System and method for automatic registration notification for over-the-air activation

Technical field

The present invention broadly relates to the activation of wireless Mobile phones on the radio path (over the air) and relates more a method and apparatus for providing routing information, a registration notification from a mobile switching center or a mobile switching center to a wireless or radio path activation processor the stationary support network to send.

background the invention

Of the Term "mobile station" as used herein is, contains a comprehensive set of mobile telecommunication units which the common property share information by electronic to transmit waves to a base station in a network. Mobile stations include mobile telephones, for example, mobile wireless telephone sets and mobile phone sets, the first line for are intended to exchange voice information with a base station. The term includes also mobile data communication devices such as pagers, mobile Faxes, and global positioning system (GPS) -Fahrzeugortungsgeräte that are primarily intended to exchange data. The term "mobile station" also includes Hybrid devices, such as private (personal) communication service units (PCS) have both voice and fax capabilities. communications by Mobile stations can effected by means of radio waves, as used for example in mobile telephony will. Mobile stations can but also communicate electromagnetic compounds what satellites Earth orbit involves, or alternative electromagnetic compounds what optical or infrared Radiation includes.

If the base station in a fixed supporting network with other Communication node is connected, the network requires routing information for the Mobile station to enable the other communication nodes, information on to send the mobile station. The registration is that of the mobile station related process, to its current position display and to the solid support network to empower, incoming calls to the corresponding directing base station. When a mobile station in the functional area is brought a new base station, the mobile station must their current View position. To achieve this, the mobile station must send a with its mobile identity number (MIN) of the log to the new base station. The MIN is a mobile phone from the fixed supporting network applied thought number to the claimed a settlement by the customer enabling services, and to enable to the network, to route incoming calls. The MIN must be at a time in the Mobile station can be programmed, the before first use the customer is located. This process is called activation.

For example initiated a mobile wireless telephone typically no radio calls or leads them out before it registered with a service provider, and from this for the Service is authorized. Providers of mobile wireless telephone services require that each new customer, the mobile Drahtlostelefonset for programming at a authorized service center brings, so that the telephone set for the service is authorized in the network. Information must in the mobile Drahtlostelefonset be entered and stored specifically for the mobile Participants and specific to the wished service for the set is. In mobile telecommunications, for example, is such information as Nummernzuweisungsmodulbestimmungs- or number assignment module parameters (NAM) called. Examples NAM parameters, the mobile service provider now manually enters into the cellular telephone set, include a system ID, a telephone number, an overhead access group (Access overhead class), group ID, an initial Paging channel, a security (closed) code, a local usage signal, an A / B system selection, and MIN-key signal. The mobile phone customer must the submit new cellular telephone set to the service provider or a representative, so that the NAM module, which approximately 30 bytes of information specifies manually into the cellular telephone set can be entered. Each year there are millions of new customers for mobile telecommunications services. Hundreds of employees or agents of the service providers that have a great geographic area are distributed, are responsible for manually Entering the NAM module in the reprogrammed cell phone sets the new customer. This makes the use of a centralized database necessary to the service provider in coordinating the activation process to support. The employees of the service provider typically uses a workstation computer system to enter the application data of the customer. This workstation is the central database remotely connected (remotely connected) and received the Request data of new customers for processing to the database. The centralized database can check the creditworthiness of new customers, available services, Tracking phone numbers, network access data and other information and then the MIN assigned to the cellular telephone set of new customers. The MIN and other NAM parameters be of the centralized database for manual entry in the cellular telephone set by the called parking<?page 3?>th back to the workstation the service provider transmitted. This presents a cumbersome and costly procedure, both for the customer, as well as for the service provider represent.

the US-A-5077790 discloses an unactivated mobile station that is programmed to perform a method including: transmitting an activation message including information, which they differ from a normal registration; and receiving of activation parameters and activating the mobile phone.

task of the present invention is to provide an unactivated Mobile station that is programmed to perform an activation method, wherein the activation information automatically by radio from the wireless cellular telephone set over the fixed supporting network is rooted in a radio path processor in the network, where the activation parameters for the downloaded prepared NAM automatically over the network be and sent by radio to the wireless cellular telephone set can.

These Object, according to the present invention by an unactivated mobile station having the features of claim 1 reached. Furthermore, this object is achieved by a mobile switching station with the features of claim 9 reached.

advantageous Further developments and improvements of the mobile station are Subject matter of the claims 2 to 8 and 13 to 17, whereas further developments and improvements the mobile switching station as defined in claim 9 subject the dependent claims 10, 11 and 12 are.

the discussed above need is therefore satisfied by the invention which makes it possible a message sent on the radio path activation message automatically from an unprogrammed mobile station to a radio path processor the stationary support network to send. The activation message has the format of a regular Registration message, but in the mobile switching center or the mobile switching station by adding distinctive information differentiated, which translates into a network address of the wireless activation processor can be. The electronic serial number of the mobile station stored in the visitor locale or visitor location register, which is connected to the mobile switching center, and the activation message is the mobile switching center to a signal transfer point in the fixed Support network passed. The signal transfer point translates the distinctive Information activation message to a network address Processor. In contrast, ordinary registration messages by the mobile switching center to the main position register for the mobile station passed. From the signal transfer point, the activation message is together with the identity the mobile switching center of the wireless activation processor passed. There, the activation process in response to the received activation message initiates. received The wireless activation processor then the activation parameters back to the mobile switching center, the then using the connected visitor location register stored electronic serial number sends back to the mobile station.

The distinctive information in the activation message a radio path activation function ID number, which is the same for each mobile station is. The over-the-activation function ID number is programmed into the mobile station at the time of manufacture. While Translation by the signal transfer point is the single valued over-the activation function ID number translated into a network address of the over-the activation processor. The distinctive information in the activation message can the routing address of the wireless activation processor itself be.

The distinctive information in the activation message is a sequentially serialized temporary or dummy value for the mobile identification number, abbreviated as "temporary or dummy MIN. " A dummy MIN is for each mobile station varies. The dummy MIN is in the mobile station is programmed at the time of manufacture. While translation by the signal transfer point, each distinctive provisional MIN translated into a network address of the wireless activation processor. Since a small likelihood that a dummy MIN with a real MIN will be confused by the signal transfer point, this embodiment less advantageous than the embodiment in the unique information of the activation message an over-the-activation function ID number is.

Short description the drawing

Other Features and advantages of the present invention appear from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings visible, in which:

<figref idrefs="S26">1</figref> on Network reference model in accordance represents with the invention;

<figref idrefs="S26">2</figref> the physical architecture &lt;?page 4?&gt;air activation network illustrated;

<figref idrefs="S26">3</figref> the Flow of information for the wireless activation registration in accordance depicts with the invention;

<figref idrefs="S27">4A</figref> on Flow chart the method for an advantageous embodiment, the invention of wireless activation, which uses the OTAF ID number;

<figref idrefs="S28">4B</figref> a Variation of the flow chart of <figref idrefs="S27">4A</figref> is, what steps adds a simultaneous voice path on the radio path to the Premise the operator available deliver;

<figref idrefs="S29">5</figref> on Flow chart for the A method of an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which a sequentially serialized dummy MIN for the radio path activation process is used;

<figref idrefs="S30">6</figref> on Flow chart is that the method of the invention for a previously activated mobile station illustrates that a registration in a new service area examined;

<figref idrefs="S31">7</figref> on schematic block diagram of a network signal point in accordance is with the invention;

<figref idrefs="S32">8A</figref> on is functional block diagram of a mobile station;

<figref idrefs="S32">8B</figref> a Illustrates plurality of mobile stations, each of the same OTAF ID number on file; and

<figref idrefs="S32">8C</figref> a Plurality of mobile stations shows, each having a different dummy MIN is stored.

Detailed description

at of the present invention is a method and a system for activating a mobile station in a wireless Communication network. The system includes a wireless or radio path activation processor in a network of the activation process in response to a Receiving a registration message from a mobile switching center initiated, which serves the mobile station, a registration to apply. In this process is be referred back to as the "OTAF" which is an abbreviation for "over the air activation function" is.

Each Mobile station has a unit with information (information unit) that were stored at the time of its production therein to to put them in a position to apply for a wireless activation. This information unit is either a network routing address of the OTAF processor, or alternatively, a value which in this translated address can be. There are two alternatives to these in the routing address translatable of the OTAF processor formulating value. The first alternative is a OTAF ID number, which is stored in each mobile station. The same value of the OTAF ID number is stored in each mobile station. The second alternative is there, a sequentially serialized provisional value for the mobile store identification number or dummy MIN. The provisional MIN is for each mobile station varies.

If the mobile station is first switched on the network, can they no normal calls (Communications session) perform with other subscriber units because it has not been activated on the network. In accordance with the invention requesting the mobile station wirelessly registration by a registration request to the mobile switching center transmits. The requirement Registrierungsan case contains one of the three described above Alternative, either the routing address of the OTAF processor, or the OTAF ID number, or a dummy MIN.

the local mobile switching center receives registration requests at an early stage of enabled mobile stations as well as from new mobile stations. If an earlier activated mobile station in the coverage area of ​​the local mobile The switching center is brought, the mobile station in the new must Area be registered before they can normally hold talks. A previously activated Mobile station has a valid MIN which it sends in the registration request to the received local mobile switching center is. The valid MIN is the mobile switching center not on the provisional MIN distinction. In both cases created the mobile switching center a registration notification message, containing the MIN, and sends it to the signal transfer point (STP) in the network.

In accordance with the invention, the translation tables the signal transfer point (STP) designed to all provisional MINs map in the network address of the OTAF processor. There is the activation process for the requesting mobile station through the OTAF processor in response initiated on receipt of the registration notification message. On Record is in the visitor location register (VLR) of the mobile The switching center generates, in order to allow that the activation process from the resulting activation parameters using the provisional MIN value are sent back to the mobile station.

&lt;?page 5?&gt;

If by the signal transfer point (STP) in the registration notification message received MIN instead is a valid MIN, is the translation table the registration notification message instead to the network routing address the main location register (HLR) from that for the settlement of the registration request is its allocated mobile station responsible. This requirement serves only to register a previously programmed phone in the new local network area, not to activate a new Phone.

In accordance with the invention, the mobile switching center may further include a registration request a mobile station to the OTAF ID number activation request uses, recognize and distinguish. In this case, the mobile adds Switching center the OTAF ID number in the registration notification message, preparing them for shipment to the signal transfer point (STP), a. Since the OTAF ID number for all Mobile stations have the same number, the electronic serial number (ESN) of the mobile station associated with each registration request is sent, also in the registration notification message inserted, which is sent to the signal transfer point. A record is the Visitor isolation register (VLR) the mobile switching center generated, to allow that the from the activation process resulting activation parameters be sent back to the mobile station using the ESN.

In accordance with the invention, the translation tables the signal transfer point (STP) designed to the OTAF ID number mapping them to the routing address of the OTAF processor. There will the activation process for the requesting mobile station through the OTAF processor in response initialized on receipt of the registration notification message.

In an alternative embodiment, of the invention is the unit of information in the mobile station was stored at the time of its manufacture to a wireless Activation allow, even the network routing address of the OTAF processor. In this embodiment, the mobile switching center sends the registration notification message directly to the OTAF processor. The identity of the mobile switching center and the ESN of the mobile station are in the registration notification message contain. A record in the visitor register isolation (VLR) at the mobile switching center, to enable that from the activation process resulting in activation parameters the mobile station will be returned using the ESN.

In accordance with the invention, the subscriber of the mobile station may further comprise a simultaneous call, using the mobile station, to an activation center active in the network. The subscriber can activate the credit information center disposal questions and the types of for the mobile station desired specifying service features. The activation center then sends Authorization data to the OTAF processor in response to the from about participants the voice channel information received. The OTAF processor can then the activation process in response to the authorization data to lock.

Referring to the Figures, showing <figref idrefs="S26">1</figref> a network reference model for the wireless or over-the-activation function that the delivery air activation messages to the mobile station controls. The mobile station <figref>100</figref> contains the mobile station (MS) and the short message unit (SME). The mobile station<figref>100</figref> is wirelessly with the base-mobile station interworking function (BMI) which the base station BS <figref>102</figref> contains, the mobile switching center MSC <figref>104</figref>, And the visitor location register VLR <figref>106</figref> connected. The base station BS is using a compound A with the mobile Switching center MSC connected, in turn, means a compound B me is the visitor location register VLR. In<figref idrefs="S26">1</figref> becomes and the home location register, HLR <figref>108</figref>The intended is managing the location and business data for the specific mobile phone <figref>100</figref> handle shown. The home location register,<figref>108</figref> is typically located at a position geographically remote from the BMI, which is currently wirelessly communicates with the base station. The HLR is a means of Compound D with the VLR <figref>106</figref> connected. In<figref idrefs="S26">1</figref> becomes also the wireless activation feature OTAF <figref>110 '</figref> shown, by means of a link Q2 to the mobile switching center <figref>104</figref>. and additionally connected by means of the compound D2 with the home location register, is. The OTAF function<figref>110 '</figref> performs activation processes in response to a registration request of the mobile station <figref>100</figref>. the office today has been activated, and invites Activation parameters in the form of NAM parameters to the mobile station <figref>100</figref> down. In the <figref idrefs="S26">1</figref> illustrated compounds A, B, D, D2, Q2, and UM are interfaces between network entities, as in "standard TIA IS-41 Revision C ANSI ballot version "from 03 January <figref>1996</figref> defined is.

<figref idrefs="S26">2</figref> illustrated the physical architecture of the wireless activation. The mobile station<figref>100</figref> wirelessly with the local base station <figref>102</figref> connected using the IS-136 standards. This standard is in the TIA IS-136 Revision A of 21 March 1996 documented. The base station<figref>102</figref>, The mobile switching center <figref>104</figref> and the visitor location register <figref>106</figref> are typically underweight body together on a local base station complex&lt;?page 6?&gt;introduced. the MSC <figref>104</figref> is over a solid support network a signal transfer point <figref>114</figref> connected, in turn, News from MSC <figref>104</figref> either to the home location register, HLR <figref>108</figref>Or, alternatively, to the over-the-activation function processor or OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> sends. The VLR 106 at the base station complex can also directly to a particular HLR <figref>108</figref> in the fixed Support network access. Also in<figref idrefs="S26">2</figref> shown is an activation Center <figref>112</figref>. business systems and includes accounting systems, the in the fixed supporting network the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> and the HLR <figref>108</figref> are connected.

the wireless activation feature requires that a notification of MSC <figref>104</figref> the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> Posted is. This registration notification is via a IS-41 message on the signaling system network <figref>7</figref> (SS7). the solid support network requires routing information to the registration notification the MSC <figref>104</figref> to the correct network node of this one Case of OTAF Przessor <figref>110</figref> is to send. In accordance with the invention, the mobile stations <figref>100</figref> with information pre-programmed at the time of their manufacture to wireless activation can request. The unit of programmed information is either a network routing address the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref>Or it is alternatively a value, the translatable into that address is. When the unactivated mobile station<figref>100</figref> the network boots, calls on the mobile station wirelessly to the activation, in which they a registration request, the one of the three alternatives for pre-programmed information contains, namely either the routing address of the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref>or the OTAF ID number, or a dummy MIN value to the local mobile switching center <figref>104</figref> transmitted. The MSC<figref>104</figref> passes This information then the network to the radio path activation function processor <figref>110</figref> continue.

at an earlier activated mobile station <figref>100</figref>, Which is a mobile station <figref>100</figref>. valid with a mobile identification number MIN was programmed contains the transmitted wirelessly Registration request that an IS-136 mobile station ID (MSID) encrypted MIN of the mobile station. (See the "TIA IS-136 standard revision A ", dated 21 March 1996). The IS-136 standard specifies rules for encryption the MIN into the MSID. The MSID is on level 2 of the IS-41 standard Registration request described sent. Typically finds this procedure in a previously activated mobile station <figref>100</figref> instead of, in the coverage area of ​​the local mobile switching center <figref>104</figref> brought is and must be registered in this new area before they can establish a normal communication link. The registration notification is conveyed in the mobile application part level (MAP) of the SS7 overpass as it is specified in the IS-41 standard.

Mobile phone networks use the global title translation (GTT) of MIN at the signal transfer point <figref>114</figref> in a fixed Support network to IS-41 messages while normal communication links to the home location register, HLR <figref>108</figref> to to guide. The global title translation (GTT) is in the "ANSI T1.112 - 1992 Standard ", SS7, signaling connection control part (SCCP) described. The global title indicator type 2 is a translation type value 3 to specify the "MIN to HLR "translation in STP <figref>114</figref> used. The global title address information field contains the ten digit MIN (BCD coded). For example, send the MSC <figref>104</figref> and the VLR <figref>106</figref> the registration message to the signal transfer point <figref>114</figref>, Which performs the GTT translation of the MIN to Routing information in the form of a dot code and a subsystem number the fixed supporting network, the HLR <figref>108</figref> to achieve. Therefore, in normal communication links the registration message from the MSC <figref>104</figref> and VLR <figref>106</figref> at the HLR <figref>108</figref> directed that the for the specified MIN requesting mobile station <figref>100</figref> responsible for.

If a mobile station <figref>100</figref> not already been activated earlier, were the NAM parameters are not loaded into the mobile station, and there is in none of the HLR <figref>108</figref> the solid support network a corresponding HLR record for this mobile station. The non activated mobile station <figref>100</figref> has stored therein no valid MIN. When the unactivated mobile station <figref>100</figref> registration tries, is not coincident HLR <figref>108</figref> connected to this mobile station. there is no valid MIN in the mobile station <figref>100</figref> are, the global title translation not the signal transfer point <figref>114</figref> the solid support network accomplished will. That would normally prevent air activation, since it in the state the technique is not possible is wireless activation requests a mobile station <figref>100</figref> With a OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> of solid support network connect to. Accordingly, it is not possible to NAM activation parameters from OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> the mobile station <figref>100</figref> download. While the wireless activation process has the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> the NAM parameters to the mobile station <figref>100</figref> supply. To do this, the over-the-activation function processor must<figref>110</figref> a Address of the serving MSC <figref>104</figref> have, in addition, the mobile station must Registration information in VLR <figref>106</figref> on the serving MSC <figref>104</figref> have. In accordance with the invention, mobile stations <figref>100</figref> with information about preprogrammed time of their manufacture to enable, that they wireless activation ANFOR&lt;?page 7?&gt;countries can. This information unit is either a network routing address of the OTAF processor, or it is alternatively a translatable into that address value. It exists two alternatives to the in the routing address of the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> translatable express value; the first is a OTAF ID number stored in each mobile station <figref>100</figref> saved is. In each mobile station<figref>100</figref> is the same value of the OTAF ID number stored. The second alternative is a sequentially serialized Provisional value the mobile identification number, dummy MIN called, save. The dummy MIN is different for each mobile station<figref>100</figref> different.

In the advantageous embodiment the invention is a OTAF ID number in each mobile station <figref>100</figref> stored. The OTAF ID number is a ten digit E.164 telephone (ier) number, BCD encryption second hand. The format allows IS-41 standard speed encryption (As described for the use IS-41 Sender Identification Number). This standard format is further described in "CCITT Blue Book, Vol II fascicles II.2, telephone network and ISDN -. Sequence numbering, Routing and mobile services, proposal E.164; is numbering plan for the ISDN era ". The OTAF ID number an address as the directory number for the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> appears but is used only for routing purposes, and not selectable number represents that does not support voice lines. The registration request in "IS-136 Standard" is modified, the OTAF ID number in the air interface message (air interface message) to transport. additionally must the mobile station <figref>100</figref> provide an MSID value in the message, the message sending mobile station to uniquely identify. This MSID value is by using the electronic serial number (ESN) the mobile station <figref>100</figref> generated as specified in the IS-136 is. This standard specifies how an MSID generated must, when a mobile station is not a valid MIN has.

On generate obtaining air interface registration request following the MSC <figref>104</figref> and the VLR <figref>106</figref> an IS-41 registration notification message using the supplied in the air interface requirements Information of the mobile station <figref>100</figref>, The MSC<figref>104</figref> recognizes, that the mobile station <figref>100</figref> a OTAF ID number has come, and therefore, the MIN field in the registration notification message not occupied. The OTAF ID number is in the plane of Signalisierverbindungssteuerteils (SCCP) of the mobile application part level (MAP) of the IS-41 News contain. The SCCP level is published in ANSI T1.112 Signalling System No. 7 (SS7) standard -. Signalisierverbindungssteuerteil (SCCP) described. The MSC<figref>104</figref> and the VLR <figref>106</figref> send then the registration notification message to the signal transfer point <figref>114</figref> in the fixed supporting network. The VLR <figref>106</figref> also creates a record of the mobile station <figref>100</figref>. the ESN and the MSID of the mobile station <figref>100</figref> using.

Of the STP <figref>114</figref> receives the registration notification message and recognizes that it is the Global Title Translation run (TTL) of OTAF ID number , in order the address of the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> the fixed supporting network to obtain. A new translation type must for the "OTAF ID number to OTAF processor "translation be used. The STP<figref>114</figref> translates the OTAF ID number in the routing address information (PC / SSN) for the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> in the fixed supporting network, and a registration notification message is sent to the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> passed.

This Routing mechanism allows, in accordance with the invention, to route a registration notification message, without the need for a mobile identification number MIN in the mobile station <figref>100</figref> must be pre-programmed.

the information flow out <figref idrefs="S26">3</figref> illustrates the wireless Aktivierungsregistrierungsfluß to activate registration using global title translation of OTAF ID number. The Drawing is constructed so that the vertical axis represents time, and the horizontal axis News shows that between the mobile station <figref>100</figref> (Labeled MS) the mobile switching center <figref>104</figref> (Labeled MSC), the signal transfer point <figref>114</figref> (labeled STP), and the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> (Labeled OTAF) flow. If a subscriber turns on a mobile station MS, places the Mobile station in a capture phase to form a channel assignment of the to obtain base station in <figref idrefs="S26">3</figref> as system overhead is identified. Then, the mobile station MS sends an IS-136 registration order (message A) to the MSC <figref>104</figref> which the OTAF ID number (designated OTAF ID in <figref idrefs="S26">3</figref>) Contains.

Then receives the MSC <figref>104</figref> the registration request (message A) of the air interface and is preparing an IS-41 registration message (message B), in <figref idrefs="S26">3</figref> identified as "REGNOT". The MSC <figref>104</figref> sends the REGNOT to forward it to the STP <figref>114</figref>,

Then leads the STP <figref>114</figref> a global title translation of OTAF ID number (OTAF ID) and routed the REGNOT (message C) to the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref>,

Of the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> processes the REGNOT and returns a REGNOT response result &lt;?page 8?&gt;(Message D) to the MSC <figref>104</figref> back.

<figref idrefs="S26">3</figref> shows also generated by the MS trial, in which the mobile station MS tries to establish a voice connection with the fixed supporting network to create. Simultaneous speech production test and the registration request run in the in <figref idrefs="S26">3</figref> four-step sequence shown of messages E, F, G and H from which is the same as the four-step sequence of messages A, B, C and D, who previously worked <figref idrefs="S26">3</figref> described has been.

<figref idrefs="S27">4A</figref> shows a flow chart a sequence of functional steps of the implementation of the wireless activation using the OTAF ID number. step<figref>402</figref> starts programming the over-the function ID number into a new mobile station <figref>100</figref> the time of manufacture.

In step <figref>404</figref> out <figref idrefs="S27">4A</figref> Has the mobile station <figref>100</figref> for the first time the power of the unit switched network. Then prepare the mobile station<figref>100</figref> in step <figref>406</figref> the registration request message before and closes the OTAF ID number and the ESN with a. In step<figref>408</figref> sends the mobile station <figref>100</figref> a registration request wirelessly to the base station and the mobile switching center.

In step <figref>410</figref> from <figref idrefs="S27">4A</figref> recognizes the mobile switching center <figref>104</figref> the OTAF ID number and inserts in the registration notification message along with the ESN a, which then on it the STP <figref>114</figref> sends the SS7 network. the MSC <figref>104</figref> adds the ESN in a VLR record in VLR <figref>106</figref> on.

Then, in step <figref>412</figref> from <figref idrefs="S27">4A</figref>Translated the STP <figref>114</figref> the OTAF ID number into a routing address of the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref>, The STP sends the registration notification message to the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> in the Network.

In step <figref>414</figref> the <figref idrefs="S27">4A</figref> initiated the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> the activation process for the mobile station <figref>100</figref>, In step <figref>416</figref> sends the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> the Activation parameters in the form of NAM parameters to the mobile station, back to the mobile switching center <figref>104</figref>,

Then, in step <figref>418</figref> from <figref idrefs="S27">4A</figref>, Transmit the mobile switching center <figref>104</figref> and base station <figref>102</figref> the Activation parameters wirelessly to the mobile station <figref>100</figref>. using the VLR record in VLR <figref>106</figref> to identify which mobile station <figref>100</figref> for the receipt of the activation parameters is provided.

<figref idrefs="S28">4B</figref> illustrated a flow chart a variation of the in <figref idrefs="S27">4A</figref> shown method, wherein in step <figref>414 '</figref> the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> the activation process for the mobile station initiate must then on the authorization by the in <figref idrefs="S26">2</figref> shown Activation Center Business Office <figref>112</figref> waiting.

step <figref>415</figref> from <figref idrefs="S28">4B</figref> contains a Speech path, wirelessly set up by the mobile station subscriber. Of the Mobile station subscriber results simultaneously a call for activation Center <figref>112</figref> of business premises the service provider, using a specially selected number such as "1-800-ACTIVATE" from. The participant can the activation Center <figref>112</figref> of business premises submit the service provider's credit information, and the participants can specify which service features for the mobile service intended will. The activation Center<figref>112</figref> of business premises the service provider then sends authorization data to the processor OTAF <figref>110</figref>,

In step <figref>416 '</figref> from <figref idrefs="S28">4B</figref> completes the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> then the activation process and send the activation parameters for the mobile station back to mobile switching center <figref>104</figref>, Then, in step<figref>418</figref> from <figref idrefs="S28">4B</figref>, to transfer the mobile switching center <figref>104</figref> and base station <figref>102</figref> the activation parameters wirelessly to the mobile station <figref>100</figref>,

<figref idrefs="S29">5</figref> shows a flow chart a sequence of operational steps for an alternate embodiment of the invention, wherein each new mobile station <figref>100</figref> at the time their manufacture with a sequentially serialized provisional MIN mobile identification number is programmed. this will in step <figref>502</figref> from <figref idrefs="S29">5</figref> shown. In step <figref>504</figref> the mobile station switches <figref>100</figref> first time the Power on the unit in the network. In step<figref>506</figref> prepares a mobile station <figref>100</figref> the registration request message prior to include the dummy MIN. In step<figref>508</figref> sends the mobile station, the wireless registration request to the base station and the mobile switching center <figref>104</figref>,

In step <figref>510</figref> from <figref idrefs="S29">5</figref> prepares the mobile switching center the registration notification message with the dummy MIN. This operation is the same as when the mobile station <figref>100</figref> a normal registration for an earlier activated mobile station calls, the mobile switching center <figref>104</figref> can not between a dummy MIN and a valid MIN differ. The mobile switching center<figref>104</figref> then sends the registration notification message to the STP <figref>114</figref> in SS7 Network. The MSC<figref>10</figref> constitutes dummy MIN into a VLR record in VLR <figref>106</figref>, In step<figref>512</figref> translated the STP <figref>114</figref> all dummy MINs into the routing address the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref>, All of the plurality of the se&lt;?page 9?&gt;quentiell serialized dummy MIN values ​​are through the STP <figref>114</figref> in a single OTAF processor address in the fixed supporting network translated. Then sends the STP <figref>114</figref> the registration notification message the OATF processor <figref>110</figref>,

Then, in step <figref>514</figref> from <figref idrefs="S29">5</figref>initiated the OTAF processor the activation process of the mobile station <figref>100</figref>, In step <figref>516</figref> sends the OTAF processor the activation parameters for the Mobile station returns to the MSC <figref>104</figref>,

Then transmit, in step <figref>518</figref> from <figref idrefs="S29">5</figref>, The MSC <figref>104</figref> and the base station <figref>102</figref> the activation parameters wirelessly to the mobile station <figref>100</figref>, Using the VLR record the VLR <figref>106</figref> to identify with the dummy MIN, which mobile station <figref>100</figref> to receive the activation parameters is provided.

<figref idrefs="S30">6</figref> shows a flow chart a sequence of functional steps for a previously activated mobile station <figref>100</figref> With a valid MIN, which in a new network area looking registry.

In step <figref>602</figref> examines the previously activated mobile station <figref>100</figref> after a registration in a new service area. In step<figref>604</figref> switches the mobile station <figref>100</figref> the power for the unit in the network. In step <figref>606</figref> prepares the mobile station a registration request message prior to the valid Mobile Identification Number (MIN) include. In step <figref>608</figref> transmitted the mobile station <figref>100</figref> the registration request wirelessly to base station <figref>102</figref> and the MSC <figref>104</figref>, In step<figref>610</figref> prepares the MSC <figref>104</figref> the registration notification message with a valid Min before, and sends it to the STP <figref>114</figref> the SS7 network. The MSC provides the valid MIN in a VLR record in VLR <figref>106</figref>, In step<figref>612</figref> translated the STP <figref>114</figref> the valid MIN in a routing address of the mobile station allocated HLR <figref>108</figref>, In step <figref>614</figref> initiated the HLR <figref>108</figref> the registration process for the Mobile station for the new network area. In step<figref>616</figref> sends the HLR <figref>108</figref> the new registration information for MS <figref>100</figref> back to the MSC <figref>104</figref>, In step<figref>618</figref> updates the VLR <figref>106</figref> the new registration information and start a local service for the mobile station <figref>100</figref> using the VLR record.

<figref idrefs="S31">7</figref> shows the STP <figref>114</figref> and its translation table <figref>700</figref>. and shows how a plurality of dummy MINs with different, sequentially serialized values ​​in translation <figref>702</figref> in translated a single OTAF address will. <figref idrefs="S31">7</figref> shows several example translations of input expressions in the format of a selected Number issued signaling system (SS7) network addresses. For example, the translation table in the <figref>700</figref> entered elected Number "911" in the SS7 network address the emergency service translated. As another example, the translation table in the <figref>700</figref> entered Number "1-800-ACTIVATE" in the network address of in <figref idrefs="S26">2</figref> shown Activation Centers <figref>112</figref> of Comercial the service provider translated. As another example, the dialed number format for the valid MIN "VALID MIN-5 "is entered, to the translation table <figref>700</figref>. into the SS7 network address the HLR 5 main Posistion register for that MIN translated. As another example, the dialed number format for the valid MIN "VALID MIN-6 "is entered, to the translation table <figref>700</figref>. into the SS7 network address of the other HLR 6 main Posistion Register for these other MIN translated. In accordance with the invention are all dummy MINs by the translation <figref>702</figref> in the translation table <figref>700</figref> in the network address of the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> translated. Further, in accordance with the invention, the OTAF ID number by the translation table <figref>700</figref> in the SS7 network address of the OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> translated.

<figref idrefs="S32">8A</figref> shows a schematic representation of a mobile station <figref>100</figref> With a preprogrammed OTAF ID number <figref>810</figref> or alternatively with a pre-programmed dummy MIN <figref>832</figref>, The mobile station <figref>100</figref> contains RF transmit and receive circuits, digital circuits, and voice circuits. The mobile station <figref>100</figref> also includes a RAM memory <figref>806</figref>. which the NAM parameters after it wirelessly from OTAF processor <figref>110</figref> downloaded were stored in the NAM register. The mobile station<figref>100</figref> contains further a programmable read-only memory (ROM) <figref>808</figref>, of the the time of manufacture with the ESN and the OTAF ID number <figref>810</figref> programmed is. In the alternative embodiment includes the invention the mobile station <figref>100</figref> Alternatively, the programmable ROM <figref>830</figref> (in the dotted outline in <figref>8</figref> shown), the at the time of manufacture with the ESN and a sequentially serialized dummy MIN <figref>832</figref> is programmed.

<figref idrefs="S32">8B</figref> shows, as in the advantageous embodiment a plurality of mobile stations <figref>100</figref>. <figref>100 '</figref> and <figref>100 "</figref> all with the identical OTAF ID number <figref>810</figref> be preprogrammed.

<figref idrefs="S32">8C</figref> shows, how a plurality of mobile stations <figref>100</figref>. <figref>100 '</figref> and <figref>100 ''</figref> in the alternative embodiment with mutually different dummy MIN values <figref>832</figref>. <figref>832 '</figref> and <figref>832 ''</figref> be preprogrammed.