RUGGEDIZED CASE OR SLEEVE FOR PROVIDING PUSH-TO-TALK (PTT) FUNCTIONS
A ruggedized case or sleeve for a handset, wherein the case or sleeve communicates with the handset to provide or support Push-to-Talk (PTT) functions on the handset, thereby converting the handset into a PTT-enabled handset, without requiring any hardware changes to the handset. The case or sleeve includes a dedicated PTT button for invoking the PTT functions on the handset.
1 . An apparatus for providing advanced voice services (AVS) in a wireless network, comprising:
a case or sleeve for enclosing a handset, wherein the case or sleeve communicates with the handset to provide or support Push-to-Talk (PTT) functions on the handset, thereby converting the handset into a PTT-enabled handset, without requiring any hardware changes to the handset.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a dedicated PTT button for invoking the PTT functions on the handset.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the case or sleeve is a ruggedized case or sleeve that protects the handset from damage.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a dedicated emergency button for signaling one or more recipients via the handset of a distress situation.
5 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the case or sleeve includes one or more microphones coupled to the handset.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the case or sleeve includes one or more speakers coupled to the handset.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a dock connector coupled to the handset.
8 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the case or sleeve provides Direct Mode Communications capability for the handset.
9 . The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein, when the handset detects that it is of out-of-coverage, the handset automatically switches to the Direct Mode Communications capability provided by the case or sleeve.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a thumb-wheel that allows a user to change channels on the handset.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a battery for powering the handset.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a battery for powering the case or sleeve.
13 . A method of providing advanced voice services (AVS) in a wireless network, comprising:
providing a case or sleeve for enclosing a handset, wherein the case or sleeve communicates with the handset to provide or support Push-to-Talk (PTT) functions on the handset, thereby converting the handset into a PTT-enabled handset, without requiring any hardware changes to the handset.
14 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a dedicated PTT button for invoking the PTT functions on the handset.
15 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the case or sleeve is a ruggedized case or sleeve that protects the handset from damage.
16 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a dedicated emergency button for signaling one or more recipients via the handset of a distress situation.
17 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the case or sleeve includes one or more microphones coupled to the handset.
18 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the case or sleeve includes one or more speakers coupled to the handset.
19 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a dock connector coupled to the handset.
20 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the case or sleeve provides Direct Mode Communications capability for the handset.
21 . The method of claim 20 , wherein, when the handset detects that it is of out-of-coverage, the handset automatically switches to the Direct Mode Communications capability provided by the case or sleeve.
22 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a thumb-wheel that allows a user to change channels on the handset.
23 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a battery for powering the handset.
24 . The method of claim 13 , wherein the case or sleeve includes a battery for powering the case or sleeve.