WO2001022705A1 - Communication device and system, with communication restriction feature and method of administrating such - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless communication unit (1135, 1145, 1120, 1125, 1130) may be provided individually or as a set to provide amongst the set of communication devices, and selectively with other communication units on a limited basis. At least one communication unit (1135, 1145) is provided with a limited communication capability such that the communication unit can only dial an identification code of, and communicate with, an associated communication unit. The communication unit (1120, 1125, 1130) cannot dial an identification code of, and communicate with, an unauthorized communication unit (1165), that is not associated with the communication unit and is not an emergency assistance entity (1160) or a communication system administrator (1155). The communication unit with limited communication capability may be more simplistic to use than a conventional wireless phone by reducing the number of buttons operations necessary to communicate with other communication devices.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND SYSTEM WITH COMMUNICATION RESTRICTION FEATURE AND METHOD OF ADMINISTRATING SUCH

The present invention is a continuation-in-part application of patent application

number 09/399,761 filed September 21, 1999. Accordingly, the subject matter that is

disclosed in both application 09/399,761 and the present application has a priority date, which

is the filing date of September 21, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed generally to

selective communication between communication apparatuses, and more particularly to

devices, systems and methods for administering such systems that allow at least one communication unit to communicate with a limited number of associated communication

units.

BACKGROUND

Communication units such as wireless telephones have had a significant affect on

when, where and how people communicate with one another. Children are now given

cellular telephones by their parents so that the children may communicate with the parents

and others as necessary during a typical day. Moreover, wireless telephones are used by

individuals to assist them in communicating with others during their work and personal lives.

The motivation for individuals to use wireless phones and provide wireless phones to

others is the amount of freedom and perceived control provided by being able communicate

with virtually any one from virtually anywhere. However, some individuals may abuse the

freedom provided by a wireless phone. For example, a child may use his wireless phone to

communicate with a friend during the day, even though the child's parents have instructed the child that the phone should only be used to communicate with the parents or the police, fire department etc., e.g., in the case of an emergency.

Moreover, wireless phone operation can be complicated. As a result, individuals who

may need assistance or supervision but are not able to operate a wireless phone may be

unable to communicate using the wireless phone to get the necessary supervision and

assistance. Such a situation may be a problem when, for example, a child needs to use the

wireless telephone because of an emergency but the child becomes upset because of the

emergency, and becomes too upset to operate the wireless telephone. Alternatively, such a situation may be a problem when, for example, an individual having diminished mental or

physical capacity has a wireless phone to communicate with, for example, care givers.

Operation of a conventional wireless phone may be both mentally or physically challenging for such individuals.

There are also many situations in which it would be desirable to allow young yet mature children to wander free from a supervising adult, such as when a family is visiting a

recreational area. e.g.. an amusement park. For example, amusement parks such as Walt

Disney World^® and Kings Dominion^® typically offer a variety of rides, games, booths, and other attractions, many of which are intended to be of interest to a particular age group.

While a fast, noisy, cartoon-character-themed ride may be more appealing to a twelve year

old child, an old fashioned Ferris wheel may be more appealing to an adult. However, while

that same child may be mature enough to head off solo (or as part of a group of children), the

supervising adult may want to maintain communication with that child.

Although wireless portable pagers may be used in some manner to provide

communication capability in the above-explained situations, wireless pagers are deficient

when, for example, the individual needs the ability to communicate with someone immediately, e.g.. a parent, a care giver, a chaperone. etc., because pagers do not offer realtime or two-way communication. For instance, in the amusement park example, it may be

necessary for an adult to ask questions to further ascertain the nature of a child's situation.

Other potentially important factors, such as the child's tone of voice, manner of speaking, and

the like are also inaccessible to the adult when using a pager. These factors are also

important when a caregiver is interacting with their charge who may have a diminished

physical or mental capability.

To solve this problem each of two parties, e.g.. a parent-child pair, a care giver-charge

pair, etc.. could each carry a cellular telephone. During the last several years, wireless communication units such as cellular telephones and pagers have become a part of everyday culture, in part due to the decreasing cost of the technology involved, and in part due to the

convenience that is provided of being able to communicate on the go. Moreover, wireless devices are becoming more portable every year. Indeed, cellular telephones are now small

enough to fit in a shirt pocket, and paging devices and telephones have even been incorporated into wristwatches. For example, a wristwatch-style radiotelephone is disclosed

in U.S. Patent No. 5.819.183 ("the '183 patent"), entitled "Low-Feedback Compact Wireless

Telephone," issued to Barry Voroba et al.. and is hereby incorporated by reference as to its entirety.

However, children or those individuals with diminished mental or physical

capabilities may not be able to operate a conventional wireless phone. Conventional wireless

phones are complicated, often having a multitude of buttons and features. For example, the

wristwatch-style radiotelephone shown in Figs. 2-9 of the '183 patent has at least seventeen

different buttons, each of which is relatively small and may be difficult to operate. Dialing a number on a conventional wireless phone typically requires operating a sequence of several keys, and/or a display on the wireless phone must be simultaneously read by the user.

An individual, e.g., a child or an individual with diminished mental or physical

capabilities, may or may not be able to perform such activities, especially in a high stress or

an emergency situation when the individual may be panicky or distracted.

Moreover, if the individual is a child or other individual requiring supervision, the

individual may indiscriminately use the wireless phone for non-emergency situations, which

could, for example, incur additional and unnecessary costs for the wireless phone service.

A less expensive solution is to use walkie-talkies, i.e., small portable radio receiver- transmitters, for communication. However, such technology may not provide a satisfactory communication range or quality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least one

communication unit is provided with a limited communication capability such that the at least one communication unit can only dial an identification code of. and communicate with, an

associated communication unit. The communication unit cannot dial an identification code,

e.g., a phone number, of, and communicate with, an unauthorized communication unit, i.e., a

communication unit that is not associated with the communication unit and is not an

emergency assistance entity or a communication system administrator. Such a

communication unit with limited communication capability will be referred to as a

"subordinate unit".

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the subordinate unit may be

associated with at least one other communication unit such that the subordinate unit may dial

an identification code of, and communicate with, the other associated communication unit. These other communication units may include an "ordinate unit^" that is associated with the subordinate unit in such a way that the ordinate unit and the subordinate unit comprise a set

or family of communication units. Additionally, the subordinate unit may be configured such

that it is capable of dialing an identification code and communicating with, for example, a

communication system administrator and/or an emergency assistance entity. The family of

communication units may include one or more subordinate units and one or more ordinate

units. If a family of communication units includes more than one subordinate unit, the

subordinate units may or may not be configured such that they can dial an identification code

of, or communicate with, other subordinate units within the family of communication units. If a family of communication units includes more than one ordinate unit, the ordinate units

may or may not be configured to dial an identification code of. or communicate with, other ordinate units. Furthermore, the subordinate unit may be configured such that it is simple to use and may be designed for use by, for example, a child or an adult of diminished or limited

mental or physical capability. For example, operation of the subordinate unit may require only a limited number of buttons, which may or may not be labeled with graphic symbols,

other than alpha-numeric symbols, indicating the effect of operating the button.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the subordinate unit includes the same circuitry and hardware as the ordinate unit, with the exception of a face cover. The face cover

for the ordinate unit may include buttons included in a keypad that enable the circuitry and

hardware to be used to dial identification codes of unauthorized communication devices.

Thus, it is foreseeable that a subordinate unit may be converted to an ordinate unit by

replacing the face cover and performing any necessary reconfiguration of the communication

topology programmed within the communication unit's hardware. These and other features and aspects of the present invention will be apparent upon

consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. Although the

invention has been defined using the appended claims, these claims are exemplary in that the

invention is intended to include the elements and steps described herein in any combination

or sub-combination. Accordingly, there are any number of alternative combinations for

defining the invention, which incorporate one or more elements from the specification,

including the description, claims, and drawings, in various combinations or sub-

combinations. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant technology, in light of the present specification, that alternate combinations of aspects of the invention, either alone or

in combination with one or more elements or steps defined herein, may be utilized as

modifications or alterations of the invention or as part of the invention. It is intended that the written description of the invention contained herein covers all such modifications and alterations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 7 is a top plan view of an exemplary design of the exterior of a communication unit configured to operate as a subordinate unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the

invention;

Figure 8 is a top plan of an exemplary design of the exterior of a communication unit

configured to operate as an ordinate unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the

invention;

Figure 9 is a bottom plan view of the exterior of a communication device that may

operate as either a subordinate unit illustrated in Figure 7 or an ordinate unit illustrated in

Figure 8 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 is a functional block diagram of a communication unit that may operate as either a subordinate unit or an ordinate unit in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of

the invention; and

Figure 11 is an illustrative diagram illustrating one potential communication topology

that may be used by the exemplary embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

An exemplary embodiment of the invention uses a communication unit that may be

configured to operate as either a subordinate unit or as an ordinate unit. During configuration

of the communication unit, a communication topology is configured within the unit that

indicates with what other communication units the communication unit may communicate, e.g.. dial identification codes of other communication units and/or receive phone calls from

other communication units.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a communication unit configured as a subordinate unit may be a wireless communication device, e.g., a wireless

phone, that may be configured so as to be capable of dialing and/or receiving calls from only

a predetermined set of identification codes (e.g.. only one identification code, no more than two identification codes, no more than three identification codes, no more than four

identification codes, etc.). A communication unit configured as a subordinate unit may be

configured to be capable of dialing an identification code associated with a communication

unit that is part of the set or family of communication units based on an input to a user

interface on the communication unit. For example, a communication unit configured as a

subordinate unit may be capable of dialing only a limited number of identification codes

including, e.g., one or more communication units that have been associated with the

subordinate unit. Alternatively, or additionally, the subordinate unit may be capable of dialing a communication system administrator, i.e.. an entity that administers the communication system that includes the subordinate unit and any associated units, and/or an

emergency assistance entity, e.g., police, fire department, a publicly or privately run

assistance organization, etc.

Figure 7 illustrates one example of a design of the exterior of a communication unit

700 that is configured to operate as a subordinate unit. As shown in Figure 7. the exterior of

the communication unit 700 may include a band 702. a plurality of predetermined-dial

buttons 703, 704. a speaker 706. a communication unit case 707. a LED 708. a stop button

709, a display 710 (that may display, among other things, at least one icon 712), a face cover

713 , an antenna 715 and a volume control 717.

The band 702 is coupled to the communication unit case 707 and may be used to allow a user of the communication unit 700 to wear the communication unit 700. The band

may be a wristband. The band may be made of an elastic material so that the wristband may easily fit over a wide variety of wrist sizes. Alternatively, the band 702 may be of a type and size that permits wearing the communication unit around ones neck as a necklace.

Alternatively, the band 702 may be omitted entirely. Moreover, the communication unit may

be coupled to another conventionally known device so as to be wearable by a user.

The plurality of predetermined-dial buttons 703. 704 may be used to quickly and

easily dial a preprogrammed identification code associated with the respective

preprogrammed-dial button. For example, the preprogrammed-dial button 703 may be

programmed such that pressing it causes the identification code, e.g., phone number (123)

456-7890, to be dialed by the communication unit 700. while the preprogrammed-dial button

704 may be programmed such that pressing it causes an emergency identification code (such

as 911) to be dialed. The preprogrammed-dial buttons 703, 704 are preferably large enough to be quickly found and accurately pressed by a child or an adult with a limited mental or physical capability.

Further, each of the preprogrammed-dial buttons 703, 704 may be of a different color

and/or be labeled with a different label so as to be easily distinguishable from each other. For

example, the preprogrammed-dial button 703 may be red and/or have a picture of Mickey

Mouse^® imprinted on it. while the preprogrammed-dial button 704 may be green and/or have

a picture of Goofy^® imprinted on it. Another option is to have replaceable labels that can be

attached to the preprogrammed-dial buttons 703, 704. This may allow, for example, the preprogrammed-dial button 703 to be custom labeled as "MOM" and the preprogrammed-dial

button 704 to be custom labeled as "DAD" or "HELP." Such custom labels may be realized by applying stickers to the preprogrammed-dial buttons, e.g., at the time that the

communication unit is configured, e.g., as a subordinate unit, or at a time that the communication unit is reconfigured.

Although a communication unit 700 configured as a subordinate unit may have one or

more preprogrammed-dial buttons, it may be preferable that the communication unit 700

configured as a subordinate unit include only a few (e.g.. one. two. or three) preprogrammed-

dial buttons. The fewer the total number of buttons that are provided on the communication configured as a subordinate unit, the simpler it is and the easier it is to be used by a child or

an adult of diminished or limited mental or physical capability. Also, the fewer the total

buttons on the communication unit 700. the sturdier and more water-resistant the

communication unit 700 may be made. Thus, a communication unit 700 having a small

number of preprogrammed-dial buttons can be manufactured to be water-resistant more easily

than would a conventional watch phone or hand-held wireless phone. Further, it may be

desirable, for clearer communications and/or cheaper manufacture, to design the communication unit 700 such that any watch functions and/or dialing features are physically remote and/or separate from the speaker 706 and/or other portions of the communication unit

700 configured as a subordinate unit.

The speaker 706 may be used to provide voice data to the user of the communication

unit 700. For example, the speaker may output speech to a user during a phone call with

another communication unit. The speaker 706 may output a broadcast message, for example,

relating to use of the communication device, an event of interest to a user, a reminder

message for the user. etc. Moreover, the 706 may operate in conjunction with the

communication topology of the communication unit to provide reminders, broadcast

messages, etc. in a speech pattern corresponding to a character of interest to the user, e.g., Goofy^®, Mickey Mouse^®, etc. For example, an audible alert indicating that a phone call has been received by the communication unit 700 may include the voice of the character or

personality that is on the mask. The communication unit 700 may be preprogrammed to provide this type of voice or the type of voice or other audible alert may be selected during configuration. The type of alert output to the user by the communication unit 700, e.g.,

ringing, beeping, vibration, visual alert, etc.. may be predetermined or selected during

configuration of the communication unit 700. The volume emitted by the speaker 706 may

be altered by adjusting a volume control dial 717.

The communication unit case 707 houses or is coupled to all of the communication

unit hardware. The communication unit case 707 is also able to be coupled to the face cover

713, which may or may not be considered to be part of the communication unit. The

communication unit case 707 may or may not be directly coupled to the predetermined-dial

buttons 703,704 or the stop button 709, because, as explained below, it is foreseeable that the

faces of those buttons may be coupled to the face cover 713. The LED 708 may be used to indicate various states, for example, an incoming call, voice mail, etc. For example, when a wireless link between the communication unit 700 and

another communication unit is first established, e.g., a telephone call to the communication

unit 700 is made, the communication unit 700 may alert the user that someone is calling via

the LED 708, which may light up or flash. Additionally, or alternatively, an audible alert

such as a ringing or beeping noise may be emitted from the speaker 706, and/or a mechanical

vibration alert may be initiated.

Whereas the predetermined-dial buttons 703. 704 may be used to initiate a call to

another communication unit, the call termination button 709 may be operated to terminate a

call between the communication unit 700 including another communication unit or a called or calling entity. However, it should be appreciated the call termination button 709 may be eliminated if, for example, operation of the communication unit 700 requires operation, i.e., pressing on the predetermined-dial buttons 703, 704 to initiate a call and operation of the

same predetermined-dial button 703. 704 to terminate the call. Alternatively, or in addition. the communication unit 700 may include a sensor that senses speech communicated via the

communication unit 700, e.g.. from a party calling the communication unit or from the user of

the communication unit 700. and terminate the phone call following a predetermined period

of time during which no speech is sensed.

It should be appreciated that, instead of providing an audible alert, the communication

unit 700 may be placed in mute mode, wherein no audio alert is presented, and only a visual

and/or mechanical alert is provided, e.g., from the LED 708 or the display 710. The display

710 may be a LCD display, a LED display, and/or any other type of visual indicator. The

display 710 may be used for displaying the current time, a set alarm time, a calling status of

the communication unit 700 (e.g., a symbolic indication of status including graphic symbols other than alpha-numeric symbols, textual messages such as "CALLING MOM..." or "CALLING FOR HELP...", etc.). and/or caller ID-related information (e.g., a symbolic

representation of status including graphic symbol other than alpha-numeric symbols, a textual

message such as "MOM IS CALLING", etc.). The display 710. and the communication unit

700 as a whole, may be configured to provide some or all of the features and functions found

on a typical watch.

It is foreseeable that the communication unit 700 may include hardware and software

necessary to perform caller identification. In such a situation, the communication unit may be

configured to provide an alert in response to an incoming call only if the incoming call is from another communication unit that is part of the set of associated communication units, a

system administrator, and/or an emergency assistance entity. In other words, the use of a caller identification feature may further allow improved insulation of the communication unit from unauthorized communication. More specifically, even though an identification code corresponding to a communication unit may be unpublished and/or unknown by the

communication unit user, the caller identification feature may enable the blocking of

incoming calls to the communication unit, if the incoming call's caller ID is blocked and/or not from the communication unit 700 configured as an ordinate unit, then a user may not be

alerted that the call is incoming.

The display 710 may display, for example, an icon 712, which may be used, for

example, for caller identification. For example, an alien icon may be displayed if a specific

communication unit calls the communication unit 700. while a dog icon may be displayed if

another particular communication unit calls the communication unit 700. This feature may be

especially useful for children who have not yet mastered reading skills. By looking at the

icon when the communication unit 700 rings for an incoming call, the child would know who is calling him or her. The icon 712 may correspond to an ornamental design of a face cover

713 coupled to the case 707 of a calling communication unit. Such a feature may be

preferable when, for example, several communication units 700 are configured to be part of a

set or family of communication units. In such an example, each communication unit in the

set may have a different ornamental design on their face cover 717 and corresponding icon

712 that may be displayed on a called communication unit 700.

The communication unit includes an antenna 715 that is coupled or is included in a

transceiver, described in detail below, and receives and transmits communication signals at

the communication unit 700. The antenna 715 may be coupled to the communication unit case 707 with a cross member so as to strengthen the connection between the antenna 715 and

case 707. Additionally, the use of such a cross member may allow the antenna 715 to be more integral with the rounded shape of the case 707.

The face cover 713 may be coupled to the communication unit case 707 in such a way that the communication unit case 707 is securely coupled but may be removed, e.g., by

unscrewing the face cover 713 from the case 707, using a special tool to dislodge the face

cover 713 from the case 707, etc. To allow the face cover 713 to fit onto the communication unit, the face cover may snap onto the body of the communication unit or be attached in any

other conventionally understood manner so that the face cover is securely coupled to the body

of the communication unit 700. Regardless of the mechanism for coupling or decoupling the

cover 713 and the case 707, the ability to separate the two pieces allows for the opportunity to

replace a cover 713 with a different cover 713. This ability to replace, switch, substitute, or

exchange covers allows for a significant amount of flexibility in using the communication

units. For example, the face cover on a communication unit may determine, in part or in whole, whether a communication unit is configured as an ordinate unit or a subordinate unit.

For example, a face cover 713 that is "subordinate unif'-specific may include holes in the

cover to expose the buttons 703. 704 and 709. Alternatively, as mentioned above, the button

faces for the predetermined-dial buttons 703, 704 and/or the termination button 709 may be

coupled to the face cover 713. In such a design, the button faces may include hardware on

the backside of the face that would interact with circuitry contained within the case 707 so as

to provide an operable button that may be engaged to have a corresponding result.

To the contrary, a face cover 813 that is "ordinate unif'-specific may include holes in

the cover 713 to expose the buttons 703, 704 and 709 as well as a key pad 820 and a talk

button 821 as shown in Figure 8. Alternatively, the button faces for the predetermined-dial buttons 703, 704. termination button 709 and/or keypad 820 and talk button 821 may be coupled to the face cover 713. In such a design, the button faces may include hardware on the backside of the face that would interact with circuitry contained within the case 707 so as

to provide an operable button that may be engaged to have a corresponding result.

By swapping face cover 713 for face cover 813. a keypad 820 and talk button 821

may be provided on the exterior of the communication device 700. Therefore, it is

foreseeable that the same communication unit 700 may appear as a subordinate unit or as a

ordinate unit depending on the cover coupled to the case 707. As a result, it should be

appreciated that functionality may be provided or withheld based on the cover used.

Moreover, the hardware and software provided in a communication device 700 configured as

a subordinate unit may be capable of operating as an ordinate unit, but that capability may be

withheld during configuration. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the ability of the

communication unit 700 to operate as an ordinate unit may be based, in whole or in part, on whether the key pad 820 and talk button 821 are included in the face cover. However, it is foreseeable that during configuration of the communication unit 700. the communication

topology used by the controller 1010 (illustrated in Figure 10 and explained below in detail)

may also determine the capability of the communication unit 700 to operate as an ordinate

unit.

The face covers 713 and/or 813 may have an ornamental design on it. The face cover

of a communication unit may incorporate decoration, promotional information, e.g.,

advertisements, etc. For example, a face cover may be shaped and/or decorated so as to be of interest to a child, e.g., the face cover may be shaped, painted, and/or otherwise designed in

the form of a fun and colorful cartoon character such as Mickey Mouse^®. The appearance of the face cover may be designed to attract a child's attention and make the experience of wearing the communication unit more enjoyable for the child. Therefore, decoration of the face cover may be used to motivate wearing of the subordinate unit. It is far more likely that a child will comply with an adult's request to wear a "race car" communication unit or a

"flower" communication unit than to wear a communication unit that does not have any

significant ornamental design of interest to a child. Moreover, the face cover may include promotional information such as advertising, or a design that indicates the origin of the

communication unit. Such a face cover may be preferable when, for example, a set or family

of communication units is rented at an amusement park.

As mentioned above, the face cover may serve as motivation for some users to wear

or use the communication unit. For example, supposing a child likes cowboys. It is

foreseeable that a subordinate unit face cover with cowboys on it may be available.

Alternatively, the face cover may include reference to the Dallas Cowboys^® Football Team,

or any other sports, cartoon, or popular character or characters that the user is interested in. Alternatively, suppose an amusement park is promoting a new roller coaster, both or

either the subordinate and ordinate face covers may be available with promotional

information about the ride on them. Face covers may also be designed to correspond to rides,

characters, etc.. associated with an amusement park. For example, Walt Disney World^® may

offer masks of various Disney^® cartoon characters such as Mickey Mouse^® and Goofy^®. The

sets of units may comprise sub-themes, such as characters from a particular movie. Once

selected by a customer, or set of customers, the face covers may be coupled to the

communication units as part of configuration. Moreover, the face covers could be given or

sold to individuals renting the communication units as a momento. remembrance or souvenir of their visit to the amusement park.

Accordingly, by altering the face cover coupled to the case 707, the communication unit 700 can be modified so that it may be configured as a subordinate unit or as an ordinate

unit and be modified so that the communication unit may be associated with other communication units based on a decorative design on the face cover. Additionally, the face covers can be altered so that a set or family of communication units can include one ordinate

unit and four subordinate units, or two ordinate units and three subordinate units, or any other

combination of ordinate and subordinate units.

Figure 8 illustrates the exterior of a communication unit 700 configured to operate as

an ordinate unit. All features labeled with like numbers in Figures 7 and 8 operate as

explained above. However, the face cover 813 differs from the face cover 713 illustrated in

Figure 7 as explained above. Moreover, the key pad 820 and talk button 821 , mentioned

above, operate and may be used as a conventional wireless phone.

Figure 9 illustrates a bottom plan view of an exemplary design of the exterior of a

communication device that may operate as either a subordinate unit illustrated in Figure 7 or an ordinate unit illustrated in Figure 8 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 9. a communication unit 700 serving as either a subordinate

unit or an ordinate unit may further include a mode switch 930 for switching between, for

example, communication frequencies or communication frequency ranges, a battery storage

area 931 for receiving a battery, and/or a configuration interface 932 for coupling the

communication unit 700 to another device.

During configuration, the communication unit 700 may be coupled to a configuration

system or device (not shown) via. for example, the configuration interface 932 that allows a system or device operator to enable/disable features of the communication unit, select options

with regard to those features, and associate communication units together as sets or families. The communication unit 700 may be coupled to other communication units during

configuration, for example, via a cable connection. Alternatively, the communication unit 700 may be manually configured without being physically coupled to other communication units or a configuration system by simply calling a system administration identification code

and providing, e.g.. through question and answer, information regarding the number and identification (e.g.. a unit identification number located on the communication unit) of

communication units to be associated and various features to be provided for those communication units.

It may be preferable that both the mode switch 930 and the battery storage area 931 be

located on the back of the communication unit 700, because such a location may reduce

damage or unwanted/unnecessary manipulation of the switch 930 and storage area 931 while

a user is wearing the communication unit 700. The battery storage area 931 may be opened

so that a battery may be easily removed and replaced (e.g., one rechargeable battery might be

used in the communication unit 700 while another battery is being recharged). The function and use of the configuration interface 932 is to provide a mechanism for

interfacing with a configuration system. This configuration system may, for example, be

used to configure or reconfigure characteristics and features of the communication unit. For

example, the configuration interface 932 may be used during configuration of the

communication topology of a communication unit 700 to identify the unit as a subordinate or

ordinate unit, to identify the unit as part of a set of communication units, to enable/disable

features, etc. Therefore, the configuration interface 932 may interact with the circuitry and hardware illustrated in and discussed with reference to Figure 10 below.

It should be appreciated that, the communication capabilities of a particular

communication unit 700. whether it be configured as a subordinate unit or an ordinate unit, are determined, in whole or in part, on a communication topology configured within a

particular communication unit. The communication topology of a communication unit may include the communication capabilities, e.g., which other communication units the communication unit may communicate with, a unique identification code for the particular

unit, as well as any other information that may aid the communication unit or a communication system including the communication unit to function effectively, for

example, which communication features should be enabled/disabled and selections of options

relating to communication unit features.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a communication unit

may be configured to act as a subordinate unit, i.e.. in which the communication topology of

the communication unit may limit communication capability with only authorized

communication units. An authorized communication unit may be. for example, another

communication unit that is associated with the subordinate unit, a communication system administrator, an emergency assistance unit, a conventional communication unit such as a landline or mobile telephone, etc.

For example, the communication topology of a subordinate unit may only enable

communication with an associated ordinate unit. Alternatively, the subordinate unit's

communication topology may enable communication with communication units that are part

of a set or family of associated communication units, e.g., one or more ordinate units and/or

one or more subordinate units. The communication topology of the subordinate unit may also

disable communication with communication units other than authorized communication

units. It should be appreciated that the communication topology of a communication unit configured as a subordinate unit may either disable or not enable dialing an identification code of an unauthorized communication unit. The communication topology may also be configured such that the communication unit configured as a subordinate unit may either

disable or not enable receiving communication, e.g., a phone call, from an unauthorized communication unit. As one result, a user of a communication unit configured as a

subordinate unit may be insulated from communication with an unauthorized communication

unit.

Such a result, may be preferable when, for example, a child has been given a subordinate unit to communicate with his parent (that has an associated ordinate unit). The

child and parent may communicate using the subordinate unit and associated ordinate unit,

respectively. However, the child cannot communicate with, for example, a stranger or one of

the child's friends, using the subordinate unit. In this way, a child may not receive phone

calls on the subordinate unit from people other than someone using, for example, the ordinate

communication unit operated by, e.g., the child's parents or a chaperone, or a communication unit that has been identified as an authorized unit by the communication topology configured in the subordinate unit, e.g., a parent's personal wireless phone. This insulation may provide

parents or chaperones with a sense of security that their children or charges are not receiving

phone calls from strangers. Additionally, because the communication topology of a

subordinate unit may not enable dialing unauthorized communication units, parents or

chaperones may be comforted with the understanding that their child or charge cannot use the

subordinate unit to speak with unauthorized communication units. Such a feature may be

preferable, for example, if a set or family of communication units is purchased or rented by a

family or group of individuals and the cost of a communication service using the units is

based, in whole or in part, on how often calls are made using the communication units and the duration of those calls.

Because of the relative simplicity of using a communication unit configured as a

subordinate unit, such subordinate units may be used to provide mobile communication capability for an individual who has limited or diminished mental or physical capabilities or anyone else interested in a wireless phone with limited functionality that is relatively easy to

operate. For example, a communication unit such as that illustrated in Figure 7 may be less

difficult to operate because the operation of the subordinate unit requires operating a more limited number of buttons that may be of a larger size than a conventional wireless phone

(e.g., because of the limited number of buttons used to operate the communication unit).

Moreover, features, e.g., buttons on the subordinate unit may be labeled using colors, graphic

symbols or Braille characters, thereby making buttons easier to identify than on conventional

wireless phones for some users. Therefore, operation of a communication unit configured as

a subordinate unit may be less complicated than a conventional wireless phone. Figure 10 shows one exemplary design of hardware and circuitry included in a communication unit 1000 that may serve as a subordinate unit or an ordinate unit in

accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention. As shown in Figure 10, the

mobile communication unit 1000 includes a controller 1010. a user interface. 1020, a first

memory buffer 1040. a second memory buffer 1050, a processor 1060 and a programming

interface 1070. The communication unit 1000 also includes a data control bus 1080, which

may couple the components 1010-1070 together.

The controller 1010 controls operation and cooperation of the other elements 1020-

1070 of the communication unit 1000. For example, the controller 1010 controls operation of the components of the communication unit 1000 based on a communication topology that

may be stored in one or both of the first memory buffer 1040 and the second memory buffer 1050. e.g., during manufacture of the unit 1000 and/or during configuration of the communication unit 1000.

The user interface 1020 may include various switches, buttons and/or other input or

output devices including a speaker, a microphone (e.g., microphone 705), an earpiece (e.g.,

speaker 706) and a display and/or other output device (such as display 710 and/or LED 708).

The transceiver 1030 may include or be coupled to at least one antenna (e.g., an

antenna that is internal, external or both internal and external to an exterior body of the

communication unit 700 such as antenna 715).

The first memory buffer 1040 may store, for example, a communication topology of

the communication unit, for example, as a result of the processor 1060 interacting with the

configuration interface 932 illustrated in Figure 9. With reference to Figures 7-9, the

communication topology may include a variety of information, such as the predetermined

identification codes that the communication unit may dial using the preprogrammed-dial buttons 703. 704. The first buffer memory 1040 may further store program data necessary to display one or more icons such as icon 712 on the display 712 shown in Figure 7. The icon

712 may be associated with a particular caller ID. such that a caller calls the communication

unit 700. the processor 1060 may retrieve the program data corresponding to the icon 712

from the first memory buffer 1040 according to the identification code of the caller, and may

display the icon 712 on the display 710. A different icon may be used for each of a variety of

different callers.

The second memory buffer 1050 may store, for example, instructions on the

cooperation of the components of the unit 1000 to perform certain functions. Alternatively,

buffer 1040 and buffer 1050 may be combined as a single memory buffer. Either one or both of the first memory buffer 1040 and the second memory buffer 1050 may be implemented using static or dynamic RAM. However, they can also be implemented using a floppy disk

and disk drive, a writable optical disk and disk drive, a hard drive, flash memory, a ROM. a

PROM, an EPROM. an EEPROM. an optical ROM disk, such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM,

and disk drive or the like.

In other words, the memory buffers 1040 and 1050 may be implemented using any

appropriate combination of alterable, volatile or non-volatile memory or non-alterable, or

fixed, memory. If. for example, first memory buffer 1040 is rewritable, whether volatile or

non-volatile, it can be implemented using any one or more of static or dynamic RAM. a

floppy disk and disk drive, a writable or re-rewriteable optical disk and disk drive, a hard

drive, flash memory or the like. Similarly, if, for example, the second memory buffer 1050 is

a non-alterable or fixed memory, it can be implemented using any one or more of ROM,

PROM, EPROM. EEPROM. an optical ROM disk, such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM disk,

and disk drive or the like. The programming interface 1060 may also include a configuration interface (e.g., configuration interface 932) used to configure the communication unit 1000.

It should be understood that each of the components 1010-1070 shown in Figure 10

can be implemented as physically distinct hardware components within an ASIC, or using a

FPGA, a PDL, a PLA or a PAL. or using discrete logic elements or discrete component

elements.

As shown in Figure 11 , the communication units communicate with other

communication units in the context of a communication system 1 100. Communication can be

performed over one or more communication links (not shown). The links can include any

known or later developed device, system or methodology for coupling a particular communication units to other mobile communication units with which communication is enabled by a communication topology controller within that communication unit, including any of a wireless connection, a direct cable connection, a connection over a wide area

network or a local area network, a connection over an intranet, a connection over the Internet, or a connection over any other distributed processing network or system or any combination

thereof. Thus, the links can include a constituent link that may be a public switched telephone network, a private or local telephone nework. a local or wide area network, an

intranet, the Internet, a wireless transmission channel, any other distributing network, or the like.

Referring to Figure 11 , a communication system 1 100 may include a family or set of

communication units 1110 that may include subordinate units 1 1 15 including at least one

communication unit configured to operate as a subordinate unit (any of subordinate units

1120-1130) and ordinate units 1135 including at least one communication unit configured to

operate as an ordinate unit (any of ordinate units 1 140, 1 145). Additionally, the system 1100 may include a system administrator 1 155 and an emergency assistance entity 1 160. which may be part of a group of authorized communication units 1 150. The subordinate units 1 120,

1125, 1130 may be configured to wirelessly communicate (e.g., via a cellular telephone

network, walkie-talkie technology, and/or any other now known or subsequently developed

wireless communication technology and/or standard) with one or more of the ordinate units

1 140. 1 145. The number of ordinate units 1 140, 1 145 that may communicate with any or all

of the subordinate units 1120-1130 may be set as part of a configuration process for the

family of communication units 1 110. Similarly, the subordinate units 1 120-1 130 may each be configured to communicate amongst themselves and the ordinate units 1 140, 1 145 may

each be configured to communicate between themselves.

As illustrated in Figure 11. the subordinate communication units may be configured to enable communicate only with the ordinate units 1 135. the authorized communication units 1150 and/or other subordinate communication units within the set of subordinate communication units 1 1 15. Therefore, the subordinate communication units 1 1 15 may be

configured to not enable communication with an unauthorized communication unit 1165. However, it should be appreciated that any conventional communication unit, for example,

any identified landline or mobile telephone, a pager or any other conventionally known

communication device, may serve as an authorized communication unit.

The communication topologies of one or more communication units may each be

configured so as to operate as a subordinate unit or an ordinate unit and so as to be associated

with one another, e.g., as a set or family of communication units, so that the subordinate units

may only dial an identification code associated with one of the communication units

configured as ordinate units. Additionally, these subordinate units may enable dialing of

identification codes associated with other communication units configured as subordinate units within the family of communication units. Such a configuration may be useful for communication at a recreational area such as, for example, an amusement park. With such an

application, it is foreseeable that sets of associated communication units could be rented to

families or other groups of individuals during a visit to the recreational area. The quantity

and configuration of the communication topologies of the respective subordinate units and

ordinate units within a set of communication units may be based on the customer (e.g., the

customer may have two adults and two children and may request two ordinate units and two

subordinate units).

Alternatively, a set or family of communication units configured to include one or more subordinate units and one or more ordinate units may be useful for communication

during day-to-day activities by a family or other group of individuals. In such an application, the communication topology of the communication units configured as ordinate units may enable communication with the communication units configured as subordinate units. Additionally, the communication topology of the communication units configured as ordinate

units may enable communication with individuals who are using communication units, e.g., phones, pagers, e-mail or any other appropriate communication device, other than those

within the set of communication units. Such an operation would allow the communication

unit configured as the ordinate unit to operate similar to a conventional wireless phone.

Moreover, the communication units may be used to communicate via e-mail, for example, by

providing text messages for the user to read on the communication unit display.

The communication units included in the set 1 1 10 may be configured such they may

or must be used as a set. During configuration, or reconfiguration, the communication units

within a set may be re-associated with one another to operate as a set or disassociated from

one another to no longer operate as a set. Such a feature may be preferable, for example, if a large quantity of communication units are rented at an amusement park. and. for example, an

individual has requested a set of communication units with three communication units

configured as ordinate units and two communication units configured as subordinate units.

As explained above, in relationship to Figs. 7 and 8. the face covers of the communication

units can be changed as part of a configuration process so that a newly configured set of

communication units may all have face covers that indicate that the communication units are

part of a set.

Various illustrative examples will now be provided to further explain the potential

benefits of devices and systems designed in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of

the invention.

Assume that the Smiths, a family of four, is visiting an amusement park. The Smith family consists of a mother, a father, a first child, and a second child. The Smiths own their own cellular telephone. However, they realize that a single cellular telephone is not going to be sufficient to keep track of everybody in the family should they get separated or go out

through the park on their own. Further, even if the Smiths were willing to purchase a cellular

telephone for each of their family members (which is likely to be expensive), the two children are too young to be trusted to use an existing cellular telephone responsibility or properly.

Moreover, obtaining a couple of pagers for their children is not a satisfactory solution because

the Smith parents are concerned that they will not be able to remotely speak to their children,

for example, in case of an emergency.

However, a set of communication units configured in accordance with the exemplary

embodiments of the present invention enables the Smith children to easily communicate with

their parents (and/or an emergency number such as 91 1), and/or allows the Smith parents to

communicate with their children. To the Smiths' relief, the Smiths find a vendor at the amusement park that is offering

to rent them a set of communication units (such as set 1 1 10 of Figure 1 1) including

subordinate communication units (such as the communication unit 700 configured to operate

as a subordinate unit) and ordinate units (such as the communication unit 700 configured as

an ordinate unit) that work together as a set. The Smiths simply inform the vendor of the

composition of their family (i.e., two adults, two children) and their communication needs,

and the vendor provides them with one communication unit 700 configured as an ordinate

unit and two communication units 700 configured as subordinate units (the Smith parents decide to share the single ordinate unit). The vendor may configure the communication units

as a set and provide them to the Smiths. Alternatively, or optionally, configuration or activation of the communication units may require the Smiths to call a customer-activation-

center identification code.

It is foreseeable that the vendor may coordinate and provide wireless phone service using, for example, a number of microcells located throughout the amusement park. Such microcells may operate and cooperate in a manner similar to conventional cellular

communication systems to provide short-wave analog or digital communication signal

transmission in which a communication unit user has a wireless connection from the

communication unit to a relatively nearby transceiver, e.g., in this case a microcell transceiver. The transceiver's span of coverage is called the microcell. It should be

understood that a microcell transceiver may be less powerful than a conventionally used

cellular transceiver, as the microcell is smaller than a conventional cell. As one potential

result, the microcells' transceivers may be smaller in size than a conventional cellular

transceiver. Alternatively, or in addition, the vendor may obtain wireless phone service from another wireless, e.g., cellular, etc., service provider. The wireless service provider would

then activate the unit or units requested to be activated or configured.

It is also foreseeable that, if the vendor has obtained wireless service from a wireless

service provider, the vendor may offer more than one wireless service provider from which a

customer may choose. The customer may pick the service provider through the vendor, e.g.,

a default wireless service provider that the vendor uses, and/or the vendor could assist the

customer with their selection based on various factors, e.g., the most dependable wireless service, the most economical wireless service.

It is foreseeable that a cost of renting the set of communication units may be customized depending upon the anticipated usage of the communication units by the

customer, a flat fee. or based on usage following return of the communication units to the vendor.

Further, the identification codes assigned to the communication units upon

configuration or activation may be non-published numbers that are given out to the customer, but not to any other party (except, perhaps, the security department of the amusement park).

Such private-number assignment reduces the likelihood that a stranger will call, for example,

a child using one of the subordinate units pretending to be one of their parents or an authority

figure. Additionally, the communication units may be configured in such a way that the

Smiths, or any other user of the units, do not know the identification code corresponding to

the units. Such an implementation is possible, in part, because of the predetermined-dial

buttons included in the communication units. For example, there is no need for the Smith's

to know or remember the identification codes of their communication units because those

numbers are not necessary for communication between the units. To aid in the vendor's provisioning of sets of ordinate units and subordinate units, it is foreseeable that the vendor may have pre-grouped sets of ordinate units and subordinate units

ready to go. These pre-grouped sets may be pre-assigned and/or pre-configured to work with

each other. For example, the vendor may have pre-configured a Robin Hood set that includes

two ordinate units and three subordinate units, each of the ordinate and subordinate units

having a face cover that is related to the Robin Hood theme. The vendor may also have pre-

configured a Barbie^® set that includes one ordinate unit and one subordinate unit, each of the

ordinate and subordinate units having a face cover that is related to the Barbie^® theme.

As explained above, the communication units may each have a number of preprogrammed-dial buttons. These communication units may be configured so that the

preprogrammed-dial buttons may be preprogrammed, programmed during configuration, or programmed during activation to dial the identification code of. for example, an associated ordinate unit, an associated subordinate unit, or another authorized communication unit, e.g.,

the amusement park's security identification code (or any other desired number such as 91 1). Further, in the case of a communication unit configured to operate as an ordinate unit as shown in Figure 8. the communication unit may also include the functionality to call other

numbers, for example, using a provided key pad.

As the Smith family is equipped with this communication system, the Smith parents

may feel that they now have a sense of security to let their children enjoy activities on their

own. For example, the Smith parents could see a nearby show while the Smith children could

go on a ride at the other side of the park. The Smith children, though young, are old enough

to go off by themselves through the amusement park without immediate parental supervision.

Without use of the invention described herein, the Smith parents may be less inclined to let

their children wander on their own. However, now that the Smith children have the subordinate units, for example, attached to their wrists, the Smith parents feel more comfortable with the idea of being separated from the children for a period of time. Before

separating, the Smiths agree to meet at a specific time and location.

The Smith parents and children go their separate ways. It is possible that, at the

meeting time when the parents arrive at the desired location, the children are nowhere to be

found. The Smith parents can then press one of the preprogrammed-dial buttons and connect

with one of the Smith children via a wireless link between one of the ordinate units and one

of the subordinate units.

Upon talking with their child, it is possible that the Smith parents may learn that their children are together but lost. The Smith parents can then ask their children to describe where

they are, and upon recognizing the area described, the Smith parents can tell them to wait there so that the Smith parents may find them. Minutes later, the Smith parents find their children precisely where the children said they would be. Had a conventional pager been used, the Smith children would not have been able to freely communicate their situation to their parents.

Alternatively, the Smith children might have become tired or hungry prior to the designated meeting time and wanted to meet their parents earlier. One of the Smith children

may need only operate a preprogrammed-dial button corresponding to the ordinate unit to

contact their parents. When the Smith parents are called, the ordinate unit may provide an

alert in a manner similar to that described above with regard to the subordinate unit. The alert

may further comprise the icon 712, which may match the design of the face cover attached to

the subordinate unit that is calling.

If the child is not able to effectively describe where he/she is (perhaps due to

unconsciousness or a panicked state), the Smith parents may be able to rely on an optional homing feature of the communication unit. Such a homing feature may be provided within the communication unit, and may utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) hardware and

software that may be incorporated in the communication unit. Alternatively, or in addition,

the homing feature may utilize conventional cellular triangulation techniques for locating the

communication unit. Furthermore, the communication unit 700 may have a built-in homing

device that sends out a radio-frequency homing signal. A communication unit configured as an ordinate unit may be configured to receive and monitor a homing signal generated by a

subordinate unit.

Moreover, the communication units may each have a buih-in sensor that detects

whether the unit is taken outside of a predetermined area. For example, the amusement park in the above Smith family example may configure the sensors to detect whether the

subordinate or ordinate units are removed from the amusement park grounds. If the sensor detects that the units are removed from the amusement park grounds, the units may shut down so that they may not be used, telephone a predetermined identification code such as amusement park security (and may send a predetermined stored data or voice signal

indicating the identity of the unit to amusement park security), and/or begin transmitting a

special homing signal (which may be different from the homing signal discussed above).

Such features may be preferable, for example, if a vendor or amusement park is interested in preventing theft or improper use of the communication units.

Another way to prevent theft or improper use of the communication units is to

configure these units to work only with a localized wireless and/or cellular network. Such

local systems are commonly used for wireless service in office buildings, medical centers,

and other work environments. Such local systems are also ideally suited for environments

such as amusement parks, college campuses, retirement homes, and shopping malls. While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be

apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention,

as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes,

modifications and/or additions may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of

the invention.

For example, as explained in application number 09/399,761. incorporated herein by

reference, it is foreseeable that the communication units may be realized using the "wireless

phones" referred to throughout that application. Accordingly, the communication units may

include, or be in the shape of, a loop for enabling the wireless communications unit to be worn by a wrist of a user. A microphone may be coupled to the loop and configured to be located at a first position on the wrist when the wireless communications unit is worn on the wrist. A speaker included in the communication unit may further be coupled to the loop and

configured to be located at a second position on the wrist when the wireless communications device is worn on the wrist, wherein the second position is approximately on the opposite

side of the wrist as the first position. Further, the communication unit may include a central body including either one or both of the speaker and the microphone, and a band, e.g., a wrist

band, coupled to the central body. If the central body only contains one of the speaker and

the microphone, it is foreseeable that the band may be coupled to the other of the speaker and

the microphone. A spaced configuration between the microphone and the speaker such that

one of the microphone and the speaker is located in the central body and the other is coupled

to the band may reduce the likelihood of feedback occurring between the speaker and the

microphone. A communication unit may be in the form of a watch. The communication unit may

include a body, e.g., such as a watch body, a band that allows the body to be coupled to a

user's body, such as a wrist band, one or more preprogrammed dial buttons, a microphone, a

speaker, an earpiece, an alert light such as a LED, a display and or a communication send

switch. The earpiece may be coupled to the body by a coiled wire (or other extendable and

retractable wire) enabling it to be extendable and retractable such that it pulls out and springs

back.

The communication unit may be of any size and shape, such as a handheld phone or a

belt- worn phone. The body of the communication unit may be of any size and shape that is appropriate for a user. The body of the communication unit may be made of a durable

material so as to resist damage resulting from activities of. for example, a child wearing the communication unit.

It is foreseeable that that a communication unit may be comprised of a loop of material, such as a bracelet, with various features disposed at locations in or on the loop. For

example, the communication unit may include a loop that need not wrap entirely around the

wrist of a person wearing the communication unit; the loop may wrap just far enough around the wrist so as to be securely held on the wrist. It is foreseeable that such a loop may be

curved, squared-off or in any other shape so as to be conveniently wearable by a user.

The loop may be of such a configuration so as to be appropriate to be worn around a

wrist such as a child's wrist. However, the loop may be configured to be wearable, e.g.,

around a person's neck (such as a necklace) or waist (such as a belt). Further, the

communication units used in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the invention

may include a clip such that it may be clipped onto a belt, backpack, purse, other article of

clothing or jewelry, etc. The microphone included in the communication unit may be located in or on the wrist

band. In such a variation, the microphone may be preferably positioned such that it is located

approximately on the opposite side of the wearer's wrist as compared with the speaker

included in the communication unit. Such a configuration may significantly reduce the

likelihood of feedback occurring between the microphone and the speaker. The microphone

and the speaker included in the communication unit may be disposed at approximately

opposite sides of the loop.

The communication units may also include software and hardware used to convert a

spoken data into text data that may be output to a user or text data into spoken data that may be output to a communication unit user. For example, the processor 1060 illustrated in Figure

10 may convert text data received by the transceiver 1030 into synthesized speech data and output the speech data to a speaker in the user interface 1020. It is foreseeable that the it may be desirable for the processor 1060 to generate the synthesized speech such that one or more

characteristics of the synthesized speech match a face cover and/or other decorative design of the communication unit 700. For example, a communication unit 700 having a Snow White^®

face cover may output synthesized speech that sounds like Snow White^®"s voice, and a

communication unit having a Charlie Brown^® face cover output synthesized speech that

sounds like Charlie Brown^®'s voice.

Alternatively, or in addition, the processor 1060 illustrated in Figure 10 may convert

speech data received by the transceiver 1030 into text data and output the text data to the

display in the user interface 1020.

The amusement park may also wirelessly broadcast the data (e.g. text, graphical,

video, and/or audio data) to one or more selected communication units 700 that it distributes.

This may be useful if the amusement park desires to provide advertisements and/or event announcements to users of the communication units 700. For example, an amusement park may wish to broadcast to all of the users of the communication units, for example, a notice,

e.g., that the park is soon closing for the day, or a select sub-group of these units, for

example, that a parade or a special show will begin at a particular time and location. Such a

feature of a communication unit, i.e., the ability to receive broadcast messages generally or

broadcast messages regarding a particular subject, may be included during each

communication unit, and. for example, may be activated/disabled at the request of the user

during configuration.

Further, although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are discussed above in relationship to an exemplary situation in an amusement park, the utility of the

exemplary embodiments of the invention is not so limited. Various aspects of the present invention may be useful in a variety of settings such as shopping malls, hospitals, retirement homes, schools, offices, neighborhoods, cities, rural areas, swimming facilities, lakes, the beach, sporting events or facilities, or other public or private areas.

It should also be appreciated that a set of communication units may be configured

such that it includes only subordinate units. Such a configuration may be preferable if, for example, a group of adults are interested in using simple, durable communication devices to

communicate amongst themselves but with no other communication unit (with the potential

exception of a communication system administrator or an emergency assistance entity).

Additionally, it should be appreciated that a single communication unit may be

configured to operate as a subordinate unit having the capability of calling only a

conventional phone (e.g.. landline phone, cell phone, etc.) and/or a communication system

administrator and/or an emergency assistance entity. Such a subordinate unit may be

preferable, for example, if a parent wants to provide unlimited communication access to the parent's phone or an emergency assistance entity, but to no other communication unit. Moreover, such a subordinate unit may be preferable, for example, if a caregiver wants to

provide an easy to use communication device to their charge so that the charge can contact

and communicate with the caregiver and/or an emergency assistance entity, e.g.. a hospital,

without requiring the charge to operate multiple buttons on a conventional phone.

Claims

I claim:

1. A method for establishing communication capability between communication

units, the method comprising:

providing a first communication unit and a second communication unit, each

of the first and second communication units having an identification code that identifies the

respective communication unit;

configuring the second communication unit to dial the identification code of

the first communication unit; and

configuring the first communication unit to dial only the identification code of

authorized communication units, wherein, the second communication unit is an authorized communication unit.

2. The method of claim 1. further comprising configuring the second

communication unit as an ordinant unit that is configured to dial identification codes of authorized communication units and unauthorized communication units.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein an emergency assistance entity is an

authorized communication unit.

4. The method of claim 3. wherein a communication system administrator that administrates a communication system including the first and second communication units is

an authorized communication unit.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein a third communication unit that is associated

with the first and second communication units is an authorized unit.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising configuring the second

communication unit to dial only the identification code of authorized communication units,

wherein, the first communication unit is an authorized communication unit.

7. The method of claim 6. wherein a third communication unit that is associated with the first and second communication units is an authorized unit.

8. The method claim 6. further comprising configuring the third configuration

unit as an ordinant communication unit that is configured to dial identification codes of

authorized communication units and unauthorized communication units.

9. The method of claim 1. further comprising configuring the first and second

communication units as a set of communication units.

10. The method of claim 1. further comprising configuring each of the first and second communication units to include a decorative designed face cover.

1 1. The method of claim 1. further comprising configuring the first communication unit to display an icon representing a decorative design of a face cover

included in the second communication unit when the second communication unit calls the first communication unit.

12. A communication system that provides communication capability between communication units, the communication system comprising:

a first communication unit and a second communication unit, each of the first

and second communication units having an identification code that identifies the respective communication unit: wherein the second communication unit has the capability of dialing an

identification code of the first communication unit, and the first communication unit has the

capability of dialing only an identification code of authorized communication units, and

wherein, the second communication unit is an authorized communication unit.

13. The system of claim 12. wherein the second communication unit is configured

as an ordinant unit that has the capability of dialing identification codes of authorized

communication units and unauthorized communication units.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein an emergency assistance entity is an

authorized communication unit.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein a communication system administrator that

administrates a communication system including the first and second communication units is

an authorized communication unit.

15. The system of claim 12, further comprising a third communication unit that is

associated with the first and second communication units and is an authorized unit.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the second communication unit is configured to dial only identification codes of authorized communication units, and the first

communication unit is an authorized communication unit.

17. The system of claim 17. further comprising a third communication unit that is

associated with the first and second communication units and is an authorized unit.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the third configuration unit is configured as an ordinant communication unit that is capable of dialing identification codes of authorized

communication units and unauthorized communication units.

19. The system of claim 12. wherein the first and second communication units are

configured as a set of communication units.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein each of the first and second communication

units include a decorative designed face cover.

21. The system of claim 12, wherein the first communication unit displays an icon

representing a decorative design of a face cover included in the second communication unit

when the second communication unit calls the first communication unit.

22. A communication unit that is capable of communicating with other

communication units, such communication capability of the communication unit being determined by a communication topology programmed in the communication unit, the

communication unit comprising:

at least one memory buffer, the at least one memory buffer storing the communication

topology;

a processor that is coupled to the at least one memory buffer and operates to initiate

and receive communication from other communication units;

a user interface that is coupled to the processor and receives inputted information from

a user of the communication device and outputs information to the user; and a controller that is coupled to the at least one memory buffer, processor, user interface

and controller to control operation and cooperation thereof, wherein the ability of the communication unit to communicate with other, unauthorized communication units is determined by the communication topology of the

communication unit and wherein the communication topology can control the communication unit to dial only an identification code of authorized communication units, or alternatively, control the communication unit to dial identification codes of authorized and unauthorized

communication units.

23. The communication unit of claim 22, wherein the communication unit includes at least one predetermined-dial button that, when operated, dials an identification

code of another communication unit, with which the communication topology has enabled communication.

24. The communication unit of claim 22, wherein the user interface includes

circuitry used in a keypad.

25. The communication unit of claim 24, further comprising a communication unit

case and a detachable face cover that is attachable to the communication unit case.

26. The communication unit of claim 25. wherein the face cover includes button

faces used in a key pad, the button faces being coupled to the circuitry of the user interface.

27. The communication unit of claim 22, further comprising a communication unit

case and a detachable face cover that is attachable to the communication unit case.

28. The communication unit of claim 27, wherein the face cover includes a

decorative design.