| SIERRA WIRELESS, INC. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
| 20120099430 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION BASED ON NETWORK TRAFFIC LEVEL - The present invention provides a method for managing communications of a wireless device in a wireless communication system based on network traffic level, and a wireless device comprising a control system configured to evaluate a network traffic level. The wireless device may be configured to transmit data, such as delay-tolerant data, based upon the network traffic level, for example transmitting data only under low traffic conditions. Deferring delay-tolerant communications may result in lower peak traffic conditions in the network. Evaluating the network traffic level may comprise measuring chip energy over total energy (Ec/Io), monitoring data on shared control channels such as HS-SCCH of a HSDPA system, inferring power allocated to channels by a dynamic power allocation scheme, or other methods. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120040641 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING IDENTITY INFORMATION TO A WIRELESS DEVICE FOR TEMPORARY USE - A method and apparatus for transferring identity information for temporary use by a wireless device, visiting a foreign operator network, is provided. The wireless device is identified as foreign to the operator network and presented with an opportunity to download a temporary identity which is recognized by the operator network as belonging to a local subscriber. The temporary identity, once installed on the wireless device, makes the wireless device appear as a local subscriber. Upon termination of use, the temporary identity is returned to a pool and usable for another wireless device. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120033611 | ACTIVE/STANDBY OPERATION OF A FEMTOCELL BASE STATION - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for operating a femtocell base station of a wireless communication system. A method of the present invention comprises obtaining a list of designated wireless devices capable of communication with the base station; counting the number of designated wireless devices currently within range of the base station; and switching the base station between an active state and a standby state based on the count. The base station may obtain information for counting wireless devices currently within range by monitoring the wireless environment, and/or by monitoring information received through a network interface. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20110316750 | MITIGATION OF UNDESIRED ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION USING PASSIVE ELEMENTS - The present invention relates to an apparatus for mitigating undesired portions of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) associated with an antenna. The apparatus comprises a coupling element EM inductively coupled with the antenna, the coupling element being substantially co-polarized with the antenna. The apparatus further comprises one or more dissipating elements EM inductively coupled with the coupling element, each of the one or more dissipating elements being substantially differently polarized than the antenna, for example cross-polarized to the antenna. The coupling element may be a conductive element configured for predetermined EM inductive coupling with at least the antenna and the one or more dissipating elements. Each of the one or more dissipating elements may be a conductive element configured for predetermined EM inductive coupling with the coupling element. A method of manufacture is also provided. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110287740 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSOCIATING IDENTITY MODULES AND TERMINAL EQUIPMENT - The present invention provides method, apparatus and computer program product for facilitating verification of an identity module, such as associated with a UICC, operatively coupled to a terminal equipment, such as a machine-type communication device. Upon determining that the identity module is in a bonded state, one or more bonding identifiers are read from the identity module and compared with at least a predetermined portion of the terminal equipment identifier, such as an IMEI, stored in the terminal equipment. If at least one of the bonding identifiers corresponds with at least a predetermined portion of the terminal equipment identifier, the identity module and/or the terminal equipment are shifted into predetermined operating conditions. A bonding process may also be performed, whereby the identity module acquires the terminal equipment identifier of currently associated terminal equipment and stores a bonding identifier in identity module memory based thereon. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110261891 | MANAGING COMMUNICATION OPERATIONS OF WIRELESS DEVICES - Management of communication operations of wireless devices is provided. A traffic-control parameter is generated, for example at a base station, indicative of desired aspects of communication operations of the wireless devices. The one or more traffic-control parameters may comprise a delay parameter, such as a maximum value for generating random backoff times, and/or a connection-time parameter, indicative of the maximum length of time a wireless device can hold a connection. A bit sequence indicative of the one or more traffic-control parameters is generated and communicated to the wireless devices. A wireless device determines the traffic-control parameter based on the communicated bit sequence and adapts its operation based thereon. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110199901 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING COMMUNICATIONS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM - The present technology provides a method and apparatus for managing communications in a wireless communication system. The method and apparatus evaluate one or more network traffic levels, each network traffic level associated with a respective network sector, and submit access-configuration messages in one or more network sectors when the evaluated network traffic level of a particular network sector has a predetermined relation to the traffic threshold for that particular network sector. The access-configuration messages are configured to shift one or more of wireless devices into one or more predetermined operational conditions. The present technology further provides corresponding wireless devices. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110076873 | COMPUTER PORT INTERFACE HAVING COMPOUND SWIVEL - The present invention provides a computer port interface apparatus having a compound swivel. The apparatus comprises: a computer port connecter portion configured for mated coupling with a computer port, a compound swivel portion, and a peripheral portion operatively coupled to the computer port connector portion. The peripheral portion may include an integral peripheral device or a connector for mated coupling with a device. The computer port connector portion and peripheral portion extend at angles from opposing ends of the compound swivel portion. The compound swivel portion comprises two or more swivels in series. Each swivel is operatively coupled to a swivel stop assembly configured to limit relative rotation of the swivel to a predetermined range. Swivelling allows reorientation of the peripheral portion and a device coupled thereto to facilitate operation. Swivel stop assemblies protect portions of the apparatus and/or facilitate operation. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110066842 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLATFORM ACTIVATION - A platform discrimination indication register is stored in a wireless network card. This register holds a platform discrimination indication that indicates whether the wireless network card can be used to transfer data with notebook computers or whether the wireless network card is restricted to transferring data from a personal digital assistant or defined set of restricted devices. The platform discrimination indication can be upgraded using a key value obtained from an Internet site. This key value is limited to a specific wireless network card because of the use of a unique electronic I.D. An Internet site encrypts the electronic I.D. to produce the first key, such as a platform activation key (PAK). This first key is then decrypted at the personal data device in order to obtain a unique calculated I.D. value. If the calculated I.D. value matches the electronic I.D. value on the wireless network card, then the platform discrimination indication is altered (upgraded), allowing the operation of the wireless network card with notebook computers. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110029630 | REDIRECTION OF NOTIFICATIONS TO A WIRELESS USER DEVICE - Redirecting a notification to a wireless user device includes registering for notification of incoming messages for an account on a message server, the incoming messages being directed to an account on the message server. The redirecting also includes receiving at least one notification and redirecting the at least one notification through a firewall to a wireless user device associated with the account. The remote message server is in communication with a network protected by the firewall. According to one aspect, a cradle is configured to perform the redirection. According to another aspect, the cradle is associated with a remote desktop computer in communication with the network. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110028085 | METHOD, SYSTEM AND DEVICE FOR INITIATING WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - The present invention provides a wireless device configured relay wireless communication between a computing device and one or more broadband wireless networks. In this manner the wireless device can act as an access point, hotspot or the like, for the computing device. The wireless device comprises a network interface system configured for communication with a wireless network and one or more broadband wireless networks. The wireless device further includes a control system operatively coupled to the network interface system, wherein the control system is configured to control communication between the network interface system and the wireless network. The control system is further configured to activate communication with one or more of the broadband wireless networks upon receipt of a predetermined communication from the computing device via the wireless network. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110025429 | Circuit Board Pad Having Impedance Matched to a Transmission Line and Method for Providing Same - The present invention provides a transmission line portion for a circuit board including a conductive strip and a pad portion including a conductive pad connected to the conductive strip, wherein an impedance discontinuity or mismatch between the transmission line portion and the pad portion is reduced or controlled. Impedance discontinuity or mismatch may be controlled by controlling the dimensions of the pad portion, for example the pad width or distance between pad and ground. A ground pad associated with the pad portion may be provided on a different layer than a ground plane of the transmission line portion. The ground pad and ground plane may be connected by vias. The ground pad may comprise a patterned conductive region, the pattern configured so as to desirably configure impedance of the pad portion. Also provided are a method, circuit board layout, and the like, related to the above. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20100279751 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING RADIATION CHARACTERISTICS OF TRANSMITTER OF WIRELESS DEVICE IN CORRESPONDENCE WITH TRANSMITTER ORIENTATION - The invention provides an apparatus and a corresponding method for controlling radiation characteristics of a transmitter of a wireless device. The wireless device includes a transmitting portion that includes one or more antennas that are characterized by one or more radiation patterns. The wireless device further comprises a sensor system for determining an orientation of the transmitting portion and a control system that is operatively coupled to the sensor system and configured to control the supply of power to each antenna depending on the orientation of the transmitting portion. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100250790 | Method and Apparatus for Controlling Operating Conditions of a Peripheral Device Based on Mode of Interconnection - The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling the operating condition of a peripheral device based on the mode of interconnection of the peripheral device of a host device. The apparatus includes a first connector for connecting the peripheral device, a second connector for connecting the host device and a coupling system operatively interconnecting contacts of the first connector and contacts of the second connector. The coupling system is further configured to provide a supply signal to the peripheral device via the first connector, wherein the supply signal is at least in part indicative of one or more characteristics of the power available to the peripheral device from the host device. The supply signal may provide a means for the peripheral device to control operation thereof in light of the characteristics of the power available. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100238075 | MULTIPLE ANTENNA SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - The invention provides an antenna system for wireless communications and in particular to a multiple antenna system for operation in conjunction with a radio frequency (RF) front end for wireless communication. The antenna system comprises one or more antennas configurable for transmission and reception in a first set of configurations and configured for transmission in a second set of configurations. The antenna system further comprises two or more antennas configurable for MIMO-diversity reception for the second set of configurations. The antennas that are configured for MIMO-diversity reception may be tuneable, and may have similar characteristics to enhance MIMO reception. Mobile communications terminals utilizing the antenna system, and radio-frequency (RF) front ends for operation in conjunction with the antenna system are also provided. The antenna system may support communications in multiple frequency bands and/or multiple communication standards of operation. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100205260 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AGGREGATING COMMUNICATIONS - The present invention provides for method, system, and apparatus for facilitating communication between a first set of networked devices, such as client devices, and a second networked device, such as a server. A query message is transmitted from a representative device of the first set of networked devices, to the second networked device. The representative device may be selected in several ways. A response message may be transmitted from the second networked device, the message comprising an indication of devices from the first set of networked devices for which communications are pending. The response message is processed and devices identified in the response message are notified. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100197261 | WIRELESS CONTROL SUBSYSTEM FOR A MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Methods and apparatus are provided for wireless communications in a mobile electronic device. In one aspect, the mobile electronic device includes an antenna subsystem and a plurality of wireless communications modules. A method may involve supplying RF signals from each of the wireless communications modules to a single unit for manipulating the RF signals; and controlling the unit for manipulating RF signals to connect an RF signal of a selected one of the wireless communications modules to the antenna subsystem. The unit for manipulating RF signals may perform various kinds of RF signal processing or conditioning. Furthermore, the antenna system may include a phased array antenna. Besides portable computers such as laptop, notebook and netbook computers, the same principles are applicable to mobile electronic devices generally, including cellphones for example. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100124191 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING PUSH COMMUNICATION ACROSS A NETWORK BOUNDARY - Provided is a method and apparatus for facilitating push communication from a first network to a target device of a second network, the second network comprising a packet service network such as a GPRS core network. A private IP address, usable for addressing the target device when the packet service network is in an activated state with respect thereto, is retained. Upon receipt of a first message from the first network, indicative of a push communication for the target device, the packet service network is disposed into the activated state, and a second message, addressed to the private IP address, is transmitted. The second message may be generated by a NAT configured to implement micro-port forwarding. The second message may be generated by a representative device of the second network, configured to receive the first message via a NAT in response to a query generated by the representative device. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20090124215 | Antenna Configurations for Compact Device Wireless Communication - A PC card is configured to provide wireless communication to a host device when disposed in a mated position with the host device, the PC card having an enclosure with a bottom surface. The PC card includes a transceiver, a controller in communication with the transceiver, and a modem in communication with the controller. The PC card also includes an antenna in which a high current region is established during communication, the high current region being raised above a feed plane coupled to the antenna. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090122847 | Antenna Configurations for Compact Device Wireless Communication - A wireless communication device is configured to provide wireless communication to a host device when disposed in a mated position with the host device. The wireless communication device includes a transceiver, a controller in communication with the transceiver, and a modem in communication with the controller. The wireless communication device further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a first inductor loop, and an antenna having second inductor loop inductively coupled with the first inductor loop. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090121948 | Antenna Configurations for Compact Device Wireless Communication - A duplex antenna system includes first and second antenna portions that are at least partially separated by a gap, a first feed line coupled to the first antenna portion, the first feed line being overlapped by the gap and the second antenna portion, and a second feed line coupled to the second antenna portion, the second feed line being overlapped by the gap and the first antenna portion. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090121947 | Antenna Configurations for Compact Device Wireless Communication - A wireless communication device is configured to provide wireless communication to a host device when disposed in a mated position in a slot having a primary axis and formed in a side face of the host device. The wireless communication device includes a transceiver, a controller in communication with the transceiver, and a modem in communication with the controller. The wireless communication device also includes a balanced antenna in communication with the transceiver and having a polarization axis that is parallel to the side face and to the primary axis of the slot when the wireless communication device is in the mated position. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090115672 | Antenna Configurations for Compact Device Wireless Communication - A diversity antenna for use with a portable host device such as a laptop computer, for example as part of a PCMCIA card pluggable into the laptop computer to enable wireless computer by the laptop computer, includes a main antenna and a diversity antenna. Various configurations for these antennas are possible, including the use of a balanced dipole as the main antenna element and a split diversity antenna for the diversity antenna element. The diversity antenna provides high isolation between the antenna elements and isolation from interfering self-noise generated by the host device. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20080247312 | Configurable Multislot Class for Wireless Devices - A solution is provided wherein the mobile device selects a multislot class based on the profile of the traffic to be utilized by the mobile device. This may be performed manually by a user, or may be performed automatically where an application or driver software automatically and dynamically determines the best multislot class for the applications being used. This can be accomplished, for example, by looking at the classification of the transport control protocol (TCP) port numbers used, by examining the data sent and received by the network, and/or looking up a profile for the user or device. If the user changes applications or some other event occurs on the mobile device that might cause a change in the profile of the traffic, the mobile device may terminate its current multislot class assignment and re-announce itself, allowing the system to transfer the mobile device to a new multislot class. | 10-09-2008 |