Method and system for automatically providing handset operational status information to a wireless carrier
First Claim
1. A cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus for coupling to at least one analog-type telephone to provide the analog-type telephone at least basic analog-type telephone functions via a wireless carrier network, the apparatus comprising:
- means for exchanging information about functionalities between a cellphone, the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus and the wireless carrier network over a connectivity dataport between the cellphone and the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus and over an air interface between the cellphone and the wireless carrier network;
means for validating the information about functionalities between the cellphone, the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus and the wireless carrier network, said validating means comprising means for authenticating service parameters available from the wireless carrier network, an identity and abilities of the cellphone, and setting parameters of the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus; and
means for monitoring the presence of dataport connectivity between the cellphone and the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus, said monitoring means also comprising means for verifying the presence of the air interface and the service parameters available from the wireless carrier network;
wherein when the presence of dataport connectivity between the cellphone and the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus is verified, the validating and monitoring means signals an interfaced operational state to repository means accessible to the wireless carrier, thus informing the wireless carrier that it should maintain the fixed-interface mode of operation for the cellphone, the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus and the wireless carrier network, in order to enable enhanced and conditioned billing functions and network features consistent with the signalled state.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Discloses a system to provide cellular handset operational status information to wireless carriers relating to insertion or proximity of mobile cellular handsets to a hybrid fixed wireless interface (HFWI) device. Upon handset coupling to a HFWI, by insertion of the handset into a receiving connector on the HFWI or proximity of the handset to the HFWI, the system controls the handset to update the signalling protocol to inform the wireless carrier of an interfaced and operational operation mode. In an alternative arrangement upon handset coupling to the HFWI, the HFWI instructs the handset to transmit an interfaced and operational mode of operation message to the wireless carrier. In a preferred embodiment upon removal of the handset from the HFWI, or the handset being taken out of reach of HFWI proximity sensing, the system reverts to the conventional signalling protocol indicating a non-interfaced (mobile) operation mode to the carrier.
19 Citations
6 Claims
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1. A cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus for coupling to at least one analog-type telephone to provide the analog-type telephone at least basic analog-type telephone functions via a wireless carrier network, the apparatus comprising:
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means for exchanging information about functionalities between a cellphone, the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus and the wireless carrier network over a connectivity dataport between the cellphone and the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus and over an air interface between the cellphone and the wireless carrier network; means for validating the information about functionalities between the cellphone, the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus and the wireless carrier network, said validating means comprising means for authenticating service parameters available from the wireless carrier network, an identity and abilities of the cellphone, and setting parameters of the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus; and means for monitoring the presence of dataport connectivity between the cellphone and the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus, said monitoring means also comprising means for verifying the presence of the air interface and the service parameters available from the wireless carrier network;
wherein when the presence of dataport connectivity between the cellphone and the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus is verified, the validating and monitoring means signals an interfaced operational state to repository means accessible to the wireless carrier, thus informing the wireless carrier that it should maintain the fixed-interface mode of operation for the cellphone, the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus and the wireless carrier network, in order to enable enhanced and conditioned billing functions and network features consistent with the signalled state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification