Abstract: A communications signal representing symbols encoded according to respective portions of a spreading sequence is decoded. Time-offset correlations of the communications signal with the spreading sequence are generated. The time-offset correlations are combined to generate first estimates for the symbols. Intersymbol interference factors that include a relationship among different portions of the spreading sequence are determined, and a second estimate for one of the symbols is generated from the first estimates based on the determined intersymbol interference factors. An intersymbol interference factor may include a relationship between a first portion of the spreading sequence associated with the one symbol to a second portion of the spreading sequence associated with another symbol and may be determined, for example, from the spreading sequence and a channel estimate for a channel over which the communications signal is communicated.

Abstract: When receiving digital data at a wireless terminal, sources from which received digital data will be processed can be designated at a wireless terminal. When a packet of digital data is received at the wireless terminal, it can be determined if the packet is from an acceptable source designated at the wireless terminal. If the packet of digital data is from an acceptable source, the packet of digital data can be processed, and if the packet of digital data is not from an acceptable source, the packet of digital data can be blocked from processing. Alternate methods of transmitting and receiving digital data and related wireless terminals and wireless service providers are also discussed.

Abstract: In a communications system such as a wireless code division multiple access (CDMA) communications system, an interference-compensated information symbol is generated from a source information symbol based on knowledge of an information symbol and a first code used to generate a first coded signal. The first coded signal and a second coded signal representing the interference-compensated information symbol encoded according to a second code are then concurrently transmitted. In one embodiment, a composite signal is generated from at least one information symbol according to at least one code from a first group of codes of a set of quasi-orthogonal codes. An interference-compensated information symbol is then generated from a source information symbol, the composite signal and a code from a second group of codes of the set of quasi-orthogonal codes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile station capable of determining its current location within a wireless communication system. The mobile station periodically generates an estimate of its current location or mobility and then monitors channels for channel selection based thereon in order to minimize frame stealing while in active mode and save energy during idle mode. The same information is also useful for determining which cells to monitor and controlling how frequently position or changes of position estimates are made. Although the invention requires a determination of the mobile station's position or mobility, the manner in which the mobile station determines these characteristics may vary. A separate positioning receiver, terrestrial or satellite based, such as that used with the Global Positioning System, may allow the mobile station to calculate its position.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrically coupling a first digital device (408) and a second digital device (406) includes an interface circuit at the first digital device coupled at an interface node (230) to the second digital device. The interface circuit is configured to provide a first device supply voltage (Vcc2) to the interface node until a second device supply voltage (Vcc) at the interface node exceeds the first voltage. A data circuit (220) at the first digital device is coupled to the interface node. The data circuit is responsive to voltage on the interface node for providing digital logic signals at appropriate voltage levels to the second digital device.

Abstract: A flip style cellular telephone includes a main housing, a microphone mounted in the main housing and a flip, pivotably mounted to the main housing by a hinge. The flip is formed with an acoustic pipe on a peripheral edge of the flip. The acoustic pipe extends from the free end to the hinged end of the flip, and includes a plurality of holes for a sound inlet at the free end of the flip. The hinge is hollow, and the acoustic pipe connects with the microphone through the hollow hinge. Sound of the user's voice is carried by the acoustic pipe from the inlet to the microphone. The acoustic pipe advantageously only minimally changes the profile and aesthetics of the telephone.

Abstract: A communication system and method with orthogonal, block encoding is provided. Encoded signals are transmitted by repeating transmissions of symbol blocks with a phase or sign change selected for each block from a sequence of phase or sign changes. Different symbols are transmitted using orthogonal sequences. The decoding uses different orthogonal sequences for separating the received encoded signals into corresponding separate channels. The orthogonal encoding is removed from the encoded transmitted signals and corresponding ones of the repeated symbols are added in successively received repeated blocks after the orthogonal encoding is removed. A transmitter uses a digital source encoder to encode information into symbols, and each symbol is repeated a preselected number of times to successively produce groups of repeated bits. Each repeat bit is changed in phase or sing by application of a sign or phase change determined by a selected assigned orthogonal code associated with the transmitter.

Abstract: An adjustable matching network is provided for a wireless communications device transmitting and receiving signals in multiple frequency bands via an antenna. The adjustable matching network selectively connecting the antenna to a select power amplifier corresponding to a selected transmit frequency band and automatically matching the impedance of the antenna to the select power amplifier. The adjustable matching network also selectively connecting the antenna to a select bandpass filter corresponding to a selected receive frequency band and automatically matching the impedance of the antenna to the select bandpass filter.

Abstract: Asymmetric frequency allocation for packet channels in a wireless network. Asymmetric radio spectrum allocation along with multiple duplex carrier types within a spectrum allocated in uplink and downlink blocks of frequencies provides greater capacity for downlink traffic. Each uplink block of frequencies has multiple associated downlink blocks of frequencies. When the invention is employed for packet channel operations in a TDMA-based network, the base station system can assign timeslots to the mobile station on an asymmetric carrier. The base station system also assigns a flag value to the mobile station for use in packet channel operations. In the case of GSM, the flag is an uplink state flag.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for creating a packet having one or more compressed headers. Call set-up information is received. Thereafter, call data is received and a data portion of the packet is created using the call data. One or more current headers are created using the call data and the call set-up information. The one or more current headers are compressed. The packet is then created by attaching the one or more compressed headers to the data portion of the packet. The one or more compressed headers are created using one or more differences between the one or more current headers and the one or more previous headers. After compression, the one or more current headers are saved as the one or more previous headers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel methods of communication for wireless local loop communication systems. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of fixed access units in radio communication with an array of radio fixed parts; utilizing a plurality of radio channels divided into a predetermined number of synchronized time slots; conducting radio communication between an activated fixed access unit and an activated radio fixed part during a chosen time slot on an assigned radio channel; and denying radio communication on said assigned radio channel during said chosen time slot in a controlled number of radio fixed parts surrounding said activated radio fixed parts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing timing information to radio heads in a wireless communications system. One or more radio heads are connected to a central unit by a respective cable. This cable includes at least two sets of conductors. The first set carries communication data between the central unit and the radio head. This communication data may be user data, such as voice, data, or fax data, and optionally control data. This communication data is transferred between the radio head and the central unit using an asynchronous transmit method. Due to its variable timing of successful receipt, it may be difficult to send highly accurate timing data via asynchronous transmit methods. Instead, a synchronous transmit method may be advantageously employed to send timing data in the present invention. The timing data is sent on the second set of conductors of the same cable using a synchronous transmit method.

Abstract: Retrieving a desired telephone number from a database in a mobile communication unit is facilitated by utilizing the frequency with which the user calls each telephone number stored in the database in a manner that allows the mobile communication unit to make a “best guess” of which phone number the user is seeking each time the user pushes a key while inputting a name or character string representing the person that the user wishes to call from the mobile communication unit. If the database does not include any name or character string potentially matching a desired character string entered via a keypad, the mobile communication unit automatically switches to normal phone number entry mode.

Abstract: Methods and/or systems for changing the quality of service (QoS) and/or type of service for voice over IP communications. A system for changing quality of service for voice over IP communications includes a signal monitoring module for monitoring subscriber inputs representing requests for a QoS change; and a controller for implementing subscriber inputs representing requests for a QoS change. A method for changing the quality of service (QoS) during an ongoing voice over IP communication is featured. A subscriber line is monitored for a subscriber originated request for a change in QoS. When a request is received, QoS of a subscriber communication is converted utilizing codec algorithms.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for communicating encoded data. L received encoded signal values including soft information are received and transformed to L data symbols. In various embodiments, the L received encoded signal values are demodulated and the demodulated L received encoded signal values are convolutional decoded using a rate one convolutional decoder having only one output symbol per input symbol to provide the L data symbols, wherein the L received encoded signal values are convolutional encoded using a rate one convolutional encoder having only one output symbol per input symbol. In other embodiments of the present invention the L received encoded signal values are transformed using associated spectral energy at a plurality of frequency ranges within a bandwidth of a channel over which the L received encoded signal values are received for at least one of the L received encoded signal values.

Abstract: A method of handling an incoming call during an operational mode of a wireless communications device is provided. With the operational mode activated, an incoming call is received at the wireless communications device on a control channel of the wireless communications system. The source of the incoming call is identified, typically by activating caller ID circuitry resident within the wireless communications device to identify a phone number of the source of the incoming call. One of a plurality of pre-recorded messages is then selected either manually or automatically to play back to the source of the incoming call. The plurality of pre-recorded messages are stored at a voice message mailbox in the wireless communications system allocated to the wireless communications device.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling inclusion of email content. The sender of an email message may select email message text to be excluded from messages, e.g. a reply or forward, originating from a recipient of the message. Specific recipients may also be identified by a sender, whereby the sent message will be excluded from messages originating from the specific recipients. A computer-readable medium including instructions allowing email content exclusion is also provided.

Abstract: A wireless communications mobile terminal conserves bandwidth by determining which position detection assisting devices within a position detection system are available for use and limiting ephemeris information inquiries to only those devices that are available. To make this determination, mobile terminals are provided with an almanac of position information relating to the position detection system. Once the ephemeris information is provided to the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal may determine its location relatively quickly and with a minimal imposition on the mobile network.

Abstract: A channel selection method is implemented by a mobile terminal in a time division multiple access system. The mobile terminal performs a plurality of repetitive power measurements on each of a plurality of carriers over a plurality of successive power measurement windows. During each power measurement window, one power measurement is taken on each carrier. The power measurements are repeated a predetermined number of times on each carrier, each repeated power measurement being taken in a different power measurement window. The power measurement on a given carrier is taken at the same relative position within each power measurement window, which comprises on frame plus one slot of a TDMA multi-frame.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the invention, a communications system includes an error correction encoder that error correction encodes a bitstream according to an error correction code. The system also includes a variable symbol generator that generates a symbol according to a selected one of a plurality of selectable signal constellations from a group of bits of the error correction encoded bitstream. The system further includes a spreader that spreads the symbol according to a spreading code, and a transmitter that transmits the spread symbol in a communications medium. Preferably, the plurality of selectable signal constellations includes at least two signal constellations of different order. In other embodiments, the error correction encoder includes a variable error-correction encoder that encodes the bitstream according to a selected error correction code of a plurality of selectable error correction codes.