Abstract:
An error-trapping decoder (10) is provided that performs right cyclic shifts of a received shortened codeword in a decode shift register (12). Consequently, the error burst portion of the received codeword is encountered in the register (12) within the length of the shortened code. In other words, the number of right cyclic shifts required by the shift register (12) to encounter the error burst portion of the received word is on the order of the length of the shortened word.
Abstract:
A dynamic biasing circuit monitors an input signal to a selected amplifier and compensates for variances in the amplifier's collector current by adjusting the amount of biasing DC quiescent current as the power amplitude of the input signal increases or decreases, respectively. To this end, the dynamic biasing circuit includes a detector section that detects and averages the input signal power, and a bias regulator that references a DC output signal from the detector section and accordingly adjusts a DC quiescent collector current of a biased amplifier device. The amplifier's collector current may thereby be maintained at a substantially optimum level in order to minimize negative intermodulation performance.
Abstract:
An LCD has a layer of phosphorescent material which emits light at a predetermined frequency and intensity following stimulation by either ambient light or a backlight. In a preferred embodiment, a backlight LED is driven by low duty cycle voltage pulses which periodically refresh the phosphorescence of the phosphorescent layer. The phosphorescent layer may be provided by coating the rear polarizer of the LCD with a phosphor-based emulsion or by applying a thin film of phosphorescent material to the back of the LCD. In an embodiment of the invention, a transflective LCD has a layer of phosphorescent material disposed between a rear polarizer and a transflector.
Abstract:
A shield can (12) for an electronic device (e.g., mobile phone) is provided that includes one or more protruding screw bosses (16). The screw bosses (16) are attached to a section of the electronic device where a bending, twisting or similar force is likely to occur. Consequently, the screw bosses transfer the rigidity and stiffness characteristics of the shield can (12) to the vulnerable section and thereby increase the overall structural integrity of the electronic device without increasing its overall size.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for providing a dispatch system in a cellular radiotelephone system. Membership in a dispatch group is implicitly created by assigning a common telephone number to all members of the dispatch group and/or explicitly by association of the mobile stations with one or more dispatch groups in a centralized database of a cellular telephone network. A telephone call placed by a dispatcher or mobile stations having membership in the dispatch group results in the cellular telephone network contacting each of the members of the dispatch group to create a full duplex conference call between all members of the dispatch group. In one embodiment of the present invention, the telephone calls to the mobile stations are conferenced together at the gateway to the cellular telephone network, and in another embodiment of the present invention, the telephone calls to the mobile stations are hierarchically conferenced together.
Abstract:
An apparatus in a local switch or in an advanced intelligent network determines whether a called party is a subscriber of a Send Announcement to Caller subscriber feature whenever a called party receives a call. The apparatus also determines whether the feature is presently activated. If it is, either a selected standard announcement or a customized announcement is played to the calling party. The customized announcement which must be prerecorded, allows a subscriber to give a calling party specific guidelines about whether the calling party should hang up or even bother to call back. In a business environment, this announcement can be used to play a trademark slogan or an advertisement. The call routing process is suspended for a specified amount of time to give the calling party enough time to respond. After specified amount of time has expired, the call routing process is completed.
Abstract:
A label is provided having a substrate material with or without a pressure sensitive adhesive layer positioned on a back surface thereof and having a spot of water soluble ink applied to a front surface thereof. The label is placed within the interior of an electronic device, and thereafter used to identify in an objective manner, instances of moisture exposure. In the presence of moisture (arising perhaps due to the submersion of the device in water), the spot of ink smears, dissolves or bleeds. Multiple spots with differing solubility characteristics may be provided to assist in identifying the nature (e.g., time duration) of the moisture exposure.
Abstract:
A recyclable cellular telephone is disclosed having an inner rigid cellular electronics supporting frame member surrounded by a replaceable outer cover. The telephone is acquired having a limited period of use. The electronics of the telephone operate to disable the telephone following expiration of the period of use. Following expiration of the period of use, the telephone is returned for refurbishment where the outer cover is stripped and replaced and the electronics tested before being recycled with a new period of use for an another acquisition. The cellular network supporting telephone operation also monitors the period of use, disabling telephone access to the network following expiration. Directory numbers are selectively assigned to the recyclable telephones from a pool of available numbers, with assigned numbers returned to the pool after expiration of a predetermined period or telephone deactivation for re-use by another recyclable telephone. The recyclable telephones are activated and deactivated in a number of ways, including through the use of a separate activation and deactivation station which communicates with the telephones over a radio frequency communications link.
Abstract:
A programmable, low-current voltage source for small-signal electronic equipment, such as portable cellular telephones, is achievable by generating and applying a bias voltage and a reference voltage across a voltage divider circuit. Consequently, a low-current output voltage is generated at the center junction of the voltage divider circuit. Adjustment of the low-current output voltage level is accomplished by adjusting either the bias voltage level and/or the reference voltage level. The adjustment of the bias voltage level and/or the reference voltage level, in turn, is controlled by a programmable, microprocessor-based waveform generator.