Patent Abstract:
An improved wireless communication device, method, and system, that is easy to operate for people of all ages, particularly for senior citizens, that is compact, ergonomic, and comfortable, but which also provides simplicity of operation for those users who do not require complex cellular telephone capabilities or features.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The field of the invention relates generally to wireless communication, and more particularly relates to a comfortable wireless communication device that provides simplicity and familiarity of operation. 
   2. Background Information 
   Wireless communication connects people of all ages on virtually every continent throughout the world through, for example, cellular telephones, paging units, wireless networking, and low-tier radio telephones. Since their introduction, cellular telephones in particular have helped the world overcome barriers of physical distance while providing a convenient method for communication. Cellular telephones offer convenience as a cellular telephone user can place a call from almost any location in the service area. As service areas expand, the convenience offered increases and the cost of wireless communication devices and services decreases. 
   Although cellular telephones have become less expensive to purchase and operate, they have proliferated in capabilities and features. A typical cellular telephone user seeks to take advantage of wireless communication while traveling, walking, or commuting. Thus, the modern cellular telephone design has been increasingly smaller and lighter to increase transportability of the device. Additionally, the features of the modern cellular telephone have developed to include, for example, calendars, personalized phone books, instant messaging capabilities, web browsing capabilities, and even digital camera capabilities. Though most of the features are accessible through the cellular telephone&#39;s display, the complexity of features and reduction in size of cellular telephones makes it cumbersome for many to program these features. 
   For example, a senior citizen may possess a cellular telephone for emergency use, to communicate with family members, or to defray the cost of long distance calls. A senior citizen may only desire to program the cellular telephone with a minimal number of telephone numbers, but the complexity required to program the cellular telephone and the decreasing size of the telephone can make it difficult to program these numbers. The small size of the keys combined with aging fine motor coordination may lead a senior citizen to struggle with the simple task of placing a call. Thus, although wireless communication has become more convenient to the average user, the operation of the cellular telephone itself has become too burdensome of an operation for the average senior citizen to endure. 
   Further, the smaller form factor of today&#39;s cellular telephones has reduced the size of the earpiece and speaker significantly. The reduced size of these components can make it difficult to interface the earpiece with the ear. It can be, for example, especially difficult for senior citizens to interface the earpiece with their ear; however, no one is necessarily immune to this difficulty. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Preferred embodiments of the present inventions taught herein are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the Figures of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a diagram illustrating a cellular telephone with a hingedly connected keypad cover in accordance with one embodiment; 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram illustrating the cellular telephone of  FIG. 1  with a different, removable faceplate installed over the keypad in accordance with another embodiment; 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram illustrating a rear angle of the cellular telephone of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating a removable faceplate exposing three function keys, a display, and a 12-key alphanumeric keypad in accordance with one embodiment; 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram illustrating a removable faceplate exposing three function keys and display in accordance with another embodiment; 
       FIG. 6  is a diagram illustrating a cellular telephone with a pivotally connected keypad cover in accordance with another embodiment; 
       FIG. 7  is a diagram illustrating a rear angle of the cellular telephone of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a diagram illustrating a cellular telephone with integrated display and function keys in accordance with still another embodiment; 
       FIG. 9  is a diagram illustrating a rear angle of the cellular telephone of  FIG. 8 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart that illustrates an example method by which a wireless communication device configured in according to the embodiments of  FIG. 1 ,  6 , or  8  can be programmed by the user; 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart that illustrates an example method by which the user of the wireless communication device configured in according to the embodiments of  FIG. 1 ,  6 , or  8  can place a call; 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart that illustrates an example method by which the user of the wireless communication device configured in according to the embodiments of  FIG. 1 ,  6 , or  8  can answer a call; and 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart that illustrates an example method by which the user of the wireless communication device configured in according to the embodiments of  FIG. 1 ,  6 , or  8  can terminate or disconnect a call. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   In the descriptions of example embodiments that follow, implementation differences, or unique concerns, relating to different types of systems and methods described in terms of a cellular telephone will be pointed out to the extent possible. However, it should be apparent that the systems and methods described herein can be practiced without these specific details. Further, while the embodiments below are described in terms of a cellular telephone, it should be clear that the systems and methods described herein can be applied to any wireless communication device with audio capabilities. 
     FIG. 1  illustrates an external view of an exemplary cellular telephone  100  which includes earpiece  102  and keypad  106 . In one embodiment, keypad  106  can comprise a faceplate  104  and display  108 . Keypad  106  can, for example, be a standard 12-key alphanumeric keypad. Keypad  106  can also contain function keys  110 ,  112 , and  114  including, but not limited to, a power key to turn cellular telephone  100  on and off, a send and disconnect button to connect or disconnect a call, and a two-aspect button that operates as a menu selector which can allow a user to scroll through menu items displayed on display  108  and make selections. 
   In alternative embodiments described below (see  FIG. 2 ), a reduced set of keys can be included in keypad  106 . For example, keypad  106  can include only function keys  110 ,  112 , and  114 , or the like. Thus, a cellular telephone configured in accordance with the systems and methods described herein can be configured for very basic use, wherein the user simply scrolls through a few preprogrammed numbers using a menu key and then hits send when the appropriate number is found to initiate a call. Similarly, the user can simply use the initiate key to answer an incoming call. A third key can be used to end a call. In one embodiment, the keys of keypad  106  can be five aspect buttons. 
   In another embodiment described below, a further reduced set of keys can be included in keypad  106 . For example, keypad  106  can include a power key to turn cellular telephone  100  on and off without a send or end key. Following this embodiment, a user can answer and discontinue a call simply by extending and retracting antenna  116 , or by opening or closing the moveable or slideable cover, or further by touching any key or button on cellular telephone  100 . 
   By reducing the number of keys on keypad  106 , the keys can be made extremely large and the functionality of cellular telephone  100  can be reduced significantly. This can be advantageous, for example, for use by senior citizens who do not need added functionality and can benefit the inclusion of larger keys that are easier to use and identify. 
   In alternative embodiments, the keys included in keypad  106  can be five aspect keys. By five aspect, it is meant that the key can be moved in five different direction to provide input into cellular telephone  100 . For example, a five aspect key can be moved up, down, right, left, and depressed in the middle of the key to provide input. The aspects of the five aspect buttons can correspond to any numeral, alphabet letter, or character necessary for a menu item or function, including but not limited to data input, messaging, or DTMF control of an interactive voice system. For example, the second key of the standard 12-key alphanumeric keypad can perform five functions. The center aspect can correspond to the number “2”, the left aspect can correspond to the letter “A”, the up aspect can correspond to the letter “B”, the right aspect can correspond to the letter “C”, the down aspect can correspond to a character necessary for “data input.” 
   In this manner, the entire alphabet can be associate with the various keys on keypad  106 . Moreover, the five aspect keys can be made relatively large so that they are not only easy to identify, but easy to manipulate. This can make input of characters as well as the selection of numbers easy and intuitive. It should be apparent that keys with less aspects, e.g., 2, 3, or 4, can also be implemented with similar advantage. 
   Earpiece  102  may be larger than conventional earpieces. This has the effect of making cellular telephone  100  itself larger than conventional cellular telephones, but it also allows for a deep ear cavity and padded cushion  122  to be included in earpiece  102 . Earpiece  102  can have an oval shape, a round shape, or any shape lending to the comfort of the user can be a domed shape. The domed shape can be configured such that it fits the natural contour of the user&#39;s hand. 
   In embodiments in which earpiece  102  has an oval, round, or domed shape, positioning of the phone to the user&#39;s ear will be intuitive leading to further user comfort and better audio. In one embodiment, the earpiece  102  can be insulated for noise reduction to reduce the amount of ambient, outside noise the user hears while conducting a call. Thus, earpiece  102  can be configured to act more like a stereo headphone, i.e., earpiece  102  can be configured to fit comfortably and easily over the ear of a user and to aid in coupling sound from a speaker  122  at the base of earpiece  102  to the ear of the user. Thus, while earpiece  100  may result in cellular telephone  100  being larger than conventional cellular telephones, it can also result in an enhanced user experience. This is because earpiece  102  can make cellular telephone  100  easier and more comfortable to interface with the user&#39;s ear, as well as aiding in improved audio performance. 
   Accordingly, earpiece  102  should be configured so that it fits comfortably over the ear of the user and can form a sufficiently sealed area around the user&#39;s ear via padding  122 . Padding  122  can be made of any material, but should be relatively soft and pliable, and should also be capable of substantially maintaining its form over time. Padding  122  can have a wide cushion to maintain user comfort. Alternatively, padding  122  can be thin and light. Additionally, padding  122  can extend deep into the earpiece  102  so as to minimize any ear contact with any plastic, metal, or hard components within the earpiece  102 . As padding  122  can become dirty or worn-out through ordinary use, padding  122  can be replaceable by the user. In one embodiment, for example, padding  122  can be replaced with a personalized padding specific to the user for personalization and fashion statements. Such personalization can include, but are not limited to, various styles and colors. 
   In another embodiment, a light pipe can be placed outside the diameter of the earpiece  102  next to the padding  122 . The light pipe can produce a visible signal through the use of a pattern of lights that move through the light pipe to signal, i.e., a user that the cellular telephone  100  is ringing. Alternatively, the light pipe can be placed around the outside of display  108 . In a further embodiment, the light pipe can be placed inside, or formed by, padding  122 . For example padding  122  can be made of a clear, transparent material that permits light to visibly pass through. 
   In one embodiment, the volume a user hears in earpiece  102  can be added to the volume heard from the padding  122  to increase the overall volume heard by the user. Additionally, speaker  118  can be a hearing aid compatible speaker. 
   In one embodiment, the outer portion of earpiece  102  can be made of plastic. In another embodiment, the outer portion of earpiece  102  can be made of aluminum, titanium, or of various components made of aluminum, titanium, or plastic; however, earpiece  102  can be made of any other lightweight material suitable for the requirements of a cellular telephone. Like padding  122  above, the outer portion of earpiece  102  can become dirty, scratched, or worn out through ordinary use. As with padding  122 , therefore, the outer portion of earpiece  102  can also be replaceable by the user. In one embodiment, the outer portion of earpiece  102  can be snapped into place by the user. Thus, the outer portion of earpiece  102  can be replaced with a personalized outer portion specific to the user for personalization and fashion statements. Such personalization can include, but are not limited to, various styles and colors. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , keypad  106  can be hingedly connected to earpiece  102  so as to fold in an upwardly direction to create a hinged cover over earpiece  102 . In order to completely fold keypad  106  over earpiece  102 , a cantilever hinge or double hinge or any other type of hinge with multiple hinges can be used to create a hinged cover. In some embodiments, the electronics to transmit data and sound can be incorporated into the fold of the hinges. The hinged cover can make cellular telephone  100  more compact while providing protection for the keypad  106  from inadvertent entries or damage. 
   In one embodiment, keypad  106  can be configured for use with a removable faceplate that can be attached and detached to keypad  106  to provide varying functionality. One example of a removable faceplate can be removable faceplate  410  of  FIG. 4 , which covers no keys of the keypad allowing a user access to the standard 12-key alphanumeric keypad, function keys  110 ,  112 , and  114 , and display  108  (see  FIG. 1 ). If less functionality is required, however, then faceplate  410  can be replaced by removable faceplate  510  of  FIG. 5 , which covers the standard 12-key alphanumeric keypad allowing a user to access only function keys  110 ,  112 , and  114  and display  108 . Thus, faceplate  510  can be used to configured cellular telephone  100  in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
   It will be clear that various configuration can be made possible via various removable faceplates, such as faceplates  410  and  510  illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , respectively. For example, in one embodiment, display  108  can be covered and in other embodiments, one or more of function keys  110 ,  112 , and  114  can be covered, or some combination thereof. 
   In a further embodiment, the removable faceplate of keypad  106  can be user interchangeable. The user can replace the removable faceplate simply by snapping in and out various removable faceplates as discussed above. In some embodiment the removable faceplates can be plug and play compatible for easy provisioning by the internal electronics or other provisioning devices, such as those methods and apparatuses described in “Systems and Methods for Enhancing the Provisioning and Functionality of Wireless Instruments,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/547,569, filed Feb. 23, 2004 . 
   Continuing with  FIG. 1 , earpiece  102  can also include an antenna  116 . As is known, antenna  116  can transmit and receive wireless signals. In one embodiment, antenna  116  can move between a retracted position and an extended position as in many conventional cellular telephone designs. In another embodiment, however, the movement of antenna  116  from the retracted position to the extended position can operate as a “send” function to answer a call. Similarly, the movement of antenna  116  from the extended position to the retracted position can operate as an “end” function to terminate or disconnect a call. Thus, cellular telephone  100  can be made even easier to use by eliminating even the need to press keys to answer and end calls. 
   Further, extending antenna  116  can also be used to initiate a call to a predetermined number. For example, if cellular telephone is intended to be used only for emergencies, then cellular telephone can be configured so that extending antenna  116  can cause cellular telephone to place a call to a predetermined number such as 911, or a relatives or emergency contacts number. 
   In order to prevent placing unintended calls, cellular telephone  100  can be configured such that a relatively significant force is required to extend antenna  116 , and/or a latching mechanism can be included to latch/hold antenna  116  in the retracted position until unlatched. Further, cellular telephone  100  can be configured such that a clicking sound can be heard when the antenna  116  is fully extended and concurrently placing a call to make the user aware that a call is being placed. 
   In an alternative embodiment, antenna  116  can be integrated into the body of cellular telephone  100 . Thus, antenna  116  would not be visible to the user. 
   In certain embodiments, a plunger-type button can be located at the top of cellular telephone  100  for ease of operation with a user&#39;s elongated index finger. The plunger type button can control the volume of the ringer and speaker. For example, during a call a user can depress the plunger-type button until a desired speaker volume level is achieved. While not in a call, a user can depress the same plunger-type button until a desired ringer volume level is achieved. The user can also select an alert ringer mode for silent vibration using this same plunger type button, while the user is not engaged in a call. 
   In certain embodiments, display  108  can be located on keypad cover  104  just above keypad  106  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . In one embodiment, display  108  can show telephone numbers entered on keypad  106 , corresponding names, and menu items corresponding to the programming of the cellular telephone  100 . In another embodiment, the display area of display  108  can comprise a character size that is large enough that only the telephone numbers entered can be displayed. In yet another embodiment, display  108  can provide backlighting sufficient to light the text displayed on display  108 . 
   In further embodiments, display  108  can be placed within earpiece  102  so as to reduce the amount of glare seen by the user on display  108 . The glare reduction can increase the user&#39;s visibility of any information displayed on the display  108 . 
   Alternatively, display  108 , as well as keypad  106  can be integrated into earpiece  102  as described to some extent below. But since earpiece  102  is larger than conventional cellular telephone designs, increased functionality can be incorporated into earpiece  102  itself. 
     FIG. 1  can further include a microphone  124 . In one embodiment, microphone  124  can be attached to the end or bottom of keypad cover  104 . Thus, the microphone  124  can be placed on keypad cover  104  to be near the mouth of the user when the ear of the user is placed in the earpiece  102  near speaker  118 . 
   In one embodiment, control circuitry (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) in earpiece  102  can control the operation of the cellular telephone  100 . The control circuitry can connect to the cellular transceiver/receiver (also not shown) to control the transmission and reception of cellular signals. The control circuitry likewise can connect to antenna  116  to provide for communication between the cellular telephone  100  and a cellular transmission and reception tower. The control circuitry can be connected to the speaker  118  to project sound. The control circuitry can also be connected to the keypad  106  allowing a user to input data. The display  108  can also be coupled to the control circuitry to display data entered by the user from the keypad  106  in addition to any display from programming held in the memory of the cellular telephone  100  including selectable menus. The control circuitry can also be connected to a microphone  124  allowing a user to input sound to be transmitted to a cellular transmission and reception tower. 
     FIG. 3  shows a rear angle of the external view of cellular telephone  100 , which includes earpiece  102  and keypad  106  and antenna  116 . In one embodiment, power source  326  can ergonomically fit within earpiece  102 . In certain embodiments, power source  326  can be a rechargeable battery to power cellular telephone  100 . In another embodiment, power source  326  can fit under keypad  106 ; however, it will be understood that batteries are relatively large and would make keypad  106  more bulky than required. Since earpiece  102  is already large, it can be preferable to incorporate power source  326  into earpiece  102 . Moreover, since earpiece  102  is large, a larger power source  326 , e.g., battery or multiple batteries, can be included without increasing the size of earpiece  102 . Thus, longer talk and standby times can be achieved without incurring any additionally size requirements. 
   In a further embodiment, a small amount of energy stored in power source  326  can be reserved for emergency use. In one embodiment, power source  326  will have a resident battery life of between one and three or more years. In order to reserve power for emergency use, a radiofrequency (RF) signal can be transmitted to the power source  326  to signal the cellular telephone  100  to turn off or switch power sources to a secondary power source. The RF signal can be generated by various methods of sensing techniques, known by those of ordinary sill in the art. Thus, cellular telephone  100  can have enough power in power source  326  to allow one emergency telephone call which could be directly dialed into a carrier call center or emergency service center such as 911. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates an external view of an exemplary cellular telephone  600  which includes earpiece  602 , similar to earpiece  102 , and keypad  604 . In one embodiment, cellular telephone  600  can encompass the features of cellular telephone  100  with the exception that keypad  604  is not hingedly connected to the earpiece  602  so as to fold in an upwardly direction to create a hinged cover over the earpiece  602 . Instead, keypad  604  can be pivotally connected to the earpiece  602  so as to pivot in a horizontally sliding direction to place keypad  604  on the back of earpiece  602 . The pivotally connected keypad  604  can make cellular telephone  600  more compact while providing protection for the keypad  604  from inadvertent entries and damage. 
   Keypad  604  can also be configured for use with removable face plates  606  as described above. 
     FIG. 7  shows a rear angle of the external view of cellular telephone  600 , which includes earpiece  602 , keypad  604 , and antenna  616 . In one embodiment, power source  626  can ergonomically fit within earpiece  602  as described above. In another embodiment, power source  626  can ergonomically fit within keypad  604 . 
   In a further embodiment, the keypad  604  of cellular telephone  600  can be located on a keypad cover that slides in and out of cellular telephone  600 . The keypad cover, when pushed in, can make cellular telephone  600  more compact while providing protection for the keypad  604  from inadvertent entries and damage. The keypad cover, when pulled out, can make the keypad  604  accessible to the user. In some embodiments, as the keypad cover is extended, a call can be connected to a preprogrammed number or to answer a call. As the keypad cover is closed, a call can be terminated or disconnected. Thus, cellular telephone  600  can be made even easier to use by eliminating the need to press keys and to answer and end calls. 
   Keypad  604  can be configured for use with removable face plates  606  as described above. 
   In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , cellular telephone  800  can comprise and earpiece  802 , similar top those described above; however, the keypad functionality is incorporated within earpiece  802 . This can be illustrated by the view of  FIG. 9 , which illustrates that various keys and display  908  are incorporated directly into earpiece  802 . 
   Accordingly, earpiece  800  can comprise a speaker  818  and padding  822  as well as a microphone  824 . In one embodiment, microphone  824  can be attached to the end or bottom of earpiece  802 . Microphone  824  can be a unidirectional microphone positioned toward the user&#39;s mouth to receive the user&#39;s voice. In a further embodiment, a noise canceling microphone can be used to eliminate any background noise while providing a clear voice transmission. In still another embodiment, a boom microphone can be used where a boom extends from the lower portion of earpiece  802 . 
   In embodiments with a boom microphone extending from the lower portion of earpiece  802 , the movement of the boom microphone from the retracted position to the extended position can operate as a “send” function or to answer a call. Similarly, the movement of the boom microphone from the extended position to the retracted position can operate as an “end” function to terminate or disconnect a call. Thus, cellular telephone  100  can be made even easier to use by eliminating the need to press keys and to answer and end calls. 
   Further, extending boom microphone can also be used to initiate a call to a predetermined number. For example, if cellular telephone is intended to be used only for emergencies, then cellular telephone can be configured so that the boom microphone can cause cellular telephone to place a call to a predetermined number such as 911, or a relatives or emergency contacts number. 
   In order to prevent placing unintended calls, cellular telephone  100  can be configured such that a relatively significant force is required to extend a boom microphone, and/or a latching mechanism can be included to latch/hold the boom microphone in the retracted position until unlatched. Further, cellular telephone  100  can be configured such that a clicking sound can be heard when the boom microphone is fully extended and concurrently placing a call to make the user aware that a call is being placed. 
     FIG. 9  shows that in one embodiment earpiece  802  can also include an antenna  816 , which can be used to initiate and end calls as described above.  FIG. 9  shows a rear angle of the external view of cellular telephone  800  which can include the features described in  FIG. 8  and illustrates a display  908 , function keys  910 ,  912 , and  914 , and power source  926 . 
   In certain embodiments, display  908  can be located on the back closing of earpiece  802  as depicted in  FIG. 9 . In other embodiments, display  908  can, for example, be placed within earpiece  802  near speaker  818 . Alternative positions for display  908  are clearly possible as well. In one embodiment, display.  908  can show telephone numbers, corresponding names, and menu items corresponding to the programming of the cellular telephone  100 . In another embodiment, display  908  can have a large enough character size to display only the telephone numbers entered. In yet another embodiment, display  908  can provide backlighting sufficient to light the text displayed on display  908 . 
   In one embodiment, function keys  910 ,  912 , and  914  can be located on the back closing of telephone body  802  as depicted in  FIG. 9 . Function keys  910 ,  912 , and  914  can include, but is not limited to, a power key to turn cellular telephone  100  on and off, a send and disconnect button to connect or disconnect a call, and a two-aspect button that acts as a menu selector which allows a user to scroll through menu items displayed on display  908  and make selections. Function keys  910 ,  912 , and  914  can be positioned in any location or order on the back closing of telephone body  802 . 
   In one embodiment, the function keys  910 ,  912 , and  914  can be five aspect buttons. The five aspect buttons can move up, down, left, right, and center to select corresponding applications. The aspects of the five aspect buttons can correspond to any numeral, alphabet letter, or character necessary for a menu item or function, including but not limited to data input, messaging, or DTMF control of an interactive voice system. For example, the second key of the standard 12-key alphanumeric keypad can perform five functions. The center aspect can correspond to the number “2”, the left aspect can correspond to the letter “A”, the up aspect can correspond to the letter “B”, the right aspect can correspond to the letter “C”, the down aspect can correspond to a character necessary for “data input.” 
   In a further embodiment, power source  926  can ergonomically fit within telephone body  802 . In certain embodiments, power source can be a rechargeable battery to power cellular telephone  900 . 
   In order to further enhance the user experience, a cellular telephone configured according to the systems and methods described herein can be programmed to receive voice commands and issue audible requests or instructions.  FIG. 10  for example, is a flowchart illustrating an example method for programming a cellular telephone in accordance with the systems and methods described herein. Initially, in step  1002 , a cellular telephone is in standby. In step  1004 , a user can open the hinged cover or depresses a key. A voice prompt asks “Name please, or dial a number,” as depicted in step  1006 . A user can enter a phone number on the keypad that the user wishes to call as shown in step  1008 . In step  1010 , a user can press the “send” function key or extends the antenna to-dial the phone number. A voice prompt then asks, “Who are you calling?” as shown in step  1012 . Step  1014  illustrates that the user can answer by speaking “cancel”, “do not store”, or the called party&#39;s name. If the user says “cancel”, the call is terminated as shown in step  1016 . If the user says “do not store”, the call is connected without storing the called party&#39;s name as shown in step  1018 . If the user says the called party&#39;s name, the voice prompt confirms the called party&#39;s name with the user as illustrated in step  1020 . In step  1022 , the voice prompt confirms the called party&#39;s name by asking the user, “Is this correct?” If the user answers “No” the user returns to step  1012 . If the user answers “Yes”, the voice prompt reports, “Thank you, hold for your call,” as depicted in step  1024 . In step  1026 , the call can then be connected and the name of the called party can be stored with the corresponding telephone number in the memory of the cellular telephone. 
     FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating an example method for placing a call on cellular telephone in accordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods disclosed herein. Initially, in step  1102 , a cellular telephone is in standby. In step  1104 , the user can open the hinged cover or depresses a key. A voice prompt asks “Name please, or dial a number,” as depicted in step  1106 . In step  1108 , the user can speak a pre-programmed name according to the programming method shown in  FIG. 10 . In step  1110 , a voice prompt says either “Thank you”, “Repeat, please”, or “Please enter the number to dial.” If the voice prompt says “Thank you”, the call is connected as shown in step  1112 . If the voice prompt says “Repeat, please”, the user returns to step  1108  and again speaks a pre-programmed name as shown in step  1114 . If the voice prompt says, “Please enter the number to dial”, the user enters a phone number on the keypad as shown in step  1116 . In step  1118 , the programming then can direct the user to step  1010  of  FIG. 10  to program the telephone with the corresponding name. 
     FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating an example method for answering a call on a cellular telephone in accordance with one embodiment of the system and methods disclosed herein. In step  1202 , the cellular phone can ring to alert a user of an incoming call. To answer the call, a user can extend the antenna as shown in step  1204 . Then, in step  1206 , the call can be connected and the conversation can commence between a caller and a user. 
     FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating an example method for terminating a call on a cellular telephone in accordance with one embodiment of the systems and methods disclosed herein. In step  1302 , the call can be connected and in progress between a caller and a user. After the user or the caller decides to end the call in progress, the user can retract the antenna as shown in step  1304 . The call can then be terminated as shown in step  1306 . 
   In another embodiment, a cellular telephone can present a dial tone to a user to inform a user that the cellular telephone is ready for dialing. Some users can be confused by the operation of a telephone without a dial tone and requiring the use of a “send” key. With a dial tone present, there can be no need for a “send” key as calls can be dialed immediately following entry of the last telephone number digit. 
   Further, in one embodiment, the cellular telephone can be programmed with voice recognition software. The cellular telephone can be programmed with DTMF controls to operate the embodiments of the device, system or method disclosed herein. 
   Further, in another embodiment, the cellular telephone can incorporate a playback device for playing stored musical files such as MP3 files or WAV files. In one embodiment, the cellular phone with incorporated MP3 player can be housed in an earphone style headset. Some features of this embodiment can include downloading the MP3 files, instructions, voice messages, and voice reminders through either connection to the internet directly, connection to provisioning software such as through the methods and apparatuses as disclosed in “Systems and Methods for Enhancing the Provisioning and Functionality of Wireless Instruments,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/547,569, filed Feb. 23, 2004, or through the cellular telephone itself including downloading musical files over radiofrequency waves acting in a similar for to that of a radio. In another embodiment, the integrated MP3 player of cellular telephone  100  automatically reduces the volume when the cellular telephone rings. Thus, when the cellular telephone rings, the volume of the MP3 player mutes and the user can hear the ring and answer the call. 
   In another embodiment, the cellular telephone  100  can include a digital camera and, alternatively, video technologies to record movie pictures with sound. In a further embodiment, the cellular telephone  100  can include software to connect to the internet directly to enable a user to browse internet web pages from the display of the phone. 
   In a further embodiment, cellular telephone  100  can connect to a battery charging unit, provisioning equipment, or docking station through induction methods. Thus, the battery can recharge and the software can update without plugging a connector directly into the phone. 
   In a still further embodiment, earpiece  102  can be adapted to allow any style of cellular telephone to connect to the earpiece housing so as to transform the conventional cellular telephone speaker into the comfortable earpiece version as described above. For example, a conventional “candy bar” cellular telephone can slide into the back portion of a earpiece housing and electronically connect to the earpiece through connector points. The sound sent to the conventional cellular telephone speaker can be routed to the speaker of the comfortable earpiece. Thus, the user can take advantage of the noise reduction comfort without purchasing a new cellular telephone. 
   While embodiments and implementations of the invention have been shown and described, it should be apparent that many more embodiments and implementations are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted, except in light of the claims and their equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7