Abstract: A selective call receiver (5) comprises receiver circuitry (14) for receiving a message, a display (22) for displaying a key pad arrangement (70) and for displaying the received message in a message display area (68). A microcomputer (20) and user controls (12) interact with the key pad arrangement (70) to modify the received message. A method of displaying the received message comprises the steps of displaying the key pad arrangement (70) and interacting with the key pad arrangement (70) so as to modify the message or add a new message.

Abstract: A radio modem (100) having application software (128) stored therein receives upgrade information via over-the-air selective call messaging. The upgrade information comprises upgrade installation information and upgrade data. A microprocessor (108) compiles the upgrade installation information and operates to upgrade the application software (128) in accordance with the upgrade installation information and in response to the upgrade data. Likewise, application software in the computer (302) can be upgraded by over-the-air transmission of upgrade information to the radio modem (100).

Abstract: A battery powered electronic device (105) for coupling to a host computer (205 ) comprises an interface (115) for transmitting data and an annunciator (340) for generating a sensible alert. The electronic device (105) further comprises interface monitoring circuitry (320) coupled to the interface (115) for determining an interface status as being active or inactive and voltage monitoring circuitry (360) coupled to a battery (355) for monitoring the battery voltage. Threshold detection circuitry (360) coupled to the voltage monitoring circuitry (360) detects that the battery voltage has exceeded a predetermined threshold voltage and generates a low battery signal in response thereto. A controller (320) receives the low battery signal and, in response thereto, provides a low battery indication to the interface (115) when the interface (115) has an active status and provides an activation signal to the annunciator (340) when the interface (115) has an inactive status.

Abstract: A method in a radio communication device (110) for receiving a lengthy message comprises the steps of receiving an RF signal (300) comprising header information (310) and submessages (305), wherein each submessage (305) is a portion of the lengthy message, and comparing header information (310) corresponding to a submessage (305) with header information corresponding to previously stored submessages, If the header information (310) corresponding to the submessage (305) is not substantially equivalent to header information corresponding to at least one of the previously stored submessages, the submessage is stored in a memory (225). The method further comprises the step of combining the submessages (305), in response to the header information (310), to form the lengthy message.

Abstract: A selective call terminal receives selective call information from a message originator. A transmission time is scheduled for the selective call message by a selective call system controller. A plurality of simulcast schedulers coupled to the controller receive and store the selective call message and the transmission time. The simulcast schedulers have an equalization time stored therein, the equalization times for each of the simulcast schedulers calculated by the system controller using simulcast receivers for measuring signal time differences between transmitters. The simulcast schedulers provide the selective call message to corresponding transmitters at a time to transmit the selective call message, the time determined by the transmission time and the equalization time. Transmitter settings and code types defining signalling protocol, data bit rate, carrier frequency and transmitter power, for each message are varied in accordance with information received from the system controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in a selective call receiver (100) choose and load a software driver program (124) into an external computer (302). The apparatus comprises a data interface (118) for coupling with the external computer (302) and a memory (122) containing pre-programmed data comprising a plurality of executable software driver programs (124). The apparatus further comprises a processor (108) coupled to the memory (122) and to the data interface (118) for controlling interactions between the memory (122) and the data interface (118).

Abstract: A selective call terminal receives selective call information from a message originator. A transmission time is scheduled for the selective call message by a selective call system controller. A plurality of simulcast schedulers coupled to the controller receive and store the selective call message and the transmission time. The simulcast schedulers have an equalization time stored therein, the equalization times for each of the simulcast schedulers calculated by the system controller using simulcast receivers for measuring signal time differences between transmitters. The simulcast schedulers provide the selective call message to corresponding transmitters at a time to transmit the selective call message, the time determined by the transmission time and the equalization time. Transmitter settings and code types defining signalling protocol, data bit rate, carrier frequency and transmitter power, for each message are varied in accordance with information received from the system controller.

Abstract: A method of storing received messages in a selective call receiver comprising the steps of transferring the address of a previously received message from one of a predetermined number of slots, and storing a new message address in the predetermined slot. The previously received message address is transferred automatically into a history file when the slots are occupied and a new message is received, or the previously received message address may be transferred manually into a personal file for retention of important information.

Abstract: A paging receiver is operative to receive and accept a call signal including a receiver characterization portion which is decoded by the paging receiver to govern processing operations, characterized by the characterization portion, in regard to call signals corresponding to specified assigned call addresses of the paging receiver. In one embodiment, the receiver characterization portion of a call signal includes at least one characterization code and corresponding memory location code for storage of the characterization code in a memory of the paging receiver. Each memory location code corresponds to an assigned call address code of the paging receiver.

Abstract: The encoder which preferably produces a transmitted digital word which serves as an activation code for a single receiver or a group of receivers. The activation code effects only the receiver(s) that have previously detected their digital address and are therefore prepared to enter a message receive state. The activation code transmitted by the encoder will cue the receiver(s) simultaneously thereby allowing the encoder to send a single message to a plurality of receivers. The activation code also allows the encoder to interleave messages to receivers by utilizing the customary transmitter down time in a single message transmission. During this down time, the activation code allows the transmitter to begin transmission of a second message to a second receiver. The use of the activation code to interleave messages is especially important in tone and voice transmissions since it significantly increases the efficiency of a heavily loaded system.

Abstract: The IF amplifier combines the high frequency and low noise figure characteristics of a cascode stage with the large signal handling capability and accurate gain control of a direct emitter coupled amplifier controlled by a constant current source. The amplifier uses a technique of alternately stacked cascode stages which results in minimizing both the total current drain and the value of DC potential necessary to operate the amplifier. A current mirror, independent of power supply variation, is used to control the gain of the amplifier and is also used to provide temperature compensation for amplifier gain. Special bias techniques along with the current mirror minimize the variation of the amplifier gain with respect to DC power supply variations. Novel use of semiconductor devices minimizes the number of leadout connections on an I.C. chip needed for attaching large external bypass capacitors.