Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the location of an item from a plurality of like items, using matching paging devices and passive transponder tags on each item. The unique code number (IC) of the tag is programmed into its matching paging device. The paging device operates remote control location functions. The tags are preferably passive acoustic wave transponders.

Abstract: A method for associating a WSTA to a service set, wherein the service set is configurable at the AP. Each service set is an arbitrary grouping of one or more network service parameters, and is typically configured for either VLAN or proxy mobile IP host. When a wireless station desires to associate with an access point, the wireless station sends a message to the access point, the message containing a SSID. The access point then matches the SSID to a service set and associates the WSTA to either a home subnet or a VLAN based on the SSID. By locally configuring the service set, the default VLAN and home subnet for a WSTA may be different at each AP the WSTA encounters. A security server is configured with a list of allowed SSIDs for each wireless station to prevent unauthorized access to a VLAN or home subnet.

Abstract: The invention provides a wireless automatic location identification (ALI) capable system (10), including a medical device (12) having a wireless data communicator (14), a wireless communication network (16), and a remote locating service (18) for remotely locating and monitoring one or more medical devices over the wireless communication network. When the medical device is linked to the remote locating service over the communication network, the ALI-capable system identifies the location of the medical device and relays the location information to the remote locating service. The system permits reliable determination of the location of the medical device wherever the medical device is situated. The medical device may further be configured to transmit signals indicative of its status, condition, or self-test results, to the remote locating service. This feature allows the remote locating service to centrally monitor the status or condition of a plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A land mobile radio system receives paging messages communicated via a paging service communication protocol, decodes the paging messages to identify respective target recipients of the paging messages and determines whether the target recipients are members of a user group. If a target recipient is a member of the user group, a communication unit (e.g., radio or console) of the target recipient is identified, the message is converted to an appropriate protocol (e.g., a wireless protocol) and sent to the communication unit.

Abstract: A point to multipoint system includes utilizing the FM 57 kHz Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) standard and a novel receiver. A single broadcast source sends messages from multiple senders, in a variety of manners including automatically and semi-automatically, to a plurality or receivers who may select to receive or not to receive particular senders' messages. The receiver may be remotely programmable, and may institute actions upon receipt of predetermined stimuli such as a smoke alarm tone. Various automatic and semiautomatic message initiators could include water level detectors, burglar ar alarms, school bus locators.

Abstract: The existing paging infrastructure is used to send commands to operate remotely-located electronic or mechanical devices. A paging message containing one or more pre-set commands, trigger signals, or command strings is received by a paging receiver into an optional signal buffer which provides the received message to a message compare function. The message compare matches each component of the message to a set of one or more allowed commands and sends at least one signal or command that causes the action specified by the received message contents to take place at the target device. The command may be a signal for triggering an electronic or mechanical action, or may be a command that causes an operation to be performed in a software-controlled component of the target device. An alternate embodiment allows responses generated by the system and/or the target device to be forwarded back to the initiator via a two-way paging transceiver.

Abstract: A method and system of reducing average power consumption in a wireless communication device (WCD) that operates in sleep and awake modes during monitoring of a slotted paging channel includes the steps of providing a plurality of counters; establishing a roll over point for each counter at a predetermined offset relative to each other counter; identifying a timing, point for at least one roll over point; and transitioning between the sleep and awake modes during the occurrence of an identified timing point.

Abstract: A device is presented including a processor. A user interface is connected to the processor. A receiver is connected to the processor for receiving current location information from an external source. Also, a transmitter is connected to the processor for transmitting the current location information and command data to an external receiver. Also presented is a system including a processor connected to a transmission medium. A first receiver is connected to the processor. A first transmitter is also connected to the processor. A second transmitter transmits location data. A remote control (RC) including a RC receiver and a RC transmitter is included. The RC receives location data and sends command data and the location data to the first receiver. The first transmitter sends control information for at least one device located in a specific location according to the location data received by the RC.

Abstract: The vehicle disabling system includes a vehicle control unit for positioning in a vehicle with a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals to receive an inquiry signal and transmit an identification code upon the receipt of the inquiry signal. A central database station includes memory for storing a plurality of identification codes of vehicle control units. An authorization code is associated each identification code. A mobile law enforcement unit is positionable in a law enforcement vehicle, and includes a transceiver for transmitting and receiving signals to transmit the inquiry signal to a vehicle control unit. The law enforcement unit receives an identification code from the vehicle control unit and transmits the identification code to central database station. The law enforcement unit transmits the stop signal with the authorization code to the vehicle control unit upon receiving the authorization code from the central database station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a home appliance network is disclosed, in which a home server is established at low cost so that an external user can easily control the operation of home appliances within home. The apparatus for controlling a home appliance network having at least one or more home appliances includes an external communication means for inputting a predetermined operation control command to control the operation of the home appliances by externally accessing a home page of a corresponding communication service provider through an Internet, a radio communication network for transmitting the operation control command input to the home page through the external communication means in a radio type, and an internal communication means located within home, for controlling the operation of the corresponding home appliance of the home appliance network to correspond to the operation control command transmitted in a radio type through the radio communication network.

Abstract: A pager-based controller including at least one pager configured to receive a signal from a remote location, the at least one pager being further configured to provide an output to control an on-off state of a valve actuator; a valve opening circuit to provide an output to locally control an on-off state of a valve actuator; a DC power source for supplying a required DC voltage to electrical components within the pager-based controller; a relay electrically connected to the at least one pager and the valve opening circuit; an isolation circuit electrically connected to the at least one pager and the relay, the isolation circuit configured to receive the output from the at least one pager and the valve opening circuit and supply a corresponding signal to the relay; the relay configured to receive the corresponding signal and control the valve actuator accordingly in response.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus capable of transmitting/receiving a message between persons carrying devices of the same kind, together with a desired reproduction time of the message, when the devices are connected to or come close to each other. The message exchanging method according to the present invention comprises the steps of storing a message and its desired reproduction time; checking whether an outer device is the device of the same kind based on a signal from the outer device; transmitting the message and its reproduction time to the outer device according to the check result; and reproducing the message in the outer device at the reserved time for reproduction of the message. According to the present invention, it is possible to let persons who carry portable device of the same kind for exchanging private messages listen to the messages at the desired time, which is set by the person at the transmission side.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the advantages provided by a portable, wearable timepiece such as an electronic wristwatch for integration with a security system and performing various functions as a result of the timekeeping integration. First, the control panel of the security system may be synchronized by the timepiece, either automatically or when selected by a user. Second, the timepiece may be programmed to send certain commands to the control panel at certain times, such as a command to arm the system at 11:00 PM every night. Third, the timepiece can be used to send commands to the control panel on detection of a button press, but only after a countdown delay specified by the user. This gives the user the ability to press a system arm command that would only be sent after a delay of, for example, 15 seconds.

Abstract: A wireless remote control system within a power supply or telecommunications module. A user simply plugs the power cord or telecommunication line of their device, such as a computer or appliance, into the outlet of the module. The user is then able to dial a pager number that is already pre-programmed. The paging service then transmits a signal to a radio frequency (“RF”) receiver in the module. The signal is then decoded and sent to a processor. The processor then causes a relay to open or close in accordance with the decoded signal to activate the power supply or to turn the power off to the electronic device or to connect or disconnect the telecommunications line.

Abstract: A paging system separately transmits high capacity data through at least two paging channels of limited transmission rates in order to provide the high capacity data in real-time. A pager receives and processes the paging frequency signal transmitted through at least two channels, thereby generating regenerated data not to be separated.

Abstract: Optical communications networks are provided that allow network maintainers to monitor or control subsystems using communications links other than optical telemetry links. The communications links may be wireless links or may be based on any other suitable communications links such as links using Ethernet cables or telephone lines. Network subsystems may be provided that include communications circuitry for communicating over the communications links. A network maintainer may use network control and management software implemented on computer equipment at a different location than the subsystems to communicate with the subsystems over the communications links. Because the communications links may function independently from the optical telemetry channels in the network, new subsystems may be added to the network without disturbing the existing network management software or telemetry arrangement.

Abstract: A portable computer is described that contains a circuit for receiving pages and performing security functions based on the received page. Once a page has been received by the portable computer, the computer's hard drive can be automatically reformatted, or the portable computer can be prevented from booting. In addition, the portable computer can be programmed to use a modem to automatically dial a security center and transmit security information such as the Caller ID Tag of the current telephone number.

Abstract: A Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling appliances and systems having a two-dimensional or multidimensional operating envelope. A map of the operating envelope or of a part of it onto a unit domain or the operating envelope of another appliance is used for monitoring and control. The apparatus produces this map. The method and the apparatus allow monitoring and control which can be carried out substantially in the same way for appliances whose operating envelopes have different shapes.

Abstract: A method for voice based communication between a number of mobile terminals of a telecommunication network, the method comprising the steps of creating a group of said number of terminals and storing group information in each of the number of terminals, recording a voice message in one of the terminals of the group, dispatching the voice message to the terminals of the group from the one of the terminals, and receiving the voice message at at least all other terminals of the group. The step of creating a group of terminals further comprises the steps of coupling together a number of mobile terminals, initiating a group creation command from at least one of the terminals, sending predetermined information from terminal to terminal to each terminal of the number of terminals for forming a group information, and transmitting the group information to all of the terminals thus forming a group of the terminals.

Abstract: The invention provides a wireless automatic location identification (ALI) capable system (10), including a medical device (12) having a wireless data communicator (14), a wireless communication network (16), and a remote locating service (18) for remotely locating and monitoring one or more medical devices over the wireless communication network. When the medical device is linked to the remote locating service over the communication network, the ALI-capable system identifies the location of the medical device and relays the location information to the remote locating service. The system permits reliable determination of the location of the medical device wherever the medical device is situated. The medical device may further be configured to transmit signals indicative of its status, condition, or self-test results, to the remote locating service. This feature allows the remote locating service to centrally monitor the status or condition of a plurality of medical devices.

Abstract: A curtailment module is disclosed for enabling an energy provider to send a request to curtail energy use to a user. The curtailment module includes an interface for electronic communications with a temperature control device. A paging module is used to receive the request from the energy provider through a paging network. The curtailment module also includes a processor in electronic communication with the paging module for receiving the request from the paging module. Memory is also included and is in electronic communication with the processor for storing a curtailment message and history data. The curtailment module also includes a sound component in electronic communication with the processor for outputting an audio verification. A code generator is stored in the memory and executable by the processor to generate a verification code using the curtailment message and the history data as inputs.

Abstract: A system for providing character-based information for a moving object include a GPS receiver receiving position information of the moving object, a character radio pager for receiving control information and character information, a living information database for storing the character-based information received from the character radio pager, a moving picture database for storing the control signals and operator information, a position information database for storing the position information from the movement of the moving object and providing announcement for the present moving position of the moving object, a CPU for extracting useful information from the GPS receiver and the character radio pager or extracting an announcement stored in the position information database under the control of a scheduler, a sound card and a video card for outputting the information of the database, and an advertisement control server for transmitting control signals to the character radio pager.

Abstract: A light monitoring system provides a sensing unit coupled to a luminaire. The sensing unit monitors both the input and the output of the luminaire for both current and voltage. In this manner, a variety of problems with the luminaire can be detected by the sensor and this information can be passed to monitoring equipment that is either hard-wired or remotely coupled to the sensing unit.

Abstract: A wireless communication system (100) employs a method and apparatus for providing information to multiple communication units (121-129). The communication system includes a communication infrastructure (101, 102, 103, 105, 111-113, 120), a data network (107) and an information source (109). The multiple communication units each subscribe to an information service provided by the information source. The communication infrastructure creates a subscription group that includes the multiple communication units. The infrastructure receives subscriber information including at least one information unit from the information source and sets up a point-to-multipoint group call with the subscription group. The infrastructure then transmits the subscriber information to the multiple communication units. Any information unit not confirmed by the multiple communication units is re-transmit by the infrastructure.

Abstract: An interactive pager docking system includes a docking cradle which is powered by a rechargeable battery, and includes a battery charger module which monitors the status of the battery and recharges it if necessary. It also includes a plurality of external serial ports and a serial port multiplexer, so that a number of different external peripheral devices may be connected to it. A GPS receiver communicates with the pager, so that an automatic vehicle location system may be operated employing the pager. A satellite transceiver may be connected to the docking cradle, together with an external printer, bar code scanner, and/or alarm annunciator. The docking cradle is adapted to be powered by a vehicle battery, but turns off the GPS receiver after a predetermined period of time so as not to run down the vehicle battery if the pager is not in place in the docking cradle.

Abstract: A system facilitates two-way messaging in a network that includes at least one paging device. The system includes a paging service provider and a server. The paging device generates a message intended for a called party and transmits the message to the paging service provider. The paging service provider forwards the message to the server. The server translates the message to a form used by the called party and sends the translated message to the called party.

Abstract: A portable computer is described that contains a circuit for receiving pages and performing security functions based on the received page. Once a page has been received by the portable computer, the computer's hard drive can be automatically reformatted, or the portable computer can be prevented from booting. In addition, the portable computer can be programmed to use a modem to automatically dial a security center and transmit security information such as the Caller ID Tag of the current telephone number.

Abstract: The teachings of the present invention are directed to disposable wireless messaging devices, computer systems that incorporate disposable wireless messaging devices, and methods of operating the same. An exemplary disposable wireless messaging device includes a housing, a transceiver, a power supply and a messaging controller. The housing is capable of enveloping at least a portion of the messaging controller, and, the transceiver and the power supply. The transceiver is associated with the housing and the messaging controller, and capable of transmitting and receiving signals wirelessly. The messaging controller operates to extract wireless messages from the wirelessly received signals and to communicate the wireless messages to a user of the wireless messaging device. The messaging controller is capable of (i) monitoring use of the disposable wireless messaging device in relation to a utilization threshold and (ii) in response, inhibiting, the operation of at least a portion of the messaging controller.

Abstract: A user uses a computer, handheld computer, Web browser wireless phone, two-way pager, traditional telephone or other communication device to cause a message to be displayed for one or more known or unknown third parties on the display of a wireless messaging device that is attached to a door, wall, object or structure in a remote location.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating advanced messaging capabilities in a wide area wireless personal communications system is provided. The system includes personal transceiver units capable of communicating with one or more of a plurality of long range pagers. The transceiver and long range pager use existing frequencies and formats of the wireless personal communications system. The method provides for registering a personal transceiver in a two way messaging service area of the wireless personal communications system.

Abstract: A pager having customized page alert for customizing messages when a page is received. The pager having customized page alert includes a housing having a substantially rectangular configuration. The housing has a top surface and a bottom surface, a peripheral wall extending between a periphery of the top surface and a periphery of the bottom surface. The peripheral wall, the top surface and the bottom surface define an interior space of the housing. A display screen is coupled to the top surface of the housing. The display screen is for displaying a visual representation signal. A speaker and a microphone are mounted within the interior space of the housing. A receiving means is operationally coupled to a processing means. The receiving means is adapted for receiving the signal from the tower. The receiving means and the processing means are mounted within the interior space of the housing. The processing means is operationally coupled to the display screen.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for facilitating loading of data from a portable medium into a device. Initially, a portable medium encoded with data is accepted and the data from the portable medium is loaded into a mass storage device. A paging signal is caused to be wirelessly transmitted when a specified portion of such loading has been completed.

Abstract: A combination paging and gaming system and apparatus enabling a user to utilize a pager to play an electronic game while waiting for a page. May be used as an on-premises paging system in a restaurant. A centralized control station includes a page transmitter and a plurality of buttons which may be pressed individually to send a page to one of an associated plurality of game pagers. The control station also includes a game transmitter and a text generator. A game input device inputs game questions and game answers to the control station. The game questions are sent to the text generator and to a television screen or scrolling display for display to all users. The game answers ate transmitted by the game transmitter to the game pagers. Alternatively, game questions may also be transmitted to the game pagers for display on an LED display. Each user enters an answer on a keypad on the game pager, and the pager then indicates whether the entered answer was right or wrong.

Abstract: A radio communication device enables a message received to be displayed by flexible format.

Abstract: A one-way direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications wide-area network is used as the data collection channel (uplink) of an automatic meter reading (AMR) application and a paging network, or other suitable downlink network, is used as an optional forward (downlink) channel in a cost-effective manner. The network is simple to deploy, highly scalable and modular. It offers a wide range of service options, from basic daily meter readings to advanced applications based on interval consumption data, to full two-way applications, while keeping the system's deployment and ongoing costs proportional to the service options and capacity requirements selected for various segments of the meter population. A high-output-power meter module is introduced, which provides significant benefits when operating on the network.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely triggering an audible alarm within a mobile phone is disclosed. A remote user calls the mobile phone and enters a personal identification number (PIN) attached to a remote calling device. The PIN is processed either within the mobile phone or within a central service. The PIN is compared to a pre-stored PIN. A match between the previously stored PIN and the PIN entered by the user produces a signal that triggers an audible alarm within mobile phone to deter theft and assist in recovery of a stolen mobile phone.

Abstract: A computing device receives page messages and performs functions based on the page message. The messages may be stored in a non-volatile memory. The functions may include security functions for portable computing applications.

Abstract: A portable computer is described that contains a circuit for receiving pages and performing security functions based on the received page. Once a page has been received by the portable computer, the computer's hard drive can be automatically reformatted, or the portable computer can be prevented from booting. In addition, the portable computer can be programmed to use a modem to automatically dial a security center and transmit security information such as the Caller ID Tag of the current telephone number.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling a wireless terminal to access and operate ubiquitous devices (“UDs”), such as televisions, DVD players, etc. The system comprises a server coupled to access points and UDs via a LAN or a WLAN. Each access point is associated with both a map of an associated area and an overlay indicating the location of the UDs within that area. In response to wireless terminal requests relayed by an access point, the server retrieves the map and overlay associated with the access point, and transmits that data to the terminal for display. Alternatively, a list of UDs may be transmitted. Selection of a UD from the display causes an image of the UD's control panel to be displayed, from which the device may be remotely controlled by the user. A mechanism is also provided to permit users to display maps of areas other than the one in which the user is currently located to permit remote control of UDs in such areas.

Abstract: A curtailment module is disclosed for enabling an energy provider to send a request to curtail energy use to a user. The curtailment module includes an interface for electronic communications with a temperature control device. A paging module is used to receive the request from the energy provider through a paging network. The curtailment module also includes a processor in electronic communication with the paging module for receiving the request from the paging module. Memory is also included and is in electronic communication with the processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending messages to a digital pager in a communications system. A voice message is received from a caller, wherein the voice message is to be sent to a pager. The voice message is transformed into a text message, wherein the message is transformed using a data processing system. The text message is sent to the digital pager across an air interface.

Abstract: A vehicle remote control system includes a common carrier paging receiver and an adapted remote transmitter coupled to the paging receiver to communicate with the system function controller. The system preferably includes a plurality of transmitters including at least one first transmitter for being carried by a user, and a first receiver positioned at the vehicle for receiving signals from the transmitters. The function controller is connected to wiring at the vehicle and to the first receiver. The system also preferably includes the second or paging receiver positioned at the vehicle for receiving signals via the common carrier paging network and for generating output control signals responsive to received signals from the common carrier paging network. In addition, the transmitters preferably further include a slightly modified remote transmitter connected to the second paging receiver for communicating output control signals to the controller and via the first receiver.

Abstract: An information display device can be structured as an electronic book which has a first screen and a second screen made of liquid crystal with a memory effect. A dry battery can be used as its power source section. The remaining electric power of the battery is detected by measuring the voltage, and immediately before the remaining electric power becomes a minimum voltage necessary for erasure of the screens, the first and second screens are reset so that the images displayed thereon can be erased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to remotely controlling devices through telephonically transmitted signals. A digital pager is used as an interface between a hardware device and a remote user to enable the user to activate or deactivate devices such as an automobile ignition system or other electric/electronic devices such as home security systems, gun locks or laptop computers, for example.

Abstract: A boat security system based on two-way paging technology to allow immediate notification of any abnormal situations that the boat owner chooses to monitor. In response to an abnormal condition, affirmative action may be taken such as generating an audible alarm, disabling the boat, or enabling a tracking device. The system communicates alarm condition employing the ReFLEX™ two way paging technology and, when coupled to an alphanumeric pager, allowing for reporting of status conditions of the boat can be obtained. The basic embodiment includes a alarm functions for the bilge including bilge cycles, battery strength, door and hatch sensors, a shock sensor for detecting an impact such as dock line breakage.

Abstract: A transceiver is provided for transmitting and receiving signals. The transceiver includes a first receiver for receiving at least one actuation request. Each actuation request includes a first signal for requesting the transceiver to transmit an actuation command corresponding to the actuation request. The transceiver further includes a transmitter for transmitting at least one actuation command including the actuation command corresponding to the at least one actuation request. Each actuation command includes a second signal having a signal format. The transceiver further includes a controller in operative communication with the first receiver and the transmitter for controlling the operation of the transceiver.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a home appliance network is disclosed, in which a home server is established at low cost so that an external user can easily control the operation of home appliances within home. The apparatus for controlling a home appliance network having at least one or more home appliances includes an external communication means for inputting a predetermined operation control command to control the operation of the home appliances by externally accessing a home page of a corresponding communication service provider through an Internet, a radio communication network for transmitting the operation control command input to the home page through the external communication means in a radio type, and an internal communication means located within home, for controlling the operation of the corresponding home appliance of the home appliance network to correspond to the operation control command transmitted in a radio type through the radio communication network.

Abstract: A pager-based controller including at least one pager configured to receive a signal from a remote location, the at least one pager being further configured to provide an output to change an on-off state of an external electrical component; a heater unit and a fan unit to maintain a predetermined temperatune range within the pager-based controller; a power supply for supplying a required AC voltage and DC voltage to electrical components within the pager-based controller; a latching relay electrically connected to the at least one pager; an interface unit electrically connected to the at least one pager and the latching relay, the interface unit configured to receive the output from the at least one pager and supply a corresponding signal to the latching relay; the latching relay including at least one normally-open contact and at least one normally-closed contact, for providing one of an open and a closed circuit to the external electrical component in response to an energization state of a coil within the l

Abstract: A security device and a method for controlling operating status of portable computers with a pager to prevent unauthorized access to information stored in the portable computers, in the event of a theft or a loss are disclosed. The security device for a portable computer comprises: a memory for storing pager processing routine; data processing means for receiving, storing, and determining paged information to generate a corresponding interrupt signal according to a determined result; and a controller for displaying a message or a telephone number, or for changing system password by performing the pager processing routine, according the interrupt signal from the data processing means.

Abstract: A personal information management system includes a personal information manager having a first transceiver and a first storage device for personal information and a communication system, the communication system having a second storage device for personal information, connected to second transceiver. A bi-directional link between the first and second transceivers provides automatic information exchange between the communication system and the information manager whenever the communication system and the information manager are within the range of the link.