U.S. patent application number 09/747849 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-09 for mobile phone distribution system.
Invention is credited to McGregor, Donald Scott, McGregor, Gregory M..
Application Number | 20030008636 09/747849 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23010169 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030008636 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGregor, Donald Scott ; et
al. |
January 9, 2003 |
Mobile phone distribution system
Abstract
A mobile telephone programming and accounting system that
includes an integrated hardware system interlinking a telephone
unit, a telephone interlink receiver, and a central processing unit
connected to the interlink receiver. The hardware system also
preferably includes a receipt printer and a credit card reader. The
telephone unit is preferably equipped with an internal real time
clock and calendar circuit and memory store to record the time and
date of calls for reporting to the central processing unit to
enable tracking and detailed accounting of calls. The interlink
receiver in the improved design includes a gang platform for
programming multiple phone units, which may be phone units of
different manufacturers, and provides for automatic programming of
the multiple units and, in the retail distribution setting,
programming the operating parameters and assignment of the phone
unit to a service provider with encryption keys to reduce service
churning.
Inventors: |
McGregor, Donald Scott;
(Spokane, WA) ; McGregor, Gregory M.; (Danville,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
8TH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Family ID: |
23010169 |
Appl. No.: |
09/747849 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09747849 |
Dec 21, 2000 |
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08648596 |
May 16, 1996 |
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6243574 |
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08648596 |
May 16, 1996 |
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08265373 |
Jun 23, 1994 |
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5625669 |
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08265373 |
Jun 23, 1994 |
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07767231 |
Sep 27, 1991 |
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5325418 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/410 ;
455/408; 455/409; 455/418 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 2215/32 20130101;
H04M 2215/92 20130101; H04M 2215/2026 20130101; H04M 15/30
20130101; H04W 8/245 20130101; H04M 17/02 20130101; H04W 4/24
20130101; H04W 48/02 20130101; H04M 15/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/410 ;
455/408; 455/409; 455/418 |
International
Class: |
H04M 011/00 |
Claims
1. A mobile phone programming and tracking system comprising: an
information processing unit; interface means for interfacing a
mobile phone unit with the information processing unit and
communicating data and programming signals between the information
processing unit and the mobile phone unit; and, translation means
for establishing protocol relative to data signals and programming
signals between the mobile phone unit and the information
processing unit, wherein the interface means includes a software
program including instructions expressed in the form of data and
programming signals that are specific to a select type of mobile
phone unit, and wherein the software program includes blocking
means for programming a mobile phone unit to conditionally limit
the use of a mobile phone unit after interfacing the mobile phone
unit with the information processing unit and programming the phone
with the blocking means wherein the blocking means includes program
means for detecting the number of calls made and blocking use of
the mobile phone unit when a plurality of calls greater than a
preset number have been made.
2. The mobile phone programming and tracking system of claim 1
wherein the blocking means includes program means for detecting the
number of calls made and blocking use of the mobile phone unit when
a preset number of calls have been made.
3. The mobile phone programming and tracking system of claim 1
wherein the blocking means includes program means for detecting
area code numbers of calls being made and blocking use of the
mobile phone unit when predetermined area code numbers are being
called.
4. The mobile phone programming and tracking system of claim 1
wherein the blocking means includes program means for detecting
time and date and the phone unit includes a real time clock and
calendar generating time and date, and the blocking means includes
further, program means for blocking use of the mobile phone unit
when a preset date is detected.
5. The mobile phone programming and tracking system of claim 4
wherein use of the mobile phone unit is blocked when a preset time
and date is detected.
6. The mobile phone programming and tracking system of claim 1
wherein the software program includes credit checking means for
accessing a mobile phone user's credit and mobile phone blocking
means for programming a mobile phone to block use of the mobile
phone when predetermined credit amount has been expended.
7. The mobile phone programming and tracking system of claim 1
wherein the system includes a credit card swipe for accessing a
customer's credit and establishing a customer account.
8. The mobile phone programming and tracking system of claim 1
wherein the blocking means includes program means for detecting the
calls made, calculating the charges for the calls and blocking use
of the mobile phone unit when a preset value of charges have been
made.
9. A programming and distribution tracking system for mobile phone
units having a communication port comprising: an informational
processing unit; a gang platform having a plurality of interlink
receiver stations each receiver station having a port terminal
constructed to connect with the communication port of a mobile
phone unit; a network routing controller with means for routing
data and programming signals selectively to each of the interlink
receiver stations and port terminals; a system program operable in
the information processing unit with program means for operating
the network controller means and communicating data and programming
signals with a plurality of selected receiver stations having a
mobile unit installer therein for automated programming of the
mobile phone units at substantially the same time.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein each receiver station has
electronic circuit means compatible with a select type of mobile
phone unit for effecting communication of data and programming
signals between the mobile phone unit and the information
processing unit.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the gang platform comprises a
platform module unit with the plurality of receiver stations
located in the platform module unit and with each of the plurality
of receiver stations having the same electronic circuit means and
port terminal compatible with a select type of mobile phone unit,
wherein a plurality of the same type of phone units are connectable
to the port terminals of the receiver stations for communication
with the information processing unit.
12. The system of claim 9 including further, at least one remote
interlink receiver station removed from the gang platform wherein
the remote interlink receiver station has a port terminal
constructed to connect with the communication port of a mobile
phone unit and includes a program means for communicating data and
programming signals to a mobile phone unit installed in the
terminal port of the remote interlink receiver station, wherein the
program means of the remote receiver station includes phone numbers
and instructions which assign a selected phone number to a selected
mobile phone unit installed in the port terminal of the remote
interlink receiver station.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the program means of the remote
interlink receiver station includes instructions which activate for
use the selected mobile phone unit to which a phone number has been
assigned.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein the remote interlink receiver
station includes a plurality of port terminals constructed to
connect with a plurality of mobile phone units installed in the
port terminals wherein the program means of the remote interlink
receiver station includes instructions which assign selected phone
numbers to selected mobile phone units installed in port terminals
of the remote interlink receiver station.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein the program means of the remote
interlink receiver station includes instructions which activate
selected mobile phone units to which phone numbers have been
assigned.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This application is a divisional of our co-pending
application Ser. No. 08/648,596, filed May 16, 1996, which is a
divisional of application Ser. No. 08/265, filed Jun. 23, 1994, now
U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,669, issued Apr. 29, 1997, which is a
continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 07/767,231, filed Sep.
27, 1991, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,418, issued Jun. 28, 1994.
[0002] This specification incorporates by reference the Appendix of
U.S. Pat. No. 5,625,669.
[0003] This invention relates to a cellular telephone accounting
system to track the location and usage of cellular phones and to
provide an automatic accounting system for centralized record
keeping, audit or account statements. The cellular telephone
accounting system is particularly useful for rental of cellular
phones where mobility of the phone presents unique problems in
customer billing and accounting for the location and possession of
the telephone unit. Similarly, the accounting system is useful for
organizations with shared resources and equipment shared by
employees, as in large private companies or government agencies.
Frequently, in such organizations usage of mobile cellular
telephones requires monitoring to insure appropriate distribution
and authorized use of the phones. In both situations means is
provided for determining where the phones have been, what calls
have been made and when, and to whose account usage is to be
attributed. Additionally, the organizations may desire means for
determining what general account such use, including any service
charges from outside vendors, should be charged.
[0004] Because existing commercial cellular phones are generally
sold to a user/owner, detailed accounting schemes have been avoided
in part to minimize complications with the already complicated
requirements for crediting national or international communication
carriers, local or regional carriers, and one or more cellular
network area operators. Similarly, with multiple charges from
multiple carriers, with services provided in a variety of
governmental jurisdictions, tax accounting becomes a complex
endeavor. With the factor of periodic use by a series of multiple
users added, problems arise that cannot be resolved solely by
programming changes in existing telephone units or central
communication systems. While some of the features of the preferred
embodiment described hereafter may be of the type that could be
incorporated in central telephone service systems, inertia in
altering massive communication protocols for selective
applications, not of benefit to all subscribers, will inhibit
implementation. Although other cellular telephone rental systems
have been proposed, they have been unable to provide the full
features required for proper monitoring of the location and usage
of a mobile telephone unit to allow adequate flexibility in setting
usage criteria for an organization or appropriate charge schedules
for a rental business.
[0005] The cellular phone accounting system of this invention
solves the problems in expanding the capability of existing
cellular phone systems by improvements in software programming and
hardware additions, which are preferably integrated into a
composite system that is useful for small and large
organizations.
[0006] It has been found that the primary object of this invention,
to provide a system that is sufficiently flexible to enable a
variety of customized tracking procedures to be incorporated to a
customized cellular phone operation where a plurality of mobile
telephone units are involved, can, with modifications, be applied
to cellular telephone sales and distribution systems. Many of the
procedures for activating and programming a new cellular phone, and
entering it into a cellular network system are modified extensions
to the unlocking, programming and temporary assignment of the phone
in the rental or organizational setting. Additionally, since the
problems of activating and assigning cellular telephones from
different manufacturers to different service providers is not
unique to cellular telephones, but applicable to any mobile
communication device, the system described is applicable to MIRS
telephones, PCS terminal phones, paging communicators or any
wireless analog or digital communication device where such tasks as
transaction records, credit checks, activation sequencing and
sign-up for a service provider are involved.
[0007] Since cellular phone distributors and sellers may often be
different entities than cellular service providers, a layer of
accounting and tracking is required that is not within the province
of the telephone system line operator and not adequately addressed
by commercial cellular service providers or cellular telephone
distributors. With modification and expansion, the tracking and
accounting system devised, provides the foundation for an
integrated and unified system for transfer of the communication
unit from the manufacturers to the end user who signs on with the
local service provider.
[0008] This modified system of programming and tracking mobile
communication devices is most effectively demonstrated for purposes
of description by the distribution of cellular telephone units from
different manufacturers to the ultimate user. The embodiment of the
system for use with a cellular telephone is therefore equally
applicable to any mobile communication device, whether digital or
analog or for voice or data transmission. The system is best
implemented at the point of distribution by wholesalers, retailers
or service providers for cellular phones or other mobile
communication devices. In particular, this system meets the needs
of a distributor of mobile phones from many different manufacturers
and relates to a system for gang programming a plurality of mobile
telephones and readying a mobile phone for immediate use by a
customer or end user.
[0009] The programming, tracking and accounting system is a
complete computer system that also includes a routine for
encrypting the phone manufacturer's entry code on dedication of the
phone or other device to a specified service provider, such that
the service provider must unlock the device before the dedicated
unit can be switched to a different service provider with
replacement of the original access key. In addition to the
important gang programming and anti-churn features, the integrated
computer system provides an accounting system for tracking the use
of the phone and its transfer to a particular customer and to the
ultimate end user when the customer represents a group of end
users.
[0010] In the field of cellular telephone communication systems,
cellular telephone wholesalers and distributors customarily market
a variety of different models of cellular phones from different
cellular telephone manufacturers. Cellular phones are frequently
marketed by cellular network service providers directly to users,
including customers representing groups of end users. Service
providers often contract with multiple manufacturers to obtain
quantity discounts or to offer potential service customers
different phone options, at different prices with different
features. The chore of programming many phone units from different
manufacturers is problematic, particularly when it is not desirable
to have phone units with assigned phone numbers in a slow moving
inventory. Typically, groups of phones are required to be
programmed on an "as needed" basis and desirably unlocked for use
only when assigned to a customer or end user. The feature of gang
programming multiple phone units is therefore extremely important
to an efficient cellular telephone distribution operation.
[0011] Additionally, the inherent mobility of the cellular phone
unit with the resultant ability to incur substantial charges for
telecommunication services makes accurate tracking imperative.
Given the variety of factors and variables in delivering an
operable cellular phone unit to an ultimate user within a discrete
geographical local, a coordinated system of tracking and security
is required. This complex task is complicated by the competitive
marketing practices of cellular and other telecommunication service
providers, which often encourage users to switch service
providers.
[0012] The cellular service provider is traditionally not informed
of the reasons a subscriber switches companies and thereby has no
opportunity to bid for continued service, or determine if the
service provided was satisfactory or not. The inclusion of an
anti-churn feature requiring the phone unit to be reprogrammed only
by the service center of the service provider before a service
switch, is a desirable asset. Additionally, the ability to account
for the whereabouts and use of a cellular unit in real time
provides a substantial advantage in maintaining the security and
integrity of a cellular telephone system. Because the field of
cellular telephone communication systems has reached a level of
maturity that problems are apparent in extending distribution to
common retail outlets such as mass market department stores, the
programming, tracking and accounting system devised provides a
format solution that is applicable to a variety of wireless
communication devices where additional layers of accounting and
security are required because of mobility of the device, the
parties involved, or the nature and content of the
transmission.
[0013] The ability to activate, program and test a plurality of
phone units simultaneously and complete the assignment of the units
to an end user at a retail outlet greatly enhances the economy and
usefulness of a comprehensive, multitiered, management system for
communication units that may be purchased, rented, leased or simply
given to an ultimate user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The multitiered programming, tracking and accounting system
of this invention is defined by the exemplars of a cellular
telephone rental system and a cellular telephone distribution
system. The system is equally applicable to any communication
system where similar problems arise because of the complexity of
the multiple party transaction and mobility of a communication
device that may incur substantial charges.
[0015] The cellular telephone accounting system of this invention
in one embodiment is configured as an integrated hardware system
interlinking a cellular telephone unit, a telephone interlink
receiver, and a central processing unit connected to the interlink
receiver. The hardware system also preferably includes a receipt
printer, particularly when used in a rental or sale operation for
cellular phone units. The cellular telephone unit in one embodiment
is equipped with an internal real-time clock and calendar circuit
and memory store to record the time and date of calls for reporting
to the central processing unit to enable tracking and detailed
accounting for calls.
[0016] In centralized organizations, where one or more dispensing
locations are contemplated, the central processing unit may
comprise local processors, such as personal computers, connected by
a file server network to a personal computer acting as a
centralized information processor, or to a central mainframe or
minicomputer. Alternately, multiple local processors may be
periodically accessed by a centralized processor through a modem
using commercial communication lines for data transfer.
[0017] In the preferred embodiments described, the system will
include a credit card reader for credit verification, and, a
receipt printer for instant production of statements, primarily
useful for rental operations, but useable by organizations where
computer record keeping is augmented by paper tracking. In such
situations, slips identifying the user and other facts associated
with checking-out and checking-in procedures for the mobile units
may be useful at the dispensing location although charges and other
usage accounting is handled internally in a centralized data
processing system in coordination with other organizational
accounting tasks.
[0018] A primary object of this invention is to devise a system
that is sufficiently flexible to enable a variety of customized
tracking procedures to be incorporated into a customized phone
operation where a plurality of mobile telephone units are involved.
The cellular telephone accounting system of the described,
preferred embodiment includes all those needed features for a
mobile telephone rental enterprise, and may be modified as desired
for less complex operations that may be appropriate for internal
governmental or private company operations. In the improved system,
additional features enable the application of the system to a
mobile phone distribution system that is capable of sales at a
retail outlet and immediate activation for service.
[0019] The cellular telephone accounting system of this invention
includes a plurality of interlinked components. In general, a
plurality of mobile telephone units or cellular phones are
involved, although the system could be used to monitor the use of a
single telephone unit. The mobile telephone units described, each
comprise a cellular phone including conventional circuitry and
software to perform the customary communication transmission and
reception functions. The units also include hardware and software
means for call metering for coordinating call charges to national
and regional phone systems in conjunction with one or more
commercial cellular service operators. In addition, the mobile
telephone unit of this invention for use in the rental setting or
where an additional layer of call accounting is required includes a
real time clock and calendar circuit module in each phone unit to
date and time the calls and enable accurate coordination of phone
usage with the location of use for enhanced billing detail or usage
monitoring.
[0020] The phone unit, when dispensed and returned, is installed in
the telephone interlink receiver which includes a boot having a
terminal connector or interface that connects to the external
service connector of the phone unit. ordinarily, the phone unit
connector is the standard connector of a premodified cellular
phone, which enables hardwire communication, ie: power and data
transmission between the phone unit and an external system. This
connector is usually used to diagnose, service or reprogram the
cellular phone.
[0021] It should be noted that the telephone unit in one embodiment
is modified to include a clock/calendar chip. In addition to the
existing integrated circuit found within commercial phones, such
clock/calendar information is stored with the conventional
information pertaining to the phone number called and the like.
[0022] The telephone interlink receiver functions as the computer
telephone interface and enables a standard personal computer to
communicate with the internal signal and data processing circuits
of a minimally modified phone unit. In such an intermediary
capacity, the interlink receiver assists the processing unit,
preferably a personal computer, in accomplishing basic housekeeping
functions for the phone unit such as setting the time and date of
the phone unit, reprogramming the phone unit, or, retrieving stored
information necessary to calculate charges. Together with the
processing unit, the interlink receiver determines other aspects of
a phone's function and use or restrictions in the function and use,
appropriate for a rental service or other controlled service
use.
[0023] The telephone interlink receiver utilizes an internal
microprocessor and interfacing means for interconnecting the
telephone unit and the central processing unit. The translation
means is also included for establishing protocol relative to the
signals received from the telephone unit to permit communication of
telephone unit signals to the microprocessor and, eventually, to
the central processing unit. The translation means may be
programmed with software or firmware appropriate to the particular
phone unit or cellular phone. The translation means may be erasable
or reprogrammed at will, commensurate with the telephone unit being
employed in the present invention. It is to be understood that the
circuiting comprising the interlink receiver can be incorporated
into the phone unit with the interlink receiver merely functioning
as an interconnector between phone and computer, with the phone
jacked directly into the serial port of the computer.
[0024] The central processing unit in the rental embodiment
comprises a dedicated personal computer that is programmed with the
necessary control routines to operate the system. In general the
central processing unit is a stand-alone component and need not be
connected to a centralized information processor.
[0025] However, if one or more local central processing units are
connected to a centralized processor the operating protocol can be
such that operations management is shared between the centralized
information processor and the linked central processing unit or
units. In this manner certain functions may only be performed
through the centralized processor, such that global or system wide
changes can be effected from a single source, or, in some
situations, to prevent or limit inadvertent or unauthorized
alterations to system operation or billing records at the local
level.
[0026] The central processing unit includes connected peripheral
components, most importantly a receipt printer which can generate a
detailed instant rental invoice or slip incorporating a rental
agreement or a detailed sales receipt and service contract. On
return of a rented cellular phone unit the printer can generate a
return agreement with an instant statement of charges, including
charges from commercial common carriers, cellular network operators
and, importantly, rental schedule charges. With the improved
capability of the subject system the latter accounting can include
special charges for use out of the home base system, (roaming
charges), for use in distant zones with a distant home base, as
defined by the rental operator, real time charges, and other
extraordinary charges or surcharges based on the newly available
information generated by the subject improvements to cellular
phones.
[0027] Because the cellular phone unit is an expensive item and is
an instrument that can incur substantial long distance charges,
additional peripheral equipment for automatic credit card reading
can be included for verification of credit sufficient to sustain
loss of a phone unit or potentially high commercial carrier charges
during use. The credit card reading equipment is connected to the
central processing unit to transfer credit information to storage,
verify credit by a modem that accesses a credit bureau and prepare
credit card statements after authorization of charges. The credit
verification means is used in conjunction with any programmed
charge limiting criteria, or call limiting criteria, for
restricting phone use to insure payment. Certain of the features of
the rental system can be utilized in the cellular telephone
distribution system. For example, the credit verification feature
including the credit card swipe component is advantageously
employed when the cellular phone is sold to the ultimate user at a
retail outlet or service enter of a service provider.
[0028] The programming, distribution and tracking system of the
expanded modification, issues and tracks mobile communication units
from the distribution of the unit to the assignment of the unit to
an ultimate subscriber and his selected service provider
network.
[0029] In addition to managing the distribution, group programming,
testing, and ultimate assignment of the units to a customer, the
system activates and encodes the unit for use with the specified
service provider and end user providing both paper documentation
and a computerized audit trail.
[0030] The tracking system is particularly adapted to cellular
telephones and includes a multilevel data acquisition and
management system that provides the necessary accounting and
security features for optimized distribution of cellular telephones
of different manufacture to customers of multiple or individual
phone units. The system includes a computerized central information
processor and complimentary, interlinked subprocessors at the
service center level and retail delivery level as needed by the
system user. The system is sufficiently flexible to be used by a
distribution outlet that provides the programmed and activated
phone unit to the ultimate end user or by a cellular telephone
service provider that provides or acquires phone units for its
subscribers.
[0031] The computerized tracking system enables a customer to
obtain a cellular phone with virtually no paperwork, delays or
programming problems and enables activation under a customer
selected service plan. The tracking system is particularly useful
for a cellular service provider or use in conjunction with a
cellular service provider and includes the desirable anti-churning
feature to prevent switching of service providers without the
acknowledgement and action of the service provider. At the level of
the central information processor, the system is networked with
existing customer acquisition systems and correlates customer
verification and accounting data with cellular unit transaction
data. A customer database and a cellular phone unit database are
coordinated with an interlink key that enables a variety of
standard and custom management reports to be generated.
[0032] A primary feature of this expanded tracking system permits
the former tedious task of individually programming and testing
cellular telephones through the keyboard of the unit to be avoided.
Even the improved system for programming and communications with a
cellular telephone through the interlink receiver required phones
to be programmed one at a time. In the improved extended system,
the MIN parameters and phone activation can be automatically
entered through the telephone interlink receiver as previously
described, or the system user can gang program and test multiple
phone units and coordinate the assignment of the phone units to
individual or group customers as described in the expanded system.
The phone units are activated and transactions related to each unit
are tracked until the phone unit is no longer the responsibility of
the distributor or network service provider.
[0033] The tracking system is particularly useful for cellular
service providers to manage the initial acquisition, distribution
and use of mobile phone units in their cellular service network.
The tracking system integrates easily into existing customer
acquisition systems and includes a relational database that is
easily accessible and shared by existing systems.
[0034] These and other features provide the necessary
accountability and security for operating a high volume cellular
telephone distribution and tracking system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the components of a first
embodiment of a mobile phone accounting system.
[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of
the mobile phone accounting system with a centralized
processor.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the command hierarchy
of the major components of the system.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the command line
interface between the computer and interlink receiver.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the command line
interface between the interlink receiver and the mobile phone
unit.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a block diagram indicating a general flow of data
through the telephone interlink receiver.
[0041] FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of the telephone interlink
receiver and the interface between the telephone unit and central
processing unit.
[0042] FIG. 8 is an electrical schematic depicting a portion of the
telephone unit circuitry and modifications made to the same.
[0043] FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing of the distribution and
tracking system of another embodiment of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the system configuration of
FIG. 9 for phone programming and data recording.
[0045] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an overview of the routing
system for multiple phone programming.
[0046] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the routing sequence for
multiple phone programming.
[0047] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the routing system and routing
sequence for multiple phone programming.
[0048] FIG. 14 is an electrical schematic diagram of the routing
circuit at a platform module of the gang platform for programming
multiple phones.
[0049] FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic diagram detailing a
portion of routing circuit of FIG. 14.
[0050] FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic diagram detailing a
portion of the routing circuit of FIG. 15.
[0051] FIG. 17 is an electrical schematic diagram of the power
circuit for the routing circuit of FIG. 14.
[0052] FIGS. 18A-18T are exemplar screen displays for uses of the
distribution and tracking system.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, the cellular telephone accounting
system of this invention is designated generally by the reference
numeral 10 and is shown in the configuration of a stand-alone,
tracking and accounting unit 12. The tracking unit 12 includes a
central processing unit 14 that combines a data entry keyboard 16
coupled to a controller or data processor 18 which in turn is
coupled to a monitor 20 having a display screen 22 for tracking
data entry and review. Also connected to the processor 18 are
peripheral components including a printer 24, here with a
continuous paper roll 26 for printing statements, receipts,
customer contracts and the like, and a credit card reader 27 for
credit verification.
[0054] Included in the cellular telephone accounting system is a
telephone interlink receiver 28 shown with a coupled, hand-held,
cellular phone unit 30. The interlink receiver 28 structurally
forms a boot 32 into which the cellular phone unit 30 is inserted
at the time of check-out or rental, and at the time of check-in or
return. The interlink receiver 28 comprises the interface component
between the central processing unit 14 and the mobile cellular
phone 30. It is to be understood that the tracking unit 12, even as
a stand alone system, generally includes a plurality of phone units
46, each with its own telephone number and equipment identification
number and assigned cellular area system number.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the preferred system for a rental
operation having multiple rental sites includes a centralized
processor 34, including a controller 36 with a large memory acting
as a centralized database for record keeping, an input/output
console 38 for entering data and reviewing files, programs, etc.
and a printer 40 for generating reports and hard copy records. The
centralized processor should comprise at least an IBM 386 or
equivalent personal computer with an internal modem and large
memory. The centralized processor 34 removes many of the
operational tasks from the plurality of local tracking units 12,
-enabling the tracking units to provide the necessary operations
for site rentals, but removing to the centralized processor the
programming and scheduling functions.
[0056] In this manner, changes in rate structures, in procedures or
in the type of information collected can be accomplished throughout
the served system. Additionally, centralizing many operations
removes the ability to inadvertently or deliberately tamper with
procedures or billings and allows implementation of various
security measures for the local sites.
[0057] Each of the tracking units 12 comprises a personal computer
42 such as an IBM 286 or compatible, a rental agreement and invoice
printer 24, and a credit card reader 27. The tracking units 12 are
connected to the telephone interlink receiver 28 to which phone
units from the inventory 46 are connectable to link the phones with
the computer 42. The tracking units communicate with the
centralized processor continually by a file server type network or
periodically by a modem link through commercial telecommunication
systems. A second dedicated modem, (not shown) located internally
in the computer 42 also allows the credit card reader to
communicate with a service bureau 44 for credit verification.
[0058] A cellular phone unit inventory 46 is associated with each
tracking unit 12 and includes individual phone units 30 identified
for assignment to a particular tracking unit home base.
[0059] Records of reassignment of phone units when returned to
different sites or when transferred to more popular rental sites is
desired for proper inventory control. Internal systems programming
tracks the phone units and includes procedures to track the
location of the units during use. To insure that roaming charges
are appropriately calculated relative to a particular home base,
cellular area system identification numbers are stored on each call
or periodically when switching from one area to another.
[0060] Referring now to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 3-5, an
overview of the operation of the interlinked components of the
cellular telephone accounting system 10 is shown. In FIG. 3, the
command hierarchy is depicted with the tracking and accounting unit
12 (TAU), Box 50, sending command bytes to the computer telephone
interface (CTI) Box 52, in the form of the previously described
telephone interlink receiver 28, which translates and relays the
appropriate command bytes to the Tphone, Box 54, which is one of
the cellular phone units 30 electronically connected to the
interlink receiver 28.
[0061] In an exemplar system, a Novatel PTR800A cellular phone was
modified by inclusion of a real-time clock chip, U5 in FIG. 8,
integrated into the cellular phone processor with a rededication of
a part of the memory store in the cellular phone EPROM memory chip
to accommodate operating system code and data storage for the new
functional capabilities of the phone unit.
[0062] The computer initiated command bytes, when engaged in data
retrieval, are relayed to the Tphone 54 by the CTI 52, with any
modification or translation, necessary to accommodate particular
operating system and data code in a particular manufacture of
cellular phone, triggering a data dump or data read of stored
information and check of any settings such as the real time clock
and non-resettable cumulative counter. The data retrieved by the
CTI 52 is passed to TAU with any modification or translation to the
data necessary for compatibility with the interface standards set
for the TAU system particularly in a multi site network where
differently configured phones may be used from site to site.
[0063] The return data bytes are processed by the TAU computer, for
site activities involved in the rental transaction, and in systems
having a centralized processor, stored and passed to the
centralized processor when the local unit is periodically
interrogated by the centralized processor.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 4, a simplified command protocol is
diagrammed to outline the data retrieval process at the CTI. At the
start, Box 56, an inquiry is made to determine if the TAU has
turned on the Tphone for interrogation, decision diamond 58. If no,
it returns to its start state. If yes, then an inquiry is made to
determine if the cellular phone is in the CTI, diamond 60, and
engaged on the connecting terminal to be electronically connected
to the CTI. If yes, then the system is set to receive a command
from the TAU, Box 62. When a command is received the TAU relays the
command to the Tphone, Box 64 and a check is made to determine if
the Tphone received the command, diamond 66. If no, a failure flag
update message, Box 68, is relayed to the TAU, and if yes, the read
data message is passed to the Tphone, Box 70, to extract the
desired information from the Tphone.
[0065] If the data read is a success as queried at diamond 72 the
success flag is set, Box 74, and if no, the failure flag is set. A
failure flag message will prompt the rental operator to remove the
phone from service for repair servicing or special procedure
interrogation to recover any sought for data, particularly if
Tphone is being interrogated after a rental return.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, a simplified command protocol is
diagrammed to outline the procedure occurring in the modified
cellular telephone. It is expected, however, that the subject
modifications will be incorporated in the cellular telephone upon
manufacture.
[0067] From start, Box 76, one of several paths is directed to the
decision diamond 78 where it is determined whether a telephone call
is being initiated. If no, a return loop goes back to start, Box
76. If yes, it is determined if a send key has been pressed at
diamond 80 which indicates an outgoing call. If yes, a check is
made at diamond 82 to determine if the "in use" light E-1 FIG. 7,
is on, indicating a completed call connection. A no at either the
send key decision or light on decision will result in looping to
existing internal phone processes at Box 84 with a return to a
start, Box 62.
[0068] If the phone is in use the interrogation path jumps to RAM
where the control code for initiating the internal record keeping
procedures resides, Box 86. Instructions are initiated to read the
clock and calendar, Box 88, and retrieve any cellular system
identification number and switching data, if the phone is not
already storing such data in its own memory. The recovered data is
temporarily stored in reallocated RAM, Box 90 together with the
phone number and other pertinent data for feedback to the CTI
callup. The path then jumps back to ROM, Box 92, for coordinating
system operation procedures of cellular phone with the real time
data collection and store before returning to start, Box 76.
[0069] In a second path from start, Box 76, when the in use light
goes off signalling the end of a call, the jump to RAM, Box 94
initiates the program instructions to store the time and data of
the call end, Box 96, enabling calculation of an outgoing call
duration or identification of the time and date of an incoming call
together with the cellular system identification number, if
desired. A jump back to ROM 92 returns the control to the internal
control circuitry of the phone.
[0070] Finally, on placing the phone in the interlink receiver 28,
a telephone received command byte, Box 98 results in a jump to RAM,
Box 100 where the program instructions to recover and relay the
stored data are initiated. This stored data, including the cellular
system identification number in the cellular network system, stored
in RAM, is sent back to the CTI, Box 102 using the system protocol
of the phone unit, Box 104.
[0071] If the cellular system identification numbers are logged by
the existing operating system program of the phone, the newly
programmed interrogation instructions need only locate the data
store, recover and transmit the data to the CTI for relay to the
TAU. The TAU by its own modifiable internal program defines use
zones and translate cell locations to use zones for calculation of
use surcharges, for out of home base roaming calls, and/or, for
monitoring the location of use. Alternately to monitor use, the
real-time clock circuit can trigger periodic inquiries to the
memory store of current system identification number and record
changes in the number in a memory location accessible during data
transfer.
[0072] In a mobile, cellular telephone network, cellular areas are
given a system identification area number (SID) similar to national
telephone system area codes. Each phone in addition to an assigned
telephone number includes a unit identification number or called
the Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and an initially assigned home
system identification number (SIDH) that identifies the unit as
associated with a particular cellular area (SID). Usually this SID
is the rental site as the home base from which roaming calls are
calculated, but may be another location. In the metering of calls,
for proper crediting of the systems area operator, calls are logged
with (SID) number providing a means of noting from which system
area, as well as area code, a call is made, while "roaming" away
from a home base. In that manner, the phone companies can bill a
cellular phone wherever it travels.
[0073] By storing and accessing this information and coordinating
data with real time call records, monitoring the location of the
phone unit during its period of use is accomplished by any of
several programming procedures.
[0074] In the example given, modifying a Novatel PTR800A phone 208,
FIGS. 6 and 8, the program code is not stored in ROM, because there
was no room, but stored in a dedicated section of RAM. In
operation, as described with reference to the flow charts, patches
were used to jump out of ROM to RAM to implement the new program
procedures. Similarly, certain features of the original phone,
including a user call memory in RAM for storage of frequently
called numbers, was coopted to store the new phone call data.
[0075] A redesigned cellular phone unit 12 preferably allocates
system operation code to ROM, and includes an expanded RAM memory
to retain common desirable features, while storing data on an
expanded number of logged calls with the additional data for time
and date provided by the incorporated real-time clock, and a
correlated real-time record of (SID) data to establish the location
of the phone during each logged call, and if desired, throughout
its period of use.
[0076] With reference to FIG. 6, it may be observed that block
diagram generally describes the interlink receiver 28. Receiver 28
is mounted within boot 32 which includes a microprocessor 202
communicating through a serial port 204 to the central processing
unit 14. Interface 206 permit telephone unit 208 to communicate
with receiver 200. As previously described the embodiment herein
employs a telephone unit consisting of a Novatel cellular phone
TR800A. However, it should be noted that any telephone unit may be
employed herein with the present system 10. In this regard,
translation means 210 is included in receiver 28 to establish a
protocol within receiver 28, permitting data signals from telephone
unit 208 to eventually reach central processing unit (CPU) 14
through microprocessor 202, using standard data formats such as
ASCI. The program 212, in the form of software or firmware, is
inserted into translation means 210 to accommodate the data signal
characteristics of telephone unit 208. It should be noted that
translation means 210 may be erasable and reprogrammable with any
program when telephone units are substituted.
[0077] Returning now to FIG. 7, it may be observed that a schematic
diagram is represented for receiver 28. At it may seen from FIG. 7,
interface 204 from central processing unit 14 feeds into receiver
28 at J3. A 12V DC power source is also fed from CPU 14 passes
through capacitor C8 and into voltage regulator VR1. The voltage
regulator VR1 reduces the input voltage from 12V to 5V by passing
current through an output filter 214 consisting of capacitors C1,
C2, C9, C4, and C13. The J3 input connects to process voltage
convertor U4 which is capable of generating positive and negative
voltages via capacitors C8, C10, C11, and C12. Microprocessor U1
interprets any data, as previously described, passing between CPU
14 and telephone unit 208. Multiplexer U2 receives signal lines
from U3, depicted as an EPROM which serves as translation means
210. Software or firmware program 212 is superimposed on EPROM 3.
The source code of a software program peculiar to the Novatel
telephone unit 208 is enclosed herewith as an appendix to this
application. Interface 206, also peculiar to the Novatel telephone
unit 208, is depicted in FIG. 7 as J4. Again, the physical terminal
or jack serving as interface 206 may be altered to accommodate any
telephone unit. E1 (LED 1) is switched by transistor Q2 and
indicates the operation transistor Q3 operates transistor E3 (LED
2) with a yellow light indicating interrogation between CPU 14 and
telephone unit 208.
[0078] Transistor Q1 turns telephone unit 208 on and off. Table 1
indicates components and abbreviations employed in FIGS. 7 and
8.
[0079] With reference to FIG. 8, it may be observed that a portion
of the circuit board added to the Novatel PTR800A phone unit 208 is
depicted. The EPROM U6 essentially identical to the EPROM employed
in the Novatel phone unit 209 except the tip missing 216 pin (-)
has been removed. A clock chip U5 has been added, including a
crystal Y2. Thus, the clock/calendar information travels between
the pins marked VCC of chips U5 and U6 via the tuning capacitor
C14. Thus, the unit 208 has been altered to provide clock/calendar
information, together with prior information available in phone
unit 208, to interlink receiver 28 and CPU 14.
[0080] Table 2 represents a list of certain components employed in
the schematics depicts in FIGS. 7 and 8. It should be noted that
additional software or firmware is programmed into the EPROM of U6
and is provided herein as a portion of the appendix.
1TABLE I ABBREVIATIONS XTAL - crystal PCRXT - pers. computer
receive data PSEN - program strobe PCTXD - pers. computer transmit
data P - port ALE - address latch enable RST - reset A - address
DSR - data set ready LED - light emitting diode RD - receive data
AD - address and data line RTS - ready to send DRV - drive TD -
transmit data WRON - telephone unit CTS - clear to send XFCE -
interface GND - ground CE - chip enable DB - connector PGM -
program OE - output enable I - in VPP - power supply chip D - data
O - out E - enable
[0081]
2TABLE II COMPONENTS U - 1 Microprocessor 80C31 U - 2 Multiplexer
74 HC 373 U - 3 EPROM 27064 U - 4 Process Voltage Converter Maxum
232 U - 5 Clock Chip DS1215S Dallas Semi Conductors, Dallas Texas U
- 6 EPROM 27C2S56
Telephone Unit 208 Novatel PTR800A Ft. Worth, Tex.
[0082] In use, in the situation of a rental operation, a customer
indicates a desire to rent a cellular phone and presents a credit
card. The rental agent activates the display screen by a key touch
to change from a screen saver display to a main menu, selecting the
"rent a phone" option. The agent then selects a "new customer"
option and enters the customers name, address, driver's license
number and other information desired by a predevised field based
data format. The agent then swipes the customer's credit card
through the slot in the credit card reader to record credit
information and automatically dial-up a service bureau through a
dedicated internal modem in the local computer, called the tracking
and accounting unit (TAU). Upon verification of card validity and
credit limitations, if any, the TAU prompts the agent to place a
phone in the boot of the telephone interlink receiver. The phone is
initially off and the interlink receiver powers the phone, unlocks
it, and checks the phone Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and
telephone number, checks the cumulative call counter, checks the
setting of the real-time clock in the phone and resets the call
memory.
[0083] The TAU prints out the rental agreement, which in part is
preprinted, adding the new information identifying the customer and
phone being rented, the number of batteries provided, and any other
transaction or credit information desired. The customer signs the
agreement and a copy is retained by the agent who logs the phone as
in-use.
[0084] The phone for rental operations may have international, 900
and 876 numbers blocked. Additionally, the phone may have the
number of calls limited by customer agreement, or because of memory
capacity in storing the time of the call, the duration, the called
number for outgoing calls, and the SIDH number, identifying the
cellular system area called from. A conventional cellular phone
without specifically added memory can store data on about 200
calls.
[0085] After use, the customer returns the phone to the rental
site. The agent selects the "phone return" option in the screen
display menu. The agent is again prompted to place the phone in the
boot of the telephone interlink receiver. The interlink receiver
reads the call memory, clears the call memory, locks the phone and
transfers the information to the TAU.
[0086] The TAU calculates the bill, using the appropriate daily
rate, local calling charge, roaming charges, roaming call
surcharges, long distance tariffs, long distance markups,
international rates, taxes and any other charges such as lost
batteries, etc. The TAU calls the credit card service bureau and
requests payment authorization. The TAU prints out a Final
Agreement Invoice with a detailed call list, and list of charges
for the customer. When the customer signs the invoice, the TAU
records the rental as complete.
[0087] Periodically, under central operator control, the
centralized information processor calls the local site TAU over a
dial-up line. The centralized processor polls the TAU for records
of all completed rentals, inventory data and provides the TAU with
tariff and other operating data updates. The polling of local site
TAUs is usually performed late-at-night as the TAU is disabled
during interrogation. The centralized processor compiles and prints
daily and weekly reports on individual sites, recording daily and
weekly business, phone usage, inventory, overdue phones and
revenues. The centralized processor compiles composite reports on
all site data to provide a current overview of the rental
operation.
[0088] Similarly, the TAU on operator demand generates reports for
the individual rental office to provide current and cumulative hard
copy records on the business.
[0089] Experience in the field of rental of cellular phones has
resulted in the recognition of many problems that arise in the
temporary assignment of phones to users. Processing of the
necessary paperwork at the rental office, checking the user's
credit and tracking the cellular telephone with accurate accounting
for calls, including an extra layer for rental charges have enabled
solutions to be devised for the different, but related field of
cellular phone distribution. The new problems of activating
telephones, often from different manufacturers, and delivering the
phones to an ultimate user under a subscription agreement with a
cellular phone service provider are advantageously resolved by the
tracking system for distributed cellular telephones as herein
described.
[0090] Referring to the diagrammatic view of FIG. 9, the
programming, tracking and accounting system for distributed mobile
communication devices, here mobile phone units 308, is designated
by the reference 310. The programming and tracking system is shown
coupled by a communication link to an existing customer activation
system 312 used, for example, by a cellular telephone distributor,
retailer or cellular network service provider. Frequently, the
cellular telephone distributor is the cellular system service
provider, and not only issues phones to customers and subscribers,
but tracks the telephone usage by the subscribers.
[0091] The mobile telephone tracking system 310 may, however, be
utilized as a self-contained, mobile telephone distribution system
that issues telephones from a variety of different manufacturers to
customers in conjunction with one or more service providers. In
this system, by pre-arrangements with the service providers, the
customers can be issued an activated mobile phone and subscriber's
contract for service at a single location.
[0092] The mobile telephone tracking system 310 is shown networked
with optional subsystems including one or more service center
systems 314, and similarly, one or more retail delivery systems
316. The core of the mobile telephone tracking system 310 is a
central information processor unit 318 that includes a data input
and output module 320 and file server tower 322. It is to be
understood that any capable hardware system having networked,
file-server capabilities may function as the central information
processor unit. It has been found that a 486DX50 mHz central
processing unit with a Unix operating and networking system
including a SCSI 300 mb hard drive and an accompanying file server
tower provides an economical hardware system for managing most
mobile phone acquisition, programming, testing and issuing
operations of the expanded system.
[0093] The central information processor unit 318 includes an
internal modem that communicates via a data link 326, for example
commercial telephone lines, to the customer activation system 312
which includes the customer data base and accounting system of the
phone distributor or service provider.
[0094] Where desired, additional terminals can be connected to the
central information processing unit for acquisition and transfer of
data from remote sites. The central information processing unit 318
also includes a series of gang platforms 324 for programming and
testing groups of mobile phones simultaneously.
[0095] In one preferred embodiment, a single central information
processing unit 318 includes eight different interfaces for
programming cellular phones from different manufacturers and can
program up to 128 phones at one time when grouped by manufacturer
and/or model number. This feature is particularly important for
mobile phone distributors who have heretofore been required to
activate telephones individually through a painstakingly slow
process using the telephone keyboard. Automatic programming and
testing of cellular phones in batches substantially reduces error
input, the time for programming and testing, and the time for
generating accounting records for tracking, inventory control and
billing.
[0096] Far greater security is provided by automatic batch
programming, since the group of phones programmed can be assigned
all NAM (Number Assignment Module) parameters including SID (System
Identification number), GIM (Group Identification Mark), and MIN
(Mobile Identification Number). In the procedure of batch
programming of telephones, the automated software includes a
procedural command set that allows the programmer a degree of
latitude in programming the phones, such that certain parameters,
such as assignment of the MIN may be performed at the service
center 314 or at the retail outlet 316. In this manner, the
inventory of useable MIN's under control of the central information
processor 318 is not depleted prematurely and valuable telephone
numbers are not assigned until the phone is activated for use or
delivered to the ultimate user.
[0097] Of particular importance, at the time of programming the
batch of phones, the phones can be encrypted with an anti-churn
code to prevent access to the manufacturer's "back door" entry code
that permits reprogramming. In this manner, the programmed phone
must be returned to an authorized service center to be unlocked for
reprogramming. The ability to track and account for activated
phones is thereby within the control of the distributor or his
authorized agent.
[0098] The distributor will thereby be alerted to a service switch
prior to the switch occurring. This provides the distributor (or
service provider who is also the distributor or operating in
conjunction with the distributor) an opportunity to determine the
reasons for a service switch, and, if anything can be done to
prevent a service switch. For example, correction of any
dissatisfaction the customer may have with equipment operation,
service or billing may enable the customer to be retained.
[0099] In addition to this marketing advantage, the anti-churn code
enables the distributor to precisely determine when the phone unit
is no longer the responsibility of the distributor, thereby
expanding the marketing plan for acquisition of phones to lease or
lease-purchase. During the process of reprogram unlock, the action
is automatically reported to the central information processor unit
and recorded.
[0100] The anti-churn feature also allows for greater security in
the distribution of cellular phones within the tracking system.
[0101] Telephones that are not fully programmed and await final
assignment of a SID and/or MIN at the local service center or
retail outlet cannot be finally programmed without access to the
encrypted anti-churn code.
[0102] In FIG. 9, the retail delivery system 316 is shown with a
computer 328 connected to the central information processor 318 via
a communication link 330 that may be a dedicate or switched public
network channel. The retail delivery system or retail outlet
includes a printer 332 for printing customer forms and invoices, a
bar code scanner 334 allows for rapid entry of data into the
computer 328 that is associated with a particular phone unit 336
being scanned. The phone unit preferably has a bar code label that
is keyed to the manufacturer's group identification number or the
manufacturer's individual serial number (ESN) for that unit. Data
related to the phone unit is thereby readily entered allowing
access to the stored data about that unit or group to be accessed
from storage in the local computer 328 or retrieved from the
central information processor 318. The retail outlet 316 also
includes a credit card swipe 338 such that the customers credit can
be instantly verified and payments or present credit allocations
entered by charge if desired. The computer 328 also includes a
keyboard 340 and a data input mouse 342 allowing the customer sales
representative to select menus and fields for entry of data
relating to the transaction. Transactional data is returned to the
central information processor 318 for correlation, processing and
storage.
[0103] It is to be understood that the auxiliary components to the
computer 328 may also be included at the location of the central
information processor 318 or the service center 314, if phones are
issued to customers or if hard copy records are desired to be
generated.
[0104] The local service center system 314 is also connected to the
central information processor 318 via a communication link 350. The
service center 314 can be a satellite system to the central
information processor allowing original batch programming or
telephones in a gang platform 324 in conjunction with the central
information processor 318, or be a supplemental system, where a
local service area completes phone programming initiated by the
central information processor. For example, where the service
center is at a remote site of a cellular service provider and
phones delivered to the center have been encrypted and
preprogrammed with all NAM parameters, except final assignment of
the MIN which the service provider draws from its locally available
inventory of MINs stored on a disk or in the memory of the local
computer 328, final assignment of the MIN at the service center
site may be preferred to protect the phones in transit and conserve
available MINs. Alternately, the service center is associated with
a retail delivery system that is a retail outlet for phones from a
variety of different manufacturers that are delivered to customers
of several different service providers. As such, the service center
is required to selectively program phones for different service
providers or reprogram phones when customers switch service
providers or exchange phone units.
[0105] From the foregoing, it is to be understood that the system
has sufficient flexibility to be configured according to the
requirements of the user of the distribution system. A typical
application of the distribution system is described with reference
to the block diagram of FIG. 10.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 10, the system provider 354 delivers a
hardware and software package of the distribution and tracking
system to a system user 356, in this case, a cellular phone
distributor. The system user enters currently known data into the
five major directories, i.e., phones 358, salesmen 360, company
362, MIN inventory 364, and customer 366 to set up a current
system.
[0107] The directory for phones 358 includes a database with the
necessary data fields to identify the inventory of phone units
passing through the system from the phone manufacturer to the
ultimate customer or user. The database includes the manufacturer's
group identification mark (GIM), number of units available, the
manufacturer's electronic serial number for each unit (ESN),
pricing data, access or locking code for programming and other data
related to the phone units or phone manufacturer.
[0108] The directory for the salesman 360 contains a database with
the identity of all agents and representatives of the system user
who have access to the system directories and their level of
access. For example, some representative may be able to initiate
the sales and invoicing of a group of phones to a company, but a
second representative may be required to program and ship the
phones. Additionally, access to the access code for programming or
credit information of a company or customer may be limited
according to the security requirements of the system user.
[0109] The directory for the company 362 includes a database with
the identity of the various service providers or local service
provider centers to which the distributor delivers phones. The
database may include fields having the name of the company,
telephone number, shipping locations, credit information and its
system identification number (SID) and other data necessary to
correlate the programming and delivery of phone units ordered by
one of the listed companies.
[0110] The directory for MIN inventory 364 includes a database of
available mobile identification numbers that are assignable to a
phone unit when delivered to a company in a particular local
service area. Because the MIN inventory is generally accessed from
multiple issuing sites, the database must keep a real time
inventory of available numbers and indicate when numbers are
assigned to phone units or blocked for group assignment to a
particular company on a multiple unit order.
[0111] The customer directory 366 includes a database of the
customers and ultimate users of the phone units and includes fields
for the user identity, credit information, calling restrictions and
other data that is customer related. Since the identity of the
customer is usually determined by the local service provider, the
data for the customer files must be extracted from the files or
return entry of the service provider. If the service provider is
already keyed into the system, for example, by being a service
center, or, retail outlet of the distributor, the data is entered
into the system when the phone is activated for use in behalf of
the ultimate user and automatically accessed by the system user or
returned by the local issuer of the phone unit. The data retrieved
by the credit check, for example, from the credit access resulting
from a credit card swipe in credit card reader 338 of FIG. 9,
allows evaluation and recording of credit data and customer
identity.
[0112] Since the phone distribution system may be implemented with
a retail outlet for programming and issuance of phones to a
customer on the spot, like the phone rental setting the results of
credit verification may justify limiting the initial number of
calls, programming a phone lock upon reading a predetermined dollar
limit or upon reaching a certain date. This would provide a service
provider who is assigned a subscriber by a retail outlet an
opportunity to assign risk and reevaluate the subscriber's credit
standing under its own criteria without substantial costs being
incurred. The feature of a programmed date lock and dollar lock is
an improved feature for the rental system where close monitoring of
calls is enabled, and is implemented in the distribution system
where the phone units include a real time clock to enable data
locking, or where the system user is or has access to the calling
date of the service provider.
[0113] In the system shown in FIG. 10, data is extractable from
each directory. The term directory is used in its general
categorical sense, as opposed to any formalistic format for
isolating data.
[0114] When a sales agent receives an order inquiry, an order form
368 is prompted on the computer. If the requesting company is
already a client, the data is extracted from the company directory
and automatically appears in the form, which may in fact be custom
invoice and receipt forms for that company. The sales agent then
enters the order details at the programming history Box 370 and the
data is routed to the sales agent responsible for filling the order
and programming the phones at Box 372. The phones are loaded into
the gang platform and queried by the programming module of the
system software to determine make, model and other data necessary
to route the necessary programming instructions and data to the
polled phone during the programming procedure. To provide an audit
trail for tracking, data relating to each programmed phone is
retrieved and stored in the database of the central information
processor. If the customer is known at the time that the order
details are entered then that data is stored on programming and
assignment of the phone. If the customer identity is subsequently
determined by the company, which, for example, is the service
provider, the customer data is returned by the company on issuance
of the phone to a subscriber.
[0115] The task of initial programming the phones in the system
described is automated for up to 128 phones installed in modules
374 of the gang platform. Each module 374 is designed to hold
sixteen phone units 336. The configuration described can be adapted
to access two hundred fifty six phone units on reconfiguration for
larger numbers is warranted. However, it has been found that
programming the phones takes seconds for some models and minutes
for others, so that the task of installing phones in the phone
boots 376 and removing them for shipment is the time limiting
factor, not the ability to program more phones at a time. In
essence, the gang platform 324 comprises a plurality of modules 374
each having a plurality of boots 376 with each boot having an
interlink receiver station 378 permitting the computer to directly
communicate with each phone unit through the phone's connection
port in the gang platform.
[0116] Using a UNIX operating system for the multi-task programming
operation, the phone programming module of the distribution system
periodically initiates a status command to gang platform such that
a polling routine associated with each port terminal is sequenced
to determine the presence of a phone unit installed in a platform
boot.
[0117] Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 11, the central
information processor unit 318 communicates with a host network
card, in this instance a Stallion EasyReach controller 380, which
provides two useable channels 382 and 384 for communication with
multiple gang platform modules 374, each holding boots 376 for
preferably sixteen phone units. As noted a single channel, for
example channel A, 382, can be utilized to program up to 128
phones. The host network controller 380 utilizes a standard X21
network protocol to communicate with a local Stallion EasyReach
controller 383 in each of the gang platform modules 374. Each of
the modules 374, for example, Box 1, Box 2 . . . to Box n, has
assigned a network ID and communicates with the host card 380 as a
networkable client. Each interlink receiver station 378 at each
module boot 376 has port terminals 392 addressable by the following
protocol: /dev/tty [box] [channel] [port]. For instance, port 0 of
Box 1 on channel A, would be /dev/tty1a00.
[0118] The overview as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 11 is
schematically represented by the circuit diagram of FIG. 14. Only
channel A is used for access to one hundred twenty eight
stations.
[0119] Two fifty-pin connectors 386 and 388 connect to the routing
lines 390 of a mother board 385 in each sixteen boot module or Box
374 to provide sixteen communication channels 391 to port terminals
392 that are detailed in FIG. 15.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 15, port terminals 392 are configured to
the particular electronics interface required for powering and
programming each model of phone unit that operates with a different
electronics standard. For example, referring to FIG. 16, the
circuitry 394 necessary to power and program a NOKIA phone unit
having a four pin connector terminal is shown for purposes of
example only. It is to be understood that other models of the NOKIA
phone unit or phone units of different manufacturers may require a
different circuitry or different port connectors at the interlink
receiver station 378 to enable connection, powering communication
and programming of the phone unit. The port connectors 396 that
ultimately interconnect with the terminal port connector on each
phone unit is schematically shown in FIG. 14.
[0121] It is understood that each module 374 contains sixteen boots
376 with identical circuitry at each port terminal 392 for ease of
fabrication of the mother board 385 and programming large numbers
of phone units. Different modules may, however, have different sets
of identical receiver stations. A lesser number of interlink
receiver stations 378 and/or a mix of different receivers stations
in one module for programming phones of different type, for
example, of different model or manufacturer are included on a
modified platform module 324a utilized at a service center system
314 as shown in FIG. 9. A similar configuration may be used at the
retail delivery system 316. In such a setting, the ability to
program a limited number of different phones from different
manufacturers may be more important than volume programming. For
example, a module having eight receiver stations with boots having
eight different port stations allows either different phone units
to be programmed. Although multiple units of a single model may
have to be programmed one at a time, the ability to handle
different phones is important to a retailer who sells phones one at
a time.
[0122] Referring to the block diagrams of FIGS. 12 and 13, the
system program in the central information processor, Box 318,
includes a port monitor module 394 for each port terminal 392 to
detect when a phone is inserted into a boot and connected to the
port terminal for that boot. A routine in this module 394,
designated IsPhoneInserted, Box 396, is automatically activated
every three to five seconds. If no phone is inserted, no message is
returned and a "No Action" default, Box 400, results.
[0123] If a phone is installed, a command in the routine that does
not modify the phone, for example, "read ESN," or "read MIN"
generates a return message at Box 398 that is sent to a Standard
Unix SVR4 Message queue 402 of the server 322 for processing by the
system program of the central information processor 318. If the
action desired is to gang program a plurality of new phone units
installed in one or more port terminals 392 of one or more platform
modules 374, the distribution system program messages the phone
programmer module to execute the phone unit programming
sequence.
[0124] The programming sequence and data return for maintaining the
programming history database are passed through the module
controller, Box 380, that acts as a routing hub to the platform
modules 374 and the connected port controller at each module, Box
383, that routes the programming sequence to the specified terminal
port 392 that holds the particular phone unit 336 being programmed
or accessed for data retrieval. Since it is preferred that the
phone programmer module includes a separate programming sequence
for each port, errors in initiating the wrong sequence for the
particular phone type connectable to the phone terminal for that
phone type will be eliminated. Phones form different manufacturers
and even different phone models from the same manufacturer may
require a different electronic circuit at the receiver station and
a different programming sequence for communication with the
informational processor running the system program. For
convenience, the term "type" is used for phones compatible with a
particular receiver station and port terminal. Together, the
adapted circuitry of the receiver station and the selective
programming sequence for selected type of mobile phone unit
comprise the translation means for establishing the protocol for
communicating with and programming a particular type of mobile
phone unit or other mobile communication device. The configuration
of the terminal port provides the physical and electronic terminal
for connecting the distribution and tracking system to the mobile
phone units, items generally manufactured by other parties.
[0125] Alternately, where manufacturers standardize the terminal
connectors on the phone and the electronic parameters for
programming and operating the phone; the port terminals, boots, and
electronics of the receiver station can become more generic.
[0126] Where high volume simultaneous programming of multiple phone
units is not required, the system software can match the ESN or GIM
with the proper phone programming procedure for that phone type and
selectively route the execution of the program to the identified
port terminal.
[0127] As a step in the programming procedure, the manufacturer's
code for unlocking the phone unit for programming or reprogramming
is encrypted using, for example, a psuedo C code encoding routine
as follows:
3 char *GenerateNumber (int digits_to_return) { LOOP
digits_to_return times CHOOSE a valid character for type of phone
APPEND to string to return REPEAT-LOOP RETURN new anti-churn number
}
[0128] A higher level encryption routine current available from
commercial software vendors may be used where greater security is
required.
[0129] The telephone programming sequence includes a diagnostic
test to ensure that all functions of the phone are operating
efficiently. Once a phone unit has been programmed, tested and
assigned a MIN, the programming is completed. A truncated
programming procedure at the service center level is used for
phones having a MIN which is identified by the system program upon
insertion of the phone in a receiver station of a platform module.
Alternately, the phone unit is identified by scanning the bar code
label on the phone unit with the bar code reader. At the service
center level, the phone is identified by MIN, ESN, GIM and other
parameters to prompt a screen inquiry whether to run the
diagnostics routine, reprogram the phone, assign a new SID, MIN or
other parameter, or deactivate the phone recapturing the MIN for
return to the MIN inventory.
[0130] Because the distribution system maintains a database of the
phone programming history that is correlated with other data
collected during receiving phones from the manufacturer,
programming the phones, transferring phones to customers, assigning
service provision contracts to service providers, and tracking the
issuance of phones to the ultimate user, a wealth of relational
data is acquired for report generation, remote polling, inventory
control, E-mail reporting of test errors and other features useful
to an integrated phone distribution operation.
[0131] In the event that errors should occur in the system, the
errors are logged by time and date of occurrence. The errors are
automatically reported to the system providers technical support
node via e-mail. Technicians from the system provider can log-on
the user system to investigate and correct reported problems.
[0132] The system utilizes an X Windows graphical user interface
with option lists and pull down menus for system operation using a
mouse control. Keyboard entry of data is minimized by the extensive
use of existing data stored in the system database and the use of
standard or custom templates for forms and reports.
[0133] A sample of screen displays is shown in FIGS. 18A-18T. The
screen displays, in part, illustrate the features carried out by
the system software program for the distribution application, which
is a part of the software code submitted in the accompanying
Appendix. The screen displays include a Log-in screen for system
connection, FIG. 18A and a Log-in screen for an authorized user,
FIG. 18B, which on entry of a correct password, prompts a main
menu, FIG. 18C. By keyboard or mouse selection of a listed item,
the linked sub-menu or menus for the listed item is displayed, for
example, MIN Inventory Maintenance, FIG. 18D; MIN Number Entry by
Keyboard, FIG. 18E; MIN Number Entry by Disk Entry, for example
where a group of MIN numbers were blocked for use with a batch of
phones identified by ESN, FIG. 18F; Place or Ship Order FIG. 18G,
an alternate, Place Order, FIG. 18H, Program Phones, FIGS. 18I-18J;
Customer Maintenance, FIG. 18K; Company Maintenance FIG. 18L;
Management Report Menu, FIG. 18M; including, MIN Inventory Report,
FIG. 18N; Active Assignment Listing Report, FIG. 180; Retail Outlet
Listing Report, FIG. 18P; Open Orders, FIG. 18Q; Salesperson
Listing, FIG. 18R; Customer History Listing, FIG. 18S; and,
Shipment Listing, FIG. 18T.
[0134] With a proper access authority, the data stored in the
central information processor 318 can be accessed from any terminal
networked to the central information processor, such as the
computer 328 for the service center system 314 or the retail
delivery system 316. When the central information processor 318 is
a stand alone device or one modified for limited service without a
central information clearinghouse, it is simply an information
processor and may comprise any computer capable of handling the
data processing, storage and routing requirements of the
distribution, programming and tracking systems for mobile
communication devices described herein.
[0135] While, in the foregoing, embodiments of the present
invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the
purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may
be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may
be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and
principles of the invention.
* * * * *