Abstract: An automatic traffic reporting system comprising a vehicle mounted data transceiver (telematics device) and centrally operated information collectors and analyzers that generate real time traffic reports for selected areas of interest.

Abstract: An automatic telephone service forwarding device including a base or enclosure defining a socket for receiving a wireless telephone. Upon detecting the presence of the wireless telephone in the socket, the device automatically forwards telephone service for the wireless telephone to a previously-stored forwarding directory number, typically the directory number of a wireline unit located nearby. Alternatively, the automatic telephone service forwarding device may be incorporated directly into a wireless telephone. In this case, the wireless telephone includes a “forward” button and a scrollable list of forwarding telephone numbers. The automatic telephone service forwarding device may also be configured to automatically select certain forwarding directory numbers from the list in accordance with a predefined time-based profile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending messages to a wireless device is disclosed. The invention includes a system and a method that waits for a wireless device to register before sending information to the device. In another aspect, the invention includes provisions that track which wireless devices have successfully received the message and which wireless devices have successfully acknowledged receipt of the message.

Abstract: An automatic telephone service forwarding device including a base or enclosure defining a socket for receiving a wireless telephone. Upon detecting the presence of the wireless telephone in the socket, the device automatically forwards telephone service for the wireless telephone to a previously-stored forwarding directory number, typically the directory number of a wireline unit located nearby. Alternatively, the automatic telephone service forwarding device may be incorporated directly into a wireless telephone. In this case, the wireless telephone includes a “forward” button and a scrollable list of forwarding telephone numbers. The automatic telephone service forwarding device may also be configured to automatically select certain forwarding directory numbers from the list in accordance with a predefined time-based profile.

Abstract: A system notifies a computing device of an incoming message. In the system, a message server is coupled to a data communications network for receiving the incoming message, and a communications system is coupled to the message server so that the message server can communicate to the communications system that the incoming message awaits retrieval by the computing device. A communications line is coupled to the communications system and to the computing device so that the communications system can signal the computing device over the communications line that the incoming message awaits retrieval by such computing device. The computing device is for receiving the aforementioned notification and retrieving the incoming message from the message server, and includes a communications device for coupling with the aforementioned communications line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sending messages to a wireless device is disclosed. The invention includes a system and a method that waits for a wireless device to register before sending information to the device. In another aspect, the invention includes provisions that track which wireless devices have successfully received the message and which wireless devices have successfully acknowledged receipt of the message.

Abstract: A portable communications device (PCD) is coupled to a first network by way of a second network. The PCD is normally in radio communication with the first network, and is coupled to the first network by way of the second network when the PCD is out of radio communication with the first network. In particular, the PCD is coupled to the second network, and is caused to leave a first network mode and enter a second network mode. A network connection is established with the first network by way of the second network, and communication with the first network is entered into by way of the second network.

Abstract: A wireless telephone backup device for landline telephone equipment that may be located on the customer side of the landline service connection, typically in a restricted access location, such as an attic, basement, or utility closet. An interconnection circuit in the backup device detects service interruptions in the subscriber's landline connection and, in response, powers on a wireless communication device to provide backup telephone service to the customer premises equipment. The interconnection circuit also provides the other features standard landline telephone service, including dial tone, ring voltage, and normal dialing for outgoing calls. The backup device also forwards incoming landline calls to the wireless unit in the backup device, and may send a message notifying a maintenance center of the service interruption. Further, the backup device may initiate an indicator in an alarm system at the site of the customer premises equipment to notify the subscriber of the service interruption.

Abstract: An automatic telephone service forwarding device including a base or enclosure defining a socket for receiving a wireless telephone. Upon detecting the presence of the wireless telephone in the socket, the device automatically forwards telephone service for the wireless telephone to a previously-stored forwarding directory number, typically the directory number of a wireline unit located nearby. Alternatively, the automatic telephone service forwarding device may be incorporated directly into a wireless telephone. In this case, the wireless telephone includes a “forward” button and a scrollable list of forwarding telephone numbers. The automatic telephone service forwarding device may also be configured to automatically select certain forwarding directory numbers from the list in accordance with a predefined time-based profile.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and a method for connecting an out-of-market customer to a desired telephone number. The method comprises receiving a customer validation request from a foreign market provider and, in return, providing a random or designated toll-free telephone number to the foreign market provider. Upon receiving a call request from the foreign market provider, the call request is directed to the desired telephone number. The customer validation request may include the desired telephone number and/or a mobile identification number. The call request is based on the provided toll-free telephone number, which is owned by a home market provider.

Abstract: A method and system for providing targeted advertisement information to consumers over a wireless communications network. In one embodiment, local advertisers register to advertise on certain wireless communications devices that are in close proximity to the advertiser. As a consumer enters a cell site that is near the location of the advertiser, the wireless network delivers a message to the wireless device that is specified by the local advertiser. An acknowledgement signal is then received by the network, and the local advertiser's account is charged for transmission of the advertisement. In a further embodiment, each of the messages stored in the database is also associated with one or more demographic codes, and users of wireless communications device select from one more demographic codes to describer their advertisement preferences.

Abstract: A cradle for accepts a portable communications device (PCD) that is normally in radio communication with a first network. The cradle couples the accepted PCD to the first network by way of a second network when the PCD is out of radio communication with the first network. The PCD includes an externally accessible port from which communications data is accessible, and the cradle is sized to accept the PCD. The cradle has a port connector for coupling with the externally accessible port of the accepted PCD, a network connector for coupling the cradle and by extension the PCD to the second network, and a network communications device for interfacing between the port connector and the network connector.

Abstract: A method of coupling a portable communications device (PCD) to a first network by way of a second network is disclosed. The PCD is normally in radio communication with the first network, and is coupled to the first network by way of the second network when the PCD is out of radio communication with the first network. In particular, the PCD is coupled to the second network, and is caused to leave a first network mode and enter a second network mode. A network connection is established with the first network by way of the second network, and communication with the first network is entered into by way of the second network.

Abstract: A method for fixing a location of a fixed wireless terminal. The method includes receiving a first plurality of telecommunication signals at the fixed wireless terminal, generating a first model of a network environment of the fixed wireless terminal based on the first plurality of received signals, receiving a second plurality of telecommunication signals at the fixed wireless terminal, generating a second model of the network environment of the fixed wireless terminal based on the second plurality of received signals, and determining whether the first and second models differ beyond a predetermined limit. The network environment models may be generated according to identification codes sent with each of the plurality of received signals, such as digital verification color codes, digital color codes, or supervisory audio tones. The network environments may also be generated according to the received signal strengths of the received signals or the time difference of the received signals.

Abstract: A method for fixing a location of a fixed wireless terminal.

Abstract: A wireless telephone backup device for landline telephone equipment that may be located on the customer side of the landline service connection, typically in a restricted access location, such as an attic, basement, or utility closet. An interconnection circuit in the backup device detects service interruptions in the subscriber's landline connection and, in response, powers on a wireless communication device to provide backup telephone service to the customer premises equipment. The interconnection circuit also provides the other features standard landline telephone service, including dial tone, ring voltage, and normal dialing for outgoing calls. The backup device also forwards incoming landline calls to the wireless unit in the backup device, and may send a message notifying a maintenance center of the service interruption. Further, the backup device may initiate an indicator in an alarm system at the site of the customer premises equipment to notify the subscriber of the service interruption.

Abstract: An automatic telephone service forwarding device including a base or enclosure defining a socket for receiving a wireless telephone. Upon detecting the presence of the wireless telephone in the socket, the device automatically forwards telephone service for the wireless telephone to a previously-stored forwarding directory number, typically the directory number of a wireline unit located nearby. Alternatively, the automatic telephone service forwarding device may be incorporated directly into a wireless telephone. In this case, the wireless telephone includes a “forward” button and a scrollable list of forwarding telephone numbers. The automatic telephone service forwarding device may also be configured to automatically select certain forwarding directory numbers from the list in accordance with a predefined time-based profile.

Abstract: A mobile station having the capability of inserting data content into the dialed digits field of a Call Origination signal issues a Call Origination signal to the mobile switching center (“MSC”) servicing the cell in which the mobile station is located. In response to receiving the Call Origination signal, the MSC issues an Origination Request message to a visitor location register system (“VLR”). The MSC issues an Origination Request message rather than a Qualification Request message because of the prior setting of one or more appropriate call processing trigger(s) at the switch. The dialed digits field of the Origination Request message comprises data content from the dialed digits field of the Call Origination signal received by the MSC.

Abstract: A wireless telephone comprising a receiver to receive a DTMF (dual tone multi-frequency) audio tone transmitted to the wireless telephone during a conversation mode of the wireless telephone, and a DTMF decoder coupled to the receiver to decode the DTMF audio tone and to responsively generate a decoded signal representing dialed information corresponding to the DTMF audio tone during the conversation mode of the wireless telephone. A wireline telephone may also include a DTMF decoder and a memory to decode and store received DTMF digits. A telephone embodying the present invention thus captures for its user the telephone numbers or other numerical information transmitted by the opposite party in the DTMF form during a conversation, without requiring the user to disrupt the conversation, e.g., by looking for a paper and pen. Thus, the user may not need to personally remember or write down the telephone number or other numerical information received while the user is on phone.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a message waiting indicator (MWI) message to a wireless system, such that a Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO) of the wireless system can recognize the MWI message and correspondingly activate an MWI on a wireless device (e.g., a wireless telephone). The present invention enables a messaging service provider, which is in communication with a wireline network through a central office, to send an MWI message through the central office and to a wireless device as a part of an integrated voicemail messaging service. According to one embodiment, the present invention processes a standard SS7 ReportEventMessageAvailable message, making the message compatible with a desired wireless protocol, such as analog, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). An MWI processor executes this process anywhere between, and including, the messaging service provider and the MTSO.