Abstract A communication device locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule. Initially, the communications device registers with a less preferred service provider in a first frequency band. While remaining registered with the less preferred service provider, the device examines several frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule. A frequency band is examined by dividing the frequency band into many sub-bands, and by locating the strongest signal above a threshold within the sub-band being examined. The examination continues until a second frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located. The communication device then registers with the more preferred service provider.
A method by which a communication device locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, comprising the steps of: registering with a less preferred service provider in a first frequency band; examining a plurality of frequency bands until a second frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located, the examination being carried out while remaining registered with the less preferred service provider; and registering with the more preferred service provider.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
97 words
A method by which a communication device locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, comprising the steps of: storing a frequency band search schedule; registering with a less preferred service provider in a first frequency band; examining a plurality of frequency bands until a second frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located by examining the plurality of bands in an order specified by the frequency band search schedule, the examination being carried out while remaining registered with the less preferred service provider; and registering with the more preferred service provider.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
140 words
A method by which a communication device locates a preferable wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, comprising the steps of: storing a frequency band search schedule; registering with a less preferred service provider in a first frequency band; examining a plurality of frequency bands until a second frequency band having a more preferred service provider is located by examining the plurality of bands in an order specified by the frequency band search schedule, the examination being carried out while remaining registered with the less preferred service provider; examining a frequency band belong to the plurality of frequency bands by dividing the frequency band into a plurality of sub-bands and by locating a strongest signal above a threshold within a sub-band being examined, the sub-band belonging to the plurality of sub-bands; and registering with the more preferred service provider.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
44 words
The method of claims 1, 2, or 3, comprising the step of retuning to the first frequency band after each examination of a third frequency band not having the more preferred service provider, the third frequency band belonging to the plurality of frequency bands.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
26 words
The method of claims 1, 2, or 3, further comprising the step of modifying the frequency band search schedule using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
24 words
The method of claims 1, 2, or 3, further comprising the step of modifying the frequency band search schedule using information from a keypad.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
45 words
The method of claims 1, 2, or 3 further comprising the step of identifying the more preferred service provider by comparing an identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a frequency band being examined with a prioritized list of service providers.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.