Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE
Variable Burst Remote Access Application
Messaging Method and Apparatus
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This is a continuation-in-part of Serial No. 08/619,920 filed March 20, 1996. This
application is related to provisional patent application for Variable Burst Remote Access
Application Mes~ing Method and Appal~Lus, filed July 10, 1996, and to copending applications
Serial No. 08/250,665 filed May 27, 1994 and copending application Serial No. 08/488,839 filed
June 9, 1995, which is a continl~tion-in-part of Serial No. 08/112,476 filed August 27, 1993. This
application is also related to copending applications Serial Nos. 08/571,137 filed December 12,
1995, 08/591,035 filed January 25, 1996, 08/619,002, :filed March 21, 1996, 08/619,363 filed
March 20, 1996, 08/619,960 filed March 20, 1996, 08/619,962 filed March 20, 1996, and
08/619,977 filed March 20, 1996.
BACKGROUND OF THE Il!~VENTION
20 1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to systems for transmitting and receiving wireless data
messages. More specifically, the invention relates to data tr~ncmi~ion methodologies and
apparatuses for data m~o~.c~in~ on wireless communications networks such as Cellular Mobile
Telephone (CMT),Personal Communication Systems (iPCS), Global System for Mobile (GSM), and
25 mobile satellite networks such as Iridium Satellite and Teledisc Satellite communications networks.
2. D~se i~,tion of Related Art
A variety of methods and ~dldLuses have been propo ,ed for enabling wireless radio
co~ llications based on transmitted data rather than voice. However, serious and significant
30 problems exist in this area as capacity, coverage, tr~n~nni~ion quality, and delivery of data
messages is limited by available frequencies and limitations inherent in existing tr~n.~mi~sion
schemes. The present invention provides a method for greatly inc~ea~i.lg the capacity, perfo~ e,
coverage, and delivery of data messages over wireless c~ ."ications nelwu~k~ such as cellular,
~ PCS, and mobile s~tellite The present invention utilizes a variable burst remote access application
3s meS~ging (VBRAAM) method and ~)p~lalllS to seamlessly, and in an ess~nti~lly transparent
manner to the wireless communications network standards or conventional o~Gl~Ling procedures,
increase data mess~ging capability, capacity, and perfo. ..,~-re by the VBRAAM mPss~ging method
and a~dlus disclosed.
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Although no known prior methods or al)pa~aluses are known to the inventor which disclose
either the methods or ~JaldLuses of the present invention, the following series of patents and patent
applications filed by the present inventor relate to methods and a~alaluses for enhancing the
capacity, perform~n~e, coverage, and functionality of wireless communications net~,-vorks. An
example is seen in U.S. Patent No. 5,525,969 to the present inventor where a monitoring device for
location verification of a person or object is disclosed. Data verifying the position and status of the
object or person may be communicated via cellular control channels of a wireless collu~ ications
network. Other representative patent applications of the present inventor disclose control channel
application data (CCAD) methods, for example, U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 08/250,665,
10 08/524,972, and 08/544,977 for transmitting data messages over control channels, for mollilolillg,
control, and communication with various mobile and/or stationary a~palaluses~ two-way paging
applications, vehicle tracking, and the like. Other patent filings by the present hlventor disclose a
remote access application m~ ss~ging methodology (RAAM) and a control channel application data
remote access application mes.~ging (CCAD-RAAM) seen, for example, in U.S. Patent
15 Application Serial No. 08/571,347 where application-specific mess~ging bits are llalls.lliLled over
wireless communications network control ch~nnçl~ and switches by use of a specially configured
data packet configured to appear as an origination data packet within the wireless communications
network. Also related to the instant disclosure are patent applications filed by the present hlv~l~Lor
for voice and data debit billing methods and ap~d~uses for cellular, PCS, and mobile satellite.
20 Examples of such filings are U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 08/619,363 and 08/619,960. The
present method and apl)~dlus for variable burst remote access application m.oss~ging (VBRAAM)
extends such disclosed methods and ap~alalus~s and allows for a seamless and ~ lS~.lL capacily
upgrade to wireless co~l.n.ul.ications networks allowing for two-way data mes~ging, paging, text
communication for short me~ging, file transfer and Internet access over cellular, personal
25 communications systems (PCS), and mobile satellite networks.
Examples of wireless communications networks allowing for two-way communicationsinclude cellular mobile radiotelephone (CMR), which is linked to the public switched telephone
network (PSTN) and allows for communications b~lw~ell two mobile radiotelephone users or
30 between a mobile radiotelephone user and a conventional phone. Conventional CMR networks
feature a radio coverage area divided into smaller coverage areas or r'cells" using power tr~n~mitters
and coverage-restricted receivers. The limited coverage allows the radio ch~nn~l.c used in one cell
to be reused in another cell. As a cellular user within one cell moves across the boundary of the cell
and into an ~djacent cell, control cil~;uilly associated with the cells detect that the signal strength of
35 the radiotelephone in the entered cell is stronger, and colllulullications are transferred to the entered
cell. In this manner CMR networks allow two-way communications for an array of cells. However,
the frequency ~ecllulll for CMR is a limited spectrum, particularly the voice c~nnel~, rP~lllting in
the need to increase capacily and data mecc~ging ability.
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Many techniques have been proposed and implem~nt~d addressing the capaciLy issue in
CMR nclwolhs. For example time division multiple access (TDMA) çn~ e-..~ methods;
n~l~.wl~d (N)-AMPS methods, where the 30 kHz RF channel is split into three discrete 10-kHz
ch~nn~l~; direct sequence code division multiple access (CDMA) spread-spectrum technology,
S where the bandwidth is available in every cell and is shared by ~.,eading each user across the band
with a different (uncorrelated) spreading sequence; ancl other spread-spe~,Ll.llll methods employ
frequency-hopping techniques overlaid on conventional TDMA structures.
More recent approaches to enhance capacity and performance in CMR, such as the patents
10 and patent applications of the present inventor cited above, have utilized control, traffic, or access
channels of the CMR network for data m~ ging Other uses of such ch~nn~l~ are seen in Statutory
Invention Register H610 to Focarile, March 7, 1989, where a cellular pager is disclosed ~ltili7inE~
call control ch~nn~l~ for one-way data m~ss~ing U.S. Patent No. 5,420,911 issued to Dahlin et al.,
May 30, 1995 discloses a CMR network lltili7ing both analog and digital control cha~nels for
15 ~ ling analog of digital control information. Somewhat dirrclclll approaches are seen in U.S.
Patent No. 4,825,457 issued to Lebowitz, April 25, 1989, where a system acts as an adjunct to a
l~n~line communications system for security system monitoring, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,831, 371
issued to Hess, May 16, 1989, which discloses a method to allocate data çh~nn~l.c on a trunked
co.. -.. ication system.
Other a~ L~ to ill,rcase capacity in a CMR network include U.S. Patent No. 5,526,401
issued to Roach et al. June 11, 1996, where a data me~C ~ging method and a~paldlus are disclosed
for data m~c.c~ging on a CMR paging network using the manipulation of mobile i~l~ntific~tiQn
numbers ~MIN) and electronic serial numbers (ESN) to send a message over the control ch~nnel~ A
related disclosure, PCT ~nt~rn~tional Patent Application WO 95/24791 of Roach et al. September
14, 1995, disclosed a related control channel data mess~gin~ method and a~palallls. Such disclosed
metlnods and ~)~dlllS, although allowing for limited rne~ging on a control channel of a CMR,
are significantly cumbc,~oll.c, inefficient, and costly, and such limitations have undoubtedly been a
reason such methods and appaL~Iuses have not received widespread acceptance.
Another example of wireless colllll,unications networks is personal communications
systems (PCS), which are the focus of a tremendous an ount of interest, both in t]ne United States
and around the world. The global telecollllll~lications ncLwulk today forms the inrld~llucture for an
~ information based society where in.~ ous conlln~ ications capability is critically hllpolL~ll.
PCS networks are projected to permit milliom of peopl e worldwide to initiate person-to-person
cf~.,....n..ications using small and in~"~cll~ive low-power telephone h~n~et~ and related devices.
The essPrlti~l distinguishing technical ch~n~ tic of PCS is that the frequencies identified for
PCS by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and ~e~;lluln-allocation bodies
throughout the world are cull~llLly occupied by other users. In the United States and several ot]ner
,
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eountries, PCS will be required to share this s~e~ with existing users. The FCC has indieated
that it will likely allocate the 1.85-1.99 Ghz band to PCS. This band is oceupied by private
operational fixed mierowave users who use this band for point-to-point mierowave tr~ncmiceions.
A signifieant ehallenge to PCS operators will be eonfiguring systems around exicting users without
5 eausing interferenee to those users. Effieient methods and apl)~udluses for ~nh~ncing capdcily,
pclro~ nce and utilization of usable frequeneies of PCS are of utmost importance. The present
invention provides both a methodology and a~aldlus applicable to PCS providing thereby a
solution to such aforementioned limitations and ~lern~n~s.
The disclosed method and ~p~dl~ls may also be used with mobile satellite wireless
networks, and aets as a publie-land-mobile-overlay (PLMN) when cign~ling systems sueh as
sign~ling system seven (SS7), IS-41, CITT Blue Book and Red Book 56 kbps, and 64 bps
automatie roaming protoeols are utili7~1 The present method and a~ Ldlus are also easily
adaptable to all cellular and PCS eommunications systems and IS-41 SS7 networks. Such wireless
15 communications networks are described in Interim Standards (IS) documents and Eulopean
Telephone System (ETS) documents, and include, for example, cellular IS-533 AMPS, TACS, IS-
54B and IS-TDMA, IS-95 CDMA dual mode cellular, and the like. Other networks where the
present method and apparatus are applicable include Global System for Mobile (GSM), DCT-1800,
DCT 1900, Personal Digit Cellular (PDC), Digital European Cordless Telephone, Personal Handy
20 Phone System (PHS), Cordless Telephone Systems (CTS), and the like.
The disclosed variable burst remote access application mecc~3ging (VBRAAM) method and
ld~llS iS a true full-duplex technology, and functions as a national or illL~ ional system
footprint which is escenti~lly invisible to the cellular, PCS or mobile satellite operator. The
25 VBRAAM method does not require any hardware infrastructure changes to existing cellular, PCS
and mobile satellite networks. The disclosed method and apparatus allows for two-way data
m~cc~ging, paging, text communications, real-time metered billings, file transfer, Internet access
via cellular, PCS or mobile satellite, and a wide range of other data mecc~ging and remote
application and control functions of both stationary and mobile objects.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly a method for full-duplex data communication in or for a wireless
commnnic~tions network is provided, where a remote: feature access control operation utilizes
S switch means to reserve and route selected voice charmels or traffic channels in response to the
remote feature access control operation, the method comprising: configuring a mobile switching
center (MSC) to route the selected voice channels to a multi-port protocol converter (MPPC) for
transmitting a selected data message on the se}ected voice channel. The selected data msS~ge is
transmitted via the MPPC on the selected voice channel via a data meCs~ging channel. which may
10 be a digital or analog voice channel, traffic channel, control channel, access ch~nn~l, or the like,
during the remote feature access control operation. The selected data message is then received at a
commnnic~tor, for example, a cellular phone, pager, clebit phone, or the like, thereby providing a
transparent upgrade and enh~n~e~1 communication capacity on the wireless communications
network. This variable burst remote access application m~ ging (VBRAAM) methodology may
15 be utilized on wireless communications networks, such as cellular, PCS, or mobile satellite.
The selected data message used in the disclosed methodology preferably includes a selected
dialed digit stream for communication over the wireless communic~tions network and is further
characterized by the step of storing the data message as a stored data message in the MPPC, in
20 response to the wireless communications network receiving a data packet from the MSC.
The remote feature access control operation is preferably a standard IS-4 1 feature that
allows a mobile user to m~nu~lly enter call routing instructions to a home location register (HLR).
Once received, the HLR causes all of the user's mobile or land calls to be routed to another
25 flestin~tion. Message waiting indicators may be sent back to the user via the SS7 network to the
current serving network, and then relayed to the mobile phone user via forward charmels or reverse
voice ch~nnel~, traffic ch~nnel.c, or control charmels. T he present invention utilizes the remote
access feature control parameter quite uniquely, for it becomes an application-specific data message
lnc.lil...l in the disclosed methodology. The remote access application m~ss~ging (RAAM) feature
30 appears to network operations as a norrnal origination remote feature access control packet.
Broadly, the disclosed method and apparatus provide a true bandwidth-on--lPnni1n~ variable
burst remote access application forward mes~ging (VBRAAM) data mes~ging method,
sometimes termed microburst technology. This method ~fe,~bly utilizes exi ~ting algol;lh"ls that
35 are an integral function of the remote feature access control operations parameters set forth in such
Interim Standards documents as IS-41B, IS-41C, and ][S-41D. Means for a special high-speed data
Tnternet socket connection are disclosed that is uniquely interfaced with inbound and outbound
switch module routing ports. For example, during a remote feature access control operation, a
currently serving switch reserves and routes a forward voice channel to the mobile unit that has
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activated the remote feature access control operation. The switch also routes the ~csi~n~l voice or
traffic channel to a sound card or tone gen~lalol that is interfaced with a dçsign~ted switch module
port. This reservation and routing algorithm allows for the tr~n~mi~ion of stutter tones, beep tones,
or a voice recording that instructs the user about the status of that particular remote feature access
S control operation request. Such aforementioned events do not cause mobile switching center billing
systems to cause a billable event. Therefore, under current operating standards, the remote feature
access control operation is not a billable event.
The disclosed method and ap~lus fully utilize these technical operation parameters in the
10 following generally described manner. Instead of routing a forward or reverse voice channel to a
switching module port that is interfaced with a tone generator, tone ~ign~ling unit, voice IGcoldillg
module, or announcement m~r.hinP7 the switch is programmed via the wireless communications
network translation tables to route the reserved forward voice p~lhw~y to the present invention
MPPC. The MPPC functions as a data protocol cO~ .L. l and data processing termin~l that is
15 preferably rack mounted at the mobile switching center (MSC). The MPPC unit may also function
as a point-of-presence (POP) on the Internet world wide web (WWW). Software and hal.lw~e
means connect the MPPC unit logically via special Internet protocols to a VBRAAM mess~in~
center. Messages that have been sent from l~nrllin~ callers sending pages to VBRAAM
comrnunicator users, for example, and special encoded messages may be used for a wide variety of
20 data m~s~ging.
The mess~ging center (MC) is preferably interfaced directly with the SS7 network via a
specially configured home location register (HLR). The Hl,R is a service control point (SCP) on the
SS7 network. The HLR preferably receives a remote access application mec~ging (RAAM) packet
25 and detects that this event is a VBRAAM request. Then the HLR and other support data processing
and management means forward time code starmp inform~tion, carrier identification codes, serving
switch codes, and other vital data to the mes~gin~ center that contains a co-located switch. The
particular control channel application data variable burst remote access application message
(CCAD-VBRAAM) preferably include a user's selected identification number, CCAD
30 identification number (CIN), and CCAD serial number (CSN), and are also, in one embodiment,
forwarded to the VBRAAM mess~in~ center.
Data messages, which may be ~ slllilled from various sources, are preferably stacked in a
standby method upon a time of arrival hierarchy at the MC. When the RAAM packet with the
35 aforementioned data arrives at the MC, its data processing terminals forwards the first message that
was stored since the last VBRAAM event for that particular user. The message can be an FSK-BCH
protocol compatible message ~l~cigne~l for AMPS and TACS cellular n~lw~lks, or a TDMA or
CDMA colll~alible message ~l~sign~d for digital cellular networks. Once the message is sent, it is
received by a co.~ icator device, which may be a cellular phone, debit phone, pager, or other
I
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conllllu~lications device. For example, a message may contain a selected data me~ e with a
frequency shift keyed block coded multi-word message with a cyclic red~ln~l~nry rate of five, and
contains 100 alpha-numeric characters. The message contains header and tail flag bits. ~Vhen the
VBRAAM communicator detects the tail bits, the cornmunicator then t~ s the mese~ge call,
S the cu~ ly serving base site p~lrOlllls call-teardown procedures, and the mobile switching center
(MSC) completes the VBRAAM event.
A wide variety of data messages may be Ir~ l using the disclosed methodology.
Examples include global broadcast messages, user group messages, point-to-point, point-to-omni
10 point, land-to-mobile, and mobile messages may be sent in this unique and cost-effective manner.
For example, a VBRAAM user can send a message from his communicator or phone to another
VBRAAM phone business user phone from across the street or across the nation, without inclJrring
long (1i~t~nce charges. In fact, one VBRAAM user can send one message to multiple VBRAAM
business users whom are in the same pre-programmed user group, even if each ~lesign~te~ user is
15 operating in different cellular, PCS, or mobile satellite markets.
The VBRAAM methodology and a~paldl~ls can provide variable length text messages,alpha-numeric messages, encoded debit phone control messages in various data word lengths, full-
duplex text, fax. two-way paging, two-way electronic rnail, automatic vehicle location tracking,
20 fleet management, motor vehicle anti-theft, child location, home arrest, medical alert, anti-fraud,
anti-cloning, and numerous other selected data mess~ging communications. The length of the
message depends upon the currently serving cellular, PCS, or mobile satellite's air interface
protocol, and how the remote feature access control operations procedures are progr~mme~l The
VBRAAM m~s~gine system is platform independent, and do not require switch and base site
25 hardware or software upgrades. VBRAAM messages typically use from about one to ten seconds in
for~vard analog voice, or digital traffic charnel multi-frame seizure, and do not cause a billable air
time use event. The VBRAAM forward m~se~ging system is unique and provides a significant
npgra(le for wireless communications networks for it converts a rO~ ;l and/or reverse voice or
traffic channel to a data m~ss~ging medium during the event duration of the present invention's
30 RMM procedure. Once the procedure is completed, the voice or traffic channel returns to its
normal state. That is, the voice or traffic channel becomes a temporary control or data mes~ging
c~l~nn~l, for the VBRAAM messages can contain VBRAAM communicator control and instruction
bits.
The present invention also provides for unique call teardown features. The procedure causes
the particular MSC that is currently serving a particular voice call to ~ Se it upon command
from a remote location such as an HLR that is a point of presence on the host SS7 network. The
HLR or any other service control point (SCP) can send an IS-41, SS7 message to the ~;ul~ ly
serving MSC to "drop" the call in such a way that does not disrupt base site operations, in that the
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call is dropped as if one of the called or calling party hangs up or presses the end button on the
co,lU~ icator. In one embodiment, a CCAD identification number (CIN) is used in combination
with a dual personality VBRAAM communicator. The communicator uses, in this embo-lim~nt a
CIN number and CSN number that is used only for data communication, debit phone
llth~ntication, call and data mess~ge activity management, automatic ro~ming, and other such
features. The VBRAAM communicator may also be ~c~ignPd a mobile identification number (MIN)
and electronic serial number (ESN) for local cellular market land-to-mobile and mobile access. This
MIN and ESN can be restricted to a ~ecign~ted local market or allowed to roam, depending on the
wireless communications network and particular carrier. Since the CIN and CSN may be used to
effectively manage both sides of the VBRAAM communicator, the CIN can be used for a wide
variety of data mes.c~ging applications.
Accordingly, there is also provided a method for data communication in or for a wireless
communications network where a remote feature access control operation utilizes switch means to
reserve and route selected voice channels or traffic channels in response to the remote feature
access control operation, the method comprising the steps of: routing the selected voice çh~nnPI~ to
means for transmitting data messages on the selected voice channels; transmitting the data
messages to the means for transmitting data messages on the selected voice rh~nn~lc; ll.."~",ill;"g
the data message to a message center interfaced with an SS7 network and a home location register
(HL~); storing the data message at the message center as a stored data message; and lldllS~ g
the data message to a communicator, and allowing the data message to be colllnlullicated on the
selected voice channels or traffic channels via a data m~ss~ging channel during the remote feature
access control operation. The method may utilize remote feature access control operation of an IS-
41 remote feature control operation to communicate to a mobile switching center (MSC), and one
or more translation tables to route the selected voice channel to a sign~ling unit.
Means for transmitting data messages on the selected voice channels preferably comprise a
multi-port protocol converter (MPPC) and utilize communicator means to receive a data message
from a master central monitoring station (MCMS).The disclosed method thus allows for full-duplex
data communication using both forward and reverse voice and kaffic çh~nn~l~
Communicator means are also disclosed, including a collu~ "icator ap~dlus with means
for data communication in or for a wireless communications network where a remote feature access
control operation utilizes switch means to reserve and route selected voice channels or traffic
channels in response to the remote feature access control operation; means for receiving a data
message via the wireless communications net~vork; means for collecting the data message from the
wireless communications network; and means for transmitting a selected data message on the
wireless communications network in res~ollse to receiving the data message from the mobile
switching center (MSC).
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Accordingly, a primary objective of the present invention is to provide a method and
ap~ dLI~s for use on wireless communications networ]cs, such as cellular, PCS, and mobile satellite,
enabling full-duplex co,o~ ication thereby increasing capacity, pelro~ nre, coverage, and
5 functionality of the wireless conllllullications network.
It is an object of the invention to provide an essPnti~lly invisible or Ll~spa~el.l overlay to a
wireless commlmic~tionS network, where the overlay allows for increased capacity, p~,lro..~ e,
and function, without imp~cting the normal or conventional operation of the network.
It is an object of the invention to provide both ;a means and method for real-time metered
billing for use in l~n~11ine, cellular, PCS, mobile ~tellite, and other wireless communications
networks.
It is an object of the invention to provide both 'a means and method for preventing fraud and
cloning in wireless communications networks, allowing for efficient anti-fraud and anti-cloning
means.
It is an object of the invention to provide both a means and method for two-way data
20 m~,s~ging, paging, text commllnic~tions~ and file transfer on a wireless communications network.
It is also an object of the invention to provide both a means and method for Internet WWW
access over cellular, PCS, and mobile satellite networks.
Additional objects and advantages of the inventioll will be set forth in part in the description
which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of
the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and ~tt~in~d by means of
the elements and combination particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
.,
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the
specification, illustrate a ~le~l,ed embodiment of the invention and, together with a general
5 description given above and the detailed description of the prefell~d embodiments given below,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
Fig. 1 is a flow chart showing a preferred embodiment of the full-duplex variable burst
remote access application mes.s~ging (VBRAAM) method of the present invention.
Fig. lA is a sch~m~tic diagram of components of a full-duplex VBRAAM mto~ging
network, according to the invention.
Fig. IB is a schematic illustration showing ~lefelled components and various downlink
15 pathways for the implementation of the full-duplex VBRAAM methodology and application-
specific uses of such methodology, according to the invention.
Fig. I C is a logical block diagram of a control channel app}ication data (CCAD) VBRAAM
comrnunications protocol, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 1 D is a logical block diagram of a p~r~ d VBRAAM forward and reverse m~s~ing
communications protocol, according to the invention.
Fig 1 E is a logical block diagrarn of the VBRAAM full-duplex reverse data channel
25 protocol~ according to the invention.
Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of the invention where a communicator is configured as a
control channel application data debit (CCAD-DEBIT) col.llllullicator for metered billing and debit
data and voice con~lllul,ication, according to the invention.
Fig. 3 shows a logic flow diagram of a VBRAAM mPSs~ging event, according to the
invention.
Fig. 4 shows an example of a CCAD-DEBIT (metered billing and debit data) analog FSK
35 10 KBPS RECC control channel origination data packet message, according to the invention.
Fig. 5 shows a logic flow diagram of a CCAD-DEBIT master central monitoring station
(MCMS) HLR/SCP proces~ing system, according to the invention.
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Fig. 6 shows a preferred VBRAAM switch port matrix, according to the invention.
Fig. 7 shows a sçh~m~tic representation of a ca~mmunications pathway with a colllmullicator
comm--nicatively engaged therewith, according to the invention.
S
Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a CCAD-DEB][T time code gelleldlor in relation to the H[1]
- word, according to the invention.
Fig. 9 shows an embodiment of a CCAD-DEB]:T H[2] mloss~EinE word, according to the
1 0 invention.
Fig. 10 shows a comml~nicator apparatus, according to the invention
Fig. I 1 shows an embodiment of a personal digital ~e~ict~nt (PDA) keypad operably linked
15 to collllllunicator 100, according to the invention.
Fig. 12 shows the VBRAAM full-duplex variable mPsc~EinE RSE request data m~ss~EinE
packet using two H words, according to the invention.
Fig. 13 shows a conventional wireless cellular network cellular origination data packet with
two called address words, according to the invention.
Fig. 14 shows an embodiment of a simultaneous dual access methodology of the
con,~ icator, according to the invention.
Fig. 15 ~hows a example of a power up registraltion and registration status everlt multi-word
RAAM m~s~EinE packet, according to the invention.
Fig. 16 shows a call request registration status event multi-word remote access application
message (RAAM) event, according to the invention.
Fig. 17 shows a call completion registration stal:us event multi-word RAAM message,
accol.ling to the invention.
Fig. 18 shows an embodiment of a request registration status event multi-word R~AM
message where a metered debit increase is communicated, according to the invention.
Fig. 19 shows a power-down registration status event multi-word packet RAAM event,
according to the invention.
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Fig. 20 is a s~h~m~tic illustration showing a VBRAAM forward and reverse m~S~ in~
event, according to the invention.
Fig. 21 is a sch~ tic illustration showing a preferred VBRAAM two-way me.~S~ging
pathway, according to the invention.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRlED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
Reference will now be made in detail to present the ~l~fell~d embodiments of the invention
5 illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In describing the pler~ d embodiments and applications
of the present invention, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the
invention is not intPn~e~ to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is understood
that each specific element includes all teçhnic~l equivalents which operate in a similar manner to
accomplish a similar purpose.
Accordingly there is provided a method for full-duplex data col....ll~.l;c~tion in or for a
digital or analog based wireless communications network, where a remote feature access control
operation utilizes switch means to reserve and route selected voice channels or traffic channels in
response to the remote feature access control operation. The method, in a preferred embodiment,
15 comprises configuring a mobile switching center ~MSIC) to route the selected voice ch~nn.~ls to a
multi-port protocol converter (MPPC) for tr~n~mitting a selected data message on the selected voice
channel. The selected data message is tr~ncmitted via lthe multi-port protocol converter on the
selected voice channel via a data mPc~ging channel during the remote feature access control
operation. The selected data message is received at a communicator al)l)dldlus. The communicator
20 is communicatively linked to a reverse voice and or digital traffic channel allowing for dual mode
communication. The selected data message preferably includes a selected dialed digit stream for
co.llu~-w~ication over the wireless communications network. The data mPss~gP~ may be stored as a
stored data message in the multi-port protocol converter in response to the wireless
communications network receiving a data packet from the MSC.
In accordance with the invemion, there is also provided a comrnunicator a~ ~dLus ailowing
for full-duplex col.nnw~ication, such as variable burst remote access application mes~ging
(VBRAAM) messages on the forward and/or reverse voice and traffic channels of digital or analog
based wireless co.llmuilications networks. The coll..~ licator a~ us, which may be provided
30 configured for co~n.llu~lication over a wireless communications nclwolh as, for example, a mobile
phone, a pager, a phone configured for real-time metered billing and debit m~ss~ging and tracking
(DEBIT), a meter reader, a communicator for ..lonilu~hlg and control of remote stationary devices,
a communicator for monitoring and control of remote mobile devices, and the like. The
coll~ll~licator referably comprises: means for data communication in or for a wireless
35 COl~llluniCatiOnS network where a remote feature access control operation utilizes switch means to
reserve and route selected voice ch~nnel~ or traffic ch~mnels in l~,uonse to the remote feature
access control operation; means for receiving a data message via the wireless co~ ..ications
network; means for collecting the data mPss~ge from the wireless communications network; and
means for ~ s.l.illillg a selected data message on the wireless communications network in
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response to receiving the data message from a mobile switching center (MSC). The col..mul~icator
is further characterized in that the means for data communication on the wireless cornml-nic~tion.
network includes means for transmitting, receiving, storing, and tr~ncl~ting a selected control
channel application data identification number (CIN) and that the CIN may be coll,l,lu,licated by
S selected pro~ of call tre~tment and routing parameter tables of the wireless communications network.
Voice channels are broadly defined herein as both digital and analog forward and reverse
voice channels in wireless communications networks. Traffic ch~nnf l~ are defined herein as both
forward and reverse traffic channels for both analog and digital wireless cornrnunications nelwolks.
Control channels are broadly defined herein as ~ign~ling ch~nn~l~, digital traffic channels that
contain logically defined digital access çh~nnel~, digital ~ign~ling channels, primary digital access
channels~ secondary digital access ~h~nn~ fast associated control channels, slow associated
control ch~nnel.~, authentication channels that utilize analog FSK, digital TDMA, digital CDMA,
quadrature shift key control channel protocols, and other wireless analog and digital wireless
communications network platforms that are specified in official docurnents generically design~ted
as Interim Standards (IS), published by the Telephone Industry Association (TIA), American
National Standards Institute (ANSI), and standards set by the European Telephone Standard
cornmittee (ETS).
In Fig 1., the preferred steps comprising the VBRAAM methodology are shown. The
VBRAAM method may be used in or for a wireless co",-"unication network such as a cellular
network, PCS, or mobile satellite wireless communications network, where a remote feature access
control operation, which is a conventional remote feature access control operation in such network,
utilizes switch means to reserve and route selected voice channels or traffic channels 502 in
response to the remote feature access control oper~tion. The prere"ed method comprises the
following steps shown in Fig. 1. First, configuring a mobile switching center (MSC) 104 to route
selected voice channels 506 to a multi-port protocol converter (MPPC) for ~ sl~liL~ g a selected
data message 504 on the selected voice channel 502 as in step 500. Next, step 510, the selected data
message 504 is tr~n~mit~ed via the multi-port protocol converter 351 on the selected voice channel
506 via a data m~s~ging channel 512 during the remote feature access control operation. In step
520, the selected data message 504 is received by co"-"-u-,icator 100. Communicator 100 is
communicatively linked to a reverse voice andlor digital traffic channel 522 allowing for full-
duplex co~nmunications and ~-nh~nced com",u"ication capacity and performance features on the
wireless communications network.
In Fig. lA, a VBRAAM full-duplex m.~ ging pathway and a~aluses are shown, and aspreviously mentioned, may be applied to any cellular, PCS, or mobile satellite wireless
communications network. The VBRAAM co".."ul,icator 100, which may be configured as a
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mobile cellular phone, pager, PCS communicator device, Personal Digital ~qqiqt~nt (PDA) device,
or the like, sends and receives data messages, such as s,elected data message 504 on the scle~ ed
voice or traffic çh~nn~?lq506 and the reverse voice or traffic channels 522 via data meqc~ging
channel 512 as described, and collectively (lesign~tçd as full-duplex air interface 476. A base site
lOlcom mllnic5tteq with the ~ul~nlly serving mobile slwitching center (MSC) 104 and processes
and distributes the selected data message 504 via the VBRAAM method detailed in reference to
Fig. 1. The MPPC 351isco..,,..l~.ic~tively linked with con~u~licator 100 via full-duplex air
int~ e 476. Full duplex air interface 476incllldes the operable tr~nqmi.C.eion of selected data
message 504 on the selected voice or traffic (~h~nnple5o6 and the reverse voice or traffic ch~nnlole
522 via data m.osq~ging channel 512 as described. MSC 104is configured to allow for full-duplex
trunking using the VBRAAM methodology. MPPC 351is also communicatively linked to message
center (MC) 352, preferably via Internet world wide web (WWW) socket 352. During conventional
remote feature access operation procedures in the wireless communications network, the VBRAAM
method is preferably applied as follows. The MSC 104 communicates with the home location
register-service point (HLRJSCP) 152 via Sign~ling System Seven (SS7) 115 protocols. The MSC
104, using full-duplex switching palhw~s, co~ .n.l~;ccltively links communicator 100 with MPPC
351.Simllls~n~ously, the master central monitoring station (MCMS) 106 data processing t~rmin~lc
forward data message identification, data message categorizing information, and MSC 104 location
and identification information to MC 353, which may receive the VBRAAM selected data mPqq~e
504 via MPPC 351 and WWW 352. If a selected data rnessage 504is to be ~ s~ ed via forward
voice or traffic ch~nn~lq, and such s~lected data message is originally ~ ecl from a point on
W W W 352, or the public switched telephone network l'PSTN) 110 to a communicator 100, it may
be stored at MPPC 351 or MC 353 or transmitted via VBRAAM. When MC 353is notified of the
pending selected data message by the MCMS 106, selected data message 504is then preferably
transmitted to MPPC 351 via WWW 352. MPPC 351is programmed to convert WWW socketprotocols into MSC i 04trunkillg and air interface protocol 476 using the VB~AAM methodology,
and then the selected data message 504is transmitted to communicator 100. If communicator 100
has a p~ ed selected data message to be sent to MC 353, the communicator 100 may ~ s
such selected data message 504 to MPPC 351 using the VBRAAM method. MPPC 351iS
programmed to convert the selected data message into WWW socket protocol and then the selected
data message is ~ ed to MC 353 which then transmits the message to a de!cign~ted user
destin~tion on WWW 352, or to the PSTN 110, for example.
- The VBRAAM method allowing for full-duplex mPc.saging may utilize a wide variety of
fol~ rd m~qs~ging mediums, also known as downlink pathways, as seen in Fig. lB. MC 353is
preferably configured to forward selected data message:s to VBRAAM colllll,u"icator 100, which
may be configured for air interface downlink protocols such as broadcast paging forward mess~ing
478, broadcast control channel ~lv~d m~SS~ging 479, as detailed in Global System for Mobile
(GSM) standards, digital control channel forward m~qs~ging 480 as specified in interim standard
. . . _, . . , _
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136 (IS-136), mobile satellite fo~ d mes~in~ 477, as specified in T....l~,si1l P, Teledisic, Iridium
and other satellite nclwoIks, GSM forward traffic and forward sign~ling çh~nn~ 483, analog
forward control channel (FOCC) forward mecs~ging 482, as specified in standards docum~nt~ IS-
533 and IS-54B, and other wireless comrnunication network downlink ~Lhw~ys. Communicator
S 100 may receive selected data message 504, for example, from the VBRAAM fo~ d mess~ing
protocol 477 specified for a particular wireless networks operations standards, and may lldllslllil
selected data messages 504 in any forward or reverse traffic or voice channel 506, in the data
mess~ging channel 512, created using the VBRAAM method as described to collllllu~licate with,
monitor, control, or other selected data mess~ging application-specific applications 484 to 498.
Such application-specific applications such as 484 to 498 include two-way paging, metered billing
and debit related data transfer, PDA, home arrest, wireless gaming and/or gambling, stationary
remote control, and the other shown applications. MPPC 351is configured to convert any data
message it receives from MC 353 into any downlink pathway serving MSC 104 trunking and air
interface standard. The VBRAAM method may also be used to convert a message received from a
personal computer (PC) 431 that is a point of presence on the WWW 352, into any cellular, PCS, or
mobile satellite .~ign~ling and air interface protocols and deliver the selected data message to
comrnunicator 100. The VBRAAM methodology creates in this manner a multi-dimensional hybrid
wireless communications network. For exarnple, communicator 100 may send selected data
message 504 in AMPS cellular analog BCH protocol, and receive a selected data message 504 in
IS-136 TDMA protocol. GSM TDMA protocol, IS-95 CDMA protocol, NTT analog or digital
protocol, NMT analog protocol, TACS. JTACS, IS-54B TDMA protocol, 2Ghz PCS protocols, or
any other mçss~Eing protocols or hybrid combinations thereof.
Referring to Fig. 1 C, communicator 100, which may be any communicator device for use in
or for a wireless communications network, and configured as a mobile phone, a pager, a debit
phone (DEBIT), which is a cellular phone configured for rnetered real-time billing and debi~
transactions, a personal communication services PCS device, a Personal Digital Apparatus (PDA), a
stationary device, a mobile device control a~udlus~ or other comrnunicator device operable on a
wireless comrnunications network. In this exarnple, the comrnunicator either receives or kallsl~
219 a selected data message from the MCMS 106, via selected commnnic~tions downlink base.
Other downlink pathways, in addition to those described in reference to Fig. lB, include one-way
paging networks, DCCH pathways of a host cellular network configured for f~l vv~d mPss~ing
specified in Interim Standard IS-95, forward DCCH messages from a Global System for Mobile
(GSM~ ~ign~ling and/or ~nthPntication ~h~nnPI, or messages sent via the present invention
VBRAAM m~ss~ging data channel 512.
Communicator 100 preferably receives and tr~n~l~te~ the data contained in the received
downlink message 275, and then evaluates and responds 276 to the received downlink message, or
does not respond 277, if the message does not re~uire a le~ons~ at this time. If collllll~licator 100
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is comm~n-led to respond either m~nll~lly or through a--tom~t~rl comm~n-1~, a return lcs~ollse 278
is initi~tP~I In a pl~;r~ d method, cornmllnic~t- r 100 scans and detects forward downlink network
r.h~nnel.~ of host-serving cellular, PCS, GSM, or mobi.le satellite system 279. Next, col.~ ul~icator
100 engages with forward net~vork channel 280. Preferably, the co~ llullicator 100 then is ~si~nPd
S and synchronized with a se}ected ~.h~nnel, and pr~ es to send origination data burst 281.
The origination data burst 2g 1 preferably contains a call request for voice service 282, and
contains a selected control channel application data idçntific~tion number (CIN) and a selected
control channel application data serial number (CSN) for registration approval and call routing 283.
The origination packet also contains register/timer fields with, for example, in a debit phone
(DEBIT) embo~limPnt, data related to billing or debit or information, such as 20 minlltPs of air-time
rem~ining 284. Or col~llllunicator 100 may send a message requesting data service 285, and then
cornmunicator 100 sim~llt~nPously Ll~lslnil~ registration, service request and ~l1thçntication
information in origination packet 286, and transmits C'IN/CSN in origination packet 287. The base
site receives and then detects service request 288 contained in cornrnunicator 100 and relays service
request data to the serving MSC 289. The serving MSC analyzes the origination request by
sc~nning and detecting the CIN/CSN and remote access application message (RAAM) indicator
col t~inPd in dialed digit fields 290. The serving MSC then preferably relays data 291 via the
origination/registration contained in the dialed digit field data to MCMS 106. The MCMS 106 then
ana}yzes the origination/registration request 292. The MCMS 106 may verify or reject service
request 293 by sPnrling either a service approval or service rejection indicator to the serving MSC
via the SS7 network 294. If, for example, in a metered~ billing or debit message, the MCMS 106
approves voice service, the MSC and visitor location r egister (VLR) then assign a temporary
pseudo (SUTTO) number to the communicator or debit phone user and assign reverse voice
channel 295. Alternatively, if the message is a data service request, a data service
approval/completion call indicator message is transmitted to the serving MSC, which preferably
~imlllt~n~ously sends a SUTTO number cancellation invoke indicator to the VLR, and then the
MCMS 106 routes packet to its application-specific destination.
The application-specific clestin~tion can be a two-way paging response center, a bank, a
credit monitoring co~ 1y, a debit bank center, a stat:ionary device control and monitoring center
for meter reading or remote envho~ l monitoring, for example, a mobile device control and
monitoring center for tracking vehicles, ships, m~teri~l flow, packages, or other applications as in
- 484-498 in Fig. lB. The MCMS 106, after receiving the data message request, preferably sends an
update or withdrawal message to, in this example, the debit bank center (DBC) 297. The DBC
imm~ tely responds and sends commllnicator or debit phone user account update inforrnation
298. The MCMS 106 receives update 299, and time stamps update 300, and then adds new debit
account information 301. The account debit limit is the same as a previous inquiry 302, or account
limit is increased 303. In this scenario, the comm..nic ltor or debit phone user is sent an update
....
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account acknowle~gment indicator in one of the aforementioned ways to the debit phone user via
the MCMS 106 to the serving system's MSC, whereby the MSC sends the debit phone user's CIN
as a page to the debit phone via the forward control channels (FOCC), forward digital access
r.h~nnel.c, paging, or traffic channel of the wireless communications network. The CIN is then
5 received, and embedded software means enab}e a debit increase approval message on the
cornmunicator or debit phone liquid crystal display.
Referring to Fig. lD, a ~lcre.,ed VBRAAM rol~1vard and reverse data channel mess~ing
system protocol for sending selected data messages 504 is shown. The VBRAAM me~.c~ing center
(MC) is shown having received 356 data message 504 from an application-specific bealcr/r~cilitator
such as a stationary device monitoring facilitator, a mobile device monitoring facilitator, debit bank
center 120 as shown in Fig. 2, or the like, via the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 100
and/or the world wide web 352. The VBRAAM message center (MC) preferably retrieves the CIN,
CSN, carrier identification codes (CIC), and serving switch point codes from a data storage means,
15 such as data storage software, and creates a PSTN/T1 packet. Using a switch, such as VBRAAM
switch 384 shown in Fig. 2., the MC switches to a design~ted trunking pathway, and then sends the
selected data message to the currently serving MSC via PSTN/TI lines 357. PSTN/T1 then
transmits the CIN page packet to currently serving MSC 358. MSC 358 then scans and reviews its
translation tables and a~lth~ntication data base 359 by internal software. An ~llthpntication data b~e
20 then may compare and verify VBRAAM selected data message 504 and CIN/CSN as valid ~Irou~
conventional IS-41 automatic roarning ~lthentication methodologies 360. The CIN/CSN causes a
VBRAAM messaged communicator user to be deemed a roarner 361. The user of c~ .;cator
100 is thus deemed active in the currently serving cellular network 362. The CIN may then be
transmitted to communicator l O0, for example a debit phone, via a variety of dirr~,c"l means, such
25 as via a base site and forward analog control channel (FOCC), or via a forward digital si~n~lin~
channel, or a forward digital traffic channel 36~, or the wireless communications network ch~..,.els.
Communicator 100 is programmed so that when it receives and recognizes its assigned CIN 364,
the received CIN triggers, creates, and initiates an analog reverse control channel RECC AMPS,
TACS, or NMT VBRAAM packet; or a TDMA IS-136 reverse access channel packet; or a GSM
30 reverse sign~iin~ channel packet; or a CDMA IS-95 reverse access charmel packet, by use of the
VBRAAM activation codes 365 that are l~ r~ to the base site via the ~csignecl control
ch~nnel .
The disclosed method may also be used for communicating data on up banded or broad
35 band personal commlmic~tion systems (PCS). Up banded PCS networks operate within fre~uencies
that range from 1850 MHz to 2200 Mhz. Further, such systems as GSM 1900, CDMA 1900,
TDMA 1900 can utilize the disclosed control channel remote access application me~S~ging
(CCAD-RAAM) short packet and VBRAAM full-duplex data m~ss~in~ methods, for example for
data, text, fax, and other application-specific data messages. For example, a VBRAAM service
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request or activation packet selected data message which is a true switched mçc~ging m~ ml is
led to a c~ y serving base site, and the ba.se site controller relays the VBRAAM packet
to the cul..,l~Lly serving MSC 366. The currently serving MSC receives VBRAAM activation
packet 367, analyzes the VBRAAM activation packet, and relays it to 368. The host SS7 network
368, and the SS7 networks op~ldlhlg sign~lin~ transfer points (STP) and service control points
(SCP), Lldllsmil and direct the VBRAAM packet to the master cenkal monitoring station (MCMS)
369, and its co-located home location register (HLR). The VBRAAM HLR itlentifies the received
packet as a VBRAAM packet 370. Once the VBRAAM message activation packet 367 and its user
identification and current serving system location are established via HLR data management
protocol, the selected data message with VBRAAM a~ tivation codes is sent on ~.cign~d switch
trunking path 371. Switch path 371 transmits the VBRAAM m~ss~ge activator to the MC data base
that is preferably co-located and directly interfaced thl VBRAAM switch 372. The MC 353, as
seen in Figs. 2 and 3, is configured to act as a speci~li7~d data m~n~g~m~nt system that may either
be co-located with the CCAD switch, or remotely loulted and interfaced with the CCAD switch via
the Internet world wide web (WWW). Preferably, the received activation codes, as seen in Fig. l D,
that are specific to a design~ted user, cause the MC to search its message data base, and in
particular check the de~ign~t~d user's message waiting indicators (MWI). If, for example, an
awaiting message is ~et~cte~l, the detected message is processed and ~,lepaled for tr~ncmicsion by
~c~igning the proper WWW Internet destin~tion point codes (DPC), based on the received ~;ull~llLly
serving carrier identification codes (CIC), switch code:s, and particular user ~ign~d CIN and CSN
numbers, that were originally sent from the ~;ul~ tly serving MSC to the CCAD-HLR and CCAD-
switch via the SS7 network. Next the MC transmits the selected data message to the multi-port
protocol converter (MPPC) located at the ~ ly serving MSC via the WWW 373, and the
c~ ly serving MSC simultaneously assigns forward voice channel (FVC) and a reverse voice
channel (RVC) 522 to the currently serving base site. The base site preferably synchronizes 374
with communicator 100, and the MSC simultaneously assigns a switch routing path that connects to
the co-located MPPC 375. Con.;ullell~ly, the VBRAAM forward message arrives at MPPC 376.
The MPPC converts WWW protocol to FSK/BCH protocol, or TDMA protocol, or CDMA
protocol 377. The MPPC then syncl~ullizes 378 with ~esigned duplex trunk path and the ~ ign~d
rol~vald voice or traffic çh~nnel. The MPPC burst the VBRAAM forward message packet on the
~c~ign~d forward voice or traffic channel 379, and the co..,...ll .icator receives message forward
packet 380. The cornmunicator is configured and pro~lanlll,cd to count the data characters and
detect m~ss~ge packet tail/flag bits 381. If the forward voice channel co..l ;.~ y is lost, and the
complete selected data message is not received, the comml~ni~tûr is plef~.~bly prog~ led to
35 autom~tic~lly re~uest a message re-send by bursting a RAAM packet in the aforPm~ntioned manner
via the reverse RAAM procedure 382. Or, if tail/flag bits have been detected and counted, then the
data message is stored and displayed 383 to the co,l"llullicator user.
.
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In Fig. lE, communicator 100 may be configured and used for personal digital ~eei~t~nt
(PDA) type applications. For exarnple, communicator 100, in a PDA mode of operation, ~l~,paLe~ to
transmit 453, a data message 454, text message 455, fax document 456, e-mail 457, computer file
458, or other selected data message 504, which may include a wide variety of data, such as value-
added service-related data such as global positioning satellite (GPS) data, remote system control-
telemetry data, home arrest data, personnel protection data, motor vehicle anti-theft data, or any
selected data message. The co,~ icator 100 user may then transmit 460 a two-way m~s~ ing
request word 460, seen in Fig. 9, which activates the MC to algorithmically prepare for the
reception of the selected data message 504. The MC then transmits the selected data message to the
10 MPPC, which is preferably a point of ples~llcc on the Internet WWW and a point of pl~3el1ce
within the wireless communications network. The MSC then receives registration status event
(RSE) request data packet and analyses the CIN/CSN 461. Preferably, a data number specifier 411,
as seen in Fig. 12, contains digit fields which represent to the MCMS and HLR/SCP that this data
packet is a variable burst full-duplex remote access application mess~ging request. For e~r~mrl~o,
15 digit one and two have the symbol " * " and number 2, resl)ecli~/ely. Digit field number three
contains a "3" that indicates to the MCMS and HLR/SCP that this data packet is a request for both
forward and reverse mese?ging. The MSC then relays 462 the VBRAAM full-duplex message RSE
request packet to the HLR/SCP and MCMS via the host SS7 network. The RSE request packet is
then relayed 463 to the message center, which is preferably a point of plcsel~ce on the Int~o~nçt
20 WWW, which scans and analyses the message to (letermine the type of message and clesign~tion.
The HLR/SCP responds 464, plcrcLably with conventional IS-41 SS7 coded responses which are
then received at MSC, which then assigns 465 forward and reverse voice or traffic ~.h~nn~ole 506
and 522. Simultaneously, MSC 104 assigns 466 a full-duplex trunking path to the MPPC
cornmunicatively linked to the previously aeeign~ocl air interf~ce voice paths from comml-nir~t--r
25 100 to the MPPC. If the message center 353 (MC) has an awaiting selected data message for this
communic~tor 100 user, the selected data message is for~arded 469 to the MPPC. If no sel~octe(l
data message is waiting 470, the MPPC is pro~ .ned to transmit an auditory stutter tone to
communicator 100 for the duration of any reverse mese~ging event. The VBRAAM selected data
message 504 may then be tr~nemitt~o~l 471, and arrives 472 at the MPPC, which analyses and counts
30 460 tail bits within the selected data message. The MPPC then ceases tr~nemiesion of the stutter
tone and algorithmic~lly causes the MSC to commence event or call teardown procedures. If, for
example, the MPPC had a forward selected data message waiting for the col,llllul,icator 100 user,
and the communicator 100 user .eim~ neollsly sends a previously ~,c~ ed selected data reverse
message, the MPPC both transmits and receives the full-duplex mess~ging event. If the forward
35 selecte~ data message is longer than the reverse selected data message, cc,.ll~llu,licator 100 is
programmed to burst, on the selected reverse channel 522, a completion tone or data trailer to
indicate to the MPPC that the forward selected data message is received, and colll,llu,f~cator 100
along with the MPPC commen~ee conventional call teardown procedures. On the other hand, if the
reverse selected data message is longer than the received selected data message, the MPPC awaits
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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the previously described reverse message tail bits and simultaneously, along with the MPPC,
comm~nt~es conventional call teardown and event cornpletion procedures. The MPPC then converts
the received reverse selected data message into WWW Internet socket protocol 473, and relays the
converted message to message center (MC) 374. The MC then relays 475 the selected data message
to its dçsign~t~d destin~tion.
With reference now to Fig. 2, principal functional elements of a wireless communications
networks such as a cellular, PCS, or mobile satellite network are shown communicating using the
full-duplex VBRAAM methodology. In the example, the VBRAAM co~ ulicator 100 l~
10 103 a control channel application data variable burst remote access application mPs.s~ging packet
CCAD-RAAM. This selected data mçs.s~ge 504 preferably contains the one-character CCAD
origination-remote application message (RAAM) activator, the CCAD time code generated four-
~.h~r~cter data fields, four character PIN number and other origination and service request and status
data. For example, as seen in Fig. 4, a five- to seven-word packet contains an Hl l ] word 131 that is
15 configured as a generic registration status event (RSE) word that contains the RAAM activator 138
data ch~aclel. This data character, along with the special ten-digit CCAD identification number
(CIN) 264 that is included in the A word 125 and B word 133, causes the currently serving mobile
switching center (MSC) to recognize the received packet as a VBRAAM RSE packet and ~hen route
the packet to the CCAD HLR 162 via the SS7 nelwulk 115 as shown in Fig. 2. The comml-nic~tor
20 user may cause a VBRAAM selected data message 1 ()3, to be sent for various purposes, such as
two-way communication, paging, control of a stationary or mobile device, remote monitoring, and
the like. However, for a great majority of VBRAAM data message packet tr~n~mi~ion events,
colll.llullicator 100 is programmed to ~utom~tic~lly direct registration status event (RSE) response
packets to be transmitted to the nearest serving cellular or PCS base site 101, or to a mobile
25 satellite. in this example an Inmarsat P mobile satellite 114. Communicator 100, in one
embodiment, is equipped with an imegrated 900 MHz broadcast pager receiver. The pager receiver
may receive alpha-numeric pages, co.. ~ ls, and anti-fraud multi-key encrypted messages 147
from the currently serving paging tr~n~mi~.cion tower 220 and paging network control center
(PNCC) 221 that is co...~ icatively linked to MCMS 106 via SS7 115, PSTN 110, and Tl/DSO
links 105. Cul~ ~icator 100 may also be equipped with a mobile satellite lr~scei~lrer that is
configured for reception of Inmarsat P signals. The signals can contain alpha-numeric messages,
co"....~ s and anti-fraud multi-key encrypted m~ss~ges 150 from the ~ nlly serving l~ P
satellite 114 and satellite ground station network control center (SSNC) 109. The SSNC is
ple~ldbly cc nn~oct~d to the MCMS 106, having the same type of SS7 115, PSTN 110, and Tl/DSO
links 105.
If the disclosed VBRAAM methodology is to be used for a metered billing or debit type
application, debit communicator/phone is preferably deemed a "roamer". C~~ ly there are two
major roamer networks; the North American Roamer Network (NACN) and ITE or GTE
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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Mobilelink network. In combination with the IS-41 SS7 network, which is similar to the Internet
W~W in terms of switches and is now ubiquitous throughout the United States, this enables and
extensive and ubiquitous coverage. Of course, the method may also be used with the 64 kpbs SS7
network now utilized in Europe and Asia. In a metered billing or debit message embodiment, the
5 method is preferably "added" to cellular and PCS networks, particularly at the mobile switching
center (MSC), and requires only about an hour of system pro~"..."-~ g time. The progr~mmin~
simply involves updating call tre~tment and routing parameter tables, and creating a new class of
debit service, by ~csignin~ special mobile identification nurnbers (MIN) termed and previously
described as CCAD Identific~tion Numbers (CIN). The CIN is, in this embodiment, a ten-digit
10 number that is used in the same way as the MIN, but it cannot be used to place a land-to-mobile call
from the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The CIN may be used for data m~s~jn~ for
system management, user identification, and debit account updating procedures. This call routing or
parameter table progr~mming does not involve updating switch operating system software, or any
other aspect that might involve software "patches" and revisions. These switch software patches or
15 revisions may be produced and incullJolated during switch m~nnfacture. The control channel
application data debit (CCAD-DEBIT) system may be used in cellular and PCS debit and anti-fraud
and anti-cloning applications.
In Fig. 3, a forward mess~ging protocol is shown, with an air interface premised on AMPS
20 IS-553 and TACS analog RECC control channel standards, and is preferably used with
comrnunicator 100 for voice based cornmunications in a dual personality configuration. The term
"dual personality" refers to a configuration of communicator 100, which is operable in both analog
and digital wireless networks. As previously described, both forward and reverse me~s~gin~ is
possible using the VBRAAM methodology on forward and reverse voice and traffic channels. In
25 this embodiment, the data management functions of the dual personality communicator 100,
preferably "looks" and "acts" upon the same currently sel~ing wireless communications n~lwulk as
if it was a separate and distinct cellular communications a~pdldlus, with its own unique radio
frequency fingerprint, its own CCAD serial number (CIN), and its own data-only CCAD
identification number (CIN). The c~llle.llly serving wireless communications network, for example
30 a cellular network, "sees" this data management, CIN/CSN side of the collllrlunicator 100 as it
would a conventional cellular mobile telephone. For example, if a digital and analog dual mode
con~ icator 100 user travels into a serving cellular system that is co~llpalible with only the
AMPS analog standards then the CCAD-AMPS protocol 107 voice service support protocol is
used, as shown in Fig. 13. Because of its unique design and pro~l~".."i.~g, data encoding, and
35 monitoring means, communicator 100, however, allows for the many additional functions, data
m~S.~ ng~ coverage, capability, and applications discussed herein and differs greatly from current
cellular phones, for example. In fact, such functions, data, protocols, and algorithms are completely
transparent to the cellular network. This operational transparency is a critical and unique feature of
both the VBRAAM method and conl~nu.~icator 100. The VBRAAM methodology and
CA 02259893 1999-01-08
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c~ ic~t- r 100 provide a llall~lJa~ overlay which inc~ases network capacity, pelru....~ e7
and filnction~lity when used with any cellular, PCS, or mobile satellite system that adheres to IS-41
operational specifications. Accordingly, the wireless comml~nications nclw..lk inrra5LIucture does
not need to be modified signific~ntly in order to implement the present invention's systems and
5 services on a worldwide basis.
- A preferred VBRAAM forward mP~s~gin~ protocol is shown in Fig. 3 where an H[1~ word
400 is utilized as a VBRAAM request word 31 1 that includes dialed digit fields for selecte~l data
m~s~ging. VBRAAM RSE status legend 313 shows a group of possible H[l ] word data field
10 i~ ,l. t~Lions. For example, if the VBRAAM user requests metered billing or debit related selected
data m~cc~g~..c, legend 313 depicts a group of possible debit status H[l] word data field
il~t~l~letations and the symbol PUR is i.llel~l~ted as a power-up re ~ ;on. As shown in Fig. 3,
the symbol RCR is illk;l~leted as roamer charge rejection, the symbol CR is i~ ,leted as a voice
call request, the symbol RCA is interpreted as a roamer charge approval event, the symbol DIR is
15 illlc,l,leted as debit amount increase request event, the symbol DC is illLelpl. ted as a drop call
event, the symbol PL is hltc;~ led as a power loss event, the symbol PDR is illL. .~ ed as power
down registration, the symbol CC is interpreted as a call completion event, the symbol LB is
in~~ ,led as long dict~nre call block, local call authorization only, the symbol DIR is inl~ et~ d
as a debit limit increase request event, the symbol VBR = *2 is hl~ u~led as variable burst remote
20 access application m~sc~ging activation ch~ract~r set, ~md the symbol INCM is inlel~lc led as an
incomplete message.
When a VBRAAM s~lected data ..~csd~e is received by the comml.nic~tor 100, software
and ~h~;uill y means within commllnic~tor 100 are prolJ~lalllllled to create a symbol, and apply it to a
H[l] VBRAAM request to re-send word 400, that indicates to the MCMS 106 that a particular
message needs to be resent to the same ~ser. For example, when c~ llunicator 100 is o~,.aling in
a mobile envirollln~nt~ the ~cci~n~d forward mPcc~ge channel may drop the selected message
during its tr~ncmi~cion event. In such case, the user wa,uld typically not be charged by the wireless
co... ~ tions nc Iwulk for an incomplete tr~n~ctiorl, and the message would be resent so that the
30 user could benefit from the information contained in the message. The symbol DEF is inte,~letc d as
default non event, and this is used when a particular RSE requires that certain data character fields
are to have no RSE ...e ~ g In this ç~nnple the number five ch~a.;le. ~eterTnines that a particular
data field is being categorized as reserved data tell.pol~ll;ly for that specified RSE event. The
symbol DPE is i~lle~ c t~d as a data packet event and used if conlnlu.licator 100 is equipped with a
35 broadcast pager and the DPE event is a two-way paging response. The symbol LTMCR is
in~ ,leted as a land-to-mobile call request and hl~c;,~.lc ~ed as a land-to-mobile call completion. The
symbol HM is hl~ leted as "hold messagés do not send." The symbol NS24 listed below the digit
4 field is illlel~,~ted as "no global broadcast or special service messages for 24 hours," or various
time base settings can be used such as a twelve-hour stoppage, etc. All data meSs~eS that
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
- W038i'G2~~1 24 PCT/U~97/16176
communicator 100 responds to, or initi~tes due to user action in terms of service request and status
response, are preferably deemed registration status events (RSE). However, to the currently serving
cellular, PCS system, or mobile satellite network, the RSE is nothing more than a cellular phone
user, for example, requesting remote feature access operation during a system access ori~in~tion
5 procedure. Therefore, such utilized RSEs are effectively ~ ellL to the currently serving cellular
network. The communicator's CIN/CSN functions do not affect autonomous registrations in the
conventional sense, nor does communicator 100 always respond to a global action message
registration increment, unless signaled to do so by the host carrier, whether cellular, PCS, or mobile
satellite. Preferably, communicator 100 is programmed to register with the MCMS HLR 162 every
10 time a c~ mu~icator user requests service via an RSE. This protocol minimi7:es the wireless
communications network control channel traffic. Accordingly, communicator 100 may operate as a
"sleeper phone," that only registers per RSE event, if desired. The MIN/ESN or voice service side
of the dual personality is preferably configured to operate in a conventional manner with the
wireless communications network operating procedures, for example, with a host cellular network
15 op~,ld~ing procedure.
Under IS-553 and IS-41 g~ elines and op~,.dling procedures, an origination event and a
remote feature access event are also serving system registrations, and home system ~lth~nti~tions.
The VBR~AM method's MCMS HLR is the comm-~nic~tor 100 home system and therefore serves
20 as a hub for user ~.th~ontications. The eight application-specific data fields 312 shown contain digits
in the H[1] word that reflect a particular RSE procedure. In this H[1] VBRAAM request word 400
exatnple, the eight data fields contain a specific data character arrangement. Digit 1 and digit 2
contain a * and a 2 respectively; the symbol * is a hexadecimal A in terms of conventional
telephone ~ign~ling guidelines. In these fields the data relates to a RSE event that specifies a
25 VBRAAM selected message request. This request can be triggered autonomously by the user of
cnmmllnicator 100. In this cxample, communicator 100 did not create and l~ an aulo~ lic
request response due to a dropped message event. The aforementioned communicator 100 Cil'cuilly
and software create the H~1] VBRAAM message request word to instruct the MCMS 106 and the
MC to hold all messages until further notice. Digit 3 in this request word contains a DEF 5,
30 however, this data field space can also contain a number 6 to indicate to the MCMS 106 and MC
353 that this H[1 ] word was sent as result of a dropped message, and that the most recent sent
message needs to be resent. In this scenario, digit 4 contains a DEF 5, which indicates a non-action
event in this digit field for this particular message. However, in another scenario digit 4 may
contain a number 9 that instructs the MCMS 106 and MC 353 to hold all received and stored
35 messages until further notice.
If a co.n~ icator 100 is used in a particular serving cellular, PCS or mobile ~tellite
network, it is subject to VBRAAM fol ~v~d global broadcast messages, unless the user elects not to
receive a global broadcast message. For eY~mple, a user may sign up for stock market report
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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services such as the Dow Jones Wireless service. The user may sign up for this service whereby
global broadcast messages can be delivered to him, or ~have individual messages sent from his
personal stockbroker. However, on some busy business days the co~ lunicator 100 user can opt to
not receive the stock market report service for 12 to 24 hours, and send the VBRAAM request word
5 just for that purpose. In Fig. 3, the VBRAAM forward message word 403, which is selected data
m~ss~ge, may be configured in any analog word block or digital multi-frarne word forrnat used in
cellular, PCS or mobile satellite networks. For example, it may be configured as an FSK BCH 10
Kbps word, an IS-136 TDMA multi-frame word, an IS-95 CDMA word, or a Global System for
Mobile (GSM) TDMA word. The VBRAAM forward message word 403 is sho~,vn having a 50-
cha dl;Lt;l message body 404, a nine-chh,a~ message header 405, and a ten-rl~ A- L~ l message tail
406. The message header instructs the c~ lllunicator 100 user as to the type of message, such as an
alpha-numeric message to be displayed to the user, or ~ individual message sent from a private
caller, or a message sent from another commlmic~tor user, or a message sent from a facilit~tQr
bearer such as a debit bank center 120, telling the user he needs to update his account and that he
15 has used all of his prepaid credit, and other selected message types. This message is preferably
displayed on a liquid crystal display (LCD) 156 seen in Fig. 10. Examples of other types of possible
selected messages include VBRAAM debit phone encrypted instructions: (a) for single number
access; (b) anti-fraud and anti-cloning instructions; (c) wireless system remote control; (d) sleeper
phone control; and (e) global positioning reports. If cornmunicator 100 is also configured as a
20 lu~ onnel management tool that includes a fully inlegl~lLed global positioning receiver (GPS), the
VBRAAM forward and reverse mess~ging methn~ology may be used to deliver location update
co~ and other pelLi.~ent ~ntC)m~tic vehicle location data (VLD).
In another embodiment, co..~ .ic~tor 100 may be configured as a personal digital ~
(PDA) which may be provided with PDA keypad 157 a~s seen in Figs. 10 and 11, that allows the
communicator user to sel1d selected data messages to other communicator users with PDA
configured cv~ ..n~ tors~ Internet file transfer points (FTP), individual IntrrnPt users, and
dç~ign~ted WEB sites. The VBRAAM-PDA user can access the lnternet~ send messages to other
VBRAAM-PDA users, receive electronic mail, purchase products and services and the like. The
possibilities are many and varied. Full duplex data message 403, which is a selected data mes~e,
may be configured in varius formats such as FSK BCH 10 Kbps word, IS-136 TDMA multi-frame
word, GSM TDMA word, and the like. The message header 406, as seen in Fig. 3, inAir~tes how
many characters will be in the ~tt~r.h~d message body 404, for example, 25 characters, 50
rhqr~cters, and 200 ch~acLe.:i, etc. For example, in one scenario the data message may be
standardized to a m~hll~l, of 200 characters. However, the message body 404 co~ s only 50
alpha or numeric ch~r~ctrrs, and then contains 150 default characters that act as message filler or
message content p~d~ling The p~cling is necee~ to m~int~in a con~i~t~nt and ullirullll message
body data bit and character count, if message paclcet st~md~di~lion is w~l~lled. The message
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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header 406 contadins such instruction sets, and info~ s the MPPC or co.. ~ ;cator 100, via a
selected reverse control channel 522, as to the type of message.
The H[1] VBRAAM request word 400, in a metered billing and debit type application,
S preferably contains a four-character, completely variable debit account register and finge~l.l;llt
number. Digit fields 5 through 8 always contain the debit account register and finge~ylilll 139. All
VBRAAM based registration status event (RSE) packets preferably contain the four-character
register, whether or not the RSE packet is metered billing and debit based or not. This number 139
is derived from conventional cellular phone time code gellcldlion means. The time code generator
in coll~nullicator lO0 is uniquely configured by software to operate as non-return-to-zero (NRZ)
non-volatile register. As such, if communicator 100 loses battery power, or has a power related
failure, the current register number position never zeros out, or is erased from memory. Every
accrued voice call duration measurement such as milli.ceconds, seconds, and minlltes is recorded,
and added to the last count and sent to the MCMS 106 during each and every VBRAAM RSE
event. In non-metered billing and debit applications, the four-digit number may function as a
unique VBRAAM fing~l~lilll. Even if a registered and operating communicator lO0 is cloned, the
cloner can never duplicate the exact activity habits of the rightful paying user.
With reference now to Fig. 4, VBRAAM RSE selected data message 423 for AMPS/TACSis shown divided into seven scl~dle 48-bit RECC words. The IS-553 AMPS RECC reverse control
channel protocol depicted here allows for up to eight 48-bit words to be ~ l in one burst. If
longer text messages are to be sent then multiple, sequential bursts of additional packets may be
used, for example in a VBRAAM PDA application. The illustrated VBRAAM multi-word selected
data message shown is based upon and resembles a standard origination data packet with çnh~nred
dialing features. This selected data message contains data that is particularly configured for a
VBRAAM metered billing and debit application. For example, the A-word 125 contains the station
class mark (SCM) " l O l l " 137 that clesign~tes this coln~ icator as a metered billing or debit
phone. The CCAD Identification Number (CIN) comprises a seven-digit office and xxxx code 264,
and in the B word 126, the three-digit number plan area (NPA) or area code of the CIN are shown
133. Together, this ten-number code comprises the CIN. This number appears similar to a
conventional ten-digit ~ilccl()ly number. A person dialing this number from another mobile or from
a l~n-lline phone could not reach the co.-....l .iç~tnr 100 user with the CIN number. The CIN and
CSN are used for metered billing and debit identification by the serving MSC and the CCAD
MCMS. As previously described, the CIN may also be used for metered billing or debit phone
35 forward "canned" mlos~eine~ such as debit account status or increase indicators, roamer charge
jntlis~tors~ or debit packet counts. In word C 127, the CCAD Serial Number (CSN) 136 ~ senls
the communicator 100 serial number. The CIN and CSN are used together for registration,
origination, and overall unit i~lentific~tion for MSC, SS7 network, and CCAD MCMS data analysis,
and VBRAAM message center user identification, current cellular system location, and proces~ine
CA 02259893 1999-01-08
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procedures. The D word 131 is ~l~rcl~dbly a convçntion~lly configured oriein~tiQn packet, with the
first word of called address used to send dialed digits entered by a coll~,e ~I;on~l mobile phone user,
for example. However, with the VBRAAM method, the D word is ~c cien~te~ the application-
specific H word one, or H[1] word 131. For co.... ~ .ic~tor 100, metered billing and reei~tr~tion
purposes, the H[l ] word 131 is sent to the MCMS wit]h the A, B, and C words. The H[1] word may
contain other application-specific data that is not m~n--~lly entered by the user. All CCAD H words
are preferably ~--t~m~tic~lly derived via coll.,ll~licator 100 internal firmware and software. The
CG" ..~ tor 100 user, when cu~ ~licator 100 is u~nfigured for ~ ,tel~d billing and debit
application, has no direct control over what is cnnt~inf d in the VBRAAM H word data fields. For
exarnple, all data in H[l ] 131 is derived with embedded sonw~e and h~.lw~ tom~tically
applied to create the a;rol~ lioned time code ge~ led le~is~ /fingel~ 139, and the
VBRAAM activator 138. Also preferably included are three digits, two through four, that contain
the of fice code of a number that is part of a two-way paging re~pollse. For example, the E word or
second word of the called address is decign~ted by the VBRAAM mP~eing as the H[2] word 132.
Depicted in this word are four of the total of ten two-way paging ~eJI,onse number in digits one
through four 122, termed the XXXX of a seven- to ten-digit dhe.,loly nurnber. Where norm~lly this
word would contain a number to be directly trunked to the PSTN and called by the serving MSC,
here this number includes a col.. -~.;cator 100 user's two-way paging pre-cl~t~ ;..... ed message
number 424, and the nurnber plan area (NPA) or area c:ode 425 of the calling party who paged the
con~ icator user. The third and fourth word of the called address are also ~Pcien~tP(l by the
present invention as the H[3] word 123 and the H[4] word 124 ~e~,li.~ely. Each word 123
preferably contains application-specific data messages that contain information relevant to global
positioning satellite (GPS) information and other location triangulating data, 141, 142, 143 and 160,
if the communicator is equipped with an optional GPS receiver. These data fields can be used for
all manner of additional debit system security and service related applications. These analog H
words and the entirc .~PS IS-553 based protocol depicted here is but one e~;alrlple of analog and
digital control channel and digital access channel protocols that can be used by the present
invention for the purpose of implemPnting the VBRAAM debit system in the cellular, PCS, and
mobile s~tellite industries.
The data word block forrnat as shown in multiple examples in Fig. 4, is similar to RECC 48-
bit control channel words. However, the unique way these words are en~oded is quite evident as
depicted in Fig. 4. A cQInr~ri.~oll of the five- and seven.-word packets depicted in both Fig. 4 and
Fig. 13 reveals a fim~l~.. F.~ts.l uniqueness ofthe present mPthnd If a dual mode cc).. ....i~tor user
travels into the serving area of an IS-95 or IS-136 CDMA or TDMA col~alible system, the AMPS
protocol may still be used, for these digital standards still rely upon IS-553 AMPS control channel
protocols for complete system access and format compatibilit,v. That is, each dual mode phone
including c.. l~.ic~Qr 100 will operate in any D-AMPS serving cellular system. If a D-AMPS
configured c~ tor is co~figllred for IS-553 AM:PS and IS-136 TDMA, and its user travels
CA 02259893 1999-01-08
- wo ~ 2~ L ~ 28 PCT/US97/16176
into a serving cellular system that is IS-553 AMPS and IS-95 CDMA, the co.llulullicator 100 will
have service based on the IS-553 AMPS. The VBRAAM method also works when co,.. l.. ;cator
100 is configured for IS-553 and IS-95 CDMA based networks, and the user travels into a serving
system that is IS-553 and IS- 136 TDMA. Regardless of the configured network platform,
S co...-"~ icator 100 user can access the ~ llly serving wireless co"""l~-,ic~tions network for
voice, data, and two-way m~cs~ing on the IS-553 portion of the currently serving cellular system
analog voice and control rh~nnel~ by utili7.in~ the VBRAAM protocols. Preferably, all VBRAAM
cornmunicators 100 are configured for both VBRAAM forward and reverse m~ ging
A man-machine interface (MMI) 116, which is preferably a Unix-based Colll~Uultr t~rrnin~l,
is seen in Fig. 2, and is utilized by wireless cul"~ ;cations network .s~n~lin~ and switch
technicians to enter new data in call h~nr1lin~, number translation, parameter table, data files, etc.
Mobile identification number (MIN) data files are preferably used by the MSC to identify systems
to which dir~.ellt MIN numbers belong. In the l~c~l~,d VBRAAM methodology, these files are
used in a similar fashion, however, the VBRAAM communicator's CIN is used only for appelldillg
IS-41/SS7 specific global, cluster, and node codes so that MSC software knows where to direct the
selected data message to the MCMS on a particular SS7 network, such as the NACN. Once the
MSC identifies the MCMS's HLR 162 as a bonafide point-of-presence ~POP) on the SS7 network,
it relays the entire VBRAAM selected data message. Any MSC that o~clales on an SS7 ll~lwu~k is
deemed a switch or service point (SP) or service control point (SCP). Therefore, the MSC using the
VBRAAM methodology o~,laLes as an MSC/SCP that identifies and relays the origination/
registration, or RAAM RSE event packet, to the MCMS 106.
When a VBRAAM RSE selected data message packet arrives, the following procedurespreferably occur as seen in Fig. 5. The received VBRAAM data message packet, such as one
(iecign~tecl I~AAM RE& PUR 312, arrives and is converted from SS7/IS-41 packets to a CCAD
HLR readout data format 237. Within this readout is CIN 260, for communicator 100, and the time
code register/finge~lhll digits 139 that make up part of a communicator 100 user's active profile.
Preferably, within this profile is also the called nurnber, single number follow referral nulnbers 426,
and the type of service the communicator 100 user has activated, such as both voice and data
in~ir.~tors 251. The time code gen~r~ted register/finge.~ t 139 is also preferably co~t~ined within
this data string. When the data message packet arrives it is imme~i~tely time and date stamped 129.
Preferably, each communicator 100 user has an individual usage tracking, user location and
velocity file that is con~t~ntly llp-~t~ Various remote access application message (RAAM) events
are categorized, such as RAAM registrations 312, RAAM debit events 313, and RAAM downlink
message responses 314. Each data message thus also supports the VBRAAM inherent anti-cloning
and anti-fraud aspects. This anti-fraud methodology is important to the wireless coll~l,ullications
network, such as cellular, PCS, or mobile s~tçllite, to prevent lm~uthorized use of their n~wulh and
to the co~ tor 100 user from fr~ud~ nt use of his or her account. In fact, the disclosed anti-
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fraud methodology may be used with a variety of CC,~D-based voice and data col.. l.. il ~tors. For
example, a two-way pager phone can be configured for the VBRAAM method including the anti-
fraud and anti-cloning aspects thereof. In fact, the VBRAAM method, when used for the metered
billing and debit applications may, unaltered, supply rnetered billing algorithms and report to the
5 ~;u~ Lly serving cellular or PCS carrier without any infrastructure add-ons or software upgrade
.e~uil~ ents. Accordingly, the VBRAAM mPth~l, in this embodiment, may be automAtir~lly
applied for anti-fraud and anti-cloning ~ oses by sirnply upgrading the cQ~ .icAtQr's software,
and by utili7ing the present invention's MCMS as an on-line anti-fraud checkpoint. The rlicclose
VBRAAM anti-fraud features may be downloaded to various cellular, PCS, and mobile s~tPllite
10 phones at dealer point-of-sales. Once the MCMS and its unique data ~ Ag~ ~..r~.l protocols and
m~ccAgin~ protocols are inco-~u-ated in a participating network, they seamlessly, and in a
l fashion to conventional operational protocols, provide unique metered billing, debit
tracking, anti-fraud, single-number access, and two-way short mpc~gin~ and other mecs~Eing
functions described, which may be autom~tir~lly applied and fully utilized by any partici~tin~
15 cellular, PCS, or mobile satellite carrier.
Conventional IS-41 and SS7 system re~luil~.llents specify that an opelaling SS7 service
control point (SCP), such as an HLR, must be re~llm~nt The disclosed CCAD-MCMS is
preferably ~esi~n~tPd as an HLR/SCP, and therefore two HLRs are provided and have an on-line
20 and a fault-tolerant status. If one HLR fails, then the other one immediately takes over.
Accordingly, CCAD MCMS has two HLRs, one co-located at the MCMS 162, and one remotely
located at another physical location 171. The remote ~:lLR 171 may be placed in another city or
region, as long as it is not located on the sarne power grid as the co-located HLR 162, so that a local
power failure or natural disaster will not cause both HLRs to fail. The decoder termin~l 168, or
25 "spy-node," contains data algorithms that co,lLhlually search for the debit phone packets 237. When
the termin~l 168 detects a data packet 237, such as a metered billing or debit data packet, it cal~tu-~s
it and relays it to the co~ ;ve data base (CDB) t~.~nin~l 169, and looks up the user's current
debit limit and colllp~'es it with the received inform~tion cont~in~d within the most recently
received data packet 237. If there is enough debit credit rPm~ining and regi~t~,./lhller received
30 logically ~n~tf~he,c the last regi~lc./lilll~. data received, it allows the CCAD-HLR to automatically
initiate a RAAM le~isL~ion con~letion and current call approval le~l~ullse, and fOl~alds the
proper IS-41 MAP le~ollse to the CCAD HLR 162 and 171, and the CCAI) HLR relays it to the
serving MSC 104 via the SS7 network. The serving MSC allows the voice call to be placed. If the
co~...n....icator 100 user is ~ ue~Ling two-way paging packet transfer approval contained within the
35 same RAAM packet as the int~n~l~d l~*,u"se m~Cc~ge~ the same procedure applies. If the
comm-micator user's debit account has le ~ ing credit for air time and data packet transactions,
the two-way paging calling party number 122 seen in liig. 4, and the message intli~ r 424
ecc.onti~lly flags the MCMS and instructs the decoder l-ermin~l that this is a data message ~ ~r
request, and not a request for voice service. If the H~2] word 132 does not contain a message
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number in~ tor 424, by showing a readout of "0," then the decoding termin~l flags the packet as a
voice service request origin~tion/ r~gi~Ll~lion voice service request packet (VSRP). If
c~ t~ n~icator 100 data message packets legi~l~./lhller data counter fields 129 in-liç~tP to the
c~lllp~ali~re data base (CDB) 169 that all credit has been used, then a service block indicator is
relayed to the serving MSC via the CCAD HLR. However, the CDB 169 continually u~dales its
debit account information by coh~ lly interrogating the Debit Bank Center (DBC) 120 every time
a debit phone user requests a specified debit hlcle~e amount. The CDB 169 p~r,.àbly interrogates
the DBC via the data reception and distribution (DRD) termin~l 167. The DRD tPrmin~l controls a
direct link data frame relay link to the DBC. The DBC may be a bank, credit union, brokerage firm,
etc., that can offer cellular, PCS, and mobile satellite debit services as an integral part of normal
ATM, or credit card services such as the VISA col~olalion affinity user or normal r~ L~d
crchallt service program. In this embodiment, the VBRAAM method allows credit card services
over the Tnternet and provides for nlJ~o~ ;c debit increases directly from the RAAM
cn.. ll.. ic~tor. This debit limit increase request is ~ liç~lly entered into the H[2] word digit
data fields. No voice çh~nnel~, operators, or l~n~1line calls are needed to request an ~l-fh~rlti~ted
and highly secure debit level inclease. No debit cards or credit cards are required. The debit phone
user simply scrolls through a menu of "canned" debit illcr~ase request ~-.~ ges, such as $25.00
increase, $50.00 hlcrease, or $100.00 increase. Once the user finds the desired message amount he
enters his four-digit PIN code and presses the send button. The message is auLulllalically sent to the
nearest serving base site and MSC. The MSC/SCP autom~sic~lly relays the VBRAAM packet to the
MCMS/HLR/STP and the received selecte~l message and data packet is recognized.
Using VBRAAM methodology, a bank's 154 aulolllaLic teller (ATM) system can be
integrally tied to the DBC 120. The co,.. ~ tor 100 user, in this embo~lim~nt can simply go to
his or her bank, or any ATM that is configured to provide voice and data debit services, and
purchase air time and data packet credit. l he collllllullicator 100 user's cellular point-of-p~cllase
dealer 252 may be configured to interact directly with the MCMS and act as a debit user data base,
via a conventional mc..,llant ATM debit card swipe tPrrnin~l 407.
Or an automobile dealer 252, for eY~mple may also access co.. l.. ic~tors user's credit card
and ATM accounts, if ~ u...~l ;c car ~ylllc~ , for eAall~le, are to be made to the dealer. There are
many ways to configure these fe~lulc;s and of course, they are not limited to the examples given.
The MCMS is continually interrogating the DBC 120 in this application so as to receive new debit
user account h~llllalion updates for ~ ,oscs of providing a trouble-free service, and to protect
against misuse and fraud. The con~t~nt cG~ al;son of date, time stamp, and regi~ llc.
inforrnation most lec~lllly received with previously received illr .llllation, coupled with continuous
DBC interrogation, ensures a secure and efficient system.
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For example, in one scenario, a communicator 100 user has just purchased a block of voice
service time and data packet tr~n~z~cti~ns, and his or her last access attempt revealed that 21 minlltes
and 32 seconds of voice service air time has been accmed. However, recent DBC 120 interrogation
has just revealed that he or she has purchased another two hours of voice time and 30 additional
5 data or two-way paging tran~actions. The time stamp applied to the most recently acquired DBC
record, compared with previously received origination/'registration RSE packet, data and time-date-
stamping, and register/timer data, reveals that he has updated his debit account. Therefore, this
particular debit phone user's voice time and data transaction register/timer count has to be reset. A
pler. .l. d resetting procedure is as follows. If co~ icator 100 is configured for one-way paging
and analog AMPS service, ehe MCMS 106 sends the co~l"ll~licator user's CIN number 260 to the
serving MSC 104, and the MSC Irt3tl:illliL:i a page over all base stations 101 connect~d to it.
Ccmt~in~d within this page is the con~ llicator user's ICIN number 260. The user's communicator
100 receives this number. Simultaneously, another encrypted message is sent to this same
communicator via the serving paging network, or VBRAAM forward data mes~e~ging
The MCMS 106 may transmit messages to communicator 100 that are dual satellite and
cellular compatible. The communicator 100 can also receive messages from a mobile satellite, such
as the Inmarsat P satellite 114 depicted here, as long as communicator 100 is configured for such
use. The MCMS 106 lldnSlllil:s a selected data message via the SS7 network 115 or the PSTN
n~lwolk 110, and the satellite system network center ground station or hub 109 lldllslllil:~ an uplink
message, and then the satellite relays and transmits the message to communicator 100.
A unique "caller pays" land-to-mobile call method may be implemented using VBRAAM
methodology and communicator 100. In this embodiment. the caller, using a lAn~line telephone 113
in Fig. 2, places a call using a "900" number 153. The 900 number land-to-mobile call is routed to
the MCMS l 06. The MC~IS interrogates thc CCAD HLR 162 to deterrnine in which serving
cellular, PCS, or mobile satellite network communicator 100 is Opclaling. Every time an MSC
sends a origination/registration invoke request to any HLR, including the CCAD HLR, the MSC
sends a carrier identification code (CIC) that eSsçnt~ y identifies which serving cellular system is
sending the message, and in particular which MSC is sl n~ling the origination/regi~tr~tion invoke
request. Preferably, every time the MSC sends the origiination/ registration invoke request, the CIC
code is sent in the same IS-41/SS7 packet. The CIC code thel~fole is equated with a serving system
location, re~.les. ,lled by the MSC 104.
The MSC 104 preferably pages communicator 100 user by transmitting voice-service-based
MIN numbers via the base station, and utilizes the analog FOCC forward control channel, or digital
access forward primary or secondary paging ch~nn~ol. Clnce cont~cte~l the co.. ~l.,.ic~tor 100 user
presses "send" and the call commlonces. In one application, the caller preferably pays only when
cv~ ~icator 100 user a~ Wt;l j the call, so any air time charges are absorbed by the 900- or 800-
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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number charges. Once the call is tçrrnin~ted by the l~n-lline caller 113 or the co~ icator 100
user, no more 900- or 800-number charges are incurred by the caller. The colll~ llicator 100
register/timer status has not been affected by this land-to-mobile call. No other calls can be placed
to the debit phone user unless the PIN number is entered and the l~ntllin~ caller uses the 900- or
5 ~00-number service. Accordingly, this prevents an accidentally dialed CIN number to reach
communicator 100. In this embodiment, he CIN is preferably used only for identification, routing,
and 900-number call fol~v~.ling.
The MSC 104is preferably communicatively connected to a visitor location register (VLR)
10 249 as in Fig. 5. The VLR is a data base that is also a service control point (SCP) on an IS-41/SS7
network. The VLR operates in many lespecl~ like an HLR. The VLR keeps records of all roarning
mobile users actively operating in that particular serving network for a 24-hour period. Each
roaming mobile user is ~ign~d a ttnlpoldly local directory number (TLDN) or pseudo (SUTTO)
number, that is stored in, for example, the ~;ullell~ly serving cellular system's or MSC's visitor
15 location register (VLR). This number is preferably used if any calls are received at the MSC that are
design~ted as active roarners. When a roaming mobile user first registers in a serving MSC
operations area, the home cellular or PCS system's HLRis interrogated in the same manner as
heretofore described. If the mobile roamer's electronic serial number (ESN) and the mobile
identification number (MIN) is sent to the home system HLR, and if the roarner's data files are
20 present in the HLR and his account is in good st~n~ling, the HLR may then lldnslnil a registration
acceptance message along with a roamer profile to the serving MSC. The serving MSC then
downloads the successful registration, the roamer profile, and assigns the SUTTO number. The
VLR duplicates the roamer profile and ~c~ig~e~l SUTTO number and then ll~l~lllil~ it via the IS-
41/SS7 network to the home HLR. Therefore, a current location of all active and registered users
25 may be m~int~ine~ When, for example, a land-to-mobile "900" number is dialed by a l~n~lline
PSTN caller 113, the call is routed to the MCMS HLR 162, 171 via the MCMS autornatic
integrated voice response (IVR) voice mail-PBX system 253. The caller hears a pre-recorded voice
say, for example, "please enter your p~lsonal identity nurnber" (PIN) 174. The caller enters the PIN
number, and the PBX system 253 interrogates the conl~dli~e data base (CDB) 169, checks its
30 own files, and COlllpd~c;S the PIN number just received with the all debit phone user PlN nurnbers
stored. Once the PIN number is v~ t~ the CDB 169 sends a PIN acknowlerlgm~nt invoke, plus
the debit phone user's ClN and CSN numbers, to the PBX system 253, which in turn interrogates
the CCAD HLR 162, 171, and checks for most recent location and SUTTO number ~ignm~nt
Once the SUTTO number has been pillpohlled, the HLR ~ sl~ the SUTTO number and the
35 most recent serving MSC CIC number to the PBX system 253, and ç~P.nti~lly routes the call to the
serving MSC 104 VLR 249. However this SUTTO number is used only for paging and locating the
VBRAAM debit phone user. The VBRAAM HLR 162 also causes a normal MIN page to be
initi~t.o~l for the VBRAAM. The HLR may also interrogate a voice service account if the local
carrier has established one to support the voice service side of the cornmunicator 100.
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The CCAD multi-protocol central switch 384 is; depicted in Fig. 6 and is used in a wide
variety of VBRAAM applications. Switch 384, preferably a central processor 434~ is
co.. ~ icatively linked to switch unit 386, and to a plurality of man-m~rlline intt-rf~ces 387, and
related Sparcs Unix tennin~l~ 388. In this configuration, the CCAD HLR 389 may be fully
accecsed and interrogated automatically. The VBRAA~vI message center in this configuration 385 is
co-located and directly managed, as are the SS7 group's multiplexer 390, the T1 group's multiplexer
391, and TCIP socket group multiplexer 392. The TCIP socket multiplexer is preferably configured
to interact with all MPPCs 396, and caller-pays PBXs 253 that interact directly with l~nAIine callers
113. The TCIP socket multiplexer 392 also is linked and interacts with the f~.ilit~tor bearers who
are points-of-presence on the WWW 399. The T1 group multiplexer 391 manages a high volume of
outbound CrN/SUTTO number pages 395. The SS7 group's multiplexer manages the IS-41
mç~ge communications from the CCAD-HLR 389 to both A side 393 and B side 397 cellular
carriers, as well as data from the multiple SS7 STP link:s. This unique configuration fully supports a
high volume of VBRAAM data message co~n~ ications and data processing from various
wireless co,~ lullications network elements that require continual protocol conversions.
In Fig. 7, a VBRAAM network is depicted configured, in this embodhllent, for use with
co.. l.. icator 100 configured for metered billing and clebit account applications. If communicator
100 is configured with a broadcast pager receiver, or is configured with DCCH IS-136 forward and
reverse mes~ ing capability, a user may receive a selected low-debit account message from the
M C MS 106 and its data base t~rrnin~l~ 128. When the debit account data base 173 detects a low-
debit account balance, it, along with data base t~nnin~ 128, p~ dl'eS a short encrypted message.
Once it is prepared, the action data base 119 plepales an SS7 115 or PSTN 105 compatible
message. It then interrogates its other data bases to find out if the user is active in any wireless
network, such as a cellular network. It checks for recent RSE EVENTS, and it also checks the
CCAD-HLR 162 data base tab}es. If the VBRAAM debit phone/con~ ullicator user is inactive, the
message is l,lc~ ed and stored in a message waiting data base that is reserved for each debit phone
user. Once registered, the user is deemed active in the plarticipating cellular network, and the
broadcast paging message or DCCH message is ~ueued and sent from either an MCMS action data
base (ADB) 119, or the DCCH message center 263. If the ~ nlly serving cellular provider is
e.luip~ed with DCCH forward mess~ging capability, such as the New York City MSC 232 depicted
here, and the debit phone/communicator user is deemedL active, the ADB 119 cleterrnin~s the
location of the user via the CCAD-HLR 162. Within thl HLR are carrier identification codes (CIN)
and currently serving switch codes as well as SS7 origination point codes (OP) and A~stin~tion
point codes (DPI). With this data, the ADB 119 then identifies the participating paging net~vork that
also op~ es in the same geographic service area (GSA) as the c~ nlly serving cellular system.
Once this is accomplished, the previously plepa~ed selected data message is sent via the host SS7
network 115 by being pointed to a .li~lelll sign~ling transfer point (STP) 109 via the SS7 network,
.
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so that it will reach the paging network control center (PNCC) 221, or the DDCH mPs~ing center
263 currently serving the now dPei~n~t~l network. Once this is accomplished, the PNCC 221 or
DCCH MC 263 then sends the selected data message to the paging network tr~n~mi~ion towers
220 located in the sarne GSA and causes a queued broadcast message to be transmitted to the pager
receiver equipped communicator 100, or the message is sent to the co-located MSC 232 and relayed
to the specially configured DCCH compatible TDMA forward radio receiver, located at the
currently serving cellular base site 101, and then transmitted to the DCCH equipped commllnir.~tor
100. A similar procedure applies if the cornmunicator 100 is equipped with an Inmarsat P mobile
satellite receiver. In such an application, the MCMS 106 P1G~U~eS a message for tr~n.~mi~ion to the
satellite network control center (SNCC) 109, via the PSTN 110, lltili7in~ T1/DSO protocols 105 as
in Fig. 2. Once received at the SNCC 109, the message is transmitted via a ~lesign~tecl uplink
satellite frequency channel, and transmitted via downlink to the Im~ l receiver equipped
comrnunicator 100. Once the message is received, a message appears on the communicator 100
LCD display.
A time code generator 304, as seen in Fig. 8, is shown as a conventional "555" type time
code generator circuit and is used in metered billing and debit applications, pre-paid paging
applications, and two-way mçss~ging using the present method. Time code generator 304 is used to
provide time code bits 308. CCAD-VBRAAM software 307 is configured to detect conventional
supervisory auditory tone (SAT) 309 being sent on the forward voice or traffic channel when a
voice call is initially engaged. The CCAD-VBRAAM central processor unit (CPU) 307 contaills
CPU CCAD-VBRAAM software 310, that causes the time code generator 304 and its waveform
generator 305 to produce a time code wave 306, from an algorithm that continually compiles, and
ultimately expresses, an NRZ four-character fingerprint 139. A H[l] RSE word 131 preferably
always contains this four-character NRZ register/fingerprint 139. The H[l] VBRAAM data packet
count word 405 also contains the N~Z register/finge~ nl~ shown in Fig. 9. In this example,
another two fields, digit 3 and digit 4, are used to transmit a received packet count (RXD) 406, and
a transmitted packet count (TXD) 407 is added to keep a count of received and ~ sçlecte~l
data message p~rk~tc This feature is particularly important if co-..-.,-...ic~tor 100 is e4ui~ed with a
30 broadcast pager. The H[l] m~ss~gin~ request word 435 inrliç~te~ to the HLR/SCP and MC that a
user requests not only to receive waiting forward selected data mesages, but also to l~ llil full
text messages to the MPPC via the co.. iç~tor's 100 ~ n~cl reverse voice or traffic rh~nn~l.
Preferably, MSC tr~n~l~til n tables are programmed to route the reverse traffic or voice channel
from the base site to the MSC and design~t~d trunked p~ w~ to the MPPC.
Comml-nicator 100 is shown in Fig. 10, according to a plcr~lled embodiment, and includes
a speaker 158, coll~llullicatively linked to a microphone 159 and to a liquid crystal display (LCD)
screen 156. Menu keys 175 and set button 176 are also shown in operable relationship to one
another. In operation and use, keypad 164 is preferably used only for dialing l~nrllin~ telephone
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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numbers or another mobile numbers. Menu keys 176 are pressed to scroll through and find pre-
~leterTnined or "canned" m~ss~ge les~onses for the cnnnml-nicator's two-way paging response
feature. Once the desired two-way paging response, or VBRAAM forward or reverse selected
message, is ~letrrmin~ the desired message response is located in the menu selection and
S con~ llly displayed on the LCD screen 156, the set button 176 is pressed, then the send button
177 is pressed. This procedure causes any user-origin~t~d VBRAAM RSE or VBRAAM selected
data message to be ll~ ed in the heretofore described manner. An optional personal digital
~e~iet~nt (PDA) keypad 157, in Fig. 1 1, is shown colll.llwlicatively linked to comml~nir~or 100.
The VBRAAM method and associated CCAD-VBRAAM methods for two-way m~s~eaging
can support user group me~ss~ging, user group broadcast m~ee~ging, point-to-point, and point-to-
omen point co~ .ications, as in Figs. 12 and 21. For example, a VBRAAM communicator 100
user ~ ing in a New York City cellular market, lel.,lesenled here by the New York MSC 232,
may send a predetermined message by simply scrolling his menu-based message selection,
15 selecting for "group message." Next, the user presses the set button and m~nn~ly enters his or her
PIN number 1 18, as in Fig. 12, and presses the send button. Including the PrN insures a secure and
authorized VBRAAM user group point-to-omen point request. Additionally, because of the PIN
number there is no ambiguity as to who authorized the user group mPss~ge. The selected message is
then sent in the heretofore described manner. Users of group meeS~ging may be a particular
20 business entity which purchases a quantify of c~ icators, such as business entities ~.,.alhlg in
the Los Angeles, California cellular market, rc~ sc.lled here by the Los Angeles MSC 434. An
account may be set up so that any one business user in a design~ed group may send point-to-omni
point me~ging to other users in that group. Regardless of who is sending the message, such as the
co...-..-.,-ir~tor 100 user in L.A., the receiving communicator 100 users in New York, 432 will
25 receive their messages via the heretofore mentioned VBRAAM forward or reverse mees~ging
Additionally, a user group's business center rnay send a point-to-ornni point message to all users.
For example, a business center ~pel~LoI, utili7ing an Irlternet-based PC termin~l 431, can send a
VBRAAM forward or reverse message to the communicator 100 users Op.,ld~ g in New York and
in the L.A. cellular market, deciPn~trd 413 and 414 re:ipe~ ely. An example of a complete
30 VBRAAM RSE full-duplex selected data message request packet is shown in Fig. 12 where H[2]
word 416 digit one status field may contain the numbers 1 to 6, for example, where each number
in~ir~s the type of full-duplex selecte~l data message to be sent from collllllullicator 100. For
example, a DATA message equals number I placed in digit data field one, FAX docum~nt~ or
message equals number 3 placed in digit data field one, e-mail docnm~nt~ or message equals
35 number 4 placed in digit data field number one, two-way paging response data message equals
number 4 placed in digit data field one, or any other selected data message may be encoded. Thus,
the H[1] word 415, and the H[2] word 416 in are uniquely encoded to selected data mrss~ging
requests such as group m~s~Eing requests and other fi~ duplex selected aata me~c~ging events.
For example, the indicator symbols 41 1, that are present under the digit number data fields are
, . . . _ _
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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preferably interpreted as follows. Under digit three data field space of H[l] word 4 15 are the
symbols "~NCM" and "OTGM" which are illhl~ ,ted in the RSE EVENT legend 410. INCM
represents an incoming m~ ging This particular reverse selected data message being sent as
result of a MC initiated CIN page. The symbol "OTGM" is intc~ ,led as an outgoing message as
seen in the RSE EVENT legend 410. The INCM symbol is equal to a number 1, which in this
example the H[ 1 ] word 415 is digit number 3 data field. If it was an incoming message, the digit
number would be set to 1 for digit number 3 data field. In the H[2] word 416, the "MSG" symbol
indicator 41 1 relates to the type of message the co.llnlu~licator 100 group user is senrling The RSE
EVENT legend 410 reveals that the message is a user group data message that is to be sent to the
predetermined number of users so design~ted in that business user group. A number 4 is th~ role
placed in the digit number 4 data field of the H[2] word 416. Digit field one cont~in~ a number 4
that further indicates that this selected data message is a full-duplex e-mail message that is to be
sent to a particular e-mail address. In this example, the "EM" symbol placed under the digit one
field within the indicator 411 le~ sell~ e-mail.
A dialed digit origination packet of the VBRAAM methodology is depicted 430 in Fig. 13.
Preferably, the B word 421 contains the order qualifier code 134, and the order code 135. When the
base site and MSC receives the origination packet, and the user is ~nthPnticated~ a for~vard andlor
reverse voice channel is ~cign~d at the currently serving base site, and a voice path is trunked to
the called or calling party via the MSC and PSTN. When a remote feature control operation is
dialed, and the user presses the send button of communicator 100, a conventional origination packet
430 is transmitted to the currently serving base site via reverse control ch~nntolc and ~l w~ded to
the MSC. Since this remote feature control operation request is contained in an origination packet,
and because the contained order codes cause the base site to assign forward and reverse voice
channels, this operation is broadly ~eemetl for example in a cellular network, a cellular voice
service call. Howevcr, because the MSC detects a rernote feature control re~uest, by analyzing the
dialed digits with translation table software and firmware, this origination event is deemed not a
true voice call. The dialed digit stream is sent via the SS7 network along with a IS-41 remote
feature control request invoke to a mobile subscriber's home system HLR. Once the home system
HLR receives the invoke message, the HLR instruction contained in the dialed digit stream is
performed, and the home system HLR sends an IS-41 remote feature control operation result
message back to the ~;ul~ ly serving MSC. The f~Jlw~d voice channel preferably remains
assigned in reserve until the MSC receives the IS-41 result message from the home system HLR via
the SS7 network. Next, the translation tables route the reserved fol ~ ud or reverse voice ch~nn~l~ to
a stutter tone si~n~ling unit, or a pre-recorded voice message box such as an integrated voice
response data base. The stutter tone or voice l~,col~hlg is routed and then transmitted to the mobile
subscriber, and the remote feature control operation is esser~ti~lly concluded. When the fo~ w~d or
reverse voice channel is routed, it remains so for about three to eleven seconds, depending on how
the translation tables are set by the cellular switch and network technicians, or other host wireless
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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c~s.. l.. ic~tion~ network technicians. Like many call procedures, the remote feature control
operation may be set up in various classes of service. One class of service, for exarnple, might
allow the mobile cellular subscriber to dial ~74 l plus a ten-digit directory number that he or she
wishes all land-to-mobile calls to be routed to, when the collllllullicator or cellular phone and is no
longer active on the network. This insll u-;lion is then sent to his or her home system HLR by the
currently serving MSC via the SS7 network, in the heretofore described procedure. Also, when a
new class of remote feature control operation is set up in the MSC's translation tables call routing
instructions are then entered. The technician enters a group of 10,000 ten-digit dilecloly numbers,
such as 175-421-1551, and attributes these nllnn~er~ to the new class of service which is being
configured, and then enters the remote feature control operation activator; such as *741, or * plus
any number combination. In addition, the technician n~lay det~,llllinf which auditory response
system the FVC should be routed to such as a stutter tone gel~ dlo~, or a IVR voice box that is
connected to a conventional de~ign~ted MSC switch voice path. The ~i~closecl RAAM class of
services are preferably set up in the same manner, as is' the VBRAAM class of services which
would typically be df~erned a new class of the remote feature control operation service. However,
one ofthe major differences when utili7ine the RAAM or VBRAAM methrdology is that instead
of setting the translation tables to route the RAAM or 'VBRAAM class of service to a stutter tone
generator or an IVR, the terhnici~n sets the translation tables to route the ~ignf ~ and reserved
forward voice channel and voice path to the (MPPC) tf rmin~l Under current network operation
standards for up to 11 seconds the VBRAAM and RAAM methodology allows the MPPC to
forward and ~lcu~slllil selected data messages as described. These selected data messages can contain
data, text, alpha-numeric and encrypted mec.saging dat;l. This forward and reverse mf ss~in~ of
such selected data messages can be tr~n~mi~te~ to and recognized as described by cornmunicator
100, and other VBRAAM colll~dlible communicators. The VBRAAM method, when combined
with the aforementioned reverse control channel application-specific RAAM mf s~ging l,locedllle,
creates a new paradigm iin cellular, PCS and mobile satellite two-way data collllllu~lications.
Accordingly, the VBRAAM method can used for wide variety of two-way data mes~in~applications, such as paging, text transfer, metered billing and debit applications, control for remote
stationary devices and mobile devices, and other applications as described or obvious from the
description. The VBRAAM method can be applied to cmy host cellular, PCS, and mobile satellite
network without ~L,vensi~e network infrastructure add-ons, and re~uh~es no MSC or SS7 network
sor~ lrgr~des The VBRAAM method operates llc~ ~elllly, and in effect is an invisible
upgrade to any cellular network.
In reference now to Fig. 14, the dual personality aspects of co,.. l.. icator 100 are shown. A
conventional cellular base site 101, in this example, is the initial access point for communicator 100
operational personalities. However, other wireless communication networks may also be read into
this example. The CIN/CSN data m~Ss~ging and data rnanagement side 314 operates,collllll~licates, and governs itself and the MIN/ESN voice service side 315 of collllllunicator 100,
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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preferably as follows. The VBRAAM method utilizes six fundamental registration status events
(RSE): (1) Power Up Registration Status Event (PUR), as in Fig. 15; (2) Call Request Registration
Status Event (CR), as in Fig. 16;
(3) Call Completion Registration Status Event (CC), as in 17; (4) Debit Increase Request
5 Registration Status Event (DIR), as in Fig. 18; (5) Variable Burst Remote Access Application
Message for Mess~gin~ retrieval Registration Status Event (VBR), as in Fig. 12; and (6) Power
Down Registration Status Event (PDR), as in Fig 19.
The VBRAAM selected data message may also contain power up registration (PUR)
10 in~ tors with register timer digits, power down registrat~on (PDR) in~ic~tors with register timer
digits, call request (CR) indicators with register timer digits, call completion (CC) in-lic~tors with
register timer digits, roarner call authorization (RCA) indicators, roamer call rejection (RCR)
in~ tors, debit amount increases (DA) indicators with the four-digit PIN digits and register timer
digits, data transaction count (DTC) increase request indicators with register timer digits and PIN
15 digits, a~nd other selected data mçss~ging data.
Upon activation of the power up function of the CIN/CSN functionality or side 314 of
comm--nicator 100, cornrnunicator 100 preferably then scans for busy idle status (BIS) of the
combined paging and access control channel of, for exarnple, a cellular network's base site 101, as
20 in Figs. 14 and 15. Typically, cellular base sites have one to three design~tecl control rll~nnPlc out
the 21 assigned to either the A or B side of Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) ac~igned
cellular frequency blocks, for a total of 42 control channels. Since cellular is filnrl~mPnt~lly
~e~ign~l around assigned frequency reuse and effective irradiated power footprint patterns called
cells, each cell site is ~s~igned groups of voice or traffic channel frequencies and control charmel
25 frequencies. These assigned frequencies are repeated at least seven times in a given cellular network
that operates three to four hundred bases sites. However. base sites adjacent to one another do not
use the same frequencies as the neighboring base, for this arrangement would cause a network
failure.
The ~IN/CSN side of communicator 100, after sc~nning and finding an idle controlchannel, preferably bursts or transmits the five-word PUR RSE as in Fig. 15. The A word 125 and
B word 126 together contain a uniquely ~csivn~ ten-digit CCAD Identification Number (CIN), 264
and 133 respectivelv. The C word 127 contains the uniquelv coded 32 bit CCAD Serial Number
(CSN) 136. The B word 126 contains the conventional order and order qualifier, 000 and 0000
r~ e~ ely. These codes are an IS-553 standard code 408. The H~l~ PUR RSE word 336 contains
a unique single RAAM activator 409. Digits 5 through 8 contain the standard four-digit time code
gencldled register finge,~ 139, as do all RSE events. The H[2] word 337 contains eight dialed
digit fields that contain automatically derived and uniquely encoded data. Below the H~1] word
336, and the H[2] word 337 are groups of acronyms 411. Each acronym is described is the RSE
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legend 410. It is such configured data, such as the selected data message contained in a dialed digit
field of the H~ I ] and H[2] RSE words, how it is derived and produced, and how each digit is
ed in communicator 100, the MCMS, and HLlR/SCP data bases as described, that
characterize the present disclosed methodology and appala
The attribute that differentiates one RSE status or request event from another, is the data
co~ i..Prl in each H word, as in Figs. 12, 15, 16, 17, 1X, and 19. Preferably, each le~ sb~ e A,
B and C word are identic~l, as are the H word data block formats. It is the unique data encoding that
defines the significance of each word, and thus allows for the particular chalacl~;stics of the
10 selected data message. Each RSE EVENT is an action event in that when the RSE EVENT packet
arrives at the MCMS and HLR/SCP a response action is programmed to occur. Such action events
may range from an update of communicator 100 status to causing a distant event to Ll~sl.he in
some data base in a remote area in a distant part of the world. A single arranged four-bit digit can
trigger an event via such data message that effects a group of data bases of other communicators
lO0 on another continent. For exarnple, in Fig. 15, the ,~cronyms listed under each H word 411
.el,rese..l the following. "RA" listed under digit 1 with the A placed in this data field being a
RAAM RSE event activator RA, as described in the RSE EVENT legend 410. "PUR" listed under
digit 2 with a number 3 placed in this particular data field indicates to the MCMS and HLR/SCP
that this particular data message is a PUR RSE event, as listed in the RSE EVENT legend 410. The
four-bit data field under digit five is set at default "5." ]:n the VBRAAM method the number "St" for
example, may~ in any data field that is de~ign~te(l an R'SE EVENT indicator7 relate to a default,
non-action event. Another word's nurnber "5" in any of the data spaces that are ~lesign~t~ event
indicators, however, does not cause any resultant action to be taken when the VBR~AM RSE event
data message arrives at the MCMS and HLRJSCP data management termin~l~ and data bases. For
example, in the H[2] word 337 shown in Fig. 15, as palt of the PUR RSE EVENT, all eight data
field spaces and event indicatol s may instruct l;hat this lH~2] word for this event does not cause any
resultant action to be taken when the data mess~ge arrives at the MCMS and HLRJSCP. For this
event the H[2] word 337 contains no relevant action indicators. In the H[l] word 336, for example,
when the digit 2 data space contains a 3, this indicates lo the MCMS and HLR/SCP that this
particular co.. -~ tor 100 user is powered up, is now active on the designated cellular, PCS, or
mobile satellite network, and ~lltom~ti~lly and ll~l~ y requesting ~l~thentication thereby.
Further, in the digit 3 data field space, if collllllunicator 100 is powering up as a result of a power
loss, such as a dead battery, this field could contain a number 3 digit as indicated in the RSE
EVENT legend 410 to convey such event. In this PUR RSE EVENT digit 3 data field is set to
35 number "5," which may l~prese,lL a default non action event indicator and digit 4 is shown
co~ i--;l-g a default (DEF) non-event inrlic~t~r.
~Nhen the PUR RSE EVENT arrives at the MCMS HLR/SCP, it preferably causes the
HLRJSCP to respond to the currently serving MSC's re~istration invoke and remote feature access
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operation's request with a standard IS-41/SS7-compatible response. The disclosed methodology
does not alter the dozen or so automatic roarning messages exploited for message tr~nemi~sion.
Such automatic roarning events as Q~ ifil~tion Request, Qualification Directive, Registration
Notification, Registration Cancellation, Location Request, Routing Request, Remote Feature
Control Request, Service Profile Request, Service Profile Directive, Transfer To Number Request,
CSS Inactive, Redirection Request, and Call Data Request may thus all uniquely be used and
manipulated by the present method. The VBRAAM method utilizes such IS-41 automatic roaming
events in a transparent manner, and when the MCMS and specially ~e~igned HLR/SCP receives
and responds to a selected data message it "looks" from the perspective of the wireless
10 communications network as conventional and norrnal activity when, in fact, data messages have
been comrnunicated as described. Accordingly, ca~aciLy"~ rollllance, and functionality of the host
wireless communications network is drarnatically increased.
In Fig. 16, a voice service Call Request Registration Status Event (CR) is shown according
15 to the pref~lled embodiment of the invention. The A, B, and C words are typically not altered from
one RSE EVENT to another. Additionally, for five of the six previously named events the RAAM
activator 409 preferably does not change either. However, the CR event H[1] word 338 p~efe.ably
contains data field ~esign~tions that are unique to this particular event. For example, the data field
for digit 2 contains a number 7, the acronym below the digit CR stands for Call Request as
20 indicated in the RSE EVENT legend 410. For exarnple, when communicator l O0 user dials a set-up
number in the dialed digit spaces contained in the D and E word of the conventional MIN/ESN
functionality or side of communicator 100 and presses send, the Call Request RSE packet is
transmitted first. The CIN/CSN functionality or side transmits its data message 427 to the base site
l Ol . The message is then relayed to the currently serving MSC 104, and then processed and relayed
25 420 to the MCMS 106 and concurrently relayed 417 to the CCAD HLR/SCP 162, as in Fig. 14. The
MCMS then preferably e~minPs the time code generated register finge~ " 139, con,p~es it
against stored records and the most recent received RSE event, and responds to the serving MSC
104 with a standard IS-41 automatic roaming authorization response. The CIN/CSN side of
comrnunicator l O0 allows the MIN/ESN side of the debit phone to register s~lcce~fully, and also to
30 request and place a voice call under conventional IS-553 and IS-4 l specifications. If for example,
the communicator 100 user has used up previously purchased airtime allotment, then the call
request is denied and a standard non-authorization message is sent from the MCMS to the ~ ,llly
serving MSC. The currently serving MSC blocks any further voice service request until the MCMS
and CCAD-HLR/SCP sends an authorization message upon the col-",.l.";r~tor 100 user's next Call
35 Request attempt.
The H[1] word 338 preferably also contains a mobile-to-land call (ML) indicator, and a
land-to-mobile (LM) digit indicator 41 1, as seen in the RSE EVENT legend 410. For example, the
ML indicator is always a number 8 in digit field 3 when a mobile-to-land call is being placed. The
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LM indicator is always a 9 in digit field 3 when a land-to-mobile call is being accepted. If a land-to-
mobile caller is calling a co,lllll~ficator 100 user in a metered billing and debit application, and
communicator 100 has been reset after a new debit increase request update, communicator 100 will
accept the call. If co.~ .;c~tor 100 has not been reset by intemal son~uc~ and the user debit
5 account has not been repleni~h~ the call will not be accepted. The LM and ML in~1ic~tors are
hll~o~ l for data record and user profile statistics. These in~ torS are also useful if the
co,.. ~.icator 100 user has some call restrictions set forth by the network providing voice services.
The H~2] word 339 also has another indicator 411, syrnbolized as DC. DC is shown as a dropped
call symbol that equals digit number 8 as shown in the RSE EVENT legend 410. In this in~kulce
10 the DC intli~tor resides under the Digit 4 data field space. A dropped call occurs quite frequently
to mobile telephones, especi~lly while traveling in a motor vehicle. The base site and mobile user
typically will lose radio frequency link, and the mobile user will have to place another call to
resume the conversation that was taking place. If a dropped call occurs, the next Call Request
EVENT will have digit number 6 in the digit space 4, so that the debit phone user will not be
15 charged for the previous air time. Of course, the particular protocol chosen will depend on the
particular network.
A Call Completion Registration Status Event is shown in Fig. 17, according to a ~lcr~ d
embodiment of the invention. The difference bc~ en this event and the previously described Call
20 Request RSE EVENT is the CC indicator symbol expressed in the RSE EVENT legend 410, and
the indicators 411, listed under H[l] word 340. All digit fields in the H[2] word 341 preferably are
set to default 5 for a non-event status. A Call Completion event, in this example, is a number 8
placed in the digit 2 data space field. This event inflic~tes to the MCMS and HLRJSCP that the
previous call request resulted in a ~ucce~rully placed and completed call. The time coded register
25 timer-fingerprint 340 is then e~minlod and the data message is then t~ essed in programrned
response in communicator 100.
An example of a metered billing and debit application Debit Increase Request Regi~tr~tion
Status Event (DIR RSE) is shown in Fig. 18. The H[l] word 340 is p~crer~bly almost i~lPntic~l to
30 the other H[1~ word RSE EVENTS where digit 2 data f;eld space has a DIR symbol as indicator
411 located under its position. The DIR symbol COl.. ;,~londs to the Debit Increase Request (DIR)
event and is a 9 as shown in the RSE EVENT legend 410. When communicator 100 user's account
has been depleted of credit, he or she must request a debit account increase. However, when his
accoul~l is near depletion, in order to provide trouble-free service, the MCMS directs a CIN page to
35 be sent to commllnic~tor 100 via the PSTN network, OI alternatively a mes~ge to be sent via a
broadcast paging network, or a message sent via a mobile satellite net~vork, or a message sent via
an IS-136 Digital Control Channel (DCCH) comp~tihle network and/or the VBRAAM fo~ ud or
reverse mes~ging via the .;ull~i,lLly serving MSC and the host network, and either selected digital
or analog format configuration.
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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In Fig. 18, the com,llullicator 100 display 156 may indicate a selected data message to the
communicator user. Once a message is received, the co.",..ll,.ic~tor user may press the menu scroll
keys 175, choose a selected return message, presses the set button 176, and then press the send
button 177. Here H[1] word 342 contains the four time coded register/fingerprint NRZ characters
located in digits data fields five through eight 139. The H[2] word's 343 data encoding is preferably
significantly different from the other RSE EVENT based H[2] words. While digit data fields one
through three are set to default DEF number "5," as indicated by the indicators 411, digit data field
four contains DIR RSE message number. The indicator legends 4 10 and 4 11 contain the symbolic
10 i~ alion of each DIR increase message request. For example, selected data message MSG
EVENT 2 equals a $25.00 debit account increase, MSG EVENT 3 equals a $75.00 increase, and
MSG EVENT 4 equals a $100.00 increase. In the instant example, con~llullicator 100 user has
selected MSG EVENT 3. Positioned in digit data field nurnber four the H[2] word 343 in~1ir~tes to
the MCMS when received a selected data message has been received, for example, that
communicator 100 user wants to purchase $75.00 worth of air time. Once a DIR increase message
request is selected communicator 100 user may m~ml~lly enter a four-digit personal identification
number (PIN) number via keypad 164 as in Fig. 10, and the H[2] word's 343 PIN number digit data
field spaces, five through eight 118 are set with communicator 100 user's unique PIN nurn~er, as in
Fig. 18. Once this operation is completed the communicator 100 user presses the send button, and
in a few seconds his or her debit account will be ~Ip~l~te~l enabling additional voice service calls to
be made.
Preferably, communicator 100 is programmed so that when a user turns communicator 100
off, the communicator 100 ~ s~ a selected data message such as an RSE EVENT as seen in
Fig. 19. In this example, H[1] word 344 has the data symbol indicator 41 1 "PDR" placed under the
digit number 2 data field. The ~DR symbol is inte~preted dS Power Down Registration as indicated
in the RSE EVENT legend 410 and here is ~le~ign~ted to the number 6. A number 6 is therefore
placed in the digit number 2 data field space of the H[l ] word 344, PDR RSE EVENT. When the
CCAD-HLR/SCP and MCMS receives the selected data message in the heretofore described
manner, the communicator 100 user is deemed "offthe network." All incoming messages are then
preferably stored at the MC 353 until the MCMS 106 and CCAD-HLR/SCP 162 receive the
selected data message signifying power up registration, clesign~ted herein as the PUR RSE EVENT.
The CCAD central switch 384 is preferably connPcted both physically and logically to one
or more MSC 104 configured for applying the VBRAAM methodology via PSTN Tl/DSO
protocols 105, as in Fig. 20. The CCAD central switch 384 is also preferably conn~cted both
physically and logically co~ f~ d to the host SS7 network 115. In this example, col.""~ ic~tQr
100 user has previously signed up, for example, for VBRAAM metered billing and debit fol ~v~d
and reverse mess~ging. This communicator 100 user may receive selected data messages from such
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people as his employer and co-workers, for example, v ia a PC 431, operably co~ ted to the
WWW 352, or to the PSTN via Tl/105, or to a dial-upl modem 432. A coworker sends a 90-
character e-mail message, for e~mpl~, to cotnmllnical;or 100 user via a PC 431, to MC 353. MC
353 imme~ t~ly stores the message and then sends a rnessage waiting in~iiC~t~ r (MWI) to the
MCMS 106 via the CCAD-central switch 384. The switch in turn sends the MWI to the MCMS
data base tPrmin~lc, which prepare and send a CIN page 151 to the communicator 100 user in the
previously described manner. When communicator l 00 receives the selected data message, such as
a page, it immediately transmits a VBRAAM selected data message activation packet as in Fig. 12.
The H[l~ word 415 preferably includes a dual-character VBRAAM activator 433. The two-
10 chala~;Le~ activator distinguishes this selected data message from other RSE EVENT sçlected data
meS~eS When the MSC 104 receives this selected data message packet, the reserved fol ~vard or
reverse voice channel is automatically ~csignef~, and the switch voice path links co~ unicator 100
to the MPPC 351. The selected data message packet is relayed to the HLR 162 which is configured
to process the VBRAAM message. HLR 162 relays the selected data message packet to CCAD
15 central switch 384, which in turn relays it to MC 353.
In Fig. 20, in another embodiment of the invenl:ion, there is shown an air intPrf~.e uplink
pathway which may be utili7~1 for example when con-ml-nic~tor 100 is configured as a PDA. In
this case, the MSC 104, during voice pathway and swit.ch trunking procedures, assigns a reverse
20 voice or traffic çh~nn~l. Here, for forward m~Cs~ing~ lhe reverse voice or traffic channel is held in
reserve and used only to return SAT tone to the cul.cl,l.ly serving base site so as to m~int~in a full-
duplex SAT loop. If communicator lO0 is configured as a full-duplex PDA, the reverse voice or
traffic channel is used as a data or text mes.c~ging medium in the same manner as that described for
the for,vard voice or traffic ch~nnel. Co....".~.ic~t~ r 100, thus configured as a PDA, may now
25 function as a mini computer for selected data mPss~gin~, such as text mesc~gin~, computer file
transfer, multi-character mess~gtng, and the like. For exainple, such messages mây be plel)ared e-
mail to be sent to a particular lntem~t e-mail address or to another co..,l..l",;~tor. As conventional
origin~tiQn or call set-up procedures technically require both a forvvard and reverse traffic or voice
channel to be reserved and ~cci~nP~ during conv~nliorlal "call set-up" for remote feature access
operation procedures, both a fon,vard and a reverse voice and traffic channels are ~ccignPd by base
site 101. However, as conventional remote feature access operation translation tables do not provide
for routing or trunlcing of the reverse traffic or voice channel for the base site to a ttunked PSTN
105 traffic pathway to a remote comm--nicator or other decign~tion~ the herein described M PPC 351
provides the means of automatically trunking the ~ccignPd and reserved reverse voice or traffic
channel to the full-duplex trunked path or data m~sc~ging channel 512 that is physically and
logically conn~cted to the MPPC 351, as described.
Preferably, the MPPC 351is configured to utilize conventional muiti-frequency wink
ci~n~lling and ANI tr~ncmiccionc 451 which occur duri.ng all PSTN voice path-trunking
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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procedures. Dialogic BCH or full-duplex moc1Pmi7çd dialogic card 450, co..,.l,ullicativly linked to
MPPC 451, is preferably, through one of its ports, communicatively co..l-e~;led to the reserved
for~,vard or reverse voice channel or path during trunking as in Fig. 20. Then the trunked or routed
voice channel or path 417 detects the awaiting "call" via multi-frequency wink ei~n~lling 451 that
l,o~ s when the voice channel or path from communicator 100 is initally trunked or routed 417
to the MPPC 351 during the described VBRAAM protocol. MPPC 351 may be configured as
specially configured personal computer (PC) conllllu..icatively connected to an aeeignç~l MSC
switch voice path 417, and also communicatively linked to the world wid web (WWW) 352 via an
Intemet socket. The MPPC 351 preferably contains its own (WWW) 352 socket address.
Accordingly, MPPC 351 may function as a point-of-presence on the Intern~t WWW 352. MC 353
includes data processing tçrmin~l~ that also preferably function as points-of-p.es~l-ce on the WWW
352. MC 353 is also pler~,lably connPcted both physically and logically to the specially configured
CCAD central switch 384, which in turn creates physical and logical connections to MCMS data
processing terminals 106, the HLR 162, and the CCAD-~ntegrated Voice Response (IVR) system
428. When trunking is completed, MSC 104 preferably is programmed to transmit an ANI signal
that contains the VBRAAM forward or reverse selected data messages. Dialogic BCH modem card
450 provides duplex ports communicatively linked to the full-duplex voice or traffic path 506 from
comml-nri~to~ 100, initially trunked or routed 417 to MPPC 351 during the VBRAAM method.
The trunked or routed selected voice or traffic paths 506 detect 417 the awaiting "call" via multi-
frequency wink ~ign~lling 451. When trunking is completed, MSC 104 ~ s",iL~ an ANI signal
cont~ining communciator 100 CIN 452. Preferably, the trunked or routed voice path's MPPC 351 is
multi-ported and any idle port available at the time of l"~ ;tlg a particular VBRAAM forward
or reverse selected data message is co,~ ~licatively connected to a particular trunk for data
m~ss~ginE~ and is thus an ~ccignçd port. As such, MPPC 351 may function to route a forward,
reverse, or full-duplex selected data message. The ANI/CIN 452 is then sent to the MPPC 351 via
the ~ceigned port. The MPPC 351 detects the A~ CIN 452, which in turn relays i~ to the MC 353,
via the WWW 352. MC detects the ANI/CIN and send the 50-character message assigned to that
CIN via, for example, the WWW 152 to the MPPC 351. The MPPC 351 then converts the selected
data message into a data word block or data frame TDMA or CDMA protocol that is compatible
with the currently serving MSC 104 via dialogic BCH full-duplex modem card 450. Once the
conversion is complete, the selected data message is forwarded to communicator 100 via trunked
path 417 and ~csi~nçd air i,ll~.race voice path 401. When the complete selected data m~eS~ge is
received, the co.. ~ ir~tor 100, and the currently serving base site 101, t~ e the call through
conventional call teardown procedures. The col",llu,licator 100 user is made aware of the received
35 selected data message because its title is displayed on the communicator 100 LCD display, and may
also be signified by, for example, a internal beep tone. Using such VBRAAM methods, selected
data messages may be Llall~milled between individuals, bclween groups or to groups of individuals,
and from individual communicators or groups of communicators to control remote stationary and/or
mobile objects and devices. Such selected data messages may be commlmic~tçd over vast ~liet~n~es
CA 022~9893 1999-01-08
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such as in Fig. 21, where comml.nication is between cities such as Los Angeles and New York, or
between distant foreign countries.
The VBRAAM methodology and a~aluses described provide a true two-way bandwidth
on ~enn~n~ data m~s~gine system. The method and appdldluses may be used with any wireless
communications network, such as cellular, PCS, or mobile satellite, and may be com~l.unicatively
linked with the Internet WWW, allowing for Internet c,o.. ~ in~tion~ and specj~li7çd ~nt~rn~t-
based services for b~cil. Jses and individuals. The VBRAAM ro~vv~d and reveres mPss~gin~
system provides for full-duplex communications and an almost infinite variety of forward and
reverse m~os~s~ging services on voice and traffic channels, in both analog and digital systems. For
example, the VBRAAM method may be used for full-duplex data text, data, fax, co~ file
transfer, two-way paging, electronic mail, Internet mes,sages and service, point-to-point and point-
to-omni point communications, global positioning syslem data for ~ o~ lic vehicle location
systems, fleet management, motor vehicle anti-theft and anti-theft recovery, emissions standards
compliance monitoring, personal tracking and protection, child location, home arrest, behavior
modification, medical alert, outpatient monitoring, debit and metered billing for cellular, PCS and
mobile satellite networks, anti-fraud and anti-cloning applications, and other stationary and mobile-
based systems and services. Additional application-specific systems and services such as full-
duplex stationary system remote control, electrical meter reading, electrical load partitioning, and
electrical load management for co~ ~ial and residential uses, smart home management systems,
security systems, gas and oil well head management and control, vending m~chine management and
control, environment~l systems management and control, point-of-sale data m~ ginE, credit card
verification, and the like. The reverse RAAM short m~c~ging aspect of the system is transmitted
on the control ch~nn.ol~ and digital access channels, providing the means to trigger the VBRAAM
data me~ging events. The VBRAAM method and appalaluses may be implemented either on a
local level, a national level, or in a worldwide global network linked by the world wide web,
communication satellite networks, and various formats of sign~ling networks as described.
Accordingly, additional objects and advantages will readily occur to those skilled in the art.
The applications of the present methodology and a~alùs are broad and may be used in a truly
wide range of applications in wireless communications. Accordingly, the invention in its broader
aspects is not limited to the specific de,tails, representative device, and illustrative examples shown
and described.
, . . .
