Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for secure Mobile-IP traffic traversing network address translation (NAT). A virtual-private-network (VPN) tunnel extending between the mobile node and the home agent is established, wherein the home agent comprises a VPN function. Establishing the VPN tunnel comprises (i) the mobile node communicating with the home agent at a public address of the home agent via a private network, a NAT device, and a public network and (ii) the home agent assigning the mobile node a first public address. The mobile node is registered with the home agent. Registering the mobile node comprises (i) the mobile node communicating via the VPN tunnel with the home agent at the public address of the home agent and (ii) establishing the first public address as a home address for the mobile node for, for example, purposes of Mobile-IP communication.

Abstract: A method and system to allow wireless devices, such as wirelessly-equipped digital cameras, to gain wireless packet-data connectivity and to interact with a media management server, such as a photo server. A wireless carrier distributes multiple devices all having the same set of radio access data (e.g., mobile identification number and electronic serial number), and all having shared or unique pre-registration data. Any such device can then readily use the shared radio access data to acquire radio connectivity and can then use the pre-registration data to gain access to the media management server. The first time such a device connects with the media management server using the pre-registration data, the server will engage in a online account registration session with the device and provision the device with post-registration data that the device can thereafter use to access the online account.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for encapsulating upper layers of CDMA signaling messages between a multi-mode device and a signaling gateway. In an exemplary embodiment, a multi-mode device has a CDMA mode and a Wi-Fi mode. In Wi-Fi mode, the device generates an upper-layer portion of a CDMA signaling message. The device then encapsulates the first upper-layer portion in at least one packet-switched-protocol, such as SIP. The device then transmits the encapsulated upper-layer portion of the CDMA signaling message via a Wi-Fi network and a packet-switched network to a signaling gateway, which then translates the upper-layer portion into an SS7 message, and transmits the SS7 message over an SS7 network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for encapsulating upper layers of CDMA signaling messages between a multi-mode device and a signaling gateway. In an exemplary embodiment, a multi-mode device has a CDMA mode and a Wi-Fi mode. In Wi-Fi mode, the device generates an upper-layer portion of a CDMA signaling message. The device then encapsulates the first upper-layer portion in at least one packet-switched-protocol, such as SIP. The device then transmits the encapsulated upper-layer portion of the CDMA signaling message via a Wi-Fi network and a packet-switched network to a signaling gateway, which then translates the upper-layer portion into an SS7 message, and transmits the SS7 message over an SS7 network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatic over-the-air updating of a preferred roaming list (PRL) in a multi-mode device, based on an account association between the device and a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. For each of a plurality of subscriber accounts, a set of subscriber account data is maintained in data storage, indicating an association between the subscriber account and one or more telecommunication devices. A determination is made that a given subscriber account is associated with both (i) a multi-mode device and (ii) a WLAN access point. In response to the determination, a PRL for the multi-mode device is automatically updated to include access data for the WLAN access point.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for encapsulating upper layers of CDMA signaling messages between a multi-mode device and a signaling gateway. In an exemplary embodiment, a multi-mode device has a CDMA mode and a Wi-Fi mode. In Wi-Fi mode, the device generates an upper-layer portion of a CDMA signaling message. The device then encapsulates the first upper-layer portion in at least one packet-switched-protocol, such as SIP. The device then transmits the encapsulated upper-layer portion of the CDMA signaling message via a Wi-Fi network and a packet-switched network to a signaling gateway, which then translates the upper-layer portion into an SS7 message, and transmits the SS7 message over an SS7 network.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing a wireless device's user-interface is provided. A wireless carrier will use an identifier of the wireless device (such as an electronic serial number) as a basis to correlate the device with a vendor of the device and in turn to select a customization package that defines a user-interface corresponding with the vendor. For instance, the user interface can have color schemes, graphics, sounds and other attributes that are similar to the color schemes, graphics, sounds and other attributes that the vendor uses to promote the vendor's services or products. The wireless carrier will then send the customization package (or a pointer to the customization package) to the device, over the air for instance. And the device will responsively adopt the selected user interface as a base user interface.

Abstract: Methods and multi-mode devices are provided for temporarily overriding a preferred roaming list (PRL) in a multi-mode device, in favor of a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. A triggering event is detected. In response to detecting the triggering event: (i) a first connection with a first WLAN access point is established; (ii) the multi-mode device is authenticated with the first access point; (iii) access data corresponding to the first access point is stored; and (iv) the PRL is deactivated for a discrete time period, such that, during the time period, the device does not use the PRL to seek to establish a second connection with any communication system. After the time period, the PRL is automatically reactivated.

Abstract: A method and system to allow wireless devices, such as wirelessly-equipped digital cameras, to gain wireless packet-data connectivity and to interact with a media management server, such as a photo server. A wireless carrier distributes multiple devices all having the same set of radio access data (e.g., mobile identification number and electronic serial number), and all having shared or unique pre-registration data. Any such device can then readily use the shared radio access data to acquire radio connectivity and can then use the pre-registration data to gain access to the media management server. The first time such a device connects with the media management server using the pre-registration data, the server will engage in a online account registration session with the device and provision the device with post-registration data that the device can thereafter use to access the online account.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for secure Mobile-IP traffic traversing network address translation (NAT). A virtual-private-network (VPN) tunnel extending between the mobile node and the home agent is established, wherein the home agent comprises a VPN function. Establishing the VPN tunnel comprises (i) the mobile node communicating with the home agent at a public address of the home agent via a private network, a NAT device, and a public network and (ii) the home agent assigning the mobile node a first public address. The mobile node is registered with the home agent. Registering the mobile node comprises (i) the mobile node communicating via the VPN tunnel with the home agent at the public address of the home agent and (ii) establishing the first public address as a home address for the mobile node for, for example, purposes of Mobile-IP communication.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for automatic over-the-air updating of a preferred roaming list (PRL) in a multi-mode device, based on an account association between the device and a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. For each of a plurality of subscriber accounts, a set of subscriber account data is maintained in data storage, indicating an association between the subscriber account and one or more telecommunication devices. A determination is made that a given subscriber account is associated with both (i) a multi-mode device and (ii) a WLAN access point. In response to the determination, a PRL for the multi-mode device is automatically updated to include access data for the WLAN access point.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for encapsulating upper layers of CDMA signaling messages between a multi-mode device and a signaling gateway. In an exemplary embodiment, a multi-mode device has a CDMA mode and a Wi-Fi mode. In Wi-Fi mode, the device generates an upper-layer portion of a CDMA signaling message. The device then encapsulates the first upper-layer portion in at least one packet-switched-protocol, such as SIP. The device then transmits the encapsulated upper-layer portion of the CDMA signaling message via a Wi-Fi network and a packet-switched network to a signaling gateway, which then translates the upper-layer portion into an SS7 message, and transmits the SS7 message over an SS7 network.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for using common provisioning data to activate cellular wireless devices. A wireless carrier may distribute multiple wireless devices containing a common set of pre-activation provisioning data, such as a common MIN/ESN pair, as well as a unique post-activation data, such as a unique ESN. When such a device is powered on, it may use the common pre-activation provisioning data to gain RF access and then enter into a provisioning data session with a provisioning server. Through the provisioning server, the carrier may tie the device to a service account, and the device may acquire and store further post-activation data, such as a unique MIN. The device may thereafter engage in wireless communication service, using its post-activation ESN and MIN as a basis to gain RF access.

Abstract: A method and system for customizing a wireless device's user-interface is provided. During activation of the wireless device for service, the wireless carrier will use an identifier of the wireless device (such as an electronic serial number) as a basis to correlate the device with a vendor of the device and in turn to select a customization package that defines a user-interface corresponding with the vendor. For instance, the user interface can have color schemes, graphics, sounds and other attributes that are similar to the color schemes, graphics, sounds and other attributes that the vendor uses to promote the vendor's services or products. The wireless carrier will then send the customization package (or a pointer to the customization package) to the device, over the air in an activation response message for instance. And the device will responsively adopt the selected user interface as a base user interface.

Abstract: A plurality of public safety answering points (PSAPs) are accessible via a voice-over-packet (VoP) network. Each wireless access point of the VoP network is identified by a basic service set identifier (BSSID). A mobile node associates with a wireless access point and stores the wireless access point's BSSID as an indicator of the mobile node's location. A user of the mobile node dials digits for an emergency services call. In response, the mobile node transmits a SIP INVITE message that includes the BSSID and an additional indicator of the mobile node's location, e.g., determined using GPS or tower triangulation. A SIP proxy server receives the SIP INVITE message and attempts to determine the appropriate PSAP to answer the call based on the BSSID. If the attempt is unsuccessful, the SIP proxy server determines the appropriate PSAP based on the additional indicator.

Abstract: A coin mechanism includes a piezoelectric film sensor in contact with a coin debounce device. When a coin is inserted into the coin mechanism, the coin strikes the coin debounce device as it travels along a coin path. Micro-movement of the coin debounce device is sensed with the piezoelectric film sensor. The coin mechanism changes from a quiescent mode of operation to an active mode of operation in response to sensing the presence of the coin in the coin path. Coin recognition can then be performed. Overall power consumption of the coin mechanism can be reduced.

Abstract: A low-power, integrated coin acceptor for a payphone containing audit circuitry is described. The integrated coin acceptor connects to the telephone tip, ring and ground lines and connects to a dumb or smart payphone chassis to provide both coin validation and audit functions. The integrated coin acceptor is compatible with the audit software used by the central office, and assures a seamless transition between coin acceptor operation, audit data recording and audit information transmission. Components related to the audit function include a line interface to the tip, ring, and ground lines, a DTMF transceiver, battery backed-up RAM memory, EEPROM memory, real time clock, and battery and control circuits for data retention. During audit interrogation activity, the integrated coin acceptor takes control of the phone line, but contains circuitry that will return dial-tone to the user if an off-hook event occurs.

Abstract: A low-power, integrated coin acceptor for a payphone containing audit circuitry is described. The integrated coin acceptor connects to the telephone tip, ring and ground lines and connects to a dumb or smart payphone chassis to provide both coin validation and audit functions. The integrated coin acceptor is compatible with the audit software used by the central office, and assures a seamless transition between coin acceptor operation, audit data recording and audit information transmission. Components related to the audit function include a line interface to the tip, ring, and ground lines, a DTMF transceiver, battery backed-up RAM memory, EEPROM memory, real time clock, and battery and control circuits for data retention. During audit interrogation activity, the integrated coin acceptor takes control of the phone line, but contains circuitry that will return dial-tone to the user if an off-hook event occurs.

Abstract: A new and distinct apple cultivar, named `Freedom` which is exceptional for its resistance to apple scab incited by Venturia inaequalis, cedar apple rust incited by Gymnosporangium juniperi virginianae, apple powdery mildew incited by Podosphaera leucotricha, and fire blight incited by Erwinia amylovora, for its high yields of large fruits and for its good quality.

Abstract: A new and distinct apple cultivar, named `Empress`, (also tested as NY 651), is exceptional for its large fruit size, attractive bright red finish, good yellow flesh color, good eating quality and high fruit yields in the midautumn season.