Telecommunications – Radiotelephone system – Zoned or cellular telephone system
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-05
2001-10-09
Le, Thanh Cong (Department: 2684)
Telecommunications
Radiotelephone system
Zoned or cellular telephone system
C455S456500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301480
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to communication technology, and more particularly to a system and method for communicating using a voice network and a data network.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
With the proliferation of sophisticated communication technology, consumers demand a wider range of communication solutions to meet their increasing needs. One solution integrates voice and data in a single communication session. For example, existing call center technology supports voice/data sessions to deliver customer services. Typically, a customer engages in a voice/data session to receive a predefined service. A customer may dial a 1-800 number to place an order for clothing with a mail order organization, to trade stocks or mutual funds, or to perform some other suitable transaction. Often these voice/data sessions include a conversation with a live operator that can access data related to the service.
Many of these existing technologies use the same path to communicate both voice and data, which may require more sophisticated equipment at both ends of the communication link. Moreover, these technologies may only contemplate and support the provisioning of a single service. Furthermore, these technologies may not be adaptable to a mobile environment or configurable to provide a variety of data messaging and content in an integrated voice/data system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a communication system and method are provided that substantially eliminate or reduce disadvantages or problems associated with previously developed communication systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides a system and method for communicating using a voice network and a data network.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for communicating using a voice network and a data network includes a mobile unit coupled to the voice network. The mobile unit communicates a service message in a first call using the voice network. A network switching center (NSC) coupled to the voice network and the data network includes a switch that receives the first call initiated by the mobile unit and initiates a second call to a service center using the voice network. The NSC also includes a router that communicates a data message to the service center using the data network. Both the second call and the data message specify an identifier of the mobile unit. The service center coupled to the voice network and the data network associates the second call and the data message using the identifier of the mobile unit.
In another embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for communicating using a voice network and a data network includes a profile table that stores information relating a mobile unit to a service center. A switch coupled to the voice network receives a service message in a first call and initiates a second call to the service center specified in the profile table. A router communicates a data message to the service center using the data network, wherein the second call and the data message specify an identifier of the mobile unit.
Technical advantages of the present invention include an arrangement of mobile units, one or more NSCs, and one or more service centers. These components of a communication system combine to provide a variety of voice/data sessions between the mobile units and the service centers. The mobile units direct requests for service to the NSC which may then access information to direct both a voice component and a data component to the appropriate service center to establish a voice/data session. The NSC maintains profile information to relate individual or groups of mobile units to associated service centers and access information to establish both a voice path and a data path to the selected service center.
Other important technical advantages of the present invention include the use of a separate voice path and data path between the NSC and the selected service center. To ensure proper association of the voice and data components of a voice/data session, the NSC provides an identifier of the mobile unit in both the voice call and the data message to the service center. In a particular embodiment, the NSC specifies the identifier of the mobile unit as automatic number identification or caller ID information associated with the voice call. The service center associates the voice and data components using the identifier of the mobile unit to establish the voice/data session.
Still other important technical advantages of the present invention include the adaptation of the invention to provide a variety of services in a mobile environment. In a particular embodiment, mobile units are associated with cars, trucks, boats, barges, airplanes, cargo holders, persons or other mobile items that may desire a selection of services. These services may include emergency services, roadside assistance, information services (e.g., directions, news and weather reports, financial quotes, etc.), or other services. The NSC maintains information to relate and provide these services upon request by the mobile units. Other technical advantages are readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
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PCT Search Report in International Serial No. PCT/US 98/18552, dated Dec. 23, 1998, 6 pages.
Beasley Dale E.
Drueckhammer Carl W.
Kennedy, III William C.
Westerlage Kenneth R.
@Track Communications, Inc.
Cong Le Thanh
Locke,Liddell & Sapp LLP
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