Patent JPS5671579A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
Patent US6208857B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6208857B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for performing position-and preference-based service selection in a mobile telephone system
Assignee: Qualcomm Inc
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Filing: 1996-11-04
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Granted: 2001-03-27
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Expires: 2016-11-04
Abstract
Abstract The mobile telephone system employs a fleet of satellites and a set of gateway ground stations arranged around the globe for handling communications to and from mobile communication units such as mobile telephones. Signals are transmitted between a subscriber unit and the nearest gateway via one or more of the satellites. The gateway is connected to a set of individual service providers such as local telephone systems. The individual service providers may be constrained for various reasons such as contractual or other legal constraints to handle communications only from subscriber units located in certain geographical areas such as within only certain countries or portions of countries. For a mobile communication from a particular subscriber unit, the gateway selects a service provider capable of handling the communication. In one implementation, the selection is based upon the location of the subscriber unit and upon any preferences specified by the subscriber unit. In other implementations, the selection is based on other parameters such as the altitude, speed or velocity of the subscriber unit or the time of day or date upon which the communication is initiated.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel H. Agre
- 👤 Michael K. Spartz
- 👤 Roy F. Quick
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:50
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B7/00; H04B7/14; H04W; H04W48/00; H04W48/18; H04B7/15; H04B7/185; H04B7/1853; H04B7/18539; H04B7/18545; H04B7/18547; H04B7/1855; H04B7/18552; H04B7/18554; H04B7/18558; H04B7/1856; H04L; H04L67/00; H04L67/50; H04L67/52
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A system for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, said system comprising: said subscriber unit, comprising: a database comprising a list of preferred service providers, wherein said list of preferred service providers is transmitted to a fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event; and said fixed transceiver, comprising: a transceiver for receiving said list of preferred service providers; a subscriber location determination unit for determining a location of said subscriber unit; and an available service provider determination unit for determining a list of available service providers based on said location; wherein said desired service provider is selected based on said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
132 words
A system for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, said system comprising: said subscriber unit, comprising: a database comprising a list of preferred service providers, wherein said list of preferred service providers is transmitted to a fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event; and said fixed transceiver, comprising: a transceiver for receiving said list of preferred service providers; a subscriber location determination unit for determining a location of said subscriber unit; and an available service provider determination unit for determining a list of available service providers based on said location; wherein said desired service provider is selected based on said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 1 wherein a degree of confidence is assigned to said location, said degree of confidence based upon the manner of location determination, said degree of confidence further used to determine said desired service provider.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said desired service provider is selected by comparing said list of preferred service providers to said list of available service providers and selecting said desired service provider as any service provider that appears on both said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein a negotiation is initiated by said fixed transceiver with said subscriber unit to determine said desired service provider if more than one service provider appears on both said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
153 words
A system for selecting a service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, said system comprising: said subscriber unit comprising: a position determination device for determining a location of said subscriber unit; and a database comprising a list of preferred service providers, wherein said desired service provider is selected from a list of available service providers transmitted by a fixed transceiver and said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, said desired service provider and said location transmitted to said fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event; and said fixed transceiver comprising: an available service provider determination unit for selecting said list of available service providers based on said location, wherein said list of available service providers is transmitted to said subscriber unit; wherein service is provided to said subscriber unit using said desired service provider.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
153 words
A system for selecting a service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, said system comprising: said subscriber unit comprising: a position determination device for determining a location of said subscriber unit; and a database comprising a list of preferred service providers, wherein said desired service provider is selected from a list of available service providers transmitted by a fixed transceiver and said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, said desired service provider and said location transmitted to said fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event; and said fixed transceiver comprising: an available service provider determination unit for selecting said list of available service providers based on said location, wherein said list of available service providers is transmitted to said subscriber unit; wherein service is provided to said subscriber unit using said desired service provider.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said database further comprises a constraint used to select said desired service provider, wherein said desired service provider is chosen using said list of available service providers, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said constraint.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
58 words
The system of claim 6 further comprising: a velocity determination device for determining a velocity of said subscriber unit; wherein said constraint comprises said velocity and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers transmitted by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said velocity.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
56 words
The system of claim 6 further comprising: an altimeter for determining an altitude of said subscriber unit; wherein said constraint comprises said altitude and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers transmitted by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said altitude.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
67 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said database further comprises: rate information corresponding to at least one service provider in said list of preferred service providers; wherein said constraint comprises said rate information and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers transmitted by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said rate information.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
78 words
The system of claim 9 further comprising: a timer for determining the time of day used for determining when each service provider listed in said list of preferred service providers offer a preferred rate; wherein said constraint further comprises said time of day and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers transmitted by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said time of day.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 5 further comprising an interface for allowing a subscriber unit user to alter said database.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said interface allows said user to enter a new preferred service provider into said database.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said interface allows said user to select a service provider to communicate through from said list of permissible service providers stored in said database.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
11 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said interface comprises a dataport.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The system of claim 11 wherein said interface comprises a keypad and display.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, said method comprising the steps of: storing a list of preferred service providers in said subscriber unit; transmitting said list of preferred service providers to a fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event; receiving said list of preferred service providers by said fixed transceiver; determining a position of said subscriber unit; determining a list of available service providers based on said location; selecting said desired service provider based on said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
111 words
A method for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, said method comprising the steps of: storing a list of preferred service providers in said subscriber unit; transmitting said list of preferred service providers to a fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event; receiving said list of preferred service providers by said fixed transceiver; determining a position of said subscriber unit; determining a list of available service providers based on said location; selecting said desired service provider based on said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the step of selecting said desired service provider comprises the steps of: comparing said list of preferred service providers to said list of available service providers; and selecting said desired service provider if any service provider appears on both said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of: performing a negotiation between said fixed transceiver and said subscriber unit to determine said desired service provider if more than one service provider appears on both said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of: assigning a degree of confidence to said location, said degree of confidence based upon the manner of location determination; and using said degree of confidence to in conjunction with said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers to determine said desired service provider.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, comprising the steps of: determining a location of said subscriber unit; determining a list of available service providers able to service said subscriber unit based on said location; transmitting said list of available service providers from a fixed transceiver to said subscriber unit; selecting said desired service provider based on said list of available service providers and a list of preferred service providers stored within said subscriber unit; transmitting said desired service provider to said fixed transceiver; and providing communications service to said subscriber unit using said desired service provider.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
117 words
A method for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, comprising the steps of: determining a location of said subscriber unit; determining a list of available service providers able to service said subscriber unit based on said location; transmitting said list of available service providers from a fixed transceiver to said subscriber unit; selecting said desired service provider based on said list of available service providers and a list of preferred service providers stored within said subscriber unit; transmitting said desired service provider to said fixed transceiver; and providing communications service to said subscriber unit using said desired service provider.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 20 wherein the step of selecting said desired service provider further comprises the steps of: storing a constraint within said subscriber unit; selecting said desired service provider using said list of available service providers provided by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said constraint.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of: determining a velocity of said subscriber unit, wherein said constraint comprises said velocity.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of: determining an altitude of said subscriber unit, wherein said constraint comprises said altitude.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 21 further comprising the step of: determining rate information corresponding to at least one service provider in said list of preferred service providers, wherein said constrain comprises said rate information.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of: determining a time of day, wherein said constraint further comprises said time of day.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 20 further comprising the step of: altering said list of preferred service providers within said subscriber unit by a subscriber unit user using an interface.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the step of altering said list of preferred service providers comprises the step of entering a new preferred service provider into said subscriber unit.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 26 wherein the step of altering said list of preferred service providers comprises the step of selecting a service provider through which to communicate from said list of preferred service providers stored in said subscriber unit.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said interface comprises a dataport.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 26 wherein said interface comprises a keypad and display.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
74 words
An apparatus for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, comprising: said subscriber unit, comprising: a database comprising a list of preferred service providers, wherein said list of preferred service providers is transmitted to a fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, said list of preferred service providers used to select said desired service provider.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
74 words
An apparatus for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, comprising: said subscriber unit, comprising: a database comprising a list of preferred service providers, wherein said list of preferred service providers is transmitted to a fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event, said list of preferred service providers used to select said desired service provider.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said subscriber unit further comprises: a subscriber location determination unit for determining a location of said subscriber unit, said location transmitted to said fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of said predetermined event, wherein said desired service provider is determined using said list of preferred service providers and said location.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, comprising: a fixed transceiver, comprising: a transceiver for receiving a list of preferred service providers from a subscriber unit; a subscriber location determination unit for determining a location of said subscriber unit; an available service provider determination unit for determining a list of available service providers based on said location; wherein said desired service provider is selected based on said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
99 words
An apparatus for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, comprising: a fixed transceiver, comprising: a transceiver for receiving a list of preferred service providers from a subscriber unit; a subscriber location determination unit for determining a location of said subscriber unit; an available service provider determination unit for determining a list of available service providers based on said location; wherein said desired service provider is selected based on said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 33 wherein a degree of confidence is assigned to said location, said degree of confidence based upon the manner of location determination, said degree of confidence further used to determine said desired service provider.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
54 words
The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said desired service provider is selected by comparing said list of preferred service providers to a list of available service providers and selecting said desired service provider as any service provider that appears on both said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 35 , wherein a negotiation is initiated by said fixed transceiver with said subscriber unit to determine said desired service provider if more than one service provider appears on both said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, comprising: said subscriber unit, comprising: a position determination device for determining a location of said subscriber unit; and a database comprising a list of preferred service providers, wherein said desired service provider is selected from a list of available service providers transmitted by a fixed transceiver and said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, said desired service provider and said location transmitted to said fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
103 words
An apparatus for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, comprising: said subscriber unit, comprising: a position determination device for determining a location of said subscriber unit; and a database comprising a list of preferred service providers, wherein said desired service provider is selected from a list of available service providers transmitted by a fixed transceiver and said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, said desired service provider and said location transmitted to said fixed transceiver upon the occurrence of a predetermined event.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
51 words
The apparatus of claim 37 wherein said database further comprises a constraint used to select said desired service provider, wherein said desired service provider is chosen using said list of available service providers provided by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said constraint.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
58 words
The apparatus of claim 38 further comprising: a velocity determination device for determining a velocity of said subscriber unit; wherein said constraint comprises said velocity and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers transmitted by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said velocity.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
67 words
The apparatus of claim 38 wherein said database further comprises: rate information corresponding to at least one service provider in said list of preferred service providers; wherein said constraint comprises said rate information and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers transmitted by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said rate information.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
78 words
The apparatus of claim 38 further comprising: a timer for determining the time of day used for determining when each service provider listed in said list of preferred service providers offer a preferred rate; wherein said constraint further comprises said time of day and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers transmitted by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said time of day.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 38 further comprising: an altimeter for determining an altitude of said subscriber; wherein said constraint comprises said altitude and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers transmitted by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said altitude.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 37 further comprising an interface for allowing a subscriber unit user to alter said database.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said interface allows said user to enter a new service provider into said database.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said interface allows said user to select a service provider from said list of preferred service providers stored in said database.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said interface comprises a dataport.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 43 wherein said interface comprises a keypad and display.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, comprising the steps of: storing a list of preferred service providers within said subscriber unit; determining a position of said subscriber unit; transmitting said position to a fixed transceiver; receiving a list of available service providers from said fixed transceiver; and determining said desired service provider based on said list of available service providers and said list of preferred service providers.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
88 words
A method for selecting a desired service provider for use in connection with a subscriber unit in a mobile communication system having two or more service providers, comprising the steps of: storing a list of preferred service providers within said subscriber unit; determining a position of said subscriber unit; transmitting said position to a fixed transceiver; receiving a list of available service providers from said fixed transceiver; and determining said desired service provider based on said list of available service providers and said list of preferred service providers.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 48 further comprising the step of: storing a constraint within said subscriber unit; and selecting said desired service provider using said list of available service providers, said list of preferred service providers, and said constraint.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
47 words
The method of claim 49 further comprising the steps of: determining a velocity of said subscriber unit; wherein said constraint comprises said velocity and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers, said list of preferred service providers, and said velocity.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
59 words
The method of claim 49 further comprising the steps of: storing rate information corresponding to at least one service provider in said list of preferred service providers; wherein said constraint comprises said rate information and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers, said list of preferred service providers, and said rate information.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 49 further comprising the steps of: determining a time of day used for determining when each service provider listed in said list of preferred service providers offer a preferred rate; wherein said constraint further comprises said time of day and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers, said list of preferred service providers, and said time of day.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 49 further comprising the steps of: determining an altitude of said subscriber unit; wherein said constraint comprises said altitude and said desired service provider is determined based on said list of available service providers transmitted by said fixed transceiver, said list of preferred service providers stored in said database, and said altitude.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of claim 48 wherein the step of determining said desired service provider comprises comparing said list of preferred service providers to said list of available service providers and selecting said desired service provider as any service provider that appears on both said list of preferred service providers and said list of available service providers.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 54 further comprising the step of altering said list of preferred service providers by a subscriber unit user.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 55 comprising the step of adding a new service provider to said list of preferred service providers by a subscriber unit user.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 55 comprising the step of selecting a service provider through which to communicate from said list of preferred service providers by a subscriber unit user.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
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| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-03-26 | 2008-09-25 | 2009-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-03-26 | 2012-09-25 | 2013-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |