Abstract: In a system of communicating between a master communication device and a plurality of slave communication devices, the master determines if any of the plurality of slave devices exist within a defined geographic area and, if so sends a bit-by-bit command for the slaves to identify themselves via a unique binary identification number. To avoid collision when the slaves respond, the slaves respond to the master's command within a predetermined period of a time window providing the ID bit by bit. Responses are acknowledged by the master such that only one slave is able to respond with its compute full ID after a bit-by-bit command from the master.

Abstract: A pager configured for storing and displaying a plurality of messages, each of the plurality of messages having associated therewith a message slot number, wherein the pager displays each one of the plurality of messages and the message slot number associated therewith and flashes the associated message slot number when the respective message that is displayed has not been read.

Abstract: The present invention includes wireless communication systems, interfacing devices, communication methods, methods of interfacing with an interrogator, and methods of operating an interrogator. According to one embodiment, a wireless communication system includes a remote communication device; an interrogator configured to output a forward link wireless communication and receive a reply link wireless communication from the remote communication device responsive to the forward link wireless communication; and an interface device configured to interface with the interrogator using a wireless medium, the interrogator being configured to be controlled by the interface device.

Abstract: A multimode electronic device having a plurality of manually actuated buttons for selecting between a plurality of modes and functions wherein at least one of the modes has at least two second level functions. The device can cycle among the modes upon the repeated activation of a first button and can cycle among the functions upon the repeated activation of a second button. The multi-level hierarchy including both modes and functions provides for a more improved user interface with improved functionality.

Abstract: A radio control device is provided that has the D/R function wherein the rate can be switched by a simple operation without impairing the operability of a stick. The adjustment value (rate) determining a relationship between stick operation amount and servo motor operation amount is switched at the changeover point arbitrarily set within a range of stick operation amounts. The rate 1 is 100% while the rate 2 is 60%. The point 1 is set to the position corresponding to about 65% of the maximum value of the stick operation amount in the right direction (or down direction). The point 2 is set to the position corresponding to about 85% of the maximum value of the stick operation amount in the left direction (or up direction). In the rate 2, the rudder does not effectively work over the range where the operation amount of the stick is relatively small. When the adjustment value exceeds the point, the mode enters the rate 1, so that the rudder works effectively.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification system includes a transponder and a transponder reader. The transponder, responsive to an interrogation signal continuously transmitted by the transponder reader, generates a transponder signal modulated by an identification signal readable by the transponder reader. The identification signal includes a synchronization portion, a data portion, an output format identification portion, and an error detection portion. The output format identification portion is used by the reader to configure itself for communication with an attached controller. In another aspect of the invention, the transponder reader may be configured to read FSK as well as PSK encoded signals from the transponder.

Abstract: A vehicle lock apparatus in which a wireless door lock function and an immobilizing function are established is provided. A key (26) is provided with a battery (30), a switch (32) and a control IC (28). An antenna-coil 12 is mounted at an end portion of a key cylinder (10). A wireless antenna (20) is mounted at a predetermined position in a vehicle. When the switch (32) is turned on, a wireless signal is transmitted by the control IC (28) so that the wireless door lock function is established.

Abstract: In the keyless entry control, if control switches are operated again while a transmission process specified by the control switch is being executed, function codes specified by states of operation of the control switch are stored by a transmitter. A remote control signal generated by converting the stored function code is transmitted after the completion of the preceding transmission process. If the control switch is operated twice to unlock all the doors of a vehicle, the doors other than that beside a driver's scat are unlocked by a transmission process corresponding to the second operation of the control switch after the door beside the driver's seat is unlocked in response to the first operation of the control switch.

Abstract: A device for detecting a key inserted into a motor vehicle lock includes a transmitter and a receiver connected to a micro-processor and a circuit connected directly between the transmitter and receiver and bypassing the microprocessor. When the key is inserted in the lock, the key communicates over a communications link with a lock-end interrogation device emitting intermittent interrogation pulses. The receiver activates the circuit upon receiving an interrogation pulse and actuates the transmitter to transmit a response pulse in response to the interrogation pulse. A key has a system for detecting whether it is inserted in a motor vehicle lock and includes a microprocessor, and a circuit connected directly between a transmitter and a receiver for sensing externally fed-in signals and bypassing the microprocessor.

Abstract: A method for receiving and processing an incoming message in a wireless messaging terminal is disclosed. In particular, the method includes providing a receiver which receives the message and a memory for storing the message. The method further includes matching the message with a pre-recorded voice prompt stored in the memory and retrieving the voice prompt from the memory. In addition, the method includes playing the voice prompt as an audible alert signal through an audio output device.

Abstract: A key system using an ID card which can output ID data is combined with a mechanical ignition key. The key system is provided with a transceiver for receiving ID data from the ID card, a flash memory for storing the ID data and a CPU. When the stored ID data in the flash memory coincides with the ID card data obtained by the transceiver and operation is performed with the ignition key, the CPU enables the operation of an engine start. Furthermore, if a preset protection time has elapsed since the CPU recognizes the coincidence of the stored and ID card data, the operation by the ignition key is nullified.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system, and a method for communication between multiple base stations and radio frequency (RF) transponders (RF Tags) is disclosed. A first radio frequency (RF) base station for communicating RF signals with an RF tag communicates external trigger signals with at least a second RF base station, which causes the second RF base station to begin transmission.

Abstract: In an electronic add-on device for an automobile, in particular, a car radio having a key card designed as a chip card, which is insertable in a slot to safeguard the device from theft, the device includes such a control circuit that the inserted chip card can also allow the device to be operated even after the chip card is removed from the slot, until the device is disconnected from the power supply.

Abstract: A group selected from a plurality of portable subscriber units (122) is defined (402), and a plurality of locations corresponding to members of the group are identified (404) by a controller (112) in cooperation with a base station and the group members. The controller determines (406) from the plurality of locations at least one distance between selected ones of the members, and sends (408) a notification when the at least one distance satisfies a predetermined set of rules.

Abstract: A remote control system has a remote control device equipped with a handling sensor (e.g., motion sensor) that detects when a user first picks up or otherwise handles the handset before actuating the keys. The handling sensor generates a signal that is automatically transmitted to the controlled device without requiring any user input. The signal is received at a controlled device and initiates a startup phase. In this manner, the startup phase is well underway before the user actually presses a key on the remote control device. Upon conclusion of the startup phase, the user may enter commands using the keys.

Abstract: A trainable transmitter includes code generation circuitry and a socket for receiving a plug-in module including circuitry for generating an RF signal. By selecting the appropriate plug-in module, the user can expand the frequency transmission range of the transmitter beyond that which may be pre-installed on the transmitter.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a controlled access storage system for the delivery and retrieval of an item having a transponder associated therewith. In this regard, the transponder is programmed with data specific to the item. The transponder is configured to transmit item identification data. The storage system is provided with an enclosure sized and configured to store the item. The storage system is further provided with a locking mechanism for unlocking the enclosure for access therein in response to an unlock signal. The storage system is further provided with a transponder communications device which is configured to electrically interrogate the transponder and to receive the item identification data in response.

Abstract: A remote control system for a vehicle includes a controller for learning a unique code of a remote transmitter to define a learned remote transmitter capable of causing performance of a function associated with the vehicle, for example. The controller performs remote transmitter verification to generate an indication relating to whether a new uniquely coded remote transmitter has been learned by the controller. The remote control system is advantageously used, in one embodiment, for a vehicle security system. Transmitter verification may also be incorporated in a remote keyless entry system, remote engine starting system, and a door access system, for example. In one embodiment, the remote transmitter verification is based upon the controller being recently entered into the remote transmitter learning mode. According to another embodiment, the remote transmitter verification is based upon a number of learned remote transmitters, a change in that number, or a change in a learned code of a remote transmitter.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for permitting a user of a selective call receiver (31) to receive a certain number of personal messages and information service updates without paying a fee for such services in return for reading advertisements wirelessly transmitted to the selective call receiver. The user is allowed to read the advertisements at any time prior to receiving the personal messages and information service updates. The certain number is proportional to the number of advertisements read. The certain number can be increased by the user responding to questions within advertisements using reverse channel messaging capabilities of a selective call transceiver (32), or by using a conventional telephone (22).

Abstract: A door approach transmission apparatus comprises an outside door handle 20 having a conductor with a slit 23 disposed in the door handle surface. A slot antenna 21, 23, 24, 25 is disposed at the slit 23, and includes feeding points 24, 25 installed on the conductor. The apparatus also includes a transmitter 26 for applying voltage for radio wave oscillation to the feeding points 24, 25. The above-described door approach transmission and reception apparatus can be used in a door lock control apparatus where a search radio wave is emitted from a vehicle, a portable wireless device 10 receives the search radio wave, and returns an ID signal. An electrically driven door lock apparatus 40 is driven to unlock the door when the returned ID signal coincides with a registered ID signal. The search radio wave is irradiated from the slot antenna. Either of a transmitter 26 and a receiver 33 is selectively connected to the feeding points 24, 25.