Multiplex communications – Communication over free space – Having a plurality of contiguous regions served by...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-04-30
2001-07-03
Vincent, David R. (Department: 2661)
Multiplex communications
Communication over free space
Having a plurality of contiguous regions served by...
C455S411000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256299
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to wireless switching systems, and in particular, to administration of wireless switching systems with respect to wireless terminals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Wireless service also referred to as cellular service has been extremely popular in both public telephone networks and in private telephone networks such as business telecommunication switching systems. Whereas wireless services have provided a useful service for users, there are problems associated with the provision of wireless service both from the point of view of a user and a supplier of wireless services. The first of these problems is that when a wireless terminal is first activated, it is necessary for a skilled salesperson or technical support personnel to perform the activation of the wireless terminal for entering the service profile of the user and identifying the wireless terminal to the wireless switching system. The problem this creates is that it is not possible to mass-market wireless terminals in a manner similar to smaller electronic devices such as cassette tape players are marketed. It is simply not possible for a consumer to walk into a store, pick a wireless terminal from a shelf, pay for it, walk outside, and perform the necessary actions to utilize that wireless terminal. Within a corporation, users of wireless terminals connected to a business telecommunication switching system still need the help of a skilled individual to activate a wireless terminal. This normally requires the utilization of technical support people whose job is to go from new users' offices enabling their wireless terminals. In addition, fraudulent activity associated with wireless terminals cost both the users and the service providers millions of dollars a year. One fraudulent activity is the stealing of a wireless terminal and then using that wireless terminal to make long distance telephone calls either domestic or foreign. At present, fraud detection software is commonly used to detect fraudulent call activity based on the normal patterns of the user. This software has been found to be ineffective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing problems are solved and a technical advance is achieved by an apparatus and method that automatically connect an unauthorized wireless terminal to a service provider agent so that online registration can be performed to provide permanent service to the wireless terminal. Advantageously, the wireless terminal is initially connected to a service provider agent by a telephone call from the wireless terminal via a call center having a plurality of agents when the wireless terminal first attempts to register with the service provider's wireless switching network. From the point of view of the user, the user may purchase a wireless terminal off the shelf of a mass merchandiser or in the corporate setting simply check a wireless terminal out of a stock room. When the user initially turns the power of the wireless terminal on, a call is placed to an agent of the service provider so that the registration may take place. Advantageously, all necessary information that must be loaded into the wireless telephone will be downloaded during this registration process. To prevent fraudulent use of the wireless terminal, the user sets up their service profile to prohibit certain types of activity. Advantageously, the user will have a personal identification number (PIN) that may be utilized to perform these activities on a selective basis. The PIN could be the mother's maiden name or secured credit. In addition, authorization could be performed where the PIN would actually be voice recognition. Once a user performs an activity that is not allowed in their service profile, they would be transferred to an agent of the service provider. By identifying themselves with the PIN, the user would be allowed to perform the restricted activity on a one-time basis, for a short period of time, or permanently change their service profile so that the activity could be performed all the time. An example of such an activity is the ability to make long distance telephone calls either domestic or foreign. If the user during the registration process determines that they do not want to make long distance telephone calls, but later changes their mind, they still can make the long distance telephone call but will initially be connected to a wireless service provider system and required to enter the PIN before the long distance call can be completed. This prevents a thief from making long distance telephone calls using a stolen wireless terminal. In addition, the user may modify their service profile by contacting the service provider's call center and using the PIN to have the call center change the service profile.
These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description of an illustrated embodiment of the invention considered together with the following drawing.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5826185 (1998-10-01), Wise et al.
patent: 5828737 (1998-10-01), Sawyer
patent: 5850599 (1998-12-01), Seiderman
patent: 5854975 (1998-12-01), Fougnies et al.
Chavez, Jr. David L.
Hardouin Larry J.
Avaya Technology Corp.
Moran John C.
Vincent David R.
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