Patent ID: 6353732
Filing Date: 2002-03-05
Classification: H04W

Abstract:
In a first communication device, a method for automatically assisting unaided voice communication, where unaided voice communication refers to direct voice communication received from a particular source without the aid of an intervening communication device, the method comprising the steps of:obtaining at least one parameter that affects sound reception characteristics with respect to unaided voice communication received from the particular source, including the step of obtaining an estimate of distance between the first communication device and a second communication device; and determining whether based on the at least one parameter the sound reception characteristics meet a particular criteria, including the step of establishing that the sound reception characteristics do not meet the particular criteria when the estimate of distance exceeds a particular threshold; when based on the at least one parameter the sound reception characteristics do not meet the particular criteria, automatically: establishing a wireless communication link with a second communication device situated in close proximity to the particular source; receiving voice communication from the particular source via the second communication device; and outputting audio representing the voice communication received.