Method for categorization of multiple providers in a wireless communications service environment
First Claim
1. A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, comprising:
- storing a service provider table, the table including identities of a plurality of service providers and preference information associated with each identity;
locating and registering with a channel of a first service provider;
storing a frequency search schedule, the frequency search schedule having a list of a plurality of frequency bands in a predetermined order;
ordering at least some of the plurality of bands in the frequency search schedule based upon time-weighted counts of previous registrations in each band;
determining if the first service provider is acceptable, based on the service provider table preference information; and
if the first service is not acceptable, examining the plurality of bands in the order specified by the ordered frequency search schedule, until a channel having an acceptable service provider is located.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A communication device locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule. Initially, the communications device registers with a less preferred service provider in a first frequency band. While remaining registered with the less preferred service provider, the device examines several frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule. A frequency band is examined by dividing the frequency band into many sub-bands, and by locating the strongest signal above a threshold within the sub-band being examined. The examination continues until a second frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located. The communication device then registers with the more preferred service provider. The category of service provider may be identified and displayed on the communication device.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, comprising:
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storing a service provider table, the table including identities of a plurality of service providers and preference information associated with each identity; locating and registering with a channel of a first service provider; storing a frequency search schedule, the frequency search schedule having a list of a plurality of frequency bands in a predetermined order; ordering at least some of the plurality of bands in the frequency search schedule based upon time-weighted counts of previous registrations in each band; determining if the first service provider is acceptable, based on the service provider table preference information; and if the first service is not acceptable, examining the plurality of bands in the order specified by the ordered frequency search schedule, until a channel having an acceptable service provider is located. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 16, 17, 22)
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6. A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, comprising:
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storing a service provider table, the table including identities of a plurality of service providers and preference information associated with each identity; locating and registering with a channel of a first service provider; storing a frequency search schedule, the frequency search schedule having a list of a plurality of frequency bands in a predetermined order; determining if the channel of the first service provider is acceptable, based on the service provider table preference information; and if the channel of the first service provider is not acceptable, examining the plurality of bands in the order specified by the frequency search schedule until a channel having an acceptable service provider is located, wherein the plurality of service providers are categorized into priority categories that determine whether a channel associated with a service provider is unacceptable, irrespective of signal quality. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 19, 23)
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11. A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, comprising:
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storing a service provider table, the table including identities of a plurality of service providers and preference information associated with each identity; locating and registering with a channel of a first service provider; storing a frequency search schedule, the frequency search schedule having a list of a plurality of frequency bands in a predetermined order; if the first service provider is not acceptable, continuing to examine the plurality of bands in the order specified by the frequency search schedule until a channel having an acceptable service provider is located, wherein the channel is determined to be one of an analog control channel, a digital traffic channel or a digital control channel. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 24)
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Specification