Abstract: A flight management system and method of updating flight calculations includes flying an aircraft along a current flight path, collecting real-time weather data from a network of aircraft operating in a nearby region, and predicting a trajectory for completion of the flight. The prediction can be based on the collected real-time weather data.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes devices, systems, and methods for intelligently storing, sending, and receiving items such as packages for storage. The devices, systems and methods include providing a mechanism for storing, locking, unlocking, accessing, and monitoring the process of sending an item for delivery or receiving an item for delivery. The secure storage of items in the disclosed device facilitates remote maintenance and diagnostics, secure delivery and retrieval of items, the sharing of resources, and a reduction in consumer and delivery interaction.

Abstract: A system for providing item information includes: a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to an item; and a mobile device comprising an RFID reader. The RFID tag includes stored information related to the item, and the RFID reader is configured to access the RFID tag, obtain the item information, and communicate the item information to a user.

Abstract: A system for providing item information includes: a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag coupled to an item; and a mobile device comprising an RFID reader. The RFID tag includes stored information related to the item, and the RFID reader is configured to access the RFID tag, obtain the item information, and communicate the item information to a user.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a home automation system is provided having a plurality of communicating devices capable of exchanging information therebetween via a local low bandwidth PLC (Power Line Communication) network. The method includes a phase in which the PLC transmission power is adjusted for each new device added to the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting aircraft data from aircrafts within proximity of one another while in-flight are provided. In one embodiment, the method can include receiving, by a first aircraft, a first transmission from a second aircraft. The first transmission can include first data associated with the second aircraft. The method can include determining a communication time period based, at least in part, on the first data. The method can include sending, to the second aircraft, a second transmission that can include second data indicative of at least the communication time period. The method can include receiving, from the second aircraft, one or more third transmissions that can include third data indicative of one or more parameters of the second aircraft. A size of the third data can be based, at least in part, on the communication time period.

Abstract: Integrated circuit devices that operate in different modes. In a low data rate mode, data is transferred between the integrated circuit devices at a low data rate, or no data is transferred at all. In a high data rate mode, data is transferred between integrated circuit devices at a high data rate. A transition mode facilitates the transition from the low data rate mode to the high data rate mode. During the transition mode data is transferred between the integrated circuit devices at an intermediate data rate greater than the low data rate but lower than the high data rate. Also during the transition mode, parameters affecting the transmission of data between the integrated circuit devices are calibrated at the high data rate.

Abstract: The invention provides a body-worn vital sign monitor that measures a patient's vital signs (e.g. blood pressure, SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) while simultaneously characterizing their activity state (e.g. resting, walking, convulsing, falling) and posture (upright, supine). The monitor processes this information to minimize corruption of the vital signs and associated alarms/alerts by motion-related artifacts. It also features a graphical user interface (GUI) rendered on a touchpanel display that facilitates a number of features to simplify and improve patient monitoring and safety in both the hospital and home.

Abstract: A method for automatically initiating a cellular phone emergency function in response to an airbag deployment within a vehicle is described. The method includes receiving, from a vehicle sensor, an airbag deployment signal at an emergency signal assembly. The emergency signal assembly includes an emergency communication apparatus configured to communicatively couple a cellular phone to the vehicle sensor. The method also includes transmitting the airbag deployment signal from the emergency signal assembly to the cellular phone and initiating at least one preprogrammed cellular phone emergency function in response to the airbag deployment signal.

Abstract: A system for managing and documenting a local area communications network is provided which deploys power sourcing equipment and powered devices by the use of active electronic modules, having an Ethernet controller and Power over Ethernet forwarding capabilities, as integral, managed components within the cable plant, to enhance management, documentation, security and emergency 911 aspects of the network as well as extending the physical reach of the network.

Abstract: A gateway device includes a base processor which converts a signal input from an IP network to a signal which can be handled by the gateway device, and a home appliance control processor having a controller which converts the signal which can be handled by the gateway device to a control signal in compliance with the communications protocol of a home appliance to be controlled. The controller stores, on a table, information about the communications protocol, driver, controllable setting condition and status of respective appliances to be controlled in association with each other. The controller also includes a conversion functional block which converts information supplied to the control information of the communications protocol of the respective appliances to be controlled on the basis of the stored information.

Abstract: A method for a response device in an audience response system having a plurality of response devices to wirelessly communicate bulk data includes transmitting a signal and receiving data indicating to the response device to transmit data requests. The method further includes transmitting data request signals, and receiving at least data describing the bulk data in response to a first data request signal and at least a portion of the bulk data in response to a second data request signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for direct communication between aircraft, which may involve receiving tactical and strategic information related to proximate aircraft for improved flight planning. The systems and methods presented herein may be implemented, for example, in a first aircraft having a data link component adapted to process information, a storage component adapted to store information related to the first aircraft, access to a plurality of onboard data sources, and a communication interface component adapted to directly communicate with a second aircraft via a communication link.

Abstract: A method for communicating an arrival notification includes receiving a first destination and determining a location of the first destination. The method further includes calculating an estimated time of arrival for a mobile endpoint to arrive at the location of the first destination and sending a notification message indicating the estimated time of arrival to a communication device associated with the first destination.

Abstract: A method for adding a customizable reply function to an interface in an instant messaging (IM) client, including the steps of identifying a string of characters to be associated with the reply function, choosing an action of the IM client to be associated with the reply function, selecting presentation characteristics of a representation of the reply function in the interface of the IM client, and incorporating the reply function into the interface of the IM client, where a subsequent user selection of the incorporated representation of the reply function in the IM client interface instructs the IM client to output the string of characters associated with the reply function and to perform an action associated with the reply function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying and selecting a desired wireless device from multiple available wireless devices is provided. In one embodiment, the desired wireless device receives a signal from a searching wireless device. An indicator on the desired wireless device is activated in a unique identification pattern that may be recognized by the user of the searching wireless device. In this manner the user may verify that the desired wireless device is receiving the signal from the searching wireless device.

Abstract: A system for communicating information to and from untethered subscriber devices and tethered devices by the use of a power transmission line communication system interfacing to a conventional electric power distribution network. Untethered subscriber devices and tethered devices will be able to send and receive impulse or modulated signals. The coupling system to and from a power transmission line is a tethered device housed entirely in an enclosure able to replace a sunlight detector affixed to a street pole, or to plug into an outlet, or to attach around a transmission line, or screw into a light socket. A battery supplies energy to the tethered device screwed into a light socket when no electricity flows to the socket. A tethered device attached around a transmission line is powered by magnetic induction and interfaces through a power transmission communication system. The tethered device interfaces directly to the electrical lines by means of a power transmission communication system.

Abstract: A system and method for providing full-duplex data communications between an electric power distribution station and a power consumer via the power distribution line providing electric power is provided. A first information transmitter, coupled to the power distribution circuit, provides first information signals concurrently with the power signal to the power consumer via the power distribution line. A first information receiver, coupled to a power consumer device powered by the electrical power signal, receives the first information signals via the electric power distribution line. A second information transmitter coupled to the power consumer device provides second information signals concurrently with the electrical power signal. A second information receiver, coupled to the power distribution circuit, receives the second information signals via the electric power distribution line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forwarding and billing a telephone call, wherein a first subscriber telephone is connected to a second subscriber telephone via a standard telephone network and a third subscriber is billed for the call. The first subscriber dials a prefix followed by a subscriber number which leads to the third subscriber and also dials a subscriber number which leads to the second subscriber. The prefix causes the telephone network to connect the call via the telephone network to a computer unit that is associated with the third subscriber and that is connected to the telephone network. The prefix also causes the computer unit to forward the call to the second subscriber via the computer unit, to connect the first subscriber with the second subscriber. Detection of the prefix by the telephone network causes the network to bill the call between the first and the second subscriber to the subscription of the third subscriber.

Abstract: A method for urging a transmission of an answer message in a bilateral pager is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes the step of generating, in an answer transmission mode after receiving a call message, a receipt alarm at given time intervals until the answer message is transmitted or a pre-set time interval has elapsed. An additional receipt alarm is generated when the answer message has not yet been transmitted until a predetermined time has elapsed. A no-answer transmission mode is established after the predetermined time has elapsed without transmission of the answer message.

Abstract: Characters that are not among those recognized for use in page messages are encoded using a subset of the recognized printable characters to enable the data comprising a page object to be transmitted over a paging channel. In one preferred form of the invention, a subset of the recognized printable characters are designated as encoding characters for use in encoding data that includes characters not among the recognized printable character set. Further, each time that one of the encoding characters occurs in the input data, the byte representing that character must also be encoded. To encode the characters, the byte is divided into nibbles. Each nibble is a hexadecimal digit that is encoded using one of the 16 encoding characters. If a byte of the input data repeats more than four times in succession, it is run length encoded (RLE) during the encoding process to compress the encoded data.

Abstract: A remote facilitation network (10) includes a base computing equipment environment (12) having a computer (14) and a control and activation device (16). A remote user (18) requests communications with the base computing equipment environment (12) through a wireless paging service (20). The remote user (18) generates a paging message that is transmitted by the wireless paging service (20) and received at the control and activation device (16). The control and activation device (16) processes and interprets the paging message in order to activate the computer (14). The paging message includes a callback number that is transferred from the control and activation device (16) to the computer (14). The computer (14) dials the callback number in order to establish a communication link with the remote user (18).

Abstract: A method for providing assured communications in a two-way wireless communications system is disclosed. An instruction is constructed at a first device for wireless transmission to a second device where the instruction is received by the second device and ultimately seen by the user. The instruction is transmitted as an instruction signal. The second device alters the instruction signal and transmits it back in altered form to provide an indication that the instruction has been received by the second device. The user of the second device informs the operator of the first device that the instruction has been seen by the user by transmitting a further altered version of the instruction signal to the first device. The disclosed method assures the operator of the first device that instructions are being received and acknowledged in a timely manner.

Abstract: To provide prompt notification of delivery of an express mailing to the addressee thereof, the page number of a person to be notified upon delivery of the express mailing is communicated to an express mail tracking network and to an operations center of a wireless paging service. When the paging operations center learns of the delivery, either from the tracking network or from a page message transmitted from the delivery site, the person to be notified is paged by the operations center.

Abstract: A two-way voice messaging terminal for communicating with a receiving terminal which may or may not be capable of reproducing a voice message transmitted from the voice messaging terminal. A voice message is digitally encoded and stored in a memory. A receiving terminal selection unit connected to the first memory preferably allows for the selection of the receiving terminal(s) to which the voice message is to be transmitted. The receiving terminal selection unit then receives the stored, digitally encoded voice message and determines whether the selected receiving terminal(s) is(are) capable of reproducing the voice message. If the receiving terminal(s) can reproduce the voice message, the voice message is transmitted to the selected receiving terminal(s). If the terminal(s) is(are) not capable of reproducing the voice message, the voice message is converted into a text message in a speech-to-text converter in the voice messaging terminal and then transmitted to the selected receiving terminal(s).

Abstract: A security system having a two way wireless keypad which operates in a particular manner for improved operation. The keypad processes information to effectively reduce communications between the control panel and the keypad. The keypad selectively activates and deactivates a transmitter and receiver arrangement for power conservation reasons. The system provides confirmation of communications between the keypad and the control panel to increase the reliability of the system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus remotely retrieves messages intended for an acknowledge-back pager (400, 700) in a communication system including a fixed portion (100) and the pager (400, 700). The communication system has provisions for interconnection with a user by telephone. The fixed portion (100) accepts (502) a selective call origination from a caller, including a message intended for the pager (400, 700) and sends (504) the message to the pager (400, 700) in response. The pager (400, 700) stores (506) the message within a pager memory (418). Thereafter the fixed portion (100) accepts (508) a selective call origination from the user, including a predetermined retrieval code associated with the pager (400, 700). The fixed portion (100) sends (510) a predetermined retrieval command to the pager (400, 700) in response, and the pager (400, 700) retrieves the message from the pager memory (418) in response.

Abstract: A mechanism for controlling the powering-on and powering-off of control units in a data processing system having a plurality of channels, a plurality of control units, and a communications network of links for linking the channels to the control units. Each control unit includes a power-control table for recording power-control allegiance of the control unit to the channels. Where a control unit receives a power-on command from a channel, it records the identity of the channel in its power-control table. When a channel orders a control unit to power-off, the control unit checks to see if it owes power-control allegiance to the ordering channel. If it does, the control unit deletes the identity from its power-control table. The control unit will not power-off unless its power-control table is empty, indicating that it does not owe allegiance to any other channel.

Abstract: An ID memory part memorizes an ID such as a telephone number that identifies a communicant, and a use frequency memory part memorizes a corresponding use frequency. When a communication apparatus takes a sending action, a writing part receives the ID from an addressee communicant and registers it in the ID memory part. In case the ID memory part does not have any unused memory region at this registering time, the least frequently used ID is deleted from the ID memory part and the memory region that becomes unused as the result registers the received ID. When a communication apparatus takes a receiving action, a comparison part receives the ID from an addresser communicant and sequentially compares the ID with each ID memorized in the ID memory part, and has the communication apparatus continue the receiving action only when a conformance is detected.

Abstract: A selective call receiver system includes a plurality of base sites capable of simultaneous operation. Each base site includes a transmitter and a base receiver capable of measuring the signal strength of a received signal. A controller coupled to the plurality of base sites, forwards an address to the plurality of base sites. The transmitters thereafter, simultaneously transmit the address to at least one of a plurality of selective call receivers having acknowledge-back capability. At least one of the plurality of base receivers receive an acknowledge-back signal from the at least one of the selective call receivers responding to the transmitted address. The signal strength of the acknowledge-back signal is detected by the plurality of base receivers receiving the acknowledge-back signal.

Abstract: A paging system comprising a centrally located terminal and a plurality of remote pager units is disclosed wherein both automatic and manual acknowledge back signalling is provided. An appropriate acknowledge back signal by a called pager within a set interval indicates the message was duly receivied and understood which is so indicated to the initiating caller. Failure to respond within the set interval causes the pager unit to send back a negative response which is likewise so indicated to the initiating caller.

Abstract: A communication device for entries to buildings with several apartments including a support in one piece with the outside facade of the building having a transparent body formed by a plate of bulletproof glass which is entirely smooth and is provided with a perimeter larger than the perimeter of an opening made in a metallic frame, a plate covered by the transparent body, and having screens for visualizing and displaying permanent and temporary information, formed of a plate of liquid crystals comprising visualization and displaying screens entirely covered by the transparent body, an outside loudspeaker, at least one bell or other device for translating an impulse into sound or other indicia or signals with a place for the name, at least one inside loudspeacker fitted with a contactor, connectors and selectors formed by a control and selection element with a memory connected to the different screens, the visualization and display screens for the permanent and temporary information being acted on by the bell

Abstract: Each section includes a data processing unit (1) provided with circuitry (7) for transmitting processed data to the other station, as well as circuitry (7) and (2) for reception of the data processed by the other station. The transmission occurs between the stations via only one connection 1.sub.3, plus a return connection such as 1.sub.1.