U.S. patent application number 11/784400 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-04 for communication system and method including dual mode capability.
Invention is credited to Lawrence E. Hecox, Joseph F. Scalisi.
Application Number | 20070232351 11/784400 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25332015 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070232351 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scalisi; Joseph F. ; et
al. |
October 4, 2007 |
Communication system and method including dual mode capability
Abstract
A system and method for a communication apparatus to provide
advanced features such as dual mode capability, billing options for
communication charges (for instance reverse billing), and definable
accessible controls. In one embodiment, a subscriber apparatus (for
instance a wireless communication apparatus) including pager (such
as page phone) or radiotelephone functions. A caller calls the
subscriber apparatus. The caller gains two-way communication with
the subscriber apparatus. The subscriber apparatus may include
roaming capability to control movement of a communication channel
of the subscriber apparatus from a first system (for instance a
regular cellular system) to a second system (for instance a local
loop). The billing options include reversing communication charges
(for instance from a subscriber to a calling party), receiving
advertisements to reduce communication charges, or splitting
communication charges (for instance between a subscriber and a
calling party).
Inventors: |
Scalisi; Joseph F.; (Walnut,
CA) ; Hecox; Lawrence E.; (Long Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Law Office Of Robert E. Kasody,;Professional Corporation
6601 Center Drive West #500
Los Angeles
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
25332015 |
Appl. No.: |
11/784400 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10951855 |
Sep 27, 2004 |
7218242 |
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11784400 |
Apr 5, 2007 |
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09499058 |
Feb 4, 2000 |
6879244 |
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10951855 |
Sep 27, 2004 |
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08859904 |
May 21, 1997 |
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09499058 |
Feb 4, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/554.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 3/42195 20130101;
H04W 8/26 20130101; H04W 76/50 20180201; H04W 4/24 20130101; H04M
2215/0164 20130101; H04M 7/12 20130101; H04M 15/41 20130101; H04M
2215/2026 20130101; H04W 4/12 20130101; H04W 76/10 20180201; H04M
15/00 20130101; H04W 4/90 20180201; H04W 76/11 20180201; H04M
2242/04 20130101; H04W 68/00 20130101; H04M 3/533 20130101; H04W
88/06 20130101; H04M 2215/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/554.2 |
International
Class: |
H04M 1/00 20060101
H04M001/00 |
Claims
1.-23. (canceled)
24. A wireless system, comprising: a radio frequency transceiver
adapted to communicate with a local exchange carrier and to
establish a local loop over a communication area; a cellular
apparatus having dual mode capability and configured to provide
automatic roaming capability from said local loop to a cellular
system, and to initiate at least one of de-registration and
registration of said cellular apparatus between said local loop and
said cellular system at least partially in response to a detected
Radio Frequency (RF) power level; and a module configured to
receive and process a mobile identification number of at least one
of said cellular apparatus or a first communication apparatus such
that a two-way wireless connection is capable of being established
between said first communication apparatus and said cellular
apparatus.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein said detected RF power level is
capable of registering said cellular apparatus with said local loop
from said cellular system when said detected RF power level is
detected above a predefined power level.
26. The system of claim 24, wherein said local loop is adapted to
provide up to T1 capacity to a wireless local loop subscriber.
27. The system of claim 24, wherein said cellular apparatus is
adapted to operate on a dedicated frequency within a wireless local
loop subscriber's premises or said communication area.
28. The system of claim 24, wherein said local loop and said
cellular system are adapted to utilize frequencies that are close
in spectrum.
29. The system of claim 24, wherein said local loop and said
cellular system are adapted to utilize operational frequencies
within approximately 100 MHz of each other.
30. The system of claim 24, further comprising a database
configured to reverse charges of at least a portion of said two-way
communication to an account associated with the first communication
apparatus.
31. The system of claim 24, further comprising a customer profile
that is adapted to reduce at least a portion of communication
charges at least partially in response to receipt of one or more
airtime discounted service (ADS) messages.
32. The system of claim 24, further comprising a database profile
configured to reverse communication charges.
33. The system of claim 24, further comprising a database profile
configured to divide communication charges between a subscriber and
an account associated with the first communication apparatus.
34. A wireless device, comprising: a radio frequency transceiver
configured to communicate with: a local exchange carrier; and
wireless communication apparatus comprising a multi-mode
transceiver configured to provide automatic roaming capability, the
automatic roaming capability comprising at least one or
de-registration and registration of said first wireless device
between a cellular system and said local loop, the at least one of
deregistration and registration responsive to a detected RF power
level associated with the local loop; wherein the wireless device
is adapted to establish a local loop over an area via said radio
frequency transceiver; and wherein the wireless device is further
adapted to receive and process a request and capable to establish a
two-way wireless connection between the wireless communication
apparatus and a user communication apparatus.
35. The device of claim 34, wherein said detected RF power level is
adapted to provide registration of said wireless communication
apparatus with said local loop from said cellular system when said
detected RF power level is above a predefined power level.
36. The device of claim 34, wherein the first wireless
communication apparatus is configured to process an associated
identification number of at least one of the wireless communication
apparatus, the user communication apparatus, and a subscriber.
37. The device of claim 36, wherein the subscriber is one of at
least the cellular system and the local loop.
38. The device of claim 36, wherein: the associated identification
number of at least one of the wireless communication apparatus, the
user communication apparatus, and the subscriber comprises a
carrier identification number; and the local exchange carrier is
configured to provide wideband capability to the subscriber.
39. The device of claim 36, wherein: the associated identification
number is selected from the group consisting of: a local phone
number, a DID (Directory Inbound Dialing Number), a carrier
identification number, and a Mobile Identification Number (MIN);
and the local exchange carrier is adapted to communicate over a
wideband area network.
40. The device of claim 34, wherein the wireless communication
apparatus is adapted to operate on a dedicated frequency within the
local loop.
41. The device of claim 34, further comprising a database
configured to provide a billing profile for communications
associated with at least one of the user communication apparatus,
the wireless communication apparatus, and a subscriber.
42. The device of claim 34, further comprising a customer profile
to reduce communication charges in response to receipt of one or
more discount service messages.
43. The device of claim 34, further comprising a database
configured to provide service information comprising instructions
to reverse communication charges to a calling party.
44. A wireless communication device, comprising: a module
configured to communicate with a wireless local loop apparatus
having a radio frequency transmitter, said radio frequency
transmitter configured to communicate with a local exchange carrier
to facilitate establishment of a local loop over a loop area;
wherein the module is further configured to communicate an
associated mobile identification number and to provide multi-mode
communication, the multi-mode communication comprising automatic
roaming capability between said local loop and a regular cellular
system in response a RF power level of the local loop being
detected above a threshold level; and wherein the wireless local
loop apparatus is configured to receive and process said associated
mobile identification number such that a wireless connection is
capable of being made between said wireless communication device
and a user communication device, thereby allowing two-way
communication to be established between said user communication
device and the wireless communication device.
45. The device of claim 44, wherein the wireless local loop
apparatus is configured to process an associated identification
number of at least one of the user communication device, the
wireless communication device, and a subscriber.
46. The device of claim 45, wherein: the associated identification
number comprises a carrier identification number; and the local
exchange carrier provides wideband capability to the
subscriber.
47. The device of claim 45, wherein: the associated identification
number is selected from the group consisting of: a local phone
number, a DID (Directory Inbound Dialing number), a carrier
identification number, and a Mobile Identification Number (MIN);
and the local exchange carrier is configured to communicate over a
wideband area network.
48. The device of claim 44, wherein the wireless communication
device is configured to operate on a dedicated frequency within the
local loop.
49. The device of claim 44, further comprising an account
associated with a calling party to charge at least a portion of
charges associated with the two-way communication.
50. The device of claim 44, wherein the associated mobile
identification number of the user communication device comprises a
Directory Inbound Dialing (DID) number.
51. The device of claim 44, wherein the local loop and the regular
cellular system are adapted to utilize frequencies that are
substantially close in a chosen frequency spectrum.
52. The device of claim 44, further comprising a database
configured to provide an option of receiving airtime discounted
service (ADS) messages to reduce or prevent communication
charges.
53. The device of claim 44, further comprising a database
configured to reverse communication charges.
54. The device of claim 44, wherein a database associated with the
wireless communication device credits billing in response to
received airtime discounted service (ADS) messages to reduce
communication charges of at least one of a calling party and a
subscriber.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
[0001] This application is a divisional of patent application Ser.
No. 10/951,855, filed on Sep. 27, 2004, entitled "Call Receiving
Apparatus and Method Having a Dedicated Switch," which is a
continuation of prior application Ser. No. 09/499,058, filed Feb.
4, 2000, entitled, "Call Receiving Apparatus and Method Having a
Dedicated Switch," now U.S. Pat. No. 6,879,244, which is a
continuation-in-part application of a Continued Prosecution
Application based on United States patent application Ser. No.
08/859,904 now abandoned. This application is also related to U.S.
Pat. No. 5,574,772 entitled "Personal Apparatus for Receiving
Radiotelephone Communications".
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In one aspect, the present invention relates generally to an
apparatus, system, and method utilizing two-way wireless
communication that can be initiated by, and billed to, a
caller.
[0003] The present invention is also directed to a call receiving
pager system, method and apparatus having call back request
features. The call back request features comprise a switching means
located on the apparatus that is capable of sending a prerecorded
voice or data message from the subscriber apparatus to an emergency
telephone number such as "911" and/or a pre-determined telephone
number which are stored within the device. The pre-recorded voice
or data message which is sent to these stored numbers requests that
the party receiving the pre-recorded voice or data message initiate
contact with the subscriber by calling the subscriber's page
number. Paging the subscriber initiates two-way wireless
communication which can be carried out when the subscriber answers
the call being made to the subscriber apparatus.
[0004] The predetermined telephone number may be a call center
telephone number. In this case, a subscriber receiving a call back
from the call center may incur an airtime charge which can be
charged on a pre-paid basis using a credit card. Once the
subscriber answers the call back from the call center operator, the
subscriber may request connection by the operator to a specific
number wherein the operator makes the connection on a collect call
basis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Mobile radio communication is well known in the art.
Cellular radio has spawned Personal Communication (PCS). PCS is
wireless and the user requires no tether such as the wire pair that
connects a conventional telephone to a local serving switch.
Cellular radio with a hand held terminal, i.e., hand held cellular
telephones, gives the user tetherless telephone communication.
Further, paging systems provide the mobile and ambulatory user with
a means of being alerted that someone wishes to contact or talk to
that person. The cordless telephone is yet another example of a
tetherless personal communication device.
[0006] The public switched telecommunications network (PSTN) is
vast and includes hundreds of national networks that are
interconnected to form a gigantic international network. Cellular
service is an adjunct to the network. Cellular radio systems
provide two-way signaling and communication by usually connecting a
mobile terminal to another user through the PSTN where the other
user is most commonly a subscriber of the PSTN. Nevertheless, the
other user may be a mobile terminal. Most of the connectivity
involves connecting wired telephone service to mobile users. The
mobile telephone switching office (MTSO) is the heart of a cellular
system for a specific serving area. The MTSO is connected to the
PSTN by a trunk group. Trunks are the telephone lines connecting
one telephone switch or exchange with another.
[0007] In contrast, paging is a one-way radio alerting system that
is a simple extension of the PTSN. Unlike cellular radio systems,
the direction of transmission is from a fixed paging to an
individual. Some pagers have digital readouts which provide the
individual with a number to call back while others give a short
message or enable a transmitter to leave a voice mail by hooking
into a voice mail system.
[0008] Technology in recent years has resulted in a vast number of
cordless telephones, cellular telephones and paging apparatus which
exhibit a variety of unique and multiple features. For example, the
following described inventions are directed to cellular telephones.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,908,848 issued to Hanawa discloses an apparatus for
a mobile communication system having a handset which can be
programmed to lock calls, restrict calls, or time calls. U.S. Pat.
No. 5,203,009 issued to Bogusz et al. describes a cellular
telephone having a fixed calling capacity which limits the use of
the phone by only enabling it to call emergency telephone numbers.
A similar cellular telephone is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,365,570 issued to Boubelik which discloses an emergency radio
telephone apparatus having a housing, a radio transceiver for
receiving and transmitting modulated radio signals, and an actuator
connected to the housing for actuating the transceiver and
initiating the process of connecting to a predetermined emergency
phone number. U.S. Pat. No. 4,845,772 issued to Metroka et al.
describes a portable radiotelephone with control switch disabling
having a keypad covered by a movable element which produces an
on-hook condition when the movable element is in a first position
covering the keypad, and an off-hook condition when the movable
element is in a second position exposing the keypad.
[0009] Numerous paging systems having various functions and
capabilities are also well known in the prior art. For example,
U.S. Pat. No. 4,906,989 issued to Kasugai describes a paging system
having a vehicle mounted repeater with a portable paging receiver
detachably mounted on the repeater. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,963
issued to Gutman et al. discloses a paging system having a
centrally located terminal and a plurality of remote pager units
wherein both automatic and manual acknowledge back signaling is
provided.
[0010] The prior art also includes radiotelephone and paging
systems as evidenced by the following: i) U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,204
issued to Sasaki et al. discloses a cordless telephone apparatus
with a removably mounted pager which reports an incoming signal
from a parent device or radiotelephone; ii) U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,122
issued to Bhagat et al. describes a mobile paging call back system
which includes a control unit interconnecting a radio pager, a
memory, an indicator, a control switch, and an automatic dialer
with the control unit including a logic circuit that is programmed
to verify valid telephone number information received from a pager,
to store the verified data in memory, to activate the indicator to
show that valid data has been received and to transfer the stored
data to the automatic dialer to reach a mobile radiotelephone; iii)
U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,449 issued to Metroka et al. discloses an
integrated paging and radiotelephone apparatus which combines
paging and cellular radiotelephone functions in a single unit
having dual receivers thereby allowing reception of paging signals
simultaneously with cellular radiotelephone signals; and iv) U.S.
Pat. No. 5,148,473 issued to Feeland et al. which describes an
apparatus combining a radio pager and a cellular radiotelephone
into one unit which may automatically receive a plurality of pages
while the radiotelephone is on and communicating a cellular
telephone call, or off or unattended.
[0011] Although combined radiotelephone and paging systems have
been described, none of those systems prevents initiation of a
direct two-way wireless communication by the subscriber or holder
of the dual paging/radiotelephone system, nor do any of those
combined systems described above include a system wherein only the
outside calling party pays for the telecommunication when the
caller and subscriber are activated. Either one or both of these
features would drastically reduce fraudulent use of the wireless
two-way communication system. Further, implementation of either or
both of these features would enable a subscriber to exert optimum
control over costs.
[0012] Accordingly, there is a need for a call receiving pager
apparatus, system and method utilizing a dedicated switch which
allow for incoming calls but prevent direct outgoing calls in order
to control costs and fraudulent use of the system. This is
particularly useful in those situations where would like to enable
their employees to have direct real-time wireless two-way
communication with one another in order to facilitate job
efficiency. For example, individual employees such as sales
persons, drivers and delivery personnel, real estate agents, and
hospital personnel could be equipped with the present invention in
order to with others within or outside of their organization either
out in the field or within a large facility that houses the
employees. There is also a need for such a call receiving pager
apparatus, system and method utilizing a dedicated switch where the
calling party is billed for the call so that a pager number is not
given out to numerous individuals by the person carrying the
apparatus thereby enabling anyone to run up telephone toll charges
associated with use of the apparatus during two-way
communication.
[0013] Parents are another target market for this call receiving
pager apparatus, system and method utilizing a dedicated switch in
that it would enable children to be directly connected to their
parents upon being paged by their parents without the expense of
cellular telephone charges. Such an apparatus, system and method
will prevent the accumulation of billings associated with frivolous
or unnecessary calls made by children in that the apparatus, system
and method do not allow those possessing the apparatus to make
direct outgoing calls. Further, if the apparatus were stolen, it
would be impossible to commit further fraud by charging the
subscriber of the apparatus for calls because the apparatus, system
and method employ caller generated billing.
[0014] Finally, there is a need for a call receiving pager
apparatus, system and method utilizing a dedicated switch which
provide a subscriber of the apparatus with an ability to contact a
number or call center number without enabling the subscriber to
initiate direct two-way wireless communication with the
predetermined number or call center thereby keeping the fraud and
cost control functions of the system, method and apparatus intact.
This is achieved by enabling the method, system and apparatus to
send a pre-recorded voice or data message from the subscriber
apparatus to a pre-determined telephone number such as an emergency
number, e.g., "911", a home telephone number, an office or business
number, or a call center number. Upon connection with the
pre-determined number or call center number, the transmitted
prerecorded voice or data message informs the receiver of the call
as to the subscriber's name and the subscriber's page number. The
pre-recorded voice or data message may also include a brief message
from the subscriber and then instructs the receiver to the
subscriber in order to initiate two-way wireless communication with
the subscriber.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, a wireless local
loop is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a radio
frequency transceiver adapted to communicate with a local exchange
carrier and to establish a local loop over a communication area. A
cellular apparatus is included having dual mode capability. The
cellular apparatus may be further configured to provide automatic
roaming capability from the local loop to a regular cellular
system. The cellular apparatus may, in one example, initiate
de-registration and registration of the cellular apparatus between
the local loop and the regular cellular system.
[0016] In another embodiment, the de-registration and registration
is at least partially in response to a detected Radio Frequency
(RF) power level. Furthermore, a module may be configured to
receive and process a mobile identification number of at least one
of the cellular apparatus or a first communication apparatus such
that a two-way wireless connection is capable of being established
between the first communication apparatus and the cellular
apparatus.
[0017] In another aspect, a wireless local loop apparatus is
disclosed. In one embodiment, a radio frequency transceiver is
configured to communicate with a local exchange carrier, thereby
facilitating a local exchange carrier's establishment of a local
loop over an area via the radio frequency transceiver.
[0018] A wireless communication apparatus may also be provided that
includes a multi-mode transceiver. The multi-mode transceiver is
configured to provide automatic roaming capability. In one example,
the automatic roaming capability includes de-registration and
registration of the first wireless device between a regular
cellular system and the local loop. The de-registration and
registration, in one embodiment, are responsive to a detected RF
power level of the local loop.
[0019] The wireless local loop apparatus, in one variant, is
further configured to receive and process a request and capable to
establish a two-way wireless connection between the wireless
communication apparatus and a user communication apparatus.
[0020] The objects and features of the present invention, which are
believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the
appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization
and manner of operation, together with further objects and
advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following
description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings
wherein like numerals denote like elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0021] FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of a first preferred
embodiment of the for use with the personal communication system
and method of the present invention which employs two-way wireless
communication that can only be initiated by, and billed to, the
caller.
[0022] FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of a second preferred
embodiment of the electronic circuitry of an apparatus for use with
personal communication system and method of the present invention
which employs two-way wireless communication that can only be
initiated by, and billed to, the caller.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating the conceptual layout of
a wireless system and its relation to the public switched
telecommunications network.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic showing the conceptual layout of the
public switched telecommunications network.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic depicting a two-way wireless
communication system that establishes instant two-way wireless
communication between a public switched telecommunications network
caller and a pagephone subscriber in accordance with the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic depicting a two-way wireless
communication system that establishes instant two-way wireless
communication between a wireless radiotelephone caller and a
pagephone subscriber in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 6 is flow chart showing a first preferred method for a
caller only initiated two-way wireless communication with caller
generated billing in accordance with the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second, more detailed method
for a caller only initiated two-way wireless communication with
caller generated billing in accordance with the present
invention.
[0029] FIG. 8A is an open perspective view of one exemplary
embodiment of a call receiving pager apparatus of the present
having call back request features.
[0030] FIG. 8B is a closed perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the caller only initiated two-way apparatus of the
present invention having call back request features shown in FIG.
8A.
[0031] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of
the call receiving pager apparatus of the present invention having
call back request features shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of one example of the electronic
circuitry for carrying out the call back request features of the
call receiving pager apparatus of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing the method steps for
carrying out the call back request features of one exemplary
embodiment of the caller only initiated two-way communication
system.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a method for a call back
request system used in association with one exemplary embodiment of
the caller only initiated two-way system and apparatus of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a schematic showing a wireless local loop
communication system utilizing the pagephone/call receiving pager
apparatus of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a schematic depicting a call receiving pager
system of the present invention that establishes instant two-way
wireless communication between a local exchange carrier and a call
receiving pager apparatus of the present invention utilizing a
dedicated switch.
[0037] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing one exemplary method of the
present for generating direct two-way communication between a
caller and a subscriber of a call receiving pager apparatus of the
present invention utilizing a dedicated switch.
[0038] FIGS. 16A and 16B show a flowchart of another exemplary
method of the present invention for generating direct two-way
communication between a caller and a subscriber of a call receiving
pager apparatus of the present invention utilizing, a dedicated
switch.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0039] The present invention may be described herein in terms of
functional block components and various processing steps. It should
be appreciated that such functional blocks may be realized by any
number of hardware components configured to perform the specified
functions. For example, the present invention may employ various
integrated circuit components, memory elements, digital signal
processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like,
which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one
or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition,
those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention
may be practiced in conjunction with any number of data
transmission protocols and that the systems, methods, and apparatus
described herein are merely exemplary applications for the
invention. Further, it should be noted that the present invention
may employ any number of conventional techniques for data
transmission, signaling, data processing, network control, and the
like. Such general techniques that may be known to those skilled in
the art are not described in detail herein.
[0040] It should be appreciated that the particular implementations
shown and described herein are illustrative of the invention and
its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of
the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity,
conventional signal processing, data transmission, and other
functional aspects of the systems (and components of the individual
operating components of the systems) may not be described in detail
herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various
figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary
functional relationships physical couplings between the various
elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional
functional relationships or physical connections may be present in
a practical communication system.
[0041] The following description is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the
best modes contemplated by the inventors of carrying out their
invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles
of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to
provide for an improved and simplified system for interfacing with
a telephone or similar communications system, in any selected
location, for enabling a caller to contact a user of an apparatus
combining paging functions and radiotelephone functions
(hereinafter referred to as a "pagephone" or a "call receiving
pager apparatus") by radiotelephone.
[0042] By way of example, and not by way of limitation, set forth
below is a description of a preferred embodiment of the simplified
system, method and apparatus for carrying out the system of the
present invention which is directed to a two-way wireless
communication system with one way initiation by a caller and caller
generated billing.
[0043] Turning now to the drawings, a block diagram 10 of one
example of an electronic circuitry of an apparatus for use with the
personal communication system of the present invention which
employs two-way wireless communication that can only be initiated
by, and billed to, the caller is shown in FIG. 1. The antenna 12 is
used to receive and transmit radiotelephone signals to and from
separate receiving circuit 14 and a transmitter circuit 16. The
receiving and transmitting circuits 12 and 14 may be assembled
using components and methods well known in the art. Both the
receiving and transmitting circuits 12 and 14 are coupled to a
microprocessor 18. When a signal is received from an outside caller
having the correct mobile identification (M.I.D.) number of the
pagephone, the microprocessor 18 will activate an alert signal such
as an audio signal 20 or vibrator 22. If the pagephone is then
fully opened a flip element is moved into the open position such as
with a flip phone), and not in use, a further switch means is
activated in the pagephone. Activation of the further switch means
enables the microprocessor to activate the radiotelephone
transmitter 16 so that the pagephone will receive incoming signals
and transmit outgoing signals to thereby allow a conversation to
take place between the caller and the user of the unit. It is also
contemplated that a caller identification system may be
incorporated into the method and apparatus of the present invention
to allow a user of the apparatus to determine who is paging that
user before the user answers the page and connects with the
caller.
[0044] The apparatus for use with the electronic circuitry
preferably comprises a transmitting means that is only capable of
transmitting radiotelephone signals that are associated with the
signals received from the pagephone. The system may also include an
optional voice mail means 26 which is later described with
reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The system may further include an
interface circuit 28 which is coupled to the microprocessor 18
which sends verbal voice mail message left by callers to a pager
receiver 30. The pager receiver 30 transmits the voice mail
messages to a speaker 32 which enables the pagephone user to hear
their voice mail messages without accessing a telephone to retrieve
their messages. The speaker 32 may also be coupled to a liquid
crystal display (LCD) 34 which can show the number of the message,
the time the message was left, and the telephone number of the
caller. If the pagephone is in use during the transmission of
another call to the pagephone, the voice mail message system may be
triggered automatically to replay stored messages upon closing the
flip element of the page phone. Upon closing the flip element, the
pagephone either visibly or audibly indicates that voice mail
messages have been stored. The user then opens the flip element to
retrieve and listen to the voice mail messages. In addition, the
pagephone apparatus may utilize voice mail messaging means external
to the pagephone apparatus which can be accessed by a pagephone
subscriber by using any type of direct dial out telephone. (See,
e.g., FIGS. 14-16 and their accompanying descriptions which
describe the voice mail as being stored in an outside dedicated
switch.
[0045] Other radiotelephone transceiving apparatus that may be
successfully used in conjunction with the caller initiated and
billed personal communication system of the present invention are
disclosed and described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,574,772 which
is directed to a personal apparatus for receiving radiotelephone
communications and is herein incorporated by reference.
[0046] A second preferred embodiment of the hardware comprising the
electronic circuitry of an apparatus for use with the personal
communication system of the present invention which employs two-way
wireless communication that can only be initiated by, and billed
to, the caller is shown in FIG. 1B. The major components shown are
comparable to those found in most makes of wireless mobile
phones.
[0047] The antenna 40 is used to receive and transmit
radiotelephone signals to and from the radio frequency 42. The
radio frequency transmitter/receiver 42 converts the radio
frequency analog into digital when a signal is received and
converts the digital to analogue when a signal is transmitted from
the radio frequency transmitter/receiver 42. The digital signal 44
is responsible for the generation of the radio frequency signal
which is transmitted to the MTSO when the pagephone has been
activated upon receipt of a signal. Current state of the art
microchips for phones include this functioning for either time
division multiple access (TDMA) digital techniques or code division
multiple access (CDMA) digital techniques. The system, method and
apparatus of the present invention can be used with these and any
other wireless protocols currently available or which may later
become available.
[0048] The digital signal modulator/demodulator 44 is connected to
the central processor unit (CPU) 46 through the data bus and
address bus. The CPU 46 is responsible for handling the protocols
needed for processing a call and other call related functions such
as the voice mail system. Upon receipt of a signal indicating the
receiving of an outside call from the MTSO, the CPU 46 will
activate an alert or alarm 48 in the form of an audio signal or
vibration. A speaker/microphone 49 is coupled to the Codec 50 which
is used to convert the voice data from analog to digital and
digital to analog. Once the voice data is converted, the DSP
(Vocoder) 52 is used to compress the output of Codec 50 in order to
reduce the bandwidth of the voice data. Data may be stored in the
data memory 54 and additional programmable functions may be stored
in the program memory 56 until accessed.
[0049] FIG. 2 shows a schematic illustration of the wireless system
layout and its relation to the public switched telecommunications
network while FIG. 3 shows a schematic of the public switched
telecommunications network. In FIG. 3, there are numerous
individual subscribers 60 that subscribe to the PSTN and these
subscribers are linked to local exchange carriers (LEC) and are
interconnected by trunks. Toll connecting trunks 66 connect the
local network to the toll network 68. 2 shows the telephone
switching office (MTSO) as the heart of the wireless system for a
specific serving area. The conventional wireless telecommunications
switched network is a network consisting of a plurality of wireless
antennae 72 capable of receiving wireless band radio frequency
signals 74, with each of the plurality of wireless 72 being
associated with a discrete cell site 76. The plurality of antennae
72 represent mobile units. The mobile units may be hand held or
vehicle mounted terminals. Each of the plurality of wireless
antennae 72 is electrically linked to a wireless switch 78 (the
MTSO) which governs the operation of the wireless
telecommunications switched network 70 and links the network 70 to
a local exchange carrier 80 via land lines 82. As previously
described with reference to FIG. 2, the local exchange carrier 80
is connected to the toll network 84 via connecting trunks 86.
Satellite means 88 may also be used to access the MTSO 78 via
satellite signals 90. The MTSO 78 can then access the toll system
84 as previously described.
[0050] A schematic depicting a two-way wireless communication
system establishing two-way wireless communication between a public
switched telecommunications network caller and a pagephone
subscriber, including caller generated billing, in accordance with
the present invention is shown in FIG. 4. A PSTN land caller 100
initiates a telephone call by dialing a pagephone number. The
pagephone number is transmitted to the Local Exchange Carrier (LEC)
102. The LEC 102 sends a signal to the Signal Transfer Point (STP)
104 requesting connection and the STP 104 signals the Mobile
Telephone Switching Office (MISO) 106 wireless service provider.
The MTSO 106 pages the pagephone via a cell site 108 of the MTSO
106 and the pagephone subscriber activates the pagephone 110 upon
being alerted to the page by an audio tone or vibration emanating
from the pagephone 100. Activating the pagephone 110 may constitute
a simple action such as flipping open a cover element on the
pagephone 110 or depressing an activation button. The call is then
set up as a mobile to land call and billing is stored as a
pagephone call. Once the pagephone 110 is activated, the MTSO 106
sends a signal and the call is connected to the LEC 102 so that the
land caller 100 is answered by the user or subscriber.
[0051] Referring now to the caller generated billing aspect of the
invention, it was previously that the MTSO stores the details of
the call, the call details 112, to the pagephone 118 as a pagephone
call. The LEC 102 then retrieves the call details from the MTSO 106
and the LEC 102 bills the land caller 100. Alternatively, the
system of the present invention may be set up to generate split
billing such that the subscriber pays a set portion, or a
predetermined percentage, of the call and the land caller pays for
the remaining portion of the call.
[0052] A wireless telephone may also be used to initiate a call to
the pagephone which is used with the two-way wireless communication
system of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic depicting a
two-way wireless communication system that establishes calling
party pays two-way wireless communication between a wireless
radiotelephone caller and a pagephone subscriber in accordance with
the present invention. The wireless (mobile) caller 120 initiates a
telephone call by dialing a pagephone number. The call is received
by a cell site 121 of the MTSO (B) 122, which is the mobile
telephone switching wireless service provider for the wireless
(mobile) caller. The MTSO (B) transmits the signal to the local
exchange carrier (LEC) 124 and the LEC 124 requests connection by
sending a signal to the signal transfer point (STP) 126.
[0053] The STP 126 then signals the MTSO (A) 128 which is the
mobile telephone switching office wireless service provider for the
pagephone subscriber. The MTSO (A) 128 pages the pagephone 130 via
a cell site 132 of the MTSO (A) 128 and the pagephone subscriber
activates the pagephone 130 upon being alerted to the page by an
audio tone or vibration emanating from the pagephone 130.
Activating the pagephone 130 may constitute a simple action such as
flipping open a cover element on the pagephone 130 or depressing an
activation button. The call is then set up as a mobile to land call
and billing is stored as a pagephone call. Once the pagephone 130
is activated, the MTSO (A) 128 sends a signal and the call is
connected to the LEC 124. The LEC 124 sends a signal to the MTSO
(B) 122 and upon the MTSO (B) receiving the signal, the call is
connected to the MTSO (B) so that the wireless (mobile) caller 120
is answered by the pagephone user or subscriber.
[0054] Billing of the wireless caller 120 may occur in one of two
ways. First, the MTSO (B) 122 of the wireless service provider for
the wireless caller 120 may store the call details 134 of the call
made to the pagephone as a pagephone call and the LEC 124 may
retrieve the call data 134 from the MTSO (B) 122 and bill the
wireless caller 120 through their wireless service provider.
Second, the MTSO (A) 128 of the wireless service provider for the
pagephone subscriber may store the call details 136 of the
pagephone call. The LEC 124 can then retrieve the call data from
the MTSO and bill the wireless caller 120 through their wireless
service provider. Alternatively, the system of the present
invention may be set up to generate split billing between the
subscriber and the caller such that the subscriber pays a set
portion, or predetermined percentage, of the call and the wireless
caller pays for the remaining portion of the call.
[0055] A flow chart showing a first preferred method for a caller
only initiated two-way wireless communication with caller generated
billing in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG.
6. More specifically, this flow chart outlines the functioning for
the pagephone apparatus in its prescribed system and network area.
The initial function of the pagephone is virtually the same as a
normal pager. In the Off state 150, no power is applied and the
pagephone is unable to receive any kind of information. In order to
utilize the pagephone, the pagephone subscriber powers up the unit
to the Sleep Mode 152. In this mode, the pagephone acquires the
paging channel timing and monitors the paging channel for incoming
pages. Once the pagephone receives a page, from either a land or
mobile caller, the subscriber is alerted to the page by either an
audible sound or a vibration. The pagephone unit then enters the
Wait Mode 154. The pagephone will then wait for a specified amount
of time to allow the pagephone user or subscriber to answer the
pagephone. This period will typically be a matter of seconds.
[0056] If the time period expires without an answer, the outside
caller is diverted to the pagephone's voice mail system 156, which
is later described in further detail with reference to FIG. 7. When
the voice mail ends, the call details are stored and the pagephone
returns to the Sleep Mode 152. Alternatively, if the pagephone is
answered in the specified period of time, the pagephone enters the
Active Mode 158. When the pagephone user answers the pagephone, it
sends a registration message to the Mobile Telephone Switching
Office (MTSO) in order to make its exact whereabouts known, and to
request a call set up to the page originator. The page originator
is preferably identified in the page message so that the pagephone
user can determine whether or not they want to take the call. Once
the MTSO connects the call, the pagephone enters the Talk Mode 160
during which a two way conversation takes place between the
pagephone user and the call originator. Upon completion of the
call, the pagephone returns to the Sleep Mode 152.
[0057] Turning now to the MTSO functions, the MTSO detects a
pagephone number, sends the page to the pagephone, and then enters
the Wait Period 162 to wait for a response. If a timely response is
received, the MTSO sets up the call and the Conversation Mode 164
is entered. The MTSO then records and stores the call details. The
caller initiating the call to the pagephone is then charged for the
air time of the call.
[0058] Local pagephone calls will preferably be given priority on
the paging channel in its area of coverage over normal pagers in
order to ensure that pagephone calls are initiated with a page
message within seconds of originating a call to the pagephone. The
pagephone's Wait Mode will typically range from three to five
seconds. The Wait Period at the MTSO will be a similar range but
will always be greater than that of the pagephone. Registration and
call set up is expected to take approximately three to fifteen
seconds depending upon the distance of the call and the time of
day. In the event that the cellular system is loaded and the page
cannot be issued instantly, the originator of the call to the
pagephone will be diverted to voice mail. As an alternative to
having the originating caller wait on line for the call to be
connected, a "Call Back" feature may be implemented. This feature
would provide the originator of the call with a message to hang up
their phone and wait to be contacted. Once the pagephone receives
the page and the call is connected, the originator's telephone
would then call the pagephone back. This feature can be used during
hours of peak load on the cellular system instead of diverting to
voice mail. This feature could also be provided to the pagephone
subscriber as an option provided by the service provider.
[0059] The main advantage of the pagephone system, method and
apparatus of the present invention is that it is entirely passive
and does not transmit any signals while in the Sleep Mode.
Transmission is only initiated after a page message addressed to
the pagephone is received and the pagephone user answers the
pagephone. This transmission is to register the pagephone's
existence with the MTSO and to set up the call. Therefore, the
pagephone's location within the local area is unknown up to the
point where it is contacted by an originating caller. This system
and method reduce the load on all other channels and prolong the
life of the pagephone's battery.
[0060] FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart showing a second, more detailed
method for a caller only initiated two-way wireless communication
with caller generated billing in accordance with the present
invention. Referring now to FIG. 7, an outside caller 220, either a
PSTN caller or wireless caller, initiates a telephone call by
calling a pagephone number. The call from the outside caller 220 is
transmitted to a switch or LEC 222 which is then transmitted to a
telephone toll system 224. The call is then transmitted to the MTSO
(wireless switch) 226 and the MTSO 226 sends a signal to a unit in
step one 228.
[0061] The unit is preferably a radiotelephone transceiving
apparatus in the form of a pagephone which comprises: 1) a housing
with no keypad and no keypad circuitry so that the apparatus is a
caller initiated only receiving apparatus for wireless two-way
communication where no outgoing calls can be initiated by a user,
2) a receiving means for receiving radiotelephone signals contained
within the housing. 3) transmission means for transmitting
radiotelephone signals by the receiving means upon receipt of
radiotelephone signals by the receiving means whereby the apparatus
can only be used to supervise a two-way voice communication
initiated from another telephone apparatus, 4) processing means
coupled to the transmission means and receiving means for
processing received signals and only transmitting radiotelephone
signals in response to receipt of a signal having the correct
mobile identification number of the transceiving apparatus whereby
the processing means cannot create an outgoing address signal and
can only produce an alert signal in response to a signal having the
correct mobile identification number, and 5) means for indicating
that radiotelephone signals coupled to the processing means are
received.
[0062] In step two 230, the toll system 224 determines if the call
was received by the unit. If the call was not received, the system
224 determines if the unit is in use 232. If the unit is in use,
the system 224 has to determine if the caller has disconnected 234.
The caller may be able to leave a voice mail message for the user.
Two options exist for the voice mail--the voice mail can either be
manually retrieved by the user of the unit 236 or the voice mail
can automatically call back and play a message via the wireless
system 238. With respect to the manual voice mail retrieval option,
a pagephone subscriber may either access a telephone and call their
page number to receive messages or, alternatively, the subscriber
may manually push a "play" button on the pagephone which will play
back voice mail messages that are recorded directly into the
pagephone via a miniature recording system.
[0063] If the unit is not in use, the system 224 determines if the
unit is out of the service area 240. If the system 224 is out of
the area, the system 224 returns to determine whether the caller
has disconnected 234. If the unit is in the service area 240 the
system 224 determines if the signal received by the unit is too low
for transmission 242. If the signal received by the unit is too low
for transmission 242, the system 224 returns to determine whether
the caller has disconnected 234. If the signal received by the unit
is not too low for transmission, the system 224 determines if the
unit responds to the incoming signal within a predetermined time
244. If the unit does not respond to the signal within the
predetermined time 244, then the system 224 returns to determine
whether the caller has disconnected 234.
[0064] If the unit responds to the incoming signal then the unit is
activated for two-way between the caller and the unit subscriber
246. If the call was received by the unit and not activated 248
then the caller 220 can leave a voice mail message for the unit
236,238. If the unit is activated 248 and normal two-way
communication proceeds 246, the toll system begins to count air
time 250. When the call is completed the unit is deactivated 252
and the air time count is stopped. The total air time is calculated
and recorded and billed to the outside caller's initiating
telephone number 256. The unit then returns to the sleep mode
258.
[0065] The foregoing has described a simplified two way wireless
communication system wherein the calling party initiates the call
and pays for the call. The system does not allow for transmitting
outgoing calls and only allows for receiving calls thereby reducing
fraud and creating a method for use by employers and parents alike
that allows for controlling costs of two-way wireless
communication.
[0066] Turning now to FIG. 8A, there is shown a first exemplary
embodiment of the call receiving pager apparatus 270 of the present
invention having call back request features. The apparatus 270
comprises a body 272 and a rotatably coupled flip element 274. The
body 272 and flip element 274 are preferably comprised of a hard
plastic or other suitable material. The body 272 may be any desired
size but in a preferred version is approximately four inches in
height, two inches in width, and one inch in thickness. The flip
element 274 is preferably three and one-half inches in length and
one and one-half inches in width. The body 272 includes an internal
face portion 279, having no keypad or other call producing elements
thereon, which lies in continuous adjacent communication with an
internal surface 275 of the flip element 274. The flip element 274
has a microphone 276 affixed therein.
[0067] The flip element 274 includes an antenna 278, which may be
contained internally in a known or may extend outwardly from a top
side 280 of the apparatus 270, and a speaker 282 disposed in the
body 272. The speaker 282 is located near the top side 283, and
affixed to an interior portion of, the internal face 279 of the
body 272. A switching means for switching the apparatus from a
sleep state to an awake state comprising a push button 286 or any
other known means is positioned so that the flip element 274 opens
and closes the switching means upon opening and closing the flip
element 274. That is, when the flip element 274 engages internal
face portion 279, the apparatus 270 will be in the activated state,
ready to receive a call and conduct two-way communication, as
described more fully below. Alternatively, a switching means for
receiving an incoming call may be positioned anywhere else on the
pager where its activation is dependent upon depressing the push
button or manually sliding a switch.
[0068] A detachable, rechargeable battery pack 288 may be slideably
coupled within the internal face portion 279 of the body 272 for
providing power to the electronic circuitry of the apparatus 270.
This internal positioning of the battery pack 288 results in a more
streamlined apparatus which protects the battery pack from being
inadvertently knocked off or disconnected from the body 272. An
optional light emitting diode (L.E.D.) may be located on the back
side (not shown) of the body 272 or on the internal face portion
279. The L.E.D. is used to indicate when the output of the battery
286 drops below a desired level.
[0069] A connection jack 289 may also be contained within the body
272 of the apparatus 270 to allow for the connection of a keyboard
or other information inputting device. The keyboard or information
inputting device (not shown) enables the input of a pre-determined
call back number and message from a user whereby the user can later
select an activation switch or button associated with the
pre-determined call back number and the pre-determined call back
number will be transmitted. The recipient of the pre-determined
call back number will then hear a message requesting the recipient
to call the user at the user's pager number. This addition to the
apparatus 270 still substantially limits the user's ability to use
the apparatus 270 for two-way wireless communication. The user
initiate unlimited two-way communication but instead can only send
a message requesting a call back.
[0070] Control of inputting the pre-determined information via an
inputting device (not shown) may be at the point of sale of the
apparatus 270. Alternatively, the purchaser of the apparatus 270
may control the information input into the device by keeping the
inputting device separate from the apparatus 270 and exerting
control over the inputting device.
[0071] The flip element 274 contains switches, push buttons, or
touch pads for the function 300, a function 301, an emergency call
back numbers function 302, a predetermined call back number
function 298, a record function 294, and a call mail play back
function 303. The record switch pad 294 allows a subscriber to
pre-record a message for later transmission to a predetermined
telephone number in order to relay a request for the receiver to
call back the subscriber to the apparatus 270 of the present
invention. The apparatus 270 also includes call back request
features in the form of a predetermined call back number switch pad
298 and an emergency call back number switch pad 302. The
predetermined call back number may comprise either a home or office
telephone number. An ON/OFF switch pad for the apparatus 270 is
also included. Alternatively, the call back number switch pad 298,
the emergency call back number switch 302 and the switch pad for
the apparatus 270 may all constitute one switch pad which activates
the different features according to the number of depressions of
the switch pad. Also, in order to avoid accidental activation, the
emergency call back number switch pad 302 may be set apart from,
and away from, the predetermined call back number switch pad 298
and the switch pad 300.
[0072] Actuation of switch pads 298 or 300 causes operation of the
apparatus 270 to transmit a predetermined call back number or an
emergency call back number, respectively, to a mobile telephone
switching (MTSO) to effectuate telephonic communication with a
fixed site of a telephonic network associated with the respective
call sequence.
[0073] FIG. 8B shows a closed perspective view of the call
receiving pager apparatus shown in FIG. 8A. In the closed position,
a liquid crystal display 304 is located within the top side 280 of
the flip element 274. This allows the user or subscriber of the
call receiving pager apparatus to view the text or numerical
numbers which may have been left by a caller. The flip element 274
is folded shut against the body 272 of the call receiving pager
apparatus such that the battery pack 288 is contained and protected
within the closed call receiving pager apparatus 270. The rotatable
element 305 which secures the flip element 274 to the body 272 can
be clearly seen.
[0074] Turning now to FIG. 9, there is an exploded view of the
exemplary embodiment of the call receiving pager apparatus 270
shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. A clip 370, clip spring 372, and clip pin
374 are attached to the outer surface 376 of the body 274 of the
call receiving pager apparatus 270. A speaker 378 and a lithium
battery 380 are placed within the internal surface 279 of the body
272 of the apparatus 270. A battery cover 382 is used to cover and
hold the lithium battery 380 in place. A power-on light 384 and an
LCD cover 386 are placed on an outer surface of the flip element
274 so that they can be easily viewed by a user while a PC board
388, an antenna 390, and a microphone 392 are positioned within the
flip element. A power button 394 is secured within the inner
surface 275 of the element 274 to enable the unit to become
activated upon opening of the flip element 274. Finally, a
removable clip element 396 may be used in place of a clip element
370 that is secured to the outer surface 376 of the body 272 of the
call receiving pager apparatus 270. The removable clip element 396
is designed to slide over a substantial portion of the body 272
such that the body 272 is seated within the removable clip element
396.
[0075] Turning now to the functions contained within, and capable
of being carried out by, the call receiving pager apparatus 270, a
block diagram of one example of the electronic circuitry for
carrying out the call back request features of the apparatus 270 is
shown in FIG. 10. A predetermined call back number, a home, office
or business telephone number is entered and stored in a memory
section 310 associated with microprocessor 18, which is the same
microprocessor referred to in FIG. 1. This predetermined call back
number will be the telephone number that is called when the
predetermined call back number switch 312 is closed or activated.
An emergency call back number such as "911" is also entered and
stored in the memory section 310 of the microprocessor 18. The
emergency call back will be called when the emergency call back
number switch 314 is closed or activated. When either the
predetermined call back switch 312 or the emergency call back
number switch 314 are activated, the memory section 310 of the
microprocessor 18 is accessed to obtain the stored telephone number
associated with the respective switch. The retrieved telephone is
then sent to the transmitter 16, which is the same transmitter
referred to in FIG. 1, so that the signal can be transmitted to the
MTSO and the connection can be made between the apparatus 270 and
the communication device associated with the transmitted telephone
number.
[0076] A record switch 316 is connected to a recorder 317 for
recording a message from the subscriber which is transmitted to the
microprocessor 18 and stored in the memory section 310. The
pre-recorded message contains the name and pager number along with
a request to call the pager number in order to initiate two-way
wireless communication with the subscriber. The pre-recorded
message may also include an additional brief statement from the
subscriber. It should also be understood by those skilled in the
art that the pre-recorded voice message may instead take the form
of a data message.
[0077] Upon transmission of and connection with a predetermined or
emergency call back number, the memory 210 of the microprocessor 18
is accessed to retrieve the subscriber's pre-recorded voice or data
message and the pre-recorded voice or data message is sent to the
transmitter 16 for transmission to the predetermined or emergency
call back number. The subscriber can then activate the two-way
wireless communication with the predetermined or emergency number
upon receiving a signal from an outside caller calling from one of
those by flipping the flip element 274 of the apparatus 270 to an
open position.
[0078] FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram showing the method steps for
carrying out the call back request features of the caller only
initiated two-way system. First, as indicated in blocks 320 and
322, a predetermined call back number and an emergency number are
entered and stored, respectively, in separate sections of the
memory 310 of the microprocessor 18. Next, in blocks 324 and 326
initiation of the transmission of the predetermined call back
number or emergency number by way of the predetermined call back
switch 312 or emergency call back switch 314, respectively, results
in accessing the memory section 310 of the microprocessor 18 to
retrieve the stored telephone numbers associated with the switches
312 and 314 as shown in blocks 328 and 330. Then, as indicated by
block 332, the memory section 310 of the microprocessor 18 is
accessed to retrieve the pre-recorded voice or data message from
the subscriber and the pre-recorded voice or data message from the
subscriber is transmitted to the retrieved telephone number in
block 334. The pre-recorded voice or data message may be retrieved
from the memory section 16 of the microprocessor 18 either before
or the predetermined or emergency telephone number is transmitted
and connection is made in order to transmit the pre-recorded voice
or data message.
[0079] A flow chart showing the method for a call back request
system used in association with the caller only initiated two-way
communication system and apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 12. In
step one, it is determined whether either the emergency call back
switch 336 is activated or the predetermined call back number
switch 338 is activated. If the emergency call back switch 336 is
activated 340 then the pre-stored emergency telephone number is
accessed 342 in step two or, if the predetermined call back number
switch 338 is activated 344 then the predetermined call back number
is obtained from the microprocessor memory 346 in step two.
[0080] As can be seen from the flow diagram depicted in FIG. 12,
anyone of the emergency call back number switch 336, the
predetermined call back number switch 338, or the sleep state 348
can be activated but only one of these functions may be carried out
at a time. In other words, if the emergency call back number switch
336 is not activated 350, then either the predetermined call back
number switch 338 may be activated 344 or the sleep state 348 may
be activated to await an outside caller's page. If the
predetermined call back number switch 338 is not activated 352,
then either the emergency call back switch 336 can be activated 340
or the sleep state 348 can be activated to await an outside
caller's page. Finally, a subscriber may deactivate the sleep state
348 by activating either the emergency call back number switch 336
or the predetermined call back number switch 338.
[0081] In step three 354, a signal is sent to the MTSO with the
signal being dependent upon which telephone number was retrieved in
step two above. A connection is made between the apparatus 270 and
either the communication apparatus (e.g. telephone) associated with
the emergency call back number or the communication apparatus
(e.g., telephone) associated with the predetermined call back
number. A determination is made in step four 356 as to whether the
connection has been made between one of the two pre-stored
telephone numbers and the apparatus 270. If the connection is made
357, the memory section of the microprocessor is accessed in step
live 358 to obtain and retrieve the subscriber's prerecorded voice
or data message. The subscriber's pre-recorded voice or data
message is then transmitted to either the emergency call back
number or predetermined call back number in step six 360. Once the
prerecorded message is transmitted, the call is terminated and
disconnected in step seven 362. The system then returns to sleep
state 348 to await an outside caller's return call in response to
the subscriber's pre-recorded voice or data message.
[0082] If the connection between the apparatus 270 and the
predetermined call back or the emergency call back number is not
made 364, either the emergency call back number switch 336 or
predetermined call back number switch 338 can be activated or
re-activated, or, the system may return to sleep state 348.
[0083] FIG. 13 shows a wireless local loop system 400 which
utilizes the pagephone receiving pager apparatus of the present
invention. Low power omnidirectional radio frequency
transmitter/receiver 402 are used which allow local exchange
carriers 404 to provide loops 406 up to T1 (24) capacity to each
wireless local loop subscriber.
[0084] Existing wireless local loops typically require the wireless
local loop subscriber install a transmitter/receiver box 408 on the
premises or within the local loop area 410. Phone cable is then run
from the transmitter/receiver box 408 to fixed land line
telephones. In contrast, when pagephones or call receiving pager
apparatus 414 of the present invention are utilized in a wireless
local loop system 400, no such transmitter/receiver box 408 is
required.
[0085] In a wireless local loop system 400, each pagephone or call
receiving pager apparatus 414 operates on a dedicated frequency
within the wireless local loop subscriber's premises or local loop
area 410 and communicates directly with the telephone company's
wireless local loop transmitter/receiver 402. It will be understood
by those skilled in the art that the pagephones or call receiving
pager apparatus 414 may co-exist with the local loop
transmitter/receiver box 408 and fixed line telephones 412.
[0086] The pagephones or call receiving pager apparatus 414 of the
present invention may also utilize a dual mode transmitter/receiver
to allow for automatic roaming from the premises or local loop area
410 to a regular cellular system. The wireless local loop 400 and
cellular frequencies are preferably close in spectrum, the wireless
local loop 900 MHz and cellular frequency 800 MHz, for simplicity
of design. The pagephone or call receiving pager apparatus 414 will
monitor radio frequency (RF) power levels to determine movement
from one system to another and initiate automatic de-registration
and registration to the new system. Automatic de-registration and
registration will not occur during a call when moving from one
system to another because the systems are distinct. The wireless
local loop will always take precedence over cellular systems when
the wireless local loop frequency is detected above a predefined
power level.
[0087] Turning now to FIG. 14, a schematic depicting a call
receiver paging system 420 of the present invention is shown that
establishes instant two-way wireless communication between a caller
through their local exchange carrier 422 and a receiving pager
apparatus 424 utilizing a dedicated switch 426. the call receiving
pager system 420 utilizes dedicated switch 426 to provide
proprietary access, billing functions and enhanced features
including, but not limited to, calling party pays billing,
selective drop in messaging, voicemail service and verification
encoding.
[0088] The dedicated switch 426 provides call receiving pager
apparatus 424 connectivity routed from land servicing local
exchange carrier 422 to wireless mobile telephone switching office
428. Dedicated switch 426 maintains three separate numbers for call
receiving pager apparatus 424--a directory inbound dialing number
(DID) to be used by callers calling the call receiving pager
apparatus 424, a mobile identification number recognized only by
mobile telephone switching station (MTSO) 428, and a verification
encoding signal (VES) sent by dedicated switch 426 and recognized
only be call receiving pager apparatus 424.
[0089] Dedicated switch 426 is directly networked together with a
file server 430, a voicemail unit 432, a line information database
duplicator 434, an interactive voice response unit (IVRU) 436, and
an applications processor administrative front end 438. The FS 430
maintains several databases including, but not limited to, customer
profiles, messaging profiles lookup tables and call receiving pager
apparatus service information. The IVRU 436 stores several digital
audio messages including, but not limited to, calling party pays
(CPP) reverse billing messages, customer status messages (CSM), and
airtime discounted service messages (ADS). The VMU 432 provides
personalized message storage for the pagephone caller which can
only be retrieved by the call receiving pager apparatus subscriber.
The VMU 432 will automatically connect to the caller when the call
receiving pager subscriber does not answer the call or page or when
the caller specifically chooses to enter the voice mail option.
[0090] The LIDB duplicator 434 stores information about the calling
party and their local exchange carrier billing company. This
database creates a record of first time callers by validation, over
telephone circuits, on the nationwide network utilizing DTMF, SS7,
ISDN and all future intelligent networks. The system will only
revalidate the record of a repeat caller every thirty days to
maintain system efficiency. The AP 438 provides the service
interface to the switching system over a wide area network (WAN).
The customer service department performs various provisioning tasks
that include, but are not limited to, the initial DID/MIN/VES setup
of the call receiving pager apparatus customers with expiration
information, the demographic profile of the call receiving pager
apparatus customers, the demographic profiles of the ADS
advertisers and the audio file downloading of the various IVRU 436
messages.
[0091] The present invention also contemplates the use of the above
described dedicated switch in all types of cellular communications
including, but not limited to, standard wireless cellular
telephones and standard pagers.
[0092] FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of one exemplary method of the
present invention for generating direct two-way communication
between a caller and a subscriber of a call receiving pager
apparatus of the present invention utilizing a dedicated switch. A
call is initiated 450 to the call receiving pager apparatus and is
then routed 452 by the local exchange carrier to the call receiving
pager apparatus dedicated switch. The dedicated switch looks up 454
the dialed directory number in a lookup table to determine its
associated mobile identification number and verification code.
Next, the call is re-routed 456 to the MTSO using the mobile
identification number. The MTSO then sends 458 the page message to
the call receiving pager apparatus and the call receiving pager
apparatus alerts 460 the call receiving pager apparatus subscriber
that they are receiving a page or call. The then decides 462
whether or not to answer the call.
[0093] If the subscriber does not answer the call, the caller is
diverted 464 to voice mail. If the subscriber does answer the call,
the dedicated switch initiates 466 direct two-way communication
between the caller and the subscriber but the call receiving pager
apparatus stays muted. The dedicated switch then sends 468 the
associated verification code as DTMF tones to the call receiving
pager apparatus. The receiving pager apparatus then verifies 470
the code against a code that is internally preprogrammed into the
call receiving pager apparatus. If the codes do not match, the
direct two-way communication between the caller and the subscriber
is terminated 472 before unmuting the call receiving pager
apparatus. Alternatively, if the codes do match, the direct two way
communication between the caller and the subscriber is allowed to
proceed by unmuting 474 the call receiving pager apparatus.
[0094] Turning now FIGS. 16A and 16B, a flowchart is depicted
showing another exemplary method 500 of the present invention for
generating direct two-way communication between a caller and a call
receiving pager apparatus subscriber utilizing a dedicated switch.
First, in step one 502, a call is initiated to the pagephone's DID.
The dedicated switch then captures the automatic number
identification (ANI) of the calling party and the subscriber's DID
in step two 504. In step three 506, the dedicated switch performs
MIN/DID/VES conversion and the in step four 508, a determination is
made as to whether or not the pagephone has current status. If the
pagephone does not have current status, the call is terminated in
step five 510. However, if the pagephone does have current status,
a determination is made in step six 512 as to whether the AIN is
billable in the database. If the ANI is not billable (i.e., ANI is
a payphone or hotel phone), the IVRU will play a message to the
caller in step six 514 indicating that the caller has a choice to
either hear airtime service (ADS) advertisements or be connected
directly to the VMU. If the caller request to be connected to the
VMU, the VMU plays in step seven 516 and the call is then
terminated in step eight 518. If the caller elects to hear the ADS
advertisements, the ADS advertisements are played in step nine
520.
[0095] On the other hand, if the AIN is (i.e., AIN is a home or
office phone), the IVRU will play a message to the caller in step
ten 522 to indicating that the caller has a choice to either accept
the per minute toll charge and have it directly billed to their
local telephone bill or hear the ADS advertisements. If the caller
elects to hear the ADS advertisements, the ADS advertisements are
played in step nine 520 and the dedicated switch then sends out the
MIN to the MTSO over the PSTN in step eleven 524 after the ADS
advertisements are played. However, if the caller elects to accept
the toll charge, the dedicated switch immediately sends out the MIN
to the MTSO over the PSTN as in step eleven 524.
[0096] Once the MIN is sent to the MTSO, the MTSO determines if the
MIN is valid in step twelve 526. If the MIN is not valid, the call
is terminated in step thirteen 528. However, if the MIN is valid,
the MTSO sends a page to the pagephone in step fourteen 530. A
determination is made in step fifteen 532 as to whether the
pagephone is available. If the pagephone is not available, the VMU
plays in step sixteen 534 and the call is terminated in step
seventeen 536 after the VMU is played. Alternatively, if the
pagephone is available, the subscriber answers the call in step
eighteen 538. The dedicated switch then sends the verification code
(VES) to the pagephone in step nineteen 540. If the VES is
determined in step twenty 542 to be correct, two way direct
communication is enabled between the caller and the subscriber in
step twenty-one 544. However, if the VES is determined to be
incorrect in step 542, the call is terminated in step twenty-two
546.
[0097] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various
adaptations and modifications of the just-described preferred
embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that
within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be
practiced other than as specifically described herein.
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