Abstract: A handheld patient communication device (10) comprises a data port (12), a memory (14), a processor (16), and a patient interface device (18). The data port (12) is a “wireless” data port, meaning only that it is not hard-wired to the service provider operating system (30). This allows the patient to input, review and update personal information and medical information, view documents and videos selected by the doctor for that patient, take tests for evaluation of the patient's knowledge of, cause of, and treatment for, the underlying medical condition so that the doctor can more effectively determine the appropriate treatment for that patient.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in aligning frames in a receiver of a data transmission system include checking one or more bit positions associated with a received data stream to determine a number of bits in the bit positions, respectively, that match a predetermined bit pattern. The number for a bit position is compared to a first threshold value and a second threshold value. A bit position is identified as being associated with a false framing pattern or mimic when the number is not less than the first threshold value. A bit position is identified as a potential framing bit position or possible framing bit position when the number is not less than the second threshold value. The first threshold value is changed when a bit position is identified as a potential framing bit position and another bit position is identified as being associated with a false framing pattern.

Abstract: A single framer engine operates on multiple DS1 lines. The framer engines includes a memory structure for pre-aligning and storing data received from a line interface unit. The memory structure is configurable for compatibility with standard transmission formats. A recognition or comparison unit processes the pre-aligned data to determine the proper pattern sequence.