US6282420B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for selecting a wireless communications service provider in a multi-service provider environment
Assignee: AT&T Mobility II LLC
•
Filing: 1998-09-15
•
Granted: 2001-08-28
•
Expires: 2018-09-15
Abstract
Abstract A communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule. The frequency band search schedule has a first or home band and a several other frequency bands in a predetermined order. The order of the frequency bands may be programmed by the user or by a home service provider over the air. The communication device searches for an acceptable service provider by examining the home band and then the other bands listed in the frequency band search schedule. The bands are examined in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule. An acceptable service provider is identified by comparing the identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a band being examined with a list of acceptable service providers.
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
2026-11-06 00:36
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W48/00; H04W48/16; H04B; H04B7/00; H04B7/24; H04B7/26; H04B7/2621; H04W48/18; H04W88/00; H04W88/02; H04W88/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 120
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, the communication device storing a frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order, the method comprising: determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider; if the last frequency band used does not have an acceptable service provider, examining each of the frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule until a frequency band is located having an acceptable service provider; and stopping the examination of frequency bands as soon as an acceptable service provider is located.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
106 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, the communication device storing a frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order, the method comprising: determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider; if the last frequency band used does not have an acceptable service provider, examining each of the frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule until a frequency band is located having an acceptable service provider; and stopping the examination of frequency bands as soon as an acceptable service provider is located.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the last frequency band is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last deactivated.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the last frequency band is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 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 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of modifying the frequency band search schedule using information from a keypad of the communications device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: terminating said step of examining prior to examining all frequency bands in said frequency band search schedule when an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a first frequency band in the plurality of frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule is a home frequency band for the communication device.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
137 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, the communication device storing a frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order, the method comprising: determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider; if the last frequency band used does not have an acceptable service provider, examining each of the frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule until a frequency band is located having an acceptable service provider; stopping the examination of frequency bands as soon as an acceptable service provider is located; and identifying an acceptable service provider by comparing the identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a band being examined with a prioritized list of acceptable service providers.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
137 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, the communication device storing a frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order, the method comprising: determining whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider; if the last frequency band used does not have an acceptable service provider, examining each of the frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule until a frequency band is located having an acceptable service provider; stopping the examination of frequency bands as soon as an acceptable service provider is located; and identifying an acceptable service provider by comparing the identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a band being examined with a prioritized list of acceptable service providers.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the last frequency band is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last deactivated.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 8 wherein the last frequency band is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of modifying the frequency band search schedule using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of modifying the frequency band search schedule using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of: terminating said step of examining prior to examining all frequency bands in said frequency band search schedule when an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of modifying the prioritized list of service providers using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein a first frequency band in the plurality of frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule is a home frequency band for the communication device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 8 further comprising the step of modifying the prioritized list of service providers using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
122 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule, the frequency band search schedule having a plurality of frequency bands in a predetermined order, the communication device comprising: a transceiver that receives the plurality of frequency bands; and a controller that determines whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider, and if the last frequency band used does not have an acceptable service provider, examines each of the frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule until a frequency band is located having an acceptable service provider, and stops the examination of frequency bands as soon as an acceptable service provider is located.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
122 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule, the frequency band search schedule having a plurality of frequency bands in a predetermined order, the communication device comprising: a transceiver that receives the plurality of frequency bands; and a controller that determines whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider, and if the last frequency band used does not have an acceptable service provider, examines each of the frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule until a frequency band is located having an acceptable service provider, and stops the examination of frequency bands as soon as an acceptable service provider is located.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 17 , wherein the last frequency band is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last deactivated.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 17 , wherein the last frequency band is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 17 , wherein the frequency band search schedule is modified using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 17 , wherein the frequency band search schedule is modified using information from a keypad of the communications device.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 17 , wherein the controller terminates the examination prior to examining all frequency bands in said frequency band search schedule when an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 17 , wherein the first frequency band in the plurality of frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule is a home frequency band for the communication device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
155 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule, the frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order, the communication device comprising: a transceiver that receives the plurality of frequency bands; and a controller that: (1) determines whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider, and if the last frequency band used does not have an acceptable service provider, examines each of the frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule until a frequency band is located having an acceptable service provider, and stops the examination of frequency bands as soon as an acceptable service provider is located, and (2) identifies an acceptable service provider by comparing the identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a band being examined with a prioritized list of acceptable service providers.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
155 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored frequency band search schedule, the frequency band search schedule having a plurality of bands in a predetermined order, the communication device comprising: a transceiver that receives the plurality of frequency bands; and a controller that: (1) determines whether a last frequency band used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider, and if the last frequency band used does not have an acceptable service provider, examines each of the frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule until a frequency band is located having an acceptable service provider, and stops the examination of frequency bands as soon as an acceptable service provider is located, and (2) identifies an acceptable service provider by comparing the identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a band being examined with a prioritized list of acceptable service providers.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
The device of claim 24 , wherein the last frequency band is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last deactivated.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 24 , wherein the last frequency band is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 24 , wherein the frequency band search schedule is modified using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 24 , wherein the frequency band search schedule is modified using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device of claim 24 , wherein the controller terminates the examination prior to examining all frequency bands in said frequency band search schedule when an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 24 , wherein the prioritized list of service providers is modified using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 24 , wherein the first frequency band in the plurality of frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule is a home frequency band for the communication device.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 24 , wherein the prioritized list of service providers is modified using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
182 words
A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of plurality frequency bands, the communication device: 1) examining a last frequency band used during a preceding period of communication device activity and 2) if the last frequency band used is not a frequency band corresponding to a best available service provider, examining the plurality of frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule but skipping examination in the frequency band search schedule of the last frequency band used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider, the method comprising: transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code enabling identification of the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
182 words
A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of plurality frequency bands, the communication device: 1) examining a last frequency band used during a preceding period of communication device activity and 2) if the last frequency band used is not a frequency band corresponding to a best available service provider, examining the plurality of frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule but skipping examination in the frequency band search schedule of the last frequency band used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider, the method comprising: transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code enabling identification of the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the frequency band used is a last frequency band that the communication device last used for service registration when the communication device was deactivated.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the last frequency band used is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the transmitted modification information for modifying the frequency band search schedule is transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 33 , further comprising modifying the frequency band search schedule using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the communication device terminates examination of the plurality of frequency bands prior to examining all frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule when one of the frequency bands corresponding to an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the communication device registers with the best available service provider.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of frequency bands, the communication device: 1) examining a last frequency band used during a preceding period of communication device activity and 2) if the last frequency band used is not a frequency band corresponding to a best available service provider, examining the plurality of frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule but skipping examination in the frequency band search schedule of the last frequency band used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider, the method comprising: transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule, receiving confirmation information from the communication device at the wireless service provider that the modification information has been transmitted.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of frequency bands, the communication device: 1) examining a last frequency band used during a preceding period of communication device activity and 2) if the last frequency band used is not a frequency band corresponding to a best available service provider, examining the plurality of frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule but skipping examination in the frequency band search schedule of the last frequency band used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider, the method comprising: transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the frequency band search schedule, receiving confirmation information from the communication device at the wireless service provider that the modification information has been transmitted.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the last frequency band used is a last frequency band that the communication device last used for service registration when the communication device was deactivated.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the last frequency band used is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the transmitted modification information for modifying the frequency band search schedule is transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 40 , further comprising modifying the frequency band search schedule using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the communication device terminates examination of the plurality of frequency bands prior to examining all frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule when one of the frequency bands corresponding to an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 40 , wherein the communication device registers with the best available service provider.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
126 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of frequency bands, the communication device comprising: a controller that: 1) examines a last frequency band used during a preceding period of communication device activity, and 2) if the last frequency band used is not a frequency band corresponding to a best available service provider, examines the plurality of frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule but skips examination in the frequency band search schedule of the last frequency band used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
126 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a frequency band search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of frequency bands, the communication device comprising: a controller that: 1) examines a last frequency band used during a preceding period of communication device activity, and 2) if the last frequency band used is not a frequency band corresponding to a best available service provider, examines the plurality of frequency bands in the order specified by the frequency band search schedule but skips examination in the frequency band search schedule of the last frequency band used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
32 words
The communication device of claim 47 , wherein the last frequency band used is a frequency band that the communication device last used for service registration when the communication device was deactivated.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The communication device of claim 47 , wherein the last frequency band used is a frequency band that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The communication device of claim 47 , wherein the frequency band search schedule is modified using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
24 words
The communication device of claim 47 , wherein the frequency band search schedule is modified using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
44 words
The communication device of claim 47 , wherein the controller terminates examination of the plurality of frequency bands prior to examining all frequency bands in the frequency band search schedule when one of the frequency bands corresponding to an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
17 words
The communication device of claim 47 , wherein the controller registers with the best available service provider.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
97 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, the communication device storing a search schedule having a plurality of frequencies in a predetermined order, the method comprising: determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider; if the last frequency used does not have an acceptable service provider, examining one of the frequencies in the search schedule until a frequency is located having an acceptable service provider; and stopping the examination of frequencies as soon as an acceptable service provider is located.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
97 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, the communication device storing a search schedule having a plurality of frequencies in a predetermined order, the method comprising: determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider; if the last frequency used does not have an acceptable service provider, examining one of the frequencies in the search schedule until a frequency is located having an acceptable service provider; and stopping the examination of frequencies as soon as an acceptable service provider is located.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 54 , wherein the last frequency is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last deactivated.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 54 , wherein the last frequency is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 54 , further comprising the step of modifying the search schedule using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 54 , further comprising the step of modifying the search schedule using information from a keypad of the communications device.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 54 , further comprising the step of: terminating said step of examining prior to examining all frequencies in said search schedule when an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 54 , wherein a first frequency in the plurality of frequencies in the search schedule is a home frequency for the communication device.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 54 , wherein a first frequency in the plurality of frequencies in the search schedule is a home frequency for the communication device.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
128 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, the communication device storing a search schedule having a plurality of frequencies in a predetermined order, the method comprising: determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider; if the last frequency used does not have an acceptable service provider, examining one of the frequencies in the search schedule until a frequency is located having an acceptable service provider; stopping the examination of frequencies as soon as an acceptable service provider is located; and identifying an acceptable service provider by comparing the identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a frequency being examined with a prioritized list of acceptable service providers.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
128 words
A method by which a communication device locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment, the communication device storing a search schedule having a plurality of frequencies in a predetermined order, the method comprising: determining whether a last frequency used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider; if the last frequency used does not have an acceptable service provider, examining one of the frequencies in the search schedule until a frequency is located having an acceptable service provider; stopping the examination of frequencies as soon as an acceptable service provider is located; and identifying an acceptable service provider by comparing the identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a frequency being examined with a prioritized list of acceptable service providers.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 62 , wherein the last frequency is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last deactivated.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 62 , wherein the last frequency is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 74
Independent Claim
22 words
The method of claims 62 , further comprising the step of modifying the search schedule using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 62 , further comprising the step of modifying the search schedule using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 62 , further comprising the step of: terminating said step of examining prior to examining all frequencies in said search schedule when an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 62 , further comprising the step of modifying the prioritized list of service providers using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 62 , further comprising the step of modifying the prioritized list of service providers using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
109 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule, the search schedule having a plurality of frequencies in a predetermined order, the communication device comprising: a transceiver that receives the plurality of frequencies; and a controller that determines whether a last frequency used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider, and if the last frequency used does not have an acceptable service provider, examines each of the frequencies in the search schedule until a frequency is located having an acceptable service provider, and stops the examination of frequencies as soon as an acceptable service provider is located.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
109 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule, the search schedule having a plurality of frequencies in a predetermined order, the communication device comprising: a transceiver that receives the plurality of frequencies; and a controller that determines whether a last frequency used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider, and if the last frequency used does not have an acceptable service provider, examines each of the frequencies in the search schedule until a frequency is located having an acceptable service provider, and stops the examination of frequencies as soon as an acceptable service provider is located.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 70 , wherein the last frequency is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last deactivated.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 70 , wherein the last frequency is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 70 , wherein the search schedule is modified using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 70 , wherein the frequency band search schedule is modified using information from a keypad of the communications device.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 70 , wherein the controller terminates the examination prior to examining all frequencies in the search schedule when an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 70 , wherein the a first frequency in the plurality of frequencies in the search schedule is a home frequency for the communication device.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
143 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule, the search schedule having a plurality of frequencies in a predetermined order, the communication device comprising: a transceiver that receives the plurality of frequencies; and a controller that: (1) determines whether a last frequency used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider, and if the last frequency used does not have an acceptable service provider, examines each of the frequencies in the search schedule until a frequency is located having an acceptable service provider, and stops the examination of frequencies as soon as an acceptable service provider is located; and (2) identifies an acceptable service provider by comparing the identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a frequency being examined with a prioritized list of acceptable service providers.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
143 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a stored search schedule, the search schedule having a plurality of frequencies in a predetermined order, the communication device comprising: a transceiver that receives the plurality of frequencies; and a controller that: (1) determines whether a last frequency used by the communication device has an acceptable service provider, and if the last frequency used does not have an acceptable service provider, examines each of the frequencies in the search schedule until a frequency is located having an acceptable service provider, and stops the examination of frequencies as soon as an acceptable service provider is located; and (2) identifies an acceptable service provider by comparing the identity of a service provider specified by an identifier received from a frequency being examined with a prioritized list of acceptable service providers.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 77 , wherein the last frequency is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last deactivated.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 77 , wherein the last frequency is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 77 , wherein the search schedule is modified using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 77 , wherein the search schedule is modified using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device of claim 77 , wherein the controller terminates the examination prior to examining all frequencies in the search schedule when an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 77 , wherein the prioritized list of service providers is modified using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 77 , wherein a first frequency in the plurality of frequencies in the search schedule is a home frequency for the communication device.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 77 , wherein the prioritized list of service providers is modified using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 97
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of frequencies, the communication device: 1) examining a last frequency used during a preceding period of communication device activity and 2) if the last frequency used is not a frequency corresponding to a best available service provider, examining the plurality of frequencies in the order specified by the search schedule but skipping examination in the search schedule of the last frequency used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider, the method comprising: transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code enabling identification of the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
167 words
A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of frequencies, the communication device: 1) examining a last frequency used during a preceding period of communication device activity and 2) if the last frequency used is not a frequency corresponding to a best available service provider, examining the plurality of frequencies in the order specified by the search schedule but skipping examination in the search schedule of the last frequency used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider, the method comprising: transmitting a code from the wireless service provider to the communication device, the code enabling identification of the wireless service provider as a wireless service provider permitted to transmit modification information; and transmitting modification information from the permitted wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 86 , wherein the last frequency used is a frequency that the communication device last used for service registration when the communication device was deactivated.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 86 , wherein the last frequency used is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 86 , wherein the transmitted modification information for modifying the search schedule is transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 86 , further comprising modifying the search schedule using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 86 , wherein the communication device terminates examination of the plurality of frequencies prior to examining all frequencies in the search schedule when one of the frequencies corresponding to an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 86 , wherein the communication device registers with the best available service provider.
Claim 105
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of frequencies, the communication device: 1) examining a last frequency used during a preceding period of communication device activity and 2) if the last frequency used is not a frequency corresponding to a best available service provider, examining the plurality of frequencies in the order specified by the search schedule but skipping examination in the search schedule of the last frequency used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider, the method comprising: transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule, receiving confirmation information from the communication device at the wireless service provider that the modification information has been transmitted.
Claim 106
Independent Claim
153 words
A method of communicating between a communication device and a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of frequencies, the communication device: 1) examining a last frequency used during a preceding period of communication device activity and 2) if the last frequency used is not a frequency corresponding to a best available service provider, examining the plurality of frequencies in the order specified by the search schedule but skipping examination in the search schedule of the last frequency used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider, the method comprising: transmitting modification information from the wireless service provider to the communication device for modifying the search schedule, receiving confirmation information from the communication device at the wireless service provider that the modification information has been transmitted.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 93 , wherein the last frequency used is a frequency that the communication device last used for service registration when the communication device was deactivated.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 93 , wherein the last frequency used is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 93 , wherein the transmitted modification information for modifying the search schedule is transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 93 , further comprising modifying the search schedule using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 93 , wherein the communication device terminates examination of the plurality of frequencies prior to examining all frequencies in the search schedule when one of the frequencies corresponding to an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 93 , wherein the communication device registers with the best available service provider.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
114 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of frequencies, the communication device comprising: a controller that: 1) examines a last frequency used during a preceding period of communication device activity, and 2) if the last frequency used is not a frequency corresponding to a best available service provider, examines the plurality of frequencies in the order specified by the search schedule but skips examination in the search schedule of the last frequency used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
114 words
A communication device that locates a wireless service provider in a multi-service provider environment using a search schedule that is stored in the communication device and specifies a predetermined order of a plurality of frequencies, the communication device comprising: a controller that: 1) examines a last frequency used during a preceding period of communication device activity, and 2) if the last frequency used is not a frequency corresponding to a best available service provider, examines the plurality of frequencies in the order specified by the search schedule but skips examination in the search schedule of the last frequency used that has been previously examined and found not to have a best available service provider.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
30 words
The communication device of claim 100 , wherein the last frequency used is a frequency that the communication device last used for service registration when the communication device was deactivated.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
31 words
The communication device of claim 101 , wherein the last frequency used is a frequency that the communication device used for service registration when the communication device was last powered up.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
20 words
The communication device of claim 101 , wherein the search schedule is modified using information transmitted over a wireless interface.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
22 words
The communication device of claim 101 , wherein the search schedule is modified using information from a keypad of the communication device.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
39 words
The communication device of claim 101 , wherein the controller terminates examination of the plurality of frequencies prior to examining all frequencies in the search schedule when one of the frequencies corresponding to an optimal service provider is found.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
17 words
The communication device of claim 101 , wherein the controller registers with the best available service provider.
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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) | 2004-08-27 | 2005-02-26 | 2005-08-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-08-27 | 2009-02-26 | 2009-08-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-08-27 | 2013-02-26 | 2013-08-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |