US4901340A — System for the extended provision of cellular mob…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 132 words

A method for enabling a roaming CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area, the method comprising the steps: (a) receiving at a foreign service area MTSO request information indicating that the roaming CMR subscriber desires to receive, in the foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area; (b) validating the roaming subscriber; (c) upon validation of the roaming subscriber, assigning the roaming subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) for use in the foreign service area; and (d) providing command information to the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO so as to enable the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO to call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the roaming CMR subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 132 words

A method for enabling a roaming CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area, the method comprising the steps: (a) receiving at a foreign service area MTSO request information indicating that the roaming CMR subscriber desires to receive, in the foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area; (b) validating the roaming subscriber; (c) upon validation of the roaming subscriber, assigning the roaming subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) for use in the foreign service area; and (d) providing command information to the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO so as to enable the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO to call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the roaming CMR subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 48 words

A method for enabling a roaming CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 1 wherein, according to Step (a), the foreign service area MTSO receives a predetermined code initiated by the roaming CMR subscriber.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 49 words

A method for enabling a roaming CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 2 wherein the predetermined code comprises information entered by the roaming CMR subscriber at a control unit included in a mobile unit.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 63 words

A method for enabling a roaming CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 1 wherein, according to Step (d), the command information is provided to the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO via a communications link between the home service area MTSO and the foreign service area MTSO.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 62 words

A method for enabling a roaming CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 4 wherein the command information constitutes a command to the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO to call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the roaming CMR subscriber's MID in his home service.

Claim 7

Independent Claim 122 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's MID to be automatically forwarded to a service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area, the method comprising the steps: (a) accepting a predetermined code initiated by the subscriber, which code indicates that calls received in the subscriber's home area to his MID are to be forwarded outside his home service area; (b) assigning the roaming subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN), to which TDN calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area are to be forwarded; and (c) commanding an MTSO in the subscriber's home service area to forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 8

Independent Claim 122 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's MID to be automatically forwarded to a service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area, the method comprising the steps: (a) accepting a predetermined code initiated by the subscriber, which code indicates that calls received in the subscriber's home area to his MID are to be forwarded outside his home service area; (b) assigning the roaming subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN), to which TDN calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area are to be forwarded; and (c) commanding an MTSO in the subscriber's home service area to forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 53 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's MID to be automatically forwarded to a service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 6 wherein, prior to either Step (b) or Step (c), a step is performed whereby the subscriber is validated.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 73 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's MID to be automatically forwarded to a service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 7 wherein the subscriber is validated by affirmatively determining, according to predetermined criteria, that the subscriber's home service area is a service area from which calls may be forwarded to a service area in which the subscriber is roaming.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 56 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's MID to be automatically forwarded to a service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 7 wherein the subscriber is validated by affirmatively determining that the subscriber is authorized to receive calls in his home service area.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 74 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's MID to be automatically forwarded to a service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 9 wherein the subscriber is validated by additionally affirmatively determining, according to predetermined criteria, that the subscriber's home service area is a service area from which calls may be forwarded to a service area in which the subscriber is roaming.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 81 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's MID to be automatically forwarded to a service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 7 wherein the subscriber is validated by affirmatively determining that the ESN associated with the mobile unit used by the subscriber is an ESN that has not been denied service and by affirmatively determining that the subscriber is authorized to receive calls in his home service area.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 74 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's MID to be automatically forwarded to a service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 11 wherein the subscriber is validated by additionally affirmatively determining, according to predetermined criteria, that the subscriber's home service area is a service area from which calls may be forwarded to a service area in which the subscriber is roaming.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 106 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's MID to be automatically forwarded to a service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 7 wherein the subscriber is validated by affirmatively determining that the ESN associated with the mobile unit used by the subscriber correlates positively with the MID associated with the mobile unit the subscriber is using, by affirmatively determining that the ESN associated with the mobile unit used by the subscriber has not been denied service, and by affirmatively determining that the subscriber is authorized to receive calls in his home service area.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 74 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's MID to be automatically forwarded to a service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 13 wherein the subscriber is validated by additionally affirmatively determining, according to predetermined criteria, that the subscriber's home service area is a service area from which calls may be forwarded to a service area in which the subscriber is roaming.

Claim 17

Independent Claim 105 words

An apparatus for enabling a roaming CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area, the apparatus comprising a computer for coupling both to a switch associated in the home service area and to a switch associated with the roaming service area and programmed to: (1) receive information indicating that calls placed to the home service area are to be forwarded to the foreign service area; (2) assign the subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) in the foreign switch; and (3) command the home switch to forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the home service area.

Claim 18

Independent Claim 105 words

An apparatus for enabling a roaming CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area, the apparatus comprising a computer for coupling both to a switch associated in the home service area and to a switch associated with the roaming service area and programmed to: (1) receive information indicating that calls placed to the home service area are to be forwarded to the foreign service area; (2) assign the subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) in the foreign switch; and (3) command the home switch to forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the home service area.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 26 words

An apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein the computer is programmed to validate the subscriber as a prerequisite to either Step (1) or Step (2).

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 26 words

An apparatus as defined in claim 15 wherein the computer is programmed to validate the subscriber as a prerequisite to both Step (1) and Step (2).

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 157 words

A CMR system that automatically forwards, to a foreign service area outside a CMR subscriber's home service area, calls placed to the subscriber's home service area, the system comprising: home MTSO means associated with the home service area and including a home switch for receiving calls placed to the subscriber's MID; foreign MTSO means associated with a foreign service area and including a foreign switch; control computer means coupled to the home switch and to the foreign switch for (1) receiving information indicating that calls placed to the CMR subscriber's home MTSO are to be forwarded to the foreign MTSO; (2) assigning the CMR subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) in conjunction with the foreign switch for use in the foreign service area; and (3) providing information to the home switch that enables the home switch to forward, to the TDN at the foreign switch, calls placed to the CMR subscriber's MID in the home service area.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 157 words

A CMR system that automatically forwards, to a foreign service area outside a CMR subscriber's home service area, calls placed to the subscriber's home service area, the system comprising: home MTSO means associated with the home service area and including a home switch for receiving calls placed to the subscriber's MID; foreign MTSO means associated with a foreign service area and including a foreign switch; control computer means coupled to the home switch and to the foreign switch for (1) receiving information indicating that calls placed to the CMR subscriber's home MTSO are to be forwarded to the foreign MTSO; (2) assigning the CMR subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) in conjunction with the foreign switch for use in the foreign service area; and (3) providing information to the home switch that enables the home switch to forward, to the TDN at the foreign switch, calls placed to the CMR subscriber's MID in the home service area.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 43 words

A CMR system as defined in claim 18 wherein the control computer means is operable for validating the CMR subscriber before assigning the TDN and before providing information to the home switch that enables the home switch to forward calls to the TDN.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 58 words

A CMR system as defined in claim 18 wherein the information received by the control computer means indicating that calls placed to the CMR subscriber's home MTSO are to be forwarded to the foreign MTSO is information derived from a predetermined code initiated by the CMR subscriber and transmitted through a control head associated with a mobile unit.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 43 words

A CMR system as defined in claim 20 wherein the control computer means is operable for validating the CMR subscriber before assigning the TDN and before providing information to the home switch that enables the home switch to forward calls to the TDN.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 43 words

A CMR system as defined in claim 21 wherein validating by the control computer means includes affirmatively determining, according to predetermined criteria, that the subscriber's home service area is a service area from which calls may be forwarded to the foreign service area.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 30 words

A CMR system as defined in claim 22 wherein validating by the computer means includes affirmatively determining that the subscriber is authorized to receive calls in his home service area.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 36 words

A CMR system as defined in claim 23 wherein validating by the computer means includes determining in the affirmative that the ESN associated with the mobile unit is an ESN that has not been denied service.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 111 words

A CMR processing system for automatically enabling predetermined calls placed to a home CMR service area to be forwarded to a foreign service area, the system comprising: (i) means associated with the foreign service area for receiving information that predetermined calls placed to the home service area are to be directed to the foreign service area; (ii) means associated with the foreign service area for assigning a temporary directory number (TDN) to which the calls are to be directed; and (iii) means associated with the foreign service area for providing information to the home service area so as to enable the home service area to direct the calls to the TDN.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 111 words

A CMR processing system for automatically enabling predetermined calls placed to a home CMR service area to be forwarded to a foreign service area, the system comprising: (i) means associated with the foreign service area for receiving information that predetermined calls placed to the home service area are to be directed to the foreign service area; (ii) means associated with the foreign service area for assigning a temporary directory number (TDN) to which the calls are to be directed; and (iii) means associated with the foreign service area for providing information to the home service area so as to enable the home service area to direct the calls to the TDN.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 44 words

A CMR processing system as defined in claim 25 wherein the means recited in claim 25, clause (i) includes program instructions that respond to the reception at the foreign service area of a code initiated by or on behalf of a roaming CMR subscriber.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 23 words

A CMR processing system as defined in claim 26 wherein the program instructions respond to a code entered at a CMR mobile unit.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 34 words

A CMR processing system as defined in claim 25 further comprising: (iv) means for determining whether the predetermined calls are entitled to be forwarded from the home service area to the foreign service area.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 52 words

A CMR processing system as defined in claim 28 wherein the means recited in claim 28, Clause (iv) includes a first set of program instructions for affirmatively determining, according to predetermined criteria, that the home service area is a service area from which calls may be forwarded to the foreign service area.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 70 words

A CMR processing system as defined in claim 29 wherein the predetermined calls are intended to be received at a mobile unit that has been assigned a particular MID and a particular ESN and wherein the first set of program instructions affirmatively determines that the ESN has not been denied service in the home service area and that the home service area will accept and place calls to the MID.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 44 words

A CMR processing system as defined in claim 30 wherein the means recited in claim 25, Clause (i) includes program instructions that respond to the reception at the foreign service area of a code initiated by or on behalf of a roaming CMR subscriber.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 23 words

A CMR processing system as defined in claim 31 wherein the program instructions respond to a code entered at a CMR mobile unit.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 161 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area, the method comprising the steps: (a) receiving at a foreign service area MTSO a request indicating that the CMR subscriber desires to receive, in the foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area; (b) validating the roaming subscriber; (c) upon validation of the roaming subscriber, assigning the roaming subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) for use in the foreign service area; (d) accessing the subscriber's feature package in his home service area and ensuring that the feature package includes Call Forwarding for the purpose of enabling the subscriber to receive calls in the foreign service area; and (e) providing information to the CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO so as to enable the CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO to call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the CMR subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 161 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area, the method comprising the steps: (a) receiving at a foreign service area MTSO a request indicating that the CMR subscriber desires to receive, in the foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area; (b) validating the roaming subscriber; (c) upon validation of the roaming subscriber, assigning the roaming subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) for use in the foreign service area; (d) accessing the subscriber's feature package in his home service area and ensuring that the feature package includes Call Forwarding for the purpose of enabling the subscriber to receive calls in the foreign service area; and (e) providing information to the CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO so as to enable the CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO to call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the CMR subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 46 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 33 wherein, according to Step (a), the foreign service area MTSO receives a predetermined code initiated by the CMR subscriber.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 47 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 34 wherein the predetermined code comprises information entered by the CMR subscriber at a control head included in a mobile unit.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 60 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 33 wherein, according to Step (e), the information is provided to the CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO via a communications link between the home service area MTSO and the foreign service area MTSO.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 64 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 36 wherein, according to Step (e), the information constitutes a command to the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO to call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the CMR subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 46 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 37 wherein, according to Step (a), the foreign service area MTSO receives a predetermined code initiated by the CMR subscriber.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 47 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 38 wherein the predetermined code comprises information entered by the CMR subscriber at a control head included in a mobile unit.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 49 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 33 wherein, upon the receipt of a request according to Step (a), a determination is made whether the request is a duplicate request.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 46 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 40 wherein, according to Step (a), the foreign service area MTSO receives a predetermined code initiated by the CMR subscriber.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 47 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 41 wherein the predetermined code comprises information entered by the CMR subscriber at a control head included in a mobile unit.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 60 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 40 wherein, according to Step (e), the information is provided to the CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO via a communications link between the home service area MTSO and the foreign service area MTSO.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 64 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 43 wherein, according to Step (e), the information constitutes a command to the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO to call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the CMR subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 46 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 44 wherein, according to Step (a), the foreign service area MTSO receives a predetermined code initiated by the CMR subscriber.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 47 words

A method for enabling a CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area as defined in claim 45 wherein the predetermined code comprises information entered by the CMR subscriber at a control head included in a mobile unit.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 196 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area, the method comprising the steps: (a) receiving a request indicating that calls received in the subscriber's home service area to his MID are to be forwarded to the foreign service area; (b) determining whether the request is a duplicate request; (c) validating the subscriber, that is, verifying that calls placed to the subscriber's home service area to his MID are entitled to be transferred to the foreign service area; (d) upon validation of the subscriber, assigning the subscriber a temporary directory number, TDN, to which TDN calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area are to be forwarded; (e) accessing the subscriber's feature package in his home service area and ensuring that the feature package includes Call Forwarding for the purpose of enabling the subscriber to receive calls in the foreign service area; and (f) commanding an MTSO in the subscriber's home service area to forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 54

Independent Claim 196 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area, the method comprising the steps: (a) receiving a request indicating that calls received in the subscriber's home service area to his MID are to be forwarded to the foreign service area; (b) determining whether the request is a duplicate request; (c) validating the subscriber, that is, verifying that calls placed to the subscriber's home service area to his MID are entitled to be transferred to the foreign service area; (d) upon validation of the subscriber, assigning the subscriber a temporary directory number, TDN, to which TDN calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area are to be forwarded; (e) accessing the subscriber's feature package in his home service area and ensuring that the feature package includes Call Forwarding for the purpose of enabling the subscriber to receive calls in the foreign service area; and (f) commanding an MTSO in the subscriber's home service area to forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 59 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 47 wherein the request comprises a predetermined code initiated by the subscriber and received by an MTSO in the foreign service area.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 57 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 48 wherein the predetermined code comprises information entered by the subscriber at a control head included in a mobile unit.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 61 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 47 wherein, according to Step (f), commanding is effected via a communications link between the home service area and the foreign service area MTSO.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 59 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area, as defined in claim 50 wherein the request comprises a predetermined code initiated by the subscriber and received by an MTSO in the foreign service area.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 57 words

A method for activating a procedure that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area, as defined in claim 51 wherein the predetermined code comprises information entered by the subscriber at a control head included in a mobile unit.

Claim 60

Independent Claim 129 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area, the method comprising the steps: (a) receiving an activation request indicating that calls received in the subscriber's home service area to his MID are to be forwarded to the foreign service area; (b) determining whether the activation request is a duplicate request; (c) assigning the subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN), to which TDN calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area are to be forwarded; and (d) commanding an MTSO in the subscriber's home service area to forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 61

Independent Claim 129 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area, the method comprising the steps: (a) receiving an activation request indicating that calls received in the subscriber's home service area to his MID are to be forwarded to the foreign service area; (b) determining whether the activation request is a duplicate request; (c) assigning the subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN), to which TDN calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area are to be forwarded; and (d) commanding an MTSO in the subscriber's home service area to forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the subscriber's MID in his home service area.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 62 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 53 wherein, in accordance with Step (b), a determination is made whether the duplicate request is a valid duplicate request or an invalid duplicate request.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 76 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 54 wherein: (i) if the duplicate request is determined to be a valid duplicate request, the subscriber is re-activated, and (ii) if the duplicate request is determined to be an invalid duplicate request, the duplicate request is substantially discarded.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 73 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 55 wherein, as a prerequisite to Step (c), the subscriber is validated, that is, it is verified that calls placed to the subscriber's home service area are entitled to be transferred to the foreign service area.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 80 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 56, wherein the method comprises the additional step: (e) accessing the subscriber's feature package in his home service area and ensuring that the feature package includes Call Forwarding for the purpose of enabling the subscriber to receive calls in the foreign service area.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 60 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 53 wherein, in response to an activation request, a data record is created, which data record contains the subscriber's MID and a TDN.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 89 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service as defined in claim 58 wherein: a plurality of data records is established, said data records each containing an MID; and in response to said activation request, a search is made of the then-existing data records to identify a match, if any, between the subscriber's MID and the MID in each of the respective, then-existing data records.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 56 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 59 wherein, if a match is identified, a determination is made that the activation request is a duplicate request.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 62 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 60 wherein, in accordance with Step (b) a determination is made whether the duplicate request is a valid duplicate request or an invalid duplicate request.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 76 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 61 wherein: (i) if the duplicate request is determined to be a valid duplicate request, the subscriber is re-activated, and (ii) if the duplicate request is determined to be an invalid duplicate request, the duplicate request is substantially discarded.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 73 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 62 wherein, as a prerequisite to Step (c), the subscriber is validated, that is, it is verified that calls placed to the subscriber's home service area are entitled to be transferred to the foreign service area.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 96 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 63, wherein the method comprises the additional step: (e) examining the subscriber's feature package in his home service area and, if a determination is made that the subscriber does not have Call Forwarding in that feature package, adding Call Forwarding to that feature package for the purpose of enabling the subscriber to receive calls in the foreign service area.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 60 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 58 wherein the data record contains the time of activation, if there has in fact been an activation, corresponding to the activation request.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 90 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 65 wherein: a plurality of data records is established, said data records each containing an MID; and in response to said activation request, a search is made of the then-existing data records to identify a match, if any, between the subscriber's MID and the MID in each of the respective, then-existing data records.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 56 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 66 wherein, if a match is identified, a determination is made that the activation request is a duplicate request.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 62 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 67 wherein, in accordance with Step (b) a determination is made whether the duplicate request is a valid duplicate request or an invalid duplicate request.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 85 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 68 wherein the duplicate request is determined to be a valid duplicate request if the time of activation contained in the data record that resulted in the identification of a match is at least a predetermined length of time earlier than the time of the then-pending activation request.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 76 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 69 wherein: (i) if the duplicate request is determined to be a valid duplicate request, the subscriber is re-activated, and (ii) if the duplicate request is determined to be an invalid duplicate request, the duplicate request is substantially discarded.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 73 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 70 wherein, as a prerequisite to Step (c), the subscriber is validated, that is, it is verified that calls placed to the subscriber's home service area are entitled to be transferred to the foreign service area.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 80 words

A method for activating a process that enables calls placed to a CMR subscriber's home service area to be automatically forwarded to a foreign service area outside the CMR subscriber's home service area as defined in claim 71, wherein the method comprises the additional step: (e) accessing the subscriber's feature package in his home service area and ensuring that the feature package includes Call Forwarding for the purpose of enabling the subscriber to receive calls in the foreign service area.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 147 words

In a method for enabling a roaming CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area, which method comprises the steps: (a) receiving at a foreign service area MTSO an activation request indicating that the roaming CMR subscriber desires to receive, in the foreign service, calls placed to his home service area; (b) validating the roaming subscriber; (c) upon validation of the roaming subscriber, assigning the roaming subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) for use in the foreign service area; and (d) providing command information to the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO so as to enable the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO to call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the roaming CMR subscriber's MID in his home service area, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING: (e) determining whether the activation request is a duplicate application request.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 147 words

In a method for enabling a roaming CMR subscriber to automatically receive, in a foreign service area, calls placed to his home service area, which method comprises the steps: (a) receiving at a foreign service area MTSO an activation request indicating that the roaming CMR subscriber desires to receive, in the foreign service, calls placed to his home service area; (b) validating the roaming subscriber; (c) upon validation of the roaming subscriber, assigning the roaming subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) for use in the foreign service area; and (d) providing command information to the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO so as to enable the roaming CMR subscriber's home service area MTSO to call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the roaming CMR subscriber's MID in his home service area, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING: (e) determining whether the activation request is a duplicate application request.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 55 words

As improvement as defined in claim 73 wherein Step (e) is performed by searching then-existing data records to identify a match, if any, between the CMR subscriber's MID and the MID in each of the respective then-existing data records and, if a match is identified, determining that the activation request is a duplicate activation request.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 36 words

An improvement as defined in claim 74 wherein, when a duplicate activation request is detected, a determination is made whether the duplicate activation request is a valid duplicate activation request or an invalid duplicate activation request.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 45 words

An improvement as defined in claim 75 wherein: (i) if the duplicate request is determined to be a valid duplicate request, the subscriber is re-activated, and (ii) if the duplicate request is determined to be an invalid duplicate request, the duplicate request is substantially discarded.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 58 words

An improvement as defined in claim 76 wherein, if a time of activation contained in the data record that resulted in the identification of a match is at least a predetermined length of time earlier than the time of the then-pending duplicate activation request, the then-pending duplicate activation request is determined to be a valid duplicate activation request.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 169 words

In a CMR system that includes a home MTSO associated with a home service area of a CMR subscriber, said home service area for receiving calls placed to the subscriber's MID, and that includes a foreign MTSO associated with a foreign service area, an apparatus for causing calls placed to the subscriber's home service area to be automatically call forwarded to the foreign service area when the subscriber is present in the foreign service area, the apparatus comprising a processor for coupling, via a communications link, to the home MTSO, said processor comprising: (i) means for receiving information indicating that the CMR subscriber is present in the foreign service area, (ii) means for assigning the CMR subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) in conjunction with the foreign MTSO for use in the foreign service area, and (iii) means for providing information to the home MTSO that enables the home MTSO to automatically call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the CMR subscriber's MID in the home service area.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 169 words

In a CMR system that includes a home MTSO associated with a home service area of a CMR subscriber, said home service area for receiving calls placed to the subscriber's MID, and that includes a foreign MTSO associated with a foreign service area, an apparatus for causing calls placed to the subscriber's home service area to be automatically call forwarded to the foreign service area when the subscriber is present in the foreign service area, the apparatus comprising a processor for coupling, via a communications link, to the home MTSO, said processor comprising: (i) means for receiving information indicating that the CMR subscriber is present in the foreign service area, (ii) means for assigning the CMR subscriber a temporary directory number (TDN) in conjunction with the foreign MTSO for use in the foreign service area, and (iii) means for providing information to the home MTSO that enables the home MTSO to automatically call forward, to the TDN, calls placed to the CMR subscriber's MID in the home service area.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1993-02-12	1993-08-14	1994-02-13	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1997-02-12	1997-08-14	1998-02-13	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2001-02-12	2001-08-14	2002-02-13	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

System for the extended provision of cellular mobile radiotelephone service

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