Abstract: A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides additional services to a select group of customers. The system uses handsets (32) which automatically switch between a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation (1901) and an enhanced cordless mode (1420) when the handsets (32) are within range of pico cells (26) that are interconnected to the public switched telephone network (20). Each pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells (10b) that operates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a unique control protocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Each pico cell consists of a spectrally dynamic, non-capturing, frequency agile, multi-purpose base station (26) provided at customer-selected locations to cooperate with the overlay cell framework. Each pico cell is capable of supporting multiple handsets (32) and using low power operation that achieves limited coverage.

Abstract: A cellular radiotelephone system (10) includes mobile stations (28) which may be remotely programmed from a customer activation system (12) to effect activation and other programming needs. Mobile stations (28) are manufactured in a blank form that causes them to operate only in an inactive state. During activation, information describing the mobile station's electronic serial number (ESN) is collected along with area of use information. A mobile identification number (MIN) is assigned in response to the area of use information. A page message is directed to the mobile station operating in its inactive state, but the page message references the mobile station's ESN. While inactive, the mobile station (28) detects pages directed to its ESN. A remote programming session is then performed wherein digital user-specific programming data, including the newly assigned MIN, are transferred to the mobile station (28) over a voice channel using a control channel protocol (80).

Abstract: A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides additional services to a select group of customers. The system uses handsets (32) which automatically switch between a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation (1901) and an enhanced cordless mode (1420) when the handsets (32) are within range of pico cells (26) that are interconnected to the public switched telephone network (20). Each pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells (10b) that operates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a unique control protocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Each pico cell consists of a spectrally dynamic, non-capturing, frequency agile, multi-purpose base station (26) provided at customer-selected locations to cooperate with the overlay cell framework. Each pico cell is capable of supporting multiple handsets (32) and uses low power operation that achieves limited coverage.

Abstract: A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system is disclosed which exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides unique additional services to a select group of customers equipped with special handsets, without impacting the general customers. The special handsets automatically switch between and operate in either analog or digital mode with the standard radiotelephone network and in an enhanced cordless mode when within range of independent pico cells, that are interconnected with the public switched telephone network. Each of the network transparent pico cells is controlled via a framework of overlay cells that operate independently of the radiotelephone network and use a unique control protocol on a relatively small number of reserved channels, with a use hierarchy that is reversed with respect to standard radiotelephone channels.

Abstract: A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides additional services to a select group of customers. The system uses handsets (32) which automatically switch between a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation (1901) and an enhanced cordless mode (1420) when the handsets (32) are within range of pico cells (26) that are interconnected to the public switched telephone network (20). Each pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells (10b) that operates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a unique control protocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Each pico cell consists of a spectrally dynamic, non-capturing, frequency agile, multi-purpose base station (26) provided at customer-selected locations to cooperate with the overlay cell framework. Each pico cell is capable of supporting multiple handsets (32) and using low power operation that achieves limited coverage.

Abstract: A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides additional services to a select group of customers. The system uses handsets (32) which automatically switch between a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation (1901) and an enhanced cordless mode (1420) when the handsets (32) are within range of pico cells (26) that are interconnected to the public switched telephone network (20). Each pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells (10b) that operates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a unique control protocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Each pico cell consists of a spectrally dynamic, non-capturing, frequency agile, multi-purpose base station (26) provided at customer-selected locations to cooperate with the overlay cell framework. Each pico cell is capable of supporting multiple handsets (32) and uses low power operation that achieves limited coverage.

Abstract: A multi-mode communication network (12) uses a two phase process to activate a cordless base station (22) using the assistance of a multi-mode handset (18). A customer activation system (30,32) collects cellular and cordless activation data (56,58). The handset (18) is activated for cellular use (92). In a first phase of activation, cordless base station programming data are transferred from the customer activation system (30,32) to the handset (18). During a second phase of activation (124,150), the cordless base station programming data are transferred from the handset (18) to the cordless base station (22).

Abstract: A cellular telecommunication system (CTS) is provided that supports the operation of a radiotelephone (RT) in cellular and cordless modes. The CTS includes operating features that are dependent upon the intrasystem location of the RT. The CTS includes a mobile telephone switching office, a plurality of land stations, a plurality of cells, a plurality of zones defined by one or more cells, a plurality of local regions defined by one or more cells, and a cordless base station located within one of the cells. The land stations transmit zone identification (ZNID) signals and local region identification (LRID) signals, which the RT receives and compares to one or more ZNID codes and one or more LRID codes, respectively. The RT displays its intrasystem billing zone location and initiates communication with the cordless base station in response to the received ZNID and LRID signals, respectively.

Abstract: A multi-mode communication network (12) accommodates piloted cellular operation and pilotless cordless operation using a multi-mode handset (18). A common pool of channels (28) serves cellular and cordless operations. At least some channels from a cordless subset (32) of the pool of channels (28) are unused in cellular operations regardless of location. The handset (18) monitors forward portions of all cordless subset channels when the handset (18) is within the coverage area (16) of its cordless base station (22). Unused channels are indicated on a dormant channel list (70), which is passed to the handset's cordless base station (22) when the handset (18) registers for cordless operation. The cordless base station (22) makes an active channel list (62) based upon the dormant channel list (70). Cordless operation messages transmitted from either a handset (18) or cordless base station (22) use a channel selected from the active channel list (62).

Abstract: A radiotelephone (RT) operates in either a cellular telephone mode or a cordless telephone mode within a cellular telecommunications system. The RT operates in the cordless mode if it is within the operating range of a cordless base station. The cordless base station receives data from a central telephone office, converts the data into a transmittable caller ID message, and transmits the caller ID message to the RT. The RT receives the caller ID message and displays it in a readable form to the user. The caller ID message may be saved at the RT for subsequent retrieval by the user. In addition, a speed dial operation may be performed to respond to the caller ID message.

Abstract: A multiple mode, personal, wireless communications system exists within a radiotelephone network serving general customers and provides additional services to a select group of customers. The system uses handsets (32) which automatically switch between a standard cellular radiotelephone mode of operation (1901) and an enhanced cordless mode (1420) when the handsets (32) are within range of pico cells (26) that are interconnected to the public switched telephone network (20). Each pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells (10b) that operates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a unique control protocol on a small number of reserved cellular channels. Each pico cell consists of a spectrally dynamic, non-capturing, frequency agile, multi-purpose base station (26) provided at customer-selected locations to cooperate with the overlay cell framework. Each pico cell is capable of supporting multiple handsets (32) and uses low power operation that achieves limited coverage.

Abstract: A radiotelephone (10) simulates the call origination process performed by land-line telephones. Dial tone is generated (78) in response to an off-hook condition and removed when a first digit (54) is dialed. A timer process (84, 110) and a number analysis process (100) simultaneously evaluate dialed digits to detect the completion of dialing. The number analysis process (100) identifies seven, ten, and eleven digit, and indeterminate length phone number formats (64, 66, 52, 68). The ten digit format is recognized in response to remotely programmed (42) connected NPA codes. For most calls, the number analysis process (100) instantly detects a phone number's final digit (62). In a few cases the timer process (84, 110) detects the final digit through the absence of dialing activity for a predetermined duration. When the final digit (62) is detected, an origination message is transmitted to a cellular network.

Abstract: An emergency portable cellular radiotelephone (10) communicates with the one of A and B cellular systems that offers the best signalling. The radiotelephone may be energized from an internal battery (50) or an external power source (62). A single switch (38) is used to instigate emergency communication services. When a signalling channel is available and the switch (38) is activated, the radiotelephone (10) requests the placement of a call to a "911" phone number. Once the call is established, it may not be terminated at the radiotelephone (10), other than by removing power.

Abstract: A cellular mobile radiotelephone (CMR 12) which detects and reports security breach conditions is disclosed. The CMR (12) includes a remotely programmable unit (RPU 48) in which alarm parameter data (1200) may be recorded from a remote programming (RP) host (22). An input (54) may be adapted to receive a vehicle alarm system (26) output. When the alarm system activates, a Mode 1 Alarm procedure (1700) is performed. If the alarm indication is deemed genuine, the CMR (12) automatically places a call to a security service (28). When a vehicle ignition signal (52) has just turned "on", a Mode 2 Alarm procedure (1800) is performed. A user is given a period of time, which is established remotely (1214), to enter a disarming code. If the disarming code is not entered in time, a genuine alarm event is assumed, and the CMR (12) places a call to the security service (28). In placing calls to the security service (28), numerous alarm parameters are established remotely.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for supplying a rental service provider such as a hotel or an automobile rental agency with advance printed notice of customers who are approaching the hotel or agency aboard a shuttle bus from a nearby airport, thereby enabling the hotel or agency to prepare rental agreements for the customers in advance of the customers' arrival. First, a credit card reader receives one or more credit cards and automatically reads the data contained thereon. A computer directs insertion of the data into a memory buffer and establishes a radio frequency communications connection with equipment at a remote location. The contents of the memory buffer are transmitted via the radio frequency connection to the remotely located equipment for printing, and the communications connection is automatically terminated after the printing of the data.

Abstract: A system (10) for operating a multiplicity of credit card reader-equipped cellular mobile radiotelephones (CMRs 12) as credit card paystations is disclosed. The CMRs (12) incorporate a remotely programmable unit (RPU 48) which controls credit card operation (1400, 1700) and which controls data communication sessions (1800, 1900, 2100) with a credit card (CC) host (26) and a remote programming (RP) host (24). The RPU (48) resides between a conventional control unit (CU 42) and a conventional transmit/receive unit (TRU 62) of a conventional CMR. The RPU (48) monitors messages (1200, 1300) transmitted from the CU (42) and from the TRU (62). The CMR (12) powers up in a locked state (1402), within which a credit card (88) may be read. The credit card is locally validated (1421) at CMR 12. If the validation is successful, the CMR (12) is unlocked so that a call may be placed.

Abstract: A remotely programmable cellular mobile radiotelephone (CMR 12) is configured to select (1300) a cellular system (14-16) with which to communicate while roaming. The CMR (12) utilizes a default system selection process. The system selected using this default process is identified (1302) and a SID list (1402) is checked to see if the system identification number (SID) of the identified system is on the list (1402). The SID list (1402) is maintained in a current state through remote programming sessions (1500). When the default system's SID is not on the list (1402), CMR (12) operation continues normally. When the default system's SID is on the SID list (1402), the default system selection process is replaced with an alternate system selection process (1316-1322). If a new system selected by the alternate process is not available or if a new system is available but listed on the SID list (1402), then the CMR (12) simulates a no service mode of operation (1332-1338).

Abstract: A system (10) for operating a multiplicity of credit card reader-equipped cellular mobile radiotelephones (CMRs 12) as credit card paystations is disclosed. The CMRs (12) incorporate a remotely programmable unit (RPU 48) which controls credit card operation (1400, 1700) and which controls data communication sessions (188, 1900, 2100) with a credit card (CC) host (26) and a remote programming (RP) host (24). The RPU (48) resides between a conventional control unit (CU 42) and a conventional transmit/receive unit (TRU 62) of a conventional CMR. The RPU (48) monitors messages (1200, 1300) transmitted from the CU (42) and from the TRU (62). The CMR (12) powers up in a locked state (1402), within which a credit card (88) may be read. The credit card is locally validated (1421) at CMR 12. If the validation is successful, the CMR (12) is unlocked so that a call may be placed.

Abstract: A system for allowing remote access to cellular telephone programming through the PSTN is disclosed. The system includes a specifically configured remotely accessible cellular telephone (RACT) and a host system for managing a multiplicity of such RACTs. The RACT of the present invention may be configured either as a cellular telephone itself, or as a kit which, when combined with a conventional cellular telephone, forms a RACT. The RACT includes a signal detection circuit configured to detect a unique identifying signal that the host system generates and is not commonly found in conventional data communication traffic. RACT programming includes conventional cellular processes so that remote accessibility features do not impact conventional operation of a cellular telephone. Moreover, RACT programming includes automated call origination and call answering processes which minimize the impact of the present invention on cellular customers and on the public cellular system.