US7187923B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Seamless call switching in a dual mode environment
Assignee: Malikie Innovations Ltd
•
Filing: 2004-11-19
•
Granted: 2007-03-06
•
Expires: 2024-11-19
Abstract
Abstract Methods and apparatus for providing a seamless switching of voice calls between different wireless networks are disclosed. In one illustrative example, a mobile communication device has a processor and one or more wireless transceivers coupled to the processor. The one or more wireless transceivers include a first transceiver portion operative in accordance with a first wireless network (e.g. a GSM/GPRS cellular network) and a second transceiver portion operative in accordance with a second wireless network (e.g. an 802.11 wireless network). A voice call is maintained between the mobile device and a communication terminal through call control equipment. The processor of the mobile device is operative to maintain voice communications for the voice call over a traffic channel established between the mobile device and the first wireless network using the first transceiver portion; cause a connecting call to be established with the communication terminal through the call control equipment in response to a predetermined condition, where the connecting call involves a traffic channel established between the second wireless network and the mobile device using the second transceiver portion; and after the connecting call is established, maintain voice communications for the voice call over the traffic channel established between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary P. Mousseau
- 👤 Christopher R. Wormald
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 13:41
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W36/00; H04W36/0005; H04W36/0055; H04W36/0066; H04W36/14; H04W36/144; H04W36/1446; H04W36/16; H04W36/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
A method for use by a mobile communication device in switching a voice call between two different wireless communication networks, the method comprising the steps of: maintaining voice communications for a voice call with a communication terminal through call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between a first wireless network and the mobile device with use of a first transceiver portion which operates in accordance with the first wireless network; in response to identifying a predetermined condition, causing a message to be transmitted to the call control equipment for establishing a connecting call between the call control equipment and the mobile device, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between a second wireless network and the mobile device using a second transceiver portion which operates in accordance with the second wireless network, the connecting call being made part of a conference call connection established at the call control equipment together with the voice call; and maintaining voice communications for the voice call over the traffic channel established between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
181 words
A method for use by a mobile communication device in switching a voice call between two different wireless communication networks, the method comprising the steps of: maintaining voice communications for a voice call with a communication terminal through call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between a first wireless network and the mobile device with use of a first transceiver portion which operates in accordance with the first wireless network; in response to identifying a predetermined condition, causing a message to be transmitted to the call control equipment for establishing a connecting call between the call control equipment and the mobile device, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between a second wireless network and the mobile device using a second transceiver portion which operates in accordance with the second wireless network, the connecting call being made part of a conference call connection established at the call control equipment together with the voice call; and maintaining voice communications for the voice call over the traffic channel established between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a first cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a second cellular telecommunications network different from the first cellular telecommunications network.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the mobile device is associated with a telephone number which, when dialed, causes the voice call to be routed to the call control equipment for the mobile device when it operates in a first wireless network comprising a cellular telecommunications network.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
107 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of causing the message to be transmitted for establishing the connecting call comprises the further steps of: causing a network switching message to be sent to the call control equipment; receiving a call initiation message from the second wireless network for the connecting call in response to sending the network switching message to the call control equipment; and causing a call answering message to be sent to the second wireless network based on receiving the call initiation message from the second wireless network, for thereby establishing the traffic channel between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined condition comprises one of a poor signal condition with the first wireless network, a predetermined signal detection from the second wireless network, and a user input signal at the mobile device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of causing the message to be transmitted for establishing the connecting call comprises the further steps of: initiating the connecting call to the call control equipment by sending a call initiation message to the second wireless network.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: causing the traffic channel with the first wireless network to be terminated after maintaining the voice communications with the second wireless network.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the first wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
188 words
A computer program product, comprising: a storage medium; computer instructions stored on the storage medium; the computer instructions being executable by one or more processors of a mobile communication device for: maintaining voice communications for a voice call with a communication terminal through call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between a first wireless network and the mobile device with use of a first transceiver portion which operates in accordance with the first wireless network; in response to identifying a predetermined condition: causing a message to be transmitted to the call control equipment for establishing a connecting call between the call control equipment and the mobile device, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between a second wireless network and the mobile device with use of a second transceiver portion which operates in accordance with the second wireless network, the connecting call being made part of a conference call connection established at the call control eQuipment together with the voice call; and maintaining voice communications for the voice call over the traffic channel established between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
188 words
A computer program product, comprising: a storage medium; computer instructions stored on the storage medium; the computer instructions being executable by one or more processors of a mobile communication device for: maintaining voice communications for a voice call with a communication terminal through call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between a first wireless network and the mobile device with use of a first transceiver portion which operates in accordance with the first wireless network; in response to identifying a predetermined condition: causing a message to be transmitted to the call control equipment for establishing a connecting call between the call control equipment and the mobile device, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between a second wireless network and the mobile device with use of a second transceiver portion which operates in accordance with the second wireless network, the connecting call being made part of a conference call connection established at the call control eQuipment together with the voice call; and maintaining voice communications for the voice call over the traffic channel established between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer program product of claim 10 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer program product of claim 10 , wherein the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the first wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
50 words
The computer program product of claim 10 , wherein the mobile device is associated with a telephone number which, when dialed, causes the voice call to be routed to the call control equipment for the mobile device when it operates in a first wireless network comprising a cellular telecommunications network.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
109 words
The computer program product of claim 10 , wherein the computer instructions are further executable for causing the message to be transmitted for establishing the connecting call by: causing a network switching message to be sent to the call control equipment; receiving a call initiation message from the second wireless network for the connecting call in response to sending the network switching message to the call control equipment; and causing a call answering message to be sent to the second wireless network based on receiving the call initiation message from the second wireless network, for thereby establishing the traffic channel between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
The computer program product of claim 10 , wherein the predetermined condition comprises one of a poor signal condition with the first wireless network, a predetermined signal detection from the second wireless network, and a user input signal at the mobile device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
48 words
The computer program product of claim 10 , wherein the computer instructions are further executable for causing the message to be transmitted for establishing the connecting call by: initiating the connecting call to the call control equipment by sending a call initiation message to the second wireless network.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
38 words
The computer program product of claim 10 , wherein the computer instructions are further executable for: causing the traffic channel with the first wireless network to be terminated after maintaining the voice communications with the second wireless network.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer program product of claim 10 , wherein the voice communications of the voice call comprises Voice over IP (VoIP) communication through one of the first and the second wireless networks.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
200 words
A mobile communication device, comprising: one or more processors; one or more wireless transceiver coupled to the one or more processors; the one or more wireless transceivers having a first transceiver portion operative in accordance with a first Wireless network and a second transceiver portion operative in accordance with a second wireless network; the one or more processors being operative to: maintain voice communications for a voice call with a communication terminal through call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between the first wireless network and the mobile device with use of the first transceiver portion; in response to identifying a predetermined condition, cause a message to be transmitted to the call control equipment for establishing a connecting call between the call control equipment and the mobile device, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between a second wireless network and the mobile device with use of the second transceiver portion, the connecting call being made part of a conference call connection established at the call control eciuipment together with the voice call; and maintain voice communications for the voice call over the traffic channel established between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
200 words
A mobile communication device, comprising: one or more processors; one or more wireless transceiver coupled to the one or more processors; the one or more wireless transceivers having a first transceiver portion operative in accordance with a first Wireless network and a second transceiver portion operative in accordance with a second wireless network; the one or more processors being operative to: maintain voice communications for a voice call with a communication terminal through call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between the first wireless network and the mobile device with use of the first transceiver portion; in response to identifying a predetermined condition, cause a message to be transmitted to the call control equipment for establishing a connecting call between the call control equipment and the mobile device, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between a second wireless network and the mobile device with use of the second transceiver portion, the connecting call being made part of a conference call connection established at the call control eciuipment together with the voice call; and maintain voice communications for the voice call over the traffic channel established between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
36 words
The mobile device of claim 19 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
44 words
The mobile device of claim 19 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a first cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a second cellular telecommunications network different from the first cellular telecommunications network.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
49 words
The mobile device of claim 19 , wherein the mobile device is associated with a telephone number which, when dialed, causes the voice call to be routed to the call control equipment for the mobile device when it operates in a first wireless network comprising a cellular telecommunications network.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
110 words
The mobile device of claim 19 , wherein the one or more processors are further operative to cause the message to be transmitted for establishing the connecting call by: causing a network switching message to be sent to the call control equipment; receiving a call initiation message from the second wireless network for the connecting call in response to sending the network switching message to the call control equipment; and causing a call answering message to be sent to the second wireless network based on receiving the call initiation message from the second wireless network, for thereby establishing the traffic channel between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
41 words
The mobile device of claim 19 , wherein the predetermined condition comprises one of a poor signal condition with the first wireless network, a predetermined signal detection from the second wireless network, and a user input signal at the mobile device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
49 words
The mobile device of claim 19 , wherein the one or more processors are further operative to cause the message to be transmitted for establishing the connecting call by: initiating the connecting call to the call control equipment by sending a call initiation message to the second wireless network.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
39 words
The mobile device of claim 19 , wherein the one or more processors are further operative to: cause the traffic channel with the first wireless network to be terminated after maintaining the voice communications with the second wireless network.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
36 words
The mobile device of claim 19 , wherein the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the first wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for use by call control equipment in switching a voice call involving a mobile communication device between two different wireless communication networks, the method comprising the steps of: maintaining a voice call between a mobile device and a communication terminal through the call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between a first wireless network and the mobile device; receiving a message from the mobile device for establishing a connecting call; in response to receiving the message, causing a connecting call to be established between the call control equipment and the mobile device during the voice call, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between a second wireless network and the mobile device; and causing the connecting call to be connected with the voice call in a conference call connection at the call control equipment so that voice communications for the voice call are maintained over the traffic channel between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
164 words
A method for use by call control equipment in switching a voice call involving a mobile communication device between two different wireless communication networks, the method comprising the steps of: maintaining a voice call between a mobile device and a communication terminal through the call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between a first wireless network and the mobile device; receiving a message from the mobile device for establishing a connecting call; in response to receiving the message, causing a connecting call to be established between the call control equipment and the mobile device during the voice call, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between a second wireless network and the mobile device; and causing the connecting call to be connected with the voice call in a conference call connection at the call control equipment so that voice communications for the voice call are maintained over the traffic channel between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a first cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a second cellular telecommunications network different from the first cellular telecommunications network.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the step of causing the connecting call to be established comprises: placing the connecting call with the mobile device.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the mobile device is associated with a telephone number which, when dialed, causes the voice call to be routed to the call control equipment for the mobile device when it operates in a first wireless network comprising a cellular telecommunications network.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the steps of receiving the message and causing the connecting call to be established further comprises: receiving the connecting call from the mobile device; and causing the connecting call with the mobile device to be answered.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 28 , further comprising: causing the traffic channel with the first wireless network to be terminated after causing the connecting call to be connected with the voice call.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 28 , wherein the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the first wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
164 words
A computer program product, comprising: a storage medium; computer instructions stored on the storage medium; the computer instructions being executable by one or more processors of call control equipment for: maintaining a voice call between a mobile device and a communication terminal through the call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between a first wireless network and the mobile device; receiving a message from the mobile device for establishing a connecting call; in response to receiving the message, causing a connecting call to be established between the call control equipment and the mobile device during the voice call, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between the second wireless network and the mobile device; and causing the connecting call to be connected with the voice call in a conference call connection at the call control equipment so that voice communications for the voice call are maintained over the traffic channel between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
164 words
A computer program product, comprising: a storage medium; computer instructions stored on the storage medium; the computer instructions being executable by one or more processors of call control equipment for: maintaining a voice call between a mobile device and a communication terminal through the call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between a first wireless network and the mobile device; receiving a message from the mobile device for establishing a connecting call; in response to receiving the message, causing a connecting call to be established between the call control equipment and the mobile device during the voice call, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between the second wireless network and the mobile device; and causing the connecting call to be connected with the voice call in a conference call connection at the call control equipment so that voice communications for the voice call are maintained over the traffic channel between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer program product of claim 36 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
45 words
The computer program product of claim 36 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a first cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a second cellular telecommunications network different from the first cellular telecommunications network.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
32 words
The computer program product of claim 36 , wherein the computer instructions are further executable for causing the connecting call to be established by: placing the connecting call with the mobile device.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
50 words
The computer program product of claim 36 , wherein the mobile device is associated with a telephone number which, when dialed, causes the voice call to be routed to the call control equipment for the mobile device when it operates in a first wireless network comprising a cellular telecommunications network.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
48 words
The computer program product of claim 36 , wherein the computer instructions are further executable for receiving the message and causing the connecting call to be established by: receiving the connecting call from the mobile device; and causing the connecting call with the mobile device to be answered.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
40 words
The computer program product of claim 36 , wherein the computer instructions are further executable for: causing the traffic channel with the first wireless network to be terminated after causing the connecting call to be connected with the voice call.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
37 words
The computer program product of claim 36 , wherein the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the first wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
168 words
Call control equipment, comprising: one or more processors; memory coupled to the one or more processors; computer instructions stored in the memory; the computer instructions being executable by the one or more processors for: maintaining a voice call between a mobile device and a communication terminal through the call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between a first wireless network and the mobile device; receiving a message from the mobile device for establishing a connecting call; in response to receiving the message, causing a connecting call to be established between the call control equipment and the mobile device during the voice call, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between a second wireless network and the mobile device; and causing the connecting call to be connected with the voice call in a conference call connection at the call control equipment so that voice communications for the voice call are maintained over the traffic channel between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
168 words
Call control equipment, comprising: one or more processors; memory coupled to the one or more processors; computer instructions stored in the memory; the computer instructions being executable by the one or more processors for: maintaining a voice call between a mobile device and a communication terminal through the call control equipment, the voice call involving a traffic channel established between a first wireless network and the mobile device; receiving a message from the mobile device for establishing a connecting call; in response to receiving the message, causing a connecting call to be established between the call control equipment and the mobile device during the voice call, the connecting call involving a traffic channel established between a second wireless network and the mobile device; and causing the connecting call to be connected with the voice call in a conference call connection at the call control equipment so that voice communications for the voice call are maintained over the traffic channel between the second wireless network and the mobile device.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
37 words
The call control equipment of claim 44 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
45 words
The call control equipment of claim 44 , wherein the first wireless network is operative in accordance with a first cellular telecommunications network and the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a second cellular telecommunications network different from the first cellular telecommunications network.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
32 words
The call control equipment of claim 44 , wherein the computer instructions are further executable for causing the connecting call to be established by: placing the connecting call with the mobile device.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
37 words
The call control equipment of claim 44 , wherein the second wireless network is operative in accordance with a cellular telecommunications network and the first wireless network is operative in accordance with an 802.11 based wireless network.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
48 words
The call control equipment of claim 44 , wherein the computer, instructions are further executable for receiving the message and causing the connecting call to be established by: receiving the connecting call from the mobile device; and causing the connecting call with the mobile device to be answered.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
40 words
The call control equipment of claim 44 , wherein the computer instructions are further executable for: causing the traffic channel with the first wireless network to be terminated after causing the connecting call to be connected with the voice call.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
The call control equipment of claim 44 , further comprising a call control server having the one or more processors and coupled within the second wireless network.
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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) | 2010-03-05 | 2010-09-04 | 2011-03-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2014-03-05 | 2014-09-04 | 2015-03-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2018-03-05 | 2018-09-04 | 2019-03-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |