Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an electrical appliance by means of a command signal transmitted by a particular remote control transmitter, by means of a converter device which includes a receiver for receiving the command signal, a microprocessor for converting the command signal, according to a predetermined conversion process compatible with various types of command signals, to a code unique to that particular remote control transmitter, and a storage device for storing the unique code. The microprocessor may be programmed to operate in a Learn Mode to convert the command signal according to the predetermined conversion process to the unique code, and to store the unique code, and then to operate in an Operational Mode to convert any subsequently-received command signal to a code according to the predetermined conversioned process, to compare the two codes, and to effect the control of the electrical device when a match is found to be present.

Abstract: An improved acquisition and tracking system for Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. The system relies on block adjustment of the synchronizing signal of the bi-phase shift keying (BPSK) signal in order to obtain correct carrier frequency and phase angle. This improved system has the advantages of being more robust in the presence of noise than conventional approaches and also of lending itself to simplified implementation since synchronization of the Coarse/Acquisition (C/A) code need only be within half of a chip in order to maintain lock.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a controller for learning a unique code of a token to define a learned token capable of causing performance of a function associated with the vehicle, for example. The controller performs remote token verification to generate an indication relating to whether a new uniquely coded token has been learned by the controller. The control system is advantageously used for a vehicle security system also enabling starting of the vehicle. The token may be a passive transponder. Token verification may also be incorporated in a remote keyless entry system, and a remote engine starting system, for example. In one embodiment, the token verification is based upon the controller being recently entered into the token learning mode. According to another embodiment, the token verification is based upon a number of learned tokens, a change in that number, or a change in a learned code of a token.

Abstract: A remotely testable Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tag interrogation system is described. The system comprises a remotely activated test PIT tag fixed within the field of the system antenna. By selectively activating the test PIT tag, and determining successful receipt of the test tag identification signal during such activation, remote confirmation of proper operation of the system is achieved. The system also contains components which permit the remote detection of the antenna field by analyzing signals present in the antenna during operation. Remote detection of the natural frequency to which the antenna is tuned is also achieved by analyzing signals present in the antenna during the collapse of the electromagnetic field in the antenna when the antenna drive signal is removed.

Abstract: A personal communication device which includes the ability to generate dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) signals to provide automatic telephone dialing of a numbers received in messages. A message which includes a number is received, decoded, and displayed on a display device. The user may then select to have a number which is included as part of the message encoded into an audible DTMF, series of signals which can be coupled to a conventional “touch-tone” telephone (i.e. a telephone that supports tone dialing) through speaker in the personal communication device and the microphone of the conventional telephone. The user may select all or any part of the message to be encoded into DTMF signals. Accordingly, if the message includes other information in addition to a telephone number, the user can parse the message to indicate which portion of the message includes the number to be dialed.

Abstract: A keyless vehicle entry system is presented for controlling a vehicle device function, such as the locking-unlocking operations of a vehicle door lock. The system includes a portable transmitter and a receiver that responds to a vehicle function request signal transmitted by the transmitter for controlling performance of a vehicle function. The transmitter includes a vehicle function request switch and a controller. The controller has a normal mode of operation during which it is responsive to closure of the switch for operating the transmitter to transmit a vehicle function request signal. The controller has a passive mode of operation in response to closure of the switch for more than a given period of time. During this passive mode of operation, the controller operates the transmitter to automatically and repeatedly transmit the vehicle function request signal.

Abstract: Electronic components other than a meter unit are classified and integrated into plural electronic component units. Input/output ports (attach-and-detach means) permitting the detachable electronic component units to be mounted to and detached from the meter unit are provided. This meter unit includes a meter block having a control portion and a power supply portion. The control portion controls the electronic component units. The power supply portion supplies electric power to the electronic component units. The electronic component units are controlled and electrically energized via the input/output ports.

Abstract: A vibrator assembly (100) for a radio (200) having a transducer (110) includes a front housing (102) having first and second recessed cavities (104, 106) within which a vibrator (108) and transducer (110) are seated. A unitary molded pad (122) is configured to cover the vibrator (108) and a portion of the transducer (110). When a bezel (128) is attached to the front housing (102) of the radio, the unitary molded pad (122) is compressed against the vibrator (108) to provide increased rigidity of the vibrator within the first recessed cavity (104). The unitary molded pad (122) transfers vibrations emanating from vibrator (108) to the radio surface while providing a seal about the transducer (110).

Abstract: A method of communications in a backscatter system, the method comprising transmitting a command at a first power level; and transmitting a continuous wave for a backscatter reply, the continuous wave being transmitted at a second power level different from the first power level. An interrogator for use in a backscatter system, the interrogator comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a command at a first power level and to transmit a continuous wave for a backscatter reply, the transmitter being configured to transmit the continuous wave at a second power level different from the first power level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing the personal identification numbers of customers as well as customer authorization access to an interactive information distribution system. The apparatus comprises an interactive session manager containing a central processing unit that is programmed to implement the method includes. The method of the present invention is a personal identification number (PIN) assignment routine for assigning various types of PINs to various customers of the information distribution system. The method also includes an access authorization routine for restricting access to only those customers with authorized access to particular services.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a demultiplexer/multiplexer and a local area network (LAN) controller that use an installed cable television cable to establish and control a home LAN. One or more channels of the cable are separated and blocked from the cable television signal path. The blocked channels form a signal path between the LAN controller and peripheral devices connected to the home LAN. The LAN controller is programmable to include a set of heuristics and corresponding instructions for monitoring and operating the peripheral devices. The LAN controller monitors the peripheral devices and provides status messages based on states of the peripheral devices. The LAN controller also receives and executes commands to operate the peripheral devices.

Abstract: A remote control system for controlling an electronic device includes a remote controller and a remote control interface. The remote controller includes a memory for storing a plurality of control data respectively indicating the relationship between a plurality of control signals and functions of the electronic device corresponding to the plurality of control signals; a trigger signal transmitter for transmitting a trigger signal for causing the electronic device to transmit a response signal which is specific to the type of the electronic device; a receiver for receiving the response signal; and a control signal transmitter for selecting control data specific to the type of the electronic device from the plurality of control data based on the response signal, generating one of the control signals, and transmitting the generated control signal.

Abstract: An electronic lock system which is also manually operable is provided for driving a lock cylinder to move a lock mechanism which includes at least one bolt. The lock system includes a bidirectional motor having a central axle mechanically engagable with the lock cylinder in a driving relation having a drive ratio of not more than about 2:1, and preferably of 1:1. A manually operable handle is mechanically linked in driving relation with the central axle to allow manual rotation of the central axle without activation of the motor.

Abstract: In a system of wire-bus linked control devices with a reduced bias current requirement, all of the control devices are permanently connected to two bus bars for operational power supply, and the bus bars in turn are connected permanently with the supply poles of an operating current source. One of the control devices is equipped with a standby operating function with prompting readiness, and is continuously active in prompting readiness. Apart from its communications connection with the bus the latter control device has at least one separate signal input through which it can be prompted as well as a control output which, when the normal operating state of this control device is reached (from prompting readiness), can deliver a connect signal. Each of the other control devices has internal control means for controlling its power supply from the two bus bars and a connect control input to which a control signal for activating the internal means can be supplied.

Abstract: A pager having a telephone number memory, a telephone number retrieval section, a radio transmitter section, and a reply operation control section, which makes it possible to automatically send a reply message back to the sender of a message to the pager, without requiring a complex operation to be performed by the user of the pager. The telephone number memory stores information including telephone numbers of other pagers. The telephone number retrieval section executes retrieval of a telephone number out of the telephone numbers stored in the telephone number memory, in response to a sequence of numbers which is included in the received message. The reply operation control section controls transmission of a reply message to the telephone number which has been determined by the telephone number retrieval section, using the radio transmitter section.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle includes a controller for learning a unique code of a remote transmitter to define a learned remote transmitter capable of causing performance of a function associated with the vehicle, for example. The controller performs remote transmitter verification to generate an indication relating to whether a new uniquely coded remote transmitter has been learned by the controller. The remote control system is advantageously used, in one embodiment, for a vehicle security system. Transmitter verification may also be incorporated in a remote keyless entry system, remote engine starting system, and a door access system, for example. In one embodiment, the remote transmitter verification is based upon the controller being recently entered into the remote transmitter learning mode. According to another embodiment, the remote transmitter verification is based upon a number of learned remote transmitters, a change in that number, or a change in a learned code of a remote transmitter.

Abstract: A wireless selective-call receiver makes use of detection or absence of any to-and-fro movement of the receiver indicating that the receiver has been left somewhere thereby improving the security function of the receiver. When a motion detector detects no continuous shaky movement of the receiver, the message received by the receiver is stored in memory. A controller comprises a first control section which operates in a no movement condition, a second control section which operates in a moving condition, and a switching means for switching from the first control section to the second control section and vice versa. In the absence of the to-and-fro movement of the receiver (for example, the receiver is put away from the owner's body to be left on the desk), any access through a button inputting console and external interface except inputting a password is rejected. The message received is stored in memory, and not given on display, thereby preventing pieces of private information from leaking.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle includes a controller for learning a unique code of a remote transmitter to define a learned remote transmitter capable of causing performance of a function associated with the vehicle, for example. The controller performs remote transmitter verification to generate an indication relating to whether a new uniquely coded remote transmitter has been learned by the controller. The remote control system is advantageously used, in one embodiment, for a vehicle security system. Transmitter verification may also be incorporated in a remote keyless entry system, remote engine starting system, and a door access system, for example. In one embodiment, the remote transmitter verification is based upon the controller being recently entered into the remote transmitter learning mode. According to another embodiment, the remote transmitter verification is based upon a number of learned remote transmitters, a change in that number, or a change in a learned code of a remote transmitter.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle includes a controller for learning a unique biometric characteristic of an individual to define a learned individual capable of causing performance of a function associated with the vehicle, for example. The controller performs biometric characteristic verification to generate an indication relating to whether a new individual has been learned by the controller. The control system is advantageously used, in one embodiment, for a vehicle security system. Biometric characteristic verification may also be incorporated in a remote keyless entry system, and remote engine starting system, for example. In one embodiment, the biometric characteristic verification is based upon the controller being recently entered into the biometric characteristic learning mode. According to another embodiment, the biometric characteristic verification is based upon a number of learned individuals, a change in that number, or a change in a learned biometric characteristic.

Abstract: A remote control device is provided that is able to be programmed after initial manufacture to accommodate the control of additional apparatuses. The remote control device includes a multi-functional, interchangeable user interface where the interface is modified such that it is able to control the functions of a variety of different types of apparatuses.