Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reporting to subscribers network events in a plurality of formats and languages depending upon the particular subscriber group to which a subscriber belongs. When a subscriber requests a call, a switching node in the network invokes a trigger that identifies a signaling node for routing the call and sends a route request to the signaling node. While processing the route request, if the signaling node detects an event that would prevent the call from being routed, the signaling node identifies the subscriber group of the subscriber and determines a directory number associated with the identified subscriber group and the detected event. The signaling node then returns the determined directory number to the switching node. Using the determined directory number, the switching node establishes the call to a message node, where a message associated with the determined directory number is executed.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for automatically updating databases contained in the random access memory and tape storage of a cellular switch. First, instructions are issued to a cellular switch, causing the switch to provide a first output of one or more operative databases contained in the random access memory of the switch. Then, one or more backup databases are loaded into the random access memory of the switch, and instructions are issued to the switch causing the switch to provide a second output of the backup databases. The first and second outputs are then analyzed by a computer program, and in response to the analysis the program automatically assembles a number of cellular switch compatible software commands into a text file. Finally the text file is transmitted to the switch, thereby updating databases contained in the random access memory and the tape storage of the switch.

Abstract: In an improved cellular telephone network, which in the illustrated embodiment, is a roadside emergency callbox system, and in which each cellular callbox includes programmable circuitry for call progress processing, various tones transmitted in a telephone exchange are detected, decoded and responsively acted upon by the callbox according to program control. Each callbox is further capable of receiving and decoding DTMF tones from the telephone exchange to allow arbitary information, including alphanumeric information for local display at the callbox, to be received and interactively processed subject to on-site program control. Still further, each of the callboxes within the cellular network can be remotely programmed by a maintenance computer to call a newly designated telephone number in the event of activation of the callbox which can be utilized in the case of the need for extraordinary emergency response.

Abstract: A remote coverage system extends the effective coverage area of a cellular mobile radiotelecommunications (CMR) master cell. When a mobile unit assigned to the master cell moves from the master cell's coverage area into the coverage area of a satellite cell, the satellite cell sends a signal asking for a handoff of the mobile unit to it. When the handoff occurs, the MTSO exchanges signals with the mobile unit via a relay unit located at the master cell site. The relay unit relays signals between the MTSO and the satellite cell.

Abstract: A system utilizing a cellular mobile radiotelephone and the public switching telecommunication network (PSTN) for entering into rental agreements and for accruing and billing the resulting rental charges associated with the rental of equipment, such as automobiles. The automobiles to be rented incorporate credit-card-activated, intelligent, cellular mobile radiotelephones. Upon entry into the automobile, a customer slides a card through a card reader included therein. The card reader transfers data encoded on the card to the radiotelephone whereupon the radio telephone establishes, via the PSTN, a communications link with a processor. In response to processor-originated voice prompts that the radiotelephone conveys to the customer, the customer then uses a keypad of the radiotelephone to enter data necessary to compose the rental agreement.

Abstract: A cellular telephone unit includes logic circuitry programmed automatically to initiate a check of a tlephone-accessible audio-response system (e.g., a voice mailbox system) upon power-up of the telephone unit. The programming of the logic circuitry treats any number entered by the user during the check that does not correspond to the preprogrammed voice mail account number as a command, and thereupon discontinues the check and processes the command.

Abstract: A Customer Activation System, including a method and apparatus, for expeditiously providing a cellular mobile radiotelephone (CMR) customer access to CMR service. The system includes a regional processor programmed to:accept information identifying the CMR customer;obtain a credit check of the CMR customer;assign a telephone number to the CMR customer; andinsert and activate the telephone number in a cellular switch.

Abstract: A cellular telephone unit includes selective carrier signal acquisition. Priority of acquisition is given to carrier signals associated with home system identification codes (SIDs), then to any carrier signal associated with a non-excluded SID. Any attempt to dial an emergency call (e.g., a 911 call) overrides any lockout of excluded SIDs. A display such as "roam" and "no service" lights is used selectively to indicate to the user the availability of home and/or non-excluded carrier signals.

Abstract: A CMR (Cellular Mobile Radiotelephone) Cell Site includes a foundation for a CMR equipment edifice. The foundation, together with the edifice, rests on a leveled surface. An antenna tower is mounted on the roof of the edifice and is secured by an antenna mounting brace embedded in the roof of the edifice. The antenna is guyed at three elevations along the antenna's height to three points on the foundation. The edifice encloses a 10-inch-square, steel support column, positioned within the edifice directly beneath the antenna mounting brace, for supporting the antenna tower. Four-inch-thick slabs of concrete are inserted between the floor of the edifice and the support column and between the support column and the roof so as to isolate the interior of the building from electrical disturbances such as lightening.

Abstract: A technique for enabling a peregrinating Cellular Mobile Radiotelephone (CMR) subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area (that is, an area outside his home service area), calls placed to his MID at his home service area. A roaming processor is coupled through a cable or LAN to a switch associated with a foreign MTSO and is coupled, preferably through a private data network, to a switch associated with the subscriber's home MTSO. Within the roaming processor resides a program that detects the reception at the foreign switch of a predetermined code indicating that calls placed to the roamer's home MID are to be forwarded to the foreign MTSO. Subsequent to the "validation" of the roamer and to the performance of certain software housekeeping tasks, the roamer is assigned a Temporary Directory Number (TDN) for use in the remote service area. The FMR processor then commands the subscriber's home MTSO switch to forward calls, placed to the subscriber's MID at the home MTSO, to the TDN.

Abstract: For use in conjunction with vehicular, hand-held, pay telephone, a telephone holder and latching mechanism for securing the telephone in the holder and, in response to actuation by a telephone user, releasing the telephone from the holder. The holder includes an elongated holder channel of stepwise construction. The holder channel is enclosed at one end by a butt plate that provides access holes for the telephone line cord and a hook switch. The holder channel is enclosed at an opposite end by a credit-card-actuated latching mechanism. The latching mechanism includes a matching plate that provides a slot aligned with a slot in the holder face plate. A credit card, once inserted into the slots, is guided by a holder box so that the credit card is caused to abut a latch-release plate that is pivotably mounted to the holder channel.

Abstract: A cellular telephone unit includes logic circuitry designed or programmed automatically to expand (recursively or iteratively) keystroke sequences containing recall commands by substituting the contents of a memory location specified by any recall command for the recall command itself. When a call is being initiated, any transmission keystrokes in a fully-expanded keystroke sequence occuring prior to a first pause command are transmitted over a signalling channel; transmission characters thereafter are transmitted on a voice channel.