Telecommunications – Radiotelephone system – Zoned or cellular telephone system
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-05
2001-05-29
Legree, Tracy (Department: 2681)
Telecommunications
Radiotelephone system
Zoned or cellular telephone system
C455S414200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240295
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 mobile communications and in particular mobile 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 event. For example, a truck trailer monitoring system may use data messaging to collect information on the current position and status of a fleet of truck trailers.
A network of cellular telephone systems is a suitable conduit for such data messaging, especially if the monitored items are mobile, such as people, vehicles, or cargo containers. However, 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.
Therefore, a need has arisen for a communications network that handles a high volume of data messaging by exploiting the functionality of existing cellular telecommunications equipment, while reducing opportunities for fraud. In particular, a need has arisen for data messaging to monitor the position and status of a national fleet of truck trailers in the most cost effective and reliable manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the invention, a method and apparatus for data messaging in a communications network is provided which substantially eliminate or reduce disadvantages and problems associated with prior art data messaging systems. Furthermore, data messaging in a cellular telephone network to monitor the location and status information of a fleet of truck trailers substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with prior art truck trailer monitoring systems.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for data messaging over a cellular telephone network by issuing a feature request is disclosed. Information is obtained on a mobile item. A feature request is generated having data digits that represent information on the mobile item. The feature request is communicated using the cellular telephone network. The feature request is received at a platform operating as an end user of the cellular telephone network.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system for data messaging using a cellular telephone network by issuing a feature request includes a messaging unit. The messaging unit obtains information on a mobile item and generates a feature request having data digits that represent information on the mobile item. The messaging unit has a cellular transceiver that communicates the feature request using the cellular telephone network. A platform is coupled to the cellular telephone network and receives the feature request communicated by the messaging unit. The platform translates the data digits to determine the information on the mobile item. The platform has a memory that stores the information on the mobile item. A host is coupled to the platform and operates external to the cellular telephone network. The host accesses the information on the mobile item stored at the platform.
An important advantage of the invention is that messaging units can send data messages using a cellular telephone network by issuing a feature request having data digits. The data digits represent information obtained on a mobile item, and in one particular embodiment, information generated by a sensor. The feature request may be communicated to a platform for translation of the data digits into information obtained on the mobile item. The platform may then store the information on the mobile item for access by a host. In one embodiment, the communication of the feature request is performed through a switch, which may recognize a feature request identification code or a cellular transceiver identifier to determine that the feature request is associated with data messaging. In addition to data digits, the feature request may also include an altered identifier of a cellular transceiver that reflects information on the mobile item. Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
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Hammer Kenneth W.
Kennedy, III William C.
Westerlage Kenneth R.
@Track Communications, Inc.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Legree Tracy
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