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US5845198A
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Method for optimal selection among multiple providers in a wireless communications service environment
Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
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Filing: 1996-06-28
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Granted: 1998-12-01
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Expires: 2016-06-28
Abstract
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. The order of search of the frequency spectrum may be based upon registration history of the communication device.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael D. Bamburak
- 👤 John J. Daly
- 👤 Christopher Gregory Lawrence
- 👤 Michael Edward Prise
- 👤 Michael Allen Raffel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 16:44
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W48/00; H04W48/16; H04W60/00; H04W8/00; H04W8/18; H04W8/20; H04W8/205
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
100 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, comprising the steps of: storing a frequency band search schedule, the frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order; ordering at least some of the plurality of bands in the frequency band search schedule based upon prior registrations with each band; and examining frequency bands until a frequency band having an acceptable frequency signal strength and an acceptable service provider is located by examining the plurality of bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
100 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, comprising the steps of: storing a frequency band search schedule, the frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order; ordering at least some of the plurality of bands in the frequency band search schedule based upon prior registrations with each band; and examining frequency bands until a frequency band having an acceptable frequency signal strength and an acceptable service provider is located by examining the plurality of bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of storing a plurality of counters representing registrations with each frequency band of the frequency band search schedule.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of incrementing a counter corresponding to a frequency band of the frequency band search schedule upon registration with that frequency band.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the step of examining frequency bands includes the step of first examining a frequency band whose order in the frequency band search schedule is constant.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of modifying the frequency band search schedule using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of modifying the frequency band search schedule using information from a keypad.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
140 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment comprising the steps of: storing a frequency band search schedule, the frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order; storing a plurality of counters representing registrations with each frequency band of the frequency band search schedule; ordering at least some of the plurality of bands in the frequency band search schedule based upon prior registrations with each band; incrementing a counter corresponding to a frequency band of the frequency band search schedule upon registration with that frequency band, wherein the increments to said counter are time weighted and examining frequency bands until a frequency band having an acceptable service provider is located by examining the plurality of bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
140 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment comprising the steps of: storing a frequency band search schedule, the frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order; storing a plurality of counters representing registrations with each frequency band of the frequency band search schedule; ordering at least some of the plurality of bands in the frequency band search schedule based upon prior registrations with each band; incrementing a counter corresponding to a frequency band of the frequency band search schedule upon registration with that frequency band, wherein the increments to said counter are time weighted and examining frequency bands until a frequency band having an acceptable service provider is located by examining the plurality of bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-11-30 | 2002-06-01 | 2002-12-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-11-30 | 2006-06-01 | 2006-12-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-11-30 | 2010-06-01 | 2010-12-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |