MXPA93007683A - Selective call receiver with a battery energy saving function and parallevar method to cabodicha func - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a selective call receiver (200) that includes a receiver (204) that receives paging or paging signals, which includes at least one synchronization code word (104), and a timer (302) ), connected to the receiver, obtaining synchronization for the paging or search signals of the people. Baud rate detection circuits (224) detect at least first and second baud rates and generate first and second signals. The first signal is generated in response to at least one of the first and second baud rates, which are detected, and the second signal is generated in response to the absence of the first and second baud rates, which are detected. A controller (206), connected to the receiver, performs battery power saving functions in the first and second modes. A switch for the power supply, which operates in response to the first signal that is generated, initiates or activates the circuits for saving the battery's energy, to carry out the function of saving the battery's energy in the first mode. The baud rate detector circuits (224), which function in response to the second signal that is generated, detect an out of range or range condition. Detector circuits of the condition of out of range or range 430, connected to the means for the saving of the battery energy, initiate the function of energy saving of the battery, in a second mo

Description

"SELECTIVE CALL RECEIVER WITH A BATTERY ENERGY SAVING FUNCTION AND METHOD TO CARRY OUT SUCH FUNCTION" Inventors: VON ALAN MOCK, North American, domiciled at 3 Mayfair Lañe, Lantana, Florida 33462, E.U.A .; ERIC THOMAS EATON, North American, domiciled at 97 West Plumosa Lane, Lake Worth, Florida 33467, E.U.A .; DAVID JEFFREY HAYES, North American, domiciled at 7379 Heathley Drive, Lake Worth, Florida 33467, E.U.A. and MATTHEW JOSEPH STANISLAWSKI, North American, domiciled at 8083 Rose Marie Circle, Boynton Beach, Florida 33437, E.U.A.

Causaire: MOTOROLA, INC., Delaware State Corporation, E.U.A. domiciled at 1303 East Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, Illinois 60196, E.U.A.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a selective call receiver (200) that includes a receiver (204) that receives paging or paging signals, which includes at least one synchronization code word (104), and a timer (302) ), connected to the receiver, obtaining synchronization for the paging or search signals of the people. Baud rate detection circuits (224) detect at least first and second baud rates and generate first and second signals. The first signal is generated in response to at least one of the first and second baud rates, which are detected, and the second signal is generated in response to the absence of the first and second baud rates, which are detected. A controller (206), connected to the receiver, performs battery power saving functions in the first and second modes. A switch for the power supply, which operates in response to the first signal that is generated, initiates or activates the circuits for saving the battery's energy, to carry out the function of saving the battery's energy in the first mode. The circuits - baud rate detectors (224), which function in response to the second signal that is generated, detect an out of range or range condition. Detector circuits of the condition of out of range or range 430, connected to the means for saving the battery energy, initiate the function of energy saving of the battery, in a second mode.

* # Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to selective call receivers, and more particularly to a selective call receiver with a battery energy saving function, in first and second modes, and a method for carrying out the same.

Background of the Invention * The communication systems use at least one transmitter to define a coverage area of the system. All radio frequency (RF) transmitters have an associated geographic reception area, within which communication devices, such as selective call receivers, which are synchronized at the appropriate frequency, can receive transmissions. * nes from the RF transmitter. However, when the distance between the selective call receivers and the RF transmitter increases, it becomes more difficult for the selective call receivers to receive the transmissions on the assigned frequency, until, eventually, the call receiver selective is outside the range of the associated geographic reception area of the RF transmitter. In this position, the selective call receiver is located outside of a coverage area of the system, and will be outside the range of the RF transmitters, and will therefore be unable to receive any additional transmissions from the RF transmitters. Currently, the selective call receivers that receive the signals having a predetermined signaling protocol, use the detection pattern of the predetermined signaling protocol, to determine when the receiver is outside the range or range. Nevertheless * various communication systems that have several signaling protocols, can share a single channel or RF frequency, which, when received by the selective call receiver, causes the selective call receiver to erroneously generate the signal output of the range, because the selective call receiver that receives the signaling protocols of other communication systems, will erroneously determine that the receiver # selective call is outside the system coverage area, because the default signaling protocol is not received. Also, when the selective call receiver is brought into a protected area, such as an elevator, subway or in the shadow of a building, the selective call receiver may generate an out-of-range signal when the selective call receiver fails to receive it the default signaling protocol. Therefore, in any place where there is sufficient distortion from other sources, which leads to a signal quality that is too low for the selective call receiver to perform an exact decoding, the selective call receiver generally generates the signal out of range or range, although the selective call receiver is still within the coverage area of the system, because the predetermined signal is not reci¬ * bida periodically. Therefore, what is needed is a selective call receiver capable of increasing the sensitivity of the receiver and of preserving the battery power saving function, to determine when the selective call receiver is out of range or range.

Brief Description of the Invention A selective call receiver comprises means for receiving paging or paging signals of persons including at least one synchronization codeword, and means, connected to the reception means, to obtain synchronization with respect to the paging signals. or search of the person. Means to detect at least the first and second baud rate and generate the first, and second signals. The first signal is generated in response to at least one of the first and second baud rates, which are detected, and the second signal is generated in response to the absence of the first and second baud rates that are detected . The means, connected to the reception means, perform the energy saving functions of the battery, in the first and second modes. The means, in response to the first signal that is generated, initiate or activate the means for saving the battery's energy, to effect the function of saving the battery's energy in the first mode. The means, which function in response to the second signal that is generated, detect a condition outside of range or range. The means of detection outside. The range or range, connected to the means for saving the battery's energy, start the function of energy saving of the battery, in the second mode. In a selective call receiver capable of receiving paging or paging signals, including at least one synchronization codeword, a method for conserving battery life or life, comprises the steps of: (a) receiving the paging or search signals of people; - - (b) obtain synchronization for the paging or search signals of the people; (c) detect at least one of the first and second baud rates; (d) generating a first signal in response to step (c) that detects at least one of the first and second baud rates, and that generates a second signal in response to the absence of the first and second transmission rates in bauds that are detected; (e) carry out the energy saving function of the battery in the first and second modes; (f) start the energy saving function of the battery in the first mode, in response to the first signal that has been generated; and (g) detecting a condition outside range or range, in response to the second signal that is generated, and initiating the energy saving function of the battery in the second mode.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a signaling diagram of a POCSAG protocol signal of the prior art. Figure 2 is a block diagram, electrical, of a paging or person searching system, illustrating a paging or search transmitter% of people, and a selective call receiver according to the preferred embodiment of this invention. Figure 3 is an electrical block diagram of the microcomputer used in the selective call receiver of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a location of the memory used as the recorders to determine the quality of the received signal, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is an electrical block diagram of the decoding array for increasing the sensitivity of the receiver, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figures 6 and 7 are flow charts illustrating the operation of the selective call receiver * of Figure 2, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Description of a Preferred Modality Referring to Figure 1, a signaling diagram of the protocol signal of the conventional Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group (POCSAG) is shown, which comprises a series of address and / or message information, proposed for receiving individuals or groups selective calling assigned to a paging or people search system. The series of addresses are assembled according to requests, and transmitted as a continuous transmission. The transmission is of a digital format and begins with a preamble 102 of at least 576 bits, equivalent to the duration of a batch or series, and an additional codeword. The pre¬¬ # bulo 102 is followed by one or more batches or series of address and message keywords. Each series or batch begins with a synchronization code word (SC) 104, followed by eight cycles of recurring pulses 106, each cycle of recurring pulses having an address equivalent to two code words 108, 110, especially one code word of address and / or a message code word. '* A signaling protocol diagram of POCSAG 100 is an example of one of the many signaling protocols that are applicable to the present invention. The signaling protocol of POCSAG 100, is a modulated signaling protocol for the transmission of a binary frequency offset (FSK) originally proposed by Briti Telecom and an anagram for the Post Office Code Standardizati Advisory Group. The recipients of the POCSAG protocol perform bit synchronization operations and separate, recurrent pulse cycles. Bit synchronization is a process used to determine the presence of the bit boundaries of a data transmission that has its bits transmitted at a baud rate, redetermined, and after that, it provides a stopwatch signal to sample the bits synchronously. The synchronization of the cycle of recurring impulses, arranges or # distributes the transmitted bits so that the transmitted data is in a form that is to be decoded to indicate the various limits of the word, for example, the first bit of the address and data signals, etc. Operatively, with POCSAG signaling, once the synchronization bit has been obtained, the receiver remains in synchronous communication with the transmitter until the signal is reduced, that is, the sequence to initially set the bit synchronization, it does not have to be repeated. The first word following the preamble is the word of the synchronization code 104, which contains a predetermined binary sequence, used for the synchronization of the cycle of recurring pulses. Eight cycles of recurrent impulses 106 or sixteen information words 108, 110, follow after this, before the word of the synchronization code 104 is repeated. The word of the synchronization code 104 provides a means to achieve and maintain the synchronization of the cycle of recurring pulses. Figure 2 is a block diagram, electrical, of a paging or person search system 150, illustrating a paging or paging transmitter, and a selective call receiver 200, * tr according to the modality preferred of the present invention. The paging or paging transmitter is connected to an input device, for example, a telephone 256 for entering messages or initiation pages, through a paging control 254. The paging controller 254 generates, - inter alia, pages that are to be transmitted to selective call receivers 200, respectively, according to the POCSAG signaling protocol, for example. The paging controller 254 is connected to the radio frequency transmitter / receiver 252, which transmits the pages through an antenna 250. The information, for example, the pages, are preferably transmitted at a first baud rate and during a period when the information is not being transmitted, a signal comprising alternate "and" zeroes "and" zeroes "is transmitted at a second baud rate. The second baud rate is preferably lower than that of the first baud rate, for example, when the first baud rate is equal to either 512 or 1200 baud, the second baud rate signal in baud, corresponding, is equal to 300 or 750 baud, respectively. The pages are received by selective call receivers that are addressed or have addresses. The selective call receiver 200 comprises an antenna 202 for intersecting the transmitted radio frequency (RF) signals. The antenna 202 is connected to the input of a receiver 204. The RF signals are preferably selective (paging) message signals which provide, for example, a receiver address and an associated message, such as a numeric or alphanumeric message. However, it will be appreciated that other well-known paging signaling formats, such as signaling only by means of a tone, or signaling by means of a speech signal and tone, may also be suitable for use. The receiver 204 processes the RF signal and produces, at the output, a data stream representative of a demodulated data information. The demodulated data information is connected to the input of a decoder / controller 206, which processes the information in a manner well known in the art. A baud rate detector 224, connected to the controller 206, is used to detect the baud rate of the paging signal or the paging signal received. A switch for the power supply 210, connected to the controller / decoder 206, is used to control the power supply to the receiver 204, by means of which battery saving functions are provided, in response to a signal 260 for the saving the battery power, generated from the decoder / controller 206, which operates the switch for the supply of ^^^ * ^ ~ energy 210. A sensitivity signal from the receiver 262 is provided to the receiver 204 from the decoder / controller 206, to increase the sensitivity of the receiver, the operation of receiver sensitivity signal 262 will be further described in detail later. The signal 260 for saving the battery power, and the sensitivity signal of the receiver 262, introduce the receiver 204 between the distortion mode and the signal mode of disconnected, on F and the weak signal, as determined by the controller decoder 206. A code socket 222 is connected to the decoder / controller 206 for storing a set of predetermined information, for example, the time required for the selective call receiver 200. is placed outside the range or range before the initiation of a processing algorithm outside the range or range, which will be described later. For purposes of this illustration, it will be assumed that the POCSAG signaling protocol is used, although other signaling formats could also be used. The decoder / controller 206 activates the receiver 204 to detect the word of the synchronization code 104, providing a signal for energy saving of the appropriate battery 260, to the power supply switch 210. The receiver 204 remains activated until the end of the transmission of the word of the synchronization code 104 (Figure 1) and at such time the decoder / controller 206 provides a second signal for saving the battery power, which disconnects the power supply for the receiver 204. The receiver 204 is subsequently activated to find out its recurring pulse cycle assigned for address and information words 108, 110 transmitted to a group to which the call receiver Selective F is assigned. After the transmission of the sixteen words 108, 110, the word of the synchronization code 104 is again transmitted and the selective call receiver again operates in a similar mode as described above. When the address is received by the decoder / controller 206, the received address is compared with one or more addresses stored in the socket % of the code (or code memory) 222, and when a match is detected, an alert signal is generated to alert the user that a selective call message, or page, has been received. The alert signal is directed to an audible alert device 214, to generate an audible alert or a tactile alert device 216, to generate a silent vibratory alert. The 220 switches allow the user? The selective call receiver, among other things, selects between the audible alert 214 and the tactile alert 216 in a manner well known in the art. The message information that is received subsequently is stored in the memory 304 (Figure 3) and the user can access it by the display, using one or more of the switches or switches 220, which provide additional functions such as readjustment, reading, suppression, etc. Specifically, through the use of appropriate functions provided by the switches or switches 220, the stored message is retrieved from the memory and processed by the decoder / controller 206, for display by a visual indicator 208 which makes it possible for the user observe the message. The controller / decoder 206 of Figure 2 can be constructed using a microcomputer, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram, electrical, of a decoder / controlled microcomputer-based, suitable for use in - the selective call receiver of Figure 2. As shown, the microcomputer 206 is preferably an MC68HC05 microcomputer such as that manufactured by Motorola, Inc., which includes an onboard visual display driver or driver 314. The microcomputer 206 it includes an oscillator 318 which generates the timing signals used in the operation of the microcomputer 206. A crystal, or a crystalline oscillator (not shown), is connected to the inputs of the oscillator 318, to provide a reference signal for set the timing or synchronization of the microcomputer. A timer / counter 302, is coupled or connected to oscillator 318 to provide programmable timing functions which are used to control the operation of the receiver or processor. A RAM (random access memory) 304 is used to store the derived variables during processing, as well as to provide storage of the message information, which is received during the operation as the selective call receiver. A ROM (memory only for reading) 306, stores the subroutines which control the operation of the receiver or processor, which will be described in additional form. It will be appreciated that in many microcomputer implementations, the ROM-programmable memory area (PROM) may be provided by an EEPROM (memory only for reading, programmable, electrically erasable). The oscillator 318, the timer / counter 302, the RAM 304, and the ROM 306, are connected through a address / data / control bar 308 to a central processing unit (CPU) 310, which carries out the instructions and controls the operations of the microcomputer 206. The demodulated data generated by the receiver is coupled to the microcomputer 206 through an input / output (I / O) slot 312. The demodulated data is processed by the CPU 310, and when the received address is the same as the memory for the taking or insertion of the code, which is connected inside the microcomputer through, for example, an opening of 1/0 313, the message, if any, is received and stored in RAM 304. The recovery of the stored message and the selection of the predetermined destination address is provided by the switches or switches which are connected to the I / O 312 opening. The microcomputer Now 206 then retrieves the stored message and directs the information about the data bus 308 to the exciter or driver of the visual indication 314, which processes the information and formats the information for presentation by a visual indicator (not shown). such as an LCD (visual indicator of liquid crystal). At the instant in which the address of the selective call receiver is received, the alert signal is generated, which can be guided through the data bus 308 to an alert generator 316 which generates a ripple signal. enabled alert, which is connected to the audible alert device described above. Alternatively, when the vibrator alert is selected as described above, the microcomputer generates an enabled alert signal, which is connected through the data bus 308 to the I / O opening 313, to enable the generation of a vibratory or silent alert. The energy saving operation of the battery is controlled by the CPU 310, with the signals for saving the battery energy, which are directed on the data bus 308 to the I / O opening 312, the which is connected to the power supply switch. The power is periodically supplied to the receiver to enable the decoding of the selective call receiver address signals, received, in any message information that is addressed to the receiver. - Referring to Figure 4, a memory array is shown to determine the quality of the signal according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. A quality factor of the received signal is calculated, using a baud rate detector, to analyze the configuration containing the frequency information of the limited data of the input from the receiver section, and forms the basis for the calculation of the quality. The calculation of the quality is stored in recorders according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and illustrated in RAM 304. The signal is processed in at least four places, preferably at quarter-bit time intervals, and the results are stored in four registers to detect the baud rate 350, 352, 354 and 356. Each register is loaded with the cumulative number of transitions during the detection cycle of the baud rate. The two highest numbers, usually adjacent registers, (eg, registers 352 and 354) are aggregated together to determine the quality in the selected gain state, and also describe the opening of the configuration or ocular model of the data input limited with respect to the decoder controller. The quality of the signal will be at its maximum value when all edges are present in only a quarter bit interval. The present implementation of the quality calculation provides a resolution of a quarter of a bit error. The higher resolutions of the openings of the model or ocular configuration can be achieved by increasing the number of samples taken per period of bits. The identification of the environment of the signal and the adjustment of the gain of the receiver, appropriate, for a baud rate system of the signal, synchronous, partial, or multiple, is achieved by means of consecutive frequency analysis conditional . (Referred to as the baud rate detection) to selected earnings. This technique increases the sensitivity of the receiver with respect to an inter-modulation (IM) environment without increasing the loss or drainage of the average current of the pager. The sensitivity of the receiver is increased by analyzing the configuration containing the frequency information, or the ocular threshold model, of the input signal for the correct baud rate at selective gain settings. For example, a low gain setting has the highest probability that it is chosen over a high gain setting, in an IM environment, and a high gain adjustment, has the highest probability of being chosen over an adjustment of low gain in a weak signal or in a fading environment of the signal. The Bit Rate of Errors (BER) depends directly on the configuration containing the frequency information (the eye model opening) of the limited data output of the receiver section. The model or ocular configuration provides a much higher indication of signal quality than algorithms based on Bit Error Rate, since the model or ocular configuration can give a more initial indication of the fade environment of the signal or IM, with or without bit errors. The Ocular Model Opening refers to the period of time required for a limited data output from the receiving section to be determined with a 0 or 1. The BER will be minimal when the decision point to determine a 1 or 0 is centered within the configuration or ocular model, and the BER will be increased when the decision point to determine a 1 or 0, moves from the center of the model or ocular configuration. Referring to Figure 5, a detailed electrical block diagram of the arrangement of the deco¬ # dification to increase the sensitivity of the receiver, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is shown. As described above, the ROM stores the subroutines to control the operations of the selective call receiver. However, it will be appreciated that the operations of the selective call receiver can also be controlled by physical element circuits. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receiver 204 of the selective call receiver 200, shown in Figure 2, purchases from a front end of RF 400, and a rear end 412 of the receiver. A signal received by the antenna 202 is provided to the front end of RF 400. The response of the received signal is attenuated by a first attenuator 402 which may be optional, and a second attenuator 406 in response to a signal 262 from the decoder / controller 206. A diode switch 402, is control¬ The decoder / controller 206 provides the necessary switching to operate the first and second attenuators, and to operate the RF amplifier 404 in first and second states, wherein the first state has "an RF gain different from the second state. Alternatively, the response of the received signal can be detuned by a reactance diode (not shown) which can be replaced by the voltage diode switch 432. When the receiver 204 is turned on or driven by the power supply switch 210. energy, in response to signal 260 from decoder / controller 206, power is provided from a power source, eg, a battery (not shown), to a voltage regulator / switch 424, which supplies power to the front end of RF 400, and a power source # 426 which supplies power to the rear end 412 of the receiver.The decoder / controller 206, from the ñal received, determines whether the receiver operates in a high gain state or a low gain state. This determination will be described in detail later. When the decoder / controller 206 determines that the receiver will operate in the high gain state, a signal is applied to the input of the switch 432 of the voltage diode, which generates a signal 262 which disconnects the first and second ones. '# attenuators 402, 406, and adjusts the operating state of the RF Amplifier 404 to the first state, eg, its normal operating gain. Alternatively, when the decoder / controller 206 determines that the receiver will operate at the low gain, the signal sent to the switch 432 of the voltage diode, which generates a signal 262 which operates or turns on the first and second attenuators 402, 406 , which attenuates the RF signal and adjusts the operating state of the RF amplifier 404 to the second state, for example, an operating gain of less than 10 dB. The control of the first attenuator 402, the second attenuator 406 and the RF amplifier 404, can be provided by signals applied simultaneously, as well as by signals applied independently. In this way, depending on the received signal, the decoder / controller 206 determines whether the receiver is to be operated in a low or high gain state. When the selective call receiver 200 is in close proximity to the RF transmitter, the selective call receiver will receive a strong signal ", and as a result, the decoder / controller can preserve the energy duration of the receiver. battery operating the receiver 206 in a low gain state, because the reception signal is strong and therefore, can be easily received and decoded at a lower energy level.On the other hand, when the selective call receiver 200 is further away from the RF transmitter, the signal from the receiver will be "weak", therefore, the decoder / controller 206 will cause the receiver to operate at a high gain (usually, the power setting or normal power) to receive the weakest signal. Therefore, based on the received signal analysis, the selective call receiver can optimize its battery life by operating the receiver in a low gain state, and therefore accurate with respect to a smaller charge on the battery or power supply. The polarization state of the RF amplifier 404 is also controlled by the decoder / controller 206, which switches the amplifier from a high gain state to a low gain state, and vice versa. The output of the RF amplifier 404 through the second attenuator 406 is provided to a first mixer 408 which receives a second input from a first oscillator 410 which provides an intermediate frequency (IF) to a second mixer 420 by well-known techniques for a person skilled in the art. The frequency of the signal from the first oscillator 410 determines the frequency or channel assigned, during which the selective call receiver operates. Accordingly, the output signal from the first mixer 408 is provided to the conventional circuits of the rear end of the receiver 412 comprising the second mixer 420, a second oscillator 422, an amplifier 418, a demodulator 416 and an audio limiter 414 for processing the received signal in a manner well known in the art. The rear end circuits 412 of the receiver, eliminate the signals on the adjacent channels and demodulate the received signal to provide an output to the decoder / controller 206 for further processing. As described above, signal 260 for energy saving of the battery, and signal 262 for receiver sensitivity, are provided from decoder / controller 206 to voltage switch / regulator 424 and current source 426 of the receiver 204, to control the operation of the receiver, to achieve an optimal battery life. In the operation of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a signal processing routine outside the range will be described further, which allows the controller / decoder 206 through the signal 260 for energy saving of the battery, - and of a sensitivity control 430, operate the receiver 204 in a battery saving mode, higher, for example, by increasing the proportion of time that the receiver 204 is DISCONNECTED, with respect to the time in which the receiver 204 is ON, at the same time that the sensitivity of the selective call receiver is alternated each time the unit is turned on when it is determined that the selective call receiver is "out of range or range". In the operation, when # the controller / decoder 206 determines that the selective call receiver is out of range or range, the alert generator 316 receives a signal to provide a predetermined alert, for example, displaying the words, for example, "OUT OF RANGE" . Referring to the flow dia of Figure 6, the preferred operation of the selective call receiver is illustrated. During startup, the receiver < S ^^ selective call provides power and initializes all variables to begin receiving transmissions. During the initiation, the gain of the receiver is selected from at least two gain states as described above with reference to Figure 4. Based on a previous operation of the receiver, an initialization bit is set which determines the state of gain that is chosen in the next operation of the receiver. The circuits receivers are turned on in turn to receive the predetermined signaling protocol, on their assigned frequency channel, in step 500, and the gain state is selected. In this way, the gain state that the receiver uses as its first gain state, can be either its first or second gain state, depending on the previous operation of the receiver. A baud transmission detection is performed on the received signal, and a quality of the received signal is determined in the first selected gain step, step 502. During step 502, an out-of-time flag is placed when the receiver is out of time before detecting a baud rate, valid. As described above, the received signal can be ? transmitted in either a first state or in a second state of the baud rate, which leads to a detection of the baud rate, which is performed in step 502, to detect when, whether the first or the second baud rate, are being transmitted. During the detection of the baud rate, a quality factor is assigned to the signal received in the first selected gain state. When the baud rate detects a fault, the quality assigned to the signal is zero. However, if a baud rate is detected, valid, or if the baud rate detection failed because of a pre-set timeout period, issued before the baud rate of the signal received was determined, the quality of the signal is calculated in the first gain state. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the quality of the signal is calculated by preferably selecting two registers of at least four baud rate detection circuit recorders, which has the maximum number of registered transitions. The sum of the transition numbers of the two registers that have the maximum number of transitions recorded, is made equal to the quality of the signal that is received in the first gain step. In step 504, a determination is made to determine if a valid baud rate is detected. If code insertion is promed with the option to detect the second baud rate, for example, the baud rate of 300 baud, of a 512/300 baud rate system, in step 506, with the option of inserting the code, selected, is determined? if the second signal of the baud rate (for example the 300 baud rate) was detected. If so, the receiver is disconnected, in step 508, and the battery power saving option, the first battery power saving mode, is initiated for a predetermined period of time. Starting at step 506, when the second The baud rate is not detected, and the first baud rate is detected in step 504, the next gain state is selected, and another detection of the baud rate is performed to determine whether the first or second baud rate are being transmitted, in step 510. The quality of the signal is also calculated in the second gain state in step 510. Subsequent to the detection of the baud rate in step 510, in step 512 it is determined whether a valid baud rate is detected. If so, the absolute value of the difference between the quality of the signal in the first gain state and the quality of the signal in the second gain state is calculated (Qdelta), step 514. The calculated Qdelta is verified to determine when the same is larger than or equal to the Maximum Quality (Qmax) stored in the memory, in step 516. If so, the gain of the receiver is adjusted to a Low gain state, in step 508, and the selective call receiver continues to receive signals transmitted in the first mode of battery power saving. Alternatively, when Qdelta is not greater than or equal to Qmax as determined in step 516, # the quality calculated in the second gain state is compared to determine if it is larger than the quality calculated in the first gain state, at step 520. If so, then the receiver selects the gain associated with the calculation of the second quality, ie, the second gain state, in step 522. However, when the quality in the first gain state is less than or equal to the quality in the second gain state, the receiver selects the first gain state, in step 524. Alternatively, in step 512, when an invalid baud rate is detected, the receiver again selects the first gain state to ensure that no error was made when it was determined that the baud rate, valid, has been detected in the first gain state, and a further detection of the baud rate in the first gain state, in step 526. In step 528, a determination is made as to whether a valid baud rate was detected, and if so, the The gain is adjusted in the state of the first gain, step 524. However, if the baud rate, valid, was not detected, the receiver is disconnected, in step 528. In this way, when the transmission speed in baud, valid, is determined in the first gain state, and is not in the second gain state, the selective call receiver checks a second time if the baud rate in valid baud was detected correctly in the first state of gain, before the receiver is adjusted, to operate in the first profit state. In addition, with reference to the flow chart of Figure 7, the preferred operation of the selective call receiver is illustrated. In step 504, when the valid baud rate is not detected, the processor determines whether the time period was off or out of time, occurred before the baud rate was detected, in the step 530. When the invalid baud rate is detected, which is not due to an out-of-time period, the gain of the RF amplifier is adjusted to the second gain state, and a detection of the baud rate, and the quality of the received signal is calculated as described above, in step 532. In step 534, a determination is made as to whether a baud rate has been detected, valid if the insert of the code is programmed with the option to check if the second baud rate was detected, for example, the baud rate of 300 baud of a 512/300 baud rate system, step 536 determines whether the second baud rate signal has been detected (e.g., 300 baud rate) . If so, the receiver is disconnected, in step 538, and the battery power saving option in the first battery power saving mode is initiated. Alternatively, when the second baud rate is not detected in step 536, the quality of the signal in the second gain state previously calculated in step 532 is checked to determine whether it is larger than a value of quality threshold (Qumbral) which is preferably stored in the code insert to determine if a high quality signal or a low quality signal has been detected, in step 540. If the quality signal is larger than Qumbral, then the high quality signal was detected, and the RF amplifier of the receiver is set in the second gain state, in step 546. Alternatively, when the quality of the signal is determined to be the low quality signal in step 540, another detection of the baud rate in the second gain state is performed, to ensure that the baud rate, valid, found in the baud rate. 534, was not erroneous, in step 542. In step 544, a determination is made as to whether a valid baud rate was detected, and if so, the gain is adjusted to the second gain state, in step 546. However, if the baud rate, valid, was not detected in any of steps 544, 534, 530 5 528, the receiver is disconnected, in step 548. A time timer is incremented out or out of time, which was initialized in the step of initiation, step 550, and the timer is checked to determine if the time out value has expired, in step 552. If the period of time out has not After expiration, the first battery saving option (for example, the normal one) is started for a predetermined period of time. Nevertheless, When the time period has expired, a higher battery energy saving routine (the battery power saving in the second mode) is started during a saving of the battery power outside the range, in the step 554. Baud rate detection is performed at the first and second baud rates, in step 556. Step 558 determines whether a valid baud rate was detected, and if thus, the process continues to block A. Alternatively, when a baud rate, valid is not detected, the gain state is changed, in step 560, and the process is repeated from step 556 continuing the Second mode routine saving 'battery power, or higher mode, until the selective call receiver is within the range of the transmitters. In this way, when the valid baud rate is determined in the second gain state and is not in the first gain state, the selective call receiver checks a second time if the transmission speed in baud, valid, was correctly detected in the second gain state, before the receiver is set to operate in the second gain state. A second detection of the baud rate is made in the next gain state, except when the first detection of the baud rate had a signal quality higher than the predetermined threshold quality. The transmission of two transmission speeds in bauds, different, perform or carry out an improved battery life. That is, during periods when it is not used, a random signal configuration is transmitted, and selective call receivers that do not verify the presence of this signal could severely degrade battery life, due to that the selective call receiver is not able to properly determine when he himself is outside the range. Therefore, a third detection of the baud rate is performed to decrease the false speed, and it is generally carried out at the same gain in which the valid baud rate was previously detected. The third baud rate detection is performed when the first detection of the baud rate failed to reveal a valid baud rate, and when the second baud rate detection has detected a baud rate baud rate, valid, with a signal quality lower than a quality threshold value, or when the first detection of the baud rate failed to detect a baud rate, valid, and the second detection The baud rate detected a valid baud rate. This process eliminates a possible false condition, and improves the battery's energy duration, providing the second mode of energy saving of the battery when it is determined that the receiver will be out of range, to eliminate drain routines from the current, unnecessary, until the receiver is new in the range. For now it should be appreciated that a more reliable, improved signal processing technique has been provided, which can make it possible for the selective call receiver to recover from an out-of-range situation, quickly, without leading to a use of battery capacity, insignificant. When the selective call receiver determines that it is in the receiving coverage area, the processor will be directed to a modified battery power saving mode, after a pre-jump time amount has elapsed. This could consist of proportions of - - F disconnected-on., Longer, and sensitized receiver alternatives, which increase the battery life, while the sensitivity of the receiver is being varied. The out-of-range technique is used to ensure a fast response time, without reducing the battery's energy duration on the receivers, switching the sensitivity of the receiver each time the selective call receiver is turned on after it has determined itself which is out of range. In summary, a selective call receiver comprises means that receive paging signals, which have at least one synchronization codeword. The receiving means has a variable gain control means for enabling the receiving means to receive a paging or paging signal in at least the first and second gain states. Means, coupled or connected to the receiving means, obtain synchronization with respect to the paging or search signals of the persons. The means detect valid and invalid baud rates in at least first and second baud rates, and generate first and second signals. The first signal is generated in response to at least one valid baud rate, which is detected at the first F and second baud rates, and the second F signal is generated in response to baud rates , invalid, which are detected for the first and second baud rates. Means that determine a quality of the signal of paging or of people search, received. Means that control the gain of two reception means in response to the quality of the paging or search signal of the persons received, which is determined. Means, coupled or connected to the receiving means, effect battery saving functions in first and second modes. Means, which function in response to the first signal that is generated, initiate or activate the energy saving means of the battery, effecting the energy saving function of the battery in the first mode, and means, in response to the second signal that is generated, they detect an out of range condition. The means for the detection of out of range, coupled or connected to the means of energy saving of the battery, initiate the function of energy saving of the battery in the second mode. Means to maintain the function of saving the battery power in the second mode, in response to the second signal that is generated.

It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following *

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS 1. A selective call receiver, characterized in that it comprises: means for receiving paging or paging signals, including at least one word of the synchronization code; means, connected to the reception means, to obtain synchronization with respect to the signals * of paging; means for detecting at least first and second baud rates, and for generating first and second signals, the first signal is generated in response to at least one of the first and second baud rates, which is detected, and the second signal that is generated in response to the 'FAITH' absence of the first and second baud rates, which are detected; means, connected to the receiving means, for performing the energy saving functions of the battery in the first and second modes; means, in response to the first signal that is generated, to initiate or activate the energy saving means of the battery, to carry out the function of energy saving of the battery, in the first mode; and £ F means, in response to the second signal that is generated, to detect an out-of-gamut condition, the means for out-of-range detection are connected to the means for saving the battery's energy and initiate the Function of saving battery power, in the second mode.
2. 2. The selective call receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for detecting the baud rate detect the baud rates, valid and invalid, of the first and second baud rates .
3. 3. The selective call receiver according to claim 2, characterized in that the receiving means further comprise means for varying a gain in at least the first and second gains, to receive the paging or person search signal.
4. 4. The selective call receiver according to claim 3, characterized in that the means for varying the gain, rea 1, have the same function on the reception means in response to the baud rate, valid, what is detected
5. 5. In addition, it comprises means for controlling the gain of the reception means in response to a means for measuring a quality of the received signal, wherein the quality of the signal that is received determines the gain to operate the reception means.
6. 6. The selective call receiver according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises means for maintaining the function of saving the battery in the second mode, wherein the means for maintaining the energy saving of the battery maintain the function of saving Battery power * in the second mode until the first signal is being generated.
7. 7. In addition, it comprises a means for varying the gain, in order to perform the same function on the receiving means, during the energy saving function of the battery of the second mode.
8. 8. In a selective call receiver capable of receiving paging or person search signals that include at least one synchronization keyword, a method for conserving battery life is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) receiving the signals from page or search of people; (b) obtain synchronization with respect to the paging signals; (c) detect at least one of the first and. second baud rate; (d) generating a first signal in response to step (c) that detects at least one of the first and second transmission rates in baud, and that generates a second signal in response to the absence of the first and second transmission speeds. baud rate that are detected; (e) perform the energy saving function of the battery in first and second modes; (f) start the energy saving function of the bat in the first mode, in response to the first signal that is generated; and (g) detecting an out-of-range condition in response to the second signal that is generated, and initiating the energy saving function of the battery in the second mode.
9. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the detection step detects the valid and invalid baud transmission rates of at least the first and second transmission rates in baud.
10. 10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the step of the reception further comprises the step of varying a gain between one of at least a first and a second gain, to receive the paging or search signals of the people .
11. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the step of varying the gains, varies the gain in response to the baud rate, valid, which is detected.
12. 12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises the step of controlling the gain during step (a) in response to a measurement step of a quality associated with the paging signal that is received.
13. 13. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of varying the gain in step (a) during the energy saving function of the battery in the second mode, until the detection step detects the minus one of the first and second baud rates.
14. 14. The selective call receiver, character because it comprises: means for receiving paging signals or people search, the reception means have at least first and second power levels; means for processing and detecting transitions within the received paging signals; and means, coupled or connected to the processing means, for determining a quality of paging or paging signals, received, the means for determining the quality, comprises a plurality of registers, for storing a number of transitions detected of the signals received; means for comparing a sum of contents of a first and a second register, of the plurality of registers, having a maximum number of stored transitions, with a threshold value; and f means for selecting the first power level of the receiving means, in response to the contents of the first and second of the plurality of registers, which exceed the threshold value.
15. 15. The selective call receiver according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises: means, in response to the sum of the contents of the first and second registers, which are less than the threshold value, to compare the content of the first recorder with the content of the second recorders; and means for selecting the first level of power in response to the content of the first register that is larger than the content of the second register, and selecting the second power level in response to the content of the second register which is larger than the content of the second register. second registrar.
16. 16. In addition, it comprises a timer for periodically checking the contents of the first and second registers with the threshold value.
17. # 17. In a selective call receiver, a method for varying the power levels of a receiver is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) receiving paging or searching signals from people, the receiving step is capable to receive the paging or search signals of the persons in the first and second power levels; (b) process the paging or search signals of the people; (c) detect transitions of the paging signals; (d) determining a quality of the paging signals, the step that determines the quality, comprises: (e) storing a number of detected transitions of the paging signals; (f) comparing a sum of the contents in a first and a second recorder that store a maximum number of transitions detected, with a threshold value; (g) selecting the first power level in response to the sum of the stored transitions that exceed the threshold value.
18. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that it also comprises the steps of: ^^? ' (h) compare the number of transitions detected¬ * das of the first recorder, with the number of detected transitions of the second recorder, in response to the sum of the number of transitions detected in the first and second registers, which is less than the threshold value; (i) select the first level of p ectories in response to the content of the first recorder that is larger than the content of the second recorder * and (j) select the second power level in response to the content of the second register, which is larger than the content of the first register.
19. 19. A selective call receiver, characterized in that it comprises: means for receiving paging signals that include at least one synchronization codeword, the reception means has a variable gain control means, to enable the reception means to receive signals of paging in at least first and second earnings; means, coupled to the receiving means, to obtain synchronization with respect to the paging signals; means for detecting valid and invalid baud rates, at least first and second baud rates, and for generating first and second signals, the first signal is generated in response to at least one trans mission speed in baud, valid, which is detected for the first and second baud rate, and the second signal is generated in response to the baud rate, not valid, which is detected for the first and second transmission speeds in baud means to determine a quality of paging signal or search of people, received; means for controlling the gain of the reception means, in response to the quality of the received paging signal that is determined; means, coupled or connected to the receiving means, for effecting the energy-saving functions of the battery, in the first and second modes; means, in response to the first signal that is generated, to initiate or activate the means for saving the battery's energy, so that they perform the energy saving function of the battery in the first mode; means, in response to the second signal that is generated, to detect an out-of-range condition, the means to detect the out-of-range condition, connected to the means for battery energy saving, initiate the saving function of battery power in the second mode; and means for maintaining the energy saving function of the battery, in the second mode, in response to the second signal that is generated.
20. 20. In a selective call receiver capable of receiving paging or person search signals, including at least one word of the synchronization code, a method for conserving the battery power duration is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) receiving paging signals that include at least one synchronization codeword; (b) vary the gain to make it possible that in step (a) the paging or search signal of the persons is received, in at least the first and second earnings; (c) obtain synchronization with respect to the paging or search signals of the people; (d) detect the baud rates, valid and invalid, at least the first # and second baud rates; (e) generating a first signal in response to step (c) that detects at least one baud rate, valid, having the first and second baud rates, and generating a second signal in response to the baud rate, invalid, which is detected, which has the first and second transmission speeds in baudi (f) determine a quality of the paging signals received; (g) controlling the gain to receive the paging signal in response to step (f); (h) performing the power saving function of the bat in the first and second modes; (i) start the battery saving function in the first mode, in response to the first signal that is generated; (j) detecting an out of gamut condition in response to the second signal that is generated, and initiating the battery saving function in the second mode; and (k) maintain the savings function of the bat- ß f. laugh in the second mode, in response to the second signal that is generated. In testimony of which I sign this in this Mexico City, D.F. on December 6, 1993. < * ^ * W