Abstract: A plurality of devices communicate information over a wireless network at radio frequencies. The information includes digital audio, video and data. Bandwidth among the devices is dynamically allocated, the allocation being based upon the needs of the devices. One embodiment of the wireless network is a Time Division Multiple Access network. Another embodiment is a wireless Ethernet. Yet another embodiment is a Frequency Division Multiplexed network.

Abstract: A wireless communication unit for a wireless communication system transmits and receives video, audio and data signals within an RF bandwidth. The RF bandwidth is allocated among the video, audio and data signals to allow the video, audio and data signals to fit within the RF bandwidth. The allocation is performed by buffering the signals, making priority assignments to each of the buffered signals, and transmitting the buffered signals according to the priority assignments. The transmitted signals occupy the RF bandwidth in portions specified by the priority assignments. The priority assignments can be changed during a communication link. The subscriber unit receives a transmission header from another party on the communication link, which may include a request by the other party to change the priority assignments. If such a request is received, the subscriber unit automatically changes the priority assignments in response to the request.

Abstract: A wireless communication device may take the form of a cellular telephone, of a portable personal communication device, or even of a desk top personal computer which is equipped to communicate over the wireless cellular communication system in effect in a particular area. The wireless communication device is configured to self-adapt to various operating frequencies and communication protocols which may be present in the cellular communication environment so that the device is able to provide communications in several service areas even though the frequencies of operation and the communication protocols in use in the service areas may be incompatible with one another.

Abstract: A wireless communication device may take the form of a cellular telephone, of a portable personal communication device, or even of a desk top personal computer which is equipped to communicate over the wireless cellular communication system in effect in a particular area. The wireless communication device is configured to self-adapt to various operating frequencies and communication protocols which may be present in the cellular communication environment so that the device is able to provide communications in several service areas even though the frequencies of operation and the communication protocols in use in the service areas may be incompatible with one another. The wireless communication device may also include facilities for transmitting and receiving video, graphics, and data files over an RF bandwidth.

Abstract: A plurality of devices communicate information over a wireless network at radio frequencies. The information includes digital audio, video and data. Bandwidth among the devices is dynamically allocated, the allocation being based upon the needs of the devices. One embodiment of the wireless network is a Time Division Multiple Access network. Another embodiment is a wireless Ethernet. Yet another embodiment is a Frequency Division Multiplexed network.

Abstract: A personal interface system allows a user to access personal records on a database. Each user is provided with a personal interface device. The personal interface device is equipped with wireless and wired communication equipment, allowing a user to access the database anywhere, at any time. A measure of security is provided by a smart card, which must be inserted into the personal interface device.

Abstract: A wireless communication unit for a wireless communication system transmits and receives video and audio signals over an RF bandwidth. The RF bandwidth is allocated among the audio and video signals to allow the audio and video signals to fit within the RF bandwidth. The allocation is performed by varying the rates of compression of the audio and video signals. The communication unit is applicable to subscriber units and base stations. Subscriber units such as cellular telephones can display the video images by using fast digital-to-analog converters and a dither technique. During a communication link, the subscriber unit receives a transmission header from another party on the communication link. The transmission header may include a request by the other party to change the allocation of the audio and video signals. If such a request is received, the subscriber unit automatically changes the allocation in response to the request.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for compressing and decompressing audio and video signals. The audio and video signals can be compressed and decompressed according to different standards, such as MPEG-1 and MPEG-2. The audio and video signals can also be compressed and decompressed at different rates. Compression rates can be varied to fit the audio and video signals into a narrow transmission bandwidth, such as an RF transmission bandwidth.

Abstract: A method (30) for interleaving a plurality of formatted data streams (10) on a network (20) wherein the formatted data streams (10) are divided into a further plurality of time bites (44) and synch characters (48) are added thereto in an add synch character operation (46). The time bites (44) are then transmitted as am assembled serial data stream (39) in a serializer (31). In a deserializer (32) the time bits (44) are reconstituted into the separate individual formatted data streams (10).

Abstract: A traffic control system includes a traffic planner that communicates with a cellular telephone system to help manage the flow of traffic, especially when emergency vehicles are rushing to a destination. The cellular communication system determines the location of the emergency vehicle, and relays the location to the traffic planner. The traffic planner, in turn, controls the traffic lights to clear the traffic along the route traveled by the emergency vehicle. The cellular communication system can also determine the location of any vehicle carrying a subscriber unit and provide navigational information that helps the vehicle arrive at its destination. The navigational information includes road maps and directions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer capable of transmitting and receiving video and audio signals over an RF bandwidth. The RF bandwidth is allocated among the audio and video signals to allow the audio and video signals to be fitted within the RF bandwidth. The allocation is performed by varying the rates of compression of the audio and video signals. The video is displayed by using fast digital-to-analog converters and a dither technique. An existing computer can be configured for wireless communications by inserting into its backplate a board including a transceiver for transmitting and receiving compressed audio and video signals. The computer's microprocessor is programmed to perform the bandwidth allocation, and can even be programmed to compress and decompress the audio and video signals.