Abstract: A data distribution system includes a controller communicatively coupled to an origin. A plurality of mobile units capable of storing, receiving, and communicating data pass within communication range of the origin. The controller has data configured for a destination, but the destination is communicatively unlinked from the controller. To communicate the data to the destination, the controller selects a mobile unit passing in range of the origin and communicates the data. The mobile unit has a route at least approximately allied with a geographical location of the destination. The mobile unit stores the data and continues traveling. The mobile unit communicates the data to the destination if in the communication range of the destination unit. Alternatively, the mobile unit communicates the data to another mobile unit if the other mobile unit has a route at least approximately more allied with the geographical location of the destination.

Abstract: A method (500) and system for compensation of frequency offset between a first transceiver (102) and a second transceiver (104) in wireless communication are disclosed. The compensation of the frequency offset between two or more transceivers (102, 104) is achieved by transmitting a set of frequency synchronization bursts. These bursts contain information about the frequency offset. The frequency synchronization bursts are transmitted by the first transceiver at a range of frequencies above and below its carrier frequency (502). When system conditions permit, a subset of the set of frequency synchronization bursts may be transmitted instead of transmitting the full set of frequency synchronization bursts.

Abstract: A method for sending messages from a particular device to one or more other devices communicants (300) uses the relative geographic location of the targeted devices as addressing criteria. The particular device forms or joins a network of potential communicants, and exchanges information to determine their relative geographic location with respect to that of the particular device (310, 320). The relative geographic location is preferably defined by a directional component and a range component. The communication device then selects for communication those devices that meet specific criteria, such as a specific direction and range, and transmits a message to the selected devices (330, 332, 334, 336).

Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining a location for each of a plurality of units, which is selected from one of multiple sets of locations, which are each estimated based upon different initial location estimates. The selected set of locations includes the set which has the minimum error value, where the error value is based on the aggregate of the differences between the range determined from the estimated locations and the measured range. By using different sets of initial location estimates, there is a greater chance that at least one of the sets of initial location estimates will avoid any local minimums and produce a more accurate estimate of unit locations.

Abstract: A direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) receiver (100) consistent with certain embodiments has a frequency generator (112) that generates a local oscillator signal without use of a piezoelectric crystal. A frequency converter (108) receives the local oscillator signal and mixes the local oscillator signal with a received DSSS signal to produce a down-converted signal. The received DSSS signal is encoded using a first set of DSSS code. A differential chip detector (116) receives the down-converted signal and converts the down-converted signal to a differentially detected signal. A correlator (120) receives the differentially detected signal and correlates the detected signal with a set of DSSS codes that are time-shifted from the first set of DSSS codes. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multimode receiver design for mitigation of frequency offset by selective demodulation of an input modulated signal. The receiver (103) comprises a plurality of demodulators (207). Each of the plurality of demodulators (207) has the same functionality but different receiver sensitivity versus frequency-offset mitigation characteristics. Each of these demodulators incorporates a different demodulation technique. A suitable demodulator is selected to demodulate the received signal. The choice of a suitable demodulator is based on the value of the frequency offset (305, 307).

Abstract: A method (500) and system for compensation of frequency offset between a first transceiver (102) and a second transceiver (104) in wireless communication are disclosed. The compensation of the frequency offset between two or more transceivers (102, 104) is achieved using frequency synchronization bursts. These bursts contain information about the frequency offset. The frequency synchronization bursts are transmitted by the first transceiver at a range of frequencies above and below its carrier frequency (502). A second transceiver that receives at least one of these bursts (504) determines the frequency offset (504), and adjusts its frequency to match the frequency of the first transceiver (508). Thereafter, the second transceiver may enter a low power sleep mode (510) in order to reduce its power consumption. The second transceiver returns to active mode (512) just before the start of the transmission of the data packets (514).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixed-media call formatting. A preferred format for a call can be determined from different mixed media communication formats. The mixed media communication formats can include a text format and an audible speech format. A media format mode signal can be sent or received. The media format mode signal can indicate a preferred format for a call. The call can be connected in the preferred format.