Module for providing wireless call communication services through wire-connected telephone equipment

• US 6,400,964 B1
• Filed: 11/27/2000
• Issued: 06/04/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GTE Wireless Service Corporation (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: GTE Wireless Service Corporation (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Zicker, Robert G., Dion, John K.
• Primary Examiner(s): LEGREE, TRACY MICHELLE
• Application Number:
  US09/723,649
• Time in Patent Office: 554 Days
• Field of Search: 455/553, 455/552, 455/426, 455/419, 455/418, 455/550, 455/551, 455/74.1, 455/414, 455/462, 455/465, 455/403, 379/56.2
• US Class Current: 455/553.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27 Devices whereby a plurality of signals may be stored simultaneously
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2745 using static electronic memories, e.g. chips
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27463 Predictive input, predictive dialling by comparing the dialled sequence with the content of a telephone directory
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/27485 Appending a prefix to or inserting a pause into a dialling sequence
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/57 Arrangements for indicating or recording the number of the calling subscriber at the called subscriber's set at the operator set in a manual exchange H04M5/20
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/724 User interfaces specially adapted for cordless or mobile telephones
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72403 with means for local support of applications that increase the functionality
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/725 Cordless telephones user interfaces specially adapted therefor H04M1/724
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72505 Radio link set-up procedures
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/8033 location-dependent, e.g. business or home
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/00 Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/32 Involving wireless systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/7435 Location dependent, e.g. Bussiness or home
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/16 for PBS [Private Base Station] arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 16/32 Hierarchical cell structures
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/24 Accounting or billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/18 Selecting a network or a communication service
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/10 Connection setup
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 76/20 Manipulation of established connections
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/205 Transfer to or from user equipment or user record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/22 : Processing or transfer of terminal data, e.g. status or physical capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/245 : from a network towards a terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/26 : Network addressing or numbering for mobility support
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/265 : for initial activation of new user
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 8/28 : Number portability ; Network address portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/105 : PBS [Private Base Station] network H04W84/12 - H04W84/16 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/14 : WLL [Wireless Local Loop]; RLL [Radio Local Loop]
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/021 : adapted for Wireless Local Loop operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/08 : Access point devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/18 : Service support devices; Network management devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/02 : Inter-networking arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 92/18 : between terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides additional services to a select group of customers. The system uses handsets (32) which automatically switch between a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation (1901) and an enhanced cordless mode (1420) when the handsets (32) are within range of pico cells (26) that are interconnected to the public switched telephone network (20). Each pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells (10b) that operates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a unique control protocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Each pico cell consists of a spectrally dynamic, non-capturing, frequency agile, multi-purpose base station (26) provided at customer-selected locations to cooperate with the overlay cell framework. Each pico cell is capable of supporting multiple handsets (32) and uses low power operation that achieves limited coverage. Each pico cell reduces traffic on the standard cellular radiotelephone network by independently handling registered handsets (32). An alternate line option module (22) provides wireless local interconnect capability to selectively route call traffic between land lines (24) and the standard cellular radiotelephone network. Service control units (12) and host stations (17) facilitate wireless activation and control of each pico cell and handset (32) via the overlay cell framework.

Claims

1. A method of operating an RF link module with customer telephone equipment located at a customer'"'"'s premises, said method comprising:

a) connecting said RF link module to customer premises wiring which couples to said customer telephone equipment;

b) determining whether an identification number is programmed into said RF link module;

c) automatically obtaining a programming parameter from a remote programming system via RF communication when said determining activity b) determines that said identification number is not programmed, said programming parameter being configured as said identification number;

d) storing said programming parameter in non-volatile memory of said RF link module; and

e) conducting calls directed to said identification number, said calls being conducted via RF communication.

2. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conducting activity e) comprises:

detecting an incoming call for said identification number;

generating a ring signal through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment in response to detecting said incoming call to said identification number;

supplying a predetermined DC voltage through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment; and

detecting when said customer telephone equipment goes off-hook.

3. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 2 additionally comprising:

detecting an off-hook condition of said customer telephone equipment;

generating a dial tone signal through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment when said off-hook-condition-detecting activity detects said off-hook condition;

capturing a first digit dialed at said customer telephone equipment;

removing said dial tone in response to capturing said first dialed digit;

capturing a complete phone number dialed at said customer telephone equipment; and

originating a call using said captured phone number.

4. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 1 wherein said automatically obtaining activity c) comprises automatically originating a call to a predetermined number.

5. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said programming parameter is one of a plurality of programming parameters; and

said programming parameters include a system identification number (SID).

6. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 5 additionally comprising:

determining whether RF communication service is available which matches the SID obtained with said programming parameters; and

indicating an alarm condition when no RF communication service is available which matches the SID obtained with said programming parameters.

7. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 6 additionally comprising logging said alarm condition in said non-volatile memory of said RF link module.

8. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 1 wherein said RF link module includes a real time clock, and said programming parameters include a current date and time setting for said real time clock.

9. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 8 additionally comprising:

determining whether said real time clock is functioning normally; and

when said real time clock is determined not to be functioning normally, automatically originating a call to engage in a remote programming session which provides a real time clock update to said RF link module.

10. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising:

repetitively determining, after said storing activity d), whether RF communication service is available; and

indicating an alarm condition when said repetitively determining activity determines that no RF communication service is available.

11. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising logging said alarm condition in said non-volatile memory of said RF link module.

12. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 1 additionally comprising:

detecting an off-hook condition of said customer telephone equipment;

generating a dial tone signal through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment when said off-hook-condition-detecting activity detects said off-hook condition;

capturing a first digit dialed at said customer telephone equipment;

removing said dial tone in response to capturing said first dialed digit;

capturing a complete phone number dialed at said customer telephone equipment; and

originating a call using said captured phone number.

13. An RF link module for providing wireless communication services to customer telephone equipment which connects to said RF link module through customer premises wiring, said RF link module comprising:

a processor unit configured to automatically determine whether an identification number is programmed into said RF link module;

a radio frequency transmitter and receiver coupled to said processor unit and configured with said processor unit to automatically obtain a programming parameter from a remote programming system via wireless communication when said identification number is not programmed, said programming parameter being configured as an identification number; and

a telephone line interface module coupled to said radio frequency transmitter and receiver.

14. An RF link module as claimed in claim 13 additionally comprising:

a ring voltage generator coupled to said processor unit and said telephone line interface module and configured with said processor unit to apply a ring signal through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment in response to detecting an incoming call directed to said identification number; and

a talk battery generator coupled to said processor unit and to said telephone line interface module and configured to supply a predetermined DC voltage through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment.

15. An RF link module as claimed in claim 14 additionally comprising:

a dial tone generator coupled to said processor unit and to said telephone line interface module and configured with said processor unit to supply a dial tone through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment when said customer telephone equipment goes off-hook;

wherein said processor unit is further configured to capture a first digit dialed at said customer telephone equipment, remove said dial tone in response to capturing said first dialed digit, then capture a complete phone number dialed at said customer telephone equipment, and originate a wireless phone call using said captured phone number.

16. An RF link module as claimed in claim 13 wherein said processor unit, said radio frequency transmitter and receiver are configured to obtain said programming parameter from said remote programming system via wireless communication by originating a radio telephone call to a predetermined telephone number.

17. An RF link module as claimed in claim 13 wherein:

said programming parameter is one of a plurality of programming parameters; and

said programming parameters include a system identification number (SID).

18. An RF link module as claimed in claim 17 wherein:

said RF link module additionally comprises a status indicator coupled to said processor unit; and

said processor unit is configured to determine whether communication services are available which match said SID and to cause said status indicator to indicate an alarm condition when no communication services are available which match said SID.

19. An RF link module as claimed in claim 13 wherein said processor unit is configured to log said alarm condition for later reporting.

20. An RF link module as claimed in claim 13 wherein:

said RF link module additionally comprises a real time clock;

said programming parameter is one of a plurality of programming parameters; and

said programming parameters include a current date and time setting for said real time clock.

21. An RF link module as claimed in claim 20 wherein said processor unit is configured to determine whether said real time clock is functioning normally;

and, when said real time clock is not functioning normally, to originate a communication session to engage in a remote programming session which provides a real time clock update.

22. An RF link module as claimed in claim 13 wherein:

said RF link module additionally comprises a status indicator coupled to said processor unit; and

said processor unit is configured to repetitively determine whether radio service is available; and

, to cause said status indicator to indicate an alarm condition when no radio service is available.

23. An RF link module as claimed in claim 22 wherein said processor unit is configured to log said alarm condition for later reporting.

24. An RF link module as claimed in claim 13 wherein said identification number is a mobile identification number (MIN).

25. An RF link module as claimed in claim 13 additionally comprising:

a dial tone generator coupled to said processor unit and to said telephone line interface module and configured with said processor unit to supply a dial tone through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment when said customer telephone equipment goes off-hook;

wherein said processor unit is further configured to capture a first digit dialed at said customer telephone equipment, remove said dial tone in response to capturing said first dialed digit, then capture a complete phone number dialed at said customer telephone equipment, and originate a wireless phone call using said captured phone number.

26. A method of operating an RF link module with customer telephone equipment located at a customer'"'"'s premises, said method comprising the steps of:

a) connecting said RF link module to customer premises wiring which couples to said customer telephone equipment;

b) determining whether an identification number is programmed into said RF link module;

c) automatically obtaining a programming parameter from a remote programming system via RF communication when said determining step b) determines that said identification number is not programmed, said programming parameter being configured as said identification number;

d) storing said programming parameter in non-volatile memory of said RF link module; and

e) conducting calls directed to said identification number, said calls being conducted via RF communication.

27. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 26 wherein said conducting step e) comprises:

detecting an incoming call for said identification number;

generating a ring signal through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment in response to detecting said incoming call to said identification number;

supplying a predetermined DC voltage through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment; and

detecting when said customer telephone equipment goes off- hook.

28. A method of operating an RF link module in cooperation with customer telephone equipment which is connected to customer premises wiring, said method comprising the steps of:

connecting said RF link module to said customer premises wiring;

determining whether a mobile identification number (MIN) is programmed into said RF link module;

obtaining a programming parameter from a remote programming system via radiotelephone communication; and

storing said programming parameter in non-volatile memory of said RF link module.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28 additionally comprising the steps of:

detecting when said customer telephone equipment goes off-hook;

generating a dial tone signal through said customer premises wiring to said customer telephone equipment when said detecting step detects said off-hook condition;

capturing a first digit dialed at said customer telephone equipment; and

removing said dial tone in response to capturing said first dialed digit.

30. A method as claimed in claim 28 wherein said obtaining step comprises the step of automatically originating a call to a predetermined phone number.

31. A method as claimed in claim 28 additionally comprising the step of conducting calls directed to said MIN, said calls being conducted via RF communication.

32. A method as claimed in claim 31 wherein said conducting step comprises the steps of:

detecting an incoming call for said MIN;

generating a ring signal through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment in response to detecting said incoming call;

supplying a predetermined DC voltage through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment; and

detecting when said customer telephone equipment goes off-hook.

33. A method of operating an RF link module with customer telephone equipment located at a customer'"'"'s premises, said method comprising:

a) programming said RF link module to have a mobile identification number (MIN);

b) connecting said RF link module to customer premises wiring which couples to said customer telephone equipment;

c) detecting an inbound call directed to said MIN via RF communication;

d) deciding whether to generate a ring signal on said customer premises wiring in response to said inbound call; and

e) automatically capturing a programming parameter from a remote programming system via RF communication when said deciding activity d) decides not to generate said ring signal on said customer premises wiring.

34. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 33 additionally comprising conducting a call directed to said MIN through said customer telephone equipment when said deciding activity d) decides to generate said ring signal on said customer premises wiring.

35. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 34 wherein said conducting activity comprises:

generating said ring signal through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment in response to said deciding activity d); and

detecting when said customer telephone equipment goes off-hook in response to said ring signal.

36. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 33 wherein said RF link module includes a real time clock, and said programming parameter is one of a plurality of programming parameters, said programming parameters including a current date and time setting for said real time clock.

37. A method of operating an RF link module as claimed in claim 33 additionally comprising:

repetitively determining, after said capturing activity e), whether RF communication service is available; and

indicating an alarm condition when said repetitively determining activity determines that no RF communication service is available.

38. An RF link module for providing wireless communication services to customer telephone equipment which connects to said RF link module through customer premises wiring, said RF link module comprising:

a processor unit configured to decide whether to apply a ring signal to said customer premises wiring when an incoming call directed to an identification number of said RF link module is detected;

a radio frequency transmitter and receiver coupled to said processor unit and configured with said processor unit to automatically capture a programming parameter from a remote programming system via wireless communication when said processor decides not to apply said ring signal to said customer premises wiring; and

a telephone line interface module coupled to said radio frequency transmitter and receiver and to said customer premises wiring for sending said ring signal to said customer premises wiring when said processor decides to apply said ring signal to said customer premises wiring.

39. An RF link module as claimed in claim 38 additionally comprising:

a ring voltage generator coupled to said processor unit and said telephone line interface module and configured with said processor unit to apply said ring signal through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment in response to detecting an incoming call directed to said identification number of said RF link module; and

a talk battery generator coupled to said telephone line interface module and configured to supply a predetermined DC voltage through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment.

40. An RF link module as claimed in claim 39 additionally comprising:

a dial tone generator coupled to said processor unit and to said telephone line interface module and configured with said processor unit to generate a dial tone through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment when said customer telephone equipment goes off-hook;

wherein said processor unit is further configured to capture a first digit dialed at said customer telephone equipment, remove said dial tone in response to capturing said first dialed digit, then capture a complete phone number dialed at said customer telephone equipment, and originate a wireless phone call using said captured phone number.

41. An RF link module as claimed in claim 40 wherein said dial tone generator is configured with said processor unit so that said dial tone is generated when said customer telephone equipment goes off-hook and said ring signal is not being generated on said customer premises wiring.

42. An RF link module as claimed in claim 38 additionally comprising:

a dial tone generator coupled to said processor unit and to said telephone line interface module and configured with said processor unit to supply a dial tone through said wiring to said customer telephone equipment when said customer telephone equipment goes off-hook;

wherein said processor unit is further configured to capture a first digit dialed at said customer telephone equipment, remove said dial tone in response to capturing said first dialed digit, then capture a complete phone number dialed at said customer telephone equipment, and originate a wireless phone call using said captured phone number.

43. An RF link module as claimed in claim 38 wherein:

said RF link module additionally comprises a real time clock; and

said programming parameters include a current date and time setting for said real time clock.

44. An RF link module as claimed in claim 38 wherein:

said RF link module additionally comprises a status indicator coupled to said processor unit; and

said processor unit is configured to repetitively determine whether radio service is available and to cause said status indicator to indicate an alarm condition when no radio service is available.

45. An RF link module as claimed in claim 44 wherein said processor unit is configured to log said alarm condition for later reporting.