US6295449B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Data messaging in a communications network using a feature request
Assignee: IRON OAKS TECHNOLOGIES LLC
•
Filing: 1998-03-19
•
Granted: 2001-09-25
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Expires: 2018-03-19
Abstract
Abstract A messaging unit equipped with a cellular transceiver is attached to a truck trailer or a monitoring station located within a communications network. The messaging unit generates a data message in response to the occurrence of a reporting event. Upon generation of a data message, the messaging unit transmits the data message over the network via voice or data channels. Data messages may be sent over a data channel of the network using a feature request.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth R. Westerlage
- 👤 William C. Kennedy, III
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 15:01
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W64/00; G; G01; G01D; G01D4/00; G01D4/002; G01D4/004; G08; G08G; G08G1/00; G08G1/20; H04B; H04B7/00; H04B7/14; H04B7/15; H04B7/185; H04B7/1853; H04B7/18558; H04W4/00; H04W4/02; H04W4/12; H04W8/00; H04W8/18; H04W8/183; Y; Y02; Y02B; Y02B90/00; Y02B90/20; Y04; Y04S; Y04S20/00; Y04S20/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim
69 words
A system for communicating information about an item using a cellular telephone network, comprising: a messaging unit operable to communicate, using a data channel of a cellular telephone network, a feature request having data digits that represent information about the item; and a remote site coupled to the cellular telephone network and operable to receive the feature request communicated by the messaging unit to obtain information about the item.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
69 words
A system for communicating information about an item using a cellular telephone network, comprising: a messaging unit operable to communicate, using a data channel of a cellular telephone network, a feature request having data digits that represent information about the item; and a remote site coupled to the cellular telephone network and operable to receive the feature request communicated by the messaging unit to obtain information about the item.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the remote site stores information represented by the data digits of the feature request.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 2 , comprising a host coupled to the remote site and operable to access the information stored by the remote site.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 1 , comprising a switch coupled to the cellular telephone network and operable to recognize the feature request and, upon recognition, route the feature request to the remote site.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the messaging unit is attached to a trucking trailer located within a service area of the cellular telephone network.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the messaging unit is attached to a metering device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the remote site is operable to translate the data digits of the feature request into information on a reporting event and to store the information on the reporting event.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
51 words
A method for data messaging using a cellular telephone network, comprising: obtaining information about an item; generating a feature request having data digits that represent information about the item; communicating the feature request using a data channel of a cellular telephone network; and receiving the feature request at a remote location.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
51 words
A method for data messaging using a cellular telephone network, comprising: obtaining information about an item; generating a feature request having data digits that represent information about the item; communicating the feature request using a data channel of a cellular telephone network; and receiving the feature request at a remote location.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the step of obtaining information about the item occurs upon receiving a request to initiate data messaging from the remote location.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the step of obtaining information about the item comprises generating information about the item using a sensor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the step of communicating the feature request comprises: receiving the feature request at a switch; recognizing the feature request at the switch as a feature request for data messaging; and communicating the feature request from the switch to the remote location upon recognition.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
58 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the feature request comprises a feature request code and the step of communicating the feature request comprises: receiving the feature request at a switch; recognizing the feature request code at the switch; and communicating the feature request from the switch to the remote location upon recognition of the feature request code.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
73 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the feature request comprises a cellular transceiver identifier and the step of communicating the feature request comprises: receiving the feature request at a switch; comparing the cellular transceiver identifier to a plurality of stored identifiers associated with data messaging; and communicating the feature request from the switch to the remote location if the cellular transceiver identifier matches one of the stored identifiers associated with data messaging.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the step of receiving comprises: receiving the feature request at a remote location; identifying a messaging unit that transmitted the feature request; translating the data digits to determine information about the item; and storing information about the item indexed by the messaging unit for access by a host.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the step of receiving comprises: receiving the feature request at a remote location; identifying a messaging unit that transmitted the feature request; translating the data digits to determine information about the item; and storing information about the item in a time-stamped list of information received from the messaging unit for access by a host.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the feature request comprises an altered identifier of a cellular transceiver that reflects information about the item.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 8 , wherein the step of generating a feature request is performed automatically.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for data messaging using a cellular telephone network, comprising: generating information about an item using a sensor; generating a feature request having data digits that represent information generated by the sensor; communicating the feature request using a data channel of a cellular telephone network; and receiving the feature request at a remote location.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
55 words
A method for data messaging using a cellular telephone network, comprising: generating information about an item using a sensor; generating a feature request having data digits that represent information generated by the sensor; communicating the feature request using a data channel of a cellular telephone network; and receiving the feature request at a remote location.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein the sensor is a positioning system that generates location information on the item.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein the feature request comprises a feature request code, and further comprising: receiving the feature request at a switch; recognizing the feature request code at the switch; and communicating the feature request from the switch to the remote location upon recognition of the feature request code.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
67 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein the feature request comprises a cellular transceiver identifier, and further comprising: receiving the feature request at a switch; comparing the cellular transceiver identifier to a plurality of stored identifiers associated with data messaging; and communicating the feature request from the switch to the remote location if the cellular transceiver identifier matches one of the stored identifiers associated with data messaging.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 18 , further comprising storing information generated by the sensor in a time-stamped list of information.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein the feature request comprises an altered identifier of a cellular transceiver that reflects information generated by the sensor.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein the item is a vehicle and the sensor is coupled to the vehicle.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 18 , wherein the step of generating a feature request is performed automatically.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
117 words
A system for data messaging using a cellular telephone network, comprising: a messaging unit operable to obtain information about an item, the messaging unit further operable to generate a feature request having data digits that represent information about the item, the messaging unit comprising a cellular transceiver operable to communicate the feature request using a data channel of a cellular telephone network; a platform coupled to the cellular telephone network, the platform operable to receive the feature request communicated by the messaging unit to obtain information about the item; and a host coupled to the platform and operating external to the cellular telephone network, the host operable to access information about the item obtained by the platform.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
117 words
A system for data messaging using a cellular telephone network, comprising: a messaging unit operable to obtain information about an item, the messaging unit further operable to generate a feature request having data digits that represent information about the item, the messaging unit comprising a cellular transceiver operable to communicate the feature request using a data channel of a cellular telephone network; a platform coupled to the cellular telephone network, the platform operable to receive the feature request communicated by the messaging unit to obtain information about the item; and a host coupled to the platform and operating external to the cellular telephone network, the host operable to access information about the item obtained by the platform.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
59 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein the feature request comprises a feature request code, and further comprising a switch coupled to the cellular telephone network, the switch operable to receive the feature request communicated by the messaging unit and to communicate the feature request to the platform upon recognition of the feature request code that indicates data messaging.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
66 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein the feature request comprises a cellular transceiver identifier, and further comprising a switch coupled to the cellular telephone network, the switch operable to receive the feature request communicated by the messaging unit and to communicate the feature request to the platform upon matching the cellular transceiver identifier with one of a plurality of stored identifiers associated with data messaging.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein the messaging unit further comprises a sensor operable to generate information about the item.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein the messaging unit further comprises a positioning system operable to generate location information about the item.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein the item is a vehicle and the messaging unit is coupled to the vehicle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein the feature request comprises an altered identifier of a cellular transceiver that reflects information about the item.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein the messaging unit automatically generates the feature request.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
151 words
A system for data messaging using a cellular telephone network, comprising: a messaging unit having a sensor operable to generate information about an item, the messaging unit further operable to generate a feature request having data digits that represent information generated by the sensor, the messaging unit comprising a cellular transceiver operable to communicate the feature request using a cellular telephone network; a switch coupled to the cellular telephone network, the switch operable to receive the feature request communicated by the messaging unit and to communicate the feature request to a platform if the feature request indicates data messaging; the platform coupled to the cellular telephone network, the platform operable to receive the feature request communicated by the switch to obtain information generated by the sensor; and a host coupled to the platform and operating external to the cellular telephone network, the host operable to access information obtained by the platform.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
151 words
A system for data messaging using a cellular telephone network, comprising: a messaging unit having a sensor operable to generate information about an item, the messaging unit further operable to generate a feature request having data digits that represent information generated by the sensor, the messaging unit comprising a cellular transceiver operable to communicate the feature request using a cellular telephone network; a switch coupled to the cellular telephone network, the switch operable to receive the feature request communicated by the messaging unit and to communicate the feature request to a platform if the feature request indicates data messaging; the platform coupled to the cellular telephone network, the platform operable to receive the feature request communicated by the switch to obtain information generated by the sensor; and a host coupled to the platform and operating external to the cellular telephone network, the host operable to access information obtained by the platform.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the switch communicates the feature request to the platform upon recognition of a feature request code included in the feature request.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
64 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the feature request comprises a cellular transceiver identifier associated with the cellular transceiver of the messaging unit, the switch operable to store a plurality of identifiers associated with data messaging, the switch further operable to communicate the feature request to the platform upon matching the cellular transceiver identifier with one of the identifiers stored at the switch.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the sensor comprises a positioning system operable to generate location information about the item.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the feature request comprises an altered identifier of the cellular transceiver that reflects information generated by the sensor.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the item is a vehicle and the sensor is coupled to the vehicle.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 34 , wherein the messaging unit automatically generates the feature request.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
74 words
A messaging unit for data messaging using a cellular telephone network, comprising: a sensor operable to generate information about an item; a processor coupled to the sensor and operable to receive information generated by the sensor, the processor further operable to generate a feature request having data digits that represent information generated by the sensor; and a cellular transceiver operable to communicate the feature request using a data channel of a cellular telephone network.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
74 words
A messaging unit for data messaging using a cellular telephone network, comprising: a sensor operable to generate information about an item; a processor coupled to the sensor and operable to receive information generated by the sensor, the processor further operable to generate a feature request having data digits that represent information generated by the sensor; and a cellular transceiver operable to communicate the feature request using a data channel of a cellular telephone network.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
42 words
The messaging unit of claim 41 , further comprising a memory coupled to the processor, the memory operable to accumulate information generated by the sensor, wherein the processor generates a feature request having data digits that represent information accumulated in the memory.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
20 words
The messaging unit of claim 41 , wherein the item comprises a vehicle and the sensor comprises an engine sensor.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
The messaging unit of claim 41 , wherein the sensor comprises a positioning system operable to generate location information about the item.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
15 words
The messaging unit of claim 41 , wherein the processor automatically generates the feature request.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
54 words
A method for communicating information using a cellular telephone network, the method comprising: generating information on an item using a sensor; generating a feature request having data digits that represent information generated by the sensor; and communicating the feature request using a cellular transceiver coupled to a data channel of a cellular telephone network.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
54 words
A method for communicating information using a cellular telephone network, the method comprising: generating information on an item using a sensor; generating a feature request having data digits that represent information generated by the sensor; and communicating the feature request using a cellular transceiver coupled to a data channel of a cellular telephone network.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 46 , further comprising the step of accumulating in a memory information generated by the sensor.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 46 , further comprising the step of altering an identifier of the cellular transceiver to reflect information generated by the sensor.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 46 , wherein the sensor comprises a positioning system operable to generate location information about an item.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 46 , wherein the step of generating a feature request is performed automatically.
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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) | 2004-09-24 | 2005-03-26 | 2005-09-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-09-24 | 2009-03-26 | 2009-09-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-09-24 | 2013-03-26 | 2013-09-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |