(19) [Emblem] European Patent Office
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`(11) EP 1 091 498 A1
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`(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
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`(43) Date of publication:
` April 11 2001 Patent Office Journal 2001/15
`
`(21) Application number: 99810916.9
`
`(22) Date of filing: October 07 1999
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`(84) Designated contracting states:
` AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB
` GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
` Designated extension states:
` AL LT LV MK RO SI
`
`(71) Applicant: Ascom AG
` 3000 Bern 14 (CH)
`
`
`(72) Inventor: Baiker, Stefan
` 4053 Basel (CH)
`
`(74) Representative: Roshardt, Werner Alfred, Dipl.-Phys.
` Keller & Partner
` Patentanwälte AG
` Schmiedenplatz 5
` P.O. Box
` 3000 Bern 7 (CH)
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`(54) Hand-Held Mobile Telephone and Method for the Operation of the same
`
`A hand-held radio with a listening/speaking
`(57)
`device (4/5) comprising a RF transmitter (10/6) and a
`sensor (7) for measuring a distance between the
`hand-held radio and a body part of a user.
`Furthermore, a circuit (15) for controlling the power
`of the RF transmitter (10/6) depending on the
`
`measured distance provided. The circuit (15) is
`designed to limit the power of the RF transmitter
`(10/6) to a power that is reduced from the maximum
`power when a predetermined distance value is not
`reached.
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`Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)
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`EP 1 091 498 A1
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`(51) Int. Cl.7: H04B 1/38, H01Q 1/24,
` H04M 1/60
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0001
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`

`

`EP 1 091 498 A1
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`Description
`
`Technical Field
`
`
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`[0001] The invention relates to a hand-held radio with a listening/speaking device, an RF transmitter and a sensor
`for measuring a distance between the hand-held radio and a body part of a user. Furthermore, the invention relates
`to a method for the operation of such a hand-held radio.
`
`
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`Prior Art
`
`
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`[0002] Hand-held mobile telephones have become increasingly popular in recent years. Due to the low weight, they
`can always be carried, making users available at any time.
`[0003] Under pressure from the competition, providers developed a plurality of operating functions. Hands-free
`options, for example, (in particular for the use of the device as a car telephone) are today part of hand-held mobile
`phones just as comprehensive programming functions. Even the ability to control the hands-free function with an
`integrated distance measure is already known (cf. JP 61-258,550 for example).
`[0004] The general sensitivity of the public for questions relating to hidden emissions that are damaging to their
`health has caused the electromagnetic radiation that is required for wireless telecommunication to be considered a
`potentially contributing factor. It is assumed that particularly individuals who are close to a transmitter are at risk.
`When talking on a mobile telephone, however, users must be close to the transmitter of one’s own device.
`[0005] It was even suggested already to install the antenna on the device in such a way that is radiates as little as
`possible against the user’s head. The implementation of such suggestions in practice, however, always failed because
`a forward-pointing antenna is, for example, impracticable and unaesthetic. It is also questionable if it even makes a
`significant difference in today’s miniature devices with regard to the health-damaging emissions whether the
`antenna is attached at a location that is considered particularly suitable either outside or inside the device.
`
`
`
`Description of the Invention
`
`
`
`[0006] The task of the invention is to configure a hand-held radio of the type described above in which the damage
`potential of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the device can be efficiently reduced for the user.
`[0007] The solution of the task is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the power of the RF
`transmitter is controlled on the basis of a distance measured (e.g. to the user’s head). Alternatively or additionally,
`the power may occur depending on the time in which the transmission is performed at a specific power.
`[0008] In one hand-held mobile telephone according to the invention, a transmission power may be used as the
`starting point that lawmakers have qualified as harmless. If the user determines during the phone conversation that
`the quality of the connection is poor or unsatisfactory, he may simply hold the hand-held mobile telephone further
`away from the body, which causes the telephone to automatically increase its RF power. The manner in which the
`user holds and operates the device however, enables the user to indirectly influence the RF transmission power. If
`the duration of the transmission is taken into account as well, a higher transmission power may, for example, be
`permitted during a specific time period.
`[0009] Preferably, the device controls its transmission power in accordance with the requirements of the connection
`to the base station. The transmission power may, for example, be reduced, when the signals from the base station
`(to which the connection has been made) are strong. In this case, it can be assumed that the radio connection is
`good in itself and that it is not necessary to transmit with the maximum power.
`[0010] Another possibility is that the base station measures the signal power received and informs the hand-held
`radio in the downlink whether said power is sufficient.
`[0011] The internal control of the device may be such that when a specified distance to the user’s body is not
`maintained, the transmission power is limited to a maximum value allowed. As a result, the transmission power is
`not increased to an undesired range even when the connection quality is poor. If the user desires a better connection
`quality, he must, in this case, remove the hand-held mobile telephone from the ear (e.g. by a few centimeters).
`[0012] To avoid an undesired loss of the connection, a higher transmission power may temporarily be permitted,
`but the duration of the increased power is measured. If a certain period of time is exceeded, the user may first, for
`example, be made aware of this fact (e.g. with an acoustic signal). He may then have the opportunity to continue
`the call by pushing on a confirmation button, switch to the hands-free operation, connect a headset, reroute the
`conversation, or to end the call. The options stated may, of course, be provided immediately when the transmission
`power exceeds a certain threshold.
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`2
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0002
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`

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`EP 1 091 498 A1
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`[0013] To ensure the acoustic clarity even at greater distances, a distance-dependent volume control of the device’s
`loudspeaker may also be provided. In addition, the sensitivity of the microphone may, of course, be controlled at
`the same time.
`[0014] The problem with the volume control may be circumvented, for example, with earphones or headphones,
`which are connected to a corresponding plug-in of the telephone. It is conceivable as well to switch to a hands-free
`mode by pushing a button.
`[0015] It may also be preferred if the hand-held mobile telephone has a plurality of antennas and if the power
`emitted by the individual antennas is distributed in accordance with the distance measured. If the antennas are
`arranged close to each other (in relation to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation used), the selective,
`weighted control and/or power distribution may change the radiation characteristic of the antenna arrangement as
`a whole. It may, for example, be possible to switch from a more or less ball-symmetrical to a clubbed (with one or
`more preferred directions).
`[0016] Further preferred embodiments and feature combinations of the invention may be obtained from the
`detailed description below and the totality of the claims.
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`
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`Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`
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`[0017] The drawings used to explain the exemplary embodiment show the following:
`
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`Fig. 1 A schematic illustration of a hand-held mobile telephone
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`Fig. 2 A diagram illustration of the power range of the RF transmitter
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`Fig. 3 A schematic block diagram of a hand-held mobile telephone according to the invention.
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`[0018] In principle, the same parts in the figures are provided with the same reference signs.
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`Ways to Execute the Invention
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`[0019] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary hand-held mobile telephone 1 with the elements of the user interface that are
`known in and of themselves: Keyboard 2, display 3, microphone 4, loudspeaker 5. An antenna 6, which is also known
`in and of itself, is provided for the communication with a base station (not shown). (In Fig. 1, it is shown as a nub; it
`may, however, be completely accommodated in the box-shaped housing).
`[0020] On the front side of the housing (i.e. on the side where the microphone 4 and the loudspeaker 5 are arranged),
`a distance sensor 7 is additionally installed. In the present exemplary embodiment, it is intentionally placed as closely
`as possible to the antenna 6. The distance sensor 7 is intended and formed to measure the distance to the body (e.g.
`the head) of the user. Since, as already mentioned, it is located close to the antenna 6, it principally measures the
`distance between the antenna 6 and the body of the user. Preferably, the distance sensor 7 and the sensor
`electronics 14 are based on an optical measuring principle (e.g. infrared or laser distance measurement).
`[0021] The purpose of Fig. 2 is to explain the core of the invention, i.e. the distance-dependent regulation of the RF
`power emitted by the antenna 6. The distance d is applied on the X-axis and the power P on the Y-axis. According to
`the invention, the RF power is regulated so that it is in the shaded range, which is delimited by a curve K. This range
`is defined as follows: Under a specified minimum distance d1, the RF power is always below a specified, constant
`level P1, which is defined as harmless. The hand-held radio telephone is then typically on or directly next to the ear
`of the user. If said minimum distance d1 is exceeded, the maximum RF power may be increased. Preferably, a
`distance-dependent curve K is chosen (e.g. a linear or square curve). In the transition area between dl and d2, the
`distance typically ranges from a few centimeters to approximately 20-30 centimeters. If a defined second distance
`d2 is exceeded, the hand-held mobile telephone can radiate the maximum possible power P2.
`[0022] The progression of the curve K defining the maximum power permitted shown in Fig. 2 is just one of a number
`of options. It is, for example, easily possible to provide for an abrupt transition (i.e. dl and d2 coincide). Instead of
`the linear ramp, however, several steps may be provided as well. Any curve found to be practical may be
`implemented in the transition area. The power control may also be formed so that the transition area extends to
`the distance 0 (d1 = 0).
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`3
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0003
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`

`

`EP 1 091 498 A1
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`[0023] It is to be expected that the risk of damage is not only determined by the power alone but also by the length
`of time for which the user is exposed to increased radiation. Due to this insight, it is recommended to combine the
`permitted threshold with a time control. In this context, it is possible to monitor, for example, how long a high
`transmission power was uninterruptedly used close to the head of the user. It is also possible to accumulate the
`times of the transmission periods that are considered critical (e.g. across a week, a month, or a year).
`[0024] In a simple device, the RF power may be maintained on the curve capped at the allowed power range. By
`means of an additional variable regulation, which may be based on the RF power required to maintain a defined
`connection quality, the potential health harm may be reduced further.
`[0025] Fig. 3 shows a circuit configuration for the performance of the control according to the invention. The MMI
`(= Man Machine Interface) is formed by the already mentioned elements: microphone 4, loudspeaker 5, distance
`sensor 7. On the other hand, the antenna 6 basically forms the interface to the base station. (The base station may
`be part of a country-wide mobile radio system or an in-house single station.)
`[0026] The signal supplied by the microphone 4 is processed by a RF circuit 8 (RF = radio frequency) in a manner that
`is known, converted by a digital modulator 9 into the desired modulated RF signal, amplified with a RF amplifier 10
`and emitted by the antenna 6. (The RF amplifier 10 and the antenna 6 together form a RF transmitter).
`[0027] Signals received by the antenna 6 are amplified by a RF amplifier 13 and processed by a digital demodulator
`12 so that the acoustic signals can be emitted via the RF circuit 11 and the loudspeaker 5. This signal processing
`performed on the receiver side are part of prior art as well.
`[0028] What is novel is that the RF amplifier 10 is regulated by a control 15 according to the invention. It has a first
`input for a distance signal, which is detected and processed by the distance sensor 7 and the sensor electronics 14.
`Furthermore, according to an especially preferred embodiment, a second input is provided for a quality signal
`supplied by the base station. This input is connected to the demodulator 12.
`[0029] In addition to the output for the RF amplifier 10, the control 15 may also comprise one output each for the
`control of the RF circuits 8 and 11.
`[0030] Principally, the maximum output of the RF amplifier 10 is limited to the allowable range explained in Fig. 2.
`Depending on the current distance, the allowed maximum value is obtained from a stored table and supplied to the
`RF amplifier 10. Additionally, the amplification may be increased in the RF circuits 8 and 11 as the distance increases.
`In particular a changeover within the meaning of EP 0 564 160 B1 may be provided. The acoustic amplification in the
`RF circuits 8 and 11 is naturally regulated and averaged on a time basis following a curve selected on the basis of
`acoustic principles. Said curve does not, in general, have anything to do with the curve K according to the invention
`used to delimit the maximum RF power.
`[0031] Preferably, a circuit is provided in the base station that measures the strength of the signal received from the
`hand-held mobile telephone 1 and transmits the same (e.g. together with other control data) to the hand-held
`mobile telephone 1 in the downlink. The quality signal may, for example, simply indicate whether the hand-held
`mobile telephone 1 may reduce the current transmission power (further) or not. It may, however, be configured so
`that the hand-held mobile telephone 1 can determine by what value it can reduce its transmission power or to what
`value it may delimit the RF amplifier 10 without the connection being dropped. In the former case, a binary signal
`suffices; in the latter, several bits will have to be provided.
`[0032] The quality signal is extracted with an additional circuit in the demodulator 12 and transmitted to the control
`15. Then, if the distance signal is unchanged, it may further reduce the emitted power with a good connection
`quality.
`[0033] The described exemplary embodiment may be modified in many ways, of course. Below, a few variables are
`outlined (without claiming any attempt to provide an exhaustive enumeration).
`[0034] A quality signal may also be generated in the hand-held mobile telephone 1 instead of in the base station.
`The consideration is that the connection quality in the uplink and the downlink may be different, but that there is
`generally a clear correlation. Accordingly, the quality signal is not based on the quality of the uplink but instead on
`the quality of the downlink. That means that the hand-held mobile telephone determines the strength of the signal
`received from the base station and derives the quality signal from it.
`[0035] In the exemplary embodiment shown, it was assumed that there is just one antenna. The invention is,
`however, certainly suitable for devices with a plurality of antennas as well. It is known, for example, that so-called
`antenna diversity increases the quality of the reception. If a plurality of different antennas is provided, the distance
`between the radiating antenna and the body may be increased by just controlling the antenna that is furthest away
`from the body. Depending on how the antennas are arranged, the radiation characteristic of the entire structure
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`4
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0004
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`

`

`EP 1 091 498 A1
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`may be modified by controlling the antennas with different powers. Radiation that is strongly pointing away from
`the body may, for example, be selected if the hand-held mobile radio is close to the user’s ear. If the user then turns
`so that the main direction of the radiation points to the base station, the electromagnetic energy may even be
`transmitted in a more bundled manner.
`[0036] It is also possible to use, instead of optical distance sensors, sensors based on ultrasound or capacitive or
`inductive methods. Distance information may also be derived from the impedance detuning of the antenna. It is not
`required to be able to determine the distance precisely and continuously. It is also possible to use a distance sensor
`that determines only whether a specific distance is exceeded or not reached. Furthermore, a plurality of distance
`sensors may be arranged across the device. The distance sensor, however, does not have to be arranged on the front
`side.
`[0037] It is important not to forget that there is not just a health risk during an actual call but in the standby mode
`as well when the hand-held mobile telephone is often carried on the belt. (A signal exchange occurs between the
`hand-held radio and the base station, for example, when a switch occurs between one radio cell and the next). It is
`possible to use the invention in this context also, of course. Particularly careful users will preferably use the hand-
`held mobile radio with a listening/speaking headset so that they can, if necessary, use the hand-held mobile radio
`further away from the body without the acoustic clarity being impaired. This way confidentiality can be maintained
`because it is not necessary to use the telephone’s loudspeaker.
`[0038] The invention is not limited to hand-held mobile telephones but is suitable for any type of communication
`devices that are usually operated close to the body by a user and that emit radiation that may potentially have
`health-damaging effects.
`[0039] In summary, it should be noted that the invention has created the possibility to minimize the damage
`potential caused by the use of a hand-held mobile telephone without requiring the existing antenna concepts to be
`modified. The invention may create additional use even in optimized antenna assemblies.
`
`
`Claims
`1.
`Hand-held radio with a listening/speaking device (4/5), a RF transmitter (10/6) and a sensor (7) for measuring
`a distance between the hand-held radio and a body part of a user, characterized in that a circuit (15) for
`controlling the power of the RF transmitter (10/6) depending on the measured distance is provided.
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`2.
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`Hand-held radio, in particular according to claim 1, characterized in that the circuit (15) is used for controlling
`the power of the RF transmitter (10/6) depending on a length of time during which transmission occurred at
`a specified power.
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`Hand-held radio according to claim 1, characterized in that the circuit (15) is formed so that the power of the
`RF transmitter (10/6) is limited from a maximum power to reduced power limits when a specified distance
`value (d2) is not reached.
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`Hand-held radio according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the power of the RF transmitter (10/6)
`can be adjusted depending on a signal characterized by a connection quality.
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`Hand-held radio according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a volume of the listening/speaking
`device (4/5) is regulated depending on the distance signal.
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`Hand-held radio according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of antennas is provided and
`that the circuit is formed so that the power of the RF signal can be distributed differently across the plurality
`of the antennas depending on the measured distance.
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`Method for the operation of a hand-held radio provided with a listening/speaking device (4/5), a RF
`transmitter (10/6) and a sensor (7) to measure the distance between the hand-held radio and a body part of
`a user, characterized in that a power of the RF transmitter (10/6) can be regulated depending on the measured
`distance.
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`5
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0005
`
`

`

`EP 1 091 498 A1
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`8.
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`9.
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`Method according to claim 6, characterized in that the power of the RF transmitter (10/6) is limited from a
`maximum power (P2) to a reduced power when a specified distance value (d2) is not reached.
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`Method according to any of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the power of the RF transmitter (10/6) is
`regulated depending on a signal characterizing the connection quality.
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`10. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the connection quality is determined in a base station and
`transmitted by the same to the hand-held radio (1).
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`11. Method according to any of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the power of the RF transmitter is distributed
`among a plurality of different antennas depending on the measured distance.
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0006
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0007
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0007
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`EP 1 091 498 A1
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0008
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0008
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`EP 1 091 498 A1
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`[Emblem] European
` Patent Office
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`EUROPEAN SEARCH REPORT
`
`Application number
`EP 99 81 0916
`
`Regarding
`claim
`1,6,7,11
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`2-5,8-10
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`1,2,4
`6-8,10
`3,5,9,11
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`1,2,4
`6-8,10
`1,6,7,11
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`APPLICATION
`CLASSIFICATION (int. CL7)
`H04B1/38
`H01Q1/24
`H04M1/60
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`RESEARCHED AREAS (Int.
`CL7)
`H04B
`H01Q
`H04M
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`Examiner
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`End date of the search
`Andersen, J.G.
`29 February 2000
`T: Theories or principles that the invention is based on
`E: Older patent document which, however, was published on or after
`the filing date
`D: Document included in the application
`L: Document listed for other reasons
`………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
`&: Member of the same patent family, identical document
`
`9
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`APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
`Description of the document with an identification
`of the relevant parts if applicable
`EP 0 752 735 A (DEUTSCHE TELEKOM MOBIL)
`8 January 1997 (1997-01-08)
`* Column 1, line 3 - column 2, line 9;
`Figures 1-3 *
` - - -
`US 5 729 604 A (VAN SCHYNDEL ANDRE JOHN)
`17 March 1998 (1998-03-17)
`* Summary; Figures 1, 3 *
` - - -
`US 5 524 275 A (LINDELL BO K)
`4 June 1996 (1996-06-04)
`* Column 1, line 12 - column 2, line 24;
`Figures 1,3 *
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`This search report was prepared for all claims
`Location of the search
`THE HAGUE
`CATEGORY OF THE CITED DOCUMENTS
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`X: Of special significance on its own
`Y: Of special significance in combination with another publication of the
`same category
`A: Technological background
`O: Non-written disclosure
`P: Interim literature
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`EPO FORM 1500 03.12 (P04C03)
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0009
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`

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`EP 1 091 498 A1
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`ANNEX TO THE EUROPEAN SEARCH REPORT
`ON EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION NO.
`
`This annex lists the patent family members relating to the patent documents cited in the above-mentioned European search report.
`The members are as contained in the European Patent Office EDP file on
`The European Patent Office is in no way liable for these particular which are merely given for the purpose of information.
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`EP 99 81 0916
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`29-02-2000
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`Publication
`Date
`06-03-1997
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`21-05-1998
`03-07-1995
`22-06-1995
`11-01-1996
`23-06-1995
`03-01-1996
`01-02-1996
`17-10-1995
`04-10-1995
`28-09-1998
`22-06-1995
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`Patent document
`cited in the search report
`EP 0752735 A
`US 5729604 A
`US 5524275 A
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`EPO FORM P0459
`For more details about this annex, refer to the Official Journal of the European Patent Office, No. 12/82
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`Patent family
`member(s)
`19524288 C
`NONE
`691553 B
`1440195 A
`2154876 A
`4499976 T
`2714238 A
` 2290679 A,B
`9420016 T
`953216 A
`9502802 A
`52384 A
`9517044 A
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`Publication
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`08-01-1997
`17-03-1998
`04-06/1996
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0010
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`Date: February 21, 2019
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`
`To whom it may concern:
`
`This is to certify that the attached translation from German and into English is an accurate
`representation of the documents received by this office.
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`The document is designated as:
`• European Patent Application EP 1 091 498 A1
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`Samuel Goldfarb, Project Manager in this company, attests to the following:
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`“To the best of my knowledge, the aforementioned documents are a true, full and accurate translation
`of the specified documents.”
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`_________________________________
`Signature of Samuel Goldfarb
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` The Leader in Global IP Solutions
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`www.morningsideIP.com
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` info@morningsideIP.com
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`ZTE, Exhibit 1004-0011
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