GB2267168A - Method of numeric key control of a pager and pager using numeric key control method - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of numeric key control of a pager, includes: selection by the owner of a number of paging functions using the pager's control keyboard (the functions including control of message display, password, cipher keywords, and address change); entering, through the pager's numeric keys, a password; and subsequent checking of the password; if valid then permitting the execution of predetermined functions; and if not, then awaiting a second attempt at entering of the password and repeating the checking process until, in the event of the password being invalid for a number of times, the pager enters a frozen state in which all functions become inoperative on a temporary basis.

Description

SPECIFICATION METHOD OF NUMERIC KEY CONTROL OF A PAGER AND PAGER USING NUMERIC KEY CONTROL METHOD Technical field This invention relates in general to a pager, or to an electronic product equipped with pager, in particular, relates to a method of controlling the functions of a pager operation through the numeric keys provided on a pager or on an electronic product equipped with a pager; and relates to any pager adapted to said method.

Background of the invention h simple control key is generally provided on any popular pager model, mainly for controlling and stopping the beeping or vibration generated after the pager picks up a call. This is because the pager, after intercepting a call signal, has to alert its owner through setting off an alarm by way of beeping or vibrating, in addition to the instant visual display on pager screen.More keys are provided on a more complicated pager model though, additional keys are merely used to pick up various kinds of information such as news, personal messages, and to scroll the screen display upward and downward for viewing lengthy information, etc. As to the functions of controlling a screen display, of enciphering a message before dispatch, and of direct access to a certain piece of information, realisation of these functions on payers has not been realized, especially realization through a simple but functionally powerful, widely applicable method of numeric key control, has not been commercially available.

To make up this drawback, the present invention proposes a "method of numeric key control (MNKC) on a pager, and a new pager adapted to this proposed method. This MNKC has the advantage of facilitating the owner to exercise a number of novel control functions, through the numeric keys provided on a pager (and in association with some other function keys). The operation is easy, and covers a fairly wide range of control applications. For example, it is possible for the pager, after its intercepting a call signal, to temporarily suppress its message display, pending the owner issuing a specific password, to prevent the screen display. message being visible and leaked out to another nearby person.It is possible for the owner to assign his own information deciphering keyword, to cryptograph the message before the time of dispatch, so that the message is not coded in a generally known code like ASCII, for fear of the same message being intercepted by another receiver. And, by the invented MNKC, information may be retrieved by inputing directly its specified number and the information is categorised according to the digits (unit, ten, hundred, and thousand digits) of the number to save time in searching and reading the information, and especially, to keep owner's information under secret protection both during reading and during dispatching.

Summary of the invention Therefore the object of this invention is to provide MNKC which is simple in operating, powerful in functioning, wide in application, suitable for all pagers equipped with numeric keys, or electronic products equipped with a pager; and to provide a pager for these purposes.

The technical solutions for carrying out the invented method and pager are the following.

1. A method of numeric key control (MNKC) for use on a pager or on an electronic product equipped with a pager comprising RF receiver, decoder, CPU, memory, display screen, and control keyboard; said control keyboard comprising control keys labelled as upshift key, downshift key, and overleaf key, and ten numeric keys labelled 0-9; said method including the following steps: a. selecting one of the predetermined paging functions by manipulating the numeric keys and control keys on the pager keyboard, to command the CPU entering a working state of awaiting the input of a password; b. entering a predetermined sequence of numerics representative of a password through manipulating the numeric keys, to be followed by the password checking means of the CPU checking the validity of the entered password, by comparing the entered password with the password stored in memory; b-l if the password being valid, then the CPU exercising control over the pager's execution of predetermined functions; b-2 if the password being invalid, then the CPU awaiting a second time entering of a password, and then said password checking means repeating said validity checking process, until after the password being entered all incorrectly for n consecutive times (where n being a predetermined integer greater than 1), then under the control of the CPU, the pager entering a frozen state in which the normal functions become inoperative.

According to an aspect of the invented method, a scheme is provided in said MNKC for message display in secrecy. The owner is able to exercise control over whether the message should be instantly displayed.

According to another aspect of the invented method, a scheme is provided in said MNKC for secrecy of message. The owner of the pager may specify at will the keyword for deciphering pager messages.

According to yet another aspect of the invented method, an easy way of changing pager address is provided in said MNKC.

According to yet another aspect of the invented method, an easy way of changing the personal password for a pager, is provided in said MNKC.

According to still another aspect of the invented method, an easy way of searching information is provided in said MNKC.

A pager model, as a realisation of the invented MNKC, said pager comprising: RF receiver, decoder, CPU, memory, display screen and control keyboard, characterised in: control keyboard comprising numeric keys for numeric inputs and functional controls, and control keys for operation in association with numeric keys; RF receiver comprising demodulating means that demodulates the information codes and address codes received in modulated signals; memory comprising storage means for a changeable personal password, storage means for a changeable address code, storage means for a changeable decipher keyword, and storage means for storing personal messages and public information; decoder comprising a checking means for checking the received address code against the address code stored in the memory; CPU comprising a decipher means for deciphering the received enciphered signal, using the decipher keyword stored in the memory; a password checking means for checking the keyboard input personal password against the personal password stored in the memory so as to effect controlling the pager' 5 execution or freezing its normal operation; a freezing means for decoding the freeze signal in the received signal, and for controlling the pager and freezing its normal operation according to the decoded freeze command; a controlling means for updating the stored data in said storage means for personal password, in said storage means for address, and in said storage means for decipher keyword according to keyboard input; a means for labelling and storing the data into said storage means for personal messages and public information, and displaying the data according to the control of the numeric keys; a control means for, after the pager having entered a state, in which all normal operational function are frozen, checking the keyboard input personal password against the stored personal password, and controlling the pager in recovering its normal operation functions, or in recovering its normal operational functions only by means of the de-freeze apparatus at the paging center; a means for controlling the keyboard and to identify numeric input, function selection, or number of digits; a means for controlling the diaplay device not to instantly display at a display in secrecy mode but first request the owner to input passwords; and a means for controlling the RF receiver, keyboard, display screen, and other input/ouput devices to temporarily freeze their functional operation in a "frozen" state.

Brief description of the drawings Fig.l is the front view of a pager adapted to the invented MNKC.

Fig.2 is the flowchart illustrating the principle of the scheme for message display in secrecy on the pager according to the invented MNKC.

Fig.3 is the flowchart illustrating the principle of the method changing the password of the pager using the invented MNKC.

Fig.4 is the flowchart illustrating the principle of the method changing the deciphering keyword for the pager according to the invented NMKC.

Fig.5 is the flowchart illustrating the principle of the method changing the pager address according to the invented NMKC.

Fig.6 is the block diagram of the structure of the pager suitable for the invented NMKC.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments In Fig.1, the front view of a pager using the invented. NMKC, has three keys, labelled respectively, Upshift key 1, downshift key 2, overleaf key 3, which may perform the functions of "overleafenter11. In addition, there are ten numeric keys also performing the functions of "numeric/functionu, being labelled respectively with numbers 0-9. The basic functions are: KEY NAME FUNCTION

numeric/function numeric input or function selection keys (in association with enter key).

upshift key selective display of preceding message item

downshift key selective display of succeeding message item

overleaf/enter message length exceeding screen key display, this key allows reading of next page. Where no message is received, this key is used in association with the 0-9 keys as either numeric keys or function keys.

Pressing any one numeric key (one of the 0-9 keys) represents an assigned function. For example, numeric key

is assigned a password processing function. When numeric key

is followed by the pressing of

key, a functional command for processing a password is activated.

A general type of pager issues a beeping sound or vibrating alert or pilot lamp blinking, when it intercepts a call signal, and displays a call message on the pager's LCD screen. According to an aspect of the present invention, the owner uses the numeric keys to enter his password (a digit or more) to control whether the received' message is to be instantly displayed on screen. After the pager gets the message the pager only beeps/vibråtes and blinks its pilot lamps, and no message is displayed. When the owner enters a correct password, reading of the message on display screen is then allowable. If the password is incorrectly entered for a number of times, the pager automatically enters a "frozen state", namely, all normal functions of the pager are temporarily frozen to prevent other persons from using the pager.

Fig.2 is a flowchart showing the principles of method of message display in secrecy according to the invented MNKC.

The program begins with the pager picking up a call signal, and executing the beeping/vibrating and blinking process. At this time, the internal pager program begins the step to monitor a possible key controlled input, like input from upshift key, downshift key, and other keys being assigned with specific functions, and these input commands are not immediately executed pending on the result of a checking step on whether a password has just been entered. If yes, then check the correctness of the password, and message may be displayed on an affirmative outcome of the check. Otherwise, the program returns to the step of monitoring key controlled input and password entering.If the password is entered consecutively wrongly for a number of times (like for n times, where n is an integer greater than 1), then the operator of the pager is unlikely the owner, and the pager enters automatically a "frozen state", and the normal paging functions becomes inoperative.

Fig.3 is a flowchart showing the principles of the method of changing the password according to the invented MNKC.

The PASSWORD may be changed by the owner. When changing, the old password (PASSWORD1) is entered first, followed by a new password (PASSWORD2). Thus the pager password PASSWORD1 is replaced by PASSWoRD2. At the beginning of the program, after selecting the above-mentioned function of password processing, the original password is entered, and the program checks this password. If it is correct then the next step accepts a new password, which will be in effect immediately after being entered. That is to say, press two keys

to specify the password processing function, followed by entering the old password and new password through numeric keys, thus to allow the new password to immediately replace the old one.

If the original password is entered wrongly after all n consecutive times, the operator of the page is unlikely the owner, automatically the pager goes into its frozen state.

Fig.4 is a flowchart illustrating the principles of the method changing the keyword for deciphering pager message according to the invented MNKC.

A paging station sends a call signal to a pager, the signal information consists of a pager address code, and the message for the owner. A commonly used paging code POCSAG (Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group) adopts the format BCH(31,21), namely, a word is made up of totally 32 bits, with 21 information bits, 10 redundanct check bits, and 1 even parity bit. Of the information bits, the first bit is a message bit for identifying whether the information is an address code or owner message, hence only 20 bits per word are allowed for owner's information, the information is enciphered by the paging station before transmission, the pager automatically deciphers the received information, with a decipher keyword mutually agreed by the owner and the paging station. For example, 3728 may be chosen as a decipher keyword. The owner has to enter this keyword through the numeric keys, and store it in the pager for later deciphering purposes. The paging station enciphers, with the corresponding keyword, all information sent to the owner.

Therefore each pager is distinctly enciphered to achieve a secrecy meeting individual needs.

The program begins with the selection of the function of entering a decipher keyword. A password is entered first so that the program checks the validity of the password. Based on an affirmative outcome from the check, the next step is executed to accept a new decipher keyword, and the pager henceforth decipher messages with it. In case that the password is entered wrongly for n consecutive times, the operator is unlikely the owner of the pager, then the pager automatically enters a frozen state.

Fig.5 is a flowchart illustrating the principles of the method of changing pager address, according to the invented MNKC.

The pager address codes normally are assigned by the paging station and are stored fixedly in the pager, and no change is possible without permission. Therefore as the owner wishes to change a pager or to purchase a pager, the new pager must be registered at a paging station, and an unwanted pager must be deregistered at the same paging station. The owner can not change the pager' 5 original address or enter a new address. According to one of the aspects of the invention, a pager with numeric keys can carry out an easy way of changing the address. When the owner employs this pager, he can enter the address of the pager using numeric keys.

The program begins with the selection of the function of an address input, and the entering of a password. The program checks the correctness of the password. On the basis of an affirmative reply, the screen shows the original address code of the pager. Then the program requires a confirmation that the old address needs to be changed, according to whether the upshift key or the downshift key is pressed. If the downshift key is pressed, then the original address should remain unchanged and the pager should continue to use the original address for reception. If the upshift key is pressed, then the address should be changed, then the pager is ready to accept the input of a new address, and henceforth the pager receives messages at the new address.At the time of entering a password, if the passwords are found consecutively wrong for n times, then the user of the pager is probably not the owner, the pager will automatically enter a frozen state.

Nowadays the pages not only take personal messages, but also have the power of receiving public information, and performs other functions as well. Their storage capacity, hence the amount of stored information, becomes increasingly large. The general provision of an upshift key and a downshift key therefore does not suffice to cope with the situation. Yet the pager sizes have become more compact, and can hardly accommodate many control keys.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, with a full utilisation of three control keys (being respectively the upshift key, downshift key, and overleaf/enter key) and of ten numeric/function keys, handling of a number of different functions turns out to be possible. For instance, selection of functions can be decided on the number of digits entered. In particular, for example: 1. Key in a digit, and press enter key, then the pager will enter a specified functional operation as represented by the numeric key (as having been explained in this Description). Keying in two digits, means to read personal messages, and at this time the pager displays personal messages corresponding to the two digit number.

Keying in three digits or four, directs to read public information.

2. Press any two numeric keys (to enter a number XX), followed by the enter key

and the function is invoked to read personal message item No.XX. It is allowed to read personal messages from No. 01-99.

For example, pressing

invokes personal message No.34 to be displayed.

3. Press any three digit number or four ( making a number YYY or YYYY), followed by the enter key

then public information No.YYY or YYYY may be read. It is permissible to read public information items No. 001-999 and 0001-9999.

For instance, pressing

causes public information item No.168 to be displayed.

Pressing

causes public information item No.1368 to be displayed.

In view of the above, the pager in this embodiment example can perform ten functions through the MNKC, and can store and retrieve 99 personal messages and 10998 (i.e. 999+9999) pieces of public information.

Fig.6 shows the structure of the pager adapted to the invented MNKC. AS shown in the figure, the pager comprises antenna, RF receiver, decoder, CPU, LCD display screen, memory, low battery detector, clock, and other input/output devices like loudspeaker, vibrator, pilot lamp, panel lighting, photosensor, and control keyboard equipped with ten numeric keys and three control keys.

This keyboard has numeric keys for numeral input and functional controls, as well as control keys to work in association with the numeric keys. Numeric keys are labelled 0-9, and each numeric key will work with the control key to control one or more functions.

The control key is provided for direct control of the basic paging functions, for example, displaying a preceding piece of message, displaying a succeeding piece of message, and displaying a full page of message, etc. The control key acts in association with the numeric keys, to realise a dual-function for each numeric key in inputting of numbers and functional control. Besides, a certain parts or functions of the pager have been described in previous assertions, or similar to the pager described in previous assertions.

The overall operation of the pager is under the control of the CPU.

The CPU and memory, besides having the constituent means and stored programs as a regular design has, to control the general operational functions, also have various designs and structures as required by the invention, so as to ensure the realisation of the operations and controls of the pager in association with the invented method described in Figs. 1-5 above.

The following is an example illustrating the operation procedure of the pager according to the invented NMKC in association with Fig.

6. As the antenna picks up a call signal, the RF receiver demodulates the signal. The RF receiver comprises a demodulator means that demodulates the information code or enciphered information code and address code in the modulated signal. The RF receiver also has the function of stop receiving. In particular, the RF receiver has a control means that freezes the receiving operation on a temporarily basis, after the CPU receives a freeze command or after the pager receives the input of a code to enter a frozen state. In normal operations of the RF receiver, the demodulator first demodulates address signal, and sends the demodulated signal to a decoder for decoding, and thereafter check the address with the one stored in the address code storage means of the pager. If the addresses are identical, the receiver continues to demodulate the subsequent information code signal, and send it to the decoder for decoding. By means of a special decoding means in the decoder, this task may be accomplished. In a pager employing MNKC, the memory includes a storage means that stores a changeable personal password, a storage means that stores a changeable address, a storage means that stores a changeable decipher keyword, and storage means storing personal messages and public information. Personal messages and public information are arranged in labelling sequence, for example, the labels for personal messages are 01-99, and for public information, 001-999 or 00019999, therefore the object of retrieval by inputting labels can be attained.

The address on a pager adopting the invented MNKC is changeable by the owner. This function is performed through a special means in the CPU, namely, according to the correct procedure specified by the invented MNKC, an input new address code can replace (update) the old address stored in the memory. In particular, the CPU has a control means to update, according to a keyboard input, the stored data in said personal password storage means, address storage means, decipher keyword storage means. Therefore, the address code in the pager is changeable or assignable by the owner entering the code through numeric keys. The method of input is first a personal password is entered and checked. If the password is correct, then the requirement to change the address needs to be confirmed. If affirmative, a new address may be entered, and the pager henceforth uses this new address to receive calls.Or else the address is unchanged, and the pager continues to use the old address in receiving. If, however, the password is incorrect, a new password needs to be input again. If after n consecutive times (where n is integer greater than 1) the password thus entered are all wrong, the pager goes to the frozen state, and becomes functionally inoperative temporarily, and its functions may resume only after a "de-freeze process. The "de-freeze" process begins with a -personal password entering and checking. If correct, then the pager may be de-frozen and resume all functional operation. If incorrect, the password should be re-entered.If the passwords are incorrect for n consecutive times (where n is integer greater than 1), the pager then enters into a second class frozen state, and the pager can only be returned to a paging centre, to resume all functional operations by a special de-freezing equipment. By means of special means in the CPU, the input personal password is checked against the stored personal password in the memory, so as to control the pager in its execution of various normal functional operations (when the input password is correct), or else, the pager has its normal functional operation frozen in the way described above in this Description (as said in previous narrations, when the password is wrong for a consecutive times).

In addition, personal passwords can be changed through numeric keys. The changing process is that first the old password is entered. If the password is correct then a new password can be input, which will take immediate effect. Thereafter, the password has been changed from the old to the new. If during the course of change, password is wrong, then old password has to be re-entered.

If, however, the password has been incorrect for a consecutive n times (where n is integer and greater than 1), the pager will enter a frozen state, and temporarily inoperative, and must go through a "de-frozen" process to recover the functional power. "De-freeze" process is stated in the above paragraph. By means of a special means in CPU, the required control function can be accomplished, which is to replace (update) the old personal password in the stored memory by inputting a new password, according to the correct operating steps of the invented method.In particular, CPU has a password, checking means to check a keyboard-input personal password against the stored personal password, so as to control the pager to execute or to freeze its normal operations; a freezing means that decodes the frozen signal in signals received, and controls the pager to freeze the normal functions of the pager according to a decoded freeze command; and a means that controls the RF receiver, keyboard, display screen, and other input/output means to temporarily stop the functions of these of means under a frozen state.

The signals picked up by the decoder, are signals formed in POCSAG standard code and format, comprising 1 message bit, 20 information bits, 10 redundant check bits, and 1 even parity bit. Decoding program for the decoder is to utilise the 10 redundant check bit to check out and correct error bits (if any). The next task is to check the message bit. If it. is "0", then the information bits represent an address, and the information bits are checked against pager's stored address. If identical, then the succeeding signals are to be decoded, otherwise the decoder notifies the CPU to shut off the RF receiver, pending suitable time to reopen the receiver.

If the message bit is "1", then the signal contains information codes, and the decoder sends the 20 bit decoded information to CPU.

Information received by a pager with numeric keys, can be coded in cipher. (cryptograph) so that messages may be transmitted in secrecy. Even if a third person "intercepts" the message, he may not be able to understand the true information without a "decipher keyword". Therefore, in the CPU, a means is provided which can read any enciphered message coming in from the decoder, and which can decipher it by pluggingin the decipher keyword stored in the memory.

Each pager model may have different 1'decipher keywords". The owner may input his own "decipher keyword" or change it, through the numeric keys, and then notifies the paging centre to encipher the messages according to the corresponding "encipher keyword", thus the transmission of information is kept in personal secrecy. The procedure for changing a decipher keyword is, first, a personal password is input for inspection. If correct, then the decipher keyword may be entered. After the new keyword is entered, under the control of a special control means provided in the CPU, the new keyword replaces (updates) the old decipher keyword stored in the memory, so that the new keyword takes effect immediately and with which the pager deciphers messages. In particular, the CPU provides a decipher means for deciphering cryptographed messages in the received signals by means of a stored decipher keyword. If the input personal password is wrong, the password should be re-entered. If it is wrong for n times (where n is integer greater than 1), the pager will enter the frozen state, rendering its functions inoperable, and the pager will resume functioning only after a "de-freeze" process, which has already been described above. The CPU has provided a special means for this purpose.

When the pager enters a state where its general functions have been frozen, i.e., its normal operating functions have been withheld, the pager will check any input personal password against the stored personal password. If the two are identical, the pager will resume normal operation. When the password is consecutively wrong for n times (where n is integer greater than 1), then the pager will enter a second class frozen state. At this time, all function should fail, and the pager can only be returned to the paging centre, and de-frozen by a specialised equipment, before the pager will resume operation.In particular, the CPU has a control means that, when the pager enters a state of normal operation functions being frozen, will check any input personal password against stored personal password, and will control the pager in resuming the function of normal operation, or entering another state where the pager needs to be de-frozen by the paging centre's equipment before resuming the functions of a normal operation.

In addition, in order to prevent message leak-out in case the pager is mislaid or not held in owner's hand, it necessitates a remote freezing function. This function sends out a freeze command to render a pager's operations partly and temporarily ineffective.

The so call freeze command is a special command in the form of a message. When the pager is frozen, it will resume normal operation only after going through a 11de-freeze" process. For this purpose, the CPU provides a special means, for decoding the freeze signal in the signals received, controlling the pager on the decoded freeze command, and withholding its normal operation functions, i.e.

rendering the pager to enter a frozen state.

As the CPU receives information codes, including all kinds of information (e.g. personal messages and public information), the bits are stored into memory, whereas the time information can meanwhile be extracted from the clock, and store it in memory.

Assuming the alarm mode is set as ~tonetg, CPU invokes a loudspeaker which then gives out audio-alarm to alert the owner that a message is forthcoming. If alarm mode is set as "vibrate", the CPU sets off a vibrator which vibrates to alert the owner that a message is forth- coming. If the alarm mode is set as "silent", CPU invokes neither the loudspeaker nor the vibrator, but a pilot lamp blinks to alert the owner of a waiting call. During the period of alert, if any key is pressed, the alert will cease. If no key is pressed at all, the alert will also stop automatically after a predetermined period of time.

When the alert is issued, the message is not seen on the display screen, and instead, a request for "entering a password is shown.

At this juncture, if the owner enters a correct password, the message does show up, or else the owner has to re-enter the password until it is correct. If the password is mistaken for more than n consecutive times (where n is an integer greater than 1), then the pager will enter the frozen state. The owner has to go through a "de-freeze" process to have the pager de-frozen.

Therefore, the CPU has a means for controlling the display screen so that no received messages will be displayed right away, under this secret mode of display protection, but the owner's entering of password is first prompted.

When the alert is press-stopped or auto-stopped, the message will remain displayed for a period of time, to allow sufficient time for the owner to read the message. If during message display, the photosensor detects a poor level of lighting, the CPU then invokes a penal light, to enhance message visibility to the owner even in a poor lighting environment. When the message display is complete, the CPU will cut off the panel light, and will display other information like time of the day, etc.

Information stored in the memory may be retrieved at any time, provided a key is pressed, and the information is displayed on a LCD screen. The information is stored in a last-in-first-out arrangement, i.e., the first retrieved piece of information is the last entered piece. After the first piece is retrieved, a next piece will continuously be displayed if the same key is pressed again, until keypressing stops. The the last retrieved piece remains on screen for a time period, then other information will be displayed.

On the pager which adapts to this invention, the numeric keys are used for information retrieval by direct entering the label number of the required message or information', and the last-in-first-out sequential display no longer applies. By pressing one of the ten numerics in association with the overleaf/enter key, functional selection of the required message is achieved according to the label digits, and this function is realised by the help of a special means in the CPU. In particular, the CPU provides a control means for storing the message consecutively into the storing means for personal messages and public information according to their labeled numbers, and displaying the message or information according to the control of numeric keys.That is to say, it is intended to first categorise and label the received data representative of various personal messages and public information according a predetermined classification, and to store them into memory through control; then to retrieved one specified piece of message and send it to screen display according to the numeric key control (as having already been described in association with Fig.1). Therefore the CPU has a further means for use to control keyboard, and to identify numeric inputs, selected functions and numeral digits, so as to realise all said novel functions on a pager adapted to the MNKC. Furthermore, before the time of message display, the owner is requested to enter password through numeric keys, which is checked for validity, to yield a result of keeping the confidentiality of the messages. In case of the entered password being mistaken for more than n consecutive times (where n is integer greater than 1), the pager will enter automatically a frozen state, in which its functions are withheld temporarily, and may not be resumed before going through a "de-freeze" process.

The above is merely an explanation of this invention by way of a number of concrete and preferred embodiments. However, this invention is in no way be confined to these embodiments. Persons skilled in the art may design various modifications or variations of this invention, based on the ideas and essence of the invention, but all of which may not go beyond the scope of this invention.

Claims (11)

1. A method. of numeric key control (MNKC) for use on a pager-or on an electronic product equipped with a pager comprising RF receiver, decoder, CPU, memory, display screen, and control keyboard; said control keyboard comprising control keys labelled as upshift key, downshift key, and overleaf key, and ten numeric keys labelled 0-9; said method including the following steps: a. selecting one of the predetermined paging functions by manipulating the numeric keys and control keys on the pager keyboard, to command the CPU entering a working state of awaiting the input of a password; b. entering a predetermined sequence of numerics representative of a password through manipulating the numeric keys, to be followed by the password checking means of the CPU checking the validity of the entered password, by comparing the entered password with the password stored in memory; b-l if the password being valid, then the CPU exercising control over the pager's execution of predetermined functions; b-2 if the password being invalid, then the CPU awaiting a second time entering of a password, and then said password checking means repeating said validity checking process, until after the password being entered all incorrectly for n consecutive times (where n being a predetermined integer greater than 1), then under the control of the CPU, the pager entering a frozen state in which all normal functions become inoperative.

2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in: the option of predetermined functions as described in "a" above, being the owner selecting the function of instantly viewing a message following the pager alerting him on receipt of a call message; and the procedure of executing a predetermined function, as described in "b-1" above, including the owner's manipulation of the upshift key, or downshift key, and overleaf key, to have the expected messages shown up on the pager's display screen.

3. The method as claimed in Claim 2, characterised in: the step wherein the manipulation of the numeric key and the over leaf key to effect a message display, including the procedure of pressing m digits on numeric keys (where m is integer and 10 > m > 1), and pressing the overleaf key, to read different types of messages.

4. A method as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in: the option of predetermined functions as described in "a" above, being the selection of the function of changing a password; the predetermined function to be executed, as described in "b-l" above, being permitting the owner to enter a new password through numeric keys, and to press the overleaf key letting this password replace the old password.

5. The method as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in: the option of predetermined functions as described in "a" above, being the selection of the function to change the decipher keyword; the predetermined function to be executed, as described in "b-1" above, being permitting the owner to enter a new decipher keyword through numeric keys, and to immediately press the overleaf key letting this keyword replace the old decipher keyword.

6. A method as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in: the option of predetermined functions as described in "a" above, being the selection of the function of changing a pager's address; the predetermined function to be executed, as described in "b-l" above, being permitting the owner to view the screen displaying pager's address code, to decide whether he wishes to change that; the owner pressing the upshift key, and then entering the new pager address code through numeric keys, so that the new address code substituting the old address code; or, alternatively, the owner pressing the downshift key, then the present address code remaining unchanged.

7. A pager adapted to the MNKC, said pager comprising: RF receiver, decoder, CPU, memory, display screen and control keyboard, characterised in: control keyboard comprising numeric keys for numeric inputs and functional controls, and control keys for operation in association with numeric keys; RF receiver comprising demodulating means that demodulates the information codes and address codes received in modulated signals; memory comprising storage means for a changeable personal password, storage means for a changeable address code, storage means for a changeable decipher keyword, and storage means for storing personal messages and public information; decoder comprising a checking means for checking the received address code against the address code stored in the memory; CPU comprising a decipher means for deciphering the received enciphered signal, using the decipher keyword stored in the memory; a password checking means for checking the keyboard input personal password against the personal password stored in the memory so as to effect controlling the pager's execution or freezing its normal operation; a freezing means for decoding the freeze signal in the received signal, and for controlling the pager and freezing its normal operation according to the decoded freeze command; a controlling means for updating the stored data in said storage means for personal password, in said storage means for address, and in said storage means for decipher keyword according to keyboard input; a means for labelling and storing the data into said storage means for personal messages and public information, and displaying the data according to the control of the numeric keys; a control means for, after the pager having entered a state, in which all normal operational function are frozen, checking the keyboard input personal password against the stored personal password, and controlling the pager in recovering its normal operation functions, or in recovering its normal operational functions only by means of the de-freeze apparatus at the paging center; a means for controlling the keyboard and to identify numeric input, function selection, or number of digits; a means for controlling the diaplay device not to instantly display at a display in secrecy mode but first request the owner to input passwords;. and a means for controlling the RF receiver, keyboard, display screen, and other input/ouput devices to temporarily freeze their functional operation in a "frozen" state.

8. A pager adapted to said MNKC as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in said control keys including an upshift key, a downshift key, and overleaf/enter key.

9. A pager adapted to said MNKC as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in said storage means for changeable personal password, being a RAM.

10. A pager adapted to said MNKC as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in said storage means for changeable personal address being a RAM.

11. A pager adapted to said MNKC as claimed in Claim 7, characterised in said storage means for changeable cipher keyword being a RAM.