Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating a group call in a group communication network provides for receiving a request for initiating a group call based on a member and initiating the group call based on the received member list. The method and apparatus also provides for announcing the group call to each member in the member list, receiving acknowledgement from a member who wishes to participate in the group call, and forwarding media to the member after its traffic channel is re-established. The method and apparatus also provides for a significant reduction in the actual total dormancy wakeup time and latency by exchanging group call signaling even when mobiles are dormant and no traffic channel is active.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining a user to a call in a group communication network provides for receiving an indication from a user who wishes to initiate a group call and sending a request to a server to add the user to the group call if the group call is in progress. The method and apparatus also provides for receiving a response from the server indicating that the group call is in progress, alerting the user of being added to the group call, and receiving media from the server after a traffic channel is re-established. The method and apparatus also provides for a significant reduction in the actual total dormancy wakeup time and latency by exchanging group call signaling even when mobiles are dormant and no traffic channel is active.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating a group call in a group communication network provides for receiving a member list from a user and sending a request to a server to initiate the group call based on the received member list. The method and apparatus also provides for receiving a response from the server indicating that said initiating the group call is in progress, alerting the user to provide media, and buffering the media for transmission after a traffic channel is re-established. The method and apparatus also provides for a significant reduction in the actual total dormancy wakeup time and latency by exchanging group call signaling even when mobiles are dormant and no traffic channel is active.

Abstract: A transmission power control method for a CDMA communication system which performs communication between a basestation and a plurality of mobile stations; comprising the steps of: transmitting uplink power from the plurality of the mobile stations to the basestation; measuring and receiving the uplink power transmitted from each of the plurality of mobile stations with different signal-to-interference (SIR) requirement thresholds at the basestation; taking a algorithm to converge the transmitted uplink power from each of the plurality of mobile stations; and calculating the uplink power transmitted from each of the plurality of mobile stations by a power convergence factor. The transmission power control method only needs the local measurements at the basestation and can meet different SIR requirements of mobile stations based on fair principle. Additionally, the transmission power control method of the present invention can not only converge fast, but also keep the transmitted power in a reasonable range.

Abstract: A method for power control in spread spectrum communication systems includes a first step of providing multiplexed registers coupled to a control circuit and controlled by a control signal. A next step includes measuring a transmit power. Next steps include receiving TPC information, and determining whether the TPC information calls for an increase or decrease in power. A next step includes comparing the TPC information to the last TPC information, wherein if the TPC information is the same as the last TPC information, calculating a new power control value using the TPC information and measured transmit power, and writing the new power control value to the next selected register. A next step includes applying the control signal corresponding to the next selected register to the multiplexer to couple the value of next selected register to the control circuit.

Abstract: In the DSCH power control method for mobile communication system according to the present invention, the cell transmitting DSCH receives a signal from an UE, determines whether a cell transmitting DSCH to be set as primary or non-primary based on the received signal, and controls DSCH transmit power according to a result of the determination. The cell decreases DSCH transmit power when the cell is set as primary and increases DSCH transmit power when the cell is set as non-primary.

Abstract: A wireless response system includes a base unit and a plurality of handheld response units communicating with the base unit over a wireless communication link. The base unit sends polling commands to the response units over the wireless communication. The response units send the response data to the base unit over the wireless communication link in response to the polling signals. The response data is entered in the respective response units by a user.

Abstract: A mobile communication device that includes an antenna configured to send and/or receive a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band, first receiver circuitry configured to receive signals in the first frequency band, a switch having a first position, and a first diplexing network coupled to the antenna, the first diplexing network also coupled to the switch, and first diplexing network also coupled to the first receiver circuitry. The first diplexing network can be configured to pass signals in the first frequency band to the first receiver circuitry and to block signals in the second frequency band from the first receiver circuitry. The first diplexing network can also be configured to pass signals in the second frequency band to the switch. The mobile communication device can also include a second diplexing network coupled to the switch at the first position, the second diplexing network corresponding to the second frequency band.

Abstract: A mobile phone with replaceable key modules. The mobile phone comprises a body and a key module. The key module is disposed on the body in a replaceable manner, and is electrically coupled to the body. The key module comprises a key assembly, a printed circuit board, and a housing. The key assembly includes a plurality of keys, and the printed circuit board includes a plurality of pads corresponding to the keys respectively. The housing is disposed outside the key assembly.

Abstract: A wireless mobile station comprising: a plurality of finger units for performing spread demodulation of a downstream signal transmitted from a base station through a transmission channel; and a rake unit for combining the spread-demodulated downstream signals which are outputted from each of the finger units, wherein both of the finger units and the rake unit share and perform arithmetic operation for compensating channel estimation of the spread-demodulated downstream signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and management system based on the Internet enables a user access the Internet with a personal computer (PC) or a video phone from a remote place in order to monitor a current situation at a specific location (e.g., office, preschool, etc.) by receiving moving picture and audio data. The system of the present invention comprises a radio data receiver adapted to receive video and audio data acquired by each of a plurality of wireless web cameras and outputs the received video and audio data to a data modulator adapted to receive the outputted video and audio data to modulate them into an analog signal.

Abstract: A method for providing a remote PBX service by a customer's phone service provider. More than one telephone number is assigned to one customer's telephone communication link. The one customer's telephone communication link is in communication with at least one telephone. A connect signal is received by the customer's phone service provider. The connect signal includes one of the telephone numbers assigned to the one customer's telephone communication link. A called telephone code is generated. The called telephone code is indicative of the one of the telephone numbers included in the connect signal. The called telephone code is sent to the customer's telephone communication link whereby a user of the customer's telephone communication link is capable of knowing which of the more than one telephone numbers assigned to the one customer's telephone communication link was called prior to answering the at least one telephone connected to the customer's telephone communication link.

Abstract: A novel personal electronic device includes a first (embedded) and second (non-embedded) processors including associated operating systems and functions. In one aspect, the first processor performs relatively limited functions, while the second processor performs relatively broader functions under control of the first processor. Often the second processor requires more power than the first processor and is selectively operated by the first processor to minimize overall power consumption. Protocols for functions to be performed by the second processor may be provided directly to the second processor and processed by the second processor. In another aspect, a display controller is designed to interface with both processors. In another aspect, the operating systems work with one another. In another aspect, the first processor employs a thermal control program. Advantages of the invention include a broad array of functions performed by a relatively small personal electronics device.

Abstract: A novel personal electronic device includes a first (embedded) and second (non-embedded) processors including associated operating systems and functions. In one aspect, the first processor performs relatively limited functions, while the second processor performs relatively broader functions under control of the first processor. Often the second processor requires more power than the first processor and is selectively operated by the first processor to minimize overall power consumption. Protocols for functions to be performed by the second processor may be provided directly to the second processor and processed by the second processor. In another aspect, a display controller is designed to interface with both processors. In another aspect, the operating systems work with one another. In another aspect, the first processor employs a thermal control program. Advantages of the invention include a broad array of functions performed by a relatively small personal electronics device.

Abstract: A keyboard and a microphone for inputting information, a display screen and a speaker for viewing or hearing information, and a processor, all mounted to or within a housing in the form of a laptop computer or hand-held computer. A phone interface has a slot, channel, or other support member for holding the portable phone, with a phone port electrically connected to the processor. Alternative embodiments include a modem that is electrically connected to the processor and the phone port, and an adapter with a port that mates with the phone port and a port that mates with a selected phone. The phone wirelessly transmits data entered into the input components and transferred to the phone via the phone port, and wirelessly receives data to be transferred to the output components via the phone port for visual or audible output.

Abstract: A mobile phone for multiple SIM cards, wherein, a telephonic apparatus is used to select by switching among a plurality of communication services provided by various providers in the art of system communication. The mobile phone is provided on the rear casing of the battery or between the main machine and the battery of the mobile phone with an electric circuit board having a plurality of SIM cards each is able to connect via a bus line with an extension card functioning as a communication interface of the mobile phone with the electric circuit board and parallelly connected with each of the SIM cards on the electric circuit board to thereby form an open loop. A manually moved switch is provided on the loop, so that when the switch is switched to the card loop of any system, the state of combination of the mobile phone is communicated with the card loop of this system. Therefore, an object of providing a plurality of SIM cards for a mobile phone can be attained.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining an address in a telecommunication network. A device includes a connection for a telecommunication network and a processing system which receives data through the connection and determines address information based on the occurrence of a flag in the data stream. A display on the device displays the address information, and possibly other information to a user. In one embodiment, the address information includes an origination point code and a destination point code in an SS7 network. The device can also optionally capture and display additional information. In one embodiment, micro code running on a DSP and EPROM controls the operation of the device and implements the method of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for dynamic diversity signal reception based upon receiver-side link quality assessments includes two or more antennae. At least one switch is connected to the two or more antennae. A dynamic diversity controller is connected to the at least one switch. The dynamic diversity controller includes a link quality assessor to assess link quality and generate a link characterization value. A diversity configuration selector, responsive to the link characterization value, selectively activates the at least one switch to implement a dynamic diversity configuration. The link quality assessor includes a signal strength analyzer, a modem detector, and/or a MAC layer analyzer to assess the received signal and generate the link characterization value.

Abstract: A base configuration of a micro-base transceiver station (MicroBTS) has a minimum volume and at least one add-on module that is connected to the base configuration. The modular construction according to a building-block principle enables the minimal base configuration of a micro-base station to be expanded in a versatile manner by adding add-on modules at any time to enlarge the base station by imparting additional technical features.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a base station having a plurality of transmit antennas transmits pilot signals to a subscriber station. The subscriber station performs channel measurements on the signals received from the base station through at least two transmit paths and sends path characteristic information for each path to the base station. The base station uses the path characteristic information to determine how best to transmit data from the multiple transmit antennas to a single receive antenna at the subscriber station.

Abstract: ? An antenna apparatus is installed in a base station in a code division multiple access communication system. The antenna apparatus comprises a plurality of antenna elements, each receiving a radio signal; a controller that produces an antenna control signal based on information contained in the radio signal received at each of the antenna elements; an adjusting unit that adjusts directivity characteristics of each of the antenna elements based on the antenna control signal; and an allocating unit that allocates the antenna elements to sectors based on the antenna control signal. The sector covers a portion of a cell controlled by the base station, and the number of sectors in the cell is variable by means of the antenna control signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically entering information into formatted messages. A communication terminal comprises a receiver for receiving a formatted message, the formatted message comprising a message identification code and a plurality of information fields. A memory contains field-mapping information corresponding to various message identification codes, the field-mapping information indicating which fields of a particular formatted message are to be copied into information fields of a response message to the formatted message. When a response to the formatted message is desired, a processor determines which formatted message to respond to and its corresponding message identification code.

Abstract: A mobile telephone includes an expansion slot to which the expansion stick of an expansion display unit is attached by insertion in the manner capable of being taken out and put in freely. The expansion display unit is provided with an expansion display section having a display surface larger than that of the main body display section of the mobile telephone. The mobile telephone makes the expansion display section display information to be displayed. The large display surface of the expansion display section can display much part of the contents of the information to be displayed collectively, which makes it easy to confirm the contents of the information to be displayed and improves the usability of the mobile telephone.

Abstract: A solution for answering a call on a mobile phone is described including a “courtesy answering mode”. Here, the receiving party manually activates a recorded or automatically constructed message to be played for the caller, indicating to the calling party in effect that the receiving party will take their call shortly, and/or is relocating to a location where they will be able to properly receive the call. The receiving party can then move in a quiet and unhurried manner, without feeling compelled to start talking to the calling party. When the receiving party reaches the appropriate location, they will activate the phone to initiate the conversation. In addition, various remote controller/communicator accessories are described to further aid in answering or processing an incoming call in a manner courteous to those in close proximity to the receiving party.

Abstract: An alert signal of a communication device (1), such as the ring signal of a mobile phone, comprises a set of musical samples that are played by the communication device in sequence. The sequence may be randomly generated, either in response to the event causing the alert or in a set up phase. Alternatively, the user of the device can create a tune to be used as the alert signal by creating a sequence of samples. The user selects samples from a list of samples to create the sequence of samples as individual samples may appear more than once in the tune.

Abstract: This invention is associated with an incoming call notification technique in a cellular phone set. In the cellular phone set of this invention, when a radio wave directed to the cellular phone set is received, the reception electric field strength level of the radio wave and/or the residual amount level of a supply battery is detected, and incoming call notification is visually and/or tactually performed in accordance with this detection result. When incoming call notification is to be done by using ringing tones, different ringing tones are set in accordance with the reception electric field strength levels of radio waves and/or the residual amount levels of the supply battery.

Abstract: An earphone/car audio system dual receiving mode type cellular telephone hand-free handset for use with a cellular telephone in a car in which a selector switch is provided and selectively switched between a car audio system receiving mode where the voice output signal is transmitted to a radio transmitter circuit that modulates the signal and then transmit the signal to the car audio system by radio for broadcasting, and a earphone receiving mode where the voice output signal is transmitted to the earphone for the user only and the battery power circuit is cut off from the radio transmitter circuit.

Abstract: A method of coordinating events in a microprocessor-based electronic device having a sleep mode to reduce current drain includes a first step of determining a list of times to perform associated operating system events requiring a wake-up period for the device. A next step includes establishing a timing of fixed events wherein the electronic device enters a wake-up period to perform the fixed events. A next step includes delaying the time for an operating system event to coincide with a fixed event such that the electronic device utilizes one coincident wake-up period to perform both of the operating system event and the fixed event. This removes the current drain associated with entering and exited an additional sleep period.

Abstract: A system that allows mobile terminals to periodically remove power from at least some components is disclosed. The mobile terminal receives bursts of content. Some of the bursts of content include relative time information identifying the transmission time of a subsequent burst of content. The mobile terminal may remove power from a receiving module during times when the mobile terminal is not scheduled to receive content bursts.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a communication control method of further reducing power consumption of a mobile communication machine. A DSP of a base band control portion (1) receives a threshold of a receiving level for starting a CPU of a sequence control portion (4) by serving cell information and an interruption from the CPU (S11). In a waiting state, the DSP starts a measurement of a receiving level of CPICH of the serving cell for each DRX cycle (a discontinuous receive cycle) upon receipt of PICH and the CPICH in a base station (S12). At a step S13, then, receiving levels of RSSI, RSCP and Ec/Io which are acquired are compared with a threshold set based on 3GPP standards given from the CPU, thereby deciding quality of the receiving levels. If the receiving level is reduced, the DSP generates an interruption for the CPU (S14).

Abstract: A handphone including a phone body and a cover and which is capable of inputting characters using both a keypad installed on the phone body and an extra keypad installed on the cover in the manner in which characters are input through a computer keyboard. The phone body has a display device and a keypad including a plurality of keys. The cover covers the phone body and includes a second keypad including a plurality of keys. The first and second keypads are functionally coupled together to input characters. The handphone has a keyboard structure, such as a computer keyboard, formed by functionally coupling the auxiliary keypad of the cover to the keypad of the phone body. In this structure, characters can be input similar to the way that characters are input through a computer keyboard, so that significantly faster character input is possible.

Abstract: This invention relates to a folding portable information terminal including an upper unit having a display section on one surface, a lower unit having an operating section on one surface, and a movable joining member which openably and pivotally couples the upper and lower units to each other or openably couples the units to each other at one end of each of the units.

Abstract: A network-based game system is provided that includes a game processing subsystem for providing a virtual game environment in which player-controlled virtual game entities can move. Players communicate with the game processing subsystem via connectivity subsystems, such as wireless and wired LANs, that each permit access by multiple players. The processing subsystem associates each connectivity subsystem with a respective particular location in the game environment. Each such particular location has at least one special game-play significance for a virtual game entity associated with a player communicating with the processing subsystem via the corresponding connectivity subsystem; for example, the game entity may only be allowed to enter and leave the game at this location.

Abstract: An interactive video car racing game can be played on multiple video screens, using individual computers and manual controllers for varying the speed and direction of each car depicted on the video screens. Each player has a video display that includes a split screen presenting two types of race information. One display section presents a reduced scale plan view of a race course and the positions of the race cars on the course. The other display section depicts a magnified ground level view of the race course as seen from the cockpit of selected vehicle.

Abstract: In a casino game categories are displayed to a player upon the occurrence of an event in the play of the casino game such as a bonusing event. Each category corresponds to a decision-making game and may have its own award level. The player selects one of the categories so that the player controls which decision-making game is played. The decision-making game based upon the selected category is played by the player. The decision-making game can be a knowledge-based game with a query being displayed with possible answers or any other decision-making game. The decision-making game corresponding to the selected category has at least a first possible outcome and a second possible outcome. The player is awarded based on the actual outcome and the award level for the selected category. The first possible outcome provides the player with a higher award than the second possible outcome.

Abstract: The card choice system offers to gamers two parallel hands of cards to choose from to compose a Poker hand. Gamers choose cards from the two sets displayed one above and one below, and move cards into the Poker hand while respecting the same position for the card. When the gamer has chosen all the cards they want to be part of the Poker hand, the cards still available from the original sets are discarded and removed from the display. Next, new cards are dealt from the same card deck that dealt the original sets of cards to complete the Poker hand. The hand yielded is the final outcome of the Poker game and is further evaluated with a prize being awarded to the gamer if the final poker hand corresponds to a winning criterion.

Abstract: A video poker machine includes a display screen and a processor. The processor deals a winning hand of cards, which the screen displays, and randomly selects a bonus prize if the winning hand is a bonus hand. Alternatively, the processor randomly selects a bonus prize regardless of whether the processor deals a winning hand or whether the winning hand is a bonus hand. Such a bonus round can increase the profitability of the poker machine. Specifically, the availability of a bonus increases the appeal, and thus the take of the machine. By selecting an appropriate bonus hand and appropriate odds of winning in the bonus round, this increase in take can increase the machine's profit as compared to the profit of a conventional machine having the same payout schedule but without a bonus round. Moreover, this increase in profit can typically be achieved without a player's knowledge and without violating any gaming laws.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device and method having a bonus game, where the bonus game displays a target set including a plurality of player selectable symbols. At least one of the symbols is designated as a target symbol in a target set. The gaming device provides a predetermined number of picks to begin a bonus game and enables a player to use the picks to pick symbols from the target set. If the player picks a symbol that is not a target symbol, a relationship indicator indicates the relationship between the target symbol and the picked symbol. The player continues to pick symbols in the target set until the player picks the target symbol. If the player picks a target symbol, the gaming device enables the player to pick symbols from a new target set. The player continues to pick symbols in target sets until the player has no picks remaining. Preferably, the gaming device provides an award for each picked target symbol.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus may include a display unit capable of generating video images, a value input device and a controller operatively coupled to the display unit and the value input device. The controller may comprise a processor and a memory, and may be programmed to allow a person to make a wager, to make an automated selection from among a plurality of user-selectable options presented to the player, to cause a video image representing a game to be generated on the display unit, and to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of the game.

Abstract: A method, a table game, a slot machine game, a video game and a video computer game is disclosed which permits a player to pre-select receiving certain numbers from at least one deck of playing cards or the equivalent thereof. In the table game, preferably four common cards are used by each player at the table and each player can independently bet on many different betting options which can include betting above or below the mean value of 28 (or betting that the four common cards have an exact numerical value of 28). Also, each player can bet that the four common cards can total a specific number or have either all red or black common cards. Additionally, a total numerical value for the four common cards representing an “odd” or an “even” total number can also be bet in advance by a player. Poker type bets can also be pre-selected for the four common cards.

Abstract: A method, a system and a machine for displaying a reward selection and win or lose results on a game machine including a display (1), the method including the steps of displaying a reward selection sequence on the display (1) to identify a playable reward, displaying an animated win or lose reward shot sequence on the display (1) to identify a win or lose result corresponding to the playable reward and displaying the win or lose result on the display (1).

Abstract: A method for playing a slot machine displays for a wager one matrix of random symbols for player selection of at least one symbol. Providing strategic information to the player for favorable play. Converting the at least one position associated with the at least one symbol selected to be wild and awarding the player in accord with available pay table and/or game rules. Allowing the player to make a wager and begin play of a reel slot machine having positions set in a matrix of columns and rows wherein symbols move during play in the columns and stop in perhaps one of the rows. After the reels stop the player selects one or more symbols in accord with the rules of play and/or pay table. The player applies strategy based on information available on the pay table and/or rules of play to select at least one symbol. The player qualifies for wild symbols by random achievement of triggering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gaming device and method having a pick reduction game. Initially, a plurality of first selections are displayed to the player. Also, a number of picks is displayed to the player where the number of picks is greater than the number of first selections. The player uses the number of picks to pick first selections until the player picks a trigger selection. The number of picks are reduced after each pick by the player. When the player picks the trigger selection, the gaming device displays a plurality of second selections to the player. Each of the second selections is associated with an award. The player picks second selections and receives awards for each picked second selection until there are no picks remaining.

Abstract: The method of choosing and distributing enhanced odds includes 1) linking numerous electronic gaming devices, such as electronic Poker machines, on a local network, 2) gathering in a progressive amount a percentage of all the bets placed on those devices such as for progressive jackpots, 3) using a process based on a combination of randomness and criteria to distribute for at least one game to one randomly selected device, a set of enhanced odds and 4) using the progressive amount gathered to pay prizes awarded with the set of enhanced odds. In a local network of electronic Poker machines (2), five percent (5%) of the bets are gathered by the network. When a predetermined amount is gathered, one electronic Poker machine randomly selected, presents to a player one game with a set of enhanced odds. When a win occurs corresponding to one of the four (4) highest hands, the prize is paid in regards to the enhanced odds.

Abstract: A game machine includes a plurality of displays, each of displays displaying at least one reel bearing series of symbols. The displays are arranged along a closed circuit so that display faces are opposed to a plurality of players.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing a coding competition. In one embodiment, a method for providing a coding competition includes transmitting a coding problem to contestants, receiving computer code created by a contestant, determining a response of the computer code to test data, and evaluating the response of the computer code to the test data. In another embodiment, a method for evaluating a skill level of a contestant includes electronically communicating a coding problem to contestants, electronically receiving a software program in response to the coding problem from one of the contestants, evaluating the received software program, awarding points to the contestant based on the received software program, and determining a rating for the contestant for the competition based on the number of points awarded to the contestant.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) communication device for audible sound communication over an infrared beam. The IR communication device includes an IR receiver, an IR transmitter, a speaker, and a microphone 210. The IR receiver receives the incoming IR beam. The IR transmitter 206 generates the IR output beam. A pair of IR communication devices form an IR communication system with a pair of IR communication channels. Simplex and full duplex IR communication may be provided over one or a pair of IR communication channels.

Abstract: A torque limiting apparatus comprises: a connecting shaft 20, the output side of which is connected to a differential gear system 60, and the input side of which is protruded out of an opening 61a formed at the housing 61 of the differential gear system; a hollow cylindrical casing 10 supported on the input side of the connecting shaft rotatably relative thereto, and connectable to the drive shaft; a seal member 80 for interconnecting liquid-tightly an opening at the output side of the casing and an opening of the housing, and a connecting mechanism 30 provided between the casing and the connecting shaft, for transmitting only a partial power less than a predetermined torque value out of whole power input into the casing, so that a lubricating oil can be automatically supplied.

Abstract: A torsion vibration damper comprises a first driving module and a second driven module that are mounted on bearings and are capable of rotational movement relative to each other, wherein the first driving module comprises a primary driving plate formed by a metal sheet, and a toothed rim mounted circumferentially on the primary driving plate, wherein such toothed rim incorporates sufficient mass to yield a moment of inertia for stabilizing the primary driving plate, so that no torque-applying circumferential plate is necessary for such first driving module.

Abstract: A seal for a mass transit power transmission coupling. The seal is made at least partially of a polymeric material and configured such that the sealing surface moves radially outward under the centrifugal force created by rotation of the coupling beyond a predetermined speed. When the rotational speed of the coupling drops below the predetermined speed, the sealing surface moves radially inward and seals the coupling to prevent loss of the oil lubrication typically used on such couplings.