US20040137939A1 - Method and system for wireless communication - Google Patents

Abstract

A wireless communication device may have several contact buttons, including, for example, a Mom button, a Dad button and a Home button. The device may also have a Send button and an End button. A child may press one of the contact buttons, then dial Send, and a call will be placed to the specifically denoted contact. Accordingly, a child may easily and efficiently use the present invention to quickly wirelessly communicate with another person, without the confusion of extraneous buttons. The wireless device can be remotely programmed such that a parent or other person may remotely program the numbers called when the contact buttons are pressed. Accordingly, if a parent or other person plan to change locations, the device may be remotely reprogrammed with a different contact number for that parent. The wireless communication device may be reprogrammed via a telephone call from a remote location or from a computer via the Internet.

Description

• This application claims priority to provisional application serial No. 60/435,819 filed on Dec. 20, 2002 and U.S. patent application[0001]29/193,702 filed on Nov. 12, 2003. The subject matter of those applications is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• The invention relates generally to wireless communication devices and, more particularly, to a method and system for wireless communication that may be used by children.[0003]
• 2. Description of Related Art[0004]
• Increasingly, the use of wireless communication devices has become popular as wireless communication technology has provided for improved wireless communication devices at relatively lower prices. Presently, a wide variety of cellular phones and other wireless devices are available for use by consumers.[0005]
• With regard to cellular phones, these devices typically include a large number of advanced and high-tech features that provide for a wide range of functionality for a large number of users. People regularly use cellular phones to chat with friends, to keep in contact with business associates while away from the office and in emergency situations.[0006]
• Parents often find it convenient for their children to have cellular phones. Specifically, in a variety of emergency or other situations, children may use a cellular phone to call home or call their parents for assistance. Such situations typically include, for example, when a child becomes lost, needs to be picked up from school, or otherwise needs the assistance of a parent or someone from home. Presently available cellular phones, however, have certain deficiencies when used by children, and most particularly when used by smaller children.[0007]
• One such deficiency is that many children have difficulty remembering phone numbers and/or have difficulty pressing the correct buttons (often eleven or more) in the correct order to properly initiate a call. This difficulty is typically increased if the child is panicked or otherwise nervous or scared. While many phones have preset speed dial numbers that allow for the dialing of a particular number with a single keystroke, the presence of a relatively large number of keys on the phone often makes these speed dials difficult for children to use. This situation is typically exacerbated by the presence of additional function keys on the cellular phone such as up arrow, down arrow, “#”, “*” and others. In addition, the speed dial function is typically a secondary function for a button, and consequently, the speed dial keys are typically not labeled with anything other than a number or symbol, which is not related to the speed dial function. Accordingly, the name of the individual or place that the speed dial is calling is not readily apparent. In addition, while some cellular phones allow a person to scroll a cursor up and down an LCD or similar display with alphanumeric names, this type of scrolling function is also often difficult and cumbersome for children to use.[0008]
• Furthermore, speed dial keys on cellular phones must typically be programmed from the phone itself. Accordingly, it is not possible for a parent to change a contact number while positioned at a location remote from the child and the cellular phone. Consequently, it is not possible for the parent to change locations and contact phone numbers when at a location remote from the child and cell phone.[0009]
• In addition, the size, shape and layout of present cell phones make them cumbersome and awkward for use by children. Many of the phones are too large for use by children. Others are relatively small, but possess a shape that is difficult for a child to hold and/or use.[0010]
• As an alternative to the above-discussed devices, there have been produced wireless devices that include a single “panic button” and allow a child (or typically an elderly person) to press the single button and wirelessly alert a central station that a problem exists. Deficiencies also exist, however, with these types of devices when used by children.[0011]
• One such deficiency is that these “panic button” devices typically do not allow a child to initiate voice communications with personnel at the central station. As a consequence, a child may only wish to press the “panic button” in the face of an extreme emergency situation, such as an accident, and not in other cases when it otherwise might be convenient such as to get picked up from school. In addition, because the child cannot have voice communications with the central station (or with a parent), a “false alarm” or other erroneous push of the panic button cannot easily be mitigated and a full response will ensue nevertheless.[0012]
• Another deficiency of the “panic button” systems is that the phone number to be dialed is typically hard programmed into the device, and reprogramming of the number to be called may not be easily accomplished. In addition, only a single number may typically be dialed when the “panic button” is depressed. As such, a need exists for an improved method and system for wireless communication.[0013]
SUMMARY
• A wireless communication device that may be easily used by children is described herein to satisfy these needs. In one embodiment, the device may have several contact buttons or keys, including a Mom button, a Dad button and a Home button. The Device may also have a Send (or Talk) button and an End button. A child may press one of the contact buttons, then press Send, and a call will be placed to the specifically denoted contact. For example, if a child desires to call his mother so that he may be picked up from school, the child would simply push the Mom button, then the Send button. A call would be placed to the child's mother, and the two could talk and arrange for a pickup. At the end of the call, the child would press End. Likewise, a child can receive incoming calls by pressing the Send, Mom, Dad or Home buttons. Accordingly, a child may easily, efficiently and quickly wirelessly communicate with another person, without the confusion associated with extraneous buttons.[0014]
• Another embodiment provides for remote programming of the wireless device such that a patent or other person may remotely program the numbers called when the contact buttons are pushed. Accordingly, if a parent or other person plans to change locations, the device may be remotely reprogrammed with a different contact number for that parent. The wireless communication device may be reprogrammed via a telephone call from a remote location or may be reconfigured from a computer via the Internet. The wireless communication device can also be reprogrammed through a serial connection to a personal computer or through use of a menu on the wireless communication device itself.[0015]
• Accordingly, by way of a simple user interface with relatively few buttons, a child may easily contact his parents or others in an emergency or other situation. By providing for remote reprogramming of the phone numbers accessed by the wireless device, parents or others may conveniently reprogram contact numbers so that they may be contacted after changing locations. Thus, the various embodiments described herein overcome the limitations of present wireless communications devices.[0016]
• Other objects and features will become apparent from the following detailed description, considered in conjunction with the accompanying system schematics and flow diagrams. It is understood, however, that the drawings, are solely for the purpose of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of the invention, for which reference should be made to the appended claims.[0017]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
• In the drawing figures, which are merely illustrative, and wherein like reference numerals depict like elements throughout the several views:[0018]
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overview of an exemplary embodiment of the system architecture of a wireless communication device;[0019]
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an overview of another exemplary embodiment of the system architecture of a wireless communication device;[0020]
• FIG. 3 is an illustrative exemplary flow diagram of a process of configuring a wireless communication device;[0021]
• FIG. 4 is an illustrative exemplary flow diagram of another process of configuring a wireless communication device;[0022]
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a wireless communication device;[0023]
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system for configuring a wireless communication device;[0024]
• FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another system for configuring a wireless communication device;[0025]
• FIG. 8 is a diagram depicting illustrative screen shots for configuring a wireless communication device;[0026]
• FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communication device;[0027]
• FIG. 10 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communication device;[0028]
• FIG. 11 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communication device;[0029]
• FIG. 12 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communication device;[0030]
• FIG. 13 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communication device;[0031]
• FIG. 14 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communication device;[0032]
• FIG. 15 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communication device;[0033]
• FIG. 16 is a back view of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communication device; and[0034]
• FIG. 17 is a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of a wireless communication device.[0035]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
• There will now be shown and described in connection with the attached drawing figures several exemplary embodiments of a system and method for wireless communication.[0036]
• With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic diagram of an overview of an exemplary embodiment of the system architecture of a wireless communication device.[0037]Wireless communication device100 is shown havingcontact buttons110,112 and114. In an exemplary embodiment,contact button110 may be used to facilitate calling the child's “Home,”contact button112 may be used to contact another person such as, for example, the child's mother, or “Mom,” andcontact button114 may be used to contact another person such as, for example, the child's father, or “Dad.”
• The contact buttons may have easily identifiable icons or symbols to facilitate easy dialing by a child. In addition, the identifying icons or symbols may be selectably changeable and/or removable such that the contact buttons may have different symbols or icons as dictated by the needs of the particular child. The symbols or icons may be selectable, by way of non-limiting example, by having removable and interchangeable buttons with icons thereon, removable identification labels, or other similar identifying methods. The[0038]communications device100 may also havecommunications buttons116,118. The communication buttons may include Send (or Talk)button116 andEnd button118.
• [0039]Communications device100 may be controlled byMicroprocessor130 which facilitates and coordinates the electronic processes ofwireless communications device100 as is known by those skilled in the art.Wireless communication device100 may also include apower button120, for turningwireless communications device100 on, increasevolume button122, for increasing the speaker volume, and decreasevolume button124, for decreasing the speaker volume of the device.
• [0040]Wireless communications device100 may also havepower supply132, designed and configured as is known in the art.Power Supply132 may work in conjunction with rechargeable or other batteries as is known by those skilled in the art, while an interface withpower charger outlet134 which may selectively be coupled with a power charging device such as a DC phone charger as is known by those skilled in the art.
• [0041]Wireless communications device100 may also havememory136 which, when used in conjunction withmicroprocessor130, may be used to store on board software and/or firmware programs to implement the functionality of thewireless communications device100.Memory136 may also include storage for phone numbers such as those which will be associated with theHome button110, theMom button112, and theDad button114.
• [0042]Wireless communications device100 may also havepower light138 which will indicate whenwireless communication device100 has been turned on as is known by those skilled in the art.Power light138 may also be used to indicate or signal other status conditions as determined by the programs executed bymicroprocessor130.
• [0043]Wireless communications device100 may also haveradio frequency antenna170 which may, as needed, both receive and send radio frequency signals for wireless communication as is known by those skilled in the art. Signals received by aradio frequency antenna170 may be processed bycellular receiver156, amplified byaudio amplifier158 and, in turn, transmitted throughspeaker160 such that an audible signal may be heard by a user.
• The user may communicate with others by speaking into[0044]microphone150, which when coupled withcellular transmitter152 may wirelessly transmit a signal viaradio frequency antenna170 to other listeners.Dialer154 may be used to facilitate the dialing functionality of thewireless communications device100 as is known by those skilled in the art.
• While[0045]wireless communication device100 is described herein as being a cellular communication device, and specifically a cell phone, wireless communication device may be designed, in accordance with the present invention, to transmit signals via any wireless means now known, or hereafter developed, as guided by the present disclosure, as interpreted by a person skilled in the art.
• With reference to FIG. 2, there is shown[0046]wireless communications device200, which may include the same components as those referenced with regard towireless communications device100. In addition,wireless communications device200 may also have a global positioning satellite (“GPS”)receiver210 coupled tomicroprocessor130.GPS receiver210 may be used to provide positioning information forwireless communications device200 and consequently, the child usingwireless communications device200, such thatwireless communications device200 and the child using it may be readily located by a parent or other person as is known by those skilled in the art.
• With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary method for[0047]programming contact buttons110,112,114. First, a parent may enter a phone number, depending on which contact button the parent wishes to program. In this step, each button may have its own dedicated phone number and the parent dials the respective phone number of the contact number to be programmed, as is shown instep310. Alternatively, the system may be configured such that a single phone number is dialed and the parent chooses via a touch-tone directory, which contact button will be programmed.
• Next, the parent may inform a wireless carrier operator or other entity of the particular contact number to be associated with the particular contact button, as is shown in[0048]step312. This step of informing of the phone number may be accomplished by speaking with a person, or may be executed via an automated touch-tone system or other such system as is known to those skilled in the art.
• Next, the wireless operator or other such entity configures[0049]wireless communications device100 using an automated software system to relay the programming number via wireless communication towireless communications device100, as is shown instep314.
• Next, as a result of the previously discussed steps,[0050]contact buttons110,112, and114 may be programmed with predetermined phone numbers such that a child may usewireless communications device100 to contact a parent or home or other preselected location, as is shown instep316. This process may be performed repetitively, such that the buttons onwireless communication device100 may be reprogrammed in accordance with the contact numbers of the parents or other such responsible person.
• With reference to FIG. 4, there is shown a[0051]method400 for programming thecontact buttons110,112,114 ofwireless communications device100 from a computer via the Internet.
• First, the parents may log onto an appropriate Web site in a process that is commonly known via a Web browser on a computer connected to the Internet in[0052]step410. Next, a series of prompts and input fields on the Web page may allow the parent to enter a specific security password to both allow access to the system and associate the configuration data with their child's particular phone instep412. Next, the parents may, through mouse clicks or other means, select fields associated with each one ofcontact buttons110,112,114 and enter in the appropriate contact numbers to be dialed instep414. Next, upon confirming that the numbers entered are correct, the user may click on an “Enter” or “OK” button and the appropriate numbers are wirelessly communicated towireless communications device100 such thatwireless communication device100 is programmed with the appropriate contact numbers instep416. After this process has finished,wireless communications device100 is then ready for use as is shown instep418.
• With reference to FIG. 5, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of a[0053]wireless communications device500 made in accordance with the present invention.Wireless communications device500 is preferably designed such that it may be easily held and used by a child and specifically a small child.Wireless communications device500 may have abody510 shaped and contoured for easy gripping by the hands of a child.Wireless communications device500 may have a height H1 preferably in the range of 0.25 to 1 inch, and more preferably about 0.531 inches. An embodiment ofwireless communications device500 may have a width W1 preferably in the range of 1 to 2 inches, and more preferably about 1.5 inches.Wireless communications device500 may have a length preferably in the range of 2.5 to 3.5 inches, and more preferably about 3.079 inches.
• Turning to FIG. 6, there is shown a block diagram of a system for configuring a[0054]wireless communication device100 by a parent, as described above. The parent accesses aphone610, and calls a designated number forconfiguration station620.Telephone610 may contactconfiguration station620 either viawireless communication path630, or via wiredcommunication path632, in accordance with the specific type oftelephone610 used.
• A configuration signal is then transmitted via[0055]wireless communication path634 towireless communication device100, thus configuring the contact buttons onwireless communication device100 for the appropriate contact numbers.
• In an embodiment, the parent may forward the contact number configuration information by speaking with a person at the[0056]configuration station620. In another embodiment, the parent may forward the contact number configuration information by way of a touch-tone menu as is known in the art. In either case, configuration ofwireless communication device100 may be facilitated by configuringsoftware640, which resides atconfiguration station620. A password will ordinarily be required to program the wireless communication device via telephone.
• Turning to FIG. 7, there is shown a block diagram of another system for configuring a[0057]wireless communication device100 by a parent, as described above. The parent accesses acomputer710 connected to the Internet. The parent accesses a Web site related toconfiguration station620 via the Internet overcommunication path732. The appropriate contact information is entered into the pages of the Web site, as is described in more detail below.
• A configuration signal is then transmitted via[0058]wireless communication path634 towireless communication device100, thus configuring the contact buttons onwireless communication device100 for the appropriate contact numbers.
• With reference to FIG. 8, there are shown two[0059]illustrative Web pages810,830 for the entry of configuration information by a parent, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.Web page810 may have phonenumber entry field812. A parent may accessWeb page810, and enter the phone number (or other appropriate identification information such as a serial number, name of the child, social security number, etc.) of the phone to be configured. The parent next enters a security password intoenter password field814. After the appropriate information has been entered, the parent actuates the “OK” button to gain entry to the appropriateconfiguration Web page830.
• [0060]Web page830 may havevarious fields832,834,836 for entering contact number information for the parent(s) or other contact number/location. When these fields have been satisfactorily filled in, the respective update or “OK”buttons838,840,842 may be actuated to configure the appropriate contact information to be transmitted towireless communication device100.
• Alternatively, as will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, the wireless communication device can be programmed through a serial connection to a personal computer or by use of a menu on the wireless communication device itself.[0061]
• With reference to FIGS.[0062]9-17, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, wireless communication device may haveHome button110, Mom button11, andDad button112. The physical locations of other features in this embodiment of the invention are also shown, such as Send (or Talk)button116,End button118,microphone150,display180,speaker160 andpower light138. An embodiment of the present invention may also have retention strap1110 attachable towireless communication device100 by way ofconnector1120.
• In use, a child may take[0063]wireless communications device100 along with him or her to school or to other activities. If the child is lost, or needs to be picked up or is injured, or otherwise needs the help of a parent or adult, the child may push one of theappropriate contact buttons110,112,114, press the Send button and be wirelessly in communication with a parent or other person at the child's home. Likewise, if a parent needs to contact the child, the parent may call the child's cellular communication device and the child can answer the call by pressing the Send button to communicate with the parent. A call is terminated by pressing the End button. If a parent wants to change a contact number while located remotely from the child and thewireless communications device100, the parent only need dial the phone number, or access a Web site, as described above and change and update the number.
• A benefit of the present invention is that a child may easily dial and communicate with a parent without need to remember a phone number, or to determine which of a large number of buttons to press. Furthermore, even though only a few buttons need be used, the child may have voice communications with the parent or other person such that false alarms may be communicated, and non-emergency communications may be facilitated without overreaction by any of the parties.[0064]
• A number of features can be incorporated into the wireless communication device described herein to facilitate use by a child. For example, the wireless communication device may incorporate features which indicate to the child the origin of an incoming call or the recipient of the outgoing call. Thus, for incoming calls, various ring tones can be used with the cellular communication device. A first ring tone can be used if an incoming call is from the number associated with the Mom button, a second ring tone can be used if the incoming call is from the number associated with the Home button, a third ring tone can be used if the incoming call is from the number associated with the Dad button and a fourth ring tone can be used if the incoming call is from a number that does not match any of the numbers associated with the buttons on the wireless communication device. In addition, the display may also indicate Mom, Dad or Home with respect to calls being received from the numbers associated with the Mom, Dad or Home buttons on the cellular communication device.[0065]
• Likewise, the wireless communication device may be fitted with indicator light which glows (e.g. blinks) a color specific to each outgoing call button. Thus, a green indicator light can glow to indicate that an outgoing call is being placed to the number associated with the Mom button, an orange indicator light can glow to indicate that a call is being placed to the number associated with the Dad button, a blue indicator light can glow to indicate that an outgoing call is being placed to the number associated with the Dad button and a red indicator light can glow to indicate that an outgoing call is being placed to 911. In addition, the words Mom, Dad or Home can appear on the display to indicate the number to which an outgoing call is being placed. The indicator light can also be used to indicate the origin of incoming calls or can be randomly cycled through all available colors when a call is incoming or if an incoming call does not correspond to any of the numbers associated with the buttons on the phone.[0066]
• The various ring tones and indicator light colors may also be programmed remotely (as described with respect to programming of the contact buttons with reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and[0067]6-8) through a serial connection to a personal computer or by use of a menu on the wireless communication device itself. However, programming of the ring tones and indicator lights need not require entry of a password and hence can be done by the child user of the wireless communication device.
• The cellular communication device can also incorporate call waiting. This could be activated by the child by pressing the Send button when, during a cellular communications call, an audible or visual indication is given that a second call is being received. A number of calling options that are standard on cellular telephones, for example, call forwarding, three way calling, call hold and auto answer, are to difficult for a child to use and are not incorporated in the preferred embodiment.[0068]
• While the present invention has been described in reference to use by children, the present invention may also be used with elderly persons, or with persons whose capacities may require the type of assistance provided by the present invention.[0069]
• Furthermore, while the present invention has been described with reference to contact persons such as parents, the present invention may also be used with other contact persons such as, by way of non-limiting example, school supervisors, caregivers, nurses, and the like.[0070]
• While the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that modifications thereof within the principles outlined above will be evident to those skilled in the art and thus, the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments but is intended to encompass such modifications.[0071]

Claims (32)

What is claimed:

1. A wireless communication device, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a memory device electrically connected to said microprocessor; and

a plurality of buttons electrically connected to said microprocessor;

wherein each of said buttons may be used in conjunction with the microprocessor and memory device to initiate a call to a predetermined telephone number.

2. The wireless communication device ofclaim 1, wherein said buttons require only a single press to select the telephone number to be dialed.

3. The wireless communication device ofclaim 1, wherein said plurality of buttons consists of three buttons.

4. The wireless communication device ofclaim 3, wherein the plurality of buttons consists of a Mom button, a Dad button, and a Home button.

5. The wireless communication device ofclaim 1, wherein the predetermined telephone numbers associated with each of the buttons may be remotely programmed.

6. The wireless communication device ofclaim 5, wherein the wireless communication device is remotely programmable via a telephone.

7. The wireless communication device ofclaim 5, wherein the wireless communication device is remotely programmable via a computer coupled to the Internet.

8. The wireless communication device ofclaim 3, wherein the wireless communication device is housed within a body having dimensioned easily handled by a child.

9. The wireless communication device ofclaim 1, further comprising multiple ring tones corresponding to the predetermined telephone numbers associated with the buttons.

10. The wireless communication device ofclaim 1, further comprising an indicator light, wherein during an incoming call from the predetermined telephone number associated with one of the buttons, the indicator light glows in a color corresponding to the predetermined number associated with the button.

11. The wireless communication device ofclaim 1, further comprising an indicator light, wherein during an outgoing call to the predetermined telephone number associated with one of the buttons, the indicator light glows in a color corresponding to the predetermined number associated with the button.

12. A wireless communication device, comprising:

means for processing wireless telecommunications;

means for storing a predetermined telephone number; and

means for initiating a call to the predetermined telephone number.

13. The wireless communication device ofclaim 12, wherein the means for initiating a call comprise buttons requiring only a single press to select a telephone number to be dialed.

14. The wireless communication device ofclaim 12, wherein the means for initiating a call consists of three buttons.

15. The wireless communication device ofclaim 14, wherein the means for initiating a call consists of a Mom button, a Dad button, and a Home button.

16. The wireless communication device ofclaim 12, wherein the means for storing a predetermined telephone number may be remotely programmed.

17. The wireless communication device ofclaim 16, wherein the means for storing a predetermined telephone number is remotely programmable via a telephone.

18. The wireless communication device ofclaim 16, wherein the means for storing a predetermined telephone number is remotely programmable via a computer coupled to the Internet.

19. The wireless communication device ofclaim 12, further comprising the means for generating multiple ring tones corresponding to the predetermined telephone numbers associated with the buttons.

20. The wireless communication device ofclaim 12, further comprising a means for indicating whether an incoming call is from the predetermined telephone number associated with one of the buttons.

21. The wireless communication device ofclaim 12, further comprising a means for indicating whether an outgoing call is to the predetermined telephone number associated with one of the buttons.

22. A wireless communication device, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a memory device electrically connected to said microprocessor; and

a plurality of buttons electrically connected to said microprocessor, each of said buttons assigned to a specific programmed contact number that comprises a plurality of digits, wherein each of said contact numbers can be remotely programmed into said memory device without assistance from a user of the wireless communication device, and said buttons each initiate a call to its assigned contact number.

23. The wireless communication device ofclaim 22, wherein the device is remotely programmed with said contact number via a telephone call from a remote location or from a computer via the Internet.

24. The wireless communication device ofclaim 22, wherein the device is remotely reprogrammed with a different contact number.

25. The wireless communication device ofclaim 22, wherein the plurality of buttons consists of universally identifiable icons or symbols to facilitate dialing by a child.

26. The wireless communication device ofclaim 25, wherein said plurality of buttons are selectably changeable or removable such that the contact buttons may have different symbols or icons as dictated by the needs of a particular user.

27. The wireless communication device ofclaim 22, wherein said contact number is a telephone number, a pager number, a fax number, an e-mail address, or any combination thereof.

28. A method of using a wireless communication device having a microprocessor, a memory device electrically connected to said microprocessor; and a plurality of buttons connected to said microprocessor, each of said buttons assigned to a specific programmed contact number that comprises a plurality of digits, comprising:

remotely programming said contact number into said memory device without assistance from a user of the wireless communication device.

29. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising remotely reprogramming a different contact number.

30. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising initiating a call by depressing one of said buttons to contact its assigned contact number.

31. A method of using a wireless communication device having a microprocessor, a memory device electrically connected to said microprocessor; and a plurality of buttons connected to said microprocessor, each of said buttons assigned to a specific programmed contact number that comprises a plurality of digits, comprising:

remotely programming a contact number into said memory device by a programmer via a telephone call from a remote location or a computer via the Internet;

remotely reprogramming a different contact number into said memory device after said programmer changes locations and without the assistance from a user of the wireless communication device; and

initiating a call to said contact number by depressing one of said buttons.

32. The method ofclaim 31, further comprising selectably interchanging said buttons to different symbols or icons as dictated by the needs of a particular user.

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