Patents Assigned to Sierra Wireless, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8978119
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring configuration information between wireless access points is provided. Configuration information may include SSID and password, but also certain settings such as network and subnetwork settings. A first wireless access point may be a mobile hotspot, and a second wireless access point may be a docking station. The first wireless access point is initially active and operating using certain configuration information. Upon a trigger event such as a docking or undocking event, the configuration information is transferred to the second wireless access point. The first wireless access point ceases using the transferred configuration information, for example by switching off or adjusting its configuration, and the second wireless access point begins using the transferred configuration information. The configuration information may be transferred back upon a second trigger event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: James Cao, Mikio-Yves Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8972556
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a communication link through a NAT or other boundary device. Keep-alive messages (keep-alives) are transmitted and received by the boundary device to maintain the link therethrough. Address information of a keep-alive purports that keep-alive has traversed or is to traverse a predetermined portion of the communication link, such as a wireless “over the air” portion. However, the keep-alive is inhibited from traversing the predetermined portion. This may be accomplished by one or more of: spoofing the origin of the keep-alive such that it only appears to have traversed the predetermined portion; and causing the keep-alive to be discarded before traversal of the predetermined portion. Discard may be facilitated by configuration of the TTL field of the keep-alive or by use of a filtering device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Thomas Kavanaugh, Gustav Gerald Vos, Vasilios V. Daskalopoulos
  • Patent number: 8964549
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for managing communications of a wireless device in a wireless communication system based on network traffic level, and a wireless device comprising a control system configured to evaluate a network traffic level. The wireless device may be configured to transmit data, such as delay-tolerant data, based upon the network traffic level, for example transmitting data only under low traffic conditions. Deferring delay-tolerant communications may result in lower peak traffic conditions in the network. Evaluating the network traffic level may comprise measuring chip energy over total energy (Ec/Io), monitoring data on shared control channels such as HS-SCCH of a HSDPA system, inferring power allocated to channels by a dynamic power allocation scheme, or other methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Gustav Gerald Vos, Kevin Walton, Recep Serkan Dost
  • Publication number: 20150039958
    Abstract: A method, device and computer program product for transmitting data blocks in an LTE or similar wireless communication system supporting HARQ and TTI bundling, with dynamic TTI bundle sizing is provided. Each TTI bundle includes a number of redundancy versions of a data block, for example differently encoded versions of the data block which can be combined together in accordance with Type-II HARQ. Plural TTI bundles can be transmitted as necessary in accordance with HARQ, for example in response to a NACK. The present technology involves adjusting the TTI bundle size for a given HARQ process, wherein at least two TTI bundles have different sizes. In various embodiments, the TTI bundle size progressively decreases with retransmissions so that the last TTI bundle is not excessively large, thereby reducing resource waste. TTI bundle size adjustment may be implemented in the uplink, downlink, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Gustav Gerald Vos
  • Patent number: 8924486
    Abstract: The present invention provides for method, system, and apparatus for facilitating communication between a first set of networked devices, such as client devices, and a second networked device, such as a server. A query message is transmitted from a representative device of the first set of networked devices, to the second networked device. The representative device may be selected in several ways. A response message may be transmitted from the second networked device, the message comprising an indication of devices from the first set of networked devices for which communications are pending. The response message is processed and devices identified in the response message are notified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasilios Vasilios Daskalopoulos, Gustav Gerald Vos
  • Publication number: 20140347100
    Abstract: A low-power method and apparatus is provided for adapting to time-varying limitations of a power source, such as a vehicle power source which is in a more-limited state when the engine is off. The supply voltage is monitored for changes using an unclocked, low-power first stage having an analog section, a voltage comparator. Upon detecting voltage changes reflective of a potential power source state change, the first stage generates an interrupt. In response, a second stage transitions from a low-power standby mode to a higher-power active mode. The second stage may include a microprocessor and is configured to confirm or disconfirm the state change. Upon confirmation, further operations are triggered. Upon disconfirmation, the second stage returns to standby mode. The first stage may include an operational amplifier whose two inputs are indicative of the supply voltage, one input having a different response rate to voltage variations than the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Christophe SEVEAU, Lik King AU-YEUNG
  • Publication number: 20140334372
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating system information, such as SIBs, from a base station to a terminal in a wireless network such as an LTE network. The base station is configured to broadcast the system information in accordance with a standard which defines a range of allowable values for characteristics of the broadcast. A restricted range of values for the characteristics is defined as a strict subset of the range of allowable values, and repeated broadcasts of the system information are configured in accordance with the restricted range of values. The terminal uses knowledge of the restricted range of values to facilitate reception of multiple repetitions of the broadcast. The terminal then combines the multiple repetitions to facilitate recovery of the system information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventor: Gustav Gerald Vos
  • Patent number: 8880735
    Abstract: A solution is provided wherein standard mail servers may be used to assist the synchronization of application data across multiple devices. This allows the synchronization of application data without requiring contemporaneous operation of the synchronization partner devices. This may be accomplished by generating a record for each change to a database on a first device. Upon synchronization of the first device with the mail server, the changes since the last synchronization may be uploaded to the mail server and stored in a mailbox for a user associated with the device. If a second device associated with the user then attempts to synchronize with the mail server, the records may be downloaded and the corresponding changes implemented in the database on the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Peter Robert Tosey
  • Patent number: 8868069
    Abstract: An aircraft-mounted base transceiver station (mBTS) for providing intermittent coverage in a cellular radio network. The mBTS utilizes the existing protocol of its terrestrial counterparts, thereby avoiding dual-mode devices and enabling common usage of terminal monitoring and device management systems for devices connected to a single radio access network even when outside terrestrial coverage areas. The aircraft follows a transient flight pattern, providing intermittent flyover connectivity for remote radio device such as machine-type devices. Connectivity may be store and forward. Channel usage may be adjusted to avoid interfering with terrestrial communication cells during flyover. Doppler effects due to aircraft speed may be accounted for. The mBTS may be configured to service in-range radio devices which are outside a Doppler-inhibited region and/or to prioritize communication with devices based on expected time outside the Doppler-inhibited region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven John Bennett, Gerald Gustav Vos
  • Publication number: 20140302888
    Abstract: A compact, integrated wireless communication module includes a data interface, baseband electronics section, radiofrequency electronics section and antenna connector. The module may be operable as a stand-alone wireless communication device for incorporation into larger host devices. The module is certifiable or pre-certified as a stand-alone wireless device in accordance with a given set of certification processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish SYAL, Gustav Gerald VOS, Jean-Pierre MAUCLERC
  • Publication number: 20140301296
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding the LTE physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The transmissions are made by an evolved NodeB (eNB). At least one template symbol sequence representative of a potential transmission by the eNB over the PBCH is provided. A signal or signals transmitted over the PBCH by the eNB is received, the signal or signals indicative of a received symbol sequence. Correlation operations are performed for correlating the at least one template symbol sequence against the received symbol sequence. A representative symbol sequence, timing parameter, or both, is selected, based on the correlation operations. The representative symbol sequence is indicative of information transmitted by the eNB over the LTE PBCH. The timing parameter is indicative of timing of said information transmitted by the eNB.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Gustav Gerald Vos, Steven John Bennett, Lutz Hans-Joachim Lampe, Ghasem Naddafzadeh Shirazi
  • Publication number: 20140295790
    Abstract: The present technology provides a method and system for monetizing the usage of a certain “reserved service,” which comprises usage of certain reserved wireless operating modes, such as Ultra High Coverage Mode (UHCM), usage of one or more reserved Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCSs), or a combination thereof. In some embodiments the reserved MCSs may be employed solely when using the reserved operating mode. Similarly, the reserved operating mode may be defined at least in part by its usage of the reserved MCSs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Gustav Gerald Vos, Richard Thomas Kavanaugh, Steven John Bennett
  • Patent number: 8843738
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product related to an authentication security protocol, which associates a unique Abbreviated Session Identifier (ASI) with some application data packets transmitted, for example, from a client to a server. The present technology can be a modified version of the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. A method of authentication comprises an initial setup comprising negotiating a secure network connection between client and server using TLS, providing a unique ASI by the server, associating the ASI with a TLS protocol session identifier, transmitting the unique ASI and the TLS protocol session identifier to the client, and establishing the secure network connection between the client and server. Subsequent data packets transferred between the client and server may include the unique ASI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Gustav Gerald Vos
  • Publication number: 20140273548
    Abstract: A connector component for operably coupling a removable integrated circuit component such as a Micro SIM™, to a host PCB is provided. The connector component is configured to fit within an aperture formed within the host PCB and houses the removable integrated circuit component within an internal cavity. The connector component includes a coupling portion configured for coupling to the top face of the host PCB, and a port for insertion and removal of the removable integrated circuit component which is exposed within the bottom face of the host PCB. The connector component may be made flush with the bottom face of the host PCB, and the host PCB may optionally be populated on one side only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Bruce Richard John Samuels, Edwin Sy Liu
  • Publication number: 20140266953
    Abstract: An antenna is provided comprising a pair of driven elements and a pair of passive elements. The driven elements are disposed on opposite sides of a reference plane, and the passive elements are also disposed on opposite sides of the reference plane. One or both passive elements may be provided in a different plane than the driven elements. By varying placement of the passive elements the antenna radiation pattern can be altered. An antenna array is also provided, comprising two or more oppositely directed directional antennas at least one of which is as described above. The passive elements of the antennas can be adjusted for a desired coverage pattern of the array, such as an azimuthal omnidirectional pattern, for example through simulation. The antenna or array may be embodied on a printed circuit board.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventor: Chih-Chuan YEN
  • Publication number: 20140250513
    Abstract: A system and method for transferring configuration information between wireless access points is provided. Configuration information may include SSID and password, but also certain settings such as network and subnetwork settings. A first wireless access point may be a mobile hotspot, and a second wireless access point may be a docking station. The first wireless access point is initially active and operating using certain configuration information. Upon a trigger event such as a docking or undocking event, the configuration information is transferred to the second wireless access point. The first wireless access point ceases using the transferred configuration information, for example by switching off or adjusting its configuration, and the second wireless access point begins using the transferred configuration information. The configuration information may be transferred back upon a second trigger event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: James Cao, Mikio-Yves Matsuo
  • Patent number: 8812730
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for network port and network address translation. Several problems with limited addressability may occur when transmitting data packets between a terminal in a first network and a terminal in a second network that is outside the first network. Data forwarding rules are used to define if and how identifiers of data packets to be forwarded between the two networks correlate with each other. According to embodiments, a data forwarding rule includes a first identifier associated with the first network and a second identifier associated with the second network, wherein each identifier has two parts: a source address and source port number corresponding to a source network node, and a destination address and destination port number corresponding to a destination network node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Gustav Gerald Vos, Richard Thomas Kavanaugh, Andrew Hasley Watson Mitchell, William Yih Yuan Waung
  • Patent number: 8811906
    Abstract: The present technology provides an apparatus and a method for transmitting data via two or more FM signals in an interference avoiding manner. The apparatus comprises at least two FM transmitters. Each FM transmitter is configured to transmit a FM signal on a particular FM channel characterized by a certain carrier frequency that includes data and optionally one or more corresponding alternative frequencies (AFs). The apparatus further includes at least two receivers for receiving incoming electromagnetic radiation (EMR). At least one of the receivers is configured to receive incoming EMR associated with at least one of the FM channels, and another is configured to receive incoming EMR at least at frequencies outside of the FM channels. The controller is configured to separately control activation and deactivation of the FM transmitters and determine the carrier frequencies and the one or more AFs based upon incoming EMR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashish Syal, Roderick David Earle Filer, Behrouz Pourseyed, Steven John Bennett
  • Publication number: 20140185534
    Abstract: The present technology provides for an LTE system comprising a UE which is configured to perform blind HARQ combining of PDCCH messages, and an eNB which is configured with a HARQ transmission mechanism for such PDCCH messages. The PDCCH messages may be uplink or downlink grant messages, for example. In some embodiments, up to 8 messages may be combined via HARQ. Such HARQ combining may facilitate realizing a practical coverage gain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SIERRA WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Gustav Gerald Vos, Ghasem Naddafzadeh Shirazi, Lutz Hans-Joachim Lampe, Ramon Khalona
  • Patent number: 8707406
    Abstract: An application processor is electrically and logically decoupled from a wireless data network module so that it may go to sleep independently. A security association may be established between the wireless data network module and a wireless data network. Then the application processor may be placed in a suspend state while maintaining the security association between the wireless data network module and the wireless data network. This allows email polling, for example, to occur without having to re-establish the security association by logging in again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sierra Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Peter Robert Tosey