Showing papers on "Communications system published in 2001"

Data communication method using mobile terminal

Abstract: A method for transmitting data in a data communication system having a mobile terminal and a transmitting/receiving terminal is enclosed. The method includes the steps of establishing a voice communication channel between the mobile terminal and a receiving data terminal in the data communication system set to a Voice mode, setting the data communication system to a Data mode without disconnecting the voice communication channel by transmitting a first connection request and a telephone number of the receiving data terminal by the transmitting data terminal to the mobile terminal, establishing a data communication channel between the transmitting and receiving data terminals, and transmitting data to the receiving data terminal through the data communication channel. By sending a receiving side telephone number to the mobile terminal together with a connection request signal (ATD command) as shown in the data communication method according to the present invention, a user can transmit or receive data more conveniently during the wireless conversation. The mode of the communication system can simply be converted from a Voice mode to a Data (Fax) mode by transmitting a ATD command together with a receiving side telephone number so that it can provide a substantial convenience to a user when transmitting or receiving data during the wireless phone conversation.

Ofdm Wireless LANs: A Theoretical and Practical Guide

Abstract: (NOTE: Each chapter concludes with a Bibliography.) Preface. 1. Background and WLAN Overview. Review of Stochastic Processes and Random Variables. Review of Discrete-Time Signal Processing. Components of a Digital Communication System. OFDM WLAN Overview. Single Carrier Versus OFDM Comparison. 2. Synchronization. Timing Estimation. Frequency Synchronization. Channel Estimation. Clear Channel Assessment. Signal Quality. 3. Modulation and Coding. Modulation. Interleaving. Channel Codes. 4. Antenna Diversity. Background. Receive Diversity. Transmit Diversity. 5. RF Distortion Analysis for OFDM WLAN. Components of the Radio Frequency Subsystem. Predistortion Techniques for Nonlinear Distortion Mitigation. Adaptive Predistortion Techniques. Coding Techniques for Amplifier Nonlinear Distortion Mitigation. Phase Noise. IQ Imbalance. 6. Medium Access Control (MAC)for IEEE 802.ll Networks. MAC Overview. MAC System Architecture. MAC Frame Formats. MAC Data Services. MAC Management Services. MAC Management Information Base. 7. Medium Access Control (MAC) for HiperLAN/2 Networks. Network Architecture. DLC Functions. MAC Overview. Basic MAC Message Formats. PDU Trains. MAC Frame Structure. Building a MAC Frame. MAC Frame Processing. 8. Rapid Prototyping for WLANs. Introduction to Rapid Prototype Design. Good Digital Design Practices. Rapid Prototyping of a WLAN System. Index.

System and method of communicating between an implantable medical device and a remote computer system or health care provider

Abstract: A medical information communication system and corresponding methods are described. The system permits monitoring the performance of an implantable medical device (IMD) implanted within a body of a patient, monitoring the health of the patient, or remotely delivering a therapy to the patient through the IMD. The IMD is capable of bi-directional communication with a communication module, a mobile telephone and/or a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) located outside the patient's body. The system may comprise the IMD, the communication module and/or a mobile telephone and/or a PDA, a remote computer system, and a communication system capable of bi-directional communication, where the communication module, the mobile telephone and/or the PDA are capable of receiving information from the IMD or relaying information thereto.

Channel equalization system and method

Abstract: A system and method for delivering increases speed, security, and intelligence to wireline and wireless systems. The present invention includes a new generation Fast Circuit Switch (packet/circuit) Communication processors and platform which enables a new Internet Exchange Networking Processor Architecture at the edge and core of every communication system, for next generation Web Operating System or Environment (WOE) to operate on with emphasis of a non-local processor or networking processor with remote web computing capabilities. A Unified Network Communication & Processor System or UniNet is a New generation network architecture of packet/circuit communication processors or Internet networking processor, that increases speeds over any communication channels and topologies, synchronizing, enabling, improving, controlling and securing all of the data transmission of web applications over existing wireline and wireless infrastructure while providing seamless integration to the legacy telecom & data corn backbone. The present invention is capable of operating on any topology with distributed intelligence and data switching/routing, which is located at the edge. This method not only alleviates the ever increasing data processing bottleneck which is currently done by the data communication and telecom switch and routers, but it also enables new and next generation Internet Processor architecture. The UniNet is also a flexible solution for the novel concept that the capability of a network interface should depend on the level of service assigned to a service access point, not the capacity of the total network, such as transaction services with a short burst of messages with short access delay. The present invention increases channel capacity by using a parallel or multi-channel structure in such wireless and wireline at the edge or the core of. This new architecture of the present invention uses parallel bitstreams in a flexible way and distributed switching/routing technique, is not only to avoid the potential bottlenet of centralized switches, but also to increase speed with intelligence that is seamlessly integrating into the Fiber Optic Backbone such as WDM and SONET of the MAN/WAN network with a Real-time guarantees, different types of traffic (such as Stringent synchronous, isochronous, and asynchronous data messages) with different demands, and privacy & security of multi access and integrated services environment.

Method and apparatus for measuring and reporting channel state information in a high efficiency, high performance communications system

Abstract: Channel state information (CSI) can be used by a communications system to precondition transmissions between transmitter units and receiver units. In one aspect of the invention, disjoint sub-channel sets are assigned to transmit antennas located at a transmitter unit. Pilot symbols are generated and transmitted on a subset of the disjoint sub-channels. Upon receipt of the transmitted pilot symbols, the receiver units determine the CSI for the disjoint sub-channels that carried pilot symbols. These CSI values are reported to the transmitter unit, which will use these CSI values to generate CSI estimates for the disjoint sub-channels that did not carry pilot symbols. The amount of information necessary to report CSI on the reverse link can be further minimized through compression techniques and resource allocation techniques.

Method and Apparatus for Controlling Transmissions of a Communications System

Abstract: In some aspects, each cell in the communications system can be designed to operate in accordance with a set of back-off factors that identify the reductions in peak transmit power levels for the channels associated with the back-off factors. The back-off factors are defined to provide the required power to a large percentage of the users while reducing the amount of interference. In some other aspects, the cells operate using an adaptive reuse scheme that allows the cells to efficiently allocate and reallocate the system resources to reflect changes in the system. A reuse scheme is initially defined and resources are allocated to the cells. During operation, changes in the operating conditions of the system are detected and the reuse scheme is redefined as necessary based on the detected changes. For example, the loading conditions of the cells can be detected, and the resources can be reallocated and/or the reuse scheme can be redefined. In yet other aspects, techniques are provided to efficiency schedule data transmissions and to assign channels to users. Data transmissions can be scheduled based on user priorities, some fairness criteria, system requirements, and other factors. Users are assigned to available channels based on a number of channel assignment schemes. Channel metrics are also provided, which can be used to prioritize users and for channel assignments.

System for monitoring vehicle efficiency and vehicle and driver perfomance

Abstract: A commercial vehicle fleet management system which integrates a vehicle on-board computer, a precise positioning system, and communication system to provide automated calculating and reporting of jurisdictional fuel taxes, road use taxes, vehicle registration fees, and the like. In a further aspect, there is provided an online mobile communication system and a system for monitoring carrier vehicle efficiency and vehicle driver performance.

Device and method to measure and communicate body parameters

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and communicating parameters of a brain, tissue, or other organs is disclosed. The system includes a sensor to sense the parameter of interest, an external device where the parameter may be displayed, processed or cause action to be taken, and a communication system to communicate the sensed parameter from the sensor to the external device. In another embodiment, the system includes a processing system for processing the sensed parameters and controlling an associated medical device.

Vehicle rearview mirror assembly incorporating a communication system

Abstract: A vehicle communication and control system is provided that may be more readily installed in a vehicle and that utilizes minimal additional wiring. According to some of the disclosed embodiments, the electrical components of the “brick” of a communication and control system are integrated into a rearview mirror assembly. Preferably, the microwave antenna for the GPS and the cellular telephone antenna are also integrated into the rearview mirror assembly. Various functions and features of the system are also disclosed.

Portal for a communications system

Abstract: A portal for a communications system that includes a remote terminal connected via a communications network to a broadcast center. The portal includes a display connected to the remote terminal for displaying an arrangement of cells, each cell including a visual object and an underlying application. A user input device enables user inputs to select one of the cells. The portal provides simple and intuitive access to the wide variety of services currently offered, and to be offered in the future, in communications systems.

Quality of service

Abstract: The application relates to quality of service. In particular, the application relates to enabling user-controlled alteration of the quality of service in a wireless communication between a subscriber device and a communication system.

Wireless private branch exchange (wpbx) and communicating between mobile units and base stations

Abstract: Methods to create a cellular-like communication system, such as a Wireless Private Branch Exchange (WPBX) (123, 124), which includes mobile devices (121, 123) such as a standard cordless phone (handsets), particularly, mobile devices utilizing the Bluetooth short-range wireless communication protocol. The methods provide seamless and reliable handoff of sessions between Base Stations while the mobile device is moving between picocells, by implementing a high-level of synchronization between the Base Stations and the Switch (129). Base Stations of picocells having small coverage areas communicate with the handsets. The communication protocol is divided into a low-level protocol (280, 281) performed by the Base Stations and a high-level protocol (283, 284) performed by the Switch connected to all the Base Stations. The methods support mobile computing or telephony devices and communication protocols, which are not specified to handle handoffs of sessions while moving between Base Stations coverage areas in a data, voice or telephony wireless network.

Ultra-Wideband Technology for Short- or Medium-Range Wireless Communications

Abstract: Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology is loosely defined as any wireless transmission scheme that occupies a bandwidth of more than 25% of a center frequency, or more than 1.5GHz. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently working on setting emissions limits that would allow UWB communication systems to be deployed on an unlicensed basis following the Part 15.209 rules for radiated emissions of intentional radiators, the same rules governing the radiated emissions from home computers, for example. This rule change would allow UWB-enabled devices to overlay existing narrowband systems, which is currently not allowed, and result in a much more efficient use of the available spectrum. Devices could, in essence, fill in the unused portions of the frequency spectrum in any particular location. These recent developments by the FCC give Intel a unique opportunity to develop equipment that could potentially take advantage of the vast amount of usable spectrum that exists in the wireless space, and that could provide an engine to drive the future high-rate applications that are being conceived throughout this industry. Intel Architecture Labs (IAL) is currently researching UWB technology in order to better understand its benefits, limitations, and technical challenges when used for high-rate communications. This paper introduces the reader to this technology, from potential applications to regulatory hurdles, to possible implementations and future challenges.

System and process for distribution of information on a communication network

Abstract: A communications system includes a plurality of recipient processors located at remote locations with respect to each other and connected to an information provider processor (12) over a communication network. The provider (12) and recipient (124) processors may communicate through the Internet (18). The provider processor (12) can provide information from any suitable source over a communication network. However, access to the information by the recipient processors is controlled based on the geographic location or region of the recipient processors (124). Each recipient processor is operably associated with a positioning system, such as a global positioning system GPS (130, 126) to provide its location. The location information is used to determine whether or not the processor requesting the information is within a restricted or non-restricted region. This determination may be made by comparing the geographic information of the recipient processor with a list of non-restricted or restricted geographic locations or regions.

Method and apparatus for risk-related use of vehicle communication system data

Abstract: The invention disclosed utilizes a computer system that accepts and stores information from subscribers of vehicle communication systems. This information includes information about vehicle drivers, the vehicle and scored data that represents the operational characteristics of the vehicle that has been obtained from vehicle sensors and transmitted through the vehicle communication system. Captured sensor data is processed and presented through a standardized scoring system to protect driver privacy, provide a means for assessing and measuring relative driver safety and to facilitate the offering of insurance discounts by insurance companies. The invention further provides a mechanism for vehicle owners to obtain lower insurance rates based on scored safety-related data and for insurance companies to obtain new insurance subscribers and to provide them insurance discounts based on scored safety-related data.

Systems and methods for routing messages to communications devices over a communications network

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for routing a message to a communications device. These systems and methods may receive a message via a communications channel, convert the message into a uniform media format, identify at least one of the following: at least one user communications device to receive the message and at least one communications channel for delivering the message, then convert the uniform media formatted message for at least one communications protocol and then forward the message formatted for the at least one communications protocol to the at least one user communications device via at least one communications channel. In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, messages sent in one communications protocol via a communications channel may be delivered to a user in a different communications protocol via a different communications channel. The message may be forward to a user's communications device based upon the user's contact profile and location information and the user's preferences information. In some embodiments, the message may be delivered via an instant messaging communications channel.

Analysis of communication losses in vehicle control problems

Abstract: In this paper we study the effect of communication packet losses in the feedback loop of a control system. Our motivation is derived from vehicle control problems where information is communicated via a wireless local area network. For such problems, we consider a simple packet-loss model for the communicated information and note that results for discrete-time linear systems with Markovian jumping parameters can be applied. The goal is to find a controller (if one exists) such that the closed loop is mean square stable for a given packet loss rate. A linear matrix inequality (LMI) condition is developed for the existence of a stabilizing dynamic output feedback controller. This LMI condition is used to study the effect of communication losses on a vehicle following problem. In summary, these results can be used not only to design controllers but also give a 'worst-case' performance specification (in terms of packet-loss rate) for an acceptable communications system.

System and method of automated invoicing for communications between an implantable medical device and a remote computer system or health care provider

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for automatically generating invoices when medical services are provided to a patient are described. Invoices are automatically generated by the system, for example, when monitoring of certain aspects of the performance of an implantable medical device(IMD) implanted within a body of a patient is initiated by the patient or remotely, or when the delivery of a therapy to the patient through the IMD is initiated locally or remotely. The IMD is capable of bi-directional communication with a communication module, a mobile telephone and/or a Personal Data Assistant (PDA) located outside the patient's body. The system invoicing system may comprise the IMD, the communication module and/or a mobile telephone and/or a PDA, means for generating an invoice, a remote computer system, and a communication system capable of bi-directional communication, where the communication module, the mobile telephone and/or the PDA is capable of receiving information from the IMD or relaying information thereto.

Electronic provider—patient interface system

Abstract: The present invention provides a communication system (100) for providing automated, electronic communications between at least one health-care provider and a plurality of users (102-112) of the health-care provider, wherein the communications occur over a communications network through a provider/patient interface, said system comprising: a central server, comprising one server or a logic unit of multiple servers.

Voice activated communication system and program guide

Abstract: A subscriber unit for use with a program guide selection system is described. The program guide selection system provides program guide information which is communicated over a communication network and includes operating characteristics of a communication system and selection codes which are associated with the operating characteristics of the communication system. The subscriber unit includes: a receiver for receiving the program guide information and the selection codes associated with the operating characteristics, a display for displaying the program guide information and the selection codes to a subscriber, a microphone which is employed by the subscriber, when the subscriber identifies on the display a selection code which is associated with a requested one of the operating characteristics, to orally input a voice expression which includes the selection code, and a speech recognition unit which is coupled to the microphone and is operative to enable selection of the requested one of the operating characteristics in response to the voice expression.

Portable electronic units including notebook computers, PDAs and battery operated units

Abstract: A small light weight modular microcomputer based computer and communications systems, designed for both portability and desktop uses. The systems make use of a relative large flat panel display device assembly ( 2 ), an expandable hinge device ( 10 ), battery power source ( 9 ), keyboard assembly ( 16 ), and wireless communications devices ( 32, 51 ). Systems can be configured in a portable arrangement similar to conventional notebook computers, but can be quickly and easily disassembled and re-assembled for office desktop uses. Systems may consist of a base computer unit ( 100 ) comprising communication devices may act as a relay station relaying voice and other data between the handset or earset and external wide area communications networks. The system may be capable of performing, personal digital assistant (PDA), cellular telephone, conventional notebook computer, desktop computer functions.

Modulation scaling for Energy Aware Communication Systems

Abstract: In systems that require low energy consumption, voltage scaling is an invaluable circuit technique. It also offers energy awareness, trading off energy and performance. In wireless handheld devices, the communication portion of the system is a major power hog. We introduce a new technique, called modulation scaling, which exhibits benefits similar to those of voltage scaling. It allows us to trade off energy against transmission delay and as such introduces the notion of energy awareness in communications. Throughout our discussion, we emphasize the analogy with voltage scaling. As an example application, we present an energy aware wireless packet scheduling system.

Communication system using OFDM for one direction and DSSS for another direction

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wireless communication are described. In one embodiment, a method for communicating with a subscriber comprises transmitting orthogonal frequency domain multiplexing (OFDM) signals to the subscriber, and receiving direct-sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) signals from the subscriber.

Method and apparatus for determining the position of a mobile communication device

Abstract: A position location communication system determines the position of a mobile master radio using a round-trip messaging scheme in which the time of arrive (TOA) of ranging signals is accurately determined to yield the range estimates required to calculate the position of the mobile radio. The master radio transmits ranging signals to plural reference radios which respond by transmitting reply ranging signals. Upon reception of the reply ranging signal, the master radio determines the range to the reference radio from the signal propagation time. Any combination of fixed or mobile radios having known positions can be used as the reference radios for another mobile radio in the system. Individual radios do not need to be synchronized to a common time reference, thereby eliminating the need for highly accurate system clocks. Errors in TOA estimates are minimized by performing internal delay calibration, Doppler compensation, leading-edge-of-the-signal curve fitting and frequency diversity techniques.

On Hybrid Petri Nets

Abstract: Petri nets (PNs) are widely used to model discrete event dynamic systems (computer systems, manufacturing systems, communication systems, etc). Continuous Petri nets (in which the markings are real numbers and the transition firings are continuous) were defined more recently; such a PN may model a continuous system or approximate a discrete system. A hybrid Petri net can be obtained if one part is discrete and another part is continuous. This paper is basically a survey of the work of the authors' team on hybrid PNs (definition, properties, modeling). In addition, it contains new material such as the definition of extended hybrid PNs and several applications, explanations and comments about the timings in Petri nets, more on the conflict resolution in hybrid PNs, and connection between hybrid PNs and hybrid automata. The paper is illustrated by many examples.

Customer communication service system

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for servicing multi media customer communications to geographically distributed agents from multiple call center sites via the telephone network and a global data communications network. The system provides separate interface ports to the telephone network and a global data communications network, eliminating a potential choke point for limiting communications performance. Multi media workflow provides common elements for handling diverse media event types. The system a novel algorithm for skill based matching the attributes of multiple media events to the attributes of multiple call center agents. Universal queuing is provided to enable effective use of skill based matching features. A unique method for allocating voice trunk lines provides greater efficiency of available voice communication channels and maximizes agent available to customers.

Method and wireless communications systems using coordinated transmission and training for interference mitigation

Abstract: A method for interference mitigation in a wireless communication system having multiple transmitters and receivers by introducing transmission time delays between the transmission of signals from the individual transmitters to ensure coherent reception of the signals at a specific point in the coverage area, such as at a center of distribution of the receivers. To further aid in interference mitigation the signals are assigned training patterns chosen to be distinguishable by the receiver and to optimize interference mitigation. The training patterns can be selected based on a feedback parameter, e.g., a measure of the quality of interference mitigation obtained from the receiver. The present method can be used in wireless communication systems which re-use frequencies including TDMA, CDMA, FDMA, OFDMA or other multiplex communication systems using a multiple access method or a combination of such methods.

Cellular telephone data communication system and method

Abstract: The cellular telephone data communication system and method involves the use of a mobile data processing interface and a cooperating static data processing interface to effectively transmit data over a cellular telephone system. Each data processing interface includes a processor which operates in the transmitting mode to add an error control correction data format to data received from an external data source. The data is divided into packets and provided to a modem which is uniquely operated to eliminate the action of the modem scramble system and to remain active in spite of a carrier signal loss. The modem is deactivated or disconnected by a disconnect signal from the processor, and when carrier signal loss occurs, this disconnect signal is provided only after the lapse of a delay period without the resumption of the carrier signal. The error control correction data format causes a receiver to evaluate the received data for error and to retransmit an acknowledgment signal for each acceptable packet of received data. In the absence of an acknowledgment signal, the processor will again provide a data packet to the modem for retransmission. Also, the processor will determine the frequency of error in the received data from the acknowledgment signals and subsequently adjust the data packet size in accordance with this error frequency.

Dynamic bandwidth allocation

Abstract: The communication system includes a hybride fiber/coax distribution network. A head end provides for downstream transmission of telephony and control data in a first frequency bandwidth over the hybrid fiber/coax distribution network and reception of upstream telephony and control data in a second frequency bandwidth over the hybrid fiber/coax distribution network. The head end includes head end multicarrier modem for modulating at least downstream telephony information on a plurality of orthogonal carriers in the first frequency bandwidth and demodulating at least upstream telephony information modulated on a plurality of orthogonal carriers in the second frequency bandwidth. The head end further includes a controller operatively connected to the head end multicarrier modem for controlling transmission of the downstream telephony information and downstream control data and for controlling receipt of the upstream control data and upstream telephony information. The system further includes service units, each service unit operatively connected to the hybrid fiber/coax distribution network for upstream transmission of telephony and control data in the second frequency bandwidth and for receipt of the downstream control data and telephony in the first frequency bandwidth. Each service unit includes a service unit multicarrier modem for modulating at least the upstream telephony information on at least one carrier orthogonal at the head end terminal to another carrier in the second frequency bandwidth and for demodulating at least downstream telephony information modulated on at least a band of a plurality of orthogonal carriers in the first frequency bandwidth. Each service unit also includes a controller operatively connected to the service unit multicarrier modem for controlling the modulation of and demodulation performed by the service unit multicarrier modem. A method of monitoring communication channels, a distributed loop method for adjusting transmission characteristics to allow for transmission of data in a multi-point to point communication system, a polyphase filter technique for providing ingress protection and a scanning method for identifying frequency bands to be used for transmission by service units are also included. Also provided is a method and apparatus for performing a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). In one embodiment, a scalable FFT system is built using a novel dual-radix butterfly core.

Vehicle information communication system and method capable of communicating with external management station

Abstract: In a vehicle diagnosis information communication system, electric power is supplied from a battery to a vehicle control computer mounted on the vehicle during a period of vehicle operation, while the electric power is supplied to a radio communication unit mounted on the vehicle irrespective of the vehicle operation. The computer transmits a vehicle information such as engine diagnosis result to the radio communication unit through a communication line. The radio communication unit communicates the received vehicle information to an external site of communication in response to a request of the information form the external site of communication irrespective of the supply of the electric power to the computer. Preferably, the supply of the electric power from the battery to the computer is maintained for a predetermined period after the vehicle operation.