Abstract: A Cellular Data Network (CDN) identifies, collects and utilizes otherwise unused or unusable air time, in an existing Advanced Mobile Telephone System (AMPS). A Digital Cellular Overlay Network (DCON) is provided for performing CDN utilizing an underlying AMPS, where the DCON is transparent, with respect to the AMPS, and takes full advantage of existing AMPS equipment to keep the cost of performing CDN to a minimum. The resulting digital network may be used for high speed non-interfering data communications, i.e., data communications that do not degrade the underlying system's capacity and capability (qualitatively) to handle voice traffic. Expanded use of well-known radio control signals, in particular "busy bits" and "dotting sequences," provides a DCON capable of performing CDN in both a reliable and flexible manner.

Abstract: An advanced display system controller is described for use in automotive vehicles. The controller has electronic circuitry to allow it to be programmed to display monochrome or color graphics and text on an all-points-addressable display device such as a CRT or an Electro-Luminescent (EL) Flat panel. The display resolution and scan rates may be programmed differently depending on the display type and size. The vehicle operator controls the display system via a reconfigurable switch system (RSS), such as an Infrared Touch Panel or Mylar Touch Switch Matrix mounted over the face of the display. In addition, external discrete switches may also be attached to the controller. The controller includes a master microprocessor and a slave microprocessor with preferred partitioning of functions and communicates with other parts of the vehicle via two serial data communication links, a Random Access bus and a Poll/Response bus.

Abstract: An auto ranging system for causing an instrument for determining the frequency of a wave to be in a frequency mode or a period mode in response to the digits of the frequency of the wave determined in a trial interval. The cycles of the wave during which the cycles of an oscillator are counted during a period mode can also be selected from an examination of the digits.