Abstract: A digital audio broadcast channel is used in accordance with the principles of the present invention to broadcast local content information signals included with an associated geographically identifying code (e.g., a zip code) for reception only by those receivers associated with the geographically identifying code. Preferably, local content broadcasts containing audible information are preferably compressed for transmission to increase the capacity of the channel. A disclosed receiver monitors received signals for active local broadcasting relating to that particular locality, and switches to the reception of that local content information signal instead of the normal mode of reception of a general broadcast information signal for the duration of the local content information signal. Preferably, the unique local broadcast identifier code is contained in a header of the transmitted data packets.

Abstract: A more robust error correction capability is provided for the control data passed between a remote handset and its base unit in a DECT digital cordless telephone. According to the DECT standard as implemented in digital cordless telephones, one communication channel is used for control data and another is used for the voice data. While the DECT standard allows proprietary formats to be transmitted in the voice data channel, it fixes the information transmitted in the control data to ensure interoperability. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the data rate of the voice data is reduced from a conventional 32 kb/s to provide bandwidth for error protection information. The error protection information may include, e.g., a redundant copy of the control data to provide the basis for a diversity scheme to improve the reliability of the control data transmission. Additionally, or alternatively, the error protection information may include error correction information, e.g.

Abstract: A cordless telephone is arranged for operation in a frequency hopping system includes an arrangement which achieves optimum utilization of multiple cordless telephone portable units by permitting these units to simultaneously access a common base unit. A physical layer of an air interface is provided by a two channel time division multiple access protocol for supporting a two channel multiple access system for the portable units. These two channels are considered as virtual channels and not dedicated to any particular telephone line, as in the case of two line telephone products. Nor are these two channels dedicated to any particular portable unit, but rather they are available for use by any portable unit in the telephone. A signaling layer of the air interface is provided for supporting the two channel multiple access system. Two types of subframes, acquisition and traffic, are illustratively provided in the air interface for the cordless telephone.

Abstract: A method and system for remotely controlling an interactive voice response (IVR) system. At least one command for controlling the IVR system is displayed using a graphical user interface based on locally stored information relating to a command menu for the IVR. When a command is selected from the display, a command sequence, that includes at least one DTMF tone, is generated that is related to each selected command. The command sequence also includes at least one DTMF tone that controls the IVR system to return to a higher level within the command menu when the command menu is hierarchical.

Abstract: A manufacturing method which includes forming a metallic, aluminum-containing layer adherent to a surface of a body. The method includes the steps of depositing aluminum on the surface from an aluminum-containing vapor, and during the aluminum-depositing step, the further step of depositing arsenic, phosphorus, or antimony on the surface from the vapor.