Abstract: A portable communication device which also has an infrared transceiver. A portable communication device can automatically establish infrared communication sessions with another portable communication device or desktop computer having an infrared transceiver. The portable communication device and the other device may exchange textual and graphical information, as well as the current time, and then reconcile the newly received information with that information in possession before the communication session began. Multiple portable communication devices and computers may communicate, while conserving battery power, using a time division multiplexing scheme where the infrared transceivers are active during a short, periodic time slots. Multiple communication session may overlap in time as long as they are not active during the same time slot.

Abstract: In a paging receiver having a plurality of receiver modes, an announcing arrangement is controlled at a particular time instant determined at a specific time instant which is previous to the particular time instant. The paging receiver is provided with a switch which is switchable to a plurality of conditions of selecting the receiver modes one at a time. A control part inspects the switch to produce a condition signal representative of one of the conditions to which the switch is switched. Responsive to the condition signal, the control part controls the announcing arrangement at the particular time instant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to transmit and receive digital signals in a communication system having a power source that provides power to a portion of a communication device and a mechanism to disable power to that portion of the communication device for periods of time, such that a reduced power consumption state is entered. Also included is sampling hardware to sample the signal during those periods of time when the communication device is not in the reduced power consumption state, which occurs when data is transferred or received.

Abstract: A radio transceiver having digitally-corrected temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (DTCXOs) including digital frequency temperature compensation circuits that are temporarily suspended from being updated, such that temperature compensation updates that can generate noise during periods of reception and transmission that could interfere with the audio channel and/or signal synchronization will be postponed. Temperature is converted to a digital signal that is then used to address a PROM. The PROM outputs a correction word appropriate for the temperature reading and inputs this to a latch. A timing control loads the latch after data has settled. The latched correction word is connected to a bank of switches and capacitors that trim the frequency of the crystal oscillator. During radio transmission and/or reception, the latch will be suspended from loading any new correction words. The last valid correction word, however, will remain.

Abstract: A radio apparatus having a battery saving function comprising an indicator for indicating that power is being supplied. An indicator is actuated in synchronization with the battery saving operation. In particular, a receiving circuit is intermittently triggered by the power supply and the indicator is intermittently triggered in synchronization with at least some of the power supply signals that trigger the receiving circuit. The period of actuation for the indicator may be less than the receiving circuit, which is intermittently actuated in accordance with a battery saving operation. Also, the indicator means may be actuated once for each n times that the receiving means is actuated.

Abstract: A multiple user radio system comprising at least one primary station and a plurality of secondary stations by way of a control channel. The primary station in use sets a value, in a transmitted message from which a secondary station wanting to economise on power can derive a period during which it can switch-off at least its radio section. The radio system may comprise a radiopaging system or a radio trunking system using an Aloha protocol. In the case of a radio trunking system using an Aloha protocol, the value comprises the Aloha number.

Abstract: A sleeper timer for the source equipment of audio/visual apparatuses such as a cassette tape deck, CD player, AM/FM tuner, and video disk play incorporates an auto sleep mode where the source equipment are turned off as soon as the source equipment completes its operation, and a conventional sleep timer mode where the source equipment are turned off when a predetermined length of time of a timer expires.

Abstract: A sleep timer function for consumer electronics equipment automatically turns off the equipment after a predetermined time interval. During the final two minutes of the sleep time interval, the sleep timer circuitry gradually decreases the volume or provides a visual indication that automatic turn off is imminent. The reception of any modulated infrared (IR) signal, transmitted from any source, during the timer period is interpreted by the sleep timer function controller as an indication that the use is still awake. In response, the controller resets the count of the sleep timer to the maximum period, thus deferring the automatic turn off of the equipment.

Abstract: In a communications system, a base station has a memory for storing interval control values representative of time-varying traffic pattern of the communications system. A time-keeping circuit recalls a stored interval control value from the memory according to different time of day and a battery-saving command signal is sent from the base station at variable intervals as a function of the value recalled from the memory. Power supplies of a remote station are interrupted for a constant brief interval in response to the battery-saving signal, so that the remote station is powered for a shorter interval during a light traffic period and for a longer interval during a heavy traffic period. In a preferred embodiment, traffic data is automatically collected from the communications system and the stored interval control values are updated according to the collected traffic data.

Abstract: A receiver capable of receiving a plurality of signals, wherein more of the signals are received at a peak time than at an off peak time, comprises the method of a first step for determining if the signals are being received by searching in a first search mode and a second step for determining if the signals are not being received by searching in a second search mode. Selection circuitry activates the first step during the peak time and activates the second step during the off peak time. The first and second search modes comprise searching for the signal and searching for noise, respectively.

Abstract: An autonomous radio timepiece is provided which will furnish a usable time display even when it is outside the time zone of the sender or if the timepiece is to be actuated, when it is not possible at a given point in time to receive valid time telegrams. For this, the timepiece is equipped with a manually actuated hour switch for the input of correction information in a supplemental memory, the content of which is summed together for the actual hour display with that of the hour register, possible set by radio. By actuating a START switch to a full hour, for example, synchronized with the reception of an hour synchronizing signal from another source, the content of the register is brought into a full hour position and from there, stepped forward by an internal time keeping step circuit. The receiver is actuated simultaneously in order to correct the content of the register if a valid time telegram is received.

Abstract: An improved bias control circuit (FIG. 2) is disclosed for a radio receiver (122) used in a communication system wherein a signalling preamble is sent prior to sending other information. The bias circuit (140) rapidly determines the DC voltage level representing the average frequency of the received signalling preamble (215), develops a DC bias voltage (275) proportional to the error in frequency between the receiver and the transmitted signal, and then selectively applies this bias voltage to the series coupling capacitor (240) located between the receiver detector (121) and the receiver processing circuitry (123). The circuit is adapted for a 0.2 GMSK receiver in a TDMA communication system, where a known 1100 bit synchronization preamble is sent in each user's TDM time slot.

Abstract: A commercial message timer, when enabled by a user, stores data indicative of a first tuned station and begins timing a predetermined time period. Upon expiration of the time period, the first tuned station is automatically reselected if it had been deselected after the timer was enabled. In this way a user can avoid a commercial message on a first channel by setting the timer and scanning through other channels, and yet have the receiver return automatically to the first channel at the end of a time period substantially equal to that of a typical commercial message. In another embodiment employing PIX-IN-PIX circuitry, the subject apparatus is responsive to the sequence of (1) enabling the timer and (2) changing channels for automatically moving the desired channel to the insert position. In response to the expiration of the timer period, the program displayed in the insert position is automatically returned to the main display position.

Abstract: A remote control device is adapted to control a plurality of appliances such as televisions, VCRs, stereos, etc. The remote controller includes a first connector for mating with a plurality of transducer modules, so that the remote control device can be used to emit infrared, radio, or other signals. (In another embodiment, the remote control device includes a plurality of different transducers for providing a plurality of different types of control signals.) The remote control device includes a second connector for mating with a cradle. The cradle can receive signals from external source such as a telephone line. Thus, one can access the remote control device from a remote location and cause the remote control device to control selected appliances. The remote control device also includes a programmable timer so that various appliances can be turned on and off at selected times.

Abstract: An automatic off/on circuit for monitoring data receiving devices which turns the power to such devices "off" when data is not received for a first preset period of time and which turns the power to such devices "on" after a second preset period of time to restore reception of transmitted data.

Abstract: A communication receiver is disclosed which can turn itself on or off depending upon the time of day. When the receiver is on, normal battery saving is performed. A time of day clock generates a time signal which is compared to predetermined turn on and turn off times. The turn on and turn off times may be permanently stored in memory or may be manually programmed at the receiver or may be received by the receiver and stored in a reprogrammable memory.

Abstract: A device for recording satellite television broadcasts comprises a satellite receiver for processing a satellite television signal, a video recorder for recording the satellite television signal, and a storage device which controls the video recorder and which stores the data of the broadcasts to be recorded. It is proposed to apply a control signal from the storage device to the satellite receiver briefly before the program to be recorded begins, which control signal switches the satellite receiver to the desired satellite program and, after termination of the broadcast to be recorded, to apply a further control signal which sets the satellite receiver from the switched-on condition to the stand-by mode or to a subsequent program to be recorded.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely controlling the operation of various electronic devices comprises a remote-control unit having a read-only memory for storing a data table, a keyboard for generating a program to be executed at a predetermined future time, a random-access memory for storing the program, a central processing unit jointly interactive with the read-only memory and the random-access memory, and a transmitter controlled by the central processing unit for producing a remote-control signal based on the data table and the program. A receiver is responsive to the remote-control signal for controlling the devices in accordance therewith, and a simulator is provided for producing the remote-control signal before the predetermined future time, so that at least a portion of the program is pre-executed as a test of its validity.

Abstract: This invention is directed at a sleep switch volume control wherein the body portion of a clock radio timer knob has conductive and insulative portions which may be formed on two transverse, circumferential sections. The two sections are in abutting, parallel relation to each other. The conductive portions and insulative portions of the two sections are off-set from each other and are selectively electrically connected to an electrical circuit as the knob is rotated.A variation of the sleep switch volume control utilizes two transverse uninsulated sections which are electrically insulated from each other and which are located circumferentially on the body portion of the timer knob. The uninsulated sections are selectively electrically connected to an electrical circuit as the timer knob of the radio rotates.

Abstract: An improved battery saving circuit for radio receivers and/or radio transceivers and/or radio communication systems of same under the control of one or more control radio transmitters and/or transceivers. The "on" and "off" time intervals for the battery saving circuits in all remote radio receivers and/or transceivers is actively and dynamically controlled in real time from a central control station so as to provide improved battery saving features.

Abstract: A programmable channel selecting apparatus to be disclosed is comprised of a manually operated switch for selecting desired channels and for inputting preset times for desired channel reception, a channel selecting circuit for driving a tuner and a channel indicator in manual/auto channel selecting mode, a channel preselecting circuit which, in channel preselection mode, memorizes a desired channel and a desired time for the channel reception in advance while at the same time causes a channel indicator to indicate the preselected channel and in auto-channel selection mode, applies a preselected channel signal to the channel selecting circuit when time reaches the preset time, those being all connected a common signal line, and an inhibiting circuit for preventing an erroneous operation. With such a construction, inputting and displaying of a selected channel and a preset or preselected channel can be made through one system of a channel preselection switch and a channel display.

Abstract: An electronic circuit, capable of being fabricated as an integrated circuit, for inclusion within a programmable radio for providing the radio with sleep and nap type functional operations. The electronic circuit includes a radio circuit coupled to a control circuit having a timing circuit, a time set circuit, a manually operated switch and a circuit coupling. The circuit couples the timing circuit, the manually operated switch and the time set circuit to the radio circuit to supply the radio circuit with first and second signals when the coupling circuit is in a first state and to prevent or block the first and second signals from being supplied to the radio circuit when the coupling circuit is in a second state.

Abstract: A receiver has a program reserving function in which a reserved time previously stored in a program reserving memory is continuously compared with outputs produced by a clock circuit in response to actual time, and accordingly when the actual time coincides with the reserved time, the receiver automatically receives a wave corresponding to a preset number previously stored in the program reserving memory together with the reserved time. The receiver is characterized particularly in that there are further provided a program button for allowing the time adjusting buttons to serve as program input buttons and a memory button for causing the memory to store the data put in by the time adjusting buttons. With this arrangement, the time adjusting buttons are switched to be reserved data input buttons by means of the program button and returned to be buttons for adjusting time means of by the memory button.

Abstract: In a wired remote control for use with a television receiver, audio signals are coupled to a loudspeaker by a transformer providing electrical isolation. The remote control device comprises an oscillator applying a signal at a frequency above the audio range to the transformer and a rectifier at the transformer secondary converting the oscillator signal to a DC signal. That DC signal is selectively applied by a switch to an optocoupler which couples to a control device for controlling the audio source. A filter blocks the oscillator signal from the speaker. Additionally, the control device controls TV channel selection.

Abstract: An electronic switch is provided for use in a battery-powered portable television receiver which eliminates power supply current drain when the television receiver is turned off. Coupled transistors are rendered conductive by means of either a clock or a manually switched input signal to provide a direct voltage battery output to television receiver circuitry. Also disclosed in an electronic switch combination for selectively controlling the audio output for the entire television receiver either manually or automatically.

Abstract: A programmed timer for presetting a video tape recorder for the time and reception channel when the video tape recorder starts and ends, comprising a processor circuit for processing the type of the data entered for reservation in a predetermined order, and means for sequentially displaying a procedure to be next entered each time data are entered. The operator is required to enter the necessary data simply according to the displayed procedure in order to set the desired reservation data for the programmed timer.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with a television receiver for selectively inhibiting reception of television broadcast signals. The apparatus includes a number of signal generating circuits, each respectively set to generate an electrical signal substantially equal to the carrier frequency of a corresponding television broadcast signal, and timer capable of being preset to activate and deactivate selected oscillators on a timed basis. The signal generating circuits are coupled to the antenna input leads of the television receiver so that when activated the electrical signals produced thereby cause sufficient interference with the corresponding incoming television broadcast signal to effectively block reception.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic timepiece radio having an electronic timepiece circuit, a circuit for detecting a time signal and correcting the time indication of the electronic timepiece by the detected time signal.And a preset system receiving circuit can receive more than two preset broadcasting stations.And a receiving frequency in the receiving circuit can be automatically set at the frequency of a specified preset station little before a time correction by a time signal is carried out at the receiving of the time signal whereby time indication is automatically corrected every day.

Abstract: Programmable apparatus for providing random on/off control of electrical devices such as appliances. Such control may be programmed for an entire week, with different programming for each day, and with programming control over small blocks of time, e.g. thirty minutes. Programming is secured by the use of a combination or lock and, in addition, the AC line cord of the electrical device, which receives or does not receive AC power depending upon the status of the program, is locked into the apparatus. During operation, the program in the apparatus may be interrogated and displayed; otherwise the time of day is displayed. The apparatus also includes a look-ahead feature, turning on an appliance, such as a television set, earlier than programmed in order to provide sufficient warm-up time.

Abstract: A power supply control apparatus for a television receiver has a manually-actuable power switch for switching the power supply of the television receiver between its ON and OFF states, a digital timer for generating a time code representing the current time, a key input for generating a start-time code and an end-time code respectively representing programmable start and end times, a memory for storing the start-time and end-time codes, first and second coincidence detectors for generating first and second coincidence outputs whenever there is coincidence between the generated time code and the stored start-time and end-time codes, respectively, and a conditioning circuit for conditioning the power switch in response to the first and second coincidence outputs, so that the power switch is enabled and disabled, respectively, following the occurrence of the start and end times when the outputs of the timing circuit and the first memory coincide, a second coincidence detector for detecting the coincidence of the

Abstract: In a recording and reproducing apparatus, such as, a video tape recorder or VTR, which can be preset to establish a desired recording program, that is, to initiate and terminate successive recording intervals at predetermined times, the aggregate of the tape or other record medium needed for the recording of signals thereon in the preset recording intervals is compared with the amount or capacity of record medium available for recording and, in the event of a deficiency of the latter, a suitable alarm or indication is provided to avoid a failure to record desired signals. An alarm or indication is further provided if there is overlapping of the preset recording intervals, or if the apparatus is not in condition for recording, for example, by reason of the absence of a tape cassette or other record medium from the apparatus or the presence of a record medium which is already recorded with signals to be preserved.

Abstract: An automatic timepiece calibrating device which utilizes the time signal given by any broadcasting station to provide calibration automatically once every 24 hours, a logic electronic timer device being adapted to switch on a receiver once in every 24 hours so that the receiver will generate an impulse immediately after receipt of a time signal from a broadcasting station. The time signal is passed by means of a tuning circuit and converted to impulses which are counted and, if the count corresponds to the signal the counter output impulse resets the internal state of electronic timepiece so that the time display is restarted from zero.