Abstract: In a system for performing signal transmission, through a field bus, between field devices and higher-rank apparatuses connected on a transmission line, the field devices are of the analog signal type. A substitution device is provided between the analog type field devices and the field bus. The substitution device acts to perform communication on the field bus as a substitute for the field devices. By the substitution device, the field devices can be gradually changed to those adapted to the field bus as occasion demands, so that an existing system can be transformed step by step into a field bus system.

Abstract: A receiver is provided to receive at least a first call number with accompanying message information and a second call number with accompanying common information (e.g. time, weather, stock quotes). The power is supplied to the wireless section of the selective call receiver only for the time period during which information associated with each call number is received. Further, the second call number is common to all receivers and may be received each time the first call number is received. To reduce the consumption of the power supply, the receiver is provided with an execution control signal which may be selectively operated either manually or automatically to control the reception of the second call number. When the second call number is not received or when information is not transmitted in time slots allocated for that purpose, a reduction in the consumption of the power supply is attained.

Abstract: A transmitter direction identifier is disclosed in conjunction with an automotive keyless entry assembly. The transmitter direction identifier includes a transmitter for sending a coded signal; a receiver for receiving the coded signal from the transmitter; a spatial differentiator for identifying the direction of the transmitter relative to a receiver from the coded signal received from the transmitter, the spatial differentiator creating a location signal; and a control unit electrically connected to the spatial differentiator wherein the control unit converts the location signal into command signal for subsequent use.

Abstract: A radio communication system (100) includes a system controller (102) for encoding data information to generate data messages which have periodic error protection at one or more burst error frequencies. The system controller (102) transmits one or more of the data messages to at least two transmitters (103) for simultaneous transmission of the one or more data messages. The first and second transmitters (103) have radio carrier frequencies which are offset by an offset frequency which is substantially equivalent to one of the one or more burst error frequencies. A selective call receiver (106) receives and decodes a radio signal including a data message having periodic burst errors at the offset frequency and wherein the data message includes encoding which provides substantial periodic burst error protection at the offset frequency.

Abstract: A selective call receiver such as a pager (44) sorts and stores received messages (24-32) by categories and, optionally, by sub-categories as well. The category of a received message is determined by comparing a received message to identifying data (106) stored in the pager (44). Both the identifying data (106) and the categories can by changed by the user. When the category of a received message has been determined, a user alert is generated, the alert being indicative of the category of the message.

Abstract: When a switch for manually terminating an informing operation of a call informing device is not depressed during an informing operation, the informing operation is automatically halted after a first set time of a first timer. After a second period of time T, determined by a second timer, elapses from the start of the informing operation, the informing operation is repeated for the first set time of the first timer. After the second period of time T elapses from the start of the second informing operation, the informing operation is repeated. The informing operations are performed, halted and repeated until the user terminates the operation of the call informing device. During the period of time from the first informing operation to the depression of the switch, a counter and a timer setting circuit increment the second period of time (halt interval) to N.T corresponding to the increase in the number N times of the informing operation.

Abstract: In a non-contact IC card system which transmits and receives signals between an interrogator and a transponder, a transmitter-receiver used for the interrogator comprises a distance detecting means for detecting the distance between the interrogator and the transponder, and an output control means for controlling the output level of the interrogator in accordance with the signals detected by the distance detecting means, so as to keep the receiving level of the transponder within the range of a given value. The receiving level in the transponder can be prevented from varying depending on the distance between the interrogator and the transponder, so that it becomes unnecessary to provide a protective circuit against an excessive increase of the receiving level. The optimum threshold voltage can also be prevented from varying.

Abstract: A SCT (Selective Call Transceiver) (10) includes a memory (54) which stores a list (60) of addressees with whom the SCT user normally communicates. The memory also stores, for each of selected addresses, an associated group (62) of customized messages. The SCT (10) has a processor (18) that is programmed to permit the user to easily choose a customized message to be sent to an addressee, either by way of replying to a previously received message or by initiating transmission of a new communication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is for use in a radio communication system (100) for delivering a message from a system controller (102) to a selective call device. In the system controller (102) the method includes the steps of generating a first message intended for the selective call device (106), changing a delivery state of the first message to undelivered after the first message has been transmitted at least once from the system controller (102), and storing the first message in the system controller (102) when the delivery state is changed to undelivered. In the selective call device the method includes the steps of determining that the first message is stored in the system controller (102) and presenting user with information which indicates that an undeliverable message is being stored by the system controller (102) in response to determining that the first message (102) is stored in the system controller (102).

Abstract: A memory is provided for storing purposes utilizing the audio/video system, and kinds of signal media, and a display is provided for displaying the data stored in the memory. In order to select data displayed on the display, a keyboard is provided. In response to a selection by operation of the keyboard, an available device is automatically selected and operated by a control unit.

Abstract: A learning type IR function code transmitter includes a memory storing the IR function codes of a large variety of different brands of transmitters. The learning transmitter includes an IR receiver and a microprocessor for detecting IR function codes transmitted from a teaching transmitter. The memory is searched when an on/off IR function code is required from the teaching transmitter. If a match is found between the received IR function code and one of the stored IR function codes, and if a unique set of IR function codes corresponding to the identified brand of teaching transmitter IR function codes exists, the transmitter keyboard is configured to operate with the function codes that correspond to the teaching transmitter. Provision is made for teaching one or more certain IR function codes to selected keys of the learning transmitter where such certain IR function codes are not found in the memory.

Abstract: A communication system (100) for providing messages to a pager (140) includes a first sub-system (105) having a home terminal (125) for normally transmitting the messages to the pager (140) in a first geographic region. The communication system (100) also includes a second sub-system (115) having a local terminal (135) for transmitting the messages to the pager (140) when the pager (140) has roamed into a second geographic region. The local terminal (135) of the second sub-system (115) includes a data port (505) for receiving a message for transmission to the pager (140), a controller (510) for determining that the pager is roaming, and a requester (580) for automatically transmitting a request for a subscriber record associated with the pager (140) from the first sub-system (105) in response to determining that the pager (140) is roaming.

Abstract: This invention relates to resonant LC responders that are placed inside objects such as toys. The device includes an interrogation or base unit which sends a pulse and passive responders which reply with their unique frequency which is sensed by the base unit. The base unit senses the frequency and triggers a response in the play pattern of the object such as speaking or turning on a motor. The invention can discriminate multiple responders based on their frequency or location. Further, the device can interface with active responders as well. The invention provides a low cost, simple device to provide recognition particularly at a distance in interactive toys.

Abstract: In transferring a supervisory right requirement signal in a submarine cable communication network system comprising a plurality of stations, a particular one of the stations being connected with other ones of the stations as opposite stations through submarine cables including repeaters, the particular station transmits a particular signal representative of the supervisory right requirement assigned thereto to the opposite stations through the submarine cables, respectively. Each of the opposite stations receives the particular signal as a received particular signal. Each of the opposite stations discriminates from the received particular signal that the particular signal is transmitted from the particular station. Then, each of the opposite stations returns the received particular signal to the particular station as a specific signal. The particular station receives the specific signal from each of the opposite stations as a received specific signal.

Abstract: A system for remote control of electrical load devices, particularly electrical lighting where the commands are broadcast over a radio pager system. A radio pager receiver is located within or nearby the electrical light fixture and is normally in a standby state, receives the commands broadcast. The radio pager receiver is connected to a computer processor and electronic circuitry. The computer processor interprets the commands and instructs the electronic circuitry to perform a desired operation. These operations include but are not limited to turning an electrical light element or group of electrical light elements on or off, dimming the light element or reprogramming the electrical light element to be included in a different control group of lights. Before the operation is accomplished, the computer processor checks for the appropriate security code entry.

Abstract: Improvements to access control systems include the provision of a database in an access control device (i.e. key) and procedures assuring that the database, and a master database, are kept up to date. In the particular context of a real estate lockbox system, the keys are provided with a database detailing houses listed for sale in the local area. Updates to this personal database are conditioned on users first uploading to a master database data that their keys have collected in the course of their interactions with lockboxes. Additional features include the provision of statistical data on listing and agent data, a menu by which the access device solicits user feedback on a property just visited, and scheduling appointments to show certain listed properties. Radio communications are used in certain embodiments for updating the database and exchanging other data between the access devices (i.e. keys) and a clearinghouse.

Abstract: A radio pager capable of displaying a message implemented as a fixed sentence includes a radio section for receiving and demodulating a paging signal. A first storage stores a plurality of address numbers allocated to the pager, and a comparing section compares an address number included in the demodulated paging signal with each of the address numbers stored in the first storage, and outputs, if the address number included in the demodulated paging signal is identical with any of the address numbers stored in the first storage, the address number included in the demodulated paging signal as an address number assigned to the pager while writing message data following the address number in a message memory. A second storage stores a plurality of tables each listing a particular kind of fixed sentences. A third storage stores correspondence between the address numbers allocated to the pager and the tables.

Abstract: Contact-free cards that have at least two coupling elements spatially separated from one another such as, inductor coils, capacitors plates or photoreceivers, that utilize the effects derived from the spatial distance of the coupling elements from one another, i.e. stereo effect, is provided. The contact-free chip cards use the stereo effect to decide whether they are located within a prescribed range of a transmitter receiver. The range of the access can be reduced further, but cannot be increased beyond a fixed limit. Thus, access to the data of such cards outside this range is precluded. Such cards can additionally be equipped with means for switchable authorization of remote access. The contact-free card apparatus of the present invention further provides that it is the card itself and not the card environment that decides whether it is located in the near range of the terminal device such that it allows protectable access to its data and prohibits access from a greater distance.

Abstract: A trainable transceiver provides an integrated trainable transmitter and control system receiver for a vehicle electrical system. The transceiver includes an input circuit and an output circuit coupled to a controller. The transceiver also includes an interface connected between the controller and the vehicle's electrical system. The input circuit which receives RF signals includes an amplitude control for adjusting the reception range of the transceiver. The transceiver also disconnects the output circuit from the antenna in a remote control training mode or a transmitter signal detection mode. The transceiver is manually controlled to enter the remote control training mode and a transmission mode for controlling a remote device. The transceiver automatically enters the transmitter signal detection mode on a periodic basis.

Abstract: A selective call receiver adapted to display a newly received message, when it is directed to an address optionally selected under current display, without automatically resetting the display of the message. When a given switch is activated while a message assigned with the current address is displayed, a CPU is interrupted so that a timer is set to an infinite reset time. In this mode, when newly transmitted data is received, its address is compared with the address already stored in the memory of the decoder. If both the addresses are the same, the new message is displayed on the LCD. If they are different, the new address and message are stored in RAM without executing signalling operation or the display operation.