Importance

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Abstract

A paging device sends text messages to pagers via paging services observing different communication protocols. Communication data is stored in random access memory and includes a service file identifying telephone numbers and protocols associated with each paging services and a pager file containing pager identification codes. Operator message creation and automatic transmission occur contemporaneously, coordinated with status fields in message records. Each newly-created message is stored in a queue together with control data identifying a paging service and pager and status data indicating a 'pending' status, namely, a requirement for transmission of the message. The automatic transmission involves repeated scanning of the queue for pending messages, programming a modem according to the message's control data, and arranging transmission to the relevant service. The status of messages subject to transmission errors is automatically set to 'rejected'. The operator can retrieve any message from queue, setting its status from rejected to pending to reinitiate transmission or from pending to cancelled to suppress transmission. Communication data can also be transmitted to and received from an identical device in a remote service center, to allow correction of faulty communication data or reconfiguration to meet user requirements.

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First Claim