Abstract: During operation of a secondary communication system, cells (106) are formed by a plurality of localized nodes (104) to alert other nodes within the cell of frequencies which must be protected or otherwise avoided. All nodes within the cell monitor a differing subset of all frequencies available, and share information with respect to acceptable and protected frequencies with each other via low-power, short-range communication. Each node then forms a list of available channels for communication, and chooses a single node to report this information back to controller.

Abstract: The time-sharing of mobile devices over the Internet between remote users that need access to them is disclosed. Mobile devices are distributed across the globe in target geographies and networks, and users are provided with over-the-Internet access to these devices. The mobile devices are grouped in a mobile device pool. Devices in the pool can be in different physical locations, but they all report their locations and status to a central server (“AccessServer”) using standard internet protocols. This central server gives a single unified view of the mobile device pool to the user. Users are able to get this unified view and access the mobile devices using a software application (“DeviceConductor”) that runs on their local computer. A user can check-out a device and operate it remotely, having the ability to control all inputs of the device and view all outputs from the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feature for controlling resellers of telecommunications services. A service provider may freeze the accounts, and therefore service, for all customers of a reseller if that reseller is behind on payments to the service provider. In one preferred embodiment, all customers of a reseller are identified with a reseller identification field in the customer's data stored by the service provider. When the service provider issues a freeze order, the account records for all customers of the reseller, identified by the reseller identification stored for each customer, are set into a frozen state wherein these customers cannot initiate or receive calls; after the frozen state is removed, the various promotions allotted to each customer are reinstated. Advantageously, the threat of freezing service to the customers of the reseller is a potent weapon to force the reseller to pay the service provider.

Abstract: A mobile switching center is configured with software instructions which allow it to continue to provide at least limited call termination and call origination services for mobile terminals in the event of a failure of a signaling link between the mobile switching center and a home location register and/or a signal control point (SCP) in an intelligent network. For pre-paid callers originating or terminating a call, the mobile switching center marks a call detail record as indicating that the call is a post-paid call. The call detail record is later provided to the SCP after the signaling link has been restored in order to bill the mobile terminal. In one example, the signaling link between the mobile switching center and the home location register or SCP may be a satellite link, which may go down for various reasons such as for maintenances, an unexpected failure, or the orbit of the satellite goes outside the field of reception of an antenna in the signal path.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for obtaining connection to a packet data network (14). The invention includes inputting a user request to a first network (10) which requests that the user (12) be authorized for connection to the packet data network through a second network; transmitting from the first network to the second network the user request and an authorization of payment to the second network by the first network for the user's use of the packet data network; transmitting from the second network to the first network authentication information granting the user authentication through the second network to the packet data network; and transmitting the authentication information from the first network to the user which informs the user that authentication to obtain connection to the packet data network has been granted.

Abstract: A technique for providing flexible communication device usage attribution is provided. Identification information of a user of a communication device is received from the communication device at a primary service provider. It is determined if the user of the communication device is the owner of the communication device at the primary service provider. Usage information is attributed to an account of the owner on the primary service provider when the user is identified as the owner. Usage information is attributed to an account of the user when the user is not identified as the owner and the user is subscribed to one of the primary service provider and a service provider associated with the primary service provider.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for allowing access to a voice mailbox associated with a pre-paid mobile phone subscriber's account after the expiration of the subscriber's credits. A call processing system may be configured to receive a call from a calling party and to connect the call to a voice mailbox system. The call processing system may allow the calling party to record a voice message that can subsequently be accessed by the subscriber for an access fee. The call processing center may also be configured to allow the calling party to add credit to the subscriber's account. Access fees are paid and credits are added to the account by way of pre-paid calling cards, smart cards, credit cards, debit cards, electronic fund transfers.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for protecting privacy of parties to electronic transactions, such as transactions conducted through a GSM network. An anonymity service provider receives orders directed from its subscriber to a recipient for goods or services, along with information about its subscriber. The anonymity service provider relays the order to the recipient but withholds information about the subscriber, as the subscriber directs. The recipient receives payment for the good or service by way of a voucher from the anonymity service provider.

Abstract: A prepaid communications system includes a wireless call handling device for receiving wireless calls from wireless customers, a packet data serving node for receiving wireless packet data calls from the wireless call handling device and transmitting the calls to a communications network and an administration system in communication with the packet data serving node. Upon a wireless customer originating a wireless call, the wireless call handling device receives the wireless call and transmits the wireless call to the packet data serving node. The packet data serving node accesses the administration system with identification information input by the customer to obtain a call access authorization for the customer. The administration system transmits the call access authorization to the packet data serving node, the call access authorization including a prepaid volume record indicating an amount of prepaid units available for use by the customer and processing instructions.

Abstract: A wireless communication system comprises a portable telecommunication terminal and a server unit possessed by the communication service provider for the portable communication terminal. The portable communication terminal has a first communication section performing a communication by way of a first wireless path to which flat rate billing system is applied, a second communication section performing a communication a communication by way of a second wireless path to which measured rate billing system is applied; and a communication control section, detecting a candidate for wireless path being available at the current position and, performing a communication at the current location by the first communication section when the first wireless path is detected as a candidate for wireless path.

Abstract: A packetized voice communication method and system. Techniques are disclosed for supporting communication between aircraft and ground stations using packetized digitally-encoded messages. The encoded messages, which originate from verbalized messages, may be transmitted using conventional and future radio frequency (RF) radio communication technologies. Virtual channels are employed to enable a single ground station or controller to communicate with multiple aircraft by employing different physical radio transmission channels for the aircraft. Messages sent from aircraft to controllers are received by various ground antennas and routed to an appropriate ground station identified by each message's packet header. The messages for a given ground station are inserted into a queue that is manually or automatically advanced. Upon reaching the top of the queue, the message is decoded and played back at the controller's headset. Controller-to-aircraft messages are sent in a similar manner.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present method is for allowing a mobile subscriber to negotiate via a mobile terminal a trade of minutes by category according to a predetermined exchange rate as set forth by a service provider.

Abstract: A wireless communications system providing interactive voice response is disclosed. The system is menu-driven, and can accept information and requests from customers. In response to one type of request, the system can provide the customer with information regarding their current rate plan and features. In system also includes provisions that provide customers with details of the rate plan, including free number of minutes, and rate information for calls placed at various times and various days.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a product distribution and return system which includes a return mailer dispensed with a product from a vending machine. The product is returnable in the return mailer to a return center in another location. In another embodiment, a method of doing business is provided. In another embodiment, a method of renting products is disclosed. The method comprises consumer activity, wherein the consumer activity includes a vending machine transaction and a product return step. The method further comprises provider activity, wherein the provider activity includes return center activity and service agent activity. In another embodiment, an apparatus for dispensing products is disclosed comprising means for selecting a particular product, means for depositing the particular product together with a return mailer to a customer, and means for identifying the particular product and a rental date in a database.

Abstract: The inventive method enables existing contracts between a user and a telecommunications network operator to be enlarged by a user dialling into a customer subscription and administration server (CSAS). The access procedure of the existing contract relation is used for authenticating the user. The subscription of new contract components, such as clearing of a new terminal for instance that has been purchased by dispatch is carried out in a menu-controlled manner and by means of instruction texts and tactile inputs. The aim of the invention is to authenticate the calling user, authorise the additional contracts, changes and services which can be subscribed and administered by the corresponding user and store newly subscribed or changed contracts and services. The CSAS is connected to the corresponding data bases of the telecommunications network, such as CCBS, CDB and HLR. IP dialling options are optionally provided by means of the telecommunications network and/or the public internet.

Abstract: Prepaid accounts are replenished during multimedia sessions using the prepaid accounts without interruption of the multimedia sessions. A prepay server monitors and adjusts prepaid account balances based on usage of communications resources as reported by elements of the communications network (100). If a processor determines that an account balance is low, then a user terminal (102) is notified and a new session is intiated to permit the user to increase the account balance without interrupting the ongoing communications session.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for accessing a telecommunication network and for billing telecommunication services, whereby there are presented new processes, as compared to those of classical mechanisms of network providers, services are offered to their customers and fees are charged for providing the same. In this context the invention primarily concerns novel access mechanisms and access media to a telecommunications network, modified security mechanisms as well as innovative counting methods. The invention is characterized in that authentication methods are used in the telecommunication network, which permit a subscriber to certify at any one freely choosable point in time that a payment for a service which has been solicited or which is to be solicited, is provided or has already been provided.

Abstract: A telecommunication system incorporates individual station instruments simplified by wireless operation, voice dialing, prepaid accounting and out-call operation, all enabled by cooperative system operation including supporting central equipment. Wireless operation of the central equipment involves a multiple port wireless platform along with other units for interfacing a multitude of mobile station instruments simultaneously for interactive audio communication to, regulate control, monitor and record operations of the instruments, and bridge communication with selected remote terminals through the public switched telephone network. Message capability, emergency abort to an operator station and security features supplement the basic system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a disposable mobile communication device having a destructively removable radio module. The mobile communication device can include a disposable frame, a radio module coupled to the disposable frame, the radio module being irreplaceably removable from the disposable frame, an audio input module coupled to the disposable frame and the radio module, an audio output module coupled to the disposable frame and the radio module, a power supply module coupled to the disposable frame and the radio module, and an antenna coupled to the disposable frame and the radio module. The radio module can include a radio baseband processing module, an audio input, and an audio output.

Abstract: Disclosed are network management procedures that apply measurements of traffic load to achieve greater efficiency in the operation of the network. In a method for deciding whether to route an incoming call on a selected potential service route, the potential service route is treated preferentially if each of its links has available capacity that is more than sufficient by a specified margin. In a method for computing billing revenues, the non-compliance of the network service provider with contracted requirements for carried load causes a revenue penalty to be exacted for lost bandwidth.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for prepayment of a service includes informing the user of the availability of a plurality of different services. An indication and request of a desired service is received from the user over a first communications link. The requested service is provided to the user over a second communications link. To indicate prepayment for the service requested an authentication key is received from the user. The validity of the authentication key received is verified and the service is provided if the authentication key is valid.

Abstract: A method for real-time bundled call processing and billing telecommunications services includes the steps of recognizing a real-time bundled account access call at a telecommunications carrier switch, and routing the real-time bundled account access call to a real-time bundled call processing and billing call management platform coupled to the telecommunications carrier switch. An account number and an optional personal identification number associated with the account are collected and verified. A destination number is then collected. A customer credit profile associated with the real-time bundled account is obtained from a database, and a method of computing charges associated with terminating the call to the collected destination number is determined. Next, whether the customer credit profile permits the call is determined. The call is released to the telecommunications carrier switch for line termination if it is permissible, and the call is monitored for call completion.

Abstract: A telecommunication system incorporates individual station instruments simplified by wireless operation, voice dialing, prepaid accounting and out-call operation, all enabled by cooperative system operation including supporting central equipment. Wireless operation of the central equipment involves a multiple port wireless platform along with other units for interfacing a multitude of mobile station instruments simultaneously for interactive audio communication to, regulate control, monitor and record operations of the instruments, and bridge communication with selected remote terminals through the public switched telephone network. Message capability, emergency abort to an operator station and security features supplement the basic system. Communication is controlled for the individual instruments to be either voice or dial-up signals. Voice recognition units alternatively are located in the central equipment and/or the individual station instruments and controlled accordingly.

Abstract: A disposable wireless communication system is disclosed. This system features the capabilities of a wireless telephone with freedom from expensive service contracts. The user is obtains the unit with a predetermined usage period set in the system and upon expiration of the usage period, the user simply discards the system.

Abstract: The mobile station includes a system for using open channel time not needed during access to the wireless web. The mobile station monitors the use of the channel, and determines when the user is no longer transmitting or receiving information. Until the current network session terminates, the mobile station may operate in the background to either send or receive information with the network. Any action taken by the user would take priority over the background operations.

Abstract: A mobile telephone, or personal communication services subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As known in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “*” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g., providing further directory assistance).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of, computer programs for and apparatus adapted to operate a communications network to determine membership of a group of access nodes of the communications network with which there is a relatively high probability that a mobile node will be associated after the mobile node has been associated with a first access node, access nodes being linked to other access nodes via data communications links, the method comprising:

Abstract: A method of leasing wireless equipment from a leasing entity and distributing the equipment to customers is presented. The method includes receiving a request for a wireless device from a customer, leasing the wireless device from a leasing entity, and providing the wireless device to the customer.

Abstract: A telecommunication system incorporates individual station instruments simplified by wireless operation, voice dialing, prepaid accounting and out-call operation, all enabled by cooperative system operation including supporting central equipment. Wireless operation of the central equipment involves a multiple port wireless platform along with other units for interfacing a multitude of mobile station instruments simultaneously for interactive audio communication to, regulate control, monitor and record operations of the instruments, and bridge communication with selected remote terminals through the public switched telephone network. Message capability, emergency abort to an operator station and security features supplement the basic system.

Abstract: A mobile radio networks (2) linked with fixed networks (1a, 1b) in each case at least one charge detection station (7) is switched in, over which the charges in the linked networks (1, 2) are detected, and that each subscriber end apparatus (8, 9 and 10, 11, respectively) communicates with an exchange center (5, 6) over a telecommunication connection (12, 13 and 14, respectively) and that for each connection from a subscriber register, which is emplaced for example in the mobile radio network (2), specific data of the subscriber end apparatus (8, 9 and 10, 11, respectively) are asked, which are included in the charge calculation, in which a connection from the fixed network (1) or the mobile radio network (2) which is not covered by a credit is prevented by the means that the transfer of the data to the charge detection station (7) and the demanding of the subscriber data from the data bank occurs already at the requesting of a connection, and that in the case of a lack of credit the build-up of the requested

Abstract: Method for performing a cashless payment transaction using a trader station, a mobile radio terminal belonging to a user and having a SIM card which is provided with an identifying identifier, and a central station which is connected to the mobile radio terminal and to the trader station over a data network. A first electronic credit value for cashlessly paying for a telephony service is assigned to a first account and is stored in a first credit memory, and a second electronic credit value for cashlessly paying for goods or a service is assigned to a second account and is stored in a second credit memory, the first and the second account being combined in a user interface as a joint account.

Abstract: The present invention teaches an economical disposable emergency cellular telephone. A further object of the invention is a new technique for having a large number of cellular phones share the same small group of access numbers and serial numbers in order to reduce the monthly charges to zero for the end consumer. This makes it more practical to use cellular phones for data transmission and monitoring applications.

Abstract: A parking control system in which a mobile telephone is used to commence and to terminate parking of a vehicle within a parking zone. A parking system user sends a user-specific code to a parking system computer at the commencement of and at the termination of a parking period. A vehicle-specific code corresponding with the parked vehicle is stored in the computer upon commencement of a parking period. A portable parking control unit can read the vehicle-specific code from a parked vehicle and can establish communication with the parking system computer, which is informed of the parking zone concerned. When the control unit requests information concerning vehicles parked within a particular parking zone, the computer sends corresponding information relating to one or more additional parking zones that are geographically close to the parking zone in question.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically adjusting charges to a pre-paid account in a telecommunications or distributed processing network following a failure in the network. After a service that is chargeable against the pre-paid account is initiated in the network, a failure in the network is detected. The failure prevents a charging node from receiving event data relating to the pre-paid account. After recovery from the failure, a message is sent to the charging node containing service status information. The charging node adjusts the account balance in accordance with the service status information.

Abstract: A mobile telephone programming and accounting system that includes an integrated hardware system interlinking a telephone unit, a telephone interlink receiver, and a central processing unit connected to the interlink receiver. The hardware system also preferably includes a receipt printer and a credit card reader. The telephone unit is preferably equipped with an internal real time clock and calendar circuit and memory store to record the time and date of calls for reporting to the central processing unit to enable tracking and detailed accounting of calls. The interlink receiver in the improved design includes a gang platform for programming multiple phone units, which may be phone units of different manufacturers, and provides for automatic programming of the multiple units and, in the retail distribution setting, programming the operating parameters and assignment of the phone unit to a service provider with encryption keys to reduce service churning.

Abstract: A telecommunication system incorporates individual station instruments simplified by wireless operation, voice dialing, prepaid accounting and out-call operation, all enabled by cooperative system operation including supporting central equipment. Wireless operation of the central equipment involves a multiple port wireless platform along with other units for interfacing a multitude of mobile station instruments simultaneously for interactive audio communication to, regulate control, monitor and record operations of the instruments, and bridge communication with selected remote terminals through the public switched telephone network. Message capability, emergency abort to an operator station and security features supplement the basic system. Communication is controlled for the individual instruments to be either voice or dial-up signals. Voice recognition units alternatively are located in the central equipment and/or the individual station instruments and controlled accordingly.

Abstract: A system (FIG. 2) and method for billing in a radio telecommunications network, comprising: means (HLR) for storing billing class identifier information associated with a predetermined subscriber or subscriber services; and charging gateway means for receiving call information together with the relevant billing class identifier information and for passing the call information to a relevant billing system.

Abstract: A set top box and remote may be positioned in a rental property with a payment acceptor. A renter may selectively purchase content for a television therethrough without having an account pre-established with the content provider. The landowner may receiver a fee for the referral.

Abstract: The telecommunications networks of the present invention include a wireless enhanced service platform which is coupled to a home location register database and a prepaid platform. The telecommunications networks of the present invention may also include a mobile switching center for accepting calls from a wireless handset, an interexchange network that carries calls to the prepaid platform, and a local network for terminating calls. The present invention also includes a method for setting up a call in a telecommunications network comprising sending transaction capabilities application part messages containing prepaid parameters between a wireless enhanced service platform and a prepaid platform. The prepaid parameters are the information needed to process and bill a debit call. The present invention also includes a method for sending transaction capabilities application part messages containing prepaid parameters between a mobile switching center and a prepaid platform.

Abstract: A conventional wireline payphone is connected to an external wireless interface device through a telephone line. The external wireless interface device operates as an interface between a selected digital wireless cellular air interface and the telephone line connection to the wireline payphone. Communication is established over the digital air interface to allow the serving network to collect calling information relating to a payphone user's call request. This information is processed centrally in the cellular network to determine whether the user is financially authorized to engage in the requested call. If so, call handling information relating to an authorized time duration for the call is supplied to a serving switch that then controls further handling, and if necessary termination, of that call in accordance with that information.

Abstract: A telecommunication system incorporates individual station instruments simplified by wireless operation, voice dialing, prepaid accounting and out-call operation, all enabled by cooperative system operation including supporting central equipment. Wireless operation of the central equipment involves a multiple port wireless platform along with other units for interfacing a multitude of mobile station instruments simultaneously for interactive audio communication to, regulate control, monitor and record operations of the instruments, and bridge communication with selected remote terminals through the public switched telephone network. Message capability, emergency abort to an operator station and security features supplement the basic system.

Abstract: A mobile telephone, or personal communication services subscriber who wishes directory assistance services is connected in the conventional manner to an operator who identifies a destination telephone number desired by the subscriber. As known in the prior art, the operator then initiates a call connecting the subscriber to the destination telephone number. In a preferred embodiment, the operator locates a desired destination telephone number in a computer database, and can select automatic dialing of the located number. Further, rather than dropping all further involvement with the call, the preferred embodiment of the present invention continually monitors the connection thereby established for a predetermined DTMF signal issued by the customer, such as that obtained by pressing the “*” button. If such a signal is detected, the customer is transferred to a directory assistance operator, who can then provide whatever further assistance is needed (e.g., providing further directory assistance).

Abstract: A nonreusable cellular telephone includes a programmable timer for providing a predetermined period of calling time during which the cellular phone may be used for cellular communications. The amount of remaining calling time is monitored and the phone is disabled when the calling time has expired rending the phone inoperative so that it may be disposed of.

Abstract: The destination zone of a call is defined (2) according to the prior art in a wireless pay phone, for example, by analyzing a selected phone number, and the present invention is characterized in that, additionally, the location of the pay phone is defined (3) and the originating zone of the call is defined based on the location, and the charge rate is set based on at least the originating zone and destination zone of the call. The charge rate is advantageously set by means of a tariffing algorithm realized in the pay phone, which algorithm specifies several charge rate classes and corresponding parameter values, which set (7) a charge rate corresponding to a charge rate class. To set a charge rate class, first a distance class may be set (5) based on the originating zone and destination zone, and then a charge rate class may be set (6) based on the distance class and possibly other factors.

Abstract: A telecommunication system incorporates individual station instruments simplified by wireless operation, voice dialing, prepaid and custom-programmed operating characteristics, all enabled by cooperative operation with supporting central equipment. Wireless operation of the central equipment involves a multiple port wireless platform along with other units for interfacing a multitude of mobile station instruments simultaneously for interactive audio communication to: program the operating characteristics as with respect to language, out call, anti-fraud and available data, as well as to regulate, control, monitor and record operations of the instruments, and bridge communication with selected remote terminals through the public switched telephone network. Message capability, rapid dialing, emergency abort to an operator station and security features supplement the basic system.

Abstract: A switching system (3) has, in addition to an ordinary accounting function, an origination-only accounting control unit 6 to monitor the number of message units used by an origination-only portable telephone (1B) identified by a terminal identification number and to deny the origination of a call by the origination-only portable telephone (1B) upon the increase of the number of used message units to a predetermined number. The origination-only accounting control unit (6) accepts the origination of a call made by the origination-only portable telephone (1B) when a prescribed input about the origination-only portable telephone (1B) is given thereto by a system operator by operating a predetermined terminal device (7) or the like after the denial of origination of a call by the origination-only portable telephone (1B).

Abstract: In mobile telephone communication equipment that is not owned by the user, but merely rented ad-hoc, a method for paying for the use of the equipment and any attendant call charges or other fees is described herein. The apparatus consists of a proximity device previously loaded with the user's credit card locator designation (i.e. an alpha-numeric string which identifies the particular user and his credit card account). The wireless transmission unit module, the receiver unit and the mobile unit being accessed thereby. When the user is within the vehicle, which constitutes a reasonable proximity between the hand held transmitter and the receiving unit, the transceiver transmits its user personality data to the receiving unit thereby identifying the user and allowing access to the equipment for purposes such as placing a telephone call.

Abstract: A wireless telephone for telephonic communications during subscribed periods of airtime and for the purchase of selected goods and services in purchase amounts is responsive to the purchase amounts so as to enable the purchase amounts to be converted to additional periods of airtime during which telephonic communications are enabled independent of the subscribed periods of airtime. A method of using a wireless telephone for telephonic communications during subscribed periods of airtime and for the purchase of selected goods and services in purchase amounts enables the purchase amounts to be converted to additional periods of airtime during which telephonic communications are enabled independent of the subscribed periods of airtime. Preferably, the purchase amounts are placed through a purchase account and are converted to additional periods of airtime in proportion to the purchase amounts.

Abstract: A nonreusable cellular telephone includes a programmable timer for providing a predetermined period of calling time during which the cellular phone may be used for cellular communications. The amount of remaining calling time is monitored and the phone is disabled when the calling time has expired rending the phone inoperative so that it may be disposed of.

Abstract: Communication units used by a communications terminal are measured, and an economic efficiency associated with use of the terminal is determined from the measured communication units and a stored critical value of a tariff of a communications system that is stored in smart card that is coupled to the terminal. Measures to control communications unit usage by the terminal are initiated based on the determined economic efficiency. The measures to control usage may include providing an indication, e.g., a visual or audible indication, of the determined economic efficiency to a user of the terminal. According to one aspect, a first indication of economic efficiency is provided to the user, e.g., a first icon is displayed, if the measured communication units are less than the stored critical value, and a second indication of economic efficiency is provided to the user, e.g., a second icon is displayed, if the measured communication units are greater than the stored critical value.