Abstract: A method, executed on a simulation system (20), characterizes propagation of a radiofrequency signal (56) in a three-dimensional environment (52). The method includes forming a database (42) of propagation paths (54) of the radiofrequency signal (56) transmitted from a transmitter (58) at a fixed location (66) in the three-dimensional environment (52). The propagation paths (54) are represented by a plurality of line segments (120, 122) in the database (42). Local line segments (188) are selected from the plurality of line segments (120, 122) to establish a subset (47) of the propagation paths (54). The subset (47) includes those propagation paths (54) each having one of the local line segments (188) proximate a location (182) of a receiver (72) in the environment (52). Distinct multipath components (246) representing distinct wavefronts of the radiofrequency signal (56) are subsequently identified from the subset (47) of the propagation paths (54).

Abstract: Systems and methods for designing or determining parameters for a system are disclosed. These systems and methods exploit the Tensor Convolution Block Toeplitz (TCBT) structure involved in certain systems wherein a symmetric positive definite linear system of equations needs to be solved in the design or determination of the parameters for the system. Further, these methods and systems employ a TCBT-PCG process that uses a fast matrix-vector multiply in order to improve the computational efficiency in the design or determination of these system parameters.

Abstract: A system includes at least one wireless communications device having a standard wireless interface and a wireless provisioning device that provisions the wireless communications device. The wireless provisioning device uses the standard wireless interface to transfer the provisioning information, including an authentication key, to the wireless communications device when both devices are interconnected via a wireline link between a transceiver antenna of the wireless communications device and a communication unit of the provisioning device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for performing online data queries. The system for performing online data queries in a distributed computer system with a plurality of server nodes each fully redundant and capable of processing a user query request. Each server node includes a data query cache and other caches that may be used in performing data queries. The data query, as well as request allocation, is performed in accordance with an adaptive partitioning technique with a bias towards an initial partitioning scheme. Generic objects are created and used to represent business listings upon which the user may perform queries. Various data processing and integration techniques are included which enhance data queries. An update technique is used for synchronizing data updates as needed in updating the plurality of server nodes. A multi-media data transfer technique is used to transfer non-text or multi-media data between various components of the online query tool.

Abstract: A distributed system provides a quality of service by generating at least one system condition object storing a value, monitoring at least one resource in real time using the system condition object, and setting the value of the system condition object in response to the monitoring of the resource. The system determines a current quality of service based on the value stored in the system condition object. The system then regulates activity within the distributed system based on the determined quality of service.

Abstract: A multi-party conferencing method and system determine which participants are currently speaking and send a speaker identification message to the terminals used by the participants in the conference. The terminals then display the speaker's identity on a display screen. When more than one participant is speaking at the same moment in time, the system analyzes the audio streams from the terminals and identifies a terminal associated with a dominant party. When multiple participants are using the terminal associated with the dominant party, the system identifies the speaking participant within the dominant party based on an indication received from the speaker. In one embodiment, the invention is implemented in an H.323 Internet telephony environment.

Abstract: A communication network includes plural nodes capable of receiving and issuing messages. Each node has actual neighboring nodes to which it is connected. At each node, network information is received from other nodes of the network. Information of potential neighboring nodes to which the node could possibly be connected is generated in the node in response to the network information received from other nodes of the network. A network information message issued from the node to the other nodes of the network that includes information of the potential neighboring nodes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for all-to-all personalized exchange for a class of multistage interconnecting networks (MINs). The method is based on a Latin square matrix corresponding to a set of admissible permutations of a multistage interconnecting network. Disclosed are first and second methods for constructing a Latin square matrix used in the personalized exchange technique. Also disclosed is a generic method for decomposing all-to-all personalized exchange patterns into admissible permutations to form the Latin square matrix for self-routing networks which are a subclass of the MINs.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for all-to-all personalized exchange for a class of multistage interconnecting networks (MINs). The method is based on a Latin square matrix corresponding to a set of admissible permutations of a multistage interconnecting network. Disclosed are first and second methods for constructing a Latin square matrix used in the personalized exchange technique. Also disclosed is a generic method for decomposing all-to-all personalized exchange patterns into admissible permutations to form the Latin square matrix for self-routing networks which are a subclass of the MINs.

Abstract: A method of estimating the position of a transmitter using angle-of-arrival values determined at each of a plurality of base stations. The method includes calculating a position estimation using the angle-of-arrival values from all of the base stations, calculating an error at each of the base station, and removing those base stations whose error exceeds a threshold from the calculation.

Abstract: A method and system for attenuating noise including arranging a plurality of accumulators (210, 310) to form a transmittance path for compressible flow mass and noise between a noise source (212, 312) and the external environment (218, 318), and selectively accumulating and confining compressible flow mass and noise within at least one of the plurality of accumulators, and attenuating noise confined within the at least one accumulator by ringdown. The system may include a plurality of interruptors/valves (220, 320) which are operated at respective timings for periodically accumulating and confining compressible flow mass and noise in at least one of the plurality of accumulators.

Abstract: Channels are assigned (56) to a subject cellular network (12) after taking into account the locked/unlocked status of cells (20). Channels are assigned to locked cells (20′) in accordance with a prearranged assignment plan (36). After this assignment, one unlocked cell (20″) is selected (50) at a time. An available channels list is built (54) for the selected unlocked cell (20″), and a channel is selected (56) from this list for assignment to the selected unlocked cell (20″). The available channels list is built (54) by evaluating all channels in the network (12) one at a time to determine if their assignment to the selected unlocked cell (20″) would cause undue interference in any other cell (20) of the network (12). If interference worse than a minimum system threshold is detected (82) in another cell (20), a channel is made unavailable for assignment unless it is a locked cell (20″).

Abstract: A radiotelephone (10) simulates the call origination process performed by land-line telephones. Dial tone is generated (78) in response to an off-hook condition and removed when a first digit (54) is dialed. A timer process (84, 110) and a number analysis process (100) simultaneously evaluate dialed digits to detect the completion of dialing. The number analysis process (100) identifies seven, ten, and eleven digit, and indeterminate length phone number formats (64, 66, 52, 68). The ten digit format is recognized in response to remotely programmed (42) connected NPA codes. For most calls, the number analysis process (100) instantly detects a phone number's final digit (62). In a few cases the timer process (84, 110) detects the final digit through the absence of dialing activity for a predetermined duration. When the final digit (62) is detected, an origination message is transmitted to a cellular network.

Abstract: An expandable tool for laying out and marking predetermined angular layout lines on a work surface. The tool is comprised of a first leg (202), second leg (204), and hypotenuse leg (206) which are assembled by the user such that the intersection of the first and second leg form the desired angle as defined by the hypotenuse (206). The general shape of the assembled tool will normally be a triangle. Each leg of the tool can consist of a single leg portion (or member), or alternatively, each leg can be made up of more than one leg portion. The ends of each leg are fitted with a fastening mechanism (214) for connecting the leg portions together. The tool can be made to various sizes by the addition and deletion of leg portions. Additionally, the tool can be disassembled to facilitate compact transport to subsequent work sites.

Abstract: A telecommunication system supports local number portability. The system includes a local number portability switch and a local number portability database accessible by the local number portability switch. The local number portability database contains a table for translating geographic numbers to routing information. The local number portability switch queries the local number portability database using a dialed geographic number in response to initiation of a call. The local number portability database translates the dialed geographic number to corresponding routing information and returns the corresponding routing information to the local number portability switch. The local number portability switch uses the corresponding routing information to route the call.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and systems for providing wide bandwidth using the present twisted pair telephone network. The methods and systems increase the bandwidth of ADSL by statistically sharing the bandwidth of many twisted pair in the neighborhood. An active subscriber would communicate over several twisted pair in the neighborhood, thereby obtaining a dramatic increase in bandwidth.

Abstract: A system provides messaging services by transmitting messages to groups of message recipients. The system receives a message from a subscriber in an input format and identifies the group of message recipients to receive the message (510). The system determines one or more output formats for the message for each of the message recipients in the group (530) and converts the message from the input format to the output format(s) when the output format(s) differ from the input format (540). The system then transmits the message to the group of message recipients in the output format(s) (550).

Abstract: A method for providing a communication link from an aircraft (110) to a target (130) is provided. The method includes releasing a first end of a fiber optic cable (120) from an aircraft (110) and then lowering the first end of the fiber optic cable (120) to the target (130). The method also includes connecting the first end of the fiber optic cable (120) to a device at the target (130). The device at the target (130) may then communicate with devices on the aircraft (110).

Abstract: A method (1000) of estimating the delays that data packets experiences along a path in an IP network is presented. The method involves sending probe packets (102), transmitted along the same path as the data whose delays are to be estimated, with a frequency dictated by statistics that include Poisson statistics. Information obtained about the delays in the probe packet transmissions may be used to estimate data delays.

Abstract: A system and method for performing call handoff in a mobile communication system. The system is employed on commercial aircraft and enables calls to be transferred between different traffic service channels in order to continue and/or improve communications. In a conservation handoff scenario, user service channels are transferred between partially utilized traffic service channels resulting in unused traffic service channels that are released, thus freeing more traffic service channels for use by other aircraft. In a seizure handoff scenario, signal quality on one traffic service channel has begun to deteriorate prompting a call handoff wherein a call on the deteriorating traffic service channel is transferred to an unused user service channel on another traffic service channel already in use aboard the aircraft, thus allowing users to continue their calls.