I 1111111111111111 11111 1111111111 111111111111111 IIIII IIIII IIIIII IIII IIII IIII
`US007043263B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Kaplan et al.
`
`(IO) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,043,263 B2
`May 9, 2006
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOBILE
`CONFIGURATION
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Diego Kaplan, San Diego, CA (US);
`Bilhan Kirbas, La Jolla, CA (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp., San Diego,
`CA (US)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 582 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/120,956
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Apr. 11, 2002
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2004/0203941 Al
`
`Oct. 14, 2004
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H04M 3/00
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ...................... 455/466; 455/418; 455/419;
`455/420; 455/517
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................ 455/418,
`455/419,420, 517,466
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6,029,065 A
`6,223,028 Bl
`6,275,693 Bl
`6,292,833 Bl
`2002/0144151 Al*
`2003/0186721 Al*
`
`2/2000 Shah .......................... 455/414
`4/2001 Chang et al.
`............... 455/419
`8/2001 Lin et al. .................... 455/414
`9/2001 Liao et al. .................. 709/229
`10/2002 Shell et al.
`................. 713/201
`10/2003 Kanazawa et al ........ 455/552.1
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner-Joseph Feild
`Assistant Examiner-S. Smith
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system and method for configuring, or prov1s10ning,
`mobile communication devices 10 by an administrator 12.
`Administrator 12 comprises a computer, or second mobile
`18. Mobile configuration feature codes are communicated to
`mobile 10 by communications channel 14 which can com(cid:173)
`prise RF wireless transmission over a mobile communica(cid:173)
`tion network. Feature codes are transmitted to mobile 10 by
`way of a Short Message System (SMS) or an Internet
`protocol-based Over-the-Air (IOTA) protocol.
`
`19 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
`
`(12
`
`14~
`
`ADMINISTRATOR
`
`~
`
`....
`
`....
`r
`
`'I,.
`
`COMMUNICATIONS
`CHANNEL
`
`; ..
`
`~
`
`-....
`
`....
`r
`
`....
`,.
`
`...
`,.
`
`MOBILE 1
`
`MOBILE2
`
`MOBILE 3
`
`•
`•
`•
`
`MOBILEIRON, INC. - EXHIBIT 1006
`Page 001
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 3
`
`US 7,043,263 B2
`
`(12
`
`14)
`
`ADMINISTRATOR
`
`J
`
`...
`
`~
`
`,
`
`' I,,
`
`COMMUNICATIONS
`CHANNEL
`, ..
`
`J
`
`....
`
`FIG. 1
`
`. ,
`
`~
`
`,
`
`. ,
`
`MOBILE 1
`
`MOBILE2
`
`MOBILE 3
`
`•
`
`•
`
`ADMINISTRATOR
`
`►
`
`10"
`
`FIG. 2
`
`MOBILEIRON, INC. - EXHIBIT 1006
`Page 002
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
`
`US 7,043,263 B2
`
`ADMINISTRATOR SELECTS
`MOBILE(S) TO CONFIGURE
`
`ADMINISTRATOR SELECTS
`FEATURES FOR MOBILE(S)
`
`ADMINISTRATOR ENCRYPTS FEATURES
`INTO MESSAGE FOR TRANSMISSION
`
`TRANSMIT MESSAGE
`TO MOBILE(S)
`.
`y
`
`MOBJLE(S)
`RECEIVE MESSAGE
`
`MOBILE(S)
`PROCESS MESSAGE
`
`FEATURES SET IN
`MOBILE(S)' MEMORY
`
`w
`
`INDICATOR MESSAGE DISPLAYED
`TO MOBILE USER
`
`FIG. 3
`
`MOBILEIRON, INC. - EXHIBIT 1006
`Page 003
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`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 9, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 7,043,263 B2
`
`R
`
`F
`
`FIG. 4
`
`MOBILE ENCRYPTS FEATURES
`INTO MESSAGE FOR TRANSMISSION
`
`''
`TRANSMIT MESSAGE
`TO MOBILE
`
`MOBILE
`RECEIVES MESSAGE
`
`MOBILE
`PROCESSES MESSAGE
`
`FEATURES SET IN
`MOBILE MEMORY
`
`INDICATOR MESSAGE DISPLAYED
`TO MOBILE USER
`
`FIG. 5
`
`MOBILEIRON, INC. - EXHIBIT 1006
`Page 004
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`

`

`US 7,043,263 B2
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MOBILE
`CONFIGURATION
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field)
`The present invention relates to mobile communication
`devices, in particular to configuring or reconfiguring a
`mobile by transmitting a configuration message from a
`mobile, or a computer, to the mobile to be configured.
`2. Background Art
`There are a variety of mobile communication devices
`available for wireless, or remote, communications, including
`mobile cellular and satellite telephones, pagers, personal
`digital assistants (PDAs), and the like. These devices typi(cid:173)
`cally comprise a rigid housing enclosing a printed circuit
`board, an associated microprocessor, electronic and electro(cid:173)
`acoustic components, and a portable power supply such as
`a battery. Mobile communication devices communicate
`through a variety of means, including antennas that transmit
`and receive radio frequency (RF) signals, infrared (IR)
`emitters and receivers, or cable connections to input/output
`ports of computers and other mobile devices. The user
`interfaces with the circuitry and microprocessor of the
`device through a keypad, or touchpad, located on the front
`outer surface of the housing. Keys on the keypad are pressed
`by the user to temporarily close an internal switch and send
`a signal to the microprocessor where an appropriate routine
`processes the input and operates the device. On mobile
`telephones, graphical elements, such as alphanumeric char(cid:173)
`acters and icons, are located on or near the keys of the
`keypad to guide the user in interfacing with the mobile. A
`display on the housing of the device provides a readout of
`data input by the user, access to spatially navigated menu
`trees, includes a graphical user interface (GUis), windows,
`and messages.
`Mobile telephones in particular (hereafter referred to as
`"mobiles") are configured, or "provisioned", for various
`modes of operation. The configuration determines how basic
`functions of the mobile will operate, such as setting or 40
`resetting wireless voice and data exchange protocol param(cid:173)
`eters, parameters used to enable or disable communication
`features, and local network services available to the mobile.
`Examples of communication features include, but are not
`limited to, call forwarding, call waiting, caller identification, 45
`automatic callback, conference calling, message waiting
`notification, call encryption, voice mail, cost of call notifi(cid:173)
`cation, enhanced vocoder (voice encoder), and the ability to
`transmit and receive textual messages. Mobiles are also
`configured so that communications occur through the appro- 50
`priate service provider and are invoiced properly. A tele(cid:173)
`phone number and a 34-bit binary mobile identification
`number (MIN) for analog communications, (international
`mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) for CDMA communica(cid:173)
`tions), used to identify a particular mobile subscriber within 55
`the mobile telephone communication network, are also
`configured into a mobile in a number assignment module
`(NAM) within non-volatile memory of the mobile. The
`NAM is also used to indicate whether the mobile functions
`in the personal communication service (PCS) band (1.9 60
`GHz) or the cellular band (800 MHz). Other configuration
`information can include an electronic serial number (ESN),
`network identification (NID), system identification (SID), a
`home registration indicator, a preferred roaming list (PRL),
`and other information that allows the network base station to 65
`locate and determine the operating characteristics and capa(cid:173)
`bilities of the mobile. The configuration can be preset in the
`
`5
`
`2
`mobile, set into the mobile upon entering an appropriate
`access code, or set after connection to the wireless carrier
`network through which the mobile operates.
`Typically, the configuration is established after connec-
`tion to the wireless carrier network, commonly referred to as
`over-the-air service provisioning (OTASP). (A specification
`for OTASP operation can be found in "Over-the-Air Service
`Provisioning of Mobile Stations in Spread Spectrum Sys(cid:173)
`tems", TIA/EIA/IS-683-A, incorporated herein by refer-
`! o ence.) Local service parameters are acquired from and set by
`the carrier network via the over-the-air function/customer
`service center (OTAF/CSC) through a particular server,
`typically that of the communication service provider. The
`mobile requests configuration information from a network
`15 server and is then configured "over the air" in accordance
`with the information acquired from the server. The infor(cid:173)
`mation obtained from the server is executable or binary code
`containing interfaces, data, and operational parameters that
`modify local service parameters to set or alter mobile
`20 functions, such as communication features,
`including
`whether the mobile will support cellular or personal com(cid:173)
`munication service, dual-band or single band transmission,
`analog or digital transmission protocol, etc.
`Users are not directly provided the information necessary
`25 to configure, or reconfigure, a mobile; however, most
`mobiles can be reconfigured by accessing a "hidden" menu
`within the mobile processor. To do so, the communications
`service provider must either contact the user, or subscriber,
`in order to instruct the user how to reconfigure the mobile,
`30 or the mobile must be taken to a service provider service
`center. The mobile cannot be reconfigured for a particular
`feature until the appropriate access code has been entered
`into the mobile to access the appropriate configuration
`menu. Particular communication features require a feature
`35 code in order to set or reset the feature.
`Once configured, information is exchanged between
`mobiles or between mobiles and other devices such as
`computers via RF signals, or cable connections sometimes
`referred to as "connectivity kits". Wireless RF transmission
`provides the longest transmission range currently available
`and is often more flexible than cable transmission.
`As mobile designs have advanced over time, more fea-
`tures are available to the user, such as the ability to program,
`store, and transmit data. Mobiles store contact information,
`for example, names, telephone numbers, addresses, e-mail
`addresses, web site addresses, and scheduling information
`such as meetings and appointments. Many mobiles are
`capable of transmitting textual data as well as voice infor(cid:173)
`mation to other mobiles, computers, servers, or over the
`Internet by means such as short messaging systems (SMS),
`discussed below, and Internet protocol-based over-the-air
`configuration management (IOTA protocol).
`In order to transmit data and text messages between
`mobiles or between mobiles and computers, servers, or the
`Internet, spatially navigated menus shown on the display are
`typically implemented to aid the user in inputting messages
`and data, and also to aid the user in accessing data for
`revision or transmission. To improve the efficiency of text
`message transmission between mobiles, a variety of SMS
`have been designed for rapid text entry. Early applications of
`SMS were used by telephone operators to alert subscribers
`to newly received voice mail messages or stored facsimiles
`by displaying a simple message on the mobile display that
`the user saw once the mobile was turned on. Later applica(cid:173)
`tions of SMS provide users with a list of default messages
`that are chosen by a single keystroke in order to be sent, for
`example, "please call home." Upon choosing the predefined
`
`MOBILEIRON, INC. - EXHIBIT 1006
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`

`US 7,043,263 B2
`
`3
`message, the sending mobile would automatically send it to
`the receiving mobile. One advantage of an SMS is that it
`does not require the receiving mobile to be powered on in
`order to receive the message. The sent message is stored in
`the communication system until the receiving mobile is 5
`powered on. The message is then automatically received,
`stored on the receiving mobile, and displayed on the mobile
`display.
`With increasing reliance on wireless communication, par(cid:173)
`ticularly via mobiles, it is desirable for individuals or 10
`organizations to be able to control the configuration of a
`particular mobile, and to be able to monitor the current
`configuration status of the mobile. Currently, mobiles are
`constrained by the service provider to the configuration
`provided under the service plan and can only be configured, 15
`or reconfigured, by the carrier network, or by accessing the
`appropriate configuration menu by secret code. If a mobile
`could be configured for particular features, communication
`efficiency would be greatly enhanced and communication
`costs minimized.
`Accordingly, a method is needed whereby mobiles can be
`configured or reconfigured for particular features in a user(cid:173)
`friendly marmer. Ideally, the ability to configure mobiles
`would be accomplished over wireless means so that com(cid:173)
`munication distance does not inhibit the process. Ideally, 25
`mobiles could be configured by a remote computer or by
`communication from a second mobile.
`
`20
`
`4
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a first embodiment
`of the present invention for configuring a mobile, depicting
`communication between a plurality of mobiles and an orga(cid:173)
`nization administrator;
`FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the embodiment of FIG. 1
`operating in a cellular telephone communications network;
`FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the method of configuring a
`mobile according to the first embodiment of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a second embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the present invention for configuring a mobile,
`wherein a second mobile operates as the administrator to
`configure the first mobile; and
`FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the method of configuring a
`mobile according to the second embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`(BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION)
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`(DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION)
`
`It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to
`directly configure a mobile with features selected by a user
`via another mobile or from a computer. Another primary
`object of the present invention is to enable the configuration
`status of a mobile to be retrieved from the mobile by
`communication from another mobile or a computer.
`The present invention overcomes the limitations existing
`in the prior art by implementing a conventional SMS or
`IOTA protocol to configure and reconfigure features of
`mobiles.
`A primary advantage of the present invention is that a
`mobile can be configured for selected features by another
`mobile or from a remote computer. Another advantage of the
`invention is that the current mobile configuration status can
`be retrieved by means of communication from another
`mobile or computer.
`Other objects, advantages and novel features, and further
`scope of applicability of the present invention will be set
`forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in
`conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part
`will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
`examination of the following, or may be learned by practice
`of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention
`may be realized and attained by means of the instrunien(cid:173)
`talities and combinations particularly pointed out in the
`appended claims.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into
`and form a part of the specification, illustrate preferred
`embodiments of the present invention and, together with the
`description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
`The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating pre(cid:173)
`ferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be
`construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:
`
`The present invention is a method for configuring a
`mobile. The invention allows an administrator, operating
`independently yet within the parameters set by a carrier
`network, to use a SMS or an IOTA protocol to communicate
`feature codes to a mobile, as well as to retrieve the current
`configuration status of the mobile. As used herein the phrase
`30 "feature codes" refers to codes depicting a variety of com(cid:173)
`munication features available to a typical mobile, including
`wireless voice and data exchange protocol parameters,
`parameters used to enable or disable communication fea(cid:173)
`tures, and local network services available to the mobile.
`35 Such features may include but are not limited to: call
`blocking, call forwarding, call waiting, caller identification,
`automatic callback, conference calling, message waiting
`notification, call encryption, voice mail, cost of call notifi(cid:173)
`cation, enhanced vocoder (voice encoder), and the ability to
`40 transmit and receive textual messages. Features also include
`such capabilities as whether the mobile can support cellular
`or personal communication service, IS 95 or CDMA 2000
`modulation protocol, dual-band or single band transmission,
`analog or digital transmission protocol, etc. The term
`45 "administrator" as used herein refers to the device through
`which the user or individual within a business organization
`controls the configuration of a mobile. Such a device can
`include a second mobile or a computer.
`Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram depicts a first
`50 embodiment of the present invention. A plurality of mobiles
`shown generally at 10 used within an organization, such as
`a particular business environment, communicate with an
`organization administrator 12
`through communications
`channel 14. Communications channel 14 can comprise RF
`55 or other wireless transmission means between mobiles 10
`and administrator 12. Communications charmel 14 can oper(cid:173)
`ate via the Internet Protocol (IP), Wireless Application
`Protocol (WAP), or other suitable transmission protocol.
`Preferably the communications channel is wireless, so that
`60 distance and flexibility of communication is maximized. In
`this system, administrator 12 operates as a mobile commu(cid:173)
`nications administrator for the organization, capable of
`communicating feature codes to mobiles 10 and retrieving
`configuration data from mobiles 10. It will be understood in
`65 this embodiment of the invention that administrator 12
`comprises a computer, a server for a particular organization,
`or other equivalent device.
`
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`

`US 7,043,263 B2
`
`5
`6
`The present invention further provides the ability to
`Referring to FIG. 2, a diagram illustrates a mobile cellular
`retrieve the current configuration status of mobile 10. First
`telephone communications system within which the first
`administrator 12 selects the mobile for which the configu(cid:173)
`embodiment of the present invention can be implemented.
`Three mobiles 10, 10', and 10" are shown with a single base
`ration status is needed. A request for configuration status is
`then encrypted into a message for transmission to mobile 10
`transceiver station 16 within a cellular communications site. 5
`by a suitable software routine operating within administrator
`A cell is generally defined as a particular RF coverage area.
`12. The message preferably includes a string to indicate the
`As a mobile changes location, it can move from one cell to
`receiving mobile identification, and a bit or bits to indicate
`the next if necessary to maintain communication. Base
`station 16 is a multicircuit transceiver located at the center
`to the mobile processor that the configuration status is
`of the cell whose primary purpose is to handle incoming and 10
`requested. The message is then transmitted to the receiving
`mobile 10 over a mobile wireless communications channel
`outgoing calls within the cell. Calls originating from a
`particular mobile are relayed through base station 16. All
`via an SMS or IOTA protocol. Upon receiving the encrypted
`mobile communications occur through the base stations of
`message, the receiving mobile decrypts the message to
`indicate that the configuration status is requested by way of
`each cell via RF transmission, as well as through a mobile
`a suitable software routine operating in the mobile proces(cid:173)
`telephone switching office (MTSO) computer that is in 15
`sor. Mobile 10 then transmits a code indicating its current
`communication with each base station. Reverse charmel link
`configuration through the reverse link via base station 16 to
`R represents RF communication from mobile 10 to base
`administrator 12 by means of a message in an SMS or IOTA
`station 16, while forward channel link F represents RF
`communication from base station 16 to mobile 10, when
`protocol. This process is transparent to the mobile user;
`mobile 10 is in operation. Transmission may occur in an 20
`however, the user is optionally notified that the configuration
`status has been forwarded to administrator 12 by displaying
`analog mode, such as via advanced mobile phone service
`a message on the mobile display.
`(AMPS), or a digital mode, such as code-division multiple
`access (CDMA) or time-division multiple access (TDMA)
`The present invention is particularly suited for operation
`modulation techniques.
`within an organization, such as within a particular business,
`The present invention is preferably implemented within 25
`to enhance communication efficiency and to reduce com(cid:173)
`munication costs within an organization. The ability to
`such a cellular telecommunications environment depicted in
`FIG. 2. Administrator 12 configures mobiles 10 via RF
`program features of mobiles operating within the organiza(cid:173)
`communication through base station 16. Mobile feature
`tion is limitless, however, examples include the ability to
`program a mobile to only receive telephone calls from a
`codes are encrypted into a message and transmitted to
`mobile 10 from administrator 12 in the forward link via base 30
`particular telephone number; to block the ability of the
`station 16. "Encrypt" will be understood herein to refer to
`mobile to make "long distance" calls; to lock access to
`incorporating the information into a message for transmis(cid:173)
`mobile operation except by means of a password; to pro(cid:173)
`sion and need not necessarily mean that the information is
`gram a lost mobile to only be able to dial a particular
`telephone number so that it can be returned to its proper
`somehow disguised to inhibit interception by a third party.
`FIG. 3 is a flow diagram demonstrating the methodology 35 owner; and other organization-specific parameters.
`Referring to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of the present
`of the first embodiment of the invention operating within the
`invention for configuring mobile 10 is shown. In this
`communications network of FIG. 2. In order to configure
`embodiment, mobile 10 is configured, or reconfigured, by
`selected mobiles within the organization for particular fea(cid:173)
`tures, the organization administrator 12 is preferably guided
`way of an administrator comprising a second mobile 18. The
`40 second mobile 18 configures mobile 10 by communicating
`through the feature configuration process by a series of
`menus or other GUI. First, the mobile or mobiles 10 for
`with mobile 10 via base station 16 in the same marmer as
`which selected features are to be set are selected. Mobiles
`described above with respect to the first embodiment. In this
`embodiment a user simply calls mobile 10 from mobile 18
`can be selected by telephone number, by MIN or IMSI, or
`any other appropriate designation. Then the feature or fea(cid:173)
`in order to configure or to determine the configuration status
`of mobile 10, making this embodiment particularly conve(cid:173)
`tures are selected for the mobile 10. Once features are 45
`nient and efficient for a user. In this marmer the user can
`selected, the various feature codes are encrypted into a
`remotely reconfigure mobile 10 without the need for con(cid:173)
`message by suitable software operating within administrator
`12. The message preferably contains at least three identify(cid:173)
`tacting a service provider.
`ing strings, including the mobile identifier (such as an MIN),
`Referring to FIG. 5, a flow diagram demonstrates the
`a bit or bits to indicate to the mobile processor that features
`50 methodology of the second embodiment of the invention
`are to be set or reset, and the encrypted feature codes. The
`operating within the communications network of FIG. 4. In
`order to configure mobile 10 for particular features, the user
`message is then transmitted to the receiving mobile or
`mobiles 10 by means of a SMS or IOTA protocol. Upon
`is preferably guided through the configuration process by a
`receiving the encrypted message, the receiving mobile 10
`series of menus or other GUis on mobile 18 operated by
`decrypts the message to indicate that feature codes are to be
`55 suitable software within the mobile processor. First, the user
`selects mobile 10 which is to be configured by telephone
`set or reset, and then processes the message and configures
`the mobile according to the feature codes by a suitable
`number, by MIN or IMSI, or any other appropriate desig(cid:173)
`software routine operating in the mobile processor. Feature
`nation. Then the user selects the feature or features for
`mobile 10. Once features are selected, the various feature
`codes are then stored in non-volatile memory within mobile
`10 until such time as another feature code message is 60
`codes are encrypted into a message by a suitable software
`routine operating within mobile 18. As in the first embodi-
`received.
`ment, the message preferably contains at least three identi(cid:173)
`The process of receiving feature codes is therefore trans(cid:173)
`fying strings, including the mobile identifier (such as an
`parent to the mobile user. Optionally, the user is notified in
`the event that administrator 12 resets the features of mobile
`MIN), a bit or bits to indicate to the receiving mobile
`10, by means of a message displayed on the mobile display,
`65 processor that features are to be set or reset, and the
`such as: "Feature codes have been reset. Please see updated
`encrypted feature codes. The message is then transmitted to
`the receiving mobile 10 over a wireless communications
`list of available communication features."
`
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`US 7,043,263 B2
`
`5
`
`40
`
`7
`channel, such as the cellular telephone network depicted in
`FIG. 4, by means of an SMS or IOTA protocol. Upon
`receiving the encrypted message, the receiving mobile 10
`decrypts the message to indicate that feature codes are to be
`set or reset, and then processes the message according to the
`feature codes, configuring mobile 10 accordingly. Feature
`codes are then stored in non-volatile memory within mobile
`10 until such time as another feature code message is
`received. As in the first embodiment, the process of receiv(cid:173)
`ing feature codes is transparent to the user of mobile 10. 10
`Optionally, the user of mobile 10 is notified in the event that
`reconfiguration has occurred, by means of a message dis(cid:173)
`played on the display of mobile 10; for example: "This
`mobile can only call 555-1212. Please call now." In the
`second embodiment mobile 18 can retrieve the current 15
`configuration status of mobile 10 in a similar marmer as
`described above with respect to the first embodiment.
`Although the present invention can be implemented
`within a carrier network in a variety of ways, one suitable
`implementation requires subscription to a particular service 20
`plan from a service provider. The user, or business organi(cid:173)
`zation, would then retain the ability to program a mobile for
`certain features available within the service plan. It is to be
`understood that the present invention is not limited to
`operation within a cellular communications environment, or 25
`to RF communication, as will be understood by those skilled
`in the art.
`Although the invention has been described in detail with
`particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other
`embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and
`modifications of the present invention will be obvious to
`those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the
`appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The
`entire disclosures of any references or publications cited
`above are hereby incorporated by reference.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A method of configuring a first mobile, the first mobile
`operating over a mobile communication system, the method
`comprising the steps of:
`utilizing a second mobile operating over the mobile
`communication system for encrypting a feature code
`into a configuration message;
`transmitting the configuration message from the second
`mobile to the first mobile over a mobile wireless
`communications charmel of the mobile communication 45
`system;
`receiving the configuration message at the first mobile;
`decrypting the received configuration message at the first
`mobile; and
`configuring the first mobile according to the feature code 50
`received in the configuration message.
`2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of transmitting
`the configuration message to the first mobile comprises the
`step of: transmitting the configuration message from the
`second mobile to the first mobile utilizing a short messaging 55
`systems (SMS) protocol.
`3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of transmitting
`the configuration message to the first mobile comprises the
`step of: transmitting the configuration message from the
`second mobile to the first mobile utilizing an Internet 60
`over-the-air (IOTA) protocol.
`4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of encrypting
`a feature code comprises the step of: encrypting at least one
`feature code, a mobile identifier, and an indicator into the
`configuration message, the indicator for indicating that the at 65
`least one feature code is being transmitted to the first mobile
`in the configuration message.
`
`8
`5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of
`indicating to a mobile user on a mobile display that the
`mobile has been configured.
`6. A method of retrieving mobile configuration status
`from a first mobile, the first mobile operating over a mobile
`communication system, the method comprising the steps of:
`utilizing a second mobile for encrypting a request mes(cid:173)
`sage, the request message for requesting the mobile
`configuration status from the first mobile;
`transmitting the request message from the second mobile
`to the first mobile over a mobile wireless communica(cid:173)
`tions channel of the mobile communication system;
`receiving the request message at the first mobile;
`decrypting the received request message at the first
`mobile; and
`transmitting the mobile configuration status from the first
`mobile to the second mobile in a response message
`over a second mobile wireless communications chan(cid:173)
`nel.
`7. The method of claim 6 wherein the step of transmitting
`the request message to the first mobile comprises the step of:
`transmitting the request message from the second mobile to
`the first mobile utilizing a short messaging systems (SMS)
`protocol.
`8. The method of claim 7 wherein the step of transmitting
`the mobile configuration status from the first mobile to the
`second mobile comprises the step of: transmitting the mobile
`configuration status from the first mobile to the second
`mobile utilizing the short messaging systems (SMS) proto-
`30 col.
`9. The method of claim 6 wherein the step of transmitting
`the request message to the first mobile comprises the step of:
`transmitting the request message from the second mobile to
`the first mobile utilizing an Internet over-the-air (IOTA)
`35 protocol.
`10. The method of claim 9 wherein the step of transmit(cid:173)
`ting the mobile configuration status from the first mobile to
`the second mobile comprises the step of: transmitting the
`mobile configuration status from the first mobile to the
`second mobile utilizing the Internet over-the-air (IOTA)
`protocol.
`11. The method of claim 6 wherein the step of encrypting
`a request message comprises the step of: encrypting a
`mobile identifier and an indicator into a request message, the
`indicator for indicating that the mobile configuration status
`is requested in the request message.
`12. A system for configuring a second wireless device, the
`system comprising:
`a mobile wireless communications network;
`a first wireless device comprising software means for
`encrypting a mobile feature code into a configuration
`message for transmission over the mobile wireless
`communications network
`to
`the second wireless
`device; and
`the second wireless device comprising:
`software means for decrypting the mobile feature code
`from the configuration message; and
`configuration means for configuring the second wire(cid:173)
`less device according to the mobile feature code.
`13. The system of claim 12 wherein the configuration
`message is tr