Telecommunications – Radiotelephone system – Zoned or cellular telephone system
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-19
2001-09-25
Hunter, Daniel (Department: 2746)
Telecommunications
Radiotelephone system
Zoned or cellular telephone system
C455S412100, C455S414200, C455S424000, C455S517000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06295449
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly to data messaging in a communications network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The proliferation of sophisticated communications systems has resulted in developments in data messaging. Data messaging collectively refers to the transfer of information over voice or data channels of a communications network. One application of data messaging is the monitoring of a group of items by causing the items to send data messages to a remote location in response to a recognized reporting events. A network of cellular telephone systems is a suitable conduit for such data messaging, but the cost of using traditional cellular communication is prohibitive, both in terms of chargeable air time and roamer fees.
Another problem with using traditional cellular networks for data messaging is that the fragmentation of cellular service providers results in disintegrated monitoring and control of cellular air traffic, which often contributes to fraudulent use of the cellular telephone network. Increasing incidents of roamer fraud adds significantly to the cost of cellular air time, especially for nation-wide users of the cellular telephone network. To combat these problems, cellular service providers are implementing authorization and verification procedures for validating roaming customers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the invention, a method and apparatus for data messaging in a communications network substantially eliminate or reduce disadvantages and problems associated with prior art data messaging systems.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a system for communicating information about an item using a cellular telephone network includes a messaging unit coupled to the item. The messaging unit communicates, using the cellular telephone network, a feature request having data digits that represent information about the item. A remote site coupled to the cellular telephone network receives the feature request communicated by the messaging unit to obtain the information about the item.
An important advantage of the invention is that messaging units can send data messages using the cellular telephone network by communicating a feature request having information on the monitored item. By using a feature request, the messaging unit can send information over existing cellular telecommunications equipment at a reduced cost and complexity. In a particular embodiment, the feature request communicated by the messaging unit includes a feature request code and data digits that represent information on the monitored item.
In a particular embodiment, a messaging unit may be attached to or associated with an item to be monitored. For example, a truck trailer monitoring system may use a messaging unit to communicate information on the current position and/or status of a fleet of truck trailers. Also, a monitoring station may use a messaging unit to communicate information generated by a metering device, such as a gas meter, electrical meter, other utility meter, or vending machine. In the latter example, the present invention allows flexible deployment of fixed monitoring stations in areas of cellular coverage without additional wireline or wireless equipment.
Other technical advantages are apparent from the attached description, figures, and claims.
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Kennedy, III William C.
Westerlage Kenneth R.
@Track Communications, Inc.
Hunter Daniel
Locke Liddell & Sapp LLP
Woldetatios Yemane
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