Abstract: In one illustrative scanning and decoding method, a signal strength level of an RF signal on an RF channel is measured for a plurality of RF channels of an RF band. The act of measuring a signal strength level is repeated at least one time to obtain at least one other signal strength level of the RF signal. Subsequently, an averaging function is completed with use of the signal strength level and the at least one other signal strength level for identifying an averaged signal strength level of the RF signal. At least one optimal RF signal is then identified based on the averaged signal strength levels of the RF signals on the RF channels. In between the repeated acts of measuring signal strength levels of the RF signals, and prior to identifying the averaged signal strength levels, control information is decoded on at least one of the RF channels and stored in memory.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining contact with a wireless communication network improve the timeliness in which traffic is delivered to a mobile communication device in marginal coverage areas. The number of times the mobile device informs the network of its presence in such coverage may be reduced based on predetermined network characteristics. In one illustrative example, the method involves continually maintaining and updating a message decode history list in memory and comparing it with a predetermined paging pattern of the network. The message decode history list keeps track of whether or not each message of a most recent plurality of regularly broadcasted messages has been successfully decoded. An update message which informs the network of the mobile device is transmitted in response to identifying that unsuccessful message decode indicators in the history list overlap with all page transmission periods of the network paging pattern.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining contact with a wireless communication network improve the timeliness in which traffic is delivered to a mobile communication device in marginal coverage areas. The number of times the mobile device informs the network of its presence in such coverage may be reduced based on predetermined network characteristics. In one illustrative example, the method involves continually maintaining and updating a message decode history list in memory and comparing it with a predetermined paging pattern of the network. The message decode history list keeps track of whether or not each message of a most recent plurality of regularly broadcasted messages has been successfully decoded. An update message which informs the network of the mobile device is transmitted in response to identifying that unsuccessful message decode indicators in the history list overlap with all page transmission periods of the network paging pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for recovering the informational content of an encoded data block. Data bursts are delivered to a receiver. A series of data bursts together include all of the informational content of the encoded data block. A detector detects delivery to the receiver of the data bursts. A determiner determines indicia associated with the communicated data. And, responsive thereto, the data is decoded, selectably utilizing fewer than all of the data bursts that form the encoded data block.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining contact with a wireless communication network improve the timeliness in which traffic is delivered to a mobile communication device in marginal coverage areas. The number of times the mobile device informs the network of its presence in such coverage may be reduced based on predetermined network characteristics. In one illustrative example, the method involves continually maintaining and updating a message decode history list in memory and comparing it with a predetermined paging pattern of the network. The message decode history list keeps track of whether or not each message of a most recent plurality of regularly broadcasted messages has been successfully decoded. An update message which informs the network of the mobile device is transmitted in response to identifying that unsuccessful message decode indicators in the history list overlap with all page transmission periods of the network paging pattern.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing local base stations is provided. The system includes a plurality of mobile devices, a local area network (LAN), and a plurality of local base stations coupled to the LAN. Each local base station in the system has a unique address on the LAN, and is configured to transmit and receive data packets to and from the mobile devices. Using the unique address assigned to a particular local base station, the data packets may be transferred between local base stations over the LAN. Each local base station in the system may include a central processing unit (CPU) coupled to a sound card and a network interface card, and a transmitting and receiving means that sends and receives modulated RF signals to and from the mobile devices. The sound card is configured to demodulate an incoming RF signal to produce an incoming frame of data, and to generate an outgoing modulated RF signal from an outgoing frame of data.

Abstract: An improved radio modem is disclosed for use with an autonomous radio telemetry system. The radio modem includes a reprogrammable microprocessor, a radio transceiver, and a serial interface. By providing a software program within the radio modem that converts the serial interface into a general purpose interface to external input/output devices, and by providing additional programmed decision making capability into the radio modem, no external telemetry computer is required to interface with the input/output devices, and the radio modem operates as a combination telemetry computer and radio device. The radio modem also includes a novel reprogrammable state machine architecture for communicating with the input/output devices, and for deciding what actions to take based on the status of the external devices.

Abstract: A wireless radio modem for incorporation into a host system includes radio frequency modulation/demodulation circuitry employing electronic device elements that operate in a frequency range that minimize the RF interference between the radio modem and the host system. Radio modem power conservation is further maximized by 1) simplifying signal modulation processing by use of a single sideband suppressed carrier waveform transition table, thereby reducing processing requirements; and 2) incorporating a "sleep mode" feature in which all non-timer circuitry is powered-down when not in use.

Abstract: A wireless radio modem that may be incorporated into a host system or connected through a PCMCIA or similar port to a host system includes radio frequency modulation/demodulation circuitry employing electronic device elements that operate in a frequency range that minimizes the RF interference between the radio modem and the host system. Radio modem power conservation is maximized by 1) simplifying signal modulation processing by use of a two-point waveform transition table, thereby reducing processing requirements; and 2)incorporating a "sleep mode" feature in which all non-timer circuitry is powered-down when not in use.

Abstract: A wireless radio modem for incorporation into a host system includes radio frequency modulation/demodulation circuitry employing electronic device elements that operate in a frequency range that minimize the RF interference between the radio modem and the host system. Radio modem power conservation is further maximized by 1) simplifying signal modulation processing by use of a single sideband suppressed carrier waveform transition table, thereby reducing processing requirements; and 2) incorporating a "sleep mode" feature in which all non-timer circuitry is powered-down when not in use.

Abstract: A wireless radio modem for incorporation into a host system includes radio frequency modulation/demodulation circuitry employing electronic device elements that operate in a frequency range that minimize the RF interference between the radio modem and the host system. Radio modem power conservation is further maximized by 1) simplifying signal modulation processing by use of a single sideband suppressed carrier waveform transition table, thereby reducing processing requirements; and 2)incorporating a "sleep mode" feature in which all non-timer circuitry is powered-down when not in use.