Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of maintaining communication with a device. The method comprises the steps of creating a first communication link between a first wireless communication device associated with a vehicle and the device associated with a predetermined destination number; creating a second communication link between a second wireless communication device and the device associated with the predetermined destination number; and terminating the first communication link in response to the step of creating the second communication link.

Abstract: Methods for concurrent paging, in a cellular system having a number of users, where the users are paged to determine a location of each user, are disclosed. The paging from one cell to one of the users occurs within one of a number of time slots. The time slot in which one of the users is paged from one of the cells is a characteristic of that cell and that user. An array encompassing the totality of the characteristics time slots constitutes a search schedule. One method comprises minimizing a characteristic function of paging performance, the function depending on the search schedule and the probability of finding a user in a cell, and, determining, from the minimization of the characteristic function, the search schedule. Two other methods for determining a search schedule, which are more computationally efficient and which reduce the paging cost, the simple heuristic and the conditional probability heuristic, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns locating mobile terminals in a mobile network. A location estimate is determined based on a parameter set received from the mobile network. In order to improve the accuracy of the system without a need for extensive prior field measurements or laborious data collection, a transition network is formed based on parameter sets. In said network an individual node represents a parameter set having a given parameter content, a link connecting two neighboring nodes represents a transition between two successive locations of a mobile terminal, and the position of a node relates to a certain geographical location. The transition network is then optimized by adjusting the positions of the nodes by means of the positions of their neighboring nodes and the movement within the network of some of the nodes is limited. The position of the node representing a parameter set received indicates the location of a mobile.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to facilitate compliance with location dependent requirements, such as laws and regulations that vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. According to one embodiment, location information associated with a user is determined. Requirement information is then determined based on the location information. The user's compliance with the requirement information is then facilitated, such as by displaying an appropriate indication to the user.

Abstract: In a system including the first terminal and the second terminal. A communication method at the first terminal includes the steps of preparing its own device name, detecting a request for connection with the second terminal, rewriting the device name in response to the request, and transmitting the changed device name to the second terminal. A communication method at the second terminal includes the steps of receiving device names from a plurality of first terminals, displaying the device names for the user of the second terminal to recognize a changed device name easier than unchanged device names, and communicating with the first terminal specified by a device name selected by the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided wherein a mobile user device operates in accordance with a location policy and user device information. According to one embodiment, a location policy associated with a location is determined. For example, a school may establish a location policy that prevents students from wirelessly exchanging information during class. User device information associated with a mobile user device is also determined. For example, it may be determined if the mobile user device is being used by a student or a teacher. It is then arranged for the mobile user device to operate in accordance with the location policy and the user device information.

Abstract: An apparatus for mobile positioning and a method therefor are disclosed for determining the location of a mobile unit in a wireless communication system. First, an angle of arrival of a wireless signal transmitted by a mobile unit and being incident on a base station is determined by using an arrival angle estimator including a switched cross-correlator, an accumulator, and a phase detector. Next, the distance between the mobile unit and the base station is estimated according to timing information provided by the base station, such as timing-advance parameter of global system for mobile communications. The mobile unit is then positioned according to the angle of arrival and the distance between the base station and the mobile unit. Mobile positioning can be achieved according to the invention, using one base station without substantially modifying the existing base stations. In addition, the performance of positioning can be significantly improved.

Abstract: A private information supplying system is established in a mobile telephone network, and the mobile stations are assumed to be at the positions of base stations presently communicating; an information service center produces a piece of relative position between users on the basis of the current positions, and transmits the piece of relative position when the user permits the other user to acquire it; the private information supplying system does not require any assistance of the GPS so that the system is economical and does not disturb the privacy.

Abstract: When a recall mode is selected as the operation mode of a PHS terminal, recall data is generated. The recall data specifies another PHS terminal, a state wherein the other terminal enters a specific service area, and a message, for example, that “the other party has arrived (in the specific service area)” which is to be received from a server or the other terminal when the other terminal is set in the designated state. The recall data is set in the subaddress of a call set-up message and registered in the server or the PHS terminal. When the other terminal enters the specific service area, the server or the other terminal transmits the message to the PHS terminal in the recall mode. The PHS terminal displays the transmitted message on a display device. The user of the PHS terminal can thus know that the user of the other terminal has arrived in the specific service area and that communication with the other terminal is enabled.

Abstract: A system and method for concurrently ringing a subscriber's wired and mobile stations, where the wired station is served by a wired telecommunications network and the mobile station is served by a wireless telecommunications network. The call is routed to a network interface point of control from either the wired or wireless networks and the network interface becomes the point of control for the call. The call is initially offered to the mobile station by the network interface point of control, and before the mobile station rings, the call is offered to the wired station so that the wired and mobile stations ring concurrently.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus for determining a present position of a mobile station by using radio waves coming from a plurality of base stations arranged within a communication area is provided. The positioning apparatus receives the radio waves coming from the plurality of base stations to generate reception signals corresponding to the respective radio waves, and determines propagation ranges of the radio waves coming from the respective base stations. The apparatus further derives propagation ranges of direct waves coming from the respective base stations from the determined propagation ranges. Then, the present position of the mobile station is determined by performing positioning operation using the derived propagation ranges of the direct waves.

Abstract: A mobile communication system includes at least one user terminal and a plurality of satellites which transmit and receive a plurality of communication signals to and from the user terminal. The communication signals transmitted to and received from the plurality of satellites by a gateway station. The gateway station in turn is in communication with a processing center to process said communication signals. The processing center uses polystatic triangulation to determine a position of the at least one user terminal and redirect a signal from at least one said plurality of satellites in response to the determined position of the at least one user terminal.

Abstract: A quick paging system having a base station, a plurality of terminals, and a full paging channel having a plurality of slots for transmitting paging information to the terminals is described. A quick paging channel having a plurality of quick paging channel slots each corresponding to a full paging channel slot is provided wherein at least one indicator is positioned within a selected quick paging channel slot that instructs at least one selected terminal corresponding to the at least one indicator in the quick paging slot to monitor the corresponding full paging channel slot.

Abstract: A method for paging and selectively routing calls in a telecommunication environment (10). Voice service nodes (32(a . . . n)) and data service nodes (30(a . . . n)) are related in a telecommunication environment (10). Voice calls are received utilizing the voice capabilities of the telecommunication environment (10). The incoming calls are parked and IP messages (28(a . . . n)) are broadcast using the IP capabilities of the telecommunication environment (10). Input using the IP capabilities of the telecommunication environment (10) is then used in routing of the calls utilizing the voice capabilities of the telecommunication environment (10). The invention can be practiced in a telecommunication environment (10) served by a separate POTS network (12) and IP network (14), or by an IP network (14) alone providing both voice and data services.

Abstract: A device network to process signals has target devices, selecting devices that are movable relative to the target devices, and controllers. The controllers are in communication with the target devices and the selecting devices. Each of the selecting devices has a position sensor and an orientation sensor to provide spatial and angular co-ordinates of position and orientation when pointing to a target device and upon receiving a user input. Each of the selecting devices also has a signal processor to generate a control signal having the position and orientation data. This control signal is then transmitted by a transmitter, via a radio frequency channel, to a controller. Upon receiving the control signal, the controller determines whether, for example, a target device has been selected by a selecting device by comparison of the orientation data with a derived orientation based on the position data and the known position of the target devices.

Abstract: An inter-controller SW device, which broadcasts a message, or routes a message from a mobile station, is arranged between a base station controller and base station transceiver subsystem in a fixed wireless communications system, so that a communications path can be formed as the mobile station moves. In the fixed wireless communications system, the inter-controller SW device copies the message from the base station controller for which setting is made to make a mobile station belong to, and routes the message with a communication between inter-controller SW devices so as to allow a message to be transmitted also from a base station transceiver subsystem subordinate to a base station controller to which the mobile station does not belong, other than the base station controller to which the mobile station belongs. Additionally, a message from a mobile station that moves is routed with a communication between inter-controller SW devices, etc.

Abstract: A method of processing an incoming call page from a radiotelephone communications system at a mobile user terminal includes receiving the incoming call page from the radiotelephone communications system at the mobile user terminal, and determining a period of time within which the mobile user terminal can respond to the incoming call. An indication of the period of time within which the user terminal can respond to the incoming call is then provided to a user of the mobile user terminal. In addition, the incoming call page can be one of a predetermined number of incoming call pages addressed to the mobile user terminal in a sequence wherein each of the incoming call pages in the sequence includes information identifying the respective incoming call page within the sequence. Accordingly, the step of determining the period of time within which the mobile user terminal can respond to the incoming call can include determining the number of incoming call pages in the sequence to follow.

Abstract: After a power source was turned on, when time information is received before message information is received, a time correction is executed on the basis of the time information. After that, when the message information is received, the message information is displayed together with reception time and is stored into a storing unit. When the message information is received before the time information is received, the reception time is stored but is not displayed, and only the message information is displayed. After that, when the time information is received, the time correction is executed on the basis of the time information and the reception time of the message information received so far is corrected.

Abstract: The license plate number of a specific vehicle is related to a passcode that is built into a communications reception unit installed in the vehicle. When a driver enters a plate number of the vehicle having the communication reception unit installed, he can communicate with another vehicle. The communication reception unit can receive satellite positioning signals to provide more accurate coordinates to a control center, which can determine the position of the vehicle and send accurate, useful and relevant information to the vehicle.

Abstract: A mobile communication device, such as a cellular telephone, determines its current location and compares the current location to one or more target locations stored in a target location memory. When the current location of the mobile communication terminal is within one of the target locations in memory, the mobile communication terminal annunciates its arrival by generating an audible alarm, or displays or transmits a predetermined arrival message associated with the target location. In one embodiment of the invention, target location data is determined entered manually via a keypad. In another embodiment, the target location data is obtained from a positioning receiver or a server connected to the communications network and loaded into the target location memory.

Abstract: A mobile communication terminal includes: a reported location information detecting unit for detecting reported location information from a base station; a reported location information managing unit for managing one of the reported location information specified by a user and a variation of the reported location information specified by the user; a registered process executing unit for executing, when it is determined that the reported location information detected by the reported location information detecting unit matches the reported location information managed by the reported location information managing unit, a predetermined process that corresponds to the reported location information producing the match.

Abstract: A method, network element, communication device and system of allocating resources and transmitting a service to several subscribers. The system comprises a server (Srv1, Srv2) for providing a service, a wireless network (AN1-AN3) for communicating said service in channels over an air interface, and terminals (MN1, MN2) of said wireless network for receiving the service in a channel over the air interface. The system comprises a first subset of the channels allocated to individual point-to-point user channels having a single terminal as recipient, and a second subset of the channels allocated to group channels being capable of having multiple terminals as recipients.

Abstract: A method and an equipment implementing the method in a mobile communication system in which short messages may be sent amid actual signalling, whereby one of more short message service centers providing short message services are linked to the mobile communication system. An identifier supplied by the subscriber and associated with the desired service is included in a mobile originated short message. On the basis of this identifier a database search is performed in a database connected with the mobile communication system, the database comprising identifiers associated with short message services available to subscribers and related routing information. The message is sent to the routing address obtained on the basis of the database search. A short message submitted by a subscriber may thus be routed to the desired short message service center without the subscriber having to directly attend to the routing.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for limiting the paging load of a mobile communication system. The number of calls initiated during a given time interval is counted and the number of calls to be initiated during a given time interval is counted and the number of calls to be initiated is limited to a predetermined maximum value. The system is implemented with a counter that counts the number of calls to be initiated during given time interval, a timer which measures the desired time interval and a comparator for limiting the number of calls to be initiated to a predetermined maximum value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing a telephone communication system incorporating pager features are described. In accordance with the present invention, when a call to a system subscriber is received, the subscriber is contacted by the telephone switch which receives the call via the use of a pager message, e.g., using a conventional pager system. If the subscriber has a pager module of the present invention, which receives the pager message directed to the subscriber inserted into an enhanced telephone of the present invention, the pager module will automatically initiate a call to the switch where the waiting call is being held or “parked”. The automatically placed call will result in a connection between the switch and called party being established over conventional telephone lines. The connection with the switch is thus established automatically in a manner that is transparent to the subscriber.

Abstract: In a radio telecommunications network, a system and method of providing service differentiation for call forwarding based upon the type of call. The system provides network support that allows the forwarding of calls of different types to appropriate devices for each type of call, as identified by the call's service code. The system determines whether a call to a mobile station is a data call, and if it is a data call, provides the network support for forwarding the call to a different number than voice calls. A Service Type parameter is added to ANSI-41 signaling messages to inform various nodes in the network of the type of call. The network includes a home location register/service control point (HLR/SCP) with a database of call forwarding (transfer) numbers for its served mobile stations. The database records at least one transfer number for each type of service. Service logic in the HLR/SCP associates the type of call with the appropriate transfer number.

Abstract: A processor extracts a numeral string from a pager message which has been received via a pager antenna and a pager-signal receiving unit, and retrieves a telephone number including that numeral from a built-in telephone directory memory. The retrieved telephone number is displayed on a display unit, making it possible to determine a complete telephone number.

Abstract: A layered wireless communication system (100) uses "coverage zones, i.e., coverage cells (102-108) and traffic zones," i.e., traffic cells (110-122). The traffic cells (110-122) do not require a broadcast channel carrier. In accordance with the present invention, when a call request is received (202) within one of coverage cells (102-108), either originated by a mobile or terminating with a mobile, a determination is made (208) as to whether the call can be handled by one of the traffic channel carriers within a traffic cell (110-122). If the call can be served by one of these traffic channel carriers, an assignment of the particular traffic channel carrier to service the call is made (214). Otherwise, the call is assigned a traffic channel carrier assigned to one of coverage cells (102-108).

Abstract: A system and method of using two-way paging to establish communications with a mobile party having a Personal Telephone Number. The mobile party is equipped with a two-way pager which the party may use to provide call control. The pager is periodically queried by a network and/or paging service to determine whether or not the pager is reachable. If the pager becomes unreachable, and thereafter a call is placed to the party's Personal Telephone Number, the network routes the call to a default station. If the pager is reachable, any one of a number of alternative call routing procedures may be invoked including: registration type routing, call-by-call routing, revertive calling, call examination routing, and subsequent routing. In one possible embodiment, a Customer Routing Point is used to store the pager status along with other call routing information, and a Network Control Point is used to carry out the appropriate routing procedure.

Abstract: A call delivery system (10) for delivering a call to a mobile unit (12) on a vehicle (14) includes both a data communications network (16) and a mobile voice communications network (20). The mobile unit (12) generates call delivery information and communicates this information to a platform (18) using the data communications network (16). The platform (18) receives a call for the mobile unit (12). The platform (18) retrieves call delivery information received from the mobile unit (12) and establishes communications between the platform (18) and the mobile unit (12) using the mobile voice communications network (20). The platform then completes the call between the caller (36, 40, 44) and the mobile unit (12). Alternatively, the platform (18) can generate a call back message for transmission to the mobile unit (12) using the data communications network (16).

Abstract: A slave switch having a number of connections for traffic with switch-external users, and a number of extensions intended for connection with switch-internal users, is disclosed. The slave switch is characterized in that it is constructed to initiate originating calls only, and in that the switch includes by-pass signalling means. A method of communication between the slave switch and a master switch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a mobile station (10) to obtain service from a cellular system, as is a mobile station that operates in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A system and method for providing personal communications services are disclosed. A bridging and signaling unit implements a bridge for connecting telephone calls between a caller, a called party, and an alternate destination. A caller who calls the personal telephone number associated with a called party is held at the bridging and signaling unit while waiting for a return telephone call from the called party. The called party is alerted to the existence of the call through a paging system. If the time period during which the caller is on hold exceeds a timeout period, the caller will be connected to an alternate destination, such as a secretary, an answering service, or a voice messaging system.

Abstract: A method for use in completing a caller's telephone call that is placed to the telephone number of a called party, comprises the steps of receiving the caller's call, in response to which selecting a meet-me system from among a plurality of meet-me systems. The method further comprises the steps of routing the caller's call to the selected meet-me system, and, routing a call originated by said called party to this selected meet-me system so as to connect to the caller's call at the selected meet-me system. Thereafter, the method includes the step of transmitting appropriate instructions associated with a plurality of available features to the called party so as to allow the called party to select at least one of the available features.

Abstract: In a personal reach telephone service in which a calling party's telephone call to a personal reach telephone number of a called party/subscriber is bridged to a return call placed by the called party/subscriber in response to a page which indicates to the called party/subscriber the presence of a waiting call, a connection is established between a bridging and signaling unit associated with the interexchange network to which the calling party is directed, and the home PBX associated with the called party/subscriber. After establishing the connection between the bridging and signaling unit and the home PBX, a determination is made, using two-way paging technology, whether the pager associated with the called party/subscriber is registered within the local area covered by the home PBX. If the pager is registered in the local area, then the calling party's call is connected directly to the PBX and a local page is broadcast to the called party/subscriber.

Abstract: A personal reach system includes a network, a personal reach unit, a cellular network, and a landline telephone station. The personal reach unit is coupled to the cellular network and the landline telephone through the network. When a first party pages a second party through the personal research unit, the first party is connected to the second party by either the personal reach unit through the landline telephone station or the cellular network through the cellular phone.

Abstract: A subscriber to a two-way paging system can configure a call routing/forwarding "speed-dial" menu for display on the subscriber's two-way pager. The subscriber can then choose from among the options in this menu each time a call is placed to the subscriber's personal telephone number (PTN). The call forwarding menu is stored in a customer routing point (CRP) database record associated with the subscriber and/or the subscriber's PTN, and is either downloaded upon creation to the subscriber's two-way pager for long-term storage in the two-way pager's memory, or downloaded to the two-way pager each time a call is made to the subscriber's PTN. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the subscriber can configure multiple call routing menus, and designate for each menu the caller(s) to which the menu corresponds.

Abstract: With the advent of personal digital assistants (PDAs) having modems for information, e.g., facsimile and/or data, transmission over wireless connections, as well as the capability for voice communications, we have recognized that is possible to communicate with a person, wherever they are, in whatever form is desired. In order to do so in a manner that simulates the way a person at a fixed location having a separate telephone, fax machine and data modem would communicate, incorporate into a PDA is a) a receiver for a wireless actuation signal that indicates that a communication of some type is waiting for a called party; b) an outgoing connection origination unit that establishes a connection from the PDA to the waiting communication; c) a discriminator, which makes a determination as to the type of communication that is waiting; and d) a selection unit that routes the information signals received over the connection established by the PDA to an appropriate communication unit within the PDA, e.g.

Abstract: A communication system operative to retrieve communications from a plurality of calling parties by a called party at a plurality of selected secondary party locations, each having a corresponding Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) device and a communication address. The system includes a switch which is provided in electrical communication with the calling party CPE devices and secondary party CPE devices. The system may be adapted for use in both Advanced Intelligent Networks (AINs) and non-AIN arrangements. The system may similarly be provided with Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) architecture or, in specified AIN arrangements, with advanced functionality controlled by a properly interfaced Service Control Point (SCP). The system is operative to place the incoming communication on queue while notifying the secondary party, i.e., the intended recipient, of the communication.

Abstract: A system and method for processing telephone calls to a personal telephone number, such calls being of the type in which a call to a called party's personal telephone number results in a page to a pager of a called party and the caller's call is held in the network to be bridged to a return telephone call of the called party, employs type-ahead for faster perceived system response while not permitting free paging. In particular, although type-ahead is permitted, the page is not immediately initiated upon receipt of the last character of a valid command string prior to the end of the announcement that is played to the caller upon his call reaching a bridging and signaling unit. Instead, the bridging and signaling unit is arranged to respond so that it appears to have accepted and executed the command, and moves into the next phase of operation, e.g., music on hold.

Abstract: A communications system is designed to monitor voice communications signals for an initial end-to-end communications link which is comprised of a) a wireless segment which connects a wireless network to a wireless end-user apparatus, and b) a second segment which connects a communications end-user device to the wireless network. When the system detects that the wireless segment is inoperative, it inhibits the release of the second segment. Thereafter, the system sets up a subsequent wireless segment which extends from the wireless network to the wireless end-user apparatus. The subsequent wireless segment is then bridged to the second segment to form a new end-to-end communications link to restore connectivity between the wireless end-user apparatus and the communications end-user device.

Abstract: A method for telephone number notification and storage in a two-way portable radio includes decoding (205) an incoming telephone number at a central station and successively transmitting (209) portions of the telephone number and a ring signal to a subscriber radio. The subscriber radio subsequently acknowledges (211, 217) receipt of the telephone number and uses this information to notify (321,323) a radio subscriber that a telephone call was received. The telephone call can be immediately answered or selectively stored (325) and retrieved by the subscriber at a later time. The invention is particularly useful in situations where the radio subscriber is away from the radio or was not able to hear the ring signal.

Abstract: A call delivery system (10) for delivering a call to a mobile unit (12) on a vehicle (14) includes both a data communications network (16) and a mobile voice communications network (20). The mobile unit (12) generates call delivery information and communicates this information to a platform (18) using the data communications network (16). The platform (18) receives a call for the mobile unit (12). The platform (18) retrieves call delivery information received from the mobile unit (12) and establishes communications between the platform (18) and the mobile unit (12) using the mobile voice communications network (20). The platform then completes the call between the caller (36, 40, 44) and the mobile unit (12). Alternatively, the platform (18) can generate a call back message for transmission to the mobile unit (12) using the data communications network (16).

Abstract: In a personal reach telephone service in which a calling party's telephone call to a personal reach telephone number of a called party is bridged to a return call placed by the called party in response to a page, a connection is established between bridging and signaling equipment associated with the interexchange network, to which the calling party's call is directed, and the home PBX associated with the called party. The called party, in responding to the page, and if local to the PBX, calls into his home PBX where this return call and the calling party's call are bridged together.

Abstract: An improved architecture for providing high capacity capability to voice message systems is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of stand-alone voice message processors (VMP), each of which are communicatively connected via a high-speed local area network. Each of the voice message processors are communicatively connected to a network interface module (NIM) that receives all incoming calls from a public switched telephone network (PSTN). A control module is connected to the NIM and also interfaces with each of the VMPs over the local area network. As each incoming call is received, the control module routes the call to the appropriate VMP assigned to the subscriber to whom the call is designated. A terminal server is also connected to the local area network. The terminal server receives calls from subscribers utilizing a personal computer. In this manner, a subscriber can access his or her voice mailbox account.

Abstract: An improvement in the transparency of personal telecommunications over the prior art is achieved by automatically placing a return call from a personal communications unit of a called individual in response to a call from a caller and alerting the called individual to the existence of the call placed to his personal number only upon an indication that the call from the calling telephone remains in progress. In one embodiment of the invention, the called individual associates his personal communications unit with a telephone channel, before his reception of any calls. Should a caller make a call to the called individual's personal calling number, the telephone network causes the transmission of an actuation signal. In response to the actuation signal, the personal communications unit places a call to a predetermined number over a switched telephone network using the aforementioned associated telephone channel.