005 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60471875 | May 2003 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10367603 | Feb 2003 | US |
| Child | 10526232 | Mar 2005 | US |
