Abstract: A message is automatically broadcast to a plurality of recipients from a mobile wireless communications device. A recipient list of recipient names and addresses is preprogrammed and stored in the wireless communications device. Recorded voice and text messages are sent to recipients and recipient telephones, voicemail systems, and email and Internet addresses from the recipient list. Delivery status options can be selected to identify the recipient addresses receiving the message, the recipient addresses with answering machines receiving the message, the recipient addresses not accepting the message, or non-communicating recipient addresses. In addition, recipient message response options can be selected including accepting, displaying or storing the responses. Recipient non-receipt options also can be selected, such as rebroadcasting the message, displaying a status message, or doing nothing in response to recipient addresses not receiving the message.

Abstract: An alarm system includes at least one wireless alarm transmitter, at least one wireless activate transmitter, and at least one wireless signal receiver. The signal receiver becomes sensitized to recognize an alarm code from the alarm transmitter after recognizing an activate code from the activate transmitter. The signal receiver can include an alarm generator that provides a first alarm after recognizing the alarm code. An alarm device can include a wireless hazard signal receiver that becomes sensitized to recognize a wireless transmitted hazard alarm code only after recognizing a wireless transmitted activate code. An alarm generator can provide a hazard alarm after recognizing the alarm code. The device can further include an alarm code and activate code decryption device. Instead of or in addition to the activate transmitter and sensitizing feature, the system can be equipped to display a location name in the alarm generator as a text alarm.

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 system and method for a call receiving pager apparatus, system and method utilizing a dedicated switch for providing proprietary access, billing functions and other enhanced features is described. The system utilizes a subscriber apparatus having pager or radiotelephone functions whereby a caller may call the apparatus and gain direct two-way communication with the subscriber. The caller is billed for the communication. A call receiving pager apparatus, system and method wherein a subscriber can initiate an outgoing connection to at least one predetermined telephone number in order to send a pre-recorded voice or data message is also provided. The subscriber is unable to initiate any real time two-way communication with the outgoing connection.

Abstract: Simplified data message terminals and data communicating voice terminals are described for providing additional functionality in a facility using a wireless data communication system. The simplified data message terminals provide message and paging communication to employees or customers in a simplified terminal configuration using the existing data communication system. By performing voice to data and data to voice conversions, the same system provides voice communication without interruption of data communication services.

Abstract: Methods of providing messages for a user can include accepting entry of a message for the user, and accepting entry of a location criteria associated with the message. Physical location information for a wireless communications device associated with the user can be obtained, and the message for the user can be transmitted when the physical location information for the wireless communications device matches the location criteria associated with the message. Related systems are also discussed.

Abstract: An “identical beacons” field (401) is inserted near the beginning of a transmitted beacon (403) that contains either an integer equal to the number of consecutive identical beacons sent (i.e., identical to the one presently being transmitted) or a repetition bit indicating whether or not the beacon contains changed information when compared to a prior-sent beacon. After sleeping awhile, a node (302-304) wakes up, receives a first portion of the beacon containing the identical beacons field, and analyzes the identical beacons field. Based on the analysis, the node makes a decision on whether to remain “awake” for reception of the remaining beacon or to return to sleep.

Abstract: On-premises pager loss is reduced by alerting patrons they are out of range. Pagers include an LCD with messages or promotions. An LED on the pager emits different colors indicating the level of battery charge. Circuitry in the pager causes a higher charge to be delivered to the battery when the pager is first coupled to a charging unit, and a lower charge to be delivered thereafter. Stacked slots in the charging unit receive the pagers. This permits access without disconnection of pagers in other slots and removal from the slots using first-in-first-out rotation. Charging rails on the charging unit simultaneously and directly connect each pager in the slots. Charging units are electrically coupled to other units in a daisy chain. A light on the unit indicates whether it is receiving power. Conductors on the pagers mechanically interlock with the charging rail when a pager is inserted into a slot.

Abstract: A method for disabling temporarily preset alarm in a mobile communication terminal for one day, or periodically, or on a designated date, as a user wishes, is disclosed. The method comprises determining whether the temporal disabling button has been pushed by a user while the mobile communication terminal is in receive wait mode, and temporarily disabling the alarm upon pushing the temporal disabling button by the user. The method further comprises determining whether the temporal disabling menu button has been pushed by a user while the mobile communication terminal is in receive wait mode, displaying the temporal disabling menu items upon pushing of the temporal disabling menu button by the user, and temporarily disabling the alarm of the date designated by the corresponding menu item based on the temporal disabling menu item selected by the user.

Abstract: A system for exchanging digital data between a plurality of users comprises a first computer installation (12) in which said digital data is stored together with at least one determined identity code allocated to each of said items of digital data, and a portable device for sending and receiving digital data (10) for each user for the purpose of receiving the identity codes, each of the portable devices including communications means so as to enable portable devices to exchange the identity codes between each other and transfer them to the first computer installation, said first computer installation then making available to each user of the portable devices the digital data associated with the identity codes as transferred in this way.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing power consumed by an integrated electronic device. The device includes a personal data assistant (PDA) unit and a wireless telephone integrated in a common housing. A common display on the housing is used for displaying messages from both the PDA and the wireless telephone to a user. A controller, coupled to the wireless telephone, places the wireless telephone in a power-off state after expiration of a predetermined period of time following cessation of voice traffic activity on the wireless telephone. The controller switches the wireless telephone from the power-off state to a power-on state if, during operation in the power-off state, a user begins an attempt to place an outgoing call with the wireless telephone. The wireless telephone is unable to receive an incoming call when the wireless telephone is in the power-off state.

Abstract: This is a system for preventing vehicle theft that can be activated and deactivated from a touch-tone phone. The alarm activation code and alarm deactivation code are capable of activating a plurality of switches through the feedback loop. When the car is stolen, the owner can activate the signal code, which will disable the engine once the thief turns off the engine. After the stolen car is restored, the owner can deactivate the engine-disabling code and drive the car as usual.

Abstract: A triggerable remote controller is disclosed which includes a trigger signal including a command, a GPS processor coupled to the trigger signal, a position signal carrying position information generated by the GPS processor in response to the trigger signal, a telemetry transmitter coupled to the position signal, a telemetry transmit signal transmitted by the telemetry transmitter, the telemetry transmit signal carrying the position information, a trigger signal controller coupled to the trigger signal, an actuator coupled to the trigger signal controller, the trigger signal controller being configured to attempt to activate the actuator depending on the command. A sensor may also be coupled to the trigger signal controller and the trigger signal controller may be configured to attempt to access the sensor. A GPS antenna embedded in a grommet-shaped housing is also disclosed.

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: A method for controlling message transmission by a telecommunications device (110). A trigger configuration signal (150) including a dynamic logic expression (160) is received by the telecommunications device (110). The dynamic logic expression (160) defines one or more conditions associated with the transmission of a message (140). The telecommunications device (110) applies the dynamic logic expression (160) and transmits the message (140) if the dynamic logic expression (160) is satisfied.

Abstract: According to a method for testing the ability of text messages to be received and/or transmitted by radio devices (2), using a testing device (1), a text message is sent from the testing device (1) to the radio device (2). This is a simple method of testing the transmissibility of text messages using any sets of characters. Before step (a), the text message is loaded into a storage area (3) of the testing device (1) as a bit sequence. The invention also relates to a corresponding testing device (1) for carrying out this method.

Abstract: An image communication terminal having a reception section for receiving a paging signal and image data based on the paging signal, a storage section for storing data, and a control section for controlling to store the image data based on the paging signal in the storage section when a predetermined mode is set.

Abstract: A communications system is provided for communicating information to and from recipients scattered over wide geographic areas. A computer controlled head end communications interface adds address information to a message in accordance with who the intended recipients are. A media router directs the message through appropriate transport media in accordance with the address information. Preferably, the messages are communicated, at least in part, over existing paging systems. Additional transport media include existing power distribution networks, twisted wire pairs and fiber optics networks. Bi-directional reporting capability is provided. The system is well-suited for applications such as remote reading of utility meters, communication of emergency warnings, bi-directional alarm reporting, time synchronization, and encryption/authentication.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology to facilitate multiattribute adjustments and control associated with messages and other communications and informational items that are directed to a user via automated systems. An interface, specification language, and controls are provided for defining a plurality of variously configured groups that may attempt to communicate respective items. Controls include the specification of priorities and preferences as well as the modification of priorities and preferences that have been learned from training sets via machine learning methods. The system provides both a means for assessing parameters used in the control of messaging and communications and for the inspection and modification of parameters that have been learned autonomously.

Abstract: The wireless communication system (100) uses a method of improving diversity gain by utilizing a first network (10) operating with a first protocol and at least a second network (20) formed from a plurality of cooperative wireless devices (22, 24, 26, 28, and 29) operating with a second protocol and at least the,first protocol. The method includes the step (302) of receiving a signal using the first protocol at one or more of the plurality of cooperative wireless devices intended for a targeted member of the plurality of cooperative wireless devices and the step (308) of processing the signal cooperatively among the plurality of cooperative wireless devices in order to increase diversity gain of the signal to the targeted member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing a visual indication of receipt of an electronic message by changing the color of at least a portion of a display formed of liquid crystal according to the message received. A first circuit receives an incoming signal, a second circuit identifies the incoming signal by comparing the incoming signal with stored signals, and a third circuit causes a predetermined voltage to be coupled to a predetermined area of the liquid crystal to cause the predetermined area to assume a predetermined color to call attention to the incoming message.

Abstract: A data reception terminal apparatus and a data receiving method suitable for a music delivering system using a portable telephone terminal apparatus. When data is downloaded with a portable telephone terminal apparatus, received data is divided as blocks. Each block is received with a data reception channel. Whenever each block is received, a received call is detected with a received call detecting channel. Thus, while data is being downloaded, a received call can be detected. When the downloading operation of data is suspended, information that represents the next data position of data that has been downloaded is stored. When the downloading operation is resumed, the data is downloaded from the next data position of the data that has been downloaded and stored. Thus, the data downloading operation is resumed from the next data position of the data that has been downloaded. Consequently, the download time becomes short.

Abstract: An improved pager with a touch-sensitive display screen and method for transmitting a message therefrom is provided. Inputting a message onto the touch-sensitive display screen greatly facilitates sending a message from the pager and is more versatile than using navigation or soft keys to transmit built-in messages or using a small keyboard to type in messages. The pager of the preferred embodiments is operative to convert the inputted symbols into a text message and transmit the text message to a paging network. Because the pager transmits the content represented by the inputted symbols, the pager of the preferred embodiments is more versatile than pagers using ink-based systems, which merely transmit the image of the inputted symbol. If the pager is equipped with a browser application, the message from the pager can take the form of a request to a server located in a telecommunication network.

Abstract: A radio pager system includes a radio pager that can receive messages and can specify a specific output mode, including a display, a sound output, a vibration, and a light emission appropriate to a particular type of message. The radio pager can further reduce difficulties in retransmitting and/or replying to messages and save time in the transmission period. The radio pager can receive and implement a radio message that includes control information which can be utilized for generating the specific output mode of the display.

Abstract: A pager and paging system are adapted to provide music enthusiasts with information regarding musical events which is otherwise generally available. A subscriber of the musical information service provides the service provider with an interest profile detailing the subscriber's musical interests. The service provider compiles information regarding musical events, compares the compiled information to the profile, and transmits information matching the profile to the subscriber's pager. In a two-way paging system, the information may not be transmitted until a request is sent to the system. The system may also determine the pager's general location and provide information relevant to that locale.

Abstract: A two-way selective call device (106) for determining if a response was received to a message transmitted to a designation device including at least one switch (216) to construct the message having at least an identifiable character. An address book designates at least one destination device (106, 112, 116, 118) and a selector (216) selects a destination device (106) of the at least one destination device (106, 112, 116, 118) to receive the message. A transmitter (222) transmits the message to the destination device (106) and a timer (302) measures a first predetermined time. A processor (206) coupled to the receiver (204) monitors received messages during the first predetermined time period to determine when a response to the message was received and an output device (208, 212, 214) indicates when the response from the at least one identified destination device was not received within the first predetermined time period.

Abstract: A paging system, including a number of central stations, each of which contains a number of pagers associated with it. Each pager responds to one or more identifying numbers so that a caller may send a paging message to one or more pagers, all of which respond to the same identifying number. The central station includes a profile of information for each pager. Paging information includes various identification numbers to which the pager responds, as well as selected types of services. Pagers can additionally restrict receiving certain pages, limit the number of received calls, and arrange for a transfer of their calls from one central station to another. The central station can also store voice messages providing an indication to the selected pager to retrieve voice messages.

Abstract: In a pager which can select and set an incoming tone to be outputted from a speaker from patterns of a plurality of incoming tones when a signal is received by the operation of a jog dial, the tone or melody corresponding to the pattern of the incoming tone selected by the jog dial is outputted from a speaker under the control of a controller during the selecting operation of the incoming tone based on a pattern selection screen of the incoming tones which is displayed on a liquid crystal display unit and includes a plurality of selection items. Setting information of the pattern of the incoming tone selected by using the jog dial is stored into the RAM during the selecting operation of the incoming tone. When a signal is received, the controller allows the tone or melody as a set incoming tone to be outputted from the speaker on the basis of the setting information of the incoming tone stored in the RAM.

Abstract: Unique, voicemail pages are used to improve communication systems which combine both voicemail and paging devices. A “deletion”, voicemail page is used to automatically delete previously sent voicemail pages in a pager at virtually the same time as a corresponding voicemail message is being deleted in a voicemail system. Other unique voicemail pages make it possible to restrict the notification of a received voicemail page and provide the capability of listening to voicemail messages while viewing a separately sent, corresponding page on a pager.

Abstract: Simplified data message terminals and data communicating voice terminals are described for providing additional functionality in a facility using a wireless data communication system. The simplified data message terminals provide message and paging communication to employees or customers in a simplified terminal configuration using the existing data communication system. By performing voice to data and data to voice conversions, the same system provides voice communication without interruption of data communication services.

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 robot-related information held at a robot user ad data held at a robot manufacturer as well as to enhance the user's sense of attachment to the robot. Each of personal terminal devices (31A to 31D) has both a function to send information on a robot 1 to a telecommunication line (39) and a function to receive answer information sent from a server (38) to the robot user via the telecommunication line, and the server (38) generates answer information on the basis of robot-related information sent from the personal terminal devices (31A to 31D) via the telecommunication line and reference information previously stored in an information storage device and corresponding to the robot-related information and sends the answer information to the personal terminal devices (31A to 31D) via the telecommunication line. The answer information is a diagnostic report on the robot.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a cellular communications system of a type that comprises a Base Station/Mobile Switching Center/Internetworking function (BMI) and a plurality of mobile stations. The method includes the steps of transmitting a point-to-multipoint message (e.g., a Broadcast SMS message) from the BMI to the plurality of mobile stations; and, in at least some of the plurality of mobile stations, receiving the point-to-multipoint message and transmitting an acknowledgement to the BMI using a point-to-point message. The point-to-multipoint message includes an information element having a value for specifying one of (a) that a mobile station receiving the message is prohibited from responding to the message, (b) that a mobile station receiving the message must respond to the message, and (c) that a mobile station receiving the message may optionally respond to the message.

Abstract: A multichannel selective call receiver (10) includes-a receiver (11), a controller (16), a baud detector (17) and a memory (18). The controller is adapted to control the receiver in receiving information on a channel (14). The information on the channel includes mandatory frames having information fields. If the information fields in a mandatory frame on the channel do not indicate more information for the multichannel selective call receiver in the rest of the mandatory frame, the controller controls the receiver to receive information on other channels (15) during the rest of the mandatory frame. The information on the channel and the other channels is processed in accordance with channel priority as indicated in a channel list stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving postponing reception of data by a pager during an airline flight. A pager is registered prior to the beginning of an airline flight. A data collector monitors for data directed to the pager. Responsive to detecting data directed to the pager, the data is stored. Responsive to a termination of the airline flight, the data is transmitted to the pager at the destination by a transmitter.

Abstract: Vibration data is transmitted from a remote site to a control facility using wireless data transmission. In one embodiment, the vibration signal is conditioned and digitized, and then sent via a page transmitter to the control facility.

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: A triggerable remote controller is disclosed which includes a trigger signal including a command, a GPS processor coupled to the trigger signal, a position signal carrying position information generated by the GPS processor in response to the trigger signal, a telemetry transmitter coupled to the position signal, a telemetry transmit signal transmitted by the telemetry transmitter, the telemetry transmit signal carrying the position information, a trigger signal controller coupled to the trigger signal, an actuator coupled to the trigger signal controller, the trigger signal controller being configured to attempt to activate the actuator depending on the command. A sensor may also be coupled to the trigger signal controller and the trigger signal controller may be configured to attempt to access the sensor. A GPS antenna embedded in a grommet-shaped housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A radio selective call receiver and a method of transferring reception areas only when the received frequency/area information of the transfer destination is correct and to conserve battery power. Transfer destination service area information is extracted from a radio signal of a first frequency that is being received, a second frequency corresponding to the area information is determined and the area information and the second frequency are added to an information listing means. If the radio signal including a synchronizing signal and the area information is detected at the second frequency within a time limit, the second frequency is set as the first frequency, and if the radio signal cannot be detected at the second frequency within the time limit, the second frequency and the transfer destination service area information corresponding to this second frequency that were added to the information listing means are deleted.

Abstract: A paging transceiver and method for selectively paging provides a page to a paging transceiver but does not automatically provide an associated message. The paging transceiver receives the page and alerts the user that information is waiting and provides an identifier for the information. The user can then download or otherwise act on the information at a time and at a place convenient to the user. The paging system conserves air time and the paging transceiver conserves memory by not automatically receiving the associated information. The paging transceiver can receive transmissions during off-peak hours and has a timer which can be programmed so that information is delivered at a desired time. The paging transceiver allows a user to erase information stored at the paging transceiver and corresponding information stored at a remote system. When information is erased, the paging transceiver preferably keeps the identifier in memory and does not write over the message.

Abstract: A communication apparatus of the present invention includes a message storage and an unconfirmed message number storage. When the apparatus receives a radio signal, a message contained in the radio signal is written to the message memory. At the same time, the number of unconfirmed messages stored in the unconfirmed message number storage is incremented by 1 (one). An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and an alert section cooperate to alert the user of the apparatus to a call incoming. When the user presses a switch in response to the alert, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) determines that the user has confirmed the received message. At this time, the number of unconfirmed messages stored in the storage is decremented by 1 and then displayed on the LCD. If the user does not press the switch within a preselected period of time, then the CPU determines that the received message has not been confirmed, and displays the number of unconfirmed messages stored in the storage on the LCD.

Abstract: There is provided a radio signal selective-calling receiver including (a) a display screen on which information are to be displayed, (b) a first memory for storing therein the information in the form of letters, and (c) a controller which, when the information is contained in a received signal, stores the information in the first memory and displays the information on the display screen in the form of a combination of letters and pictures, and which, when the information is not contained in a received signal, reads the information out of the first memory, converts the information into a combination of letters and pictures which combination can be displayed in one line on the display screen, and displays the thus converted combination of letters and pictures on the display screen.

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 remote vehicle control system preferably includes a plurality of transmitters comprising at least one first transmitter for being carried by a user, a first receiver positioned at the vehicle for receiving signals from the plurality of transmitters, and the controller positioned at the vehicle. The function controller is connected to wiring at the vehicle and to the first receiver for controlling at least one vehicle function responsive to the plurality of transmitters. 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.

Abstract: A selective call radio receiver with an external connection function, includes a connection section, a normal message storage section, a transfer message storage section and a control section. The connection section is connected with an external unit. The normal message storage section stores normal messages and the transfer message storage section stores transfer messages. The control section classifies a reception message into the normal message and the transfer message based on a header data of the reception message to store in one of the normal message storage section and the transfer message storage section in accordance with the classification. Also, the control section transfers the transfer messages from the transfer message storage section to the external unit through the connection section in response to a transfer instruction.

Abstract: A radio paging receiver including a data memory (1) for memorizing message data and error indication data to overwrite the message data, a control unit (2) for overwriting the message data with the error indication data when the message data contains an error and transmitting for message display the message data overwritten with the error indication data, a display unit (5) for displaying the message data (including the error indication data in presence of the error), a code programmer (4) for setting a program for entering the error indication data in correspondence to code identification in response to an indication request, and an error identification memory (3) for rewritably memorizing the error indication data in correspondence to the code identification.

Abstract: In a pager, two battery negative terminals are provided which are connected to an air battery (1). One (1b) of the battery negative terminals is connected to ground (GND), while the other (1c) is connected through a resistor (6) to the external power source positive terminal of an external terminal (3). When the air battery (1) is mounted thereon, the battery negative terminals (1b and 1c) are electrically connected to each other (short-circuiting). In this case, even if the external power source is applied through the external terminal (3) with the air battery (1) mounted thereon, the current of the external power source flows through the resistor (6) to the ground (GND). This feature prevents the air battery (1) from being charged by the external power source.

Abstract: A communication system (100) includes a radio transmitter (116) and a SCR (selective call receiver) (122). The radio transmitter includes a transmitting device (404), and a controller (408) adapted to receive a message from a source, select at least one address identifying the SCR and identifying a language origin of the message, and cause the transmitting device to transmit the at least one address and the message to the SCR. The SCR includes a receiving device (504), a presentation device (518), and a processor (508) adapted to cause the receiving device to receive the at least one address and the message transmitted by the radio transmitter, determine the language origin of the message based on the at least one address, process the message into presentable data corresponding to the language origin, and cause the presentation device to present the message according to the presentable data.

Abstract: A method and device route a message from an origin (1, 1A, 1B) to a destination (5) adapted to have a subscription to plural networks (GPRS-NW, GSM-NW), wherein the device carries out the method, comprising the steps of: determining (S21) whether the destination (5) has a multiple network subscription; selecting (S24) a route for the message through the multiple networks (GSM-NW, GPRS-NW) if the destination (5) has a multiple network subscription; and transferring (S25) the message from the origin to the destination via the selected route, wherein the selected route is selected dependent on a value of a route indicator (ROUT_IND).

Abstract: A radio selective calling receiver includes a storage 105 storing a plurality of frequencies each corresponding to a particular area in which a service is available. A synchronized frequency storage 112 stores, frequency by frequency, the numbers of times of synchronization set up at consecutive sampling times together with the sampling times. When frequency search begins, a receipt frequency control 110 sequentially searches the frequencies in accordance with the number of times of synchronization set up at a sampling time closest to the time at which the search has begun. The receiver is capable reducing a period of time necessary for a frequency search without forcing the user of the receiver to perform any special setting operation. This reduces the probability of missing a call meant for the receiver and saves power to be allocated to frequency search.

Abstract: Positioning system for locating a mobile body comprising a plurality of earth based spread spectrum (SS) broadcasting stations arranged geographically in a cellular pattern. Each SS broadcasting station include a modulator providing a channel signal structure which is substantially orthogonal with respect to adjacent stations in the cellular pattern, each channel signal including navigation beacon data including a unique beacon identification, station latitude and longitude, time_slot and phase characterizations and selected parameters of adjacent stations. In one embodiment, each modulator provides a chirped SS signal in which the navigation beacon is a frequency tone that is repeatedly swept over a selected frequency band for each station. In a further embodiment, each modulator provides a GPS like direct sequence SS signal in which the navigation beacon is a PN coded broadcast.