CA2025485C - Dual receiver apparatus for integrated paging and radiotelephone functions - Google Patents
Dual receiver apparatus for integrated paging and radiotelephone functionsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2025485C CA2025485C CA 2025485 CA2025485A CA2025485C CA 2025485 C CA2025485 C CA 2025485C CA 2025485 CA2025485 CA 2025485 CA 2025485 A CA2025485 A CA 2025485A CA 2025485 C CA2025485 C CA 2025485C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- radiotelephone
- paging
- signals
- block
- receiving
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Abstract
Both paging and cellular radiotelephone functions can be combined in a small, lightweight, single device by sharing most circuitry. The apparatus can receive paging signals simultaneously with radiotelephone signals because of dual receivers (105 and 110). When the paged party receives a page, an alert tone, a vibration, a visual indication, or a voice message is used to alert the party. Information extracted from the paging signal can be stored in memory (101) for later use. The paged party can select among messages stored in memory. If a message contains a telephone number, the paged party can call that number using the radiotelephone function at the touch of a button. The apparatus's keypad (102) can be used to program the paging function receiving frequency, identification code and type of paging system.
Description
, 202~48~
DUAL RECEIVER APPARATUS FOR INTEGRATED
PAGING AND RADIOTELEPHONE FUNCTIONS
1 0 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to both the cellular radiotelephone industry and the ps~ging industry.
15 Back~round of the Invention Both p~eine systems and cellular radiotelephone systems are widely used forms of communication. The systems allow individuals to keep in contact with the home or 2 0 office while away.
The paeing system is typically a one way radio communication system. An individual wishing to contact someone with a pager usually calls a central telephone number to access the central p~ein~ control. The central 2 5 ptqeing control is either automatic or operated by a human operator.
If the central p~gng control is automatic, the caller keys in the number assigned to the individual pager they wich to reach. Once that pager is ~ccesse-l, the caller can either 3 0 leave a voice message for the paged individual or key in the telephone number to be displayed on the pager's display.
Some systems may also allow both types of p:~ging.
If the central p~ging control is operated by a human operator, the caller typically tells the operator the number of 3 5 the pager and the mess~ge. The operator then pages the .~
- 2 - CE00l 34R
_ individual, and relays the message when the paged individual calls the operator.
Once paged, the individual must find a telephone to answer the page. This problem can be solved by the paged individual carrying a cellular radiotelephone. The cellular radiotelephone allows a mobile user to place a call anywhere within an area covered by the cellular communications system antenn~s. The cellular radiotelephone allows the user to access the l~n~lline telephone system to conduct two way l 0 telephone conversations. The cellular radiotelephone user can also receive telephone calls on the radiotelephone.
The pager solves some of the problems of the cellular mobile radiotelephone system. One problem is that if the radiotelephone is turned off or the user is away from the l 5 radiotelephone when a call is made to that device, the call will be missed. Another problem is that the radiotelephone user typically pays for incoming as well as outgoing calls. If an unwanted call is made to the radiotelephone, the radiotelephone user must pay for it.
2 0 A pager allows the radiotelephone user to receive the number of the c~lling party whether or not he is near the radiotelephone. Additionally, the user can use the pager to screen incoming call~ to determine which telephone number to call back, thereby elimin~ting the charges for unwanted 2 5 calls.
While the pager solves some of the limitations of the cellular radiotelephone and vice versa, this creates the problem of carrying two communication devices to remain in contact while moving about an area. An example of a solution 3 0 to thi9 problem is U.S. Patent No. 4,747,122 to Bhagat et al., assigned to Mobile Communications Corporation of America, for a mobile p~ing call back system. This device combines an entire radio pager and radiotelephone linked through an automatic dialer. Because of the redundant hardware and the 3 5 extra automatic dialer required, this device is large and heavy and does not allow continuous availability of both p~ging and radiotelephone functions away from the mobile in~t~llAtion.
There is a need therefore for a single, small, lightweight, portable device combining the advantages of both the cellular radiotelephone and the pager.
s mm~rv of the Invention The integrated pAeine and radiotelephone apparatus combines paging and cellular radiotelephone functions in a single unit. The apparatus consists of dual receivers allowing reception of paging signals simultaneously with cellular radiotelephone ~i~nAl~.
The apparatus also con~ists of a transmitter for transmitting radiotelephone signAl~t a keypad for progrAmming the apparatus, and a speaker and microphone for radiotelephone communication. A display indicates the functions and status of the apparatus. Additionally, shared memory is used for storing both radiotelephone data such as telephone numbers entered by the keypad and p~gine data 2 0 such as telephone ntlmbers received from the pAEing system.
The apparatus is controlled by a microprocessor. Its duties include: controlling access of the dual receivel 8 to the radiotelephone's speaker, updating the apparatus's display, and storing data into the memory. The micloylocessor also 2 5 controls ~vhether the apparatus sends an alert tone to the alert transducer to signal an incoming pager message.
The integrated pAging and radiotelephone apparatus operates by alerting the user of an incoming pAging message by the alert transducer tone, a voice messAge from the alert 3 0 transducer or speaker, or an alpha-numeric message left in the display and stored in memory. The user can later scroll through the numbers stored, choose the one to be called and automatically dial the number ~vith the radiotelephone without having to reenter the number.
3 5 In an alternate embodiment, the secon~lAry receiver has a synt~esi7ed local oscillator. The progrAmming bus from the 08~11~tor is connected to the microprocessor. The user can then program p~ging parameters such as receiving frequency, pa~in~ identification code, and the type of p~ing system in which the apparatus is being used.
s Brief Descri~tion of the Drawin~s FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of l 0 the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting a process of combined paging and radiotelephone functions of the microprocessor which may be employed in the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting a process of progr~mming l 5 radiotelephone and p~gine parameters which may be employed in the present invention.
Best Mode for Carryin~ Out the Invention 2 0 The present invention combines radio p~eing and cellular radiotelephone functions into one small, lightweight unit. This is ~ccomr1i~he-1 by providing a common apparatus for shared proces~ing of p?~eine and cellular sien?1~ received by dual leceive~. Paging operations of the apparatus only 2 5 requires an additional receiver (105) and ~ntenn~ (111). This allows the apparatus to lecei-ve p~ ing sign~1s while the radiotelephone functions are in operation and alert the user with a voice mess~ge~ a tone, a visual indicator, a vibrator me- h~nism~ or an alphanumeric message that can be stored 3 0 in memory for later recall. Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a device capable of combined radiotelephone and p~ging functions.
The integrated paging and radiotelephone apparatus is composed of dual receivers (105 and llO), with an antenna or 3 5 antennas (111), for simultaneously receiving paging signA1s and radiotelephone sign~1~; one receives radiotelephone 8iEn~l~ while the other receives pA~in~ si~l~. The second~ry receiver (105) used to lcceive paging si~n~ls may have a progr~mmAble, synthesi7ed local oscillator in an alternate embodiment.
S The receivers (105 and 110) are controlled by a m icroprocessor (106). The microprocessor (106) handles both the radiotelephone and the paging functions, including frequency control of the radiotelephone. It also controls whether one or both of the receivel 9 (105 and 110) has access to l 0 the radiotelephone's speaker (107) and whether the microprocessor (106) sends an alert tone to the alert transducer (104), a meSs~ge to the display (103), or allows a voice message to pass to the alert transducer (104) or speaker (107). In an alternate embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the 1 5 secondary receiver (105) has a progr~mm~ble local oscillator and the receiver's progr~mming bus (201) is connected to the microprocessor (106). A vibrator me~h~ni~m (203), that is turned on by the microprocessor, can be used as an alternate alert means.
2 0 In addition, the apparatus has memory (101) which may be non-volatile shared by both the p~ging and radiotelephone functions, a transmitter (109) for tr~ncmi~sion of radiotelephone si~n~l~, a power source (118), a keypad (102) for progr~mmin~ the apparatus, a test mode switch (120), and 2 S 8 display (103) for indicating the apparatus's status. A
_icrophone (112) is used for voice tr~n~mi~ion on the radiotelephone. Alert transducer (104) and vibrator (203) may also be used to provide an audible indication of an incoming radiotelephone call.
3 0 In operation, the secondary receiver's (105) discriminator output (114) is coupled to the microprocessor (106). The processor performs the paging algorithm on the incoming signal (U.S. Patent No. 4,518,961 to Davis et al., assigned to Motorola, Inc., describes such an algorithm). If 3 5 the paged party is on a tone only p~ging system, the microprocessor (106) sends a tone to the alert transducer (104) by controlling a mute gate (108), signAllin~ a page. The microprocessor (106) may also be programmed to signal a page by a visual indicator, turning on a vibrator, or any combination of the above. If the paged party is on a display 5 pA~in~ system, the microprocessor tlO6) displays the incoming data on the apparatus's display (103). If the paged party is on a voice paging system, the microprocessor (106), by controlling a mute gate (108), allows the secontlAry receiver (105) to send its audio to the radiotelephone's speaker (107) or l O to the alert transducer (104). Both radiotelephone audio and paging audio can be heard by the user simultaneously if a call is in progress at the time a page is received. The p~in~
audio, however, cannot be heard by the party on the other side of the radiotelephone conversation.
l S The process followed by the microprocessor (106) in reAli~in~ the present invention in the preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 3. The mi~o~locessor, as part of its routine of chores performs the necessary background tasks for the keypad and display functions (302). This entails interpreting 2 0 keypad (102) input and displaying messages on the display (103).
Flow proceeds from block (302) to determinAtion block (304) where a test is made to determine whether a low battery condition exists. If it is determined that a low battery 2 5 condition does exist, then flow proceeds to block (306) where an indication is provided via a signal sent to the speaker (107) or to the alert transducer (104) or a message displayed on the display (103).
From block (306) and the "no" path of determination 3 0 block (304), flow proceeds to determination block (308). At (308), a test is made to determine whether the battery has reached its end of life state. If it is determined that the battery has reached the end of life state, then flow proceeds to block (310) where the microprocessor turns the apparatus off to 3 5 prevent ~iAmAee to the battery. If it was determined that the battery is not at its end of life state, then flow proceeds to determination block (312). In this manner~ the power supervision circuits are common to both the radiotelephone and paging functions.
At (312), a test i9 made to determine whether the S circuits unique to the radiotelephone functions should be turned off. If it is determined that the radiotelephone functions should be turned off, then flow proceeds to block (314) where power to the circuits is disabled to conserve battery drain. From block (314), flow proceeds to determination block l 0 (318). If it is determined that the radiotelephone functions are not to be disabled, then flow proceeds from determination block (312) to block (316) where normal radiotelephone background functions are performed. Normal radiotelephone background functions include but are not limited to receiving l 5 and answering incoming telephone calls, alerting the user of incoming calls, initiating outgoing telephone calls, storing telephone nnmbers in memory (101) for future use, and rer~llin~ telephone numbers from memory (101) to place calls.
From block (316) and block (314), flow proceeds to 2 0 determination block (318) where a test is made to determine if the p~in~ functions should be deactivated. If it is determined that the p~gin~ functions are to be deactivated, then flow proceeds to block (320) where the power to the secondary receiver is deactivated to save battery drain. Flow proceeds 2 5 from block (320) to block (302) to resume the normal keypad/display background functions. In this manner, the p~n~ functions can be deactivated indepen-lently of the radiotelephone functions and vice versa. This allows the user to receive pages and respond with the radiotelephone 3 0 functions at a later time. Also, the user can u~e the radiotelephone functions without the p~ing functions drawing power.
If it is determined that the p?~ging functions are not to be deactivated, flow proceeds from (318) to block (322) where 3 5 the microprocessor performs the normal paging background functions. The p~ging background functions include but are 2!125~r85 not limited to monitoring the di~crimin~tor output from the ~eCon~l~ry receiver (105) to detect an inComin~ page from a ps~ in~ system. From block (322), flow proceeds to determin~tion block (324) where a test is made to determine 5 whether a page has been received. If it is determined that a page has not been received, then flow proceeds from block (324) to block (302) to resume the normal keypad/display background functions. If it i~ determined that a page ha~
been received, then flow proceeds from determin~tion block l 0 (324) to determin~tion block (326).
At (326), a test is made to determine whether a visual alert should be initiated. If it is determined that a visual alert is to be initiated, then flow proceeds to block (328) where the visual alert is generated. This visual alert may be but not l S limited to the turning on of a light, the fl~hin~ of a light, or a message being sent to the display (103). Flow proceeds from block (328) to determination block (330). If it is determined that a visual alert is not to be initiated, then flow proceeds from determination block (326) to determin~t;on block (330).
2 0 At determination block (330), a test is made to deter_ine whether a tone alert should be initiated. If it is determined that a tone alert is to be initiated, then flow proceeds from (330) to determin~tion block (332) where a test is made to determine whether the radiotelephone functions are presently using the 2 5 alert transducer. If it i9 determined that the radiotelephone functions are using the alert transducer, then flow proceeds to block (334) where a delay time is allowed to pass before flow proceeds back to determination block (332). In this m~nner, both the radiotelephone functiong and the p~gin~ filnct~nn~
3 0 are able to share a common alert transducer (104).
If it is determined that the radiotelephone functions are not presently using the alert transducer, then flow proceeds from determination block (332) to block (336) where an audible alert signal generated by microprocessor (106) is sent to alert 3 5 transducer (104). This audible alert signal _ay be, but is not limited to, a single tone, a series of short bursts of a tone, or - 202~485 multiple tones. Flow proceeds from block (336) to determin~tion block (338). If it is determined that an audible alert i9 not to be initiated, then flow proceeds from dete~nination block (330) to determin~tion block (338).
At (338), a test i9 made to determine whether a tactile alert is to be initiated. This tactile alert may be generated by turning on an electromechanical vibrator device. If it is determined that a tactile alert is to be initiated, then flow proceeds to block (340) where a vibrator mPch~ni~m is l 0 activated. From block (340), flow proceeds to determination block (342). If it is dete~mined that a tactile alert is not to be initiated, then flow proceeds from (338) to determination block (342).
At (342), a test is made to determine whether a voice 1 5 mpss~ge is being received by the p~Fing functions. If it is determined that a voice mPssAge is not being received, then flow proceeds from (342) to determination block (350). If it is determined that a voice mess~e is being received, then flow proceeds to determination block (344) where a test is made to 2 0 determine whether the radiotelephone functions are using speaker (107). If it i8 determined that the speaker is being used by the radiotelephone functions, then flow proceeds to block (346) where the speaker path from the secondary receiver to speaker (107) is enabled for the duration of the voice 2 5 message. In this manner, speaker (107) can be accessed by both the radiotelephone function and the ps~ing function simultaneously.
Flow proceeds from (346) to determin~t;on block (350). If it is determined that the radiotelephone functions are not 3 0 using speaker (107), then flow from block (344) proceeds to block (348) where the audio path from the secondary receiver is routed to alert transducer (104) for the duration of the voice message. From block (348), flow proceeds to determination block (350).
3 5 At (350), a test is made to determine whether a display message is being received by the p~E~in~ functions. If it is determined that a display mess~Ee is not being leceived by the p~ing functions, then flow returns to block (302) where the normal keypad/display background functions are performed.
If it is determined that a display meSsAEe is being received by 5 the paging functions, then flow proceeds to block (352) where the messAge is recove~ed from the paging signal and displayed on display (103).
From (352), flow proceeds to block (354) where the received display mess~e is stored in memory (101) for future l 0 use. This future use may be to review received paging messages and return a call using a stored pAginE message cont~ining a telephone number. In this m~qnner~ the memory (101) is shared by both the psl~ing functions and the radiotelephone functions. From (354), flow returns to block l 5 (302) where the normal keypad/display background functions are performed.
~ essaEes can be stored in memory (101) until the user decides to erase them. This allows the user to accumulate a quantity of messAEes for recall at a later time. Therefore, if 2 0 the user is too busy to answer a page imme-liAtely, the mesgslf~eg can be gaved for later use. At that time, the user can recall the list of mess~ges in memory (101), displaying them on the apparatus's display, then scroll through the messAEes using the apparatus's keypad (102) until the one 2 5 nee~lefl is found. After displaying the message, if the meSs~Ee cont~in~ a telephone number, the user touches the apparatus's SEND button on the keypad. This allows the user to place the call without having to reenter the number.
The apparatus performs the cellular radiotelephone 3 0 function in a conventional manner. The keypad (102) is used to enter a telephone number that iB displayed on the display (103). This number can be used immediately or stored with other numbers in memory (101) for later use. Once the nu_ber i9 entered or recalled from memory (101), the user 3 5 touches the SEND button to place the call. An incoming call is .
2025~85 announced by a tone on the alert transducer (104). The user touches the SEND button to answer the call.
In addition to entering telephone nllmbers, the keypad (102) can be used to program various functions of the 5 apparatus. If the secondary receiver (105) has a progr~mmAhle, synthesized local oscillator, as in the alternate embo~liment illustrated in Fig. 2, the keypad (102) can be used to program it via the _icroprocessor (106) and synthesizer progr~mmin~ bus (201). In this way, the user can l 0 change the receiving frequency of the secondary receiver (105).
Other paging parameters are also progr~mm~ble without the the synthesizer progr~mmin~ bus (201). These parameters can include the p~ing identification code, the type of p~in~
system in which the apparatus will be operated (i.e., tone only, l 5 tone/voice, or display), and the alert mode (i.e., beeper, vibrator, visual indicator, no alert, or any combination).
Progr~mm~hility of the paging control functions permits operation of the apparatus on paging systems with incompatible sign~ling characteristics and user control of the 2 0 alert mode. The p~ir~ parameters are stored in memory (101).
The keypad (102) can also program radiotelephone parameters. These parameters include, but are not limited to, the system identification number and the user's telephone 2 5 number. The radiotelephone parameters are stored in memory (101).
The progr~mming process followed by the _iclol~locessor (106) in re~li7.in~ the present invention in the alternate embo~liment is shown in Figure 4. Upon turn on of 3 0 the device (402), the miclol~locessor (106), as part of its routine of chores, makes a test (404) to determine whether a test mode is to be entered. This is sign~lled by a low level input to the _icroprocessor (106) from a test mode switch (120). The test mode is used, among other things, to program the operating 3 5 parameter~ of the device. If it is determined that the test mode is not to be entered (404), then flow proceeds to block (406) for -- 20~5~85 normal apparatus operation. If i9 it determined that the test mode is desired (404), then flow proceeds from (404) to block (408) where the microprocessor (106) reads a test mode comm~n-l input by the user via the keypad (102).
S From (408), flow proceeds to determination block (410) where a test is made to determine whether to exit the test mode routine. If it is determined that the test mode is to be exited, then flow proceeds to block (406) where normal device operation is enabled. If it is determined that the test mode is l 0 not to be exited, then flow proceeds through a series of test comm~nfl determination blocks of which block (412) is one.
At determin~t;on block (412), a test is made to determine whether the progr~mmin~ comm~n~ was input at block (408).
If it is determined that the progr~mming comm~n~l was not l S input, then flow proceeds to block (408) where the microprocessor (106) waits for a test command to be input. If it is determined that the progr~mming command was input, then flow proceeds from (412) to block (414) where a prompt is displayed on the display (103) ~skin~ the user to input the first 2 0 of a series of progr~mm~ble radiotelephone parameters via the keypad (102).
Flow continues to block (416) where the nth radiotelephone par~meter is programmed. From block (416), flow proceeds to block (418) where a prompt is displayed on the 2 5 display (103) ~ ing the user to input the first of a series of progr~mm~le p~ing parameters via the keypad (102).
Flow continues to block (420) where the last p~ging parameter is programmed and stored in memory (101). From (420), flow proceeds to block (408) where microprocessor (106) 3 0 waits for a test comm~nA to be input. In this m~nner, both radiotelephone and p~qging parameters are progr~mme-l via the keypad (102).
The integrated ps~ing and radiotelephone apparatus's power source may be an automobile's electrical system or a 3 3 battery. If a battery is used, the apparatus uses a power supervision circuit (122) to monitor the battery's condition.
- 2`J25485 The plocedu~a olltline-l above is used to monitor the battery's condition.
The integrated pA~ng and radiotelephone apparatus described gives the u~er the function of both a pager and a S cellular radiotelephone without carrying two devices. The apparatus allows incoming pages to be heard, felt, or displayed and can store the telephone numbers received on the pA~ing chAnnel for later use. In addition, the apparatus's pAging parameters and radiotelephone parameters may be 10 programmed through the keypad.
Those skilled in the art will recogni7e that various modifications and changes could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It should thelafole be understood that the claims are not to be 15 considered as being limited to the precise embo~liments set forth in the Ahsence of specific limitations directed to such embodiments.
DUAL RECEIVER APPARATUS FOR INTEGRATED
PAGING AND RADIOTELEPHONE FUNCTIONS
1 0 Field of the Invention The present invention relates to both the cellular radiotelephone industry and the ps~ging industry.
15 Back~round of the Invention Both p~eine systems and cellular radiotelephone systems are widely used forms of communication. The systems allow individuals to keep in contact with the home or 2 0 office while away.
The paeing system is typically a one way radio communication system. An individual wishing to contact someone with a pager usually calls a central telephone number to access the central p~ein~ control. The central 2 5 ptqeing control is either automatic or operated by a human operator.
If the central p~gng control is automatic, the caller keys in the number assigned to the individual pager they wich to reach. Once that pager is ~ccesse-l, the caller can either 3 0 leave a voice message for the paged individual or key in the telephone number to be displayed on the pager's display.
Some systems may also allow both types of p:~ging.
If the central p~ging control is operated by a human operator, the caller typically tells the operator the number of 3 5 the pager and the mess~ge. The operator then pages the .~
- 2 - CE00l 34R
_ individual, and relays the message when the paged individual calls the operator.
Once paged, the individual must find a telephone to answer the page. This problem can be solved by the paged individual carrying a cellular radiotelephone. The cellular radiotelephone allows a mobile user to place a call anywhere within an area covered by the cellular communications system antenn~s. The cellular radiotelephone allows the user to access the l~n~lline telephone system to conduct two way l 0 telephone conversations. The cellular radiotelephone user can also receive telephone calls on the radiotelephone.
The pager solves some of the problems of the cellular mobile radiotelephone system. One problem is that if the radiotelephone is turned off or the user is away from the l 5 radiotelephone when a call is made to that device, the call will be missed. Another problem is that the radiotelephone user typically pays for incoming as well as outgoing calls. If an unwanted call is made to the radiotelephone, the radiotelephone user must pay for it.
2 0 A pager allows the radiotelephone user to receive the number of the c~lling party whether or not he is near the radiotelephone. Additionally, the user can use the pager to screen incoming call~ to determine which telephone number to call back, thereby elimin~ting the charges for unwanted 2 5 calls.
While the pager solves some of the limitations of the cellular radiotelephone and vice versa, this creates the problem of carrying two communication devices to remain in contact while moving about an area. An example of a solution 3 0 to thi9 problem is U.S. Patent No. 4,747,122 to Bhagat et al., assigned to Mobile Communications Corporation of America, for a mobile p~ing call back system. This device combines an entire radio pager and radiotelephone linked through an automatic dialer. Because of the redundant hardware and the 3 5 extra automatic dialer required, this device is large and heavy and does not allow continuous availability of both p~ging and radiotelephone functions away from the mobile in~t~llAtion.
There is a need therefore for a single, small, lightweight, portable device combining the advantages of both the cellular radiotelephone and the pager.
s mm~rv of the Invention The integrated pAeine and radiotelephone apparatus combines paging and cellular radiotelephone functions in a single unit. The apparatus consists of dual receivers allowing reception of paging signals simultaneously with cellular radiotelephone ~i~nAl~.
The apparatus also con~ists of a transmitter for transmitting radiotelephone signAl~t a keypad for progrAmming the apparatus, and a speaker and microphone for radiotelephone communication. A display indicates the functions and status of the apparatus. Additionally, shared memory is used for storing both radiotelephone data such as telephone numbers entered by the keypad and p~gine data 2 0 such as telephone ntlmbers received from the pAEing system.
The apparatus is controlled by a microprocessor. Its duties include: controlling access of the dual receivel 8 to the radiotelephone's speaker, updating the apparatus's display, and storing data into the memory. The micloylocessor also 2 5 controls ~vhether the apparatus sends an alert tone to the alert transducer to signal an incoming pager message.
The integrated pAging and radiotelephone apparatus operates by alerting the user of an incoming pAging message by the alert transducer tone, a voice messAge from the alert 3 0 transducer or speaker, or an alpha-numeric message left in the display and stored in memory. The user can later scroll through the numbers stored, choose the one to be called and automatically dial the number ~vith the radiotelephone without having to reenter the number.
3 5 In an alternate embodiment, the secon~lAry receiver has a synt~esi7ed local oscillator. The progrAmming bus from the 08~11~tor is connected to the microprocessor. The user can then program p~ging parameters such as receiving frequency, pa~in~ identification code, and the type of p~ing system in which the apparatus is being used.
s Brief Descri~tion of the Drawin~s FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of l 0 the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting a process of combined paging and radiotelephone functions of the microprocessor which may be employed in the present invention; and FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting a process of progr~mming l 5 radiotelephone and p~gine parameters which may be employed in the present invention.
Best Mode for Carryin~ Out the Invention 2 0 The present invention combines radio p~eing and cellular radiotelephone functions into one small, lightweight unit. This is ~ccomr1i~he-1 by providing a common apparatus for shared proces~ing of p?~eine and cellular sien?1~ received by dual leceive~. Paging operations of the apparatus only 2 5 requires an additional receiver (105) and ~ntenn~ (111). This allows the apparatus to lecei-ve p~ ing sign~1s while the radiotelephone functions are in operation and alert the user with a voice mess~ge~ a tone, a visual indicator, a vibrator me- h~nism~ or an alphanumeric message that can be stored 3 0 in memory for later recall. Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a device capable of combined radiotelephone and p~ging functions.
The integrated paging and radiotelephone apparatus is composed of dual receivers (105 and llO), with an antenna or 3 5 antennas (111), for simultaneously receiving paging signA1s and radiotelephone sign~1~; one receives radiotelephone 8iEn~l~ while the other receives pA~in~ si~l~. The second~ry receiver (105) used to lcceive paging si~n~ls may have a progr~mmAble, synthesi7ed local oscillator in an alternate embodiment.
S The receivers (105 and 110) are controlled by a m icroprocessor (106). The microprocessor (106) handles both the radiotelephone and the paging functions, including frequency control of the radiotelephone. It also controls whether one or both of the receivel 9 (105 and 110) has access to l 0 the radiotelephone's speaker (107) and whether the microprocessor (106) sends an alert tone to the alert transducer (104), a meSs~ge to the display (103), or allows a voice message to pass to the alert transducer (104) or speaker (107). In an alternate embodiment, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the 1 5 secondary receiver (105) has a progr~mm~ble local oscillator and the receiver's progr~mming bus (201) is connected to the microprocessor (106). A vibrator me~h~ni~m (203), that is turned on by the microprocessor, can be used as an alternate alert means.
2 0 In addition, the apparatus has memory (101) which may be non-volatile shared by both the p~ging and radiotelephone functions, a transmitter (109) for tr~ncmi~sion of radiotelephone si~n~l~, a power source (118), a keypad (102) for progr~mmin~ the apparatus, a test mode switch (120), and 2 S 8 display (103) for indicating the apparatus's status. A
_icrophone (112) is used for voice tr~n~mi~ion on the radiotelephone. Alert transducer (104) and vibrator (203) may also be used to provide an audible indication of an incoming radiotelephone call.
3 0 In operation, the secondary receiver's (105) discriminator output (114) is coupled to the microprocessor (106). The processor performs the paging algorithm on the incoming signal (U.S. Patent No. 4,518,961 to Davis et al., assigned to Motorola, Inc., describes such an algorithm). If 3 5 the paged party is on a tone only p~ging system, the microprocessor (106) sends a tone to the alert transducer (104) by controlling a mute gate (108), signAllin~ a page. The microprocessor (106) may also be programmed to signal a page by a visual indicator, turning on a vibrator, or any combination of the above. If the paged party is on a display 5 pA~in~ system, the microprocessor tlO6) displays the incoming data on the apparatus's display (103). If the paged party is on a voice paging system, the microprocessor (106), by controlling a mute gate (108), allows the secontlAry receiver (105) to send its audio to the radiotelephone's speaker (107) or l O to the alert transducer (104). Both radiotelephone audio and paging audio can be heard by the user simultaneously if a call is in progress at the time a page is received. The p~in~
audio, however, cannot be heard by the party on the other side of the radiotelephone conversation.
l S The process followed by the microprocessor (106) in reAli~in~ the present invention in the preferred embodiment is shown in Figure 3. The mi~o~locessor, as part of its routine of chores performs the necessary background tasks for the keypad and display functions (302). This entails interpreting 2 0 keypad (102) input and displaying messages on the display (103).
Flow proceeds from block (302) to determinAtion block (304) where a test is made to determine whether a low battery condition exists. If it is determined that a low battery 2 5 condition does exist, then flow proceeds to block (306) where an indication is provided via a signal sent to the speaker (107) or to the alert transducer (104) or a message displayed on the display (103).
From block (306) and the "no" path of determination 3 0 block (304), flow proceeds to determination block (308). At (308), a test is made to determine whether the battery has reached its end of life state. If it is determined that the battery has reached the end of life state, then flow proceeds to block (310) where the microprocessor turns the apparatus off to 3 5 prevent ~iAmAee to the battery. If it was determined that the battery is not at its end of life state, then flow proceeds to determination block (312). In this manner~ the power supervision circuits are common to both the radiotelephone and paging functions.
At (312), a test i9 made to determine whether the S circuits unique to the radiotelephone functions should be turned off. If it is determined that the radiotelephone functions should be turned off, then flow proceeds to block (314) where power to the circuits is disabled to conserve battery drain. From block (314), flow proceeds to determination block l 0 (318). If it is determined that the radiotelephone functions are not to be disabled, then flow proceeds from determination block (312) to block (316) where normal radiotelephone background functions are performed. Normal radiotelephone background functions include but are not limited to receiving l 5 and answering incoming telephone calls, alerting the user of incoming calls, initiating outgoing telephone calls, storing telephone nnmbers in memory (101) for future use, and rer~llin~ telephone numbers from memory (101) to place calls.
From block (316) and block (314), flow proceeds to 2 0 determination block (318) where a test is made to determine if the p~in~ functions should be deactivated. If it is determined that the p~gin~ functions are to be deactivated, then flow proceeds to block (320) where the power to the secondary receiver is deactivated to save battery drain. Flow proceeds 2 5 from block (320) to block (302) to resume the normal keypad/display background functions. In this manner, the p~n~ functions can be deactivated indepen-lently of the radiotelephone functions and vice versa. This allows the user to receive pages and respond with the radiotelephone 3 0 functions at a later time. Also, the user can u~e the radiotelephone functions without the p~ing functions drawing power.
If it is determined that the p?~ging functions are not to be deactivated, flow proceeds from (318) to block (322) where 3 5 the microprocessor performs the normal paging background functions. The p~ging background functions include but are 2!125~r85 not limited to monitoring the di~crimin~tor output from the ~eCon~l~ry receiver (105) to detect an inComin~ page from a ps~ in~ system. From block (322), flow proceeds to determin~tion block (324) where a test is made to determine 5 whether a page has been received. If it is determined that a page has not been received, then flow proceeds from block (324) to block (302) to resume the normal keypad/display background functions. If it i~ determined that a page ha~
been received, then flow proceeds from determin~tion block l 0 (324) to determin~tion block (326).
At (326), a test is made to determine whether a visual alert should be initiated. If it is determined that a visual alert is to be initiated, then flow proceeds to block (328) where the visual alert is generated. This visual alert may be but not l S limited to the turning on of a light, the fl~hin~ of a light, or a message being sent to the display (103). Flow proceeds from block (328) to determination block (330). If it is determined that a visual alert is not to be initiated, then flow proceeds from determination block (326) to determin~t;on block (330).
2 0 At determination block (330), a test is made to deter_ine whether a tone alert should be initiated. If it is determined that a tone alert is to be initiated, then flow proceeds from (330) to determin~tion block (332) where a test is made to determine whether the radiotelephone functions are presently using the 2 5 alert transducer. If it i9 determined that the radiotelephone functions are using the alert transducer, then flow proceeds to block (334) where a delay time is allowed to pass before flow proceeds back to determination block (332). In this m~nner, both the radiotelephone functiong and the p~gin~ filnct~nn~
3 0 are able to share a common alert transducer (104).
If it is determined that the radiotelephone functions are not presently using the alert transducer, then flow proceeds from determination block (332) to block (336) where an audible alert signal generated by microprocessor (106) is sent to alert 3 5 transducer (104). This audible alert signal _ay be, but is not limited to, a single tone, a series of short bursts of a tone, or - 202~485 multiple tones. Flow proceeds from block (336) to determin~tion block (338). If it is determined that an audible alert i9 not to be initiated, then flow proceeds from dete~nination block (330) to determin~tion block (338).
At (338), a test i9 made to determine whether a tactile alert is to be initiated. This tactile alert may be generated by turning on an electromechanical vibrator device. If it is determined that a tactile alert is to be initiated, then flow proceeds to block (340) where a vibrator mPch~ni~m is l 0 activated. From block (340), flow proceeds to determination block (342). If it is dete~mined that a tactile alert is not to be initiated, then flow proceeds from (338) to determination block (342).
At (342), a test is made to determine whether a voice 1 5 mpss~ge is being received by the p~Fing functions. If it is determined that a voice mPssAge is not being received, then flow proceeds from (342) to determination block (350). If it is determined that a voice mess~e is being received, then flow proceeds to determination block (344) where a test is made to 2 0 determine whether the radiotelephone functions are using speaker (107). If it i8 determined that the speaker is being used by the radiotelephone functions, then flow proceeds to block (346) where the speaker path from the secondary receiver to speaker (107) is enabled for the duration of the voice 2 5 message. In this manner, speaker (107) can be accessed by both the radiotelephone function and the ps~ing function simultaneously.
Flow proceeds from (346) to determin~t;on block (350). If it is determined that the radiotelephone functions are not 3 0 using speaker (107), then flow from block (344) proceeds to block (348) where the audio path from the secondary receiver is routed to alert transducer (104) for the duration of the voice message. From block (348), flow proceeds to determination block (350).
3 5 At (350), a test is made to determine whether a display message is being received by the p~E~in~ functions. If it is determined that a display mess~Ee is not being leceived by the p~ing functions, then flow returns to block (302) where the normal keypad/display background functions are performed.
If it is determined that a display meSsAEe is being received by 5 the paging functions, then flow proceeds to block (352) where the messAge is recove~ed from the paging signal and displayed on display (103).
From (352), flow proceeds to block (354) where the received display mess~e is stored in memory (101) for future l 0 use. This future use may be to review received paging messages and return a call using a stored pAginE message cont~ining a telephone number. In this m~qnner~ the memory (101) is shared by both the psl~ing functions and the radiotelephone functions. From (354), flow returns to block l 5 (302) where the normal keypad/display background functions are performed.
~ essaEes can be stored in memory (101) until the user decides to erase them. This allows the user to accumulate a quantity of messAEes for recall at a later time. Therefore, if 2 0 the user is too busy to answer a page imme-liAtely, the mesgslf~eg can be gaved for later use. At that time, the user can recall the list of mess~ges in memory (101), displaying them on the apparatus's display, then scroll through the messAEes using the apparatus's keypad (102) until the one 2 5 nee~lefl is found. After displaying the message, if the meSs~Ee cont~in~ a telephone number, the user touches the apparatus's SEND button on the keypad. This allows the user to place the call without having to reenter the number.
The apparatus performs the cellular radiotelephone 3 0 function in a conventional manner. The keypad (102) is used to enter a telephone number that iB displayed on the display (103). This number can be used immediately or stored with other numbers in memory (101) for later use. Once the nu_ber i9 entered or recalled from memory (101), the user 3 5 touches the SEND button to place the call. An incoming call is .
2025~85 announced by a tone on the alert transducer (104). The user touches the SEND button to answer the call.
In addition to entering telephone nllmbers, the keypad (102) can be used to program various functions of the 5 apparatus. If the secondary receiver (105) has a progr~mmAhle, synthesized local oscillator, as in the alternate embo~liment illustrated in Fig. 2, the keypad (102) can be used to program it via the _icroprocessor (106) and synthesizer progr~mmin~ bus (201). In this way, the user can l 0 change the receiving frequency of the secondary receiver (105).
Other paging parameters are also progr~mm~ble without the the synthesizer progr~mmin~ bus (201). These parameters can include the p~ing identification code, the type of p~in~
system in which the apparatus will be operated (i.e., tone only, l 5 tone/voice, or display), and the alert mode (i.e., beeper, vibrator, visual indicator, no alert, or any combination).
Progr~mm~hility of the paging control functions permits operation of the apparatus on paging systems with incompatible sign~ling characteristics and user control of the 2 0 alert mode. The p~ir~ parameters are stored in memory (101).
The keypad (102) can also program radiotelephone parameters. These parameters include, but are not limited to, the system identification number and the user's telephone 2 5 number. The radiotelephone parameters are stored in memory (101).
The progr~mming process followed by the _iclol~locessor (106) in re~li7.in~ the present invention in the alternate embo~liment is shown in Figure 4. Upon turn on of 3 0 the device (402), the miclol~locessor (106), as part of its routine of chores, makes a test (404) to determine whether a test mode is to be entered. This is sign~lled by a low level input to the _icroprocessor (106) from a test mode switch (120). The test mode is used, among other things, to program the operating 3 5 parameter~ of the device. If it is determined that the test mode is not to be entered (404), then flow proceeds to block (406) for -- 20~5~85 normal apparatus operation. If i9 it determined that the test mode is desired (404), then flow proceeds from (404) to block (408) where the microprocessor (106) reads a test mode comm~n-l input by the user via the keypad (102).
S From (408), flow proceeds to determination block (410) where a test is made to determine whether to exit the test mode routine. If it is determined that the test mode is to be exited, then flow proceeds to block (406) where normal device operation is enabled. If it is determined that the test mode is l 0 not to be exited, then flow proceeds through a series of test comm~nfl determination blocks of which block (412) is one.
At determin~t;on block (412), a test is made to determine whether the progr~mmin~ comm~n~ was input at block (408).
If it is determined that the progr~mming comm~n~l was not l S input, then flow proceeds to block (408) where the microprocessor (106) waits for a test command to be input. If it is determined that the progr~mming command was input, then flow proceeds from (412) to block (414) where a prompt is displayed on the display (103) ~skin~ the user to input the first 2 0 of a series of progr~mm~ble radiotelephone parameters via the keypad (102).
Flow continues to block (416) where the nth radiotelephone par~meter is programmed. From block (416), flow proceeds to block (418) where a prompt is displayed on the 2 5 display (103) ~ ing the user to input the first of a series of progr~mm~le p~ing parameters via the keypad (102).
Flow continues to block (420) where the last p~ging parameter is programmed and stored in memory (101). From (420), flow proceeds to block (408) where microprocessor (106) 3 0 waits for a test comm~nA to be input. In this m~nner, both radiotelephone and p~qging parameters are progr~mme-l via the keypad (102).
The integrated ps~ing and radiotelephone apparatus's power source may be an automobile's electrical system or a 3 3 battery. If a battery is used, the apparatus uses a power supervision circuit (122) to monitor the battery's condition.
- 2`J25485 The plocedu~a olltline-l above is used to monitor the battery's condition.
The integrated pA~ng and radiotelephone apparatus described gives the u~er the function of both a pager and a S cellular radiotelephone without carrying two devices. The apparatus allows incoming pages to be heard, felt, or displayed and can store the telephone numbers received on the pA~ing chAnnel for later use. In addition, the apparatus's pAging parameters and radiotelephone parameters may be 10 programmed through the keypad.
Those skilled in the art will recogni7e that various modifications and changes could be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. It should thelafole be understood that the claims are not to be 15 considered as being limited to the precise embo~liments set forth in the Ahsence of specific limitations directed to such embodiments.
Claims (4)
1. An integrated paging and radiotelephone apparatus with integral keypad for entering data, comprising:
a) first receiving means for receiving radiotelephone signals;
b) second receiving means for receiving paging signals;
c) transmission means for transmitting radiotelephone signals;
d) electro-audio transducer means, coupled to the first and the second receivingmeans, for generating an indication in response to the radiotelephone signals or the paging signals, the electro-audio transducer coupled to the first receiving means through first controllable gating means and the second receiving means by second controllable gating means;
e) a shared memory for storing data from the integral keypad and the received paging signals;
f) a processor, directly connected to the first receiving means, the second receiving means, the transmission means, and the first and second controllable gating means, for producing radiotelephone control signals and controlling the first and second controllable gating means;
g) first indicating means for displaying information corresponding to the received paging signals and the radiotelephone control signals, and h) second indicating means for announcing the received paging signals and the received radiotelephone signals.
a) first receiving means for receiving radiotelephone signals;
b) second receiving means for receiving paging signals;
c) transmission means for transmitting radiotelephone signals;
d) electro-audio transducer means, coupled to the first and the second receivingmeans, for generating an indication in response to the radiotelephone signals or the paging signals, the electro-audio transducer coupled to the first receiving means through first controllable gating means and the second receiving means by second controllable gating means;
e) a shared memory for storing data from the integral keypad and the received paging signals;
f) a processor, directly connected to the first receiving means, the second receiving means, the transmission means, and the first and second controllable gating means, for producing radiotelephone control signals and controlling the first and second controllable gating means;
g) first indicating means for displaying information corresponding to the received paging signals and the radiotelephone control signals, and h) second indicating means for announcing the received paging signals and the received radiotelephone signals.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second indicating means is vibrating means.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 and further including antenna means coupled to the first receiving means, the second receiving means, and the transmission means.
4. An integrated paging and radiotelephone apparatus comprising:
a) first receiving means for receiving radiotelephone signals;
b) second receiving means for receiving paging signals;
c) transmission means for transmitting radiotelephone signals;
d) electro-audio transducer means, coupled to the first and the second receivingmeans, for generating an indication in response to the radiotelephone signals or the paging signals, the electro-audio transducer coupled to the first receiving means through first controllable gating means and the second receiving means by second controllable gating means; and e) a processor, directly connected to the first receiving means, the second receiving means, the transmission means, and the first and second controllable gating means, for producing radiotelephone control signals and controlling the first and second controllable gating means.
a) first receiving means for receiving radiotelephone signals;
b) second receiving means for receiving paging signals;
c) transmission means for transmitting radiotelephone signals;
d) electro-audio transducer means, coupled to the first and the second receivingmeans, for generating an indication in response to the radiotelephone signals or the paging signals, the electro-audio transducer coupled to the first receiving means through first controllable gating means and the second receiving means by second controllable gating means; and e) a processor, directly connected to the first receiving means, the second receiving means, the transmission means, and the first and second controllable gating means, for producing radiotelephone control signals and controlling the first and second controllable gating means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US43151889A | 1989-11-03 | 1989-11-03 | |
| US431,518 | 1989-11-03 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2025485A1 CA2025485A1 (en) | 1991-05-04 |
| CA2025485C true CA2025485C (en) | 1995-03-14 |
Family
ID=23712286
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2025485 Expired - Fee Related CA2025485C (en) | 1989-11-03 | 1990-09-17 | Dual receiver apparatus for integrated paging and radiotelephone functions |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2025485C (en) |
-
1990
- 1990-09-17 CA CA 2025485 patent/CA2025485C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2025485A1 (en) | 1991-05-04 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5117449A (en) | Dual receiver apparatus for integrated paging and radiotelephone functions | |
| US4122304A (en) | Control circuitry for a radio telephone | |
| US4747122A (en) | Mobile paging call back system and related method | |
| US5148473A (en) | Pager and radiotelephone apparatus | |
| US4941203A (en) | Two-way radio communication system having selectable operating modes | |
| EP0533510B1 (en) | Cordless key telephone system with multiple tenant facility | |
| US4220820A (en) | Control circuitry for a radio telephone | |
| USRE33417E (en) | Mobile paging call back system and related method | |
| WO1990003068A1 (en) | Two-way radio communications system having selectable operating modes | |
| KR19990082239A (en) | Selective Call Transceiver with Desired Message | |
| JPH08321892A (en) | Portable communication equipment | |
| CA2025485C (en) | Dual receiver apparatus for integrated paging and radiotelephone functions | |
| GB2303025A (en) | Receiving and displaying a caller's telephone number in a mobile cordless telephone | |
| JPH11289278A (en) | Portable radio terminal equipment | |
| WO1992004797A1 (en) | Pager and radiotelephone apparatus | |
| JPH03186025A (en) | Speech path switching system in radiotelephony system | |
| US6205331B1 (en) | Memory sharing method for integrated digital cordless telephone and radio paging receiver | |
| KR100689387B1 (en) | Method for alerting the reception of short message according to user's choice in portable telephone | |
| JPH08204811A (en) | Portable telephone system and its control method | |
| DE69927650T2 (en) | Portable terminal for message communication | |
| JPS6281821A (en) | Radio communication system | |
| KR20010017386A (en) | Method for controling call stanby status in portable radio telephone | |
| KR20000045156A (en) | Device for transceiving telephone number of cellular phone | |
| KR100360897B1 (en) | Mobile Phone For Voiceless Call By Using Answering Message | |
| KR100530650B1 (en) | Method for the four arithmetical operations used navigation key in mobile telephone |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |