Abstract: A system and method for selectively updating the versions of stored datasets on a wireless device that selectively communicates to a wireless network and downloads datasets, such as software applications and information, from download servers on the wireless network. The wireless device has a resident dataset version summary file that identifies the version of each resident dataset, and upon the wireless device attempting to communicate with the download server, the wireless device compares the version of each specific resident dataset listed in the resident dataset version summary file with the version of downloadable datasets resident on the download server to thereby determine if the version of a wireless device resident dataset is different from the version of a download server resident dataset. If the download server resident dataset is more recent, the wireless device can download it to overwrite the wireless device resident dataset.

Abstract: A system and method for the provision of downloadable subscription-based software applications to one or more wireless devices where the applications are downloadable from one or more application download servers across a wireless network. An accounting module receives subscription-based application download data from the one or more application download servers for each subscription-based application downloaded by a wireless device, and subscription-based application deletion data from each wireless device that has deleted a subscription-based application. The accounting module accounts for the use of the subscribed software applications based upon the subscription-based software application download data and subscription-based application deletion data.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively updating the versions of stored datasets on a wireless device that selectively communicates to a wireless network and downloads datasets, such as software applications and information, from download servers on the wireless network. The wireless device has a resident dataset version summary file that identifies the version of each resident dataset, and upon the wireless device attempting to communicate with the download server, the wireless device compares the version of each specific resident dataset listed in the resident dataset version summary file with the version of downloadable datasets resident on the download server to thereby determine if the version of a wireless device resident dataset is different from the version of a download server resident dataset. If the download server resident dataset is more recent, the wireless device can download it to overwrite the wireless device resident dataset.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively updating the versions of stored datasets on a wireless device that selectively communicates to a wireless network and downloads datasets, such as software applications and information, from download servers on the wireless network. The wireless device has a resident dataset version summary file that identifies the version of each resident dataset, and upon the wireless device attempting to communicate with the download server, the wireless device compares the version of each specific resident dataset listed in the resident dataset version summary file with the version of downloadable datasets resident on the download server to thereby determine if the version of a wireless device resident dataset is different from the version of a download server resident dataset. If the download server resident dataset is more recent, the wireless device can download it to overwrite the wireless device resident dataset.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the deleting and reloading of software application components on a wireless device, such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, pager, or other computer platform. The wireless device has one or more resident executable software applications wherein each application has one or more application components and application-associated data, such as software licenses and user-specific data. The wireless device selectively deletes one or more application components of the resident software applications without loss of the application-associated data to clear resources on the wireless device, and selectively prompts an application download server across a wireless network to transmit deleted application components needed to be reinstalled on the wireless device to execute the application.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling software applications on one or more wireless devices where each wireless device is in selective communication with one or more application managing servers over a wireless network. Each wireless device has one or more selectively executable resident software applications and at least one software application requires a valid license for each execution, and upon the attempted execution of a software application, the wireless device determines if a license is present. If a license is not present, the wireless device selectively prompts, either automatically or at the direction of the user of the wireless device, an application managing server for transmission of a license, receives the transmitted license, and installs the license on the wireless device such that the software application is again licensed and executable.

Abstract: A system and method for the provision of downloadable subscription-based software applications to one or more wireless devices where the applications are downloadable from one or more application download servers across a wireless network. An accounting module receives subscription-based application download data from the one or more application download servers for each subscription-based application downloaded by a wireless device, and subscription-based application deletion data from each wireless device that has deleted a subscription-based application. The accounting module accounts for the use of the subscribed software applications based upon the subscription-based software application download data and subscription-based application deletion data.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the deleting and reloading of software application components on a wireless device, such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, pager, or other computer platform. The wireless device has one or more resident executable software applications wherein each application has one or more application components and application-associated data, such as software licenses and user-specific data. The wireless device selectively deletes one or more application components of the resident software applications without loss of the application-associated data to clear resources on the wireless device, and selectively prompts an application download server across a wireless network to transmit deleted application components needed to be reinstalled on the wireless device to execute the application.

Abstract: A system and method for selectively updating the versions of stored datasets on a wireless device that selectively communicates to a wireless network and downloads datasets, such as software applications and information, from download servers on the wireless network. The wireless device has a resident dataset version summary file that identifies the version of each resident dataset, and upon the wireless device attempting to communicate with the download server, the wireless device compares the version of each specific resident dataset listed in the resident dataset version summary file with the version of downloadable datasets resident on the download server to thereby determine if the version of a wireless device resident dataset is different from the version of a download server resident dataset. If the download server resident dataset is more recent, the wireless device can download it to overwrite the wireless device resident dataset.

Abstract: A system and method for the provision of downloadable subscription-based software applications to one or more wireless devices where the applications are downloadable from one or more application download servers across a wireless network. An accounting module receives subscription-based application download data from the one or more application download servers for each subscription-based application downloaded by a wireless device, and subscription-based application deletion data from each wireless device that has deleted a subscription-based application. The accounting module accounts for the use of the subscribed software applications based upon the subscription-based software application download data and subscription-based application deletion data.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling software applications on one or more wireless devices where each wireless device is in selective communication with one or more application managing servers over a wireless network. Each wireless device has one or more selectively executable resident software applications and at least one software application requires a valid license for each execution, and upon the attempted execution of a software application, the wireless device determines if a license is present. If a license is not present, the wireless device selectively prompts, either automatically or at the direction of the user of the wireless device, an application managing server for transmission of a license, receives the transmitted license, and installs the license on the wireless device such that the software application is again licensed and executable.

Abstract: A system and method for managing the deleting and reloading of software application components on a wireless device, such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, pager, or other computer platform. The wireless device has one or more resident executable software applications wherein each application has one or more application components and application-associated data, such as software licenses and user-specific data. The wireless device selectively deletes one or more application components of the resident software applications without loss of the application-associated data to clear resources on the wireless device, and selectively prompts an application download server across a wireless network to transmit deleted application components needed to be reinstalled on the wireless device to execute the application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring an emergency service from one or more candidate mobile radio communication systems. An attempt is made by the mobile radio unit to acquire normal non-emergency service. If the attempt of acquiring normal non-emergency services fails and the user needs to originate an emergency call, an emergency scan list containing one or more candidate mobile radio communication systems is scanned, and an attempt is made to acquire emergency service from one of these systems. The emergency scan list is different from the normal preferred roaming list stored in the mobile radio unit. Next, the invention originates an emergency call in accordance with the service acquired from the emergency scan list.

Abstract: A wireless communication device contains a speed-dial storage area containing one or more user-entered destination telephone numbers. An additional memory area contains the plurality of sets of additional digits to be added to the user-entered destination telephone number. The user associates one or more additional sets of digits to a selected user-entered destination telephone number. A control processor automatically adds the associated set of additional digits whenever the user-entered destination telephone number is selected. The sets of additional digits may be pre-programmed by the service provider or programmed by the user. The sets of additional digits may include codes for features such as caller identification transmission, caller identification blocking, message waiting cancellation, and the like. In addition, other sets of digits, such as area codes and other prefixes may be pre-programmed by the service provider or the user.

Abstract: A system and method for independently downloading a main program and optional features into a set of storage locations of a wireless communication device uses a memory to store the main program and a set of selected optional features. An identification element associated with one in the set of selected optional features enables the main program to interact with the one in the set of selected optional features. A programmer programs the selected optional feature programs into the memory by locating a storage location in the memory. An indicator indicates when the set of selected optional features has been stored in the memory. The memory can further contain a linking element and a pointer to identify storage locations in the memory. The invention allows the set of selected optional features to be stored after the main program is stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remote control of software and hardware features of a wireless communication device using Short Message Services (SMS). A wireless communication device with SMS capabilities can be remotely configured by sending specifically configured SMS messages. A manufacturer can configure a wireless device to have control over certain features accessible through SMS messages. A configuring SMS message is constructed using a specific format to inform the wireless device of the presence of a feature control message. Predetermined combinations of characters unlikely to occur in normal messages are used as message start and stop delimiters. A series of fields are defined in the SMS message with the fields separated by delimiters distinct from the message start and stop delimiters. Commands may be sent to the wireless device using point-to-point as well as broadcast SMS messages.

Abstract: A technique for parsing numbers on a display in a wireless communication device utilizes a data storage area containing data related to the dialing plan for the particular location of the user, such as a country. A parser receives the number and applies the number digit by digit to the data in the dialing plan storage area to determine whether the number corresponds to a known telephone number format for the particular country. If the number corresponds to a known format, one of a predetermined number of parsing formatting characters are applied to the number and the number with formatting characters is shown on a display. The user may edit the formatting characters to customize the format for personal preferences. The number may be provided to the parser by manual entry of digits by the user via a keypad, or may be automatically provided to the parser by user selection of a number in a telephone book storage area, a call history storage area, or the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to provide access to a dispatch system is disclosed. A communications manager (40) grants an exclusive system talker privilege to one remote unit (10) in the system at a time. After a remote unit (10) requests and is designated as the exclusive system talker, no other remote unit (20, 22) may transmit for a first pre-determined amount of time. After the first pre-determined time has elapsed, any other remote unit (20, 22) may request the exclusive system talker privilege and become the exclusive system talker. The exclusive system talker privilege is revoked by the communications manager (40) to any remote unit who retains the exclusive system talker privilege for more than a second pre-determined amount of time. The exclusive system talker privilege is also revoked upon the release of a push-to-talk button on a remote unit (10).

Abstract: A private communication network through which a plurality of member users communicate using the public switched telephone network (PSTN) is disclosed herein. Each member user utilizes either a modified land line telephone directly connected to PSTN, or uses a modified mobile telephone operatively coupled to the PSTN through a wireless communication system. The private communication network includes network call manager having a telephone network interface for establishing a telephone connection with each of a plurality of telephone lines of the PSTN. Each of the plurality of telephone lines is associated with one of the plurality of member users. The network call manager further includes a switch matrix, coupled to the telephone network interface, for providing an information signal received from an active member user over a selected telephone line to the remaining non-active member users.

Abstract: A private communication network through which a plurality of member users communicate using the public switched telephone network (PSTN) is disclosed herein. Each member user utilizes either a modified land line telephone directly connected to PSTN, or uses a modified mobile telephone operatively coupled to the PSTN through a wireless communication system. The private communication network includes network call manager having a telephone network interface for establishing a telephone connection with each of a plurality of telephone lines of the PSTN. Each of the plurality of telephone lines is associated with one of the plurality of member users. The network call manager further includes a switch matrix, coupled to the telephone network interface, for providing an information signal received from an active member user over a selected telephone line to the remaining non-active member users.