Abstract: A wireless communication system includes at least one mobile switching center ("MSC"), at least one base station coupled to each MSC, a visitor location register ("VLR") and a visitor location register manager ("VLRM"). Each MSC couples to at least one base system controller ("BSC") which couples to at least one base transceiver station ("BTS"). Each BTS provides wireless communication within at least one respective cell, each of the plurality of mobile terminals communicating through a corresponding BTS, BSC and MSC when resident within a cell. The VLR corresponds to one of the MSCs and stores subscriber information for mobile terminals that are active in corresponding cells. The VLRM downloads, from a home location register, subscriber information for mobile terminals becoming active within one of a plurality of cells corresponding to the VLR and stores the subscriber information as a VLR record in the VLR.

Abstract: A high speed MOS device has a scaled channel length and integrated spacers. The MOS device is formed on a substrate having active and isolation regions. In constructing the MOS device wells and Vt regions are formed as required. Then, a thin nitride layer is formed upon the substrate. Subsequently, an oxide layer is formed upon the nitride layer. Then, the oxide layer is pattern masked to expose gate regions. The gate regions are sloped etched to form slope etched voids. The slope etching may proceed to the nitride layer, through a portion of the nitride layer or fully through the nitride layer, depending upon the embodiment. In another embodiment, the nitride layer is not deposed and the oxide layer is either fully or partially slope etched to the silicon substrate. The patterned mask is then removed and remaining portions of the nitride layer may be converted to an oxynitride. Additionally, a gate oxide may be formed.

Abstract: An enhanced mechanism for the reverse link power control in a wireless communication system, especially for high speed data applications and fixed wireless communication applications, dynamically adjusts the power control step size of the reverse link power control. The power control step size is dynamically adjusted based on various factors including types of service, number of reverse supplemental code channels, total received power at the base station, estimated diversity gain and required mobility, among others. The system which includes stationary infrastructure, can query a subscriber unit's capability in the support of a pre-defined set of power control step sizes before assigning it to the subscriber unit. Furthermore, the subscriber unit may decide its optimized power control step size based on certain feedbacks from the system.

Abstract: A communication management system and method of operation includes a structure registration interface, a user registration, a submission interface, a communication server and an access interface. The structure registration interface receives structure data and establishes a communication thread structure having a plurality of interconnected threads based upon the structure data. The user registration interface receives user data and establishes user information based upon the user data, the user information linking a user with at least one thread of the plurality of interconnected threads. The submission interface receives communications and at least one desired thread of the plurality of interconnected threads and links the communications with at least some of the plurality of interconnected threads. The communication server establishes links between communications and user information based upon threads of the plurality of interconnected threads.

Abstract: A computerized, multimedia tutorial interface system (10) and method for training a user to use computer application software. The system incorporates the training techniques of video segments, on-line tutorials, written instruction, and learning-by-doing lessons. The system and method incorporate the video segments into the system so that they may be displayed on a computer screen (26). User input is given by way of a mouse (22), keyboard (30), or by voice through an audio interface (34). Once the video clip is displayed on a video window (55), the system preferably runs a set of instructions within the computer application software to demonstrate the exact sequence of instructions that were discussed in the video clip. Once this is completed, written instruction is provided and the user is then given an opportunity to execute the same functions as previously described and executed by the system. In this fashion, lesson content is multiply reinforced.

Abstract: An integral via structure and contact manufacturing process (10) with a first conductive layer patterning process section (12) that includes depositing a first conductive layer (34), creating a first via etch mask (44) on the first conductive layer (34), partially etching the exposed portions of the first conductive layer (34) to create first via structures (52) and a remaining first conductive layer (34), stripping the first via etch mask (44), masking the remaining first conductive layer (34) with a first layer etch mask (56) that covers the via structures (52), etching the exposed portions of the remaining first conductive layer (34) to form a first conductive pattern (60) having integral via structures (52). A first dielectric (72) is deposited and planarized to expose top portions of the first via structure (52) and a second conductive layer (90) is deposited, making contact with the first via structures (52).