MXPA98010158A - Multiple method communication network with activation of wireless base station assisted by microtelef - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-mode communication network using a two-phase process to activate a wireless base station (22) using the assistance of a multi-mode handset (18). A user activation system (30,32) collects data (56,58) of wireless cellular activation. The handset (18) is activated for cellular use (92). In a first activation phase, the programming data of the inhaled base station is transferred from the user activation system (30,32) to the handset (18). During the second activation phase (124, 150), the wireless base station programming data is transferred from the handset (18) to the wireless base station (22).

Description

MULTIPLE METHOD COMMUNICATION NETWORK WITH ACTIVATION OF WIRELESS BASE STATION ASSISTED BY MICROPHONE TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to radiotelephones which operate both as cell phones, as well as cordless telephones which are used to activate wireless base stations.

ANTECEDENTS OF THE TECHNIQUE Mobile stations that include portable handsets and other compatible and cellular devices used in connection with cellular communication networks are often manufactured in a white or unscheduled state. An activation process is performed both for identification information of the user who acquires it so that users can be successfully billed for communication services and for personalizing mobile stations so that they are able to provide communication services. Until a mobile station can be activated, it can not make or receive a call. After activation, changes in user preferences or REF: 28955 system operating characteristics may require changes in the personalization of mobile stations. The personalization is carried out by causing the mobile station to include certain specific programming for the user. The specific programming for the user represents data which causes the mobile station to work as a specific user wishes. Examples of user-specific programming for a conventional mobile station include, but are not limited to, a mobile identification number (MIN) and an original system identification (SID). One problem that continually plagues the cellular industry is to perform the activation. The first activation techniques involve the use of specifically configured programming equipment and / or skilled service representatives who take users' mobile stations for activation. Current activation techniques involve storing preprogrammed mobile stations whose programming is likely, but not guaranteed, to be appropriate for specific users who acquire mass market outputs. In the near future, several forms of air service provisioning (OTASP) will remotely program mobile stations to carry out the activation. The related patents mentioned above discuss an OTASP version.

Multiple mode communication networks add another layer of complication to the already existing activation problem. Multi-mode communication networks use common components for multiple functions. For example, a multi-mode communication system may use a common portable radiotelephone handset to communicate in both a wireless operation mode and a cellular operation mode. In the wireless operation mode, the handset can communicate at low power with a wireless base station typically located a few hundred feet from the handset. The wireless base station can be coupled to one or more local circuits of a public switched telecommuting network (PSTN). Therefore, the handset can communicate through a wireless base station with telephone devices that are coupled to the PSTN. In the cellular operation mode, the handset can communicate at moderate power with a cellular ground station typically located within a few miles of the handset. The cellular ground station is typically coupled to the PSTN through a mobile telephone switching office (MTSO). Therefore, the handset can communicate through the cellular ground station with telephone devices that are coupled to the PSTN.

From the user's perspective, wireless operation is more desirable than cellular operation because wireless communication services are typically provided at a lower cost compared to cellular communication services, and low power operation allows the battery change to last longer. From the perspective of the communication service provider, the low power wireless operation feature allows a given spectrum of bandwidth to carry more communications in a given area compared to cellular operation. In a typical situation, a wireless base station can be located near the user's residence or workplace. Wireless modes of operation are available through a handset when the user is near the residence or place of work of the user, and cellular modes of operation are available in other positions. Various transfer schemes, automatic registration and call forwarding can be used so that the handset automatically switches between wireless and cellular modes as needed to follow the movement of the handset. The activation of a wireless base station has a problem not experienced in the activation of mobile stations. The mobile stations are configured to receive on the sending channels and to transmit on the various channels. Conversely, wireless base stations are configured to receive on reverse channels and transmit on send channels. At the same time, mobile stations are linked to cellular-based stations and wireless base stations, but wireless base stations and cellular terrestrial stations can not communicate with each other. Of course, an RF transceiver of a wireless base station would be designed to communicate additionally with the cellular ground stations and would be activated by programming via OTASP. However, this approach is highly undesirable because it requires the inclusion of additional physical elements (hardware) which can raise the costs of the wireless base station. In connection with the wireless base station of the prior art, the activation is carried out through marked modem connections established through a wired local circuit to which the wireless base station is attached. The approach is also undesirable. This type of activation requires the user to follow extensive instructions and consume the user's phone line for activation. Users' trust in successful follow-up of the instructions has increasing activation problems as the instructions become more complex and the user's telephone line consumes what returns to the telephone line not available to the user to receive or send calls . In addition, this type of activation initiates the activation process from a wireless base station and not from the user's activation system. This is an undesirable direction for establishing a connection through which activation will take place. The user activation system can not control the activation timing with this address setting and can easily be overloaded. If the wireless base station does not initiate the call, then conflicts may arise with other computer devices attached to the user's telephone line. In addition, if problems arise during the activation problem, the user's telephone line is not available to call a user support representative. The related patents mentioned above describe an OTASP approach for activation of wireless base stations. In the described approach, a connection is initiated with the wireless base station from the user activation system by the user activation system. This connection is established through special equipment which is mounted on a cell site tower with cellular ground station antennas or mounted on a vehicle. The special equipment is configured to be in data communication with the user's activation system. This equipment receives in transmission channels and transmits in reverse channels. Although this approach has many benefits, the use of special equipment is undesirable. Special equipment increases costs and complexity, and reduces reliability.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an advantage of the present invention that an improved multi-mode communication network is provided with handset-assisted wireless base station activation. Another advantage is that the present invention can perform activation of the wireless base station through air activation. Another advantage is that the present invention can desist from consuming a user's telephone line for the activation of the wireless base station. Another advantage is that the present invention does not require additional equipment or physical elements beyond what is required to carry the user's communications. Another advantage is that the present invention can initiate a collection for the purpose of activating the wireless base station from a user activation system.

The above advantages and other advantages of the present invention are carried out in the form of a multi-mode communication network in which cellular and wireless communications are supplied through a multi-mode handset by a programming method of a radio station. wireless base. The method requires that wireless base station programming data is first transferred from the user's activation system to the handset. The wireless base station programming data is subsequently transferred from the handset to the wireless base station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of the present invention can be derived with reference to the detailed description and claims when considered in their relation to the figures, wherein similar reference numbers refer to similar articles through the figures, and: 1 shows a schematic view of various components including a multi-mode communication network; Figure 2 shows a frequency management diagram which illustrates an exemplary common grouping of channels used for wireless and cellular operations; .

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the included physical elements and a preferred multiple-mode handset; Figure 4 shows a flow chart of a system flow process performed to activate multiple-mode handsets and wireless base stations; Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a wireless user activation system process performed by a wireless user activation system; Fig. 6 shows a flow chart of a free cellular handset process performed by a multiple-mode handset; Figure 7 shows a flow diagram of a wireless control process performed by a multiple-mode handset; and Figure 8 shows a flow diagram of a wireless base station process performed by a wireless base station.

BEST WAYS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram view of an environment in which the multi-mode communication network 12 can be increased. The network 12 supports a cellular communication system defined by a cell network 14 and by a certain amount of wireless communication system defined by coverage areas 16. Figure 1 shows only one of the cells 14 schematically constituted as a hexagon and only one of the wireless coverage areas 16 schematically shaped as a circle. Many more cells 14 and / or wireless coverage areas 16 may be included. Desirably, each wireless coverage area 16 is substantially smaller than the cell 14. Although not shown, other cellular systems may be superimposed on the same area shown in Figure 1. In the preferred embodiment, the cellular system is compatible with conventional AMPS standards, and wireless systems also use standard frequency channels AMPS communication protocols. Nevertheless, nothing prevents the principles of the present invention from being applied to other types of cellular systems. As illustrated in Figure 1, the network 12 includes a number of multiple-mode radiotelephone handsets 18 of which only 2 are shown, one cellular terrestrial station 20 for each cell 14 and one wireless base station 22 for each area 16 of wireless coverage. The cellular terrestrial station 20 and the wireless base station 22 each represent base stations. The terms "cellular terrestrial station" and "wireless base station" are used herein only to differentiate from one another and to remain consistent with historical usage. Cell-based stations are not required to be located on land and wireless base stations desirably desist from operating at frequencies and use communication protocols which have historically been used for wireless telephony. When the handset 18 is located within the cell 14 and the wireless coverage guides 16, it can communicate with either the cellular land station 20 or the wireless base station 22. When it is outside the wireless coverage area 16 but still inside the cell 14, the handset 18 can communicate only with the cellular land station 20. The cell 14 shows the best serving cell for the handset 18; however, multiple sites of the best serving cell for the handset 18 may be possible. The additional best server sites for cell are identified and reside near the wireless coverage area 16 nearby. The identification of the best server cell is discussed in more detail in relation to Figure 5. The wireless base station 22 is coupled to a central telephone office 24 through one or more local wired circuits. The cellular ground station 20 is coupled to the central telephone office 24 through a mobile telephone switching office 26 (MTSO) and appropriate trunks. Through the central telephone office 24, communications can be provided between the handset 18 and the other telephone devices coupled to the public switched communication network (PSTN) 28 via wireless communications or cellular communications. The wireless user activation system 30 and a cellular user activation system 32 are both coupled to PSTN 28. These user activation systems consist of user service representatives that use general prqpósitq ccmputadqras or other devices connected to PSTN 28 The representatives can initiate sessions of RF communications between the user activation systems, the cellular terrestrial stations and the telephone handsets 18 while the user is in telephone contact with the representative. As discussed in more detail below, a handset 18 can subsequently communicate with a wireless base station 22. Although Figure 1 shows separate activation systems 30 and 32, nothing prevents the use of a single integrated activation system to carry out both cellular and wireless activations. Figure 2 shows a frequency management diagram which illustrates a grouping as an example of channels 34 used for communications in both wireless and cellular mode. The channel numbers (indicated as 1-666 in figure 2 of the example) identify different channels. Each channel desirably represents a full duplex or bidirectional channel which has a shipping portion and a reverse portion. The sending portion defines a link directed towards the handset 18 while the reverse portion defines a directed link away from the handset 18. Therefore, when the handset 18 tunes a receiver to a channel, it tunes the receiver to the portion of the receiver. sending the channel, and when the cellular terrestrial station 20 or the wireless base station 22 tunes a receiver to a channel, they tune the receiver to a reverse portion of the channel. Each of the handset 18, the cellular terrestrial station 20 and the wireless base station 22 can be adjusted to communicate on any channel identified in the group of channels 34. However, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handset 18, the cellular land station 20 and the wireless base station 22 need to restrict or otherwise use their use of channels to minimize interference. The grouping of channels 34 is divided into various cellular subsets 36, indicated by the vertical columns of Figure 2. Each cellular subset 36 is desirably configured so that its nc channels are contiguous. In other words, two adjacent channels are not included in any single cellular subset. Cell subsets 36 are assigned to different cells 14, and cellular communications can use only channels included in the cellular subset 36 assigned to cell 14 when communications take place. The precise frequencies and the number of channels included in the grouping of channels 34 are not relevant parameters for the purposes of the present invention. The grouping of channels 34 also includes two predetermined dedicated control channels 37, shown within the ovals in Figure 2 and associated with channel numbers 1 and 666. One of the dedicated control channels 37 is located in block A of the channels and the other of the dedicated control channels 37 is in block B of channels. The dedicated channel channels 37 are discussed in more detail below in relation to FIGS. 7 and 8. A channel subset 38 of channels is also included in the group of channels 34. The wireless subset 38 desirably includes about twenty contiguous channels, represented as a single horizontal row in Figure 2. The number of channels included in the wireless subset 38 is somewhat arbitrary. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, all wireless systems select the channels to which they will operate from the wireless subset 38, regardless of whether the wireless systems are geographically located and regardless of which of the cellular subsets 36 are assigned for use in the wireless network. same position. The use of contiguous channels ensures that whenever a wireless system is located, the wireless subset 38 will include channels which are not used by the overlay cellular system because the cellular subsets tend to use non-contiguous channels. Although Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary selection of channels 169-189, in channel grouping block A 34 as a wireless subset 38, this is primarily an arbitrary selection. Desirably, wireless subset 38 avoids cellular control channels 40 (channels 313-354). And the selection of the channels of the wireless subset 38 desirably is independent of the dedicated channels 37. Otherwise, any grouping of block A and / or B consistent with this system allocation (A or B) is acceptable for purposes of the present invention, wireless subset 38 may vary from one cellular system to another. The specific numbering used in Figure 2 for channels in the cellular subset 36, such as the wireless sub-assembly 38 and the dedicated control channels 37 is, for example, one and may vary from one system to another.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of physical elements (hardware) included in a preferred multi-mode handset 18. For purposes of clarity, standard operating elements well known to those of ordinary skill in the art are not important to the present invention and are not shown in Figure 3 or described in detail herein. In general, the microphone 18 is configured around a controller 42, which controls the handset operation 18. Several components are connected or are in data communication with the controller 42, including a receiver 44, a transmitter 46, a timer 48, a user interface 50 and a memory 52. The controller 42, for example, may be a conventional microprocessor circuit well known in the cellular telephone art. The receiver 44, which is connected to the switch 42, is configured to receive signaling data and user signals from a channel selected from the channel pool 34 (see FIG. 2). For the cellular operation mode, the channel will be selected from the cellular subset 36 assigned to the cell 14 where the handset 18 usually resides. For the wireless operation mode, the channel will be selected from the wireless subset 38 or the dedicated channels 37.

The handset 18 also includes a transmitter 46, which is connected to the controller 42. The transmitter 46 is configured to transmit signaling data associated with conventional cell phone operations, processes and user communications. If desired, the transmitter 46 and the receiver 44 can be integrated into a transceiver assembly. Desirably, only a single transmitter and receiver are included to support both cellular and wireless modes of operation in order to reduce costs, power consumption and weight. The timer 48 is coupled to the controller 42 and helps the handset 18 to track the time. The user interface 50 is coupled to the controller 42 and desirably includes keypad pressure buttons that are used to control the standard cellular and wireless telephone functions, via a loudspeaker, a microphone, a display and other user interconnection devices well known in the art. The memory 52 is coupled to the controller 42 and stores programming instructions defining the various processes described below. In addition, the memory 52 can store various cellular wireless operation parameters and various tables and data lists used in the operation of the handset 18 and the activation of the wireless base station 22.

For the purposes of the present invention, the wireless base station 22 has a block diagram (not shown) similar to that shown in Figure 3. However, the receiver 44 and the transmitter 46 of the handset 18 operate on delivery portions and Inverse, respectively, of selected channels, while a corresponding receiver and transmitter of the wireless base station 22 operate in the reverse and send portions, respectively, of selected channels. Similarly, the wireless base station 22 may have, although not necessarily a simplified user interface as compared to the user interface 50 of the handset 18. In addition, the handset 18 desirably configures a battery for portable operation while the wireless base station 22 is desirably energized by the public power broadcast network and otherwise configured for stationary operation. Figure 4 shows a diagram describing a process flow system 54. The process 54 provides a general review of the processes included in the present embodiments of the present invention. Figures 5-8 provide more details regarding this process. With reference to figure 4, the tasks 56, 58 and 60 occur with the cooperation of a user of communication services before a handset 18 is used in any of the modes, cellular or wireless. In task 56, user cellular activation data is collected by a user service representative of the cellular user activation system 32 (see Figure 1). This data includes entries such as the user's name, user's address, a packet of features selected by the user, and possibly the electronic serial number of the handset 18 which the user is attempting to activate. The cellular activation assigned a mobile identification number (MIN) to the handset. In the wireless activation data task 58, which includes the user's address, they are collected from the user by a user service representative of the wireless activation system 30 (see Figure 1). In addition, the cellular MIN can be included with the wireless activation data. Although Figure 4 shows tasks 56 and 58 as sequential, nothing prevents task 58 from being performed before task 56 or from task 56 combined. Likewise, the collection of wireless activation data need not depend on the collection of cellular activation data. In task 60, the wireless base station 22 moves to a fixed position. This task most likely consists of the user taking the wireless base station 22 to take it to his home or to his place of work. Task 60 may occur prior to task 56 and 58 since the presently preferred mode considers a handset 18 packaged together with a wireless base station 22 so that the package is sold and taken home intact. After the activation data has been collected, various communication sessions are performed involving the handset 18 to carry out the activation of the multi-mode handset 18 and the wireless base station 22. The process 54 performs a task 62 in which the handset 18 is activated for cellular operation. Figure 4 shows that this activation occurs during a communication session between the handset 18 and the cellular user activation system 32 (see Figure 1). In the preferred embodiment, the cellular user activation system 32 initiates this communication session, and the handset 18 is searched using the ESN of the handset. Consequently, a form of service provisioning by air (OTASP) is implemented. However, this is not a requirement of the present invention. Subsequent to cellular activation or in connection with cellular activation, in a task 64, a communication session between the handset 18 and the wireless user activation system 30 (see Figure 1) programs a first phase of wireless base activation . This communication session is initiated by the wireless user activation system 30. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first two phases of the wireless base station activation consist of an RF communication programming session between the wireless user activation system 30 and the microphone cocktail device 18. When this first programming phase, a task 66 carries out the second phase of the wireless base station activation. The second phase of the wireless base station activation consists of programming the wireless base station 22 through an RF communication session established in the handset 18 and the wireless base station 22 (see Figure 1). This two-phase activation of the wireless base station 22 results in activation of the wireless base station in the air without consuming time on the user's telephone line or requiring additional equipment or physical elements. After task 66, the user can use handset 18 to couple in user communications either in cellular or wireless operation modes, as indicated in task 68. If the wireless base station 22 subsequently requires any update schedule, a task 70 will program the wireless phase station 22, using a two-phase process similar to that discussed above in connection with tasks 64. and 66. After task 70, the flow program returns to task 68 to allow continuous user communications. Figure 5 shows a flow diagram of the tasks performed by a wireless user activation system process 72. The process 72 is performed, at least in part, through the operation of the wireless user activation system 30 (see Figure 1). During a task 74, the user service representatives of the wireless user activation system 30 collect activation data specific to the user and specific to the equipment. The typical data for the user identifies the user and defines the user's preferences. The user-specific data includes the address of the location where the wireless base station 22 is to be used. The data specific to the equipment describes the equipment, such as the handset 18 and the wireless base station 22 (see Figure 1) which a user intends to use. Subsequently, in a task 76, the user's address is translated into an identity of the best server cell site. Task 76 can query a geographic database by computer to determine the latitude and longitude for the address. Then, a database of a cellular RF propagation pattern map can be evaluated to determine which of the cell site antennas have radio coverage areas which cover or closely cover the indicated latitude and longitude. In some cases, a wireless base station 22 can be more of a better server cell 14. This may occur when the wireless base station 22 is at the boundary between the cells 14 or in areas where the cells 14 are relatively small. Subsequently, a task 78 determines the appropriate power level to operate the wireless base station 22 and the handset 18 in its wireless operation mode, given the user's direction. Wireless power levels are desirably lower in urban areas than in rural areas to reduce the likelihood of interference. After task 78, the ellipse in Figure 5 indicates that the process 72 may include many other tasks conventionally performed by the user activation systems. Such other tasks are not specifically detailed herein to prevent such tasks from obscuring the present invention. Finally, the flow program within the process 72 advances to a task 80. During task 80, the wireless user activation system 30 (see Figure 1) initiates a communication session with the handset 18 to allow in the first phase on the air service provisioning (OTASP) for the wireless base station 22. Since the wireless user activation system 30 (see Figure 1), instead of the user, controls the initiation of this communication session, the user activation system 30 also controls its own workload of the activations of the user. wireless base station. If the wireless user activation system 30 (see Figure 1) is overloaded with activations, the activations can be carried out at allowable times. After task 80 the flow program leaves the process 72. Figure 6 shows a free cellular handset process 82 performed by the handset 18 in the preferred embodiments of the present invention. Generally, the free cellular handset process 82 is performed when the handset 18 is in its cellular operation mode. The process 82 begins with an application task 84, which determines whether the handset 18 is activated for cellular use. If the handset 18 is not activated for cellular use, then it operates in an inactive state, and the control program advances to a task 86. The task 86 finds a control channel which can monitor the handset 18 to detect the page message transmitted from a terrestrial station (see Figure 1) and directed to the handset. In a preferred embodiment, the control channel may be one of the dedicated channels 37 (see Figure 2). Subsequently, a request task 88 determines whether the handset 18 has received a referenced ESN page addressed to the handset 18. Conventionally, the cell phone equipment is searched using the MIN of the cellular equipment. A page message referenced ESN is a message which carries the ESN of a handset 18 instead of a MIN. An ESN reference page is used to establish a communication session with an inactive handset 18 because an inactive handset 18 does not yet have a MIN. If a page referenced ESN has not been detected by the handset 18 the control program returns through tasks 86 and 88 until an ESN referenced page is detected. When a referenced ESN page is detected directed to the handset 18, the cellular user activation system 32 (see Figure 1) attempts to activate the handset 18 for cellular operation. At this point, the handset 18 enters a remote programming session that will lead to the handset activation 18. In a task 90, the handset 18 adjusts the remote programming session of RF communication with a cellular user activation system 32. . This session is conducted through a cellular terrestrial station 20 (see Figure 1). During this session, handset 18 receives and transmits data. The transmitted data can be acknowledgments of the received activation programming data and the like. The transmitted data is transmitted using signals of relatively high energy level. For example, the relatively high energy level may be about 600 mW, which is a typical transmission power level for portable cellular handsets. A remote programming session may carry one or more of several different types of programming data, as indicated by tasks 92, 94 and 96. During task 92, handset 18 receives and stores cellular activation programming from the system 32 of cellular user activation (see Figure 1). During task 94, handset 18 receives and stores data regarding its best server cell site 14 (see Figure 1). During task 96, handset 18 receives and stores wireless base station activation or update schedule data. One or more tasks 92, 94 and 96 can be carried out in the same programming session. The best data server mentioned in task 94 can be treated differently than the wireless activation schedule referenced in task 96. Handset 18 uses the best data server before it is activate the wireless base station. As discussed in more detail in the following, the best data server uses the handset 18 to verify the user's address. The handset 18 will not attempt to perform the second wireless base station activation phase, discussed above in relation to the task 66 (see Figure 4) until the handset 18 is in the coverage area radius of its best server. Therefore, if the user's address is incorrect, the wireless base station activation may not be successful. An incorrect address can be corrected by having the user place a call to a representative user operating the wireless user activation system 30 (see Figure 1). The task 96 carries out the first activation phase of the wireless base station included in the preferred embodiment of the present invention and referred to in figure 4. The data received in the task 96 includes authorization data which allow that the handset 18 operate in a wireless mode with the wireless base station 22. In this way, while task 92 allows handset 18 to operate on a cellular mqdq, handset microphone 18 is not authorized to work in a wireless mode until task 96 and a subsequent second phase of wireless base station activation have occurred. If the remote programming session initiated in task 90 is successful, handset 18 is activated for cellular operation and subsequently operates in the active cellular state. After the handset 18 has received the appropriate programming data in the tasks 90 to 96, the flow program returns to an appropriate entry point in the free cellular handset process 82, such as to the request task 84. When the task 84 determines that the handset 18 is operating in its active cellular state, many common cellular operations can be performed, as indicated by the ellipse in Figure 6. These tasks include using the handset 18 to make cellular calls sent, monitor broadcasting pilot channels from cellular terrestrial stations 20 (see Figure 1) and selecting which of the cellular terrestrial stations 20 to listen by monitoring their control channels 40 (channels 313-333 and 334-354 shown in Figure 2). A request task 98 determines whether a page referenced MIN has been received in the handset 18. A referenced page MIN is a page message transmitted by a terrestrial station 20 which is selected at the MIN of the handset. If the handset 18 detects a referenced page MIN, a request task 100 determines whether the page signals a standard incoming call to the handset 18. If an incoming call is detected, the handset 18 processes the call in a conventional manner, as shown in FIG. indicates in an operation 102. The operation 102 monitors the normal progress of call through to suspend the call and then shifts the program control back to the free cellular handset process 82. If the request task 100 determines that the referenced MIN search is directed to the handset 18, a remote programming session is initiated, the program control proceeds to task 90 (discussed above) to allow the remote programming session to progress. Accordingly, remote programming sessions can occur at any time whether the handset 18 is activated cellularly or not, whether the handset's wireless base station is activated or not. With reference again to the request task 98, if a page referenced MIN is not detected by the handset 18, the program control proceeds to a request task 104. In task 104, the handset 18 determines whether the cellular terrestrial station 20 is currently listening to the best server. In other words, the handset 18 determines whether it is in the coverage area radius of the cellular site 14 of the best server (see Figure 1). If the cellular terrestrial station 20 currently monitored (see Figure 1) is not the best server, the control program returns to task 98 to continue monitoring by a MIN referenced page and to continue performing other conventional cellular free operations. When the handset 18 determines that it is within the coverage range of the best serving cellular earth station, the control program proceeds to a wireless control process 106, discussed below.

Figure 7 shows a flow chart of a wireless control process 106. Process 106 includes the second phase of the wireless base station activation discussed above in connection with tasks 66 (see figure). In a task 108, the handset 18 establishes a variable which reduces the power level at which the transmitter 46 (see Figure 3) of the handset 18 transmits the future signals. In cellular mode, the handset 18 operates at approximately 600 mW (see Figure 6). For the wireless operation mode, which includes wireless base station activation, task 108 causes handset 18 to transmit at a much lower power level, for example, to approximately 10 mW or less. Subsequently, a request task 110 determines whether the handset 18 is carrying out wireless base station activation programming. The mic-cocktail 18 carries the wireless base station activation programming if the task 96 (see FIG. 6) has been carried out in a manner consistent with the first phase 64 (see FIG. 4), but the second has not yet been performed. phase 66 (-see Figure 4). For the purposes of the present description, the activation schedule may be differentiated from the update schedule. The activation schedule is used to activate an inactive wireless base station 22. The activation schedule is used to alter the programming of an inactive wireless base station 22. If the severity task 110 determines that the micro-station 18 is transporting a wireless base activation schedule, the control program proceeds to a task 112. The task 112 tunes the wireless base station 22 to one or two of the channel 37's. dedicated control (see Figure 2). The selected control channel 37 is consistent with the cellular system A or B before which the handset 18 is operating. The wireless base station 22 is pre-programmed at the factory to search for a communication session on any of the dedicated control channels 37 so that it can receive activation data. Subsequently, a request task 114 determines whether the dedicated control channel is busy. If busy, the control program proceeds to task 116. Task 116 adjusts a variable that causes transmitter 46 (see Figure 3) to transmit future signals at a power level which is increased relative to the power level. of the wireless operation mode. If task 114 determines that the dedicated control channel 37 is not busy, an optional task 118 establishes a minimum access signal strength threshold at a high level. When this threshold is high, the handset 18 must be very close, for example within 0.61-15 m (2-5 feet) of the wireless base station 22 for signals from the wireless base station 22 to be recognized by the handset 18. After the optional task 118, a task 120 causes the handset 18 to transmit a "non-denying access" message to which the transmitter 46 is tuned. Then a request task 122 determines whether the wireless base station 22 has recognized the access message not denied. If the message has not been acknowledged, the wireless base station 22 may never have heard the message because the handset 18 is too far away from the wireless base station 22, the wireless base station is not energized or the like. In this situation, the control program proceeds to task 116 to increase the power level of the transmitter 46 (see FIG. 3), exit the process 106 of the wireless control, and re-enter the free cellular handset process 82. When a non-deniable access message is recognized by the wireless base station 22, the second phase of wireless base activation begins (see Figure 4). In a task 124, the handset 18 transmits the programming data of the wireless base station (CBS) previously received during the first activation phase (see figure 6 to the wireless base station 22 through an RF communication session. in a task 26, the wireless base station 22 returns at least a portion of the activation schedule received to the handset 18 as authorization data in an authorization process For the purposes of the present invention, the authorization relates to a process whereby a handset 18 is wirelessly activated to operate in a wireless activation mode and establishes contact in wireless communications with an activated wireless base station 22. The handset 18 can verify that this authorization data is the same data that is sent to the wireless base station 22 in task 124. Therefore, task 126 authori and activates the handset 18 to work with the wireless base station 22. Although the authorization process used before is a possibility to obtain authorization, those familiar with the art can design alternative methods of authorization of the handset 18. After the authorization of task 126, a task 128 establishes a minimum access threshold and other parameters of the wireless base station 22 by the authorization process. This data is now customized for the wireless base station 22. Although not shown, the handset 18 desirably destroys the activation data, but not the handset authorization data in its memory 52 (see Figure 3) after the handset 18 is authorized. The destruction programming of the destroyed wireless base station possibly prevents the handset 18 from being used from the coupling in the subsequent activation process until it is programmed in this way by means of the wireless user activation system 30 (see Figure 1). If a problem arises with the wireless base station activation, the problem can be solved by establishing a user contact with the user service representative. Returning to the request task 110, if the handset does not present activation programming, its wireless base station station 22 may be activated in advance. In this case, the control program advances to a task 130 in which the handset 18 selects a channel from the wireless subset 38 (see FIG. 2) of the grouping of channels 34 on which to perform a transmission to a base station 22. Wireless A request task 132 determines whether the handset 18 is performing a wireless base station update schedule. If so, the control program proceeds to task 120 where the handset 18 sends a non-denyable access message to the wireless base station 22 and establishes contact in a communication session to transmit this update schedule to the wireless base station. The update schedule is transferred to the wireless base station in a manner very similar to that discussed above for the activation schedule. If the request task 132 determines that the handset 18 is not performing activation or update schedule, the handset 18 and the wireless base station 22 can be active if the handset 18 can enter its wireless operation mode. To determine whether the handset can enter or remain in its wireless operation mode, the handset 18 performs a wireless registration process 134. The process 134 is entered when the task 134 determines that the handset 18 has not carried out the programming of the update program and when the task 128 has finished. During the process 134, the handset 18 broadcasts a registration message "here I am" and listen to see if the wireless base station 22 responds with an acknowledgment. If the wireless base station 22 responds to the message, the control program advances to the free wireless handset process 136. At the same time, in the free wireless handset process 136, the handset 18 can establish contact in wireless user communication through the wireless base station 22 as indicated in task 138. If after the process 134 the station 22 The wireless base does not respond to the message that is transmitted by the handset 18, the control program returns to the task 116, and the free cellular handset process 82. Figure 8 describes a wireless base station process 140 which complements the wireless control process 106 discussed in Figure 7. The process 140 begins with a request task 142 to determine whether the wireless base station is activated. If the wireless base station 22 is not activated, an optional task 144 sets the minimum threshold of access signal strength to a high level. Adjusting this threshold to a high level drives the handset 78 to be in close proximity to the wireless base station 22 before a communication session takes place between the two. The wireless base station 22 does not know the wireless subset of channels 38 at this point. Accordingly, a task 146 tunes the transmitting and receiving wireless base station 22 to one of the dedicated control channels 37. After the synchronization operation, a request task 148 monitors the transmissions on the selected channel to detect a non-deniable access message specifically directed to the wireless base station 22. In the preferred embodiment, this non-deniable access message will include the serial number of the wireless base station 22. All other non-deniable access messages and other signals will be ignored by the wireless base station 22. In the preferred embodiment, the serial number of the wireless base station 22 is programmed at the factory in at least one of the handsets 18 packaged and sold with the specific wireless base station 22. However, having the serial number programmed into the handset 18 is not necessary for the purposes of the present invention. When the task 148 finally receives the desired non-deniable access message that is specifically addressed thereto, a task 150 then receives the activation or update schedule from the handset 18. This programming is stored in appropriate positions in the memory of the station wireless base Subsequently, in a task 152, the wireless base station 22 introduces an authorization mode and transmits at least a portion of this programming back to the handset 18. The task 152 completes the task 126 from the figure 7. In a task 154, the wireless base station 22 sets its operational parameters according to the wireless base station programming received in task 150. These operational parameters may include a minimum threshold of access signal strength, the MIN of the handsets 18 authorized to operate on that wireless base station 22, the subset of channel groupings 34 (see Figure 2) on which the wireless base station 22 can operate, and power levels at which the base station 22 can operate Wireless After these parameters are set, the flow program advances to an appropriate entry point back into the wireless base station process 140. With reference again to task 142, if the wireless base station 22 is already activated, then task 156 monitors the local circuit, or the connection to PSTN 28 (see Figure 1). When the wireless base station 22 detects an incoming call, the wireless base station 22 will perform the steps well known in the art to transfer a search message to the handset 18. After, in a task 158, the wireless base station 22 scans at least a portion of the wireless subset of channels 38 (see Figure 2) to determine if one of the handsets 18 is attempting to contact it. If the wireless base station 22 detects a transmission directed to it, a request task 160 determines whether a non-deniable access page has been received by the wireless base station 22. If a non-deniable access page is detected in task 160, the control program proceeds back to task 150 to re-enter the programming phase of the wireless base station activation. If task 160 does not detect receipt of a non-deniable access page, the control program returns to an appropriate entry point within the wireless base station process 160. When the task 160 detects a page indicating that the handset 18 is requesting to send a call, this request is processed in a conventional manner by the wireless base station 22. In summary, the present invention provides an improved multiple-mode communication network with handset-assisted wireless base station activation. A multi-mode handset is activated for cellular use by a cellular user activation system. In the first phase of a two-phase wireless base station activation process, the programming data is transmitted from a wireless user activation system to the handset. In the second phase, the programming data is transferred from the handset to the wireless base station.

None of the wireless base stations or handsets require additional equipment or physical elements (hardware) to carry out the activation of the wireless base station and the handset authorization functions. Since the process is carried out using RF communications, the user's telephone line is not blocked for transferring data, and the user's telephone line is available so that a user can make a call to the service representative of the user. user, if necessary. The process is controlled by the user activation system, which avoids additional confusion for the user and unplanned overloads of the wireless base station activations in the user's activation system. The present invention has been described in the foregoing with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those familiar with the art will recognize that changes and modifications can be made to these preferred embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, alternative modes may use different techniques for transferring authorization data from the handset to the wireless base station. In addition, the precise task and organizational processes discussed herein may be substantially altered while obtaining equivalent results. These and other changes and modifications which are obvious to those familiar with the art are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (18)

1. An etodq for programming a wireless base station in a multiple mqdq communication network in which cellular and wireless ccmunicacities are supplied through a multi-mode mic-cocktail, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: programming the handset with data which identify a cellular ground station; first transfer wireless base station programming data from a user activation system to the handset; and secondly transferring the wireless base station programming data from the handset to the wireless base station while the handset is within the coverage area radius of the identified cellular earth station.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of verifying that the handset is within the radius of coverage area of the cellular ground station before performing the second transfer stage.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the second transfer stage comprises the step of establishing an RF communication session between the handset and the wireless base station, the RF communication session is initiated by the handset .

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first transfer stage comprises the step of transmitting radiofrequency energy from the handset to a first energy level; and the second transfer stage comprises the step of transmitting radiofrequency energy from the handset to a second energy level, the second energy level being less than the first energy level.

The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the programming data transferred in the second transfer stage activates the wireless base station to provide wireless communication with the handset, and the method further comprises the steps of: instead, transfer updated wireless base station programming data from the user activation system to the handset, the third transfer stage occurs after the wireless base station has been activated; and fourth, transferring updated programming data from the wireless base station from the handset to the wireless base station.

6. A method for programming a wireless base station in a multi-mode communication network in which cellular and wireless communications are delivered through a multi-mode handset, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: firstly Transfer wireless base programming data from a user activation system to the handset when establishing a first RF communication session between the user activation system and the handset, the first RF communication session is initiated by the activation system of user; and secondly, transferring wireless base station programming data from the handset to the wireless base station by establishing a second session of RF communication between the handset and the wireless base station, the second RF communication session being start by the handset.

The method according to claim 6, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of activating the handset to establish contact with cellular operations, the activation stage is completed before the first transfer stage.

8. A method for programming a wireless base station in a multi-mode communication network in which wireless cellular communications are delivered through a multi-mode handset and in which selected channels of a common pool are used to supply cellular communications and wireless, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: configuring the programming data of the wireless base station to define a wireless subset of the channel grouping; first transfer wireless base station programming data from a user activation system to the handset; tune the handset and the wireless base station to a predetermined channel not included in the wireless subset of the channel grouping; Second, transfer the wireless base station programming data from • the handset to the wireless base station by establishing an RF radio communication session between the handset and the wireless base station, the RF communication session starts by the handset; and establishing contact, after the second transfer stage, in user communications between the handset and the wireless base station using selected channels of the wireless subset of the channel grouping.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of verifying, after the tuning step and before the second transfer stage, that the predetermined channel is not in use.

10. A method for programming a wireless base station in a multi-mode communication network in which wireless cellular communications are provided through a multi-mode handset, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: configuring programming data of wireless base station to define a minimum threshold of access signal strength; first, transfer the wireless base programming data from a user activation system to the handset by transmitting radio frequency energy from the handset to a first power level; secondly transfer the wireless base station programming data from the handset to the second wireless base station by transmitting radio frequency energy from the handset to a second power level, the second power level being lower than the first level of power; energy, the second transfer stage is coupled when the strength of the handset signal measured at the wireless base station is greater than a minimum threshold of access signal strength, the threshold of the minimum access signal strength of programming is greater than the minimum access signal strength threshold activated; and establishing contact, after the second transfer stage, in user communications between the handset and the wireless base station when the strength of the handset signal measured at the wireless base station is greater than a minimum threshold of signal strength access activated.

11. A method for programming a wireless base station in a multi-mode communication network in which cellular and wireless communications are provided through a first handset, the method being characterized by the steps of: configuring the programming datqs of the wireless base station to identify the first mictechphone together with a second handset which can be coupled into user communications through the wireless base station; transferring the wireless base station programming data from a user activation system to the first handset; transfer the wireless base station programming data from the user activation system to the second handset; and transferring the wireless base station programming data from one of the first and second handsets to the wireless base station.

12. A method for activating a wireless base station in a multi-mode communication network in which wireless cellular communications are provided through a multi-mode handset, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) programming the handset with data which identifies a cellular ground station; b) transferring wireless base activation programming from a user activation system to the handset; c) establishing an RF communication session between the handset and the wireless base station, the RF communication session is initiated by the handset while the handset is within the coverage area radius of the identified cellular earth station; and d) transferring the wireless base station activation programming from the handset to the wireless base station during the RF communication session.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: the RF communication session established between the handset and the wireless base station is a second RF communication session; and step b) of transfer comprises the step of establishing a first RF communication session between the user activation system and the handset, the first RF communication session is initiated by the user activation system. 1 .

The method according to claim 13, characterized in that it additionally comprises the step of activating the handset to establish contact in cellular operations, the activation stage is completed before steps a), b), c) and d).

The method according to claim 12, characterized in that: the transfer stage b) comprises the step of transmitting radiofrequency energy from the handset to a first energy level; and the setting step c) comprises the step of transmitting the radiofrequency energy from the handset to a second energy level, the second energy level being less than the first energy level.

16. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that the transfer steps b) and d) involve a first handset which can make contact in communication with the user through the wireless base station after the transfer stage d), the The method is characterized in that it additionally comprises the steps of: configuring the wireless base station programming data to identify the first handset together with the second handset which can make contact in user communications through the wireless base station; and transferring wireless base station programming data from the user activation system to the second handset.

17. A multiple-mode portable radiotelephone which communicates in a cellular mode with a cellular ground station, in a wireless mode with a wireless base station after the wireless base station has been activated, the portable radiotelephone is characterized in that comprises: a controller; a memory coupled to the controller; a transmitter coupled to the controller; and a receiver coupled to the controller; wherein, the controller and the memory are configured to obtain and store data which identifies a cellular ground station, to control the receiver to receive activation programming of the wireless base station from a user activation system to store the programming activation of wireless base station in memory, and for controlling the transmitter to transmit the wireless base activation programming to the wireless base station while the portable radiotelephone is within a coverage area radio of the identified cellular ground station. The portable radiotelephone according to claim 17, characterized in that: the controller and the memory are configured to control the transmitter to operate at a first power level in relation to the wireless base station activation programming from the user activation system; and the controller and memory are configured to control the transmitter to operate at a second power level in relation to the transmission of the wireless base station programming to the wireless base station, the second power level is less than the power level. first level of energy.