HUE033558T2 - Rendszer és eljárás egy lapozó készüléken levõ lapozó hálózatból befogadott üzenetek átvitelére elektronikus készülékekhez - Google Patents

Description

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION (45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: H04M 11725 <2006 01> G08B 5122 <2006 01> 22.03.2017 Bulletin 2017/12 H04W 4I06<200901> H04W 88102 <200901> (21) Application number: 11811298.6 (86) International application number: PCT/US2011/068138 (22) Date of filing: 30.12.2011 (87) International publication number: WO 2012/094250 (12.07.2012 Gazette 2012/28)

(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSMITTING MESSAGES RECEIVED FROM A PAGING NETWORK ON A PAGING DEVICE TO ELECTRONIC DEVICES

SYSTEM UNDVERFAHRENZURIJBERTRAGUNGVON liberein funkrufsystem AUFEINEM PAGER ERHALTENEN NACHRICHTEN AN ELEKTRONISCHE VORRICHTUNGEN

SYSTEME ET PROCEDE POUR TRANSMETTRE, A DES DISPOSITIFS ELECTRONIQUES, DES MESSAGES REQUS D’UN RESEAU DE RADIOMESSAGERIE SUR UN DISPOSITIF DE RADIOMESSAGERIE (84) Designated Contracting States: · MEYERCORD, Ed AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB Princeton GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO New Jersey 08540 (US) PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR · MCNAUGHT, Ted

Windham (30) Priority: 04.01.2011 US 984598 Maine 04062 (US) (43) Date of publication of application: (74) Representative: Hayden, Nicholas Mark et al 13.11.2013 Bulletin 2013/46 Murgitroyd &amp; Company

Scotland House (73) Proprietor: Critical Alert Systems, LLC 165-169 Scotland Street

Westbrook, Maine 04092 (US) Glasgow G5 8PL (GB) (72) Inventors: (56) References cited: • OSHINSKY, Stephen WO-A1-01/89246 WO-A2-98/21898

Madison US-A- 4 940 963 US-A- 5 541 976

Mississippi 39110 (US) US-A- 5 701 337

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).

Description

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for transmitting paging messages from a paging device to electronic devices. More specifically, certain embodiments are directed to systems and methods for establishing a radio connection between a paging device and a wireless device, such as a cellular device, and for transmitting the messages received over a paging network by the paging device to the wireless device for display on the wireless device. Other embodiments are directed to systems and methods for establishing a connection between a paging device and other devices, such as GPS navigation systems, televisions, laptops, and gaming consoles, and for transmitting the messages received over a paging network by the paging device to the such devices.

Background of the Invention [0002] Both pagers and wireless devices, such as cell phones, are widely used forms of communication. Although a few two-way paging systems have been developed, paging systems are typically one-way radio communications systems. In order to send a message to a user who has a paging device, the sender contacts a paging control system, usually via a telephone or computer network. Upon accessing the paging control system, the sender can perform certain operations, including inputting a call-back number or message to be sent to the paging device or leaving a voice message for the paged user. The paging control system can then deliver the call-back number or message or the voice message to the paging device through a paging network, such as POCSAG or FLEX.

[0003] Wireless devices, such as cellular telephones, on the other hand, typically communicate through bidirectional communication systems. Many of these devices further allow for real-time bidirectional communication. For example, when an individual wishes to contact a user who has a cellular telephone, the individual usually dials the number associated with the cellular telephone from the individual’s cellular or landline telephone. Once a connection is established between the two telephones, voice and other data are transmitted to and from the cellular telephone through a cellular network, such as GSM or CDMA.

[0004] The transmitters used in paging systems typically operate at a higher power level than cellular telephone transceivers. As a result, the coverage area associated with individual paging systems is often greater than the coverage area associated with individual cellular telephone, or transmission towers. For similar reasons, paging systems also tend to have greater penetration than cellular telephone systems. Moreover, unlike cellular systems, paging systems have the ability to simulcast transmissions by utilizing constructive interference to strengthen the signal, which further increases the coverage area and penetration of the paging signals. As a result, paging services are frequently available in certain geographic areas and environments where cellular telephone service is not available. Thus, paging systems generally provide increased reliability with respect to the delivery and receipt of communications as compared to cellular telephone systems.

[0005] In addition, due to their configuration, paging systems typically allow for multicasting of paging communications to multiple devices. Thus, a paging system can broadcast information to a large number of users simultaneously. Conversely, cellular telephone systems typically only allow for messages to be transmitted sequentially (/'.e., to a single cellular device at a time), and cannot broadcast messages to a specific group of users simultaneously.

[0006] The need to subscribe to a paging service (in addition to a cellular service) is importantfor many users, such as those who work in certain time-sensitive professions. This is mainly due to the higher degree of reliability provided by paging systems. For example medical personnel and emergency workers are often required to carry a paging device in addition to their cellular telephone. In these occupations, receiving messages as reliably and as quickly as possible is extremely important. In hospitals, minutes and even seconds often make the difference between life and death. The ability to deliver messages to doctors and other medical personnel reliably and with as little delay as possible decreases the response time for medical emergencies. This, in turn, decreases the negative impacts to patient health associated with the time taken to respond to the emergency. Likewise, many emergency workers need to receive messages reliably and with the least possible delay in order to respond and react to various emergency situations effectively. Frequently, these emergencies involve life-threatening situations, in which minimal response time is vital. As a result, in these professions, even small increases in the reliability, or decreases in the delay, of message delivery and receipt can significantly increase the number of lives benefitted or saved.

[0007] In order to subscribe to both types of services, however, consumers typically have to carry, monitor and maintain two separate devices. This leads to a number of inconveniences with respect to the portability, costand ease of use of these devices. While systems have been developed that provide an aggregated pager and cellular telephone (e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,117,449), these systems have exhibited a number of problems, which has resulted in these devices failing to be adopted by consumers in any meaningful way. One drawback is that, because both paging and cellular phone functionalities are implemented through shared components, only one functionality can utilize these components at a time. Another drawback is that these devices often suffer from increased interference between the incoming paging and cellular signals, due to the extremely close proximity of the paging and cellular receivers.

[0008] These aggregated systems also experience significantly decreased battery life, due to the power requirements of implementing both cellular and paging functionalities in a single device. Moreover, these devices do not provide for acknowledgments and status messages to be sent back to the paging network in order to ensure successful delivery and receipt of the paging messages and allow for an audit trail to be recorded. In addition, these aggregated devices require a modification of the physical components of a standard cellular or other wireless device in order to incorporate the paging functionality. As a result, the paging functionality is tied to the specific aggregated device, and users cannot change devices, without either modifying the physical components of the new device or losing the paging functionality.

[0009] More recently, systems have been created (e.g., PageCopy by American Messaging; and Messag-eSync by Indiana Paging) which have attempted to use cellular networks in order to mimic the services offered by paging systems. These systems provide users with an application that can be installed on their cellular telephone or otherwireless device that receives and displays certain messages on the device. Importantly, however, these systems do not utilize a paging network and, as such, do not provide true paging services. Instead, these systems merely use the cellular capabilities of the user’s device to deliver messages to the device through a cellular network. As a result, these systems do not provide users with the advantages of paging services, such as greater coverage areas, penetration and reliability, and the ability to receive multicasted messages.

[0010] Other systems have been developed in which a pager is used to "wake-up," or initiate a call with, a cellular telephone (e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,701,337). The purpose of these systems was to conserve the battery life of the cellular device by allowing the cellular device to go into sleep mode or powerdown and then be "woken-up" by the pager prior to an incoming telephone call. As a result, these systems do not provide users with paging service in addition to cellular telephone service. Accordingly, these systems do not allow users to receive and view paging messages on the user’s cellular telephone or wireless device.

[0011] US5,541,976 describes a cellular mobile radio telephone system which incorporates an independent paging capability with an existing mobile telephone by taking advantage of call forwarding and redirecting features available on the telephone switching network. When a mobile telephone is set to an active or "on" mode, calls are directed to that mobile telephone using the cellular paging channel and conventional cellular paging procedures. However, when the mobile telephone is set to asleep mode and the power is switched off, the mobile switching center automatically forwards calls to the mobile to an independent paging system which transmits the call as a paging signal to a small pager associated with the mobile telephone. When the pager receives a page signal as a result of the forwarded call, the pager transmits a low-power signal to the mobile telephone which switches on the power of the mobile telephone. A predetermined time afterforwarding the call to the paging system, the mobile switching center redirects the forwarded calls using redirecting procedures to the mobile telephone. By the time the call is redirected, the mobile station has been activated and can now receive the call directly. Because the active pager consumes much less power than the mobile telephone listening to a paging channel of the cellular system, setting the mobile telephone to the sleep mode results in considerably less battery drain. When the mobile is set to a page mode, the pager functions as a conventional paging device.

[0012] Additionally, there has been a significant increase over the last two decades in terrorist attacks and "active shooter" events. A common problem associated with these events is a lack of ability to transmit mass notification messages to individuals in the threat area. Without the ability to broadcast messages, there is no practical way to provide potential victims with status notifications in real-time. Also, these events are often widespread and can involve a large number of emergency or response personnel. As a result, another common problem has been the lack of ability to simultaneously provide status notifications and instructions to update and coordinate such personnel in real time.

[0013] Thus, there is a need for a system which combines the features and advantages of electronic devices, paging devices and networks, while maximizing the reliability and minimizing the delay of delivering messages to users. There is also a need for a system which can broadcast emergency messages to a large number of users simultaneously. There is further a need for a universal paging device, which is compatible with, and can communicate paging messages to, various types of electronic devices without modifying any of the physical components of such devices. In light of the beneficial qualities of paging systems, such as greater coverage areas and penetration as well as multicasting, it would be desirable to provide a system which allows users to view paging system messages on wireless devices, such as cellular telephones, and which provides acknowledgements back to the paging system to indicate successful delivery and receipt of the messages.

Summary of the Invention [0014] One aspect of the invention is to deliver paging messages to users in a manner that maximizes the reliability and minimizes the delay associated with the delivery and receipt of such messages. Another aspect of the invention is to provide a universally compatible, low-cost device, which allow users to receive, view, and respond to such messages while managing and monitoring a single cellular or other wireless device. Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide such a device which does not require modification of the physical components of the device. Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide a system in which emergency messages can be broadcasted to a large group of users at the same time.

[0015] The above and other aspects may be realized through systems and methods for communicating messages received through a paging network by a paging device to an electronic device through a connection established between the two devices. In certain embodiments, systems and methods are provided for communicating messages received through a paging network by a paging device to a cellular or other wireless device through a radio connection established between the two devices. The paging device establishes a radio connection with the wireless device. In response to receiving a message from the paging network, the paging device transmits the received message to the wireless device through the established radio connection. In response to receiving the message from the paging device, the wireless device sends an acknowledgment to the paging network that the message was received and displays the message.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the paging device can be, or can be incorporated within, a peripheral of a wireless or cellular device, such as a carrying case, holder, or battery extender. In other embodiments, the paging device could be a stand-alone device, such as a key fob. In yet other embodiments, the paging device could be incorporated in other consumer accessories or electronic devices, such as a belt, helmet, television remote, or game controller.

[0017] In certain embodiments the paging device can communicate messages received from the paging network to any wireless device capable of receiving and transmitting messages over a cellular network, such as a cellular telephone, smartphone, PDA, or tablet. In accordance with certain of these embodiments, reply messages, receipt, error, read and other acknowledgements and status messages, such as messages indicating the status of the connection between the paging device and the wireless device and the status of the connection between the paging device and the paging network, can be transmitted from the wireless device to the paging network through the cellular network and a network connection between the cellular network and the paging network.

[0018] In other embodiments, the paging device can communicate messages received from the paging network to various other electronic devices, such as GPS navigation systems, televisions, gaming consoles, personal computers and laptops, where the message is displayed on the native display associated with the electronic device. In accordance with certain of these embodiments, reply messages, acknowledgements and status messages can be transmitted from the electronic device directly to the paging network through a network connection, such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or the Internet or a dedicated network.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the wireless or other electronic device, in response to receiving a notification from the paging device that the paging network is unavailable, or detecting that a radio connection cannot be established between the paging device and the wireless device, can notify the paging network accordingly and the paging network can transmit any messages to the wireless device directly through a cellular network or through a network connection between the paging network and the wireless device.

[0020] In certain embodiments, one or both of the paging device and the wireless device can generate a number of visual, audible or tactile alerts, including alerts that indicate the receipt of a new message, the status of the connection between the paging device and the wireless device, the availability of the paging network and the battery level of the paging device.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0021] Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantages will be more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the interactions between various components, including the wireless and paging devices, according to certain embodiments; FIG. 2 is a schematic of a portion of the paging device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a schematic of a portion of the wireless device of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a process that may be used by the paging device in accordance with certain embodiments; FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process that may be used by the wireless device in accordance with certain embodiments; FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of another process that may be used by the paging device in accordance with certain embodiments; FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of another process that may be used by the wireless device in accordance with certain embodiments; FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of yet another process that may be used by the wireless device in accordance with certain embodiments; FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the paging device ac- cording to certain embodiments; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the interactions between various components, including the paging device and a GPS device according to certain other embodiments; FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the interactions between various components, including the paging device and a Television according to yet other embodiments; and FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the interactions between various components, including the paging device and a gaming console according to yet other embodiments.

Detailed Description of the Invention [0022] As discussed above, pagers and wireless devices such as cellular telephones have typically been separate devices which operate independently. To reduce the inconvenience of having to manage and monitor two separate devices, one aspect of the invention allows a paging device to communicate with a wireless device such that messages received from the paging network on the paging device can be transmitted to the wireless device fordisplay. Another aspect of the invention allows a paging device to communicate with other electronic devices, such as GPS navigation systems, televisions, laptops, and gaming consoles, wherein messages received from the paging network on the paging device can be transmitted to the electronic device. Yet another aspect of the invention allows for acknowledgements and status messages, as well as reply messages to be transmitted back to the paging network from the wireless device or other electronic device. As used herein, the term "message" means a communication comprising one or more alphanumeric characters intended to be displayed to the recipient. The term "display," as used herein, means a visual, audible, or tactile display or any combination thereof. The systems and methods described below take advantage of the benefits provided by both paging devices and wireless and other electronic devices in order to maximize the level of reliability with respect to the delivery and receipt of paging messages sent to users.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram of a paging and cellular system in accordance with certain embodiments. The system includes Paging Network Operation Center ("NOC") 300 which coordinates and manages the delivery of paging messages. Paging NOC 300 utilizes paging transmitter 350 to transmit messages to paging devices through a standard paging protocol such as FLEX, POC-SAG, or any other suitable protocol. Also shown in FIG. 1 is Cellular NOC 400 which coordinates and manages the communications to and from wireless devices. Cellular NOC 400 utilizes cellular tower 450 to transmit and receive call signals and data to and from wireless devices, through a standard cellular protocol such as GSM, CDMA, PHS, or any other suitable protocol. As shown in FIG. 1, Paging NOC 300 and Cellular NOC 400 communicate with each other through network 500. Network 500 could be a local area network, VPN connection, the Internet, or any other suitable connection. It will be appreciated that Paging NOC 300 and Cellular NOC 400 can utilize a plurality of paging transmitters and cellular towers, respectively, although only one of each is shown for illustration purposes. The transmission of paging signals from Paging NOCs to paging devices and the transmission of cellular signals from Cellular NOCs to cellular and other wireless devices is well known in the art.

[0024] Also shown in FIG. 1 are examples of a paging device 100 and a wireless device 200. Paging device 100 receives paging messages sent by Paging NOC 300 through paging transmitter 350. Wireless device 200 receives cellular signals from, and transmits cellularsignals (e.g., signals sent and received over mobile carrier networks) to, Cellular NOC 400 through cellular tower 450. As shown in FIG. 1, paging device 100 communicates with wireless device 200 through radio frequency RF connection 600, which in this example is a Bluetooth connection. In otherembodiments, RF connection 600, could be a ZigBee, Wi-Fi or WiMAX connection, any other short-range radio connection, or any other suitable radio connection. In certain embodiments, paging device 100 sends the messages it receives from Paging NOC 300 to wireless device 200 through RF connection 600. Paging device 100 can also send various attributes associated with the message, including the message status, as well as other information regarding the status of the paging device or paging network to wireless device 200 through RF connection 600.

[0025] In certain embodiments, such as is illustrated in FIG. 1, wireless device 200 can beacellulartelephone. In certain of these embodiments, wireless device 200 can communicate with Paging NOC 300 through Cellular NOC 400 and network 500. In other embodiments, wireless device 200 could be any device capable of wireless communication as discussed in the description that follows (e.g., PDA, tablet, computer, laptop, smartphone, GPS device, television, etc.). In certain of these embodiments, wireless device 200 can communicate directly with Paging NOC 300 through network 500 without Cellular NOC 400. In yet other embodiments, wireless device 200 can communicate with Paging NOC 300 through a dedicated network or any othersuitable network connection. FIG. 1 also shows a trickle charge 150, through which wireless device 200 may provide power to certain components of, and/or charge the battery in, paging device 100 as described in more detail with respect to FIG. 9 below.

[0026] One advantage of the systems and methods described herein, as can be seen in FIG. 1 and its accompanying description, is the ability for users to receive, view and respond to paging messages received from a paging network on a cellular or other wireless device. This allows users to subscribe to paging (as well as cellular) services while only having to monitor and maintain one device. Another advantage is that notifications and acknowledgements can be sent back to the paging network from the wireless device. As a result, the reliability, portability and ease-of-use of the system is increased.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram which illustrates a paging device suitable for use with certain embodiments. Paging device 100 includes a Paging RF Receiver 2 and Paging Protocol Decoder 3, which may be any standard paging receiver components capable of receiving and decoding paging messages over a paging network. Paging RF Receiver2 receives standard paging signals, such as FLEX or POCSAG Over-The-Air Protocol signals, transmitted from a paging network. Paging Protocol Decoder 3 decodes the signals received by Paging RF Receiver 2 and passes any messages which are addressed to paging device 100 to central processor 4. Central processor 4 may be any standard computer processor or any other suitable type of processor. Although Paging RF Receiver 2, Paging Protocol Decoder 3 and central processor 4 are shown in FIG. 2 as separate components, in certain embodiments two or more of these components may be combined into a single chip. In other embodiments, Paging Protocol Decoder 3 may be specialized firmware or software running on a separate microprocessor or may be software code running on central processor 4.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, paging device 100 may also include memory 8, which can be utilized by central processor 4 to store messages decoded and passed from Paging Protocol Decoder. In certain embodiments, one or more attributes may be associated with the received messages and stored in memory 8. These attributes may include certain information related to the status of the message, such as whether it was received with errors or whether it has been sent to a wireless device. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a battery 10 which may provide power to active components of paging device 100. Battery 10 may be a standard alkaline battery or a rechargeable battery. While shown in FIG. 2 as an internal battery, battery 10 could also be a user replaceable battery. In certain embodiments, power needed for the operation of certain components of paging device 100 may be alternatively drawn from an external connection capable of receiving power from an AC or DC outlet or an external battery, such as a car battery.

[0029] Paging device 100 includes an RF transceiver 9 for communicating with a wireless or other electronic device (such as a PDA, tablet, computer, laptop, smartphone, GPS device, television, etc.). Although RF transceiver 9 is shown in FIG. 2 as separate from Paging RF Receiver 2, RF transceiver 9 and Paging RF Receiver 2 could be combined into a single transceiver, or could be configured to share one or more components of paging device 100. In certain embodiments RF transceiver 9 is a Bluetooth transceiver, however, RF transceiver 9 can be any type of transceiver that utilizes a suitable radio communication protocol, such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, orZig-Bee. RF transceiver 9 is connected to central processor 4 in order to transmit messages received by paging device 100 from a paging network to a wireless device through an radio connection established with the wireless device, as described in more detail in connection with the process depicted in FIG. 4.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2 paging device 100 may also include a message status LED 6, an RF transceiver connection status LED 7 and a power status LED 5 connected to and controlled by central processor 4. In certain embodiments, paging device 100 may incorporate three distinct LEDs. For example, message status LED 6 may be an LED having a first color (e.g., green), which indicates whether the paging device has received messages that have not yet been delivered to the wireless device. Similarly, RF transceiver connection status LED 7 may be an LED having a second color that is different from the first color (e.g., blue), which indicates whether there is an active RF connection between paging device 100 and the wireless device. Also, power status LED 5 may be an LED having a third color that is different from the first and second colors (e.g., red), which indicates if the power level of battery 10 is below a certain threshold. In other embodiments, one or more of message status LED 6, RF transceiver connection status LED 7 and power status LED 5 could be removed, or replaced by, other types of visual, auditory, or tactile alert mechanisms.

[0031] According to certain embodiments, paging device 100 may be, or may be incorporated with, an accessory or peripheralforthewirelessdevice, e.g., embedded in a carrying case or battery extender, as described in more detail in connection with the embodiments depicted in FIG. 9. In other embodiments paging device 100 may be incorporated with other accessories or consumer electronic devices, such as a helmet, belt, television remote, or game controller, as described in more detail in connection with the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 9 and 11-12. Inyetotherembodiments, paging device 100 may further be a stand-alone device or small apparatus, such as a key fob, which can be carried by an individual or may be mounted in an automobile as described in more detail in connection with the embodiments depicted in FIG. 10.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram which illustrates a wireless device suitable for use with certain embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, wireless device 200 includes transceiver 32, which, in certain embodiments where wireless device 200 is a cellular device, may be any standard cellular transceiver. Transceiver 32 passes voice and/or data signals to, and receives voice and/or data signals from, wireless device CPU 33. In certain embodiments, transceiver 32 may also be used to transmit acknowledgements and status notifications back to the paging network through the cellular network. The cellular network can then pass these acknowledgements and status notifications to the paging network through any suitable network connection between the cellular and paging networks, such as the Internet. In other embodiments, wireless device 200 may transmit these acknowledgements and status notifications to the paging network through a network connection between the wireless device and the paging network.

[0033] In accordance with certain of these embodiments, the wireless device may transmit acknowledgements indicating that a message has been received, that a message has been received with errors, and that a message has been read. The wireless device may also transmit notifications that indicate whether or not the wireless device has an active RF connection with the paging device and whether the paging network is available at the paging device. In addition, the wireless device may transmit reply messages when a user wishes to respond to a message received at the wireless device. This functionality allows for bidirectional communication with the paging network, which provides a number of benefits. For example, one benefit is that the paging network can record a full audit trail of the delivery, receipt, read, and status of the messages, including any errors in the process. Another benefit is that the system can better ensure that messages are received and read by users. For example, if the paging network does not receive an acknowledgement that a message has been received or read within a certain amount of time, the paging network can transmit the message to the paging device again and could also transmit the message directly to the wireless device, either through the cellular network or a direct network connection. This functionality increases the reliability of the system as a whole.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, wireless device 200 also includes RF transceiver 39 for communicating with a paging device. Although RF transceiver 39 is shown in FIG. 3 as separate from transceiver 32, the transceivers could be combined into a single transceiver, or be configured to share one or more components of wireless device 200. In certain embodiments RF transceiver 39 is a Bluetooth transceiver, however, RF transceiver 39 can be any type of transceiver that utilizes a suitable radio communication protocol, such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or ZigBee. RF transceiver 39 is connected to wireless device CPU 33 and passes any messages or signals it receives from the paging device to wireless device CPU 33.

[0035] Wireless device 200 also includes a Paging Message Component 37, which is connected to wireless device CPU 33. Wireless device CPU 33 passes any messages or signals it receives from RF transceiver 39 to Paging Message Component 37. In certain embodiments, the function associated with Paging Message Component 37, may be implemented in software running on wireless device CPU 33, such as a mobile device application, thereby removing any need for modifying the physical components of a standard wireless device such as a smartphone. In other embodiments, the function associated with Paging Message Component 37 may be integrated in the operating system running on wireless device CPU 33. Alternatively, Paging Message Component 37 may be a specialized chip, such as a microprocessor, which includes program instructions in firmware. Also shown in FIG. 3 is a memory 38, which may be controlled by Paging Message Component 37. In certain embodiments, Paging Message Component 37 may utilize memory 38 to store messages, as well as other message attributes and status notifications received from the paging device through RF transceiver 39.

[0036] In certain embodiments, Paging Message Component 37 may be integrated with, or utilize, certain functions included in wireless device 200 to provide additional benefits to users of such devices. For example, Paging Message Component may integrate with an address book or a contact list in wireless device 200. This can provide numerous benefits, such as the ability to save telephone numbers or other contact information included in any messages received from paging device 100, look up information associated with the sender of such messages, or linkorconnectsuch messages to a corresponding contact entry. Also, in the event that the recipient of a message is unable to respond as requested in the message, the recipient could respond with the contact information of an alternate individual who may be able to respond. Paging Message Component 37 may also integrate with the e-mail or text messaging capabilities of wireless device 200. This can allow for additional functionalities, such as the ability to forward messages received from the paging device to other individuals or groups or respond to the sender or the paging network through e-mail or text messages.

[0037] As another example, Paging Message Component 37 may utilize a calendar feature of wireless device 200. In this example, messages including appointments or meetings may be received at wireless device 200 from paging device 100 and be automatically integrated into the calendar on wireless device 200. In other embodiments, links to Internet websites may be included in the messages received at wireless device 200. These links could then be accessed through the web browsing capabilities of wireless device 200.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, wireless device 200 may include a display 34, a speaker 35, and a tactile alert mechanism 36, all of which may be connected to, and operated by, wireless device CPU 33. In certain embodiments, in response to receiving messages or signals from a paging device, Paging Message Component 37 may instruct wireless device CPU 33 to display the message on display 34. According to certain of these embodiments, the message may be displayed in any suitable manner that is consistent with standard procedures used by wireless device 200. For example, the display of the message may interrupt the wireless device’s normal display procedures and require certain action by the user of wireless device 200, before any other processing may occur on wireless device 200. Paging Message Component 37 may also instruct wireless device CPU to generate an audible or tactile alert by utilizing speaker 35 or tactile alert mechanism 36. For example, the message could be converted into an audible message, which may be output through speaker 35. In certain other embodiments, one or more of display 34, speaker 35, or tactile alert mechanism 36 could be removed, or replaced by, other types of visual, auditory, or tactile alert mechanisms.

[0039] According to certain embodiments, wireless device 200 can be any device that is capable of receiving and transmitting cellular signals over a cellular network, such as cellular telephones, smartphones, PDAs, and tablets. Wireless device 200 may also be any electronic device that is capable of communicating over other types of networks, such as Wi-Fi, WiMAX, the Internet, or other suitable networks. Forexample, wireless device 200 may be an Internet television, gaming console, personal computer, or laptop, as described in more detail in connection with the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 11-12. In certain embodiments, wireless device 200 may be other types of electronic devices, such as a GPS navigation system, as described in more detail in connection with the embodiments depicted in FIG. 10.

[0040] As can be seen from FIGS. 1-3 and their accompanying descriptions, the systems and methods described herein allow users to receive, view, and respond to messages received from a paging network on a wide range of wireless and other electronic devices, without the need to modify the physical components of such devices. Accordingly, one advantage, is that individuals can receive the benefits associated with paging services, while using their current, unmodified, cellular, wireless, and other electronic devices, and can seamlessly transition to using new devices without losing these benefits.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the paging device described in FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with certain embodiments. At step 101, Paging RF Receiver 2 of paging device 100 scans the appropriate paging frequency for any new transmissions from the paging network. At step 102, in response to detecting the address of paging device 100 in the transmission, the Paging RF Receiver 2 captures the transmission and passes the associated data to the Paging Protocol Decoder 3 for decoding. Paging Protocol Decoder 3 decodes the received data into a message based upon the appropriate standard paging protocol, (e.g., FLEX, POC-SAG, etc.). At step 103, Paging Protocol Decoder 3 checks to see if the decoded message has any errors. If errors are detected, flow proceeds to step 105 and Paging Protocol Decoder 3 attempts to correct any errors that are correctable (e.g., by using any standard error detection and correction mechanisms, such as using a checksum or other similar algorithm to correct any errors or replacing missing characters with error characters) and marks the status of the message appropriately, such as "With Errors." If no errors are detected, flow proceeds to step 104 and Paging Protocol Decoder 3 marks the status of the message appropriately, such as "Error Free." Flow then proceeds to step 106.

[0042] At step 106, Paging Protocol Decoder 3 passes the message to central processor 4, which compares the received message with any previously stored messages to determine if it is a duplicate message. In certain embodiments, central processor 4 may compare one or more attributes associated with the received message to one or more attributes associated with the stored messages to determine whether the received message is a duplicate message. If the received message is determined to be a duplicate message, flow proceeds to step 108. Otherwise, if the received message is determined not to be a duplicate message, central processor 4 stores the message in memory 8 at step 107. In certain embodiments, central processor 4 may also store additional attributes associated with the received message, such as a timestamp, delivery status, or error status in memory 8.

[0043] At step 108, central processor 4 checks whether there is an active RF connection established with wireless device 200. In certain embodiments paging device 100 may establish an RF connection with wireless device 200 prior to receiving any messages (e.g., when the paging device powers up). In other embodiments, paging device 100 may establish an RF connection with wireless device after receiving one or more messages (e.g., because the connection could not be established previously, or in order to conserve battery power). If an active RF connection is detected, flow proceeds to step 113.

[0044] Otherwise, flow proceeds to step 109, at which time central processor 4 attempts to establish an RF connection with wireless device 200 through RF transceiver 9. If an RF connection can be established, flow proceeds to step 113. Otherwise, if an RF connection cannot be established, at step 110, central processor 4 checks whether RF transceiver connection status LED 7 is blinking and, if not, sets RF transceiver connection status LED 7 to a blinking state in order to indicate that paging device 100 is not able to establish a RF connection with wireless device 200. At step 111, central processor 4 marks the status of the received message appropriately, such as "Not Sent to Wireless Device" and stores the message status in memory 8. At step 112, central processor 4 checks whether message status LED 6 is set to a blinking state and, if not, sets message status LED 6 to a blinking state to indicate that paging device 100 has received one or more messages that have not yet been transmitted to wireless device 200. Flow then returns to step 109 where central processor 4 continues to check whether an RF connection can be established with the wireless device.

[0045] When an RF connection is established between paging device 100 and wireless device 200, at step 113 central processor 4 sends the received message, as well as any messages in memory 8 that have a status of "Not Sent to Wireless Device," to wireless device 200 through the established RF connection. At step 114, central processor 4 checks whether either of the message status LED 6 or RF transceiver connection status LED 7 are set to a blinking state and, if so, sets the LEDs to a nonblinking state. Central processor4then sets the message status of any messages sent to wireless device 200 appropriately, such as "Sent to Wireless Device," at step 115 and stores the message statuses in memory 8. The flow then returns to step 101 in order for Paging RF Receiver 2 to continue scanning the paging frequency for any new messages from the paging network.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wireless device described in FIGS. 1 and 3 in accordance with certain embodiments. At step 201, wireless device 200 waits for a message to be received from paging device 100 through RF transceiver 39. When a message is received, at step 202 RF transceiver 39 passes the message (along with any attributes or statuses associated with the message) to wireless device CPU 33, which, in turn, passes the message to Paging Message Component 37. In other embodiments, such as where Paging Message Component 37 is a separate specialized chip or microprocessor, RF transceiver 39 may pass the message directly to Paging Message Component 37.

[0047] At step 203, Paging Message Component 37 stores the message, as well as any associated message attributes or statuses, in memory 38. In certain embodiments, Paging Message Component 37 may also instruct wireless device CPU 33 to transm it a "message received" acknowledgement, which may also include one or more the message attributes, such as the message error status, through transceiver 32 to the paging network. In certain embodiments, the paging network, in response to receiving an acknowledgement that indicates a message was received with errors, may retransmit the message to the paging device. Although in this example, e.g., where the wireless device is a cellular device, the acknowledgement is transmitted to the paging network through the cellular network and the network connection between the cellular and paging networks, in other embodiments, e.g., where the wireless device is another type of electronic device, the wireless device may transmit the acknowledgement to the paging network through a direct network connection, such as a Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or hardwire Internet connection with the paging network.

[0048] At step 204, Paging Message Component 37 checks whether the received message is a duplicate of one or more messages previously stored in memory 38. In certain embodiments, Paging Message Component 37 may also compare one or more attributes associated with the received message to one or more attributes associated with the stored messages to determine whether the received message is a duplicate message. If Paging Message Component 37 detects that the received message is a duplicate message, flow returns to step 201 in order for wireless device 200 to wait for any new messages to be received from paging device 100. Otherwise flow proceeds to step 205, at which time Paging Message Component 37 instructs wireless device CPU 33 to display the message on display 34.

[0049] In certain embodiments, Paging Message Component 37 may also instruct wireless device CPU 33 to generate one or more audible or tactile alerts using speaker 35 or tactile alert mechanism 36, such as to alert the user of wireless device 200 when a message is received. One or more of these alerts may be managed according to certain preferences chosen by the user of wireless device 200. According to certain of these embodiments, the display of the received message or the alerts may be handled consistent with standard procedures used by wireless devices, such as are used in connection with SMS text messaging. In other embodiments, one or more of the display or alerts may be handled as a priority thread by the wireless device, which may interrupt the wireless device’s normal display procedures and supersede any other processing of the wireless device.

[0050] At step 206, Paging Message Component 37 detects whether the displayed message has been acknowledged or read by the user of wireless device 200 (e.g., by the user pressing a button on, or the screen of the wireless device) and, if not, flow proceeds to step 207, where Paging Message Component 37 waits for the user to acknowledge the message. Once the user has acknowledged the message, flow proceeds to step 208. At step 208, Paging Message Component 37 directs wireless device CPU 33 to transmit a "message read" acknowledgement to the paging network through transceiver 32. The message read acknowledgement may be transmitted to the paging network in a similar manner to that described in connection with step 203 above.

[0051] At step 209 Paging Message Component 37 queries the user to determine whether the user wants to reply to the received message. If not, the flow proceeds to step 213. Otherwise, flow proceeds to step 210, at which time Paging Message Component 37 instructs wireless device CPU 33 to present the user with the option of choosing a predefined response or providing a custom reply. If the user chooses a predefined response, the flow proceeds to step 112. Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step 111, and Paging Message Component 37 receives the custom response from the user (e.g., through a standard user interface provided by wireless device 200). At step 112, Paging Message Component 37 directs wireless device CPU 33 to transmit the predefined or custom reply to the paging network through transceiver 32. The reply may be transmitted to the paging network in a similar manner to that described in connection with step 203 above. At step 213, Paging Message Component 37 instructs wireless device CPU 33 to remove the message from the display (e.g., by closing the message display window), disable any alerts associated with the received message, and flow returns to step 201 in order for wireless device 200 to wait for any new messages from paging device 100.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the systems and methods described above can be used to multicast messages to groups of users. For example, paging NOC 300 can create and transmit a message, which is addressed to more than one paging device. Each paging device to which the message is addressed could then receive the message and send it to a wireless or other electronic device through an established radio connection in the same manner as is described above in connection with FIGS. 4-5. As a result, one advantage is that messages, such as emergency notifications or instructions, can be broadcast to specified groups of individuals simultaneously, which could minimize the delay associated with the receipt of, and response to, such messages.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a flowchart further illustrating the operation of the paging device described in FIGS. 1 and 2 in accordance with certain embodiments. Paging device 100 can monitor the status of its connection to the paging network (/'.e., ability to receive paging messages from the paging network) and communicate this status to wireless device 200 through an established RF connection with the wireless device. The status can also be communicated to the paging network, which in certain embodiments, can then send messages to wireless device 200 through a cellular or other suitable network. This increases the reliability with respect to the delivery and receipt of messages by allowing for alternate message delivery mechanisms in circumstances where paging device 100 is not connected to the paging network.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, at step 121, Paging RF Receiver 2 scans the appropriate paging frequency and, at step 122, it detects whether the paging channel is present (/'.e., whether the paging network is available). If the paging channel is present, the flow proceeds to step 123, otherwise the flow proceeds to step 125. At step 123, central processor 4 checks whether a paging channel status is marked as "Present." In certain embodiments, the paging channel status may be stored in the memory of paging device 100. If the paging channel status is marked as "Present," the flow returns to step 121 and paging device 100 continues to monitor the status of the paging channel. Otherwise, flow proceeds to step 124 at which point central processor 4 marks the paging channel status as "Present," and flow proceeds to step 127. At step 125, central processor4 checks whether the paging channel status is marked as "Not Present." If the paging channel status is marked as "Not Present," the flow returns to step 121 and paging device 100 continues to monitor the status of the paging channel. Otherwise, flow proceeds to step 126 and central processor 4 marks the paging channel status as "Not Present." Flow then proceeds to step 127.

[0055] At step 127, central processor 4 detects whether there is an active RF connection with wireless device 200. If there is an active connection the flow proceeds to step 130. Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step 128, and central processor 4 attempts to establish an RF connection with the wireless device 200 through RF transceiver 9. If an RF connection is successfully established, the flow proceeds to step 130. Otherwise, if an RF connection cannot be established with wireless device 200, flow proceeds to step 129 at which time central processor 4 checks whether RF transceiver connection status LED 7 is set to a blinking state and, if not, sets it to a blinking state. Flow then returns to step 128 and paging device 100 continues to attempt to establish an RF connection with the wireless device 200 through RF transceiver 9.

[0056] Once an RF connection is established with wireless device 200, at step 130 central processor 4 transmits the paging channel status to wireless device 200 through the established RF connection. Central processor 4 then checks whether RF transceiver connection status LED 7 is set to a blinking state at step 131 and, if so, sets it to a not blinking state. Flow then returns to step 121 in order for paging device 100 to continue monitoring the status of the paging channel.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wireless device described in FIGS. 1 and 3 in accordance with certain embodiments. Wireless device 200 can receive notifications of the status of the availability of the paging network from paging device 100 and can transmit this status notification to the paging network. As discussed above, in certain embodiments, this allows the paging network to utilize alternate mechanisms to deliver messages to wireless device 200, which increases the overall reliability of the system.

[0058] At step 221, wireless device 200 waits for the receipt of a paging channel status from paging device 100 through RF transceiver 39. When a paging channel status is received at step 222, RF transceiver 39 passes the paging channel status to Paging Message Component 37 through wireless device CPU 33. At step 223, Paging Message Component 37 directs wireless device CPU 33 to transmit the paging channel status to the paging network. The paging channel status may be transmitted to the paging network in a similar manner to that described in connection with FIG. 5 above. At step 224, Paging Message Component 37 directs wireless device CPU 33 to update the paging channel status indicator on display 34 of wireless device 200. Flow then returns to step 221 in order for wireless device 200 to wait for any additional paging channel statuses to be received from paging device 100.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the wireless device described in FIGS. 1 and 3 in accordance with certain embodiments. Wireless device 200 can detect the status of the RF connection between wireless device 200 and paging device 100 and can transmit a notification of the RF connection status to the paging network. In certain embodiments, the paging network can then send messages to wireless device 200 through a cellularorothersuitable network. This allows for alternate message delivery mechanisms to be utilized in certain circumstances where wireless device 200 cannot establish a connection to paging device 100, thereby increasing the reliability of the system.

[0060] At step 231, Paging Message Component 37 monitors the status of the RF connection with paging device 100 through RF transceiver 39. RF transceiver 39 passes the status of the RF connection with paging device 100 to Paging Message Component 37 at step 232, and Paging Message Component 37 determines whether there has been any change in the status of the RF connection. In certain embodiments, Paging Message Component 37 compares the current status of the RF connection with an RF connection status previously stored in memory to determine whether there has been a change in the status of the RF connection. If there has not been a change in status, the flow returns to step 231. Otherwise, flow proceeds to step 233, at which time Paging Message Component 37 transmits the RF connection status to the paging network. The RF connection status may be transmitted to the paging network in a similar mannertothatdescribed in connection with FIG. 5above. At step 234, Paging Message Component 37 directs wireless device CPU 33 to update the RF connection status indicatoron display 34 ofwireless device 200. Flow then returns to step 231 in order for wireless device 200 to continue to monitor the status of the RF connection with paging device 100.

[0061] In accordance with the embodiments described in connection with FIGS. 6-8, wireless device 200 can notify and update the paging network as to the status of the RF connection between wireless device 200 and paging device 100, and/or the ability of paging device 100 to connect to the paging network. In certain embodiments, i.e., where wireless device includes cellular capability, these notifications can be transmitted to the cellular network through cellular transmissions and, in turn, can be passed on to the paging network through a connection between the cellular network and the paging network. In other embodiments, these notifications can be transmitted from wireless device 200 to the paging network directly, such as through a Wi-Fi, WiMAX or Internet network connection between wireless device 200 and the paging networkoranyothersuitable network connection.

[0062] In certain embodiments the paging network, in response to receiving a notification that either the RF connection cannot be established or the paging network is unavailable on paging device 100, can direct the cellular network to transmit any messages intended for paging device 100, directly to wireless device 200 through the cellularnetwork, or can communicatesuch messages to wireless device 200 through a direct network connection with the wireless device. The direct transmission of messages to wireless device 200 may replace, or may be in addition to, the transmission of such messages to paging device 100 by the paging network. In accordance with certain of these embodiments, the paging network may cease, or may direct the cellular network to cease, the direct transmission of messages to wireless device 200, in response to receiving a notification that either or both of the RF connection being established or the paging network being available on paging device 100.

[0063] Accordingly, successful delivery and receipt of messages is maximized, and any associated delay is minimized, by providing alternate message delivery mechanisms in certain situations, such as where paging messages cannot be received by the paging device or cannot be communicated from the paging device to the wireless device. This provides redundancy and, there fore, results in an overall increase to the reliability of the messaging system.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a pictorial diagram of the paging device in accordance with certain embodiments. As shown in FIG. 9, paging device 100 is incorporated in a carrying case 700. Paging device 100 may include the same components as described and illustrated in connection with FIG. 2. Carrying case 700 can be a sleeve, cover, holder or any other suitable case for a wireless or other electronic device, such as wireless device 200 with which paging device 100 communicates through a radio connection. Paging device 100 may be incorporated within carrying case 700, as illustrated in FIG. 9. In other embodiments, paging device 100 can be affixed to or removably attached to carrying case 700. As shown in FIG. 9, carrying case 700 may include a belt clip 701, which can be used to attach carrying case 700 to a belt or other suitable consumer accessory.

[0065] Although in FIG. 9 paging device 100 is shown as being incorporated in carrying case 700, paging device 100 could also be incorporated in any peripheral or accessory for a cellular or other wireless device, such as a battery extender. In other embodiments, paging device 100 may be incorporated in other accessories, such as a helmet or belt. In yet other embodiments paging device 100 may be a stand-alone device, such as a key fob, which could be carried or worn by a user. In certain of these embodiments, paging device 100 and wireless device 200 may operate in a similar manner as described and illustrated in connection with FIGS. 2-8 above.

[0066] Asshown in FIG. 9, carrying case 700 is capable of receiving wireless device 200. In certain embodiments, such as where wireless device 200 is held by, or attached to, carrying case 700, wireless device 200 and paging device 100 may communicate through a wired connection, which may be included in carrying case 700. Paging device 100 may send messages and other notifications to wireless device 200 through the wired connection. In certain of these embodiments, one or more of message status LED 6, an RF transceiver connection status LED 7 and a power status LED 5, as well as any other alerts generated by paging device 100, could be temporarily disabled. Wireless device 200 may also provide power to paging device 100, such as through a trickle charge from wireless device 200 to paging device 100. In certain embodiments, the trickle charge may be used to provide powerto certain components of paging device 100 and/or to recharge the battery in paging device 100.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a pictorial diagram illustrating the interactions between various components of the system, including the paging device and a GPS device according to certain embodiments. The system illustrated in FIG. 10 may include many of the components illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 1, such as the Paging NOC 300, paging transmitter 350, and paging device 100. Paging device 100 may include the same components as illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 2.

[0068] Also shown in FIG. 10 is a GPS navigation system 800. GPS navigation system 800 may be a vehicle navigation system that is incorporated in the vehicle or a stand alone navigation system in the vehicle, or it may be any other suitable type of navigation system. In certain embodiments, GPS navigation system 800 communicates with a dedicated GPS network via satellite. As shown in FIG. 10, GPS navigation system 800 includes a display 801, which may be used to display certain information to users of the navigation system. GPS navigation system 800 may also include or connect to other visual or audible components, which may be used to provide certain information or alerts to users. GPS navigation system 800 may also receive input from users through any suitable user interface, such as buttons 802-805 as shown in FIG. 10. In certain embodiments, GPS navigation system 800 may include a transceiver which may be used to communicate with the paging network through any suitable radio network. In other embodiments, GPS navigation system 800 may communicate with the paging network through a dedicated network, such as a satellite communications network.

[0069] Although paging device 100 is illustrated in FIG 10 as a separate device, paging device 100 may also be incorporated in, or attached to, GPS navigation system 800. Paging device 100 may operate in a similar manner as described and illustrated in connection with FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 10, paging device 100 may transmit any messages it receives, along with any message attributes and status notifications to GPS navigation system 800 through an RF connection 600, which can be established between paging device 100 and GPS navigation system 800. RF connection 600 can operate in a similar manner as illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 1. Alternatively, RF connection 600 could be a wired connection between paging device 100 and GPS navigation system 800.

[0070] In certain embodiments, in response to receiving a message from paging device 100, GPS navigation system 800 may store the message (as well as any message attributes and statuses) in memory and display the message on display 801. GPS navigation system may also generate one or more visual or audible alerts in order to indicate the receipt of the message. For example, in certain embodiments, GPS navigation system 800 may announce the receipt of the message and/or output an audible representation of the message through a connected speaker.

[0071] According to certain embodiments, the paging network can send real-time traffic updates and other conditions to paging device 100, which can then be transferred to GPS navigation system 800. GPS navigation system 800 may then display this information on display 801 and/or use this information in determining travel routes. GPS navigation system 800 may also send data to the paging network related to its current position in the same manner as discussed above. In certain embodiments the paging network may send location based mes sages to paging device 100, such as travel related discounts, coupons and advertisements.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a pictorial diagram illustrating the interactions between various components of the system, including the paging device and a Television according to certain other embodiments. FIG. 12 is a pictorial diagram illustrating the interactions between various components of the system, including the paging device and a gaming console according to certain embodiments. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the systems include a paging device 100, which may include the same components as illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 2. The system illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 may also include many of the components illustrated and described in connection with FIG. 1, such as the Paging NOC 300 and paging transmitter 350. In certain of these embodiments, paging device 100 may operate in a similar manner as described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 6.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 11 the system includes a television 900, which has an associated display 901. In certain embodiments, television 900 may be an Internet enabled television. In other embodiments, television 900 can be any other suitable type of television or visual display. The system also includes a remote 910, which communicates with television through a radio connection 601. Radio connection 601 can be any suitable type of connection, such as infrared, Bluetooth or WiFi. Paging device 100 is illustrated in FIG. 11 as being incorporated in remote 910. Any messages received by paging device 100, along with any message attributes and status notifications can be transmitted to television 900 through radio connection 601 between remote 910 and television 900. In other embodiments, paging device could be a separate device, or could be attached or connected to television 900, in which case, paging device 100 could communicate with television 900 through a direct radio connection or any other type of suitable connection as described in connection with FIG. 1.

[0074] In response to receiving a message from paging device 100, television 900 may display the message on display 901. Television 900 may also generate one or more visual or audible alerts, such as to indicate the receipt of the message, or may generate an audible output of the message through an attached speaker. As shown in FIG. 11, television 900 may include a network connection 501, which could be a wired or wireless Internet connection, or any other suitable type of network connection. In certain embodiments, television 900 can communicate with the paging network through network connection 501, in order to send certain acknowledgements and status notifications to the paging network as discussed in connection with FIGS. 5 and 7-8.

[0075] According to certain embodiments, the paging network may send emergency notifications to paging device 100, which may be displayed on display 901. In certain of these embodiments, the alerts could be used to turn on television 900 and may be displayed as an overlay or in a separate window on television 900 to alert the user to an emergency. In otherembodiments, the paging network could send other notifications, such as reminders to paging device 100 for display on television 900. For example messages could be sent and displayed to remind users to take medications or to notify users of upcoming appointments.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 12 the system illustrated in FIG. 11 may also include agaming console 920 and gaming controller 921. Gaming console 920 may be any standard type of gaming console, such as a Microsoft Xbox, Sony Playstation, or Nintendo Wii. Gaming Controller 921 may be any standard type of controller, such as a controller that is specific to gaming console 920 or a generic gaming controller. Gaming controller 921 may communicate with gaming console 920 through connection 922, which may be any standard wired or wireless connection. Likewise, gaming console 920 may communicate with television 900 through connection 923, which may be any standard wired or wireless connection. As shown in FIG. 12, in certain embodiments, gaming console 920 may include a network connection 501, which may be a wired or wireless Internet connection, or any other suitable type of network connection. In certain of these embodiments, gaming console 920 can communicate with the paging network through network connection 501, in orderto send certain acknowledgements and status notifications to the paging network as discussed in connection with FIGS. 5 and 7-8.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 12, paging device 100 is incorporated in gaming controller 921. Any messages received by paging device 100, along with any message attributes and status notifications can be transmitted to gaming console 920 through connection 922 between gaming controller 921 and gaming console 920. Gaming console 920 may then pass the message and other information to television 900 for display as described in connection with FIG. 11. In other embodiments, paging device 100 could be a separate device, in which case, paging device 100 could communicate with television 900 in a similar manner as described in connection with FIG. 11. In yet other embodiments, paging device 100 could be attached or connected to gaming console 920, in which case messages and other information may be transferred from paging device 100 to gaming console 920 through a wired connection. In response to receiving a message, television 900 may display the message and may generate one or more alerts as described in connection with FIG. 11.

[0078] According to certain embodiments, the paging network may send emergency notifications to paging device 100. In certain of these embodiments, the alerts could be used to interrupt the game play on gaming console 920 in order to alert the player to an emergency. In other embodiments, the alert could be displayed as an overlay or in a separate window on display 901. In certain embodiments, the paging network may send other notifications to paging device 100. For example parents or guardians could use the system to send messages to the user of the gaming console, such as to instruct the user to stop playing the game.

[0079] According to certain other embodiments, the paging device may communicate messages to other electronic devices, such as laptops or personal computers. In certain of these embodiments, the paging device and the electronicdevice may operate in a mannersimilar to that described and illustrated in connection with FIGS. 1-8 above. For example, the paging device may communicate any messages it receives from a paging network to a laptop through a suitable connection, such as a radio or hardwired connection. The laptop could then display the message and transmit any acknowledgements or notifications to the paging network through a connection between the laptop and the paging network, such as an Internet connection.

[0080] It is understood that the various devices described in connection with the foregoing figures are exemplary, and any other suitable devices may be used. The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. As an example, although certain embodiments of the paging device have been described in connection with having three LEDs with particular colors, the paging device could have any number of LEDs associated with any colors. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced in other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation, and the present invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims 1. A system for transmitting a message received from a paging network (300) to a cellular or other wireless device through radio communication, the system comprising: a wireless device (200) having display circuitry (34); a wireless device peripheral (100) having paging circuitry (2, 3, 4) adapted to: establish a radio connection with the wireless device; receive a message from the paging network (500); and transmit, in response to receiving the message at the wireless device peripheral from the paging network, the message to the wireless device through the established radio connection; and characterized by, in response to receiving the message at the wireless device from the wire- less device peripheral, the wireless device is adapted to: send an acknowledgement to the paging network that the message has been received; and transfer the message to the display circuitry for displaying the message. 2. The system according to claim 1, the wireless device peripheral selected from the group consisting of a case, a cover, a holder, and a battery extender. 3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, the wireless device peripheral further comprising at least one alert mechanism (6) adapted to: generate an alert in response to receiving the message at the wireless device peripheral; and disable the alert in response to transmitting the message to the wireless device through the established radio connection; and wherein the alert is selected from the group consisting of a visual alert, an audible alert, and a tactile alert. 4. The system according to claim 3, the at least one alert mechanism further adapted to: generate the alert in response to detecting that a radio connection does not exist between the wireless device peripheral and the wireless device; and disable the alert in response to detecting that a radio connection exists between the wireless device peripheral and the wireless device. 5. The system according to any preceding claim, the wireless device including a user interface and the wireless device further adapted to: receive a notification through the user interface that the message has been read; and send, in response to receiving the notification, an acknowledgement to the paging network that the message has been read. 6. The system according to any preceding claim, the wireless device peripheral further adapted to: associate a message status with the message, the message status indicating that the message was received with one or more errors; and transmit the message status to the wireless device through the established radio connection, the wireless device further adapted to send, in response to receiving the message status from the wireless device peripheral, a notification to the paging network that the message was received with one or more errors. 7. The system according to any preceding claim, the wireless device further adapted to: detect whether the wireless device is able to receive messages from the wireless device peripheral through the established radio connection; send, in response to detecting that the wireless device is unable to receive messages from the wireless device peripheral through the established radio connection, a notification to the paging network that the wireless device is unable to receive messages from wireless device peripheral through the established radio connection; and receive, in response to sending the notification to the paging network, one or more messages at the wireless device through a connection between the wireless device and the paging network. 8. An apparatus (100) for transmitting a message received from a paging network (300) to a cellular or other wireless device (200) through radio communication, the apparatus comprising: an RF transceiver (9) adapted to establish a radio connection with a wireless device; paging circuitry (2, 3,4) coupled to the RF transceiver and adapted to receive a message from a paging network, the paging circuitry comprising a processor (4) adapted to transfer the received message from the paging circuitry to the RF transceiver after the radio connection is established; and wherein the RF transceiver is further adapted to transmit the message to the wireless device through the established radio connection for display on the wireless device. 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, the apparatus further comprising at least one alert mechanism (5) coupled to the paging circuitry, the at least one alert mechanism adapted to: generate an alert in response to receiving the message; and disable the alert in response to transmitting the message to the wireless device through the established radio connection; and wherein the alert is selected from the group consisting of a visual alert, an audible alert, and a tactile alert. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, the at least one alert mechanism further adapted to: generate the alert in response to detecting that a radio connection does not exist with the wireless device; and disable the alert in response to detecting that a radio connection exists with the wireless device. 11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, the paging circuitry further adapted to associate a message status with the message and the RF transceiver further adapted to transmit the message status to the wireless device through the established radio connection. 12. A method of transmitting a message from a paging network (300) to a cellular or other wireless device (200) through radio communication, the method comprising the steps of: establishing (108) a radio connection between a paging device (100) and a wireless device; receiving (102) at the paging device a message from the paging network; transmitting (113) the message to the wireless device through the established radio connection between the paging device and the wireless device; characterized by: in response to receiving the message at the wireless device, sending (203) an acknowledge-mentfrom the wireless device to the paging network that the message has been received at the wireless device; and displaying (205) the message at the wireless device. 13. The method according to claim 12, the method further comprising: generating, in response to receiving the message at the paging device, at least one alert at the paging device, and disabling the at least one alert in response to transmitting the message to the wireless device through the established radio connection; and wherein the at least one alert is selected from the group consisting of a visual alert, an audible alert, and a tactile alert 14. The method according to claim 13, the at least one alert generated in response to detecting that a radio connection does not exist between the paging device and the wireless device and the method further comprising disabling the alert in response to detecting that a radio connection exists between the paging device and the wireless device. 15. The method according to claim 12,13or 14 the meth od further comprising: sending, in response to detecting that the wireless device is able to receive messages from the paging network through the established radio connection between the paging device and the wireless device, a notification to the paging network that the wireless device is able to receive messages from the paging network through the established radio connection; and receiving, in response to sending the notification to the paging network, one or more messages at the wireless device through a connection between the wireless device and the paging network.

Patentanspriiche 1. Ein System zum Libertragen einer von einem Funk-ruf-Netz (300) empfangenen Nachricht an ein mobiles Oder anderes drahtloses Gerat iiber Funkkom-munikation, wobei das System Folgendes beinhal-tet: ein drahtloses Gerat (200) mit Anzeigeschalt-kreis (34); eine Peripherie (100) des drahtlosen Gerates mit Funkruf-Schaltkreis (2,3,4), angepasst, urn: eine Funkverbindung mit dem drahtlosen

Gerat aufzubauen; eine Nachricht vom Funkruf-Netz (500) zu empfangen; und als Reaktion auf das Empfangen der Nachricht vom Funkruf-Netz an der Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerates, die Nachricht Liber die aufgebaute Funkverbindung an das drahtlose Gerat zu libertragen; und dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass, als Reaktion auf das Empfangen der Nachricht von der Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerates am drahtlosen Gerat, das drahtlose Gerat angepasst ist, urn: eine Bestatigung an das Funkruf-Netz zu senden, dass die Nachricht empfangen worden ist; und die Nachricht an den Anzeigeschalt-kreis zum Anzeigen der Nachricht zu iibermitteln. 2. System gemaB Anspruch 1, wobei die Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerates aus der Gruppe ausgewahlt ist, die aus einem Etui, einer Hiille, einem Halter und einem Batterie-Extender besteht. 3. System gemaB Anspruch 1 Oder 2, wobei die Peri- pherie des drahtlosen Gerätes ferner mindestens einen Warnmechanismus (6) beinhaltet, angepasst, um: eine Warnung als Reaktion auf das Empfangen der Nachricht an der Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerätes zu erzeugen; und die Warnung als Reaktion auf das Übertragen der Nachricht über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung an das drahtlose Gerät zu deaktivieren; und wobei die Warnung aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer optischen Warnung, einer hörbaren Warnung und einer fühlbaren Warnung besteht. 4. System gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei der mindestens eine Warnmechanismus ferner angepasst ist, um: die Warnung als Reaktion auf das Detektieren, dass eine Funkverbindung zwischen der Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerätes und dem drahtlosen Gerät nicht existiert, zu erzeugen; und die Warnung als Reaktion auf das Detektieren, dass eine Funkverbindung zwischen der Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerätes und dem drahtlosen Gerät existiert, zu deaktivieren. 5. System gemäß einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das drahtlose Gerät eine Benutzerschnittstelle umfasst und das drahtlose Gerät ferner angepasst ist, um: eine Benachrichtigung über die Benutzerschnittstelle zu empfangen, dass die Nachricht gelesen wurde; und als Reaktion auf das Empfangen der Benachrichtigung, eine Bestätigung an das Funkruf-Netz zu senden, dass die Nachricht gelesen wurde. 6. System gemäß einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerätes ferner angepasst ist, um: einen Nachrichtenstatus mit der Nachricht zu assoziieren, wobei der Nachrichtenstatus angibt, dass die Nachricht mit einem oder mehreren Fehlern empfangen wurde; und den Nachrichtenstatus über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung an das drahtlose Gerät zu übertragen, wobei das drahtlose Gerät ferner angepasst ist, um, als Reaktion auf das Empfangen des Nachrichtenstatus von der Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerätes, eine Benachrichtigung an das Funkruf-Netz zu senden, dass die Nachricht mit einem oder mehreren Fehlern empfangen wurde. 7. System gemäß einem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das drahtlose Gerät ferner angepasst ist, um: zu detektieren, ob das drahtlose Gerät fähig ist, Nachrichten von der Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerätes über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung zu empfangen; als Reaktion auf das Detektieren, dass das drahtlose Gerät unfähig ist, Nachrichten von der Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerätes über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung zu empfangen, eine Benachrichtigung an das Funkruf-Netz zu senden, dass das drahtlose Gerät unfähig ist, Nachrichten von der Peripherie des drahtlosen Gerätes über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung zu empfangen; und als Reaktion auf das Senden der Benachrichtigung an das Funkruf-Netz, eine oder mehrere Nachrichten am drahtlosen Gerät über eine Verbindung zwischen dem drahtlosen Gerät und dem Funkruf-Netz zu empfangen. 8. Eine Vorrichtung (100) zum Übertragen einer von einem Funkruf-Netz (300) empfangenen Nachricht an ein mobiles oder anderes drahtloses Gerät (200) über Funkkommunikation, wobei die Vorrichtung Folgendes beinhaltet: einen HF-Sendeempfänger (9), angepasst, um eine Funkverbindung mit einem drahtlosen Gerät aufzubauen; einen Funkruf-Schaltkreis (2, 3, 4), gekoppelt mit dem FIF-Sendeempfänger und angepasst, um eine Nachricht von einem Funkruf-Netz zu empfangen, wobei der Funkruf-Schaltkreis einen Prozessor (4) beinhaltet, der angepasst ist, um die empfangene Nachricht vom Funkruf-Schaltkreis an den HF-Sendeempfänger zu übermitteln, nachdem die Funkverbindung aufgebaut wurde; und wobei der HF-Sendeempfänger ferner angepasst ist, um die Nachricht über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung an das drahtlose Gerät zur Anzeige auf dem drahtlosen Gerät zu übertragen. 9. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 8, wobei die Vorrichtung ferner mindestens einen Warnmechanismus (5) beinhaltet, der mit dem Funkruf-Schaltkreis gekoppelt ist, wobei der mindestens eine Warnmechanismus angepasst ist, um: eine Warnung als Reaktion auf das Empfangen der Nachricht zu erzeugen; und die Warnung als Reaktion auf das Übertragen der Nachricht über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung an das drahtlose Gerät zu deaktivieren; und wobei die Warnung aus der Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer optischen Warnung, einer hörbaren Warnung und einer fühlbaren Warnung besteht. 10. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 9, wobei der mindestens eine Warnmechanismus ferner angepasst ist, um: die Warnung als Reaktion auf das Detektieren, dass eine Funkverbindung mit dem drahtlosen Gerät nicht existiert, zu erzeugen; und die Warnung als Reaktion auf das Detektieren, dass eine Funkverbindung mit dem drahtlosen Gerät existiert, zu deaktivieren. 11. Vorrichtung gemäß Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei der Funkruf-Schaltkreis ferner angepasst ist, um einen Nachrichtenstatus mit der Nachricht zu assoziierten, und der HF-Sendeempfänger ferner angepasst ist, um den Nachrichtenstatus über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung an das drahtlose Gerät zu übertragen. 12. Ein Verfahren des Übertragens einer Nachricht von einem Funkruf-Netz (300) an ein mobiles oder anderes drahtloses Gerät (200) über Funkkommunikation, wobei das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte beinhaltet:

Aufbauen (108) eine Funkverbindung zwischen einem Funkruf-Gerät (100) und einem drahtlosen Gerät;

Empfangen (102) am Funkruf-Gerät einer Nachricht vom Funkruf-Netz; Übertragen (113) der Nachricht über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung zwischen dem Funkruf-Gerät und dem drahtlosen Gerät an das drahtlose Gerät; gekennzeichnet durch: als Reaktion auf das Empfangen der Nachricht am drahtlosen Gerät, Senden (203) einer Bestätigung vom drahtlosen Gerät an das Funkruf-Netz, dass die Nachricht am drahtlosen Gerät empfangen wurde; und Anzeigen (205) der Nachricht am drahtlosen Gerät. 13. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 12, wobei das Verfahren ferner Folgendes beinhaltet:

Erzeugen, als Reaktion auf das Empfangen der Nachrichtam Funkruf-Gerät, von mindestensei-ner Warnung am Funkruf-Gerät, und Deaktivieren der mindestens einen Warnung als Reaktion auf das Übertragen der Nachricht über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung an das drahtlose Gerät; und wobei die mindestens eine Warnung aus der

Gruppe ausgewählt ist, die aus einer optischen Warnung, einer hörbaren Warnung und einer fühlbaren Warnung besteht. 14. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 13, wobei die mindestens eine Warnung als Reaktion aufdas Detektieren, dass eine Funkverbindung zwischen dem Funkruf-Gerät und dem drahtlosen Gerät nicht existiert, erzeugt wird und das Verfahren ferner das Deaktivieren der Warnung als Reaktion aufdas Detektieren, dass eine Funkverbindung zwischen dem Funkruf-Gerät und dem drahtlosen Gerät existiert, beinhaltet. 15. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 12, 13 oder 14, wobei das Verfahren ferner Folgendes beinhaltet: als Reaktion auf das Detektieren, dass das drahtlose Gerät fähig ist, Nachrichten vom Funkruf-Netz über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung zwischen dem Funkruf-Gerät und dem drahtlosen Gerät zu empfangen, Senden einer Benachrichtigung an das Funkruf-Netz, dass das drahtlose Gerät fähig ist, Nachrichten vom Funkruf-Netz über die aufgebaute Funkverbindung zu empfangen; und als Reaktion aufdas Senden der Benachrichtigung an das Funkruf-Netz, Empfangen einer oder mehrerer Nachrichten am drahtlosen Gerät über eine Verbindung zwischen dem drahtlosen Gerät und dem Funkruf-Netz.

Revendications 1. Un Systeme pourtransmettre un message regu d’un reseau de radiomessagerie (300) ä un cellulaire ou autre dispositif sans fil par l’intermediaire d’une ra-diocommunication, le Systeme comprenant: un dispositif sans fil (200) ayant un Circuit d’af-fichage (34) ; un peripherique de dispositif sans fil (100) ayant un Circuit de radiomessagerie (2, 3, 4) conpu pour: etablir une connexion radio avec le dispositif sans fil ; recevoir un message du reseau de radiomessagerie (500) ; et transmettre, en reponse ä la reception du message du reseau de radiomessagerie au niveau du peripherique de dispositif sans fil, le message au dispositif sans fil par l’intermediaire de la connexion radio etablie ; et caracterise par, en reponse ä la reception du message du peripherique de dispositif sans fil au niveau du dispositif sans fil, le fait que le dispositif sans fil est congu pour: envoyer une confirmation au réseau de radiomessagerie que le message a été reçu ; et transférer le message au circuit d’affichage pour afficher le message. 2. Le système selon la revendication 1, le périphérique de dispositif sans fil étant sélectionné dans le groupe constitué d’un étui, d’une protection, d’un support, et d’une batterie externe. 3. Le système selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, le périphérique de dispositif sans fil comprenant en outre au moins un mécanisme d’alerte (6) conçu pour : produire une alerte en réponse à la réception du message au niveau du périphérique de dispositif sans fil ; et désactiver l’alerte en réponse à la transmission du message au dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire de la connexion radio établie ; et où l’alerte est sélectionnée dans le groupe constitué d’une alerte visuelle, d’une alerte audible, et d’une alerte tactile. 4. Le système selon la revendication 3, l’au moins un mécanisme d’alerte étant en outre conçu pour : produire l’alerte en réponse à la détection qu’une connexion radio n’existe pas entre le périphérique de dispositif sans fil et le dispositif sans fil ; et désactiver l’alerte en réponse à la détection qu’une connexion radio existe entre le périphérique de dispositif sans fil et le dispositif sans fil. 5. Le système selon n’importe quelle revendication précédente, le dispositif sans fil incluant une interface utilisateur et le dispositif sans fil étant en outre conçu pour : recevoir une notification par l’intermédiaire de l’interface utilisateur que le message a été lu ; et envoyer, en réponse à la réception de la notification, une confirmation au réseau de radiomessagerie que le message a été lu. 6. Le système selon n’importe quelle revendication précédente, le périphérique de dispositif sans fil étant en outre conçu pour : associer un statut de message au message, le statut de message indiquant que le message a été reçu avec une ou plusieurs erreurs ; et transmettre le statut de message au dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire de la connexion radio établie, le dispositif sans fil étant en outre conçu pour envoyer, en réponse à la réception du statut de message du périphérique de dispositif sans fil, une notification au réseau de radiomessagerie que le message a été reçu avec une ou plusieurs erreurs. 7. Le système selon n’importe quelle revendication précédente, le dispositif sans fil étant en outre conçu pour : détecter si le dispositif sans fil est en mesure de recevoir des messages du périphérique de dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire de la connexion radio établie ; envoyer, en réponse à la détection que le dispositif sans fil n’est pas en mesure de recevoir des messages du périphérique de dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire de la connexion radio établie, une notification au réseau de radiomessagerie que le dispositif sans fil n’est pas en mesure de recevoir des messages du périphérique de dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire de la connexion radio établie ; et recevoir, en réponse à l’envoi de la notification au réseau de radiomessagerie, un ou plusieurs messages au niveau du dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire d’une connexion entre le dispositif sans fil et le réseau de radiomessagerie. 8. Un appareil(IOO) pour transmettre un message reçu d’un réseau de radiomessagerie (300) à un cellulaire ou autre dispositif sans fil (200) par l’intermédiaire d’une radiocommunication, l’appareil comprenant : un émetteur-récepteur RF (9) conçu pour établir une connexion radio avec un dispositif sans fil ; un circuit de radiomessagerie (2, 3, 4) couplé à l’émetteur-récepteur RF et conçu pour recevoir un message d’un réseau de radiomessagerie, le circuit de radiomessagerie comprenant un processeur (4) conçu pour transférer le message reçu du circuit de radiomessagerie à l'émetteur-récepteur RF après que la connexion radio a été établie ; et où l’émetteur-récepteur RF est en outre conçu pour transmettre le message au dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire de la connexion radio établie pour un affichage sur le dispositif sans fil. 9. L’appareil selon la revendication 8, l’appareil comprenant en outre au moins un mécanisme d’alerte (5) couplé au circuit de radiomessagerie, l’au moins un mécanisme d’alerte étant conçu pour : produire une alerte en réponse à la réception du message ; et désactiver l’alerte en réponse à la transmission du message au dispositif sans fil par l’intermé- diaire de la connexion radio établie ; et où l’alerte est sélectionnée dans le groupe constitué d’une alerte visuelle, d’une alerte audible, et d’une alerte tactile. 10. L’appareil selon la revendication 9, l’au moins un mécanisme d’alerte étant en outre conçu pour : produire l’alerte en réponse à la détection qu’une connexion radio n’existe pas avec le dispositif sans fil ; et désactiver l’alerte en réponse à la détection qu’une connexion radio existe avec le dispositif sans fil. 11. L’appareil selon la revendication 9 ou la revendication 10, le circuit de radiomessagerie étant en outre conçu pour associer un statut de message au message et l’émetteur-récepteur RF étant en outre conçu pour transmettre le statut de message au dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire de la connexion radio établie. 12. Une méthode de transmission d’un message d’un réseau de radiomessagerie (300) à un cellulaire ou autre dispositif sans fil (200) par l’intermédiaire d’une radiocommunication, la méthode comprenant les étapes consistant à : établir (108) une connexion radio entre un dispositif de radiomessagerie (100) et un dispositif sans fil ; recevoir (102) au niveau du dispositif de radiomessagerie un message du réseau de radiomessagerie ; transmettre (113) le message au dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire de la connexion radio établie entre le dispositif de radiomessagerie et le dispositif sans fil ; caractérisée par : en réponse à la réception du message au niveau du dispositif sans fil, l’envoi (203) d’une confirmation du dispositif sans fil au réseau de radiomessagerie que le message a été reçu au niveau du dispositif sans fil ; et l’affichage (205) du message au niveau du dispositif sans fil. 13. La méthode selon la revendication 12, la méthode comprenant en outre : produire, en réponse à la réception du message au niveau du dispositif de radiomessagerie, au moins une alerte au niveau du dispositif de radiomessagerie, et désactiver l’au moins une alerte en réponse à la transmission du message au dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire de la con nexion radio établie ; et où l’au moins une alerte est sélectionnée dans le groupe constitué d’une alerte visuelle, d’une alerte audible, et d’une alerte tactile. 14. La méthode selon la revendication 13, l’au moins une alerte étant produite en réponse à la détection qu’une connexion radio n’existe pas entre le dispositif de radiomessagerie et le dispositif sans fil et la méthode comprenant en outre la désactivation de l’alerte en réponse à la détection qu’une connexion radio existe entre le dispositif de radiomessagerie et le dispositif sans fil. 15. La méthode selon la revendication 12, la revendication 13 ou la revendication 14, la méthode comprenant en outre : envoyer, en réponse à la détection que le dispositif sans fil est en mesure de recevoir des messages du réseau de radiomessagerie par l’intermédiaire de la connexion radio établie entre le dispositif de radiomessagerie et le dispositif sans fil, une notification au réseau de radiomessagerie que le dispositif sans fil est en mesure de recevoir des messages du réseau de radiomessagerie par l’intermédiaire de la connexion radio établie ; et recevoir, en réponse à l’envoi de la notification au réseau de radiomessagerie, un ou plusieurs messages au niveau du dispositif sans fil par l’intermédiaire d’une connexion entre le dispositif sans fil et le réseau de radiomessagerie.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • US 5117449 A [0007] · US 5541976 A [0011] • US 5701337 A [0010]

Claims (5)

1. RENDSZER ÉS ELJÁRÁS EGY LAPOZÓ KÉSZÜLÉKEN LEVŐ LAPOZÓ HÁLÓZATBÓL BEFOGADOTT ÜZENETEK ÁTVITELÉRE ELEKTRONIKUS KÉSZÜLÉKEKHEZ SZABADALMI IGÉNYPONTOK

   1. Rendszer egy lapozó hálózatból (pagíng nelwork) {300} befogadott üzenet (másságé) átvitelére ítransmíítlng) egy cellás (ceiyar) vagy más drótnélküli (vviretess) készülékhez rádiókommunikáció tévén, ahol szénásáét a következőket tartalmazza; drótnélküli készülék (200), amelynek van agy kijelző· áramkör kapcsolási sémája (display circuitry) (34): drótnélküli készülék periféria (periphera!} (100), amelynek van egy lapozó árán;kör kapcsolási sémája (pagirtg circuitry) (13,4), ahol ez a következőkhöz van adaptálva: hozzon létre (esfahllsh; rádiókapcsolatot {rádió oonneolion) a drótnélküli készülékkel; fogadjon be üzenetet a lapozó hálózatból (500); és vigye át, válaszként az üzenet befogadására a drótnélküli készülék perifériánál a lapozó hálózatból, az üzenetet a drótnélküli készülékhez, a létrejött rgdlókapcsöfat révén, és azzal jellemezve, hogy válaszként az üzenet befogadására a drótnélküli készüléknél a drótnélküli készülék perifériából, a / ií' tsrari .gd'sptélSíi-iiiilPijy :kűl(|öri||pyisszaSgaíf|ási (sóll|ÍfedgemÍÍ)H|í:|pozó hálózathoz, hogy az :üzé$É$i||® vigye át az üzenetet a kijelző áiáÍ|óLkapcs|||:|émába (display circuitry) ez űzené{||Íálsóh^(Í;i|bÍ3y): ó||Az 1. igénypont szerinti ahol a drótnélküli készülék periféria a következők közút választható ki: doboz (case), fedél ........ eÉ:iiÉl!ÍÉef): I ilp|ghösszll|i|lll|: exten#}.
2. 3. Az 1. vagy 2. igénypont szerinti rendszer, ahol s drótnélküli készülék periféria tartalmaz továbbá legalább egy riasztó (álért) mechanizmust (8). amely a kővetkezőkhöz van adaptálva; generáljon egy riasztást válaszként ama, hogy befogadta az üzenetet a drótnélküli készülék perifériánál; és iktassa ki (disable) a riasztási válaszként arra, hogy átvitte az üzenetet a drótnélküli készülékhez a létrejött rádiokapesolaí révén; és ahol a riasztást a következő lehetőségek közül választhatjuk ki; látható (vlsibíe) riasztás, hallható (audíbie) riasztás; és tapintható (tactlie) riasztás. 4. A 3. Igénypont szerinti rendszer, ahol a legalább egy riasztó mechanizmus továbbá úgy van adaptálva, hogy; generálja á rfa8z!á|t||i:|§§|lht annak kimutatására, hogy nem létezik f §dilt|psöíaf a drótnélküli készülék periféria és·1| a drötnélküii készülék között, és iktassa ki a ríaszt||pálas2:kih|ann|l Iit|i|{|islfápb||irádiök3j|||||:á|i||i ..... drótnélküli készülék között. |||| |ő, Az 1-4. igénypontok bármelyike szerihfiirendSplíálél |j||ltné|üp ké$i|§jf|ij^^ felhasználói jnte(l||í|üSér:ö||: liunlÉ^^^li^ii^idrótnéikűtíÉ^zröfék továbbá úgy van adaptálva. hogy fogadjon be egy értesítést (noilíieatfon) a felhasználói interfész révén, hogy az üzenet el lett olvasva; és küldjön, válaszként az értesítés befogadására, egy visszaigazolást a lapozó hálózathoz, hogy az üzenet el lett olvasva.
3. 6. Az 1-5 igénypontok bármelyike szerinti rendszer, ahol a drótnélküli készülék periféria továbbá ügy van adaptálva, hogy társítson (associata) egy üzenet státust (messsge status) az üzenettel (másságé), ahol az üzenet státus azt jelzi, hogy az üzenet be lett fogadva egy vagy főbb hibával (error); és vigye át az üzenet státust a drótnélküli készülékhez a létrejött rádiökapcsoisi révén; a drótnélküli készülék továbbá úgy az üzenet státus befogadására a drótnélküli készülékből, egy értesítést a lapozó hálózathoz, hegy az üzenet be lett fogadva egy vagy több hibává!.
4. 7. Az 1 -8. íg^$|f$tl|$^ rendszer. ahol a drótnélküli készülék továbbá a kővetkezőkhöz van adaptálva: mutassa ki (detect), vajon a drótnélküli készülék képes-e befogadni üzeneteket a drótnélküli készülék psriíérlából a létrejött rádiókapcsolat rév||||||||||||||||! küldjön, válaszként arra a kimutatásra, hogy a drótnélküli készülék nem képes befogadni üzeneteket a drótnélküli készülék perifériából a létrejött rádiókapcsoiat révén, egy feljegyzést a lapozó hálózathoz, hogy a drótnélküli készülék !!::;:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ό^3ί:ό a rádiókappsáíiiiiiii^v^i és fogadjon be, válaszként a feljegyzés küldésére a lapozó hálózathoz, egy vagy több üzenetet a drótnélküli készüléknél 7Í!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!||f kapófolat (connecfion} révén a drótnélküli készülék és a lapóls hálózat között S. Berendezés (apparátus) (100) egy lapozó hálózatból (300) befogadott üzenet átvitelére egy cellás vagy más drótnélküli készülékhez (200) rádiókommunikáció révén, ahol a berendezés a következökeUaríalmazza: egy RF adő-vevö (transéeiver) (9), amely égy van 3d3ptáíva, hogy hozzon tétre ráeüókapcsoíatol egy drótnélküli készülékkel; lapozó áramköri kapcsolási séma ípaging circuitry) (2, 3,4). amely hozzá van kapcsolva (coupie) az RF adó-vevőhöz, és úgy van adaptálva, hogy befogadjon agy üzenetet a lapozó hálózatból: a lapozó áramköri kapcsolási séma tartalmaz egy ji|;;i;:)Í:!;;iii!!! van adaptálva, hogy átvigye a befogadott üzenetet a lapozó áramköri kapcsolás! sémából i|yy|!j!Í!!!!^ rádiókapcsoiat Sétfo|Í;:Ís l!!!!!!!l ahol az RF adó-ve vó továbbá úgy varr adaptálva, hogy átvigye az üzenetet a drótnélküli készülékhez a létfejött ''::tl!!!pdiékapcscia|í||||:|É||óiÍléshéz (display) s drótnélküli készüléken. 9. A 8. igénypont szerinti berendezés, ahol a berendezés tartalmaz továbbá legalább egy riasztó mechanizmust (5), ..........hozzákapcsolva, eüaf «ié§ai$bb egy nieziÍjpyéÉáhizmüs, .....;i ;i generáljon égy riasztást válaszként arra, hogy befogadja az üzenetet; és iktassa ki a fiasztésí válaszként az üzenet átvitelére a drótnélküli készülékhez a létrejött rádiókapcsoiat révén; és ahol a riasztást a kővetkező lehetőségek közűi választhatjuk ki: látható riasztás, haíihaíé riasztás, és tapintható riasztás. 10. A 9 igénypont szerinti berendezés, ahol a legalább egy riasztó mechanizmus továbbá úgy van adaptálva, hogy: generálja a riasztást válaszként annak kimutatására, hogy nem létezik rádiókapcsoiat a drótnélküii készülékkel; és iktassa ki a riasztást válaszként annak kimutatására, hogy rádiókapcsoiat létezik a drótnélküli készülékkel;. 11. A 9. vagy 10. igénypont szerinti berendezés, ahol a lapozó áramkör kapcsolási séma továbbá ügy van adaptálva, hogy társítsa az üzenet státust az üzenettel, és az RF adó-vevő továbbá úgy van adaptálva, hogy átvigye az özönét státust a drótnélküii készülékbe?, a iétreptt rádiókapcsoiat révén.
5. 12. Eljárás üzenet átvitelére egy lapozó hátózatbol (300): egy cellás vagy más drótnélküli készülékhez (200) rádiókommunikáció révén, ahol az eijáras a következő lépéseket tartalmazza: létrehozunk: (108) egy rádiókapcsoíalot egy lapozó készülék (100) és egy drótnélküli készülék között; befogadunk (1Ö2) a lapozó készüléknél egy üzenetei a lapozó hálózatból; étvisszük (113) az üzenetet a drótnélküli készülékhez a létrejött rádiókapcsoiat révén a lapozó készülék és a drótnélküli készülék között, azzal jellemezve, hogy válaszként az üzenet befogadására a drótnélküli készüléknél, elküldünk (203) egy visszaigazolást a drétnéiküti készülékből a lapozó hálózatba arról, hogy az üzenetbe lett fogadva a drótnélküli készüléknél; és kijelezzük (display) (205) az üzenetet a drótnélküli készüléknél. 13. A12. igénypont szerinti eljárás, ahol az eljárás tartalmazza továbbá a követkézé lépéseket; generálunk. válaszként az üzenet befogadására a lapozó készüléknél, legalább egy riasztást a lapozó készüléknél; kiiktatjuk a legalább agy riasztást válaszként az üzenet -átvitelére a drótnélküli készülékhez a létrejött rádiökapcsolat révén; és ahol a legalább egy riasztás a kővetkezők közül választható ki; látható riasztás, hallható riasztás, és tapintható riasztás. 14, A 18. igénypont szerinti eljárás, amely tartalmazza a legalább egy riasztási, amely válaszként generálódik annak kimutatására, hogy rádiókapcsolat néni létezik a lapozó készülék és a drótnélküli készülék között, és az eljárás tartalmazza továbbá a riasztás Kiiktatását válaszként annak kimutatására, hogy létezik rádiókapcsolat a lapozó készülék és a drótnélküli készülék között, 1§. A12-14. igénypontok bármelyike szerinti eljárás, ahol az eljárás tartalmazza továbbá a következőkéi: küldünk, válaszként annak: kimutatására, högy a drótnélküli készülék képes befogadni üzenetekei a lapozó hálózatból a létrejött rádiókapcsolat révén a lapozó készülék és a drótnélküli készülék között, egy értesítési a lapozó hálózathoz, hogy a drótnélküli készülék képes befogadni üzeneteket a lapozó hálózatból a létrejött rádiókapcsolat révén, és betegedünk, válaszként az értesítés elküldésére a lapozó hálózathoz, egy vagy több üzenetet a drótnélküli készüléknél egy kapcsolat révén a drótnélküli készülék és a lapozó hálózat között: