METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM FOR AUTOMATED PROPERTY ADJUSTMENT IN A CELLULAR NETWORK

• US 20070197257A1
• Filed: 04/20/2007
• Published: 08/23/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bryce Curtis, Jimmy Hsu, Marc-Arthur Pierre-Louis
• Original Assignee: Bryce Curtis, Jimmy Hsu, Marc-Arthur Pierre-Louis
• Inventors: Pierre-Louis, Marc-Arthur, Curtis, Bryce, Hsu, Jimmy
• Granted Patent: US 7,778,650 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/552.1
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72463 to restrict the functionality of the device
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 48/04 based on user or terminal location or mobility data, e.g. moving direction, speed

Abstract

A mechanism is provided for detecting when a wireless device is entering a quiet zone. An out-of-range condition is created in an entryway to a quiet zone. When a wireless device is in a transition zone, the device transmits a re-scan message with a unit identification in an attempt to reestablish communication with the communication tower. A re-scan receiver is provided in the entryway to receive re-scan messages and notify a mobile telephone switching office that the device is entering a quiet zone. The switching office then sends a ring type modifier property to the device when the device leaves the transition zone and reestablishes communications with the communication tower.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting properties of a wireless device, comprising:

responsive to the wireless device entering a controlled area, emitting a re-scan signal;

receiving a ring-type property modifier;

establishing unrestricted communication between the wireless device in the controlled area and a location outside the controlled area; and

adjusting the ring type of the wireless device to a ring type specified by the property modifier.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method includes weakening a signal in a zone proximate to the controlled area, and the re-scan signal is emitted by the wireless device in response to detecting the weakened signal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein a ring type property modifier is sent with each incoming call directed to the wireless device in the controlled area, wherein one of the property modifiers adjusts the wireless device to have a silent ring type, and another of the property modifiers adjusts the wireless device to have an audible ring type.

4-12. -12. (canceled)

13. A wireless device, comprising:

means, responsive to the wireless device entering a controlled area, for emitting a re-scan signal;

means for receiving a property modifier;

means for establishing unrestricted communication between the wireless device in the controlled area and a location outside the controlled area; and

means for adjusting the ring type of the wireless device to a ring type based on the property modifier.

14. The wireless device of claim 13, wherein the property modifier is a ring type modifier.

15. The wireless device of claim 13, wherein the property modifier is associated with an incoming call.

16-28. -28. (canceled)