Abstract: A display-based terminal (101) employs a method and apparatus for dynamically grouping (719, 723, 819, 823) communication units in a communication system. The terminal displays a map (703, 803) to the terminal user that indicates locations of communication units in at least a portion of the communication system. The terminal receives (705, 805) an indication of a geographic area on the map. After the area has been indicated and the talkgroup identified, the terminal automatically groups (719, 723, 819, 823) communication units that are in or have entered the selected area into the identified talkgroup. If a regrouped unit exits the selected area, the terminal automatically removes the exiting unit from the talkgroup. The terminal user may further input criteria to limit which units entering and leaving the indicated area are actually grouped or ungrouped.

Abstract: A method of handling an event by a plurality of consoles includes the steps of receiving an event (519) at a communication system and displaying the event at the consoles (101 and 117), wherein the event is displayed (525) using a first manner of display on each of the consoles (101 and 117). When the event is recognized (505) by a first console (101 and 117), the event is displayed (509) on the first console using a second manner of display in response to the recognition, and each of the consoles that is not the first console continues displaying (525) the event using the first manner of display. After the event is responded (511) to by a second console, the event is displayed (527) on the consoles using a third manner of display. After the event is responded to, the event is deleted (515) by a deleting console, and the event is displayed (533) on the consoles that is not the deleting console using a fourth manner of display and the displaying of the event is discontinued on the deleting console.

Abstract: A one-way or single-channel communication network utilizing electromagnetic radiation signals of a fixed single or narrow-band frequency in free air space consists of a plurality of transmitters and a central receiver in which each message is encoded in a wave train and is tagged with a sender identity (ID). The central receiver, which can be a single unit or a plurality of units connected in cascade, detects the messages in the free air space and send them along to a central processing unit (CPU) for message handling.

Abstract: A mobile communication device (116) establishes a network connection with a server (120) and searches a database (122) for calling information associated with a party the user of the mobile communication device desires to call. Once the information is located, it is formatted (508) by the server so that it is in a browsable format, suitable for displaying on the mobile communication device. The server transmits (510) the formatted information to the mobile communication device, where calling options are displayed (512) to the user. The user then selects (514) one of the options, and the mobile communication device configures (516) itself to perform the desired communication activity.

Abstract: An apparatus has a plurality of ports (209); a router (203), operating in conjunction with at least one of the plurality of ports, arranged and constructed to receive at least one signal and provide an output signal; and a pacer (205), operating in conjunction with one or more of the plurality of ports, arranged and constructed to receive the output signal and provide the output signal to at least one of the one or more of the plurality of ports. The apparatus may also include a voter (201), operating in conjunction with at least one of the plurality of ports, arranged and constructed to provide a voted signal to the router.

Abstract: In a wireless communication system (100, 200), at least one service building block (605-610 and 622) is used in a service creation environment (301) to create logic program rules (303) that include identification of an authorized service execution environment. The logic program rules, which may require further configuration, are provided to a service execution environment (302) having an identification that matches the identification of the authorized service execution environment. Configurable software modules within the service execution environment are executed in accordance with the logic program rules when at least one predetermined stimulus is detected, thereby providing the service within the system. The service creation environment and the service execution environment may be implemented within a single console or separately implemented within different consoles, or the service creation environment can be embodied within a stand-alone computer (201). In this manner, rapid service creation is provided.

Abstract: A dispatch console for a radio system is disclosed, where the radio system includes an audio switching tower which routes audio communications between a switching device and audio input/output devices at the dispatch console. The dispatch console includes a personal computer for communicating command messages to the audio switching tower, the personal computer storing information on numerous audio communications initiated and terminated in the radio system. The dispatch console further includes a device connected to the personal computer permitting an operator of said display console to interface therewith and a display screen segmented into a plurality of windows.

Abstract: Base stations located at physically separate, remote locations are operated as a single site to permit trunked radio communications between portable radios located at those split sites. A first trunked RF communication site located at a first split site location includes plural first base stations, each first base station including a transceiver corresponding to an RF communications channel. The first site also includes a first site controller, connected to each of the first base stations, for assigning base station transceivers to radios requesting an RF communications channel. A second trunked RF communications site is located at a second split site location remote from the first split site location and includes plural second base stations along with a second site controller.

Abstract: A dispatcher console for use in a digitally trunked, multisite public service radio system. The dispatcher counsel comprises a personal computer having a co-processor logic board, an audio switching tower, and user I/Os including a customized keyboard, display screen, audio speakers, headset and a transmit foot pedal. The switching tower routes audio communications between the console and multisite switch. The tower is controlled by and connected directly to the co-processor board. The customized keyboard is also connected directly to the co-processor board and has dedicated keys for commonly performed functions. The display screen presents information in a standard format such that the dispatcher knows precisely where to find particular information.

Abstract: In an extended overall radio communications network, one or more dedicated Network Interface Modules (NIMs) are provided in each multisite trunked communications systems to permit the interconnection and communication between plural, multisite systems. A remote multisite system appears through the local NIM as just another site interface to the local multisite system. Basic and advanced dispatch console functions are effected over the extended network via the NIMs in a manner that is transparent to the console operator.