US5794142A — Mobile terminal having network services activatio…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 167 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a wireless interface, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one message from the network, the message being addressed to the mobile terminal; determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is already present in the mobile station, the special message comprising a predetermined Identification Code for specifying the network service feature that is to be enabled or disabled; and if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data selectively one of enabling or disabling the mobile terminal network service feature that is specified by the special message; wherein the special message is a Short Message Service message having at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a special message.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 167 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a wireless interface, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one message from the network, the message being addressed to the mobile terminal; determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is already present in the mobile station, the special message comprising a predetermined Identification Code for specifying the network service feature that is to be enabled or disabled; and if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data selectively one of enabling or disabling the mobile terminal network service feature that is specified by the special message; wherein the special message is a Short Message Service message having at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a special message.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 30 words

A method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the SMS message has at least one other field for identifying a predetermined Feature Code associated with the network service feature.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 165 words

A mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a wireless interface, comprising: means for receiving at least one message from the network, the message being addressed to the mobile terminal; and control means for determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is already present in the mobile station, the special message comprising a predetermined Identification Code for specifying the network service feature that is to be enabled or disabled, and if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, for storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data selectively one of enabling and disabling the mobile terminal network service feature that is specified by the special message; wherein the special message is a Short Message Service message having one field for identifying the SMS message as a special message.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 165 words

A mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a wireless interface, comprising: means for receiving at least one message from the network, the message being addressed to the mobile terminal; and control means for determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is already present in the mobile station, the special message comprising a predetermined Identification Code for specifying the network service feature that is to be enabled or disabled, and if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, for storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data selectively one of enabling and disabling the mobile terminal network service feature that is specified by the special message; wherein the special message is a Short Message Service message having one field for identifying the SMS message as a special message.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 31 words

A mobile terminal as set forth in claim 3, wherein the SMS message has at least one other field for identifying a predetermined Feature Code associated with the network service feature.

Claim 7

Independent Claim 207 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a digital cellular interface, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one Short Message Service message from the network, the SMS message being addressed to the mobile terminal; determining if the at least one SMS message is a special SMS message from a network operator that specifies one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is already present in the mobile station, wherein the special SMS message has at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a special SMS message; and if the at least one SMS message is determined to be a special SMS message, storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data selectively one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is also specified by the special SmS message, wherein the special SMS message has a User Data field having information for identifying a predetermined Feature Code and a predetermined Identification Code that are both associated with the network service feature, and wherein the mobile terminal stores the predetermined Feature Code into the memory, and displays the predetermined Identification Code to a user.

Claim 8

Independent Claim 207 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a digital cellular interface, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one Short Message Service message from the network, the SMS message being addressed to the mobile terminal; determining if the at least one SMS message is a special SMS message from a network operator that specifies one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is already present in the mobile station, wherein the special SMS message has at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a special SMS message; and if the at least one SMS message is determined to be a special SMS message, storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data selectively one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is also specified by the special SmS message, wherein the special SMS message has a User Data field having information for identifying a predetermined Feature Code and a predetermined Identification Code that are both associated with the network service feature, and wherein the mobile terminal stores the predetermined Feature Code into the memory, and displays the predetermined Identification Code to a user.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 84 words

A method as set forth in claim 5, and further comprising the initial steps of: selecting a network service feature at the mobile terminal; composing a SMS message that identifies the selected network service feature; calling a network operator site and delivering the SMS message during the call; interpreting the SMS message at the network operator's site and composing the special SMS message in response to the interpreted message; and forwarding the special SMS message from the network operator's site to the mobile terminal.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 45 words

A method as set forth in claim 5, wherein the step of storing includes a step of making an identification of the network service feature become visible as a menu item in a menu of available network service features that are displayed to the user.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 208 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a digital cellular interface, comprising the steps of: sending a short message service (SMS) message from the network to the mobile terminal, the SMS message having at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a special message for offering a network service feature to the mobile station, the offered network service feature being already present in 'the mobile station but disabled for use; sending a reply to the SMS message from the mobile terminal to the network, the reply containing data for indicating one of an acceptance of the offered network service feature or a non-acceptance of the offered network service feature; and receiving the reply at the network and selectively one of activating the offered network service feature for use by the mobile terminal or not activating the offered network service feature for use by the mobile terminal, in accordance with the data sent with the reply, wherein if the offered network service feature is activated for use the network sends a message to the mobile station, the message containing information for specifying a disabled network service feature that is to be enabled by the mobile station.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 208 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a digital cellular interface, comprising the steps of: sending a short message service (SMS) message from the network to the mobile terminal, the SMS message having at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a special message for offering a network service feature to the mobile station, the offered network service feature being already present in 'the mobile station but disabled for use; sending a reply to the SMS message from the mobile terminal to the network, the reply containing data for indicating one of an acceptance of the offered network service feature or a non-acceptance of the offered network service feature; and receiving the reply at the network and selectively one of activating the offered network service feature for use by the mobile terminal or not activating the offered network service feature for use by the mobile terminal, in accordance with the data sent with the reply, wherein if the offered network service feature is activated for use the network sends a message to the mobile station, the message containing information for specifying a disabled network service feature that is to be enabled by the mobile station.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 188 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a digital cellular interface, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one point-to-point message from the network that is addressed to the mobile terminal; determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies that an already enabled mobile terminal network service feature be disabled, wherein the special message has at least one field for identifying the message as a special message; if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is also specified by the special message; and subsequently terminating the displaying of an identification of the disabled network service feature as one of an enabled network service feature to an operator of the mobile station; wherein the disabled network service feature remains stored in the mobile station such that it can be subsequently enabled for operation in response to a another special message from the network operator.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 188 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a digital cellular interface, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one point-to-point message from the network that is addressed to the mobile terminal; determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies that an already enabled mobile terminal network service feature be disabled, wherein the special message has at least one field for identifying the message as a special message; if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is also specified by the special message; and subsequently terminating the displaying of an identification of the disabled network service feature as one of an enabled network service feature to an operator of the mobile station; wherein the disabled network service feature remains stored in the mobile station such that it can be subsequently enabled for operation in response to a another special message from the network operator.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method as in claim 9, wherein the at least one received point-to-point message is a Short Message Service message.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 158 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a digital cellular interface, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one point-to-point message from the network that is addressed to the mobile terminal; determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies that a pre-stored and disabled network service feature is to be enabled for operation, wherein the special message has at least one field for identifying the message as a special message; if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data enabling the operation of a mobile terminal network service feature that is also specified by the special message; and subsequently beginning the display of the network service feature as one of an enabled network service feature to an operator of the mobile station.

Claim 17

Independent Claim 158 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a digital cellular interface, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one point-to-point message from the network that is addressed to the mobile terminal; determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies that a pre-stored and disabled network service feature is to be enabled for operation, wherein the special message has at least one field for identifying the message as a special message; if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data enabling the operation of a mobile terminal network service feature that is also specified by the special message; and subsequently beginning the display of the network service feature as one of an enabled network service feature to an operator of the mobile station.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 20 words

A method as in claim 11, wherein the at least one received point-to-point message is a Short Message Service message.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 183 words

A radiotelephone comprising an RF transceiver for bidirectionally coupling the radiotelephone to a communications network; said radiotelephone further comprising: a memory for storing information, some of the stored information being information that is stored during an activation of said radiotelephone for authorizing said radiotelephone to make and receive calls, said memory further storing a plurality of software modules individual ones of which execute, when enabled for use, one of a plurality of predetermined communications network service features; and a controller coupled to said transceiver and to said memory, said controller being responsive to a receipt of a message from said communications network through said transceiver for storing additional information in said memory for enabling a disabled one of said plurality of software modules that is specified by data conveyed by said message, the message comprising a predetermined Identification Code for specifying the disabled one of said software modules that is to be enabled; wherein said message is a point-to-point Short Message Service (SMS) message having at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a communications network service feature update SMS message.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 183 words

A radiotelephone comprising an RF transceiver for bidirectionally coupling the radiotelephone to a communications network; said radiotelephone further comprising: a memory for storing information, some of the stored information being information that is stored during an activation of said radiotelephone for authorizing said radiotelephone to make and receive calls, said memory further storing a plurality of software modules individual ones of which execute, when enabled for use, one of a plurality of predetermined communications network service features; and a controller coupled to said transceiver and to said memory, said controller being responsive to a receipt of a message from said communications network through said transceiver for storing additional information in said memory for enabling a disabled one of said plurality of software modules that is specified by data conveyed by said message, the message comprising a predetermined Identification Code for specifying the disabled one of said software modules that is to be enabled; wherein said message is a point-to-point Short Message Service (SMS) message having at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a communications network service feature update SMS message.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 147 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a wireless interface, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one message from the network, the message being addressed to the mobile terminal; determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is already present in the mobile station; and if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data selectively one of enabling or disabling the mobile terminal network service feature that is also specified by the special message; wherein the special message is a Short Message Service message having at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a special message.

Claim 22

Independent Claim 147 words

A method for operating a mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a wireless interface, comprising the steps of: receiving at least one message from the network, the message being addressed to the mobile terminal; determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is already present in the mobile station; and if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data selectively one of enabling or disabling the mobile terminal network service feature that is also specified by the special message; wherein the special message is a Short Message Service message having at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a special message.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 45 words

A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein the step of storing data includes a further step of displaying a message to a user of the mobile terminal, the message identifying the mobile terminal network service feature that is specified by the special message.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 79 words

A method as set forth in claim 14, and further comprising the initial steps of: selecting a network service feature at the mobile terminal; composing a message that identifies the selected network service feature; calling a network operator site and delivering the message during the call; interpreting the message at the network operator's site and composing the special message in response to the interpreted message; and forwarding the special message from the network operator's site to the mobile terminal.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 38 words

A method as set forth in claim 14, wherein the SMS message has at least one other field for identifying a predetermined Feature Code and a predetermined Identification Code that are both associated with the network service feature.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 145 words

A mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a wireless interface, comprising: means for receiving at least one message from the network, the message being addressed to the mobile terminal; and control means for determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is already present in the mobile station, and if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, for storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data selectively one of enabling and disabling the mobile terminal network service feature that is also specified by the special message; wherein the special message is a Short Message Service message having one field for identifying the SMS message as a special message.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 145 words

A mobile terminal of a type that is bidirectionally coupled to a network through a wireless interface, comprising: means for receiving at least one message from the network, the message being addressed to the mobile terminal; and control means for determining if the at least one message is a special message from a network operator that specifies one of enabling or disabling a mobile terminal network service feature that is already present in the mobile station, and if the at least one message is determined to be a special message, for storing data within a memory of the mobile terminal, the stored data selectively one of enabling and disabling the mobile terminal network service feature that is also specified by the special message; wherein the special message is a Short Message Service message having one field for identifying the SMS message as a special message.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 42 words

A mobile terminal as set forth in claim 18, and further comprising a display means for displaying a message to a user of the mobile terminal, the message identifying the mobile terminal network service feature that is specified by the special message.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 65 words

A mobile terminal as set forth in claim 18, and further comprising: user interface means for selecting a network service feature at the mobile terminal, said control means being responsive to the selected network service feature for composing a message that identifies the selected network service feature; and means for contacting a network operator site and for delivering the message to the network operator site.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 33 words

A mobile terminal as set forth in claim 20, wherein the network operator's site is comprised of means for interpreting the message and composing the special message in response to the interpreted message.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 39 words

A mobile terminal as set forth in claim 18, wherein the SMS message has at least one other field for identifying a predetermined Feature Code and a predetermined Identification Code that are both associated with the network service feature.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 162 words

A radiotelephone comprising an RF transceiver for bidirectionally coupling the radiotelephone to a communications network; said radiotelephone further comprising: a memory for storing information, some of the stored information being information that is stored during an activation of said radiotelephone for authorizing said radiotelephone to make and receive calls, said memory further storing a plurality of software modules individual ones of which execute, when enabled for use, one of a plurality of predetermined communications network service features; and a controller coupled to said transceiver and to said memory, said controller being responsive to a receipt of a message from said communications network through said transceiver for storing additional information in said memory for enabling a disabled one of said plurality of software modules that is specified by data conveyed by said message; wherein said message is a point-to-point Short Message Service (SMS) message having at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a communications network service feature update SMS message.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 162 words

A radiotelephone comprising an RF transceiver for bidirectionally coupling the radiotelephone to a communications network; said radiotelephone further comprising: a memory for storing information, some of the stored information being information that is stored during an activation of said radiotelephone for authorizing said radiotelephone to make and receive calls, said memory further storing a plurality of software modules individual ones of which execute, when enabled for use, one of a plurality of predetermined communications network service features; and a controller coupled to said transceiver and to said memory, said controller being responsive to a receipt of a message from said communications network through said transceiver for storing additional information in said memory for enabling a disabled one of said plurality of software modules that is specified by data conveyed by said message; wherein said message is a point-to-point Short Message Service (SMS) message having at least one field for identifying the SMS message as a communications network service feature update SMS message.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 65 words

A radiotelephone as set forth in claim 23, wherein said radiotelephone further comprises a display and a data entry means that are coupled to said controller, said controller being further responsive to the receipt of said message for modifying a displayed list of enabled communications network service features to include a communications network service feature that is specified by said data conveyed by said message.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 58 words

A radiotelephone as set forth in claim 24, wherein said radiotelephone further comprises a display and a data entry means that are coupled to said controller, said controller being responsive to information entered by a user for composing and transmitting a message to said communications network, said transmitted message identifying a communications network service feature to be enabled.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 56 words

A radiotelephone as set forth in claim 24, wherein said controller is further responsive to a receipt of a further message from said communications network through said transceiver for storing further information in said memory for disabling an enabled one of said plurality of software modules that is specified by data conveyed by said further message.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 50 words

A radiotelephone as set forth in claim 24, wherein said plurality of predetermined communications network service features comprise at least one of Call Forwarding, Call Delivery, Call Transfer, Call waiting, Calling Number Identification Restriction, Conference Calling, Flexible Alerting, Message Waiting Notification, Preferred Language, Subscriber PIN Access, and Voice Message Retrieval.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2001-08-10	2002-02-09	2002-08-11	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2005-08-10	2006-02-09	2006-08-11	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2009-08-10	2010-02-09	2010-08-11	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Mobile terminal having network services activation through the use of point-to-point short message service

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