US 10674432

US patent 10674432: "Mobile device mode enablement responsive to a proximity criterion"

Assignee: Telcom Ventures LLC
Inventors: Peter D. Karabinis, Rajendra Singh
Filing Date: 2019-01-18
Issue Date: 2020-06-02

Abstract:
The patent describes a system and method where a detector enables a mode of a first device (e.g., a smartphone) or a second device. This enablement occurs when a proximity criterion is satisfied between the first device and an entity, and also in response to at least one of a position, velocity, and Time-of-Day. The second device is distinct from the entity and not associated with it, and the entity itself does not provide communication services to either the first or second device.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

• Independent Claim 1 (Method):
  This claim describes a method for a smartphone to perform multiple financial transactions. First, the smartphone enables a mode to request authorization based on a sensed physiological parameter. While this mode is active, the smartphone sends "first data" (related to transactions) to a "first device" and receives "second data" (also related to transactions but different) back from the first device. To perform a specific transaction (a "first transaction"), the smartphone detects proximity to a "first entity" (different from the "first device"). Upon satisfying this proximity condition, a wireless short-range communication link is established with the first entity using a "first air interface". The smartphone then receives a short-range signal from the first entity and, in response, sends information derived from the "second data" to the first entity over this first air interface. Importantly, the smartphone also receives a separate communications service from a wireless network using a "second air interface" that is different from the first air interface. The initial transmission of "first data" and reception of "second data" are performed over an air interface distinct from the "first air interface".

• Independent Claim 10 (Smartphone System):
  This claim describes a smartphone configured to perform the operations for multiple financial transactions. Similar to Claim 1, it involves the smartphone enabling a mode to request authorization based on a sensed physiological parameter. While enabled, the smartphone transmits "first data" to a "first device" as a precursor to transactions and receives "second data" back. For a "first financial transaction," the smartphone detects proximity to a "first entity" (distinct from the first device). A wireless short-range communication link is established with the first entity using a "first air interface" when proximity is satisfied. The smartphone receives a short-range signal from the first entity and sends information based on the "second data" to the first entity over the first air interface. Also, independently of performing a transaction, the smartphone receives a communication service from a wireless network using a "second air interface" that is different from the first air interface. The initial transmission of "first data" and reception of "second data" are performed over an air interface distinct from the "first air interface".

CAFC 2026 Dockets:
A search for CAFC dockets specifically for 2026 related to US patent 10674432 did not return specific case filings in the provided search results. The results only provide general information about the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit's case information system, not specific docket entries for this patent in 2026.
The patent document itself mentions litigation in Texas Eastern District Court (case 2:24-cv-00691), California Northern District Court (case 5:25-cv-05041), and Florida Southern District Court (case 1:24-cv-23837), as well as PTAB cases (IPR2025-01421, IPR2025-01235, IPR2025-00974). However, none of these explicitly indicate a CAFC docket specifically in 2026.