Abstract: A method and apparatus for a nation-wide cellular telephone network that controls access to cellular systems is provided in which a cellular system (14) includes a mobile unit (16), transmission towers (18), MTSO (20), and a clearinghouse link (22). The cellular system (14) is linked to a telecommunications platform (24). The telecommunications platform (24) is linked to central hosts (26 and 28). Calls to or from mobile unit (16) are directed through telecommunications platform (24), thereby reducing opportunities for cellular fraud and reducing cellular air usage charges.

Abstract: A messaging unit (16) equipped with a cellular transceiver (38) is attached to a mobile item (12) located within a communications network (10). The messaging unit (16) issues a feature request having data digits that represent information on the mobile item (12). The cellular transceiver (38) transmits the feature request using the network (10). The feature request is received at an MTSO (20) and then routed to a platform (24), a clearinghouse (22), or the platform (24) through the clearinghouse (22). The data digits are translated into information on the mobile item (12) and stored at the platform (24) or the clearinghouse (22) for access by a host (26).

Abstract: A call delivery system (10) for delivering a call to a mobile unit (12) on a vehicle (14) includes both a data communications network (16) and a mobile voice communications network (20). The mobile unit (12) generates call delivery information and communicates this information to a platform (18) using the data communications network (16). The platform (18) receives a call for the mobile unit (12). The platform (18) retrieves call delivery information received from the mobile unit (12) and establishes communications between the platform (18) and the mobile unit (12) using the mobile voice communications network (20). The platform then completes the call between the caller (36, 40, 44) and the mobile unit (12). Alternatively, the platform (18) can generate a call back message for transmission to the mobile unit (12) using the data communications network (16).

Abstract: A system (10) for determining an expected time of arrival of a vehicle (40) equipped with a mobile unit (42) includes a dispatch (20) remotely located from the vehicle (40). The dispatch (20) generates destination information for the vehicle (40), the destination information specifying at least one destination. The mobile unit (42) includes a mobile communications device (90) to receive the destination information for the vehicle (40) generated by the dispatch (20). The mobile unit (42) also includes a positioning receiver (80) to determine a vehicle position. In response to the destination information received from the dispatch (20) and the vehicle position, the mobile unit (42) determines the expected time of arrival of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system (10) for remote patching or updating of operating code located in a mobile unit (22, 24, 26, 28, or 30) is provided. The system (10) includes a manager host (16) and a mobile unit (22, 24, 26, 28, or 30). The manager host (16) is operable to initiate transmission through a communication network (12) of at least one discrete patch message defining at least one patch. The mobile unit (22, 24, 26, 28, or 30) is operable to receive the at least one patch message. The mobile unit (22, 24, 26, 28, or 30) is also operable to create patched operating code by merging the patch with current operating code located in the mobile unit (22, 24, 26, 28, or 30) and to switch execution to the patched operating code. The mobile unit (22, 24, 26, 28, or 30) can also receive at least one download message defining new operating code to replace the current operating code.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a tax for a vehicle (20) includes a positioning device (80) operable to determine a plurality of vehicle positions along a route traveled by the vehicle (20). A memory (102) stores geographic information defining a plurality of taxing regions through which the route of the vehicle (20) passes. An odometer (109) measures the distance traveled by the vehicle (20). A processor (100) is coupled to the positioning device (80), the memory (102), and the odometer (109). The processor (100) receives vehicle positions from the positioning device (80), geographic information from the memory (102), and optionally the measured distance from the odometer (109). The processor (100) determines the tax for the vehicle (20) in at least one taxing region through which the route of the vehicle (20) passes in response to the vehicle positions, the geographic information, and the measured distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the mobile identification number of a cellular telephone unit to reflect a local network planning area number, including a cellular telephone unit having a microprocessor and associated data storage. The microprocessor is programmed to interrogate the cellular telephone unit to obtain the local system identification number. The network planning area number corresponding to the system identification number is included as a part of the mobile identification number, thereby establishing a local cellular system number, such that the cellular telephone unit appears as a local unit to enable calls to be pre-validated by the local cellular system. Both the cellular telephone unit and the cellular system determine the local cellular system number independently. In response to an incoming call for the cellular telephone unit, the local cellular system pages the cellular telephone unit using the local cellular system number.

Abstract: A messaging unit (16) equipped with a cellular transceiver (38) is attached to a truck trailer (12) located within a communications network (10). The messaging unit (16) generates a data message in response to the occurrence of a reporting event. Upon generation of a data message, the cellular transceiver (38) transmits the data message over the network (10) via voice or data channels. The data message is received at an MTSO (20) and then routed to a platform (24), a clearinghouse (22), or the platform (24) through the clearinghouse (22). The data message stored at the platform (24) or the clearinghouse (22) is accessed by a host (26). A data message may be sent over a voice channel of the network (10) subject to a handshake protocol between the messaging unit (16) and the platform (24). Data messages may also be sent over a data channel of the network (10) by altering the mobile identification number (MIN) or electronic serial number (ESN) of the cellular transceiver (38).

Abstract: A messaging unit (16) equipped with a cellular transceiver (38) is attached to a truck trailer (12) located within a communications network (10). The messaging unit (16) generates a data message in response to the occurrence of a reporting event. Upon generation of a data message, the cellular transceiver (38) transmits the data message over the network (10) via voice or data channels. The data message is received at an MTSO (20) and then routed to a platform (24), a clearinghouse (22), or the platform (24) through the clearinghouse (22). The data message stored at the platform (24) or the clearinghouse (22) is accessed by a host (26). A data message may be sent over a voice channel of the network (10) subject to a handshake protocol between the messaging unit (16) and the platform (24). Data messages may also be sent over a data channel of the network (10) by altering the mobile identification number (MIN) or electronic serial number (ESN) of the cellular transceiver (38).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the mobile identification number of a cellular telephone unit to reflect a local network planning area number, including a cellular telephone unit having a microprocessor and associated data storage. The microprocessor is programmed to interrogate the cellular telephone unit to obtain the local system identification number. The network planning area number corresponding to the system identification number is included as a part of the mobile identification number such that the cellular telephone unit appears as a local unit to enable calls to be pre-validated by the local cellular system.