Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating simple patterns on a terminal and conveying them in a communications network. In the method, an element of a pattern (201, 301) comprising elements is specified and it is assigned a code by which it is identified. The codes of the elements in a pattern are used in compiling a set of codes (303a, 303b, 303c) which describes identified elements of the pattern. The set of codes (303a, 303b, 303c) is sent into a communications network in addition to the message. The receiving device receives, in addition to the message, the set of codes (303a, 303b, 303c) containing the codes of the elements in the pattern (201, 301), which set of codes is analyzed (406) and identified. Element codes included in the set of codes (303a, 303b, 303c) are used to identify elements used to generate a pattern (201, 301).

Abstract: A method for synchronizing transmissions of mobile stations in a mobile radio system including a first and second mobile station and a radio unit all communicating on a direct mode channel. According to the method, the radio unit transmits synchronization information messages on the direct mode channel, which messages indicate the frequency used by the radio unit, and which messages include accuracy information, indicating that the accuracy of the transmit frequency used by the radio unit exceeds the accuracy normally employed on a direct mode channel. The mobile stations receive the synchronization information messages and tune respective receivers and transmitters to the frequencies indicated by the synchronization information message.