US6157823A — Security cellular telecommunications system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 120 words

A method of completing pre-paid wireless telephone calls to a subscriber, the subscriber having a prepaid subscriber account balance stored in a database, where the prepaid subscriber account balance is associated with a predetermined wireless telephone number assigned to the subscriber, comprising: receiving the subscriber's wireless telephone number at a wireless switch, the telephone number corresponding to a wireless telecommunications event initiated by a party calling the subscriber's wireless telephone number, the wireless switch recognizing the subscriber's wireless telephone number as being associated with the subscriber; communicating between a computer with access to the database and the wireless switch; validating existence of a pre-determined subscriber account balance in the database; and if the validating step is successful, completing a call.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 120 words

A method of completing pre-paid wireless telephone calls to a subscriber, the subscriber having a prepaid subscriber account balance stored in a database, where the prepaid subscriber account balance is associated with a predetermined wireless telephone number assigned to the subscriber, comprising: receiving the subscriber's wireless telephone number at a wireless switch, the telephone number corresponding to a wireless telecommunications event initiated by a party calling the subscriber's wireless telephone number, the wireless switch recognizing the subscriber's wireless telephone number as being associated with the subscriber; communicating between a computer with access to the database and the wireless switch; validating existence of a pre-determined subscriber account balance in the database; and if the validating step is successful, completing a call.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 37 words

The method of claim 1 comprising: checking for a connection with the subscriber's wireless telephone, and periodically validating a call based on the balance associated with the account during the telecommunications event until the call is terminated.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 2 wherein the call is terminated due to validation being unsuccessful.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 2 wherein the call is terminated by a party to the call.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 1 comprising: checking for a connection with the subscriber's wireless telephone; and causing the call to be terminated when a time limit based on the account balance is expired.

Claim 7

Independent Claim 140 words

A method of wireless telecommunications with respect to a subscriber, the subscriber having a prepaid subscriber account balance stored in a database, where the prepaid subscriber account balance is associated with a predetermined wireless telephone number assigned to the subscriber, comprising: receiving an identifier associated with the subscriber at a wireless switch, the wireless switch recognizing the identifier as being associated with a pre-paid subscriber for whom a wireless telecommunications event has been initiated by a party calling the subscriber's wireless telephone number; communicating between a computer with access to the database and the wireless switch; attempting to establish a connection between the wireless switch and the subscriber's wireless telephone; checking for a connection with the subscriber'wireless telephone, and periodically validating a call based on the balance associated with the account during the telecommunications event until the call is terminated.

Claim 8

Independent Claim 140 words

A method of wireless telecommunications with respect to a subscriber, the subscriber having a prepaid subscriber account balance stored in a database, where the prepaid subscriber account balance is associated with a predetermined wireless telephone number assigned to the subscriber, comprising: receiving an identifier associated with the subscriber at a wireless switch, the wireless switch recognizing the identifier as being associated with a pre-paid subscriber for whom a wireless telecommunications event has been initiated by a party calling the subscriber's wireless telephone number; communicating between a computer with access to the database and the wireless switch; attempting to establish a connection between the wireless switch and the subscriber's wireless telephone; checking for a connection with the subscriber'wireless telephone, and periodically validating a call based on the balance associated with the account during the telecommunications event until the call is terminated.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 15 words

The method of claim 6 wherein the call is terminated due to validation being unsuccessful.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 16 words

The method of claim 6 wherein the call is terminated by a party to the call.

Claim 11

Independent Claim 120 words

A method of completing wireless telephone call requests to a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: receiving at a wireless switch an identifier corresponding to a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed; forwarding the identifier to a pre-paid wireless service provider associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber that validates an account associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber based on the forwarded identifier, and if the validation is successful, passes the identifier to a wireless switch and causes the call to be completed, performs periodic real-time validation of the account while the call is in progress, and causes the call to be interrupted while the call is in progress if the periodic validation fails.

Claim 12

Independent Claim 120 words

A method of completing wireless telephone call requests to a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: receiving at a wireless switch an identifier corresponding to a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed; forwarding the identifier to a pre-paid wireless service provider associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber that validates an account associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber based on the forwarded identifier, and if the validation is successful, passes the identifier to a wireless switch and causes the call to be completed, performs periodic real-time validation of the account while the call is in progress, and causes the call to be interrupted while the call is in progress if the periodic validation fails.

Claim 13

Independent Claim 136 words

A method of completing wireless telephone call requests to a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: receiving at a wireless switch an identifier corresponding to a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed; at a pre-paid wireless service provider associated with a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed, receiving from a telecommunications service an identifier corresponding to the pre-paid wireless subscriber; validating an account associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber based on the forwarded identifier; if the validation is successful, passing the identifier to a wireless switch and causing the call to be completed; performing periodic real-time validation of the account while the call is in progress; and causing the call to be interrupted while the call is in progress if the periodic validation fails.

Claim 14

Independent Claim 136 words

A method of completing wireless telephone call requests to a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: receiving at a wireless switch an identifier corresponding to a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed; at a pre-paid wireless service provider associated with a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed, receiving from a telecommunications service an identifier corresponding to the pre-paid wireless subscriber; validating an account associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber based on the forwarded identifier; if the validation is successful, passing the identifier to a wireless switch and causing the call to be completed; performing periodic real-time validation of the account while the call is in progress; and causing the call to be interrupted while the call is in progress if the periodic validation fails.

Claim 15

Independent Claim 137 words

A method of wireless telecommunications with respect to a subscriber, the subscriber having a prepaid subscriber account balance stored in a database where the prepaid subscriber account balance is associated with a predetermined wireless telephone number assigned to the subscriber, comprising: receiving an identifier associated with the subscriber at a wireless switch, the wireless switch recognizing the identifier as being associated with a pre-paid subscriber for whom a wireless telecommunications event has been initiated by a party calling the subscriber's wireless telephone number; communicating between a computer with access to the database and the wireless switch; attempting to establish a connection between the wireless switch and the subscriber's wireless telephone; checking for a connection with the subscriber's wireless telephone, and causing a call to be terminated when a time limit based on the account balance is expired.

Claim 16

Independent Claim 137 words

A method of wireless telecommunications with respect to a subscriber, the subscriber having a prepaid subscriber account balance stored in a database where the prepaid subscriber account balance is associated with a predetermined wireless telephone number assigned to the subscriber, comprising: receiving an identifier associated with the subscriber at a wireless switch, the wireless switch recognizing the identifier as being associated with a pre-paid subscriber for whom a wireless telecommunications event has been initiated by a party calling the subscriber's wireless telephone number; communicating between a computer with access to the database and the wireless switch; attempting to establish a connection between the wireless switch and the subscriber's wireless telephone; checking for a connection with the subscriber's wireless telephone, and causing a call to be terminated when a time limit based on the account balance is expired.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 51 words

The method of claim 11 comprising: identifying at least one cost variable associated with the call; determining a rate associated with a fixed interval of time based on the cost variable; and converting the account balance to a maximum call length based on the account balance and based on the rate.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 12 wherein the cost variable is time of day.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 12 wherein the cost variable is a destination of the pre-paid wireless call.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 110 words

A method of completing wireless telephone call requests to a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: receiving at a wireless switch an identifier corresponding to a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed; forwarding the identifier to a pre-paid wireless service provider associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber that validates an account associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber based on the forwarded identifier, and if the validation is successful, passes the identifier to a wireless switch, causes the call to be completed, sets a time limit based on the account balance, and causes the call to be terminated when the time limit is expired.

Claim 21

Independent Claim 110 words

A method of completing wireless telephone call requests to a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: receiving at a wireless switch an identifier corresponding to a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed; forwarding the identifier to a pre-paid wireless service provider associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber that validates an account associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber based on the forwarded identifier, and if the validation is successful, passes the identifier to a wireless switch, causes the call to be completed, sets a time limit based on the account balance, and causes the call to be terminated when the time limit is expired.

Claim 22

Independent Claim 124 words

A method of completing wireless telephone call requests to a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: receiving at a wireless switch an identifier corresponding to a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed; at a pre-paid wireless service provider associated with a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed, receiving from a telecommunications service an identifier corresponding to the pre-paid wireless subscriber; validating an account associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber based on the forwarded identifier; and if the validation is successful, passing the identifier to a wireless switch and causing the call to be completed; and causing the call to be terminated when a time limit based on the account balance is expired.

Claim 23

Independent Claim 124 words

A method of completing wireless telephone call requests to a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: receiving at a wireless switch an identifier corresponding to a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed; at a pre-paid wireless service provider associated with a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom a wireless telephone call is directed, receiving from a telecommunications service an identifier corresponding to the pre-paid wireless subscriber; validating an account associated with the pre-paid wireless subscriber based on the forwarded identifier; and if the validation is successful, passing the identifier to a wireless switch and causing the call to be completed; and causing the call to be terminated when a time limit based on the account balance is expired.

Claim 24

Independent Claim 114 words

A system for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received; and a pre-paid wireless service provider, in communication with the wireless switch, that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs periodically during a call and the call is caused to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 25

Independent Claim 114 words

A system for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received; and a pre-paid wireless service provider, in communication with the wireless switch, that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs periodically during a call and the call is caused to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 26

Independent Claim 112 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: receiving a wireless call request at a wireless switch; and communicating between the wireless switch and a pre-paid wireless service provider that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs periodically during a call and the call is caused to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 27

Independent Claim 112 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: receiving a wireless call request at a wireless switch; and communicating between the wireless switch and a pre-paid wireless service provider that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs periodically during a call and the call is caused to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 28

Independent Claim 110 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: at a pre-paid wireless service provider, communicating with a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received, and selectively authorizing the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs periodically during a call and the call is caused to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 29

Independent Claim 110 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: at a pre-paid wireless service provider, communicating with a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received, and selectively authorizing the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs periodically during a call and the call is caused to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 30

Independent Claim 119 words

A system for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received; and a pre-paid wireless service provider, in communication with the wireless switch, that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom to call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider includes causing a call is caused to be terminated when a time limit based on a balance in the account is expired.

Claim 31

Independent Claim 119 words

A system for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received; and a pre-paid wireless service provider, in communication with the wireless switch, that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom to call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider includes causing a call is caused to be terminated when a time limit based on a balance in the account is expired.

Claim 32

Independent Claim 115 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: receiving a wireless call request at a wireless switch; and communicating between the wireless switch and a pre-paid wireless service provider that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider includes causing a call to be terminated when a time limit based on a balance in the account is expired.

Claim 33

Independent Claim 115 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: receiving a wireless call request at a wireless switch; and communicating between the wireless switch and a pre-paid wireless service provider that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider includes causing a call to be terminated when a time limit based on a balance in the account is expired.

Claim 34

Independent Claim 113 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: at a pre-paid wireless service provider, communicating with a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received, and selectively authorizing the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider includes causing a call to be terminated when a time limit based on a balance in the account is expired.

Claim 35

Independent Claim 113 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: at a pre-paid wireless service provider, communicating with a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received, and selectively authorizing the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of an account by the pre-paid wireless service provider includes causing a call to be terminated when a time limit based on a balance in the account is expired.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 107 words

A system for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received; and a pre-paid wireless service provider, in communication with the wireless switch, that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the wireless call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of the account balance by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs prior to a call being authorized.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 107 words

A system for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received; and a pre-paid wireless service provider, in communication with the wireless switch, that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the wireless call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of the account balance by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs prior to a call being authorized.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 104 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: receiving a wireless call request at a wireless switch; and communicating between the wireless switch and a pre-paid wireless service provider that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of the account balance by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs prior to a call being authorized.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 104 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: receiving a wireless call request at a wireless switch; and communicating between the wireless switch and a pre-paid wireless service provider that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of the account balance by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs prior to a call being authorized.

Claim 40

Independent Claim 101 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: at pre-paid wireless service provider, communicating with a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received, and selectively authorizing the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of the account balance by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs prior to a call being authorized.

Claim 41

Independent Claim 101 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: at pre-paid wireless service provider, communicating with a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received, and selectively authorizing the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed; wherein the pre-paid wireless service provider selectively authorizes the wireless call request by validating in real time an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber; and wherein validation of the account balance by the pre-paid wireless service provider occurs prior to a call being authorized.

Claim 42

Independent Claim 121 words

A system for managing pre-paid wireless communications comprising: a wireless switch at which is received a wireless call request; a pre-paid wireless service provider, in communication with the wireless switch, that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the wireless call request is directed; and a database of pre-paid wireless subscribers, comprising account information for the pre-paid wireless subscribers, that is accessed by the pre-paid wireless service provider to decide whether to authorize the wireless call request; the pre-paid wireless service provider's selective authorization of the wireless call request being based on a real-time validation of an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber.

Claim 43

Independent Claim 121 words

A system for managing pre-paid wireless communications comprising: a wireless switch at which is received a wireless call request; a pre-paid wireless service provider, in communication with the wireless switch, that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the wireless call request is directed; and a database of pre-paid wireless subscribers, comprising account information for the pre-paid wireless subscribers, that is accessed by the pre-paid wireless service provider to decide whether to authorize the wireless call request; the pre-paid wireless service provider's selective authorization of the wireless call request being based on a real-time validation of an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber.

Claim 44

Independent Claim 114 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: receiving a wireless call request at a wireless switch; and communicating between the wireless switch and a pre-paid wireless service provider that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed, and that accesses a database of pre-paid wireless subscribers, comprising account information for the pre-paid wireless subscribers, in order to decide whether to authorize the wireless call request, the pre-paid wireless service provider's selective authorization of the wireless call request being based on a real-time validation of an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber.

Claim 45

Independent Claim 114 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: receiving a wireless call request at a wireless switch; and communicating between the wireless switch and a pre-paid wireless service provider that selectively authorizes the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a pre-paid wireless subscriber to whom the call request is directed, and that accesses a database of pre-paid wireless subscribers, comprising account information for the pre-paid wireless subscribers, in order to decide whether to authorize the wireless call request, the pre-paid wireless service provider's selective authorization of the wireless call request being based on a real-time validation of an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber.

Claim 46

Independent Claim 111 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: at a pre-paid wireless service provider, communicating with a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received, and selectively authorizing the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a subscriber to whom the call request is directed; and accessing a database of pre-paid wireless subscribers, comprising account information for the pre-paid wireless subscribers, in order to decide whether to authorize the wireless call request, the pre-paid wireless service provider's selective authorization of the wireless call request being based on a real-time validation of the of an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber.

Claim 47

Independent Claim 111 words

A method for managing pre-paid wireless communications, comprising: at a pre-paid wireless service provider, communicating with a wireless switch at which a wireless call request is received, and selectively authorizing the wireless call request based on information in the wireless call request that identifies a subscriber to whom the call request is directed; and accessing a database of pre-paid wireless subscribers, comprising account information for the pre-paid wireless subscribers, in order to decide whether to authorize the wireless call request, the pre-paid wireless service provider's selective authorization of the wireless call request being based on a real-time validation of the of an account balance associated with the identified pre-paid wireless subscriber.

Claim 48

Independent Claim 115 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service, the method comprising: identifying an originator of a wireless telephone call as a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service; causing the call to be connected to a pre-paid switching system; and a wireless switch sending an identifier associated with the destination of the call and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of the originator of the call to the pre-paid switching system that validates the balance in the account of the originator of the call, causes the call to be connected to the destination, sets a time limit based on the account balance, and causes the call to be terminated when the time limit is expired.

Claim 49

Independent Claim 115 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service, the method comprising: identifying an originator of a wireless telephone call as a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service; causing the call to be connected to a pre-paid switching system; and a wireless switch sending an identifier associated with the destination of the call and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of the originator of the call to the pre-paid switching system that validates the balance in the account of the originator of the call, causes the call to be connected to the destination, sets a time limit based on the account balance, and causes the call to be terminated when the time limit is expired.

Claim 50

Independent Claim 107 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service, the method comprising: at a pre-paid switching system, receiving from a wireless switch an identifier associated with a destination of a wireless telephone call, and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of an originator of the call, the originator of the call being identified as being a subscriber to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; validating the balance in the account of the originator of the call; causing the call to be connected to the destination; and periodically validating the call based on the balance associated with the account and causing the call to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 51

Independent Claim 107 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service, the method comprising: at a pre-paid switching system, receiving from a wireless switch an identifier associated with a destination of a wireless telephone call, and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of an originator of the call, the originator of the call being identified as being a subscriber to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; validating the balance in the account of the originator of the call; causing the call to be connected to the destination; and periodically validating the call based on the balance associated with the account and causing the call to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 103 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service, the method comprising: at a pre-paid switching system, receiving from a wireless switch an identifier associated with a destination of a wireless telephone call, and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of an originator of the call, the originator of the call being identified as being a subscriber to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; validating the balance in the account of the originator of the call; causing the call to be connected to the destination; and causing the call to be terminated when a time limit based on the balance in the account is expired.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 103 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service, the method comprising: at a pre-paid switching system, receiving from a wireless switch an identifier associated with a destination of a wireless telephone call, and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of an originator of the call, the originator of the call being identified as being a subscriber to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; validating the balance in the account of the originator of the call; causing the call to be connected to the destination; and causing the call to be terminated when a time limit based on the balance in the account is expired.

Claim 54

Independent Claim 124 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service, the method comprising: identifying an originator of a wireless telephone call as a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service; causing the call to be connected to a pre-paid switching system; and sending an identifier associated with the destination of the call and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of the originator of the call to the pre-paid switching system that validates the balance in the account of the originator of the call, causes the call to be connected to the destination, and periodically validates the call based on the balance associated with the account and terminates the call if validation is unsuccessful; wherein the identifier associated with the pre-paid account is an electronic serial number.

Claim 55

Independent Claim 124 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service, the method comprising: identifying an originator of a wireless telephone call as a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service; causing the call to be connected to a pre-paid switching system; and sending an identifier associated with the destination of the call and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of the originator of the call to the pre-paid switching system that validates the balance in the account of the originator of the call, causes the call to be connected to the destination, and periodically validates the call based on the balance associated with the account and terminates the call if validation is unsuccessful; wherein the identifier associated with the pre-paid account is an electronic serial number.

Claim 56

Independent Claim 152 words

A system for providing pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: (a) a database of information pertaining to subscribers to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; (b) a computer with access to the database of information pertaining to subscribers to the pre-paid wireless telephone service, which computer receives, from a wireless switch, an identifier associated with a destination of a wireless telephone call, and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of an originator of the call, the originator of the call being identified as being a subscriber to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; (c) a computer that receives information from the wireless switch and that: (i) validates a balance in the pre-paid account of the originator of the call; (ii) causes the call to be connected to the destination; (iii) periodically validates the call based on the balance associated with the account; and (iv) causes the call to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 57

Independent Claim 152 words

A system for providing pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: (a) a database of information pertaining to subscribers to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; (b) a computer with access to the database of information pertaining to subscribers to the pre-paid wireless telephone service, which computer receives, from a wireless switch, an identifier associated with a destination of a wireless telephone call, and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of an originator of the call, the originator of the call being identified as being a subscriber to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; (c) a computer that receives information from the wireless switch and that: (i) validates a balance in the pre-paid account of the originator of the call; (ii) causes the call to be connected to the destination; (iii) periodically validates the call based on the balance associated with the account; and (iv) causes the call to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 58

Independent Claim 151 words

A system for providing pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: (a) a database of information pertaining to subscribers to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; (b) a computer with access to the database of information pertaining to subscribers to the pre-paid wireless telephone service, which computer receives, from a wireless switch, an identifier associated with a destination of a wireless telephone call, and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of an originator of the call, the originator of the call being identified as being a subscriber to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; (c) a computer that receives information from the wireless switch and that: (i) validates a balance in the pre-paid account of the originator of the call; (ii) causes the call to be connected to the destination; (iii) sets a time limit based on the account balance; and (iv) causes the call to be terminated when the time limit is expired.

Claim 59

Independent Claim 151 words

A system for providing pre-paid wireless telephone service, comprising: (a) a database of information pertaining to subscribers to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; (b) a computer with access to the database of information pertaining to subscribers to the pre-paid wireless telephone service, which computer receives, from a wireless switch, an identifier associated with a destination of a wireless telephone call, and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of an originator of the call, the originator of the call being identified as being a subscriber to the pre-paid wireless telephone service; (c) a computer that receives information from the wireless switch and that: (i) validates a balance in the pre-paid account of the originator of the call; (ii) causes the call to be connected to the destination; (iii) sets a time limit based on the account balance; and (iv) causes the call to be terminated when the time limit is expired.

Claim 60

Independent Claim 83 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service comprising: receiving an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of an originator of a call at a wireless switch; at the wireless switch, determining whether the identifier is associated with a pre-paid account; and if the identifier is associated with a pre-paid account, communicating with a pre-paid service provider and causing the identifier associated with the pre-paid account and an identifier associated with a destination of the call to be sent to the pre-paid service provider.

Claim 61

Independent Claim 83 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service comprising: receiving an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of an originator of a call at a wireless switch; at the wireless switch, determining whether the identifier is associated with a pre-paid account; and if the identifier is associated with a pre-paid account, communicating with a pre-paid service provider and causing the identifier associated with the pre-paid account and an identifier associated with a destination of the call to be sent to the pre-paid service provider.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 56 words

A method as set forth in claim 35 and including: at the pre-paid service provider, validating the call based on the balance associated with the account; causing the call to be completed; and periodically validating the call based on the balance associated with the account and causing the call to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method as set forth in claim 36 wherein the step of periodically validating the call continues until the call is terminated or the balance in the account reaches a predetermined amount.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method as set forth in claim 36 including terminating the call when the balance in the account reaches a predetermined amount.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 46 words

The method of claim 35 comprising: at the pre-paid service provider, validating the call based on the balance associated with the account; causing the call to be completed; and causing the call to be terminated when a time limit based on the account balance is expired.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 42 words

The method as set forth in claim 35 wherein the step of determining whether the identifier is associated with a pre-paid account comprises accessing a database remote from the pre-paid service provider and comparing the identifier with numbers stored in the database.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method as set forth in claim 40 wherein the accessing step includes sharing access to the database with other pre-paid service providers.

Claim 68

Independent Claim 117 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service, the method comprising: identifying an originator of a wireless telephone call as a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service; causing the call to be connected to a pre-paid switching system; and a wireless switch sending an identifier associated with the destination of the call and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of the originator of the call to the pre-paid switching system that validates the balance in the account of the originator of the call, causes the call to be connected to the destination, and periodically validates the call based on the balance associated with the account and causes the call to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 69

Independent Claim 117 words

A method for pre-paid wireless telephone service, the method comprising: identifying an originator of a wireless telephone call as a subscriber to a pre-paid wireless telephone service; causing the call to be connected to a pre-paid switching system; and a wireless switch sending an identifier associated with the destination of the call and an identifier associated with a pre-paid account of the originator of the call to the pre-paid switching system that validates the balance in the account of the originator of the call, causes the call to be connected to the destination, and periodically validates the call based on the balance associated with the account and causes the call to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method as set forth in claim 42 including terminating the call when the balance in the account becomes zero.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 42 wherein the identifier associated with the pre-paid account is a mobile identifier.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 42 wherein the identifier associated with the pre-paid account is a telephone number.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 18 words

The method of claim 42 wherein the identifier associated with the pre-paid account is an automated number identifier.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method as set forth in claim 42, 29, 30, or 31 wherein the validating step includes finding the pre-paid account of the originator of the call and retrieving a balance associated with the account.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 41 words

The method as set forth in claim 47 including maintaining a database of identifiers associated with pre-paid wireless telephone accounts, the database being remote from the pre-paid switching system, and the finding step including accessing the database via a remote server.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 26 words

The method as set forth in claim 48 wherein the accessing step includes sharing access to the database with one or more other pre-paid switching systems.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 28 words

The method as set forth in claim 42, 29, 30, or 31 including notifying the originator of the pre-paid wireless telephone call of the status of the account.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method of claim 50 including notifying the originator of the pre-paid wireless telephone call of the remaining balance.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method of claim 42, 29, 30, or 31 wherein the identifier associated with the pre-paid account is an electronic serial number.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 55 words

The method of claim 42, 29, 30, or 31 comprising: identifying at least one cost variable associated with the call; determining a rate associated with a fixed interval of time based on the cost variable; and converting the account balance to a maximum call length based on the account balance and based on the rate.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 13 words

The method of claim 53 wherein the cost variable is time of day.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 17 words

The method of claim 53 wherein the cost variable is a destination of the pre-paid wireless call.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method as set forth in claim 42, 29, 30, or 31 wherein the originator of the wireless telephone call is identified as a subscriber to the pre-paid wireless telephone service at the wireless switch.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 63 words

The method as set forth in claim 42, 29, 30, or 31 wherein the identifier associated with the destination of the call is entered by the subscriber prior to origination of the wireless telephone call, and the identifier associated with the pre-paid account of the originator of the call is transparently sent to the wireless switch upon origination of the wireless telephone call.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 52 words

The system of claim 33 to 34 wherein the computer with access to the database is the computer that receives information from the wireless switch, validates the balance, causes the call to be connected to the destination, periodically validates the call, and causes the call to be terminated if validation is unsuccessful.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 27 words

The system of claim 33 to 34 wherein the computer with access to the database is networked to a server computer with which the database is associated.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2003-12-05	2004-06-05	2004-12-05	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2007-12-05	2008-06-05	2008-12-05	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2011-12-05	2012-06-05	2012-12-05	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Security cellular telecommunications system

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