Patent CA-2365559-A1 (CA)
Title: Method and system for automatically providing handset operational status information to a wireless carrier when interfaced to a hybrid fixed wireless device
Inventor: DESCHENES MICHEL
IPC: H04M1/724
Filed: 2001-12-18
Abstract: A system to inform wireless carriers of the insertion or proximity and operational status of mobile cellular handsets into hybrid fixed wireless interfaces (HFWI) is provided. Upon handset insertion into the HFWI, the system dictates the handset to update the signalling protocol to inform the wireless carrier of a fixed operation mode so that upon page requests, access requests, location updating or other carrier and mobile station housekeeping functions, the wireless carrier network is informed of the fixed operation mode. Alternatively, upon insertion or proximity sensing of the handset into the HFWI, the system may instruct the handset to automatically transmit a message to a gateway situated either remotely at a clearing house location or remotely at the wireless carrier location for the purpose of authentication of the fixed mode of operation and of informing the wireless carrier. Upon removal of the handset from the HFWI, or the handset being taken out of reach of HFWI proximity sensing, the system reverts to the conventional signalling protocol indicating a non-fixed (mobile) operation mode to the carrier again following page or access requests or due to other housekeeping functions involving a non voice message exchange between mobile station and the wireless carrier. Alternatively, upon removal of the handset from the HFWI, or the handset being taken out of reach of HFWI proximity sensing, the system may instruct the handset to automatically transmit a message to a gateway situated either remotely at a clearing house location or remotely at the carrier location for the purpose of authentication and informing the wireless carrier about non fixed (mobile) mode of operation. The first method operates by dictating to the handset a setting in the signalling protocol so that through the conventional functions of signalling messages to synchronise handsets to serving system common to the cellular industry, the information regarding a fixed or mobile mode of operation is forwarded before any new calf is made or received. The alternative method operates by instructing the handset of transmitting a message outside of the normal signalling handshake procedures common to the cellular industry. The alternative method involves, upon insertion and removal of the handset from the HFWI, or alternatively the handset coming into reach or going out of reach of HFWI proximity sensing, a message such as an SMS (Short Message Service), USSD (Unstructured Supplier Service Data) or GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) to be sent to a gateway for the purpose of authentication of the fixed or mobile mode of operation status of the handset and to thus inform the appropriate wireless carrier. The system is a combination of hardware and software present in the HFWI and in the handset allowing information exchange, authentication, and instructions to be carried out by the handset in order for the wireless carrier or clearing house gateways to be dynamically informed about the handset functional status with the HFWI.