(12) United States Patent
`Daly
`
`US006879825B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,879,825 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Apr. 12, 2005
`
`(54) METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING AMOBILE
`STATION USING A PERMANENT MOBILE
`STATION IDENTIFIER
`
`(75) Inventor: Brian Kevin Daly, Issaquah, WA (US)
`(73) Assignee: AT&T Wireless Services, Inc.,
`Redmond, WA (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 398 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/703,858
`(22) Filed:
`Nov. 1, 2000
`(51) Int. Cl. .................................................. H04Q 7/20
`(52) U.S. Cl. ..............
`... 455/419; 455/418; 455/435.1
`(58) Field of Search ................................. 455/419, 418,
`455/433, 410, 435.1, 411, 466; 380/247,
`249
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3/1994 Gerszberg
`5,297,192 A
`5,301.223 A
`4/1994 Amadon et al.
`2/1997 Henry, Jr. et al.
`5,603,084 A
`5,774,804 A
`6/1998 Williams
`11/1998 Vaihoja et al.
`5.835,858 A
`8/1999 Mizikovsky
`5,943,425 A
`9/1999 Lipsit
`5.956,636 A
`6,014,561 A
`1/2000 Molne
`
`6,122,503 A * 9/2000 Daly .......................... 455/419
`6,282,421 B1 * 8/2001 Chatterjee et al. ....... 455/435.1
`6,381,454 B1
`4/2002 Tiedemann et al. ......... 455/419
`6,490,445 B1 * 12/2002 Holmes ............... ... 455/419
`6,594,482 B1 * 7/2003 Findikli et al. ............. 455/411
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner-Erika A. Gary
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Klarquist Sparkman, LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`A method of activating a mobile station for communicating
`with a telecommunications network, the method encompass
`ing a two-stage registration procedure whereby in the first
`registration procedure, a permanent mobile station ID is
`obtained by the mobile station and in the second registration
`procedure, the permanent mobile station ID is used to
`identify the mobile station when downloading programming
`data from the telecommunications network. The invention
`allows for programming the mobile station with a permanent
`MSID of either a MIN or IMSI format, without requiring a
`TIA/EIA-136 SPACH notification process to notify the MS
`of incoming programming data. In particular, the steps of the
`method comprise: receiving at the telecommunications net
`Work a temporary activation ID from a mobile station; the
`network verifying the temporary activation ID; the network
`communicating a permanent MSID to the mobile station; the
`network receiving a permanent MSID from the mobile
`Station; the network verifying the permanent MSID and then
`downloading programming data to the MS.
`
`3 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`SERVING
`APPLICATION:SERVER 28
`2.
`24
`SISTEM18
`MOBILE STATION 12
`PROVISIONING SERVER
`OTAF
`HLR
`MSC
`NAM OR SIM
`MOBILE FIFIEND
`SUBSCRIBER CONTACTS CARRIER'S ACTIVATION CENTER AND SUPPLIES SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION PHONE TYPE, ESN
`O
`PCARRIER ASSIGNS VSID'Oys
`HLR PROVISIONING DATA units asses su
`AM PROVISIONING DATA
`
`HOME SISTEM
`
`
`
`SPACH CONFIRMATION
`R-DATANAM DATA
`R-DATA ACCEPT
`
`NAM DATA WRITTEN TO NAM OR SIM
`
`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1034, Page 1
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 12, 2005
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 6,879,825 B1
`
`FIG. 1
`
`
`
`WCS
`
`TO LOCAL TOLL
`AND/OR WIRELESS
`SWITCHING CENTERS
`
`is
`
`/20A
`
`MSC
`
`18
`
`TO LOCAL TOLL
`AND/OR WIRELESS
`SWITCHING CENTERS
`22
`
`TSO
`
`TS0 v-20B
`
`TO LOCAL TOLL
`AND/OR WIRELESS
`SWITCHING CENTERS
`
`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1034, Page 2
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 12, 2005
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`Sheet 2 of 7
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`US 6,879,825 B1
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`ra------- - - - - - -
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`- - war - - - - - - - - - - - --
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`+-------------------~--~~~=============--~~~====== ------~~~==
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`NOLIWIS 3 SW8
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`NOLIWIS 3][80W
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`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1034, Page 3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 12, 2005
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`Sheet 3 of 7
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`US 6,879,825 B1
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`FIC. 3
`
`MOBILE STATION
`
`36
`
`MICROPHONE
`
`
`
`SPEAKER
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`
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`
`
`
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`
`
`PROGRAM
`MEMORY
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`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1034, Page 4
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 12, 2005
`
`Sheet 4 of 7
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`US 6,879,825 B1
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`FIG. 4A
`
`CALL CARRIER ACTIVATION CENTER
`
`CARRIER ACTIVATION CENTER GENERATES
`SUBSCRIPTION MSID ASSIGNED DIRECTORY
`NUMBER ASSIGNED
`
`SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION POPULATED IN
`CARRIER'S NETWORK EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING,
`HLR, MSID USED TO POPULATE HLR
`
`NAM PROVISIONING DATA SENT TO OATF WITH
`SUBSCRIPTION RELATED PARAMETERS; IDENTIFY
`PROVISIONING RECORD BY ESN OF MS
`
`SUBSCRIBER POWERS UP MS
`(UNPROGRAMMED MODE)
`
`MS FINDS SERVICE PROVIDER. MS SENDS
`REGISTRATION (ACTIVATION MSID, ESN)
`O MSC
`
`MSC IDENTIFIES UNPROGRAMMEDMS
`REGISTRATION (ACTIVATION MSID, ESN) MSC
`ROUTES REGISTRATION TO HLR/OTAF
`
`OTAF IDENTIFIES ESN AND FINDS RECORD TO
`BE PROGRAMMED INTO MS; OTAF FINDS
`PERMANENT REGISTRATION (REAL MSID)
`FORMATS REGISTRATION ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND
`SENDS REGISTRATION NOTIFICATION TO MSC
`
`
`
`MSC SENDS REGISTRATION ACCEPT
`(REAL MSID) TO MS
`
`MS STORES PERMANENT REGISTRATION
`(REAL MSID) IN NAM OR SIM MEMORY
`
`48
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`50
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`52
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`54
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`56
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`58
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`60
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`62
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`64
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`66
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`TO FIG, 4B
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`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1034, Page 5
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 12, 2005
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
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`US 6,879,825 B1
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`FIG. 4B
`
`FROM FIG. 4A
`
`MS SENDS SECOND REGISTRATION
`(REALMSID, ESN) TO MSC
`
`MSC ROUTES REGISTRATION NOTIFICATION
`(REALMSID, ESN) TO HLR ASSIGNED
`TO REALMSID
`
`HLR SENDS REGISTRATION NOTIFICATION
`(REALMSID, ESN) TO MSC
`
`MSC SENDS REGISTRATION ACCEPT
`(REAL MSID) TO MS
`
`HLR SENDS SMS REQUIRED (MSD, ESN
`SMSTID, SMSADDR) TO OTAF
`
`
`
`OTAF SENDS ACKNOWLEDGMENT SMS
`NOTFICATION TO HLR
`
`OTAF SENDS PROGRAMMED INFORMATION,
`SMDPP (MSID, SMSTID, SMS BEARER
`DATA (NAM DATA) TO MSC IDENTIFIED
`BY HLR
`
`
`
`
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`66
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`68
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`70
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`72
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`74
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`76
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`78
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`
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`
`
`
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`
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`
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`TO FIG. 4C
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`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1034, Page 6
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 12, 2005
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
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`US 6,879,825 B1
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`FIG. 4C
`
`FROM FIG. 4B
`
`MSC SENDS SPACH NOTIFICATION
`(MSID) OF R-DATA TO MS
`
`MS SENDS SPACH CONFIRMATION
`TO MSC
`
`MSC SENDS R-DATA (NAM DATA)
`TO MS
`
`MS SENDS R-DATA ACCEPT TO MSC
`
`
`
`MSC SENDS SUCCESSFUL DOWNLOAD
`MESSAGE SMDPP TO OTAF
`
`MS WRITES NAM DATA TO NAM OR SIM
`
`
`
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`
`
`
`
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`80
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`82
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`84
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`86
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`88
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`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1034, Page 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 12, 2005
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`Sheet 7 of 7
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`US 6,879,825 B1
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`we
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`cro
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`e s -
`r-
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`is as
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`E
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`go o- or - a step
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`o
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`or st
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`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1034, Page 8
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`US 6,879,825 B1
`
`1
`METHOD FOR PROGRAMMING AMOBILE
`STATION USING A PERMANENT MOBILE
`STATION IDENTIFIER
`
`2
`The rapid increase in wireleSS customerS has caused
`drawbacks with this procedure. The large number of mobile
`Stations in the marketplace makes it very likely for different
`mobile Stations to request Simultaneous activation using the
`same “temporary MSID.” The duplication of temporary
`MSIDS can result in one mobile Station receiving program
`ming data intended for another mobile Station, and the
`erroneous programming resulting in one or both of the
`mobile Stations being incorrectly activated or not activated
`at all.
`An example of a prior art activation method is disclosed
`in U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,084 to Henry Jr., et al. The Henry
`patent describes a cellular telephone that includes a pro
`grammable memory location that is remotely programmed
`with a unique temporary identification number. The tele
`phone provides the temporary identification number to the
`cellular network, which establishes a page to the telephone
`using the temporary identification number as the phone ID.
`Data, including a permanent MSID, is transmitted during the
`page and the programmable memory is programmed with
`the MSID.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,636 to Lipsit discloses a method for
`remotely activating a wireleSS device, which has been fully
`programmed prior to the activation procedure. Activation of
`the device includes the Steps of placing a call with the device
`and determining the MIN using caller ID. The system
`prompts the user to enter a predetermined Security code into
`the device. If this Security code originates from the same
`device as the detected MIN, the device is then activated.
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,561 to Molne discloses a method for
`Over-the-Air Activation of a radio telephone. In this System,
`when a new Subscriber places a new call, the System receives
`the IMSI number and transfers the IMSI to a customer
`Service center. An employee Searches a database for previ
`ously received and Stored activation information. A tele
`phone number is then assigned to the Subscriber. The tele
`phone number and previously Stored information is
`Subsequently assigned to the Subscriber, and the telephone
`number and activation information are Stored in a customer
`Service database.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,192 to Gerszberg discloses a method
`and apparatus for remotely programming mobile data into a
`mobile data telephone. This patent teaches downloading
`Number Assignment Module (“NAM”) designation param
`eters to a mobile unit to allow Service authorization codes
`and activation to be entered remotely. A cellular mobile
`customer initially calls a remote cellular System center to
`establish a voice communication channel between the
`mobile unit and the System center. A modem associated with
`the mobile unit is selectively bridged onto the voice com
`munication channel for data transfer between a data Source
`disposed at the remote center and the modem.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,301.223 to Amadon, et al. describes an
`apparatus and method for use in a mobile telephone rental
`System. Credit card information is communicated between
`the mobile unit and a Voice Response System for customer
`registration and remote programming of the mobile unit
`functions and NAM settings. Data from the mobile unit is
`transmitted in variable length, encrypted and error protected
`Packet Data Units.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`In view of the above, it is an object of the present
`invention to provide an improved method for programming
`a mobile station using a permanent MSID.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a
`method for programming a permanent MSID into the mobile
`Station prior to communicating programming data from the
`network.
`
`BACKGROUND
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates generally to wireleSS
`communications, and more particularly, to a method for
`programming a mobile Station using a permanent mobile
`Station identifier which is programmed into the mobile
`Station before provisioning data is downloaded to the mobile
`Station.
`2. Description of the Prior Art
`North American cellular telecommunications networks
`traditionally operate in two frequency bands (A and B) in the
`800-MHz hyperband. The most recent evolution in cellular
`telecommunications involves the adoption of six additional
`frequency bands (A-F) in the 1900-MHz hyperband for use
`in handling mobile and personal communications. The
`1900-MHz hyperband is also known as the Personal Com
`munication Services (PCS) hyperband. Frequency bands
`within the 800-MHz hyperband and the 1900-MHz hyper
`band are defined in EIA/TIA Standard IS-136, which is
`hereby incorporated by reference herein. Other standards
`which define cellular telephone operations in North America
`include EIA-627, EIA-553, and the interSystem signaling
`standard IS-41 which are also incorporated by reference
`herein. Each of the frequency bands Specified for the cellular
`and PCS hyperbands is allocated a plurality of voice or
`Speech channels and at least one access or control channel.
`The control channel is used to control or Supervise the
`operation of mobile Stations by means of information trans
`mitted to and received from the mobile stations. Such
`information may include, but is not limited to, incoming call
`Signals, Outgoing call Signals, page Signals, page response
`Signals, location registration Signals, voice channel
`assignments, maintenance instructions, short message Ser
`Vice (SMS) messages, and cell Selection or reselection
`instructions as mobile Stations travel out of the radio cov
`erage of one cell and into the radio coverage of another cell.
`The Voice channel is used to carry Subscriber telephonic
`communications as well as messages requesting mobile
`Station assistance in making hand-off evaluations. The con
`trol and Voice channels may operate in either an analog
`mode or a digital mode.
`In existing TIA/ELA-136. Over-the-Air Service Provi
`Sioning procedures, a mobile Station is identified during the
`initial activation process by an Activation Mobile Identifi
`cation Number (“Activation MIN”) or “Dummy MIN.” In
`TIA/EIA-136 systems, a Mobile Station ID (“MSID") is
`utilized to distinguish the mobile Station being programmed
`from other mobile Stations during messaging and paging
`processes, including the downloading of programming
`information to the mobile station. The MSID is typically a
`MIN of the type widely used in existing systems, or an
`International Mobile Station Identity (“IMSI”) of the type
`used in GSM systems. A mobile station fresh out of the
`factory does not have the permanent MSID programmed
`into its memory. The “Real MIN”, “Real IMSI”, or both, is
`typically not programmed into the mobile Station until all
`provisioning information is downloaded, and the mobile
`Station has received a “Commit” message from the provi
`Sioning platform. Accordingly, it is the Activation MIN that
`is used as a temporary MSID to identify the mobile station
`when provisioning information is downloaded to the mobile
`Station.
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`3
`It is still another object of the present invention to
`program a permanent MSID of either a MIN or IMSI format
`without requiring a TIA/EIA-136 SPACH notification pro
`ceSS to notify the mobile Station of incoming programming
`data.
`It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
`a method for programming a mobile Station in which a
`Home Location Register (“HLR') that will ultimately serve
`the mobile Station, performs the mobile management func
`tions during the activation process.
`It is still another object of the present invention to provide
`a method for programming a mobile Station which reduces
`the likelihood of conflict between an Activation MIN used
`by an unprogrammed mobile station and a real MSID
`asSociated with an activated or another unactivated mobile
`Station.
`It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
`a method for programming a mobile Station which prevents
`programming interruption caused by conflicting Activation
`MINs and real MSIDS.
`It is still another object of the present invention to provide
`a method for programming a mobile Station which permits
`allocation of more channels and prioritizing the Voice traffic
`over data so that the voice service is unaffected by the
`registration processes, even during periods of peak demand.
`In accordance with the above objects and additional
`objects that will become apparent hereinafter, the present
`invention provides a method of activating a mobile Station
`for communicating with a telecommunications network. The
`method encompasses a two-stage registration procedure
`whereby: (1) the mobile station obtains a permanent MSID
`from the network; and (2) the permanent MSID is commu
`nicated to the network to identify the mobile station to
`enable provisioning information to be downloaded to the
`mobile Station. Initially, a Subscriber contacts the wireleSS
`carrier and Supplies Subscription information, including the
`phone type and Electronic Serial Number (“ESN”). Upon
`power-up, the mobile Station sends a registration request
`message over a Digital Control Channel (“DCC) to the
`network including a temporary activation MSID (MIN or
`IMSI), and ESN of the mobile station. The registration
`request message is received at the Mobile Switching Center
`(“MSC') in the network. Upon receipt, the MSC sends a
`registration notification message containing the activation
`MSID and ESN to an Over-the-Air Activation Function
`(“OTAF). The network verifies whether the activation
`MSID is associated with the mobile station based upon the
`subscription information and, if verified, the OTAF sends a
`registration notification message containing the permanent
`50
`MSID to the MSC. This permanent MSID is then commu
`nicated over the network to the mobile station, which stores
`the permanent MSID in NAM or SIM memory.
`During the Second part of the registration process, the
`permanent MSID and ESN are communicated from the
`mobile station to the MSC over the DCC. The MSC then
`Sends a registration notification message to an HLR assigned
`to the permanent MSID. The HLR verifies the mobile station
`and sends a registration notification message to the MSC,
`acknowledging receipt of the registration notification mes
`Sage. The MSC then communicates a registration accept
`message to the mobile Station. The HLR sends a message to
`the OTAF including the permanent MSID, ESN and address
`of the MSC where the mobile station is registered, request
`ing that the remaining programming information be sent to
`the mobile station. The OTAF acknowledges the request to
`the MSC, and sends programming data to the MSC identi
`
`4
`fied by the HLR. The MSC then sends a SPACH notification
`of programming data on the digital control channel to the
`mobile Station. Upon Successful receipt, the mobile Station
`sends a SPACH confirmation to the MSC. The MSC then
`downloads the programming data to the mobile Station.
`Upon completion, the mobile Station acknowledges receipt
`of the programming data to the MSC, and the MSC notifies
`the activation center of a Successful download of program
`ming data to the mobile Station.
`This two-stage registration procedure reduces the likeli
`hood of conflicting activation MNs by using the real MSID
`to identify the mobile Station to which the programming data
`is being downloaded.
`The present invention will now be described with par
`ticular reference to the accompanying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a Schematic of a representative wireleSS com
`munications System;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic of relevant components of the
`wireleSS communications System for implementing the
`method for programming a mobile Station in accordance
`with the invention;
`FIG. 3 is an illustrative schematic of a mobile station;
`FIGS. 4A-4C depict a flowchart sequence for program
`ming a mobile Station in accordance with the invention; and
`FIG. 5 is an operational flow diagram of the programming
`method shown in FIGS. 4A-4C.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`With reference now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a
`representative wireless communications system (“WCS”)
`10. The WCS 10 serves a number of wireless mobile stations
`(“MS”) 12
`and wireline terminals (not shown) within a
`geographic area partitioned into a plurality of Spatially
`distinct regions called “cells' 14. Each cell 14 includes a
`respective base station (“BS”) 16A, and a boundary rep
`resented by an irregular shape that depends on terrain,
`electromagnetic Sources and many other variables. The
`mobile Stations communicate via one or more wireleSS
`access technologies (e.g., TDMA, CDMA, FDMA, etc.),
`providing one or more Services (e.g., cordless, cellular, PCS,
`wireless local loop, SMR/ESMR, two-way paging, etc.)
`with Signals representing audio, Video, data, multimedia, etc.
`Each BS 16 preferably conforms to the IS-56B standard, and
`communicates with a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 18,
`also known as a mobile telephone Switching office, in
`accordance with well-known standards. The MSC 18 is
`interconnected with local Switching offices (“LSO”) 20
`that acceSS wireline terminals, and a toll Switching office
`(“TSO”) 22, which interconnects the LSOs 20 and MSC 18
`with other LSOs and wireless Switching centers (indicated
`by the arrows in FIG. 1). The MSC 18 has several functions,
`including routing or “Switching calls between wireleSS
`communications terminals or base Stations or, alternatively,
`between a wireleSS communications terminal and a wireline
`terminal accessible to a MSC 18 through LSOs 20 and/or
`TSO 22.
`Referring now to FIG. 2, there is depicted a representative
`illustration of Select components and communications links
`within the WCS 10 shown in FIG.1. The MSC 18 interfaces
`through bidirectional communication with a Subscription
`activation system 19. The subscription activation system 19
`includes a home System comprising a Home Location Reg
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`US 6,879,825 B1
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`ister (“HLR') 24 and an Over-the-Air Activation Function
`(“OTAF) 26, and a Provisioning Server (“PS”) 28. The PS
`28 is the location where customer-Service perSonnel receive
`activation calls and engage in Voice conversations with
`customers pertaining to the connections to customer mobile
`stations. The PS28 may interface with an interactive voice
`response unit (“IVRU”), not shown, of the type known in the
`art to handle customer calls. The PS28 is also the location
`where the carrier assigns the mobile station ID to the MS 12,
`and is the System component responsible for populating
`Subscription information in the carrier's network equipment,
`including HLR 24. The HLR 24 and the PS 28 contain
`configuration and security data for the MS 12. The purpose
`of the HLR 24 is to keep track of a specific, predetermined
`group of mobile Stations, wherever they may move, and to
`provide a telephone number to routing address mapping. The
`OTAF 26 generates the permanent MSID, and subsequent
`programming information for the MS 12 in a teleService
`message to the MSC 18 as will be discussed further here
`inbelow. The MSC 18 is also connected to a Visitor Location
`Register (“VLR'), not shown, which stores and maintains
`information on Subscribers from other home systems which
`are roaming within the present System.
`The subscription activation system 19 includes at least
`one MS/customer database 21. The MS/customer database
`21 contains the preprogrammed Electronic Serial Number
`(“ESN”) and Mobile Identification Number (“MIN”) or
`International Mobile Station Identity (“IMSI) number of
`the MS, the MIN or IMSI of the SIM card associated with
`the MS 12, and other information accessed by the PS 28
`using the MSID. The ESN is the unique telephone serial
`number stored in the memory of each MS 12 during
`manufacture, and is used to identify the manufacturer and
`model of the MS 12. The ESN is an 11 digit number required
`by the FCC and is used in combination with the MIN during
`the registration procedure described below. The MIN is
`commonly used in existing systems and the IMSI is widely
`used in GSM systems. The MS/customer database 21 is used
`for Storing activation information that is later transferred by
`the activation system 19 to the customer database 23 of the
`home system of the subscriber. Each MS 12 can be identified
`by the WCS 10 by data stored in memory locations in the
`MS. The programmable memory 32 contains the unique
`MIN or IMSI assigned by the cellular system. In existing
`TIA/EIA-136 Over-the-Air Service Provisioning
`procedures, an “Activation MIN' or “Dummy MIN' is used
`to identify the MS during the initial activation process. In
`TIA/EIA-136 systems, the Mobile Station ID (“MSID") is
`used to identify and distinguish the MS 12 being pro
`grammed from other mobile Stations during messaging and
`paging processes, including the delivery of programming
`information.
`With reference to FIG. 3, a representative MS 12 includes
`a processor 30, programmable memory 32, and non
`programmable or read only memory (“ROM") 34. The MS
`55
`12 includes a conventional input keypad 36, a microphone
`38, and a speaker 40. The MS 12 may include a Subscriber
`Identity Module (“SIM”) card 35 for storing information for
`operation of the MS 12 in both PCS and conventional AMPS
`communications Systems. The MS 12 can also include an
`60
`“AMPS memory (part of programmable memory 22) for
`controlling operation of the MS 12 when the AMPS (cellular
`frequency band) mode is selected. The SIM card 35 is
`connected to the processor 30 for retrieval of the appropriate
`information as required depending upon which type of
`system the MS 12 is communicating within. SIM cards are
`described more fully in the Specification of the Subscriber
`
`45
`
`50
`
`65
`
`6
`Identity Module-Mobile Equipment (SIM-ME) interface
`(GSM 11.11) by ETSI, which is hereby incorporated by
`reference. A transceiver 42 enables communication signals
`to be transmitted to and received from a BS 16 via an
`antenna 44 over the wireleSS communication path indicated
`generally at 46. The processor 30 operates under stored
`program control and coordinates the operation of the trans
`ceiver 42 in the MS 12 and provides an interface between the
`other elements of the MS 12 as is well known in the art. The
`processor 30 inserts and extracts control messages, changes
`physical parameterS Such as channel frequencies, mode of
`operation, frequency band, and the like.
`The processor 30 preferably includes a memory program
`ming function for programming the programmable memory
`32 in response to the receipt of a REGISTRATION
`ACCEPT (Real MIN) from the MSC 18. This enables the
`MS 12 to be activated or programmed remotely in response
`to communication signals generated by the WCS 10. The
`communication signals may be transmitted from the WCS
`10 in a page format to the transceiver 42 of the MS 12. The
`page preferably comprises a Short Message Service
`(“SMS”) data string provided on a Digital Control Channel
`(“DCC”) according to the TIA/EIA IS-136 standard. In this
`connection, the SMS data string may include up to 239
`octets (or bytes) which can be formatted as characters of
`alphanumeric data.
`Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4C and 5, depicted are a flow
`chart and operational flow diagram, respectively, of a rep
`resentative method for implementing the programming
`function in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 5,
`the vertical axis represents time and the horizontal axis
`represents operational flow. Generally, the method involves
`first and Second registration procedures whereby during the
`first registration, the network assigns and provides a perma
`nent MSID to the MS 12. During the second registration, the
`MS 12 identifies itself with the permanent MSID and
`programming data (provisioning information) is down
`loaded to the MS 12. In this manner, the permanent MSID
`is stored in the MS 12 prior to the data download procedure.
`The activation process is initiated when a customer/
`Subscriber calls the carrier's activation center within the
`subscription activation system 19. At block 48 (FIG. 4A),
`the Subscriber Supplies Subscription information to the
`carrier, including phone type and ESN. This information is
`stored in the MS/customer database 21.
`At block 50, the carrier's PS28 generates a subscription
`for the Subscriber, assigns a permanent mobile Station ID
`(“PERM MSID”) to the BS 12 and a directory number used
`to call that phone. The PERM MSID is either in the MIN
`or IMSI format. The PERM MSID is stored in the
`MS/customer database 21 along with the applicable Sub
`Scription information.
`At block 52, the Subscription information is populated in
`the carrier's network equipment, and PERM MSID is
`communicated to HLR 24, where it is stored in a home
`System database 23. At this time, Number ASSignment
`Module (“NAM”) provisioning data, information intended
`to be stored in the MS specific to the mobile subscriber, is
`sent to the OTAF 26 with subscription related parameters to
`be programmed into the MS 12 at block 54. The provision
`ing record is identified by the ESN of the MS 12 sent to the
`OTAF 26. NAM parameters include the Public Service ID
`(“PSID'), the Residential Service ID (RSID"), etc. The
`NAM is part of the Short Message Service (“SMS”) data
`String, which may include up to 293 characters originating
`from the PS28 and transmitted from the BS 1620 according
`
`ERICSSON EXHIBIT 1034, Page 11
`
`

`

`7
`to the TIA/EIA IS-136 standard. Exemplary NAM param
`eters may be listed as follows:
`
`US 6,879,825 B1
`
`Parameter
`
`Example
`
`ESN
`MIN
`Access Overload Class
`Group ID
`Security Code
`Group ID Mark
`Initial Paging Channel
`Secondary Paging Channel
`Wake Up Message
`Lock Code
`
`15SO3124387
`411-034-2112
`O15
`1O
`73844
`1O
`444
`805
`AT&T Wireless Services
`144
`
`15
`
`8
`the ESN passed in the registration corresponds to data Stored
`in the OTAF's programming database. The OTAF searches
`for a record waiting to be programmed into the MS 12
`corresponding to the ESN supplied from that MS 12. The
`OTAF locates the PERMANENT MSID assigned to the
`MS 12, formats a registration acknowledgment REGNOT
`(REAL MSID)) representing the real MSID for the MS 12,
`and sends REGNOT(REAL MSID) to MSC 18.
`At block 64, the MSC 18 receives the registration
`acknowledgement, and Sends a registration accept message
`REG ACCEPT(REAL MIN) to MS 12 over a DCC via
`communication path 46. The MS 12 receives REG
`ACCEPT, and stores REAL MIN in NAM 37 or SIM 35
`programmable memory 32, thereby overwriting the
`ACTIVATION MIN at block 66. This completes the first
`registration process which provides the MS 12 with a
`permanent MSID.
`The second registration is initiated at block 66 when the
`MS 12 sends a new registration message, REGISTRATION
`(REAL MSID, ESN), to MSC 18 over a DCC. The MSC
`18 routes a registration notification message REGNOT
`(REAL MSID, ESN) to the HLR 24 assigned to the per
`manent MSID at block 68. The HLR 24 then sends an
`acknowledgement message REGNOT(REAL MSID) to
`the MSC 18 that issued the request at block 70. The MSC 18
`Sends a registration accept message REG ACCEPT
`(REAL MIN) to the MS 12 at block 72, signaling the MS
`12 that it is now ready to receive programming data from the
`WCS 10. The data download process is initiated with the
`HLR 24 sending a notification to the OTAF 26 to send
`programming information to the MS 12. The message may
`be formatted in terms of an SMS data string discussed
`above. At block 74, the HLR 24 sends a data download
`request message SMSREQ(MSID, ESN, SMSTID,
`SMSADDR) to OTAF 26. This information includes the
`permanent MSID, the ESN, and the address of the MSC 18
`(SMSTID, SMSADDR) where the MS 12 is registered. The
`OTAF 26 acknowledges the request, SMSNOT, at block 76.
`The OTAF 26 then sends the programming information in a
`teleservice message(s) to the serving MSC 18 identified by
`HLR 24 in the form SMSREQIMSID, SMSTID, SMS
`BEARERDATA(NAM DATA) at block 78. The serving
`MSC 18 then sends a SPACH notification of R-DATA to the
`MS 12 identifying the MS with PERMANENT MSD at
`block 80. Upon successful receipt, the MS 12 sends a
`SPACH confirmation at block 82 to MSC 18. The SPACH is
`a logical channel used to Send information to Specific mobile
`stations regarding SMS point-to-point (“SMSCH') paging
`and to provide an Access Response Channel (“ARCH'). The
`SPACH may be considered to be further subdivided into 3
`logical channels, the SMSCH, ARCH and PCH, which are
`known in the art. The attributes of the SPACH are: unidi
`rectional (downlink), shared, and unacknowledged. The
`SMSCH is point-to-multipoint. The ARCH and SMSCH are
`point-to-point. After SPACH confirmation, the MSC 18
`sends programming R-DATA(NAM DATA) to MS 12 at
`block 84. Methods of remote programming are disclosed, for
`example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,301.223 entitled “Cellular
`Telephone System with Remote Programming, Voice
`Responsive Registration and RealTime Billing” to Amadon
`et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,192 entitled “Method and
`Apparatus for Remotely Programming a Mobile Data Tele
`phone Set' to GerSzberg. The disclosures of these patents are
`hereby incorporated by reference. Upon Successful receipt
`of the programming data, the MS 12 sends R-DATA
`ACCEPT to the MSC 18 at block 86. If no response is
`received, SMS data may be retransmitted. The MSC 18 in
`
`25
`
`For the NAM parameters listed above, the ESNs are stored
`as binary representations, but are typically displayed in
`either hexadecimal or decimal format. ESNs displayed in
`decimal format are displayed as eleven digit numbers, where
`the first three digits are called the manufacturers prefix and
`indicate the manufacturer of the MS.
`As discussed above, the memory 32 of the MS 12 is
`programmed by the manufacturer with an initial activation
`number. The initial activation number Such as a MIN or
`IMSI may also include predetermined digits chosen from the
`ESN, such as, for example, the least significant 10 digits of
`the ESN. After the subscriber powers up the MS 12 at block