Method and apparatus for augmenting bluetooth-type capabilities of a wireless terminal

摘要

An auxiliary device ( 10 ) for use with a UE device ( 12 ) such as a mobile phone, including: an interface ( 10 a) with the UE device ( 12 ), providing at least part of an AUX-UE coupling ( 11 a)-a wireless or plug connection-to the UE device ( 12 ); and a short-range transceiver ( 10 b) (e.g. a Bluetooth transceiver), coupled to the interface ( 10 a) with the UE device ( 12 ), for wirelessly communicating with short-range transceivers of peer devices (i.e. devices operated by users). The UE device ( 12 ) includes an AUX user interface ( 14 b) providing a user interface to the apparatus ( 10 ) and operative in combination with a UE user interface ( 14 a) included as part of the UE device ( 12 ). The short-range transceiver ( 10 b) of the auxiliary device ( 10 ) typically has a longer range than is usual for such a transceiver. The auxiliary device ( 10 ) typically includes components enabling various user-user communications/interactions with nearby peer devices.