Systems for Use with Multi-Number Cellular Devices

• US 20100081460A1
• Filed: 09/30/2008
• Published: 04/01/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II LP (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: Knight, Marachel L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,064,876 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/461
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/6418 Hybrid transport
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/18 Processing of user or subscriber data, e.g. subscribed services, user preferences or user profiles; Transfer of user or subscriber data
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/26 Network addressing or numbering for mobility support

Abstract

Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to a multi-number cellular communication system that allows a single mobile device to use more than one telephone number. This cellular communication system assigns more than one telephone number to a mobile device. When a call is made to that mobile device from any of the assigned telephone numbers, a connection is made to the mobile device. When a user of the mobile device places an outgoing call, the user selects which telephone number to use for that outgoing call.

Claims

1. A multi-number cellular communication system, comprising:

a plurality of wireless transmitters;

a gateway in communication with the plurality of wireless transmitters;

a multi-number controller in communication with the gateway; and

a billing database in communication with the gateway;

wherein the multi-number controller allows a mobile device with a multi-number service plan to use more than one number, while the billing database maintains a separate record for each number.

2. The system in claim 1, wherein each wireless transmitter is a cellular tower.

3. The system in claim 1, wherein the multi-number controller comprises logic for incoming calls, logic for outgoing calls, and a menu system for setting user preferences.

4. The system in claim 3, wherein the menu system is a hierarchy of audible menus, each responding to the touch of a key on a keypad.

5. The system in claim 4, wherein the multi-number controller further comprises a preferences database.

6. The system in claim 5, wherein the preferences database stores a plurality of preferences concerning default telephone numbers and call waiting.

7. The system in claim 6, wherein the multi-number controller references the preferences database during a connection of a call.

8. The system in claim 4, wherein the multi-number controller further comprises logic for communicating with a multi-number mobile device.

9. A multi-number cellular communication system, comprising:

a plurality of cellular towers;

a gateway in communication with the plurality of cellular towers;

a multi-number logic unit in communication with the gateway; and

a billing database in communication with the gateway;

wherein the multi-number logic unit identifies a mobile device with a multi-number service plan and allows it to use more than one telephone number while the billing database maintains a separate record for each telephone number.

10. The system in claim 9, wherein each cellular tower transmits wireless signals to and from mobile devices.

11. The system in claim 9, wherein the multi-number logic unit comprises a logic for incoming calls, a logic for outgoing calls, and a menu system for setting user preferences.

12. The system in claim 11, wherein the menu system is a hierarchy of audible menus, each responding to the touch of a key on a keypad.

13. The system in claim 12, wherein the multi-number logic unit further comprises a preferences database.

14. The system in claim 13, wherein the preferences database stores a plurality of preferences concerning default telephone numbers and call waiting.

15. The system in claim 14, wherein the multi-number logic unit references the preferences database during a connection of a call.

16. The system in claim 12, wherein the multi-number logic unit further comprises a logic for communicating with a multi-number mobile device.

17. A method of connecting a mobile device through a cellular connection comprising:

providing a service plan that enables a mobile device to use more than one telephone number; and

connecting the mobile device through a network;

wherein a user may place and receive calls from a plurality of telephone numbers on the mobile device.

18. The method in claim 17, wherein the connecting comprises one of an incoming and outgoing call.

19. The method in claim 17, further comprising referencing a preferences database.

20. The method in claim 17, further comprising communicating with a multi-number mobile device for preferences stored in the multi-number mobile device.