Abstract: An information distribution and processing system contains a remote site, a sender and a receiving apparatus. The remote site contains a first set of digital data. The sender delivers a second set of digital data to the receiving device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the receiving device contain a timing device for automatically receiving the second set of digital data at predetermined times. The second set of digital data contains a first set of displayable data, a second set of displayable data, at least one non-displayable symbol, and at least one linking reference associated with the second set of displayable data. If desired, a user can select the second set of displayable data. The associated linking reference is sent to the remote site. The associated linking reference is used by the remote site to search for the additional information, and returns the requested information to the user.

Abstract: A paging transceiver and method for selectively paging provides a page to a paging transceiver but does not automatically provide an associated message. The paging transceiver receives the page and alerts the user that a message is waiting and preferably provides a short description of the message. The user can then download or otherwise act on the message at a time and at a place convenient to the user. The user can therefore place the paging transceiver in a location where it can easily receive and reply to the message. The paging system conserves air time and the paging transceiver conserves memory by not automatically receiving the associated messages. The user can determine the time at which the paging transceiver receives transmissions, such as during off-peak hours. The messages stored by the systems and delivered to the paging transceiver may be of different types, such as voice, text, audio, or even video.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic identification and integration of audio/visual devices in a room for multi-media conferencing operation. Each device includes a circuit that periodically emits a signal that is recognized by another device. Upon receiving the signal, the other devices respond with information relating to how they can inter-communicate with each other over one or more networks they are connected to. An ad-hoc conferencing network is established between the integrated devices, such that the quality of multi-media conferencing is improved through the use of all the available devices within a room. The signal is preferably one that is confined to a room, and a specific protocol can be implemented to manage the exchange of information between the devices.

Abstract: A paging transceiver and method for selectively paging provides a page to a paging transceiver but does not automatically provide an associated message. The paging transceiver receives the page and alerts the user that a message is waiting and preferably provides a short description of the message. The user can then download or otherwise act on the message at a time and at a place convenient to the user. The user can therefore place the paging transceiver in a location where it can easily receive and reply to the message. The paging system conserves air time and the paging transceiver conserves memory by not automatically receiving the associated messages. The user can determine the time at which the paging transceiver receives transmissions, such as during off-peak hours. The messages stored by the systems and delivered to the paging transceiver may be of different types, such as voice, text, audio, or even video.

Abstract: A portable, wireless, bi-directional communication system for transmitting visual information about plays and instant messaging between a coach and players during a game comprises a notebook or palm sized computer device with transmitter and receiver, and a wrist sweat band viewing screen with transmitted and receiver, thereby creating an effective, continual flow of information uninterrupted by the difficulty in hearing over a noisy crowd.

Abstract: A method and device that interrogates the availability of a called party before placing a communication from the calling party to the called party. A callback may be initiated so that both communications are completed simultaneously. The routing of communication may take place through any one of a number of different networks and at another time of the day, even if the caller does not otherwise have access to those networks.

Abstract: A paging trasceiver and method for selectively paging provides a page to a paging transceiver but does not automatically provide an associated message. The paging transceiver receives the page and alerts the user that a message is waiting and preferably provides a short description of the message. The user can then download or otherwise act on the message at a time and at a place convenient to the user. The user can therefore place the paging transceiver in a location where it can easily receive and reply to the message. The paging system conserves air time and the paging transceiver conserves memory by not automatically receiving the associated messages. The user can determine the time at which the paging transceiver receives transmissions, such as during off-peak hours. The messages stored by the systems and delivered to the paging trasceiver may be of different types, such as voice, text, audio, or even video.

Abstract: A network communication system is provided for communication between network nodes, including individual nodes and a central control station node. In the network, signals are transmitted from the central control node to identify specific timeslots in which individual nodes may transmit a request signal to the central control node. When a first individual node has data to transmit, the first individual node transmits a request signal to the central control node in its identified timeslot, the request including randomly generated information for identification of the node. In response to the request signal, the central control node transmits a grant signal along with the randomly generated information back to the first node to allow the first node to identify the grant.

Abstract: A network communication system is provided for communication between network nodes, including individual nodes and a central control station node. In the network, signals are transmitted from the central control node to identify one or more frequencies that the node may transmit. When a first individual node has data to transmit, the first individual node transmits a request signal to the central control node over one or more of its assigned frequencies. In response to the request signal, the central control node transmits a grant signal assigning one or more frequencies to allow the first node to transmit its data.

Abstract: A system and method of pushing user-selected data items from a host system to a user's mobile data communication device upon detecting the occurrence of one or more user-defined event triggers is provided. The user may then move (or file) the data items to a particular folder within a folder hierarchy stored in the mobile data communication device, or may execute some other system operation on the data item. Software operating at the mobile device and the host system then synchronizes the folder hierarchy of the mobile device with a folder hierarchy of the host system, and any actions executed on the data items at the mobile device are then automatically replicated on the same data items stored at the host system, thus eliminating the need for the user to manually replicate actions at the host system that have been executed at the mobile data communication device.

Abstract: A portable communications device (PCD) is coupled to a first network by way of a second network. The PCD is normally in radio communication with the first network, and is coupled to the first network by way of the second network when the PCD is out of radio communication with the first network. In particular, the PCD is coupled to the second network, and is caused to leave a first network mode and enter a second network mode. A network connection is established with the first network by way of the second network, and communication with the first network is entered into by way of the second network.

Abstract: A network communication system is provided for communication between network nodes, including individual nodes and a central control station node. In the network, signals are transmitted from the central control node to identify specific timeslots in which individual nodes may transmit a request signal to the central control node. When a first individual node then has data to transmit, the first individual node transmits a request signal to the central control node in its identified timeslot requesting allocation of time for transmitting a specified amount of data. In response to the request signal, the central control node transmits a grant signal specifying at least one timeslot allocated to the node for transmit its data to the central control node. The first individual node then in response to the grant signal, transmits its data over the specific timeslots.

Abstract: A paging transceiver and method for selectively paging provides a page to a paging transceiver but does not automatically provide an associated message. The paging transceiver receives the page and alerts the user that a message is waiting and preferably provides a short description of the message. The user can then download or otherwise act on the message at a time and at a place convenient to the user. The user can therefore place the paging transceiver in a location where it can easily receive and reply to the message. The paging system conserves air time and the paging transceiver conserves memory by not automatically receiving the associated messages. The user can determine the time at which the paging transceiver receives transmissions, such as during off-peak hours. The messages stored by the systems and delivered to the paging transceiver may be of different types, such as voice, text, audio, or even video.

Abstract: A public/private communication system is provided which includes a public communication device 100, a private communication device (102) and a radio accessory extension (RAE) 200 coupled therebetween. The RAE (200) of the present invention provides audio and/or display capability which allows the public communication device to operate as a private communication accessory. Methods (300, 400 500) provide for the configuration and prioritization of private and public calls through the three devices to ensure that private calls will take priority and public calls will be received on the public communication device and handled appropriately.

Abstract: A method of setting up a remotely controlled wireless thermostat system for regulating heating and cooling a building. A radio equipped pager is connected to the programmable controller of the thermostat and a self test is conducted to determine if the system can successfully communicate with the service providers network at a first low power pager output. If not, the power output of the pager is incrementally increased within an acceptable output power range until such time that successful communication is established with the network. This power setting is placed in memory for use thereafter in communicating with the network.

Abstract: A paging transceiver and method for selectively paging provides a page to a paging transceiver but does not automatically provide an associated message. The paging transceiver receives the page and alerts the user that a message is waiting and preferably provides a short description of the message. The user can then download or otherwise act on the message at a time and at a place convenient to the user. The user can therefore place the paging transceiver in a location where it can easily receive and reply to the message. The paging system conserves air time and the paging transceiver conserves memory by not automatically receiving the associated messages. The user can determine the time at which the paging transceiver receives transmissions, such as during off-peak hours. The messages stored by the systems and delivered to the paging transceiver may be of different types, such as voice, text, audio, or even video.

Abstract: A novel and improved method for performing paging is described. In one embodiment of the invention a searcher is used to detect spread spectrum signals. Samples received RF signals are stored in a sample buffer. During standby mode, the samples are gathered during paging slots assigned to the mobile. A set of searches are performed on the samples, and if pilot signals are detected additional demodulation is performed to detect paging messages. The resulting set of demodulation data may be combined to increase detection. After a page message has been detected, additional demodulation resources may be activated to processes more complete page messages, or other information channels. In one embodiment of the invention, the searcher includes a demodulator to perform quick page detection without the use of finger elements to reduce idle mode power consumption.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an indoor mobile communication device having a simple structure, providing a sufficient communication range, and also providing for stable communication with a small fading effect.

Abstract: A method for filtering requests in portable devices is described. Nonvolatile flash memory is used to store allowable client addresses. The discovery, service discovery, and connection filter algorithms reduces power and processing bandwidth required from portable, mobile devices.

Abstract: A context sensitive data announcing device includes an ad hoc network interface configured to receive one or more announcements identifying one or more members of an ad hoc network. The device includes a database which contains information regarding the one or more members of the ad hoc network. A processor is configured to extract the information regarding the one or more members from the database using the identifying announcements. The device includes an output for displaying the information regarding the one or more members.

Abstract: A multi-mode paging system and method of selectively paging an individual through one of a plurality of paging mechanisms. An indication of a paging mechanism for each individual to be paged is stored in a memory device. When an input is received from a user to page the individual, a control processor retrieves the indication of a paging mechanism for the individual to be paged and determines which of the plurality of paging mechanisms is to be utilized to page the individual. The individual may be selectively paged through an on-premises paging system, a wide area paging system, or a telephone such as a cellular telephone. An autodialer may be remotely located and connected by a wireless link to the processor, or the system may dial out using a wireless subscriber unit.

Abstract: A system and method for selective paging provides a page to a paging transceiver but does not automatically provide an associated message. The paging transceiver receives the page and alerts the user that a message is waiting and preferably provides a short description of the message. The user can then download or otherwise act on the message at a time and at a place convenient to the user. The user can therefore place the paging transceiver in a location where it can easily receive and reply to the message. The paging system conserves air time and the paging transceiver conserves memory by not automatically receiving the associated messages. The paging transceiver can receive transmissions during off-peak hours and has a timer which can be programmed so that messages are delivered at a desired time. The content of the messages may be stored in a plurality of different systems and one or more of these systems may page the paging transceiver to inform it of the messages.

Abstract: A paging transceiver and method for selectively paging provides a page to a paging transceiver but does not automatically provide an associated message. The paging transceiver receives the page and alerts the user that a message is waiting and preferably provides a short description of the message. The user can then download or otherwise act on the message at a time and at a place convenient to the user. The user can therefore place the paging transceiver in a location where it can easily receive and reply to the message. The paging system conserves air time and the paging transceiver conserves memory by not automatically receiving the associated messages. The user can determine the time at which the paging transceiver receives transmissions, such as during off-peak hours. The messages stored by the systems and delivered to the paging transceiver may be of different types, such as voice, text, audio, or even video.

Abstract: A new and improved method for supervising and monitoring people from a remote location comprising the use of a communication system that builds upon telecommunications connections, computer interfaces, and information management via the internet. Strategically placed web cams, microphones, speakers, and display monitors are operatively linked to computers and information management means, and are used to permit a person in a remote location to view and listen to people in a plurality of active locations to verbally or visually prompt responses to inquiries or directives. The people in the active locations may also interact via these same interconnections to the person at the remote location. Touch screen technology may be included for purposes of automated supervision of tasks performed to accomplish a particular routine by the people in the active locations.

Abstract: A global paging system and corresponding method are disclosed in which an originating user pages a receiving user in a different country without the paging message being broadcast in all areas. According to certain embodiments, the originating user E-mails a web site or server of the paging system paging information, with the server then transmitting the paging message over a packet-switched digital data network (e.g. the Internet) to a receiving or terminating web site or server located in the different country. In certain embodiments, the receiving user remotely inputs a designated country into the paging system so that when the receiving user is paged, the paging system first pages the receiving user in the designated country or area without broadcasting the paging message in other countries or areas.

Abstract: A method of coupling a portable communications device (PCD) to a first network by way of a second network is disclosed. The PCD is normally in radio communication with the first network, and is coupled to the first network by way of the second network when the PCD is out of radio communication with the first network. In particular, the PCD is coupled to the second network, and is caused to leave a first network mode and enter a second network mode. A network connection is established with the first network by way of the second network, and communication with the first network is entered into by way of the second network.

Abstract: There is disclosed an application controller for use with a two-way wireless messaging system. The application controller is distributed, at least in part, among a plurality communication units associated with the two-way wireless messaging system. The application controller is capable of controlling cooperative communication among ones of the communication units in accordance with a prescribed application task, and comprises a data repository, first and second communication controllers, and an operations controller. The data repository maintains at least one subscriber profile. The first communication unit controller senses change in a characteristic monitored at a first communication unit, wherein the monitored characteristic is evaluated in accordance with the prescribed application task, and, in response thereto, automatically causes the first communication unit to transmit a first data signal.

Abstract: A two-way wireless security system network includes a security system including condition sensors. The security system generates a first signal type according to a first signal protocol in response to a condition detected by the sensors. A two-way wireless communication subsystem is in communication with the system and includes a microprocessor for converting the first signal into standard over-the-air wireless protocol. A wireless interface unit transmits a second signal type corresponding to the standard over-the-air wireless protocol to a wireless communications carrier service and receives over-the-air data from the communications carrier service, convertible to instructions and conveyable to the security system.

Abstract: System for tracking mobile tags. Cell controllers with multiple antenna modules generate a carrier signal which is received by the tags. Tags shift the frequency of the carrier signal, modulate an identification code onto it, and transmit the resulting tag signal at randomized intervals. The antennas receive and process the response, and determine the presence of the tags by proximity and triangulation. The recursive-least squares (RLS) technique is used in filtering received signals. Distance of a tag from an antenna is calculated by measuring the round trip signal time. The cell controllers send data from the antenna to a host computer. The host computer collects the data and resolves them into positional estimates. A combined infrastructure including a wireless communication system and the local positioning system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus, method and system embodiments are illustrated which provide for detection and recovery of missing wireless devices in communication systems. The preferred system embodiment includes a mobile switching center, an adjunct network entity, a base station, and a mobile unit, such as a cellular telephone or a wireless personal digital assistant. The adjunct network entity, such as an intelligent network server, has a detection and recovery application for determining, when a mobile unit is missing, a recovery identification and a recovery channel for the missing mobile unit. The mobile switching center then transmits a recovery page to the mobile unit via the base station, in which the recovery page includes information specifying the recovery identification and the recovery channel. The mobile unit, upon reception of a recovery page, enters a recovery mode and transmits a recovery signal on the recovery channel, with the recovery signal including the recovery identification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication system for transmitting messages from one or more dispatcher stations to and from one or more stand-alone, two-way pagers via a radio frequency communication channel, namely, the short message service (SMS) of the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM/GPRS) cellular telephone network. The paging system of the present invention utilizes a communications protocol which allows a dispatcher station and a pager of the paging system to communicate over the GSM/GPRS network in a predetermined manner. When the dispatcher station sends a message to a pager of the present invention, the message may contain steering codes which inform the pager of the manner in which the message is to be treated. For example, if the message is time-critical, the pager is notified by the steering code that a response to the message must be transmitted within a predetermined time integral.

Abstract: A system and method of pushing user-selected data items from a host system to a user's mobile data communication device upon detecting the occurrence of one or more user-defined event triggers is provided. The user may then move (or file) the data items to a particular folder within a folder hierarchy stored in the mobile data communication device, or may execute some other system operation on the data item. Software operating at the mobile device and the host system then synchronizes the folder hierarchy of the mobile device with a folder hierarchy of the host system, and any actions executed on the data items at the mobile device are then automatically replicated on the same data items stored at the host system, thus eliminating the need for the user to manually replicate actions at the host system that have been executed at the mobile data communication device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for controlling the SMS of a digital mobile station, which enables both the sender and receiver to exchange short messages in a duplex mode. The apparatus comprises a display with a message screen capable of dividing the message screen into at least two display regions, a distinction message detector for detecting a predefined distinction message contained in a received message, and a control unit for causing the received message to be displayed on a selected one of the at least two display regions if the distinction message is detected.

Abstract: A light monitoring system provides a sensing unit coupled to a luminaire. The sensing unit monitors both the input and the output of the luminaire for both current and voltage. In this manner, a variety of problems with the luminaire can be detected by the sensor and this information can be passed to monitoring equipment that is either hard-wired or remotely coupled to the sensing unit.

Abstract: An electronic information processing device (110) includes a transceiver (215), a CPU (120), and a display (225). The transceiver (215) receives one or more messages from at least one communication device (60) and transmits one or more messages to the at least one communication device (60). The CPU (120) is coupled to the transceiver (215) for processing the received and transmitted messages. The display (225) is coupled to the CPU (120). The display (225) includes a first screen layout (229) including a screen saver graphic, and a second screen layout (237) including a two way messaging interface window (240) for displaying the received and transmitted messages. The CPU (120) activates the second screen layout (237) for two way messaging communication with at least one information processing device user.

Abstract: A system and method for pushing information from a host system to a mobile data communication device upon sensing a triggering event is disclosed. A redirector program operating at the host system enables a user to continuously redirect certain user-selected data items from the host system to the user's mobile data communication device upon detecting that one or more user-defined triggering events has occurred. The redirector program operates in connection with event-generating applications and repackaging systems at the host system to configure and detect a particular user-defined event, and then to repackage the user-selected data items in an electronic wrapper prior to pushing the data items to the mobile device.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a transmitting and receiving device and method for transmitting data to and receiving data from a communications system. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: receiving at the transmitting and receiving device a notification that contains an identifier identifying a message, wherein the message is stored remotely from the transmitting and receiving device; enabling a user of the device to select a function to be performed on the message; creating a command message that identifies the function selected by the user; and transmitting the command message in response to receiving a selective call signal.

Abstract: A system facilitates two-way messaging in a network that includes at least one paging device. The system includes a paging service provider and a server. The paging device generates a message intended for a called party and transmits the message to the paging service provider. The paging service provider forwards the message to the server. The server translates the message to a form used by the called party and sends the translated message to the called party.

Abstract: A radio pager system includes a radio pager that can receive messages and can specify a specific output mode, including a display, a sound output, a vibration, and a light emission appropriate to a particular type of message. The radio pager can further reduce difficulties in retransmitting and/or replying to messages and save time in the transmission period. The radio pager can receive and implement a radio message that includes control information which can be utilized for generating the specific output mode of the display.

Abstract: The teachings of the present invention are directed to disposable wireless messaging devices, computer systems that incorporate disposable wireless messaging devices, and methods of operating the same. An exemplary disposable wireless messaging device includes a housing, a transceiver, a power supply and a messaging controller. The housing is capable of enveloping at least a portion of the messaging controller, and, the transceiver and the power supply. The transceiver is associated with the housing and the messaging controller, and capable of transmitting and receiving signals wirelessly. The messaging controller operates to extract wireless messages from the wirelessly received signals and to communicate the wireless messages to a user of the wireless messaging device. The messaging controller is capable of (i) monitoring use of the disposable wireless messaging device in relation to a utilization threshold and (ii) in response, inhibiting, the operation of at least a portion of the messaging controller.

Abstract: A transmission system for relaying short messages comprising a sender of short messages and a receiver of short messages. The short message sender comprises sending means for sending a deleting short message including at least the address of the receiver and the identifier of a short message to be deleted. The short message receiver comprises identification means for identifying the deleting short message and deletion means for deleting the short message according to the identifier of the short message to be deleted in the deleting short message from the memory intended for the short messages of the receiver.

Abstract: The wireless communication system (100) uses a method of improving diversity gain by utilizing a first network (10) operating with a first protocol and at least a second network (20) formed from a plurality of cooperative wireless devices (22, 24, 26, 28, and 29) operating with a second protocol and at least the,first protocol. The method includes the step (302) of receiving a signal using the first protocol at one or more of the plurality of cooperative wireless devices intended for a targeted member of the plurality of cooperative wireless devices and the step (308) of processing the signal cooperatively among the plurality of cooperative wireless devices in order to increase diversity gain of the signal to the targeted member.

Abstract: A method and device are configured to generate alerts that are varied based upon whether an incoming communication is perceived to be mode (i.e., a non-urgency mode), with different tactile-based patterns being dependent upon the selection of the mode. That is, the patterns of the alerts for providing notification of urgent communications are distinguishable from the patterns of alerts for providing notification of non-urgent communications. In the preferred embodiment, the communications device allows a user to assign particular vibrational patterns to specific sources of incoming communications, so that the vibration pattern identifies the urgency pattern and the original source of the communication. In the pager application, the pager may be configured by a user to uniquely associate a particular callback number with a first alert that is used when the pager is in the urgency mode and a second alert that is used when the pager is in the normal mode.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the location of individuals, such as parolees, includes a wearable device worn by the individual and a portable device operatively coupled to the wearable device. The portable device is operatively coupled to a monitoring system through a wireless telephone network. The portable device transmits periodically encrypted location information as well as status information across the wireless network to the monitoring system. The monitoring system tracks the location of the individual and alerts the appropriate authorities when the individual violates a rule, such as a condition for parole. The portable device increases the time between transmissions when the individual is within a specified home location and reduces the time between transmissions when outside the specified location.

Abstract: A radio pager system includes a radio pager that can receive messages and can specify a specific output mode, including a display, a sound output, a vibration, and a light emission appropriate to a particular type of message. The radio pager can further reduce difficulties in retransmitting and/or replying to messages and save time in the transmission period. The radio pager can receive and implement a radio message that includes control information which can be utilized for generating the specific output mode of the display.

Abstract: A wireless station user is provided with a unified messaging protocol that enhances the currently available messaging capabilities of SMS. The user is provided with the capability to compose at least one distribution list for SMS messages. The user is also provided with the capability to send messages to at least one distribution list on a user determined, periodic basis. The user is further provided with the capability to send messages containing content obtained from external sources, and to send those messages periodically to at least one distribution list, where the content of the messages is automatically updated prior to sending the periodic message.

Abstract: A repeater for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals to and from a pager. The repeater includes a forward path for receiving a first RF signal from a base station and a reverse path for receiving a pager signal from a pager. The forward path includes a channelizer which down converts the first RF signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal, amplifies the IF signal, and up converts the IF signal to a second RF signal suitable for transmission to a pager. The reverse path includes a second amplifier which amplifies the pager signal to an amplified signal suitable for transmission to a base station antenna.

Abstract: A telephone network arranged to give a telephone call placed to a called party's personal telephone number a particular call treatment that is selected as a function of the particular one of a plurality of predefined areas in which the called party is determined to be located, each of the plurality of predefined areas having at least two telephone stations with different telephone numbers located therein. The location of the called party is determined from the location of a two-way pager associated with the called party as detected by a paging antenna, e.g., tower, of a conventional two- way paging system that was not necessarily installed for use in completing telephone calls. For each personal telephone number, a table is stored associating a call treatment with one or more of the areas. The particular call treatment associated with an area is applied to calls to the personal telephone number when he is within that area.

Abstract: A two-way selective call device (106) for determining if a response was received to a message transmitted to a designation device including at least one switch (216) to construct the message having at least an identifiable character. An address book designates at least one destination device (106, 112, 116, 118) and a selector (216) selects a destination device (106) of the at least one destination device (106, 112, 116, 118) to receive the message. A transmitter (222) transmits the message to the destination device (106) and a timer (302) measures a first predetermined time. A processor (206) coupled to the receiver (204) monitors received messages during the first predetermined time period to determine when a response to the message was received and an output device (208, 212, 214) indicates when the response from the at least one identified destination device was not received within the first predetermined time period.

Abstract: A global paging system and corresponding method are disclosed in which an originating user pages a receiving user in a different country without the paging message being broadcast in all areas. According to certain embodiments, the originating user E-mails a web site or server of the paging system paging information, with the server then transmitting the paging message over a packet-switched digital data network (e.g. the Internet) to a receiving or terminating web site or server located in the different country. In certain embodiments, the receiving user remotely inputs a designated country into the paging system so that when the receiving user is paged, the paging system first pages the receiving user in the designated country or area without broadcasting the paging message in other countries or areas.