Methods and apparatus for communicating data via a cellular network control channel

【0001】<u style="single">Technical field</u>The present invention generally relates to a data communication system, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for communicating data via a cellular network control channel of a cellular mobile radiotelephone system.

【0002】<u style="single">Background of the invention</u>In recent years, the telecommunications industry has increased interest in various types of wireless communications systems that communicate voice and / or data between numerous remote sites and central locations. It is well recognized that the use of dedicated telephone equipment for traditional telephone systems is not a convenient and economical option in all areas of communication applications. For example, an individual who must be away from his or her work base needs to communicate with his or her base conveniently and efficiently. Similarly, for many industrial applications, a central data collection site is located remotely and obtains information from various monitoring devices that collect data on the operation and operation of equipment. There is a need. Two-way wireless communications to overcome the limitations of traditional telephone systems link) is often needed to allow a response to communications initiated from another point. In an attempt to solve the problem of providing a response to the first communication, the industry has proposed a variety of wireless communication systems, including two-way radios, mobile radiotelephones, and paging systems.

【0003】

Traditional radio communication systems are base station transceivers located at preferred radio propagation sites and are usually located in vehicles, such as for police or trucking dispatches and dispatches, or base station transceivers. It utilizes a set of transceivers located at a remote facility site that communicates data in response to command signals from. Most wireless communication systems are convenient for communicating over short distances, such as within the boundaries of towns and cities, over VHF (very high frequency) wireless links.

【0004】

While conventional wireless communication systems are convenient for dedicated communication applications, two-way radio is not widely accepted for general purpose communication. The use of two-way radio is generally regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the United States, and the assigned frequency spectrum is relatively limited. Furthermore, the quality of communication is affected by the propagation conditions between communication sites. Two-way radio equipment is usually large and heavy, making it difficult for users to carry around or install in small or existing equipment at all times.

【0005】

Another form of two-way communication is the Cellular Mobile Radiotelephone (CMR) system, which is connected to a large public switched telephone network (PSTN) to connect mobile phone users and regular telephones. Allows communication with anyone (or another mobile phone) who uses it. In a typical CMR system, the radio coverage area is reduced to a smaller coverage area, namely a low power transitter and a coverage-restricted receiver. It is characterized by dividing into cells that use receivers). Limited coverage allows radio channels used in one cell to be reused in another cell, as shown in US Pat. Nos. 3,906,166 and 4,268,722. When a cellular mobile radiotelephone in a cell passes through the cell boundary and enters an adjacent cell, the control circuit unit attached to the cell detects that the signal strength of the radiotelephone in the cell just entered is stronger. Communication with the radiotelephone is "handed-off" to the cell just entered. Therefore, the CMR system can provide two-way communication for an array of cells, and as a result, can provide communication for a wider range than conventional two-way wireless communication.

【0006】

Traditional radiotelephones typically provide both voice and data communication capabilities, so radiotelephone services are generally offered at a cost commensurate with the combined voice and data services. However, this combination of both voice and data communications may exceed the demands of users communicating solely by voice or data. Moreover, real-time voice or data communication is not always required for users who only want to receive messages without disturbing their current activities. Similar to two-way radio communication, the frequency spectrum for the radio channels of the CMR system, especially the voice channels, is a limited resource.

【0007】

A paging system is a small receiver, a pager, and a selected geographic area containing a myriad of pagers. Includes at least one paging terminal having a transmitter covering the area). Pagers are usually tuned to specific tones or data bit-modulated radio frequencies that are shared with many other pagers. A specific sequence of tones or data bits is used as the address or authentication of the selected pager. Receiving a specific sequence triggers an audible, tactile, and visible alert, which puts a call from a telephone connected to the PSTN to the paging terminal and generally communicates to the pager via a transmitter. It is shown that Depending on the complexity of the pager, the paging device may receive a voice or data message following the alarm, and the alarm alone simply states that the call must be made and a given action must be taken. May be shown to the user. This type of pager is a one-way message system because it cannot tell the party that initiated the page (call) whether the specified pager actually received the page.

【0008】

In order to respond to pages received via a traditional one-way paging system, the paged party usually finds an available traditional phone and makes a telephone call to the party that initiated the page. Must start. Alternatively, the paged party can also make an answer call by using a mobile radiotelephone, if available. Recognizing the problem with isolated pagers and radiotelephone devices, US Pat. No. 5,148,473 describes pagers and radiotelephone devices that have a combination of a radio pager section and a cellular radiotelephone section. To answer the page, the user simply puts the call through the CMR system. The pager also allows the user to block incoming calls to determine which of the incoming messages to return, thereby eliminating the cost of CMR system services associated with unnecessary calls. However, acknowledgment of received pages by this device requires the use of a relatively limited spectrum for the voice channel of the CMR system.

【0009】

A paging system capable of two-way communication that receives a page and sends a notification of receipt of the page is also known. Some of these systems allow a pager with receipt notification capabilities to communicate the response to the calling party immediately after receiving the first page contact. The response may be a voice, numeric or alphanumeric message informing the originator of the message that the message was successfully received by the page, and may also provide a response to the received message. The page receipt notification system generally includes one central transmitter covering a geographic area and one or more receipt notification system receivers that receive receipt notification signals from pagers. Receipt Notification System The receiver can communicate the receipt notification message to the central transmitter either via a wired or wireless link. The number of receipt notification system receivers is the transmitting power of the receipt notification transmitter attached to each pager. It is a function of power). The transmitter power of the pager is generally low, typically less than 1 watt, based on the portability requirements of the pager and the need to reduce the size of the battery that powers the transmitter. Such a paging receipt notification system is most suitable for local area "on-site" communication in terms of power limitation of the transmitter attached to the pager.

【0010】

U.S. Pat. No. 5,005,014 describes a wide-area paging communication system that efficiently transmits a receipt notification signal received from a group of portable communication receivers to a central station for final distribution to the originator of a message. A wide area communication system includes a group of cells, a central transmitter station, a group of remote transmitter stations, and a remote receiver station. The remote transmitter station is centrally located within each cell and provides message transmission to a set of portable communication receivers within the cell. Similarly, the remote receiver station is located within each cell and receives a receipt notification signal from a portable communication receiver that responds to a received message. The message is input to the communication system via a paging terminal located at a central station and then distributed to remote transmitters for communication to the portable communication receiver. When the message is received by the intended portable communication receiver, that receiver receives the message to at least one of the remote receiver stations and to the central transmitter station via the remote transmitter station. Confirm by sending a forwarded receipt notification message.

【0011】

U.S. Pat. No. 4,644,351 describes a communication system that transmits a message over a radio channel from one of a group of fixed paging central sites with different coverage areas to a set of remote paging units. Each paging central site covers a relatively large, essentially adjacent geographic area and contains a group of base stations controlled by a network control processor. Each remote paging unit is assigned a unique address and is associated with one of the central paging sites. When a message for the selected remote paging unit is received at the paging central site via the PSTN or another value-added network (VAN), it is stored and discovers the location of the selected remote paging unit. The file is searched for. The message and address are then sent from the paging central site located in the radio coverage area that is most likely to contain the selected paging unit. Upon receiving the message, the selected remote paging unit stores the message and returns a message receipt notification to the paging central site, which in turn deletes the message from its storage. The remote paging unit receives the message and notifies the receipt regardless of the radio coverage area of the central site where the unit is located.

【0012】

Current paging receipt notification systems have a wide communication area because the number of receipt notification receivers (and transmitters) in the paging receipt notification system is a function of the limited transmission power of the transmitters associated with each pager. To implement a two-way communication system that covers, a huge investment of capital is required to purchase and install the equipment. Although the paging industry is interested in providing page receipt notifications to paging service subscribers, the cost of implementing a paging receipt notification system causes many service providers to receive such paging receipts. I hesitate to set up a notification system.

【0013】

Therefore, there is a need to overcome the limitations of prior art by adapting existing networks to communicate data between central locations and a myriad of remote sites. In addition, there is a need to apply existing communication networks to send message receipt notifications. This new use of existing communication systems needs to minimize the impact on the current communications carried by the system. The present invention implements the existing architecture of the CMR system in an efficient and cost-effective manner for data communication via the CMR system, including data collection and reporting at remote sites and notification of receipt of page messages. Apply to support.

【0014】

(Summary of Invention) The present invention solves the problems of the prior art by providing a device and a method for communicating data via a cellular network control channel of a CMR system. Telecommunications service providers, including BellSouth Mobility, an affiliate of the assignee of this application, have already installed the necessary equipment to support nationwide communications over the CMR network. The present inventor is new to the CMR system to provide either one-way or two-way data communication while minimizing the impact on the known voice communication provided by the cellular mobile radiotelephone network. It turns out to be an existing communication architecture that can be adapted in a way. The present invention leverages the installed base of this communication facility by using the control channels of the CMR system for data communication between a central location and a myriad of remote sites. In this way, the present invention saves valuable frequency spectrum assigned to voice channels that support ordinary telephone calls on CMR systems.

【0015】

Briefly, the present invention is a data message system that communicates data collected from remote data sources. The data message system is a set of data reporting devices and mobile switching of at least one CMR system. Center: MSC) and a data collection system connected to the MSC. Each data reporting device includes a monitor and a cellular communication device. A monitor connected to a remote data source monitors (monitors) the operation of the remote data source in order to obtain the selected data. The cellular communication device is connected to the corresponding monitor and sends a data message containing the selected data in response to the selected data. The MSC receives data messages from cellular communication equipment operating within the coverage area of the CMR system via the cellular network control channel of the CMR system. The MSC then sends the data message to the data collection system over the first communication link. The data collection system is connected to a memory storage device, stores each data message, and then processes the stored data message. Data collection systems can receive data communications compatible with EIA / TIA Interim Standard 41 (IS-41) or other vendor-specific protocols.

【0016】

The data collection system can also send the stored data message to the data processing system via a second communication link. Data processing systems that also operate to store and / or process the contents of data messages are typically located at sites far from the data collection system. This allows processing of selected data in a central location that is more convenient for the user, without having to operate at the location for the data collection system. Data collection and data processing systems are usually located at separate sites, but the behavior of data collection and data processing systems can also be combined or integrated by installing them in the same physical location. ..

【0017】

By using the present invention, selected data obtained from various remote sites can be communicated to one location. Data sources typically include utility meters, community antenna television (CATV), pay-per-view (PPV) terminals, vending equipment, and security alarms. -The system is included. The selected data describes certain parameters of operation or operation by each of the data sources. For example, if the data source is an electrical utility meter located in the immediate vicinity of the consumer's location, it will be indicated by a monitor connected to the source and communicated over the control channel of the CMR system. The utility can obtain parameters such as power demand for a given time interval.

【0018】

More specifically, the monitor includes a recorder that records the selected data for at least one predetermined time interval. The recorder can add a time tag to the selected data to indicate the time relative to the start of a predetermined time interval. The use of time tags allows selected data to be associated with a particular time, which helps in processing the collected data at a later date.

【0019】

A cellular communication device, which can be implemented as a cellular radiotelephone transceiver, transmits selected data to the MSC in data type format via the control channel of the CMR system. This saves the use of the frequency spectrum associated with the voice channel of the CMR system and avoids interference with call traffic on the voice channel. Data transmission by the cellular communication device can be initiated in response to a status signal output by the monitor. This status signal indicates that the monitor has recorded the selection data from the data source and prompts the transmission of the selection data stored in the cellular communication device based on the completion of this data collection operation.

【0020】

To minimize interference with normal control operation on the control channel, cellular communication equipment generally transmits selection data during a predetermined operation off-peak time of the CMR system. Specifically, the cellular communication device monitors the cellular network control channel and detects a stream of busy idle bits. Each state of the busy idle bit indicates whether at least one cellular source has initiated cellular communication with the MSC over the cellular network control channel during a particular time interval. A busy idle bit set to the binary value of 1 indicates that the control channel is busy. Based on the respective state of the busy idle bits transmitted during the selected time interval, the cellular communication device determines the level of communication activity on the cellular network control channel. The cellular communication device MSCs the data message during the "window of opportunity", which indicates that the result of this monitoring operation is that the communication on the control channel is at a level where data communication can be performed on a non-interfering basis. Send to.

【0021】

Instead, the cellular communication device sends a data message over a selected time period that represents the desired time for such communication, such as early morning hours when call traffic on the CMR system is usually at a low level. it can. The cellular communication device includes a clock that outputs a clock signal at the expiration of a time interval, which is a time typically associated with minimum cellular calling activity. In response to the clock signal, the cellular communication device sends a data message containing previously stored selection data to the MCS via the cellular network control channel. In this way, the cellular communication device can be programmed to transmit during off-peak utilization times for the CMR system, thereby minimizing interference with the control operations performed by the CMR system on the control channel.

【0022】

The cellular communication device can also perform the selected operation in response to a received command signal from the MSC via the cellular network control channel. The command signal is composed of address data, and each of the cellular communication devices responds to the command signal for only specific address data. The cellular communication device sends a data message to the MSC via the cellular network control channel in response to receiving the selected command signal. Further, in response to the reception of another command signal, the cellular communication device outputs an instruction signal in order to promote the data recording operation by the corresponding monitor. The monitor then monitors the operation of the remote data source and obtains selected data for a monitoring time period. Further, the time interval of the cellular communication device with respect to the clock can also be set to a predetermined time in response to the reception of another command signal.

【0023】

The data message is composed of selected data and a predetermined identifying characteristic that uniquely identifies the cellular communication device that sends the data message to the MSC. Data messages are often referred to as registration signals and are usually formatted to correspond to the identification signal sent by the cellular radiotelephone when the device first self-identifies to the CMR system. .. The identification signal is usually a mobile telephone. Consists of separate data fields containing number) and electronic serial number (ESN). Therefore, the predetermined identification characteristics are inserted in the data field representing the mobile phone number, and the selected data is inserted in the data field representing the ESN. Each cellular communication device is assigned a different predetermined identification characteristic, which belongs to a conventional telephone number, a selected 10-digit number, or a set of unassigned mobile telephone numbers in the CMR system. It can be at least part of the phone number [XXXXXXXXXX]. Thus, the selected data is communicated through the control channel of the CMR system when the cellular communication device first self-identifies or "registers" for operation with the MSC.

【0024】

In another aspect of the invention, the paging receipt notification system is provided to communicate both (1) a paging message and (2) a receipt notification message confirming receipt of the paging message. The paging receipt notification system uses the cellular network control channel of the CMR system to communicate a receipt notification message certifying receipt of the paging message to the receipt notification message collection site.

【0025】

The paging receipt notification system includes a communication system, a set of remote communication devices, and at least one MSC of the CMR system. In response to the paging message from the paging party, the communication system prepares a data message corresponding to the paging message. The data message is an address that uniquely identifies the selected remote communication device, a receipt notification code that uniquely identifies the corresponding paging message, and to the user or subscriber associated with the selected remote communication device. Contains paging data intended for communication. This receipt notification code is stored by the communication system to support the determination of whether the data message was properly notified by the selected remote communication device and to allow later use of this stored data. To. The communication system then sends a data message over the communication path to the selected remote communication device.

【0026】

The remote communication device responds to the data message containing the specific address by preparing the receipt notification message and transmitting it to the MSC via the cellular network control channel of the CMR system. The receipt notification message includes a receipt notification code to indicate the valid receipt of the data message. Optionally, the receipt notification message may include response operation data entered by the user to respond to the paging data or supplied by equipment connected to the remote communication unit. The operation data is input to the remote communication device either manually or automatically for transmission via the final CMR system.

【0027】

The MSC communicates with remote communication devices operating within the cells of the CMR system via the cellular network control channel. In response to the receipt notification message, the MSC recognizes that the message is related to a remote or foreign CMR system. This causes the MSC to send the receipt notification message to the appropriate remote CMR system represented by the communication system.

【0028】

In response to the receipt notification message, the communication system processes the receipt notification message to determine if the receipt notification message corresponds to a particular one of the data messages. This determination is made by comparing the receipt notification code in the receipt notification message with the stored receipt notification code associated with the data message. If this matches, the receipt notification can be stored or provided to the paging party.

【0029】

The receipt notification message includes a receipt notification code and, optionally, operational data intended for communication to the paging party. The receipt notification message is formatted to correspond to the identification signal transmitted by the cellular radiotelephone and allows the communication of that data on the CMR system. Therefore, the receipt notification code is inserted in the data field, which is usually filled with mobile phone numbers, and the operational data is inserted in the data field, which is usually filled with ESN. Each receipt code uniquely identifies the paging message and is at least a traditional phone number, a selected 10-digit number, or a mobile phone number that belongs to a set of unassigned mobile phone numbers in the CMR system. Can be part. As a result, the receipt notification code (and operation data) is communicated via the control channel of the CMR system when the remote communication device registers for operation with the MSC.

【0030】

In view of the above, an object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a data message system that communicates data acquired from a remote site to a central location via the cellular network control channel of the CMR system.

【0031】

Another object and advantage of the present invention is to apply the existing equipment of the CMR system to implement a data message system that communicates data via the cellular network control channel of the CMR system.

【0032】

Another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a page receipt notification system that communicates a receipt notification message in response to the receipt of a paging message via the cellular network control channel of the CMR system.

【0033】

Another object and advantage of the present invention is to implement a receipt notification paging system that communicates a receipt notification message in response to the reception of a paging message via the cellular network control channel of the CMR system with the existing equipment of the CMR system. Is to apply to.

【0034】

These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and recognized by reviewing the detailed description below and referring to the accompanying drawings and the claims.

【0035】

A first feature of the present invention is a plurality of remote data sources in a cellular mobile radio telephone (CMR) system (8) having an array of cells for communicating with the cellular radio telephone within the coverage area of the array of cells. A data message system (10) that communicates the selected data collected from (30), and (a) monitors the corresponding remote data source (30) to obtain the selected data. When a cellular radio phone self-identifies to a CMR system, multiple data reporting systems (29) that send a data message containing a signal and selection data identifying that it was transmitted by one of the cellular radio phones, and (b). ) At least one mobile switching center (MSC) that receives data messages from each of the data reporting systems (29) operating within the coverage area of the cell array over the cellular network control channel (38). It consists of (24) and (c) a data collection system (40) that collects selected data in response to receiving a data message from the MSC (24) over the first communication link (42). The gist is that it is a data message system.

【0036】

The data collection system (40) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may be connected to at least one memory storage device (44) that stores the data message as a storage data message.

【0037】

Further, the data collection system (40) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention is connected to the data processing system (46) that processes the selected data of the data message via the second communication link (48). May send a stored data message.

【0038】

Further, the data collection system (40) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention is connected to the data processing system (46) that processes the selected data of the data message via the second communication link (48). You may send a data message.

【0039】

Further, the data collection system (40) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may be compatible with the EIA / TIA provisional standard 41 (IS-41).

【0040】

Further, the data collection system (40) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may be composed of a computer.

【0041】

Further, the data message of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention is a predetermined one of the selected data and the data reporting system (29) for transmitting the data message to the MSC (24). It may be composed of predetermined identification characteristics that uniquely identify.

【0042】

Further, the identification characteristic of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may be composed of a data field for a mobile telephone number and an electronic serial number (ESN).

【0043】

Further, the identification characteristics of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may correspond to at least a part of a mobile telephone number, and the selected data may correspond to at least a part of an ESN.

【0044】

Further, the remote data source (30) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention is a utility meter, a shared reception facility (CATV) pay-per-view (PPV) terminal, and an automatic sales facility. , And at least one group of security alarm systems.

【0045】

Further, the selected data of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may describe predetermined parameters of operation or operation for each of the remote data sources (30).

【0046】

Also, each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention is connected to the corresponding remote data source (30) and the corresponding remote to obtain the selected data. It may consist of a monitor (32) that monitors the data source (30) and a cellular communication device (34) that is connected to the monitor (32) and sends data messages containing selected data.

【0047】

Further, the monitor (32) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may be composed of a recorder (60) that records selected data for at least a predetermined time period.

【0048】

Further, the recorder (60) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may add a time tag indicating a relative time to each start of a predetermined time period to the selected data.

【0049】

Further, in each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention, the cellular source is the MSC (24) and the cellular network control channel for a predetermined time period. The cellular network control channel (38) is monitored to detect a stream of busy idle bits indicating whether cellular communication via (38) has begun, and the cellular is based on the state of the busy idle bits. -The communication level for the network control channel (38) may be determined.

【0050】

In addition, each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention sends a data message to the MSC (24) when the level for communication is less than a predetermined minimum threshold. You may send it to.

【0051】

In addition, each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature responds to the reception of a command signal from the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38). A predetermined operation may be performed.

【0052】

Further, each of the command signals of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention is composed of address data, and each of the data reporting system (29) is a command for only predetermined address data. You may respond to the signal.

【0053】

Also, the selected one of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention responds to the reception of one of the command signals via the cellular network control channel (38). Data messages may then be sent to the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38).

【0054】

Also, the selected one of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention responds to the reception of one of the command signals via the cellular network control channel (38). The corresponding remote data source (30) may be monitored for a predetermined monitoring time period to obtain selected data.

【0055】

Further, the data reporting system (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may be connected to a memory storage device that stores selection data as storage selection data.

【0056】

Further, the data reporting system (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may include a clock (82) that outputs a clock signal when the time interval expires.

【0057】

Further, the data reporting system (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention transmits a predetermined data message including storage selection data to the MSC (24) in response to a clock signal. It may be transmitted via the network control channel (38).

【0058】

Further, each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may include a clock (82) that outputs a clock signal when the time interval expires.

【0059】

Further, the time interval of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may be different for each of the data reporting systems (29).

【0060】

In addition, each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention sends a data message to the MSC (24) in response to a clock signal, a cellular network control channel (38). ) May be sent.

【0061】

In addition, each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention sends a data message to the MSC (24) in response to a clock signal, a cellular network control channel (38). ) May be sent.

【0062】

Further, the time interval of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention is a data reporting system (38) in which another command signal is received from the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38). It may be set at a predetermined time in response to 29).

【0063】

In addition, each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention includes a clock (82) that outputs a clock signal when the time interval expires, and responds to the clock signal. Data messages may be sent to the MSC (24) over the cellular network control channel (38).

【0064】

Further, in each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention, the cellular source is the MSC (24) and the cellular network control channel for a predetermined time period. The cellular network control channel (38) is monitored to detect a stream of busy idle bits indicating whether cellular communication via (38) has begun, and the cellular is based on the state of the busy idle bits. -The communication level on the network control channel (38) may be determined.

【0065】

Further, each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention responds to the clock signal and data until the communication level becomes less than a predetermined minimum threshold value. -You may delay the sending of the message.

【0066】

Further, each of the data reporting systems (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may be connected to a memory storage device that stores selected data as storage selected data.

【0067】

The data message of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention may also be formatted to represent an extended protocol message according to EIA / TIA-533.

【0068】

Further, the data reporting system (29) of the data message system according to the first feature of the present invention sends a data message to the MSC (24) in response to the detection of the event, and the cellular network control channel (38). It may be sent via.

【0069】

A second feature of the present invention is a paging receipt notification system (10') that communicates a page and a receipt notification confirming receipt of the page in the cellular mobile wireless telephone (CMR) system (8'). B) Communication means (149) that responds to the paging message, prepares the data message corresponding to the paging message, and transmits the data message via the communication path (156), and (b) each remote communication. A data message containing an address that uniquely identifies one of the devices (152) is received via the communication path (156) and responds to a selected one of the data messages containing each associated address. Multiple remote communication devices (152) that send receipt notification messages confirming receipt of the selected data message via the cellular network control channel (38) of the CMR system (8'), and (c) receipt. It consists of at least one mobile switching center (MSC) (24') that receives the notification message from the remote communication device (152) via the cellular network control channel (38), and (d) the means of communication is further , Receive the receipt notification message from the MSC (24') over the first communication link (42') and send the receipt notification message to determine if the receipt notification message corresponds to a particular one of the data messages. The gist is that it is a paging receipt notification system to process.

【0070】

The communication means (149) of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention responds to the determination that the receipt notification message corresponds to a specific data message, and responds to the paging corresponding to the specific data message. A confirmation message may be output to the paging party that initiated one of the messages, which may provide confirmation of receipt of the selected data message by the remote communicator (152).

【0071】

Further, each of the data messages of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention corresponds to one of the paging messages, and is an address that uniquely identifies the selected one of the remote communication device (152). And a receipt notification code that uniquely identifies the corresponding paging message and communication to the user associated with the selected remote communication device (152) supplied by the paging party that initiated the corresponding paging message. It may be composed of paging data for the purpose of.

【0072】

Further, the receipt notification message of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention may be composed of a receipt notification code.

【0073】

Further, the receipt notification message of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention may further be composed of operation data supplied by the user and intended to communicate with the paging party.

【0074】

Further, the receipt notification message of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention may be composed of a receipt notification code and operation data supplied by the user and intended to communicate with the paging party. good.

【0075】

Also, the receipt notification message of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention corresponds to the identification signal transmitted by the cellular radiotelephone when the cellular radiotelephone first self-identifies to the CMR system. Formatted, the identification signal may consist of a mobile phone number and an electronic serial number (ESN).

【0076】

Further, the receipt notification code of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention may correspond to at least a part of the mobile telephone number.

【0077】

Further, the operation data of the paging reception notification system according to the second feature of the present invention may correspond to at least a part of the ESN.

【0078】

Further, the communication means (149) of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention further assigns a receipt notification code to each of the data messages, and stores the receipt notification code in the memory storage device as the receipt notification code. It may be output for storage.

【0079】

Further, the communication means (149) of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention specifies the receipt notification code included in the receipt notification message to determine whether the receipt notification message corresponds to a specific data message. It may be determined by comparing with the stored receipt notification code associated with the data message of.

【0080】

In addition, each of the remote communication devices (152) of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention is controlled by the cellular network during a specific time interval by the cellular source for a predetermined time period. Monitor and control the cellular network control channel (38) to detect a stream of busy idle bits, each indicating whether cellular communication with the MSC (24') over the channel (38) has begun. The level of communication to the network control channel (38) may be determined based on the busy idle bit state.

【0081】

Further, when each of the remote communication devices (152) of the paging reception notification system according to the second feature of the present invention has a level for communication less than a predetermined minimum threshold value, a data message is sent to the MSC (24'). You may send it.

【0082】

Further, the receipt notification message of the paging receipt notification system according to the second feature of the present invention may be formatted to represent an extended protocol message according to EIA / TIA-533.

【0083】

A third feature of the present invention is a method of communicating data collected from a plurality of remote data sources (30) in a cellular mobile radio telephone (CMR) system (8) for communicating with a cellular radio telephone. Then, (a) in order to obtain the selected data, the step of monitoring each operation of the remote data source (30) and (b) the data message containing the selected data are sent to the cellular network control channel (38). The step of transmitting to the mobile switching center (MSC) (24) of the CMR system (8) via the (c) and when the cellular radio phone self-identifies to the CMR system, it is transmitted by one of the cellular radio phones. From the step of transmitting a data message formatted as an identification signal from the MSC (24) to a data collection system (40) that collects selected data in response to the data message via the first communication link (42). The gist is that it is a method of becoming.

【0084】

The method according to the third feature of the present invention further comprises a step of storing the data message as a stored data message in response to the data collection system (40) receiving the data message from the MSC (24). You may.

【0085】

Further, in the method according to the third feature of the present invention, the stored data message is linked from the data collection system (40) to the data processing system (46) that processes the selected data of the data message. It may further have a step of transferring via (48).

【0086】

Further, in the method according to the third feature of the present invention, a second communication link (48) is used to transfer a data message from the data collection system (40) to the data processing system (46) that processes the selected data of the data message. It may further have a step of transferring via.

【0087】

Further, the data message in the method according to the third feature of the present invention is a predetermined identification that uniquely identifies the selected data and the cellular communication device (34) that transmits the data message to the MSC (24). It may be composed of characteristics.

【0088】

Further, the identification characteristic in the method according to the third feature of the present invention may be composed of a mobile telephone number and an electronic serial number (ESN).

【0089】

Further, the identification characteristic in the method according to the third feature of the present invention may correspond to at least a part of the mobile telephone number.

【0090】

Further, the monitoring step in the method according to the third feature of the present invention includes the step of monitoring the selection data for the remote data source (30) and recording the selection data for at least a predetermined time period. It may include steps and.

【0091】

Further, the monitoring step in the method according to the third feature of the present invention may further include a step of adding a time tag indicating a relative time to each start time of a predetermined time period to the selection data.

【0092】

Also, the method according to the third feature of the present invention is that the cellular source is connected to the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38) during a specific time interval for a predetermined time period. Steps to monitor the cellular network control channel (38) and the level of communication to the control network control channel (38) to detect a stream of busy idle bits, each indicating whether or not the cellular communication has begun. Further, a step of calculating based on the state of the busy idle bit and a step of delaying the step of sending a data message to the MSC (24) until the level of communication falls below a predetermined minimum threshold. It may be included.

【0093】

Further, the method according to the third feature of the present invention further steps to perform a predetermined operation in response to the reception of a command signal from the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38). It may be included.

【0094】

Further, each of the command signals in the method according to the third feature of the present invention is composed of address data, and the step of performing a predetermined operation responds to the command signal for only the predetermined address data. May be completed only.

【0095】

Further, the method according to the third feature of the present invention further includes a step of transmitting a data message to the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38) in response to the reception of one of the command signals. It may be included.

【0096】

Further, the method according to the third feature of the present invention includes a step of outputting an instruction signal in response to one reception of a command signal from the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38). It may further include the step of monitoring the remote data source (30) for a predetermined monitoring time period in response to the instruction signal to obtain the selected data.

【0097】

Further, the method according to the third feature of the present invention may further include a step of storing selection data as storage selection data.

【0098】

Further, in the method according to the third feature of the present invention, the step of transmitting a data message to the MSC (24) is a step of outputting a clock signal at the expiration of the time interval and a step of outputting data in response to the clock signal. It may include the step of sending one of the messages to the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38).

【0099】

Further, the method according to the third feature of the present invention determines the time interval of the clock signal in response to the reception of another command signal via the cellular network control channel (38) from the MSC (24). It may further include a step of synchronizing with the time of.

【0100】

Further, the step of transmitting the data message to the MSC (24) in the method according to the third feature of the present invention is selected in response to the step of outputting the clock signal and the step of outputting the clock signal at the expiration of the time interval. It may include a step of transmitting one of the data messages containing the data to the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38).

【0101】

Further, the method according to the third feature of the present invention is whether or not the cellular source initiates cellular communication with the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38) during a specific time interval. Based on the steps of monitoring the cellular network control channel (38) for a predetermined time period and the state of the busy idle bits to detect the stream of busy idle bits that each indicates. Control Network Further steps to determine the level of communication for the control channel (38) and delay the step of sending data messages to the MSC (24) until the level for communication falls below a predetermined minimum threshold. It may be included.

【0102】

Further, in the method according to the third feature of the present invention, the step of transmitting a data message to the MSC (24) is a cellular source with the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38). Monitor the cellular network control channel (38) for a predetermined time period to detect a stream of busy idle bits, each indicating whether cellular communication has started during a particular time interval. Steps to determine the level of communication for the control network control channel (38) based on the busy idle bit state, and data messages until the level for communication is below a predetermined minimum threshold. It may include a step of delaying the step of sending to the MSC (24).

【0103】

Further, the data message in the method according to the third feature of the present invention may be transmitted to the MSC (24) in response to the detection of the event.

【0104】

A fourth feature of the present invention confirms the receipt of a paging message, each generated by a paging party, for communication to the paged party in a cellular mobile wireless telephone (CMR) system (8'). Therefore, it is a method of communicating the receipt notification message, in which (a) the step of receiving the paging message from the paging party and (b) the data message responds to the reception of the corresponding paging message. Steps to prepare a message, (c) a step to send a data message via a communication path (156), and (d) a receipt notification in response to the data message to confirm receipt of the data message. The step of preparing the message and the step of sending the receipt notification message to at least one mobile switching center (MSC) (24') via the cellular network control channel (38) of the CMR system (8'). (E) The gist is that one of the receipt notification messages is a method consisting of a step of processing the receipt notification message in order to determine whether or not it corresponds to a specific data message.

【0105】

The method according to the fourth feature of the present invention is a step of outputting a confirmation message that gives confirmation of receipt of the specific data message in response to the determination that one of the receipt notification messages corresponds to the specific data message. 15. The method of claim 15, further comprising.

【0106】

In addition, each of the data messages in the method according to the fourth feature of the present invention has an address that uniquely identifies the selected remote communication unit (152) that receives the data message, and a corresponding paging message. It may consist of a uniquely identified receipt notification code and paging data given by the paging party that initiated the corresponding paging message and intended to communicate with the paged party.

【0107】

Further, the receipt notification message in the method according to the fourth feature of the present invention may be composed of a receipt notification code.

【0108】

Further, the receipt notification message in the method according to the fourth feature of the present invention may further be composed of operation data given by the paged party and intended to communicate with the paging party.

【0109】

Further, the receipt notification message in the method according to the fourth feature of the present invention may be further composed of operation data given by a party different from the receipt notification code and intended to communicate with the paging party.

【0110】

Also, the receipt notification message in the method according to the fourth feature of the present invention is formatted and identified corresponding to the identification signal transmitted by the cellular radiotelephone when the cellular radiotelephone first self-identifies to the CMR system. The signal may consist of a mobile phone number and an electronic serial number (ESN).

【0111】

Further, the receipt notification code in the method according to the fourth feature of the present invention may correspond to at least a part of the mobile telephone number.

【0112】

Further, the operation data in the method according to the fourth feature of the present invention may correspond to at least a part of the modified ESN.

【0113】

Further, in the step of transmitting the receipt notification message in the method according to the fourth feature of the present invention, the cellular source performs cellular communication with the MSC (24) via the cellular network control channel (38) at a specific time interval. A step of monitoring the cellular network control channel (38) for a predetermined time period and a busy idle bit stream to detect a stream of busy idle bits, each indicating whether or not it started during. The step of determining the level of communication for the cellular network control channel (38) based on the state of the bits and the MSC of the data message until the level for a predetermined time period is below a predetermined minimum threshold. It may include a step of delaying the step of sending to (24').

【0114】

Further, the step of transmitting the receipt notification message in the method according to the fourth feature of the present invention is a step of outputting a clock signal at the expiration of the time interval and a step of transmitting a receipt notification message in response to the clock signal. And may be included.

【0115】

Further, the method according to the fourth feature of the present invention is whether or not the cellular source initiates cellular communication with the MSC (24') via the cellular network control channel (38) during a specific time interval. Based on the steps of monitoring the cellular network control channel (38) for a predetermined time period and the state of the busy idle bits to detect the stream of busy idle bits that each indicates. Control Network Sends a data message to the MSC (24') in response to the steps of determining the level of communication for the control channel (38) and the clock signal until the level for communication falls below a predetermined minimum threshold. It may further include a step of delaying the step to be performed.

【0116】

1. A paging receipt notification system (10') that communicates a page and a receipt notification confirming receipt of the page in the cellular mobile wireless telephone (CMR) system (8'), and responds to the paging message. A communication means (149) that prepares a data message corresponding to the paging message and transmits the data message via a communication path (156), and each uniquely one of the remote communication devices (152). The data message containing the address identified in is received via the communication path (156) and responds to a selected one of the data messages containing its associated address, respectively, and the CMR system (8' ), A plurality of remote communication devices (152) that transmit a receipt notification message confirming receipt of the selected data message, and the cellular network control channel (38). It is composed of at least one mobile switching center (MSC) (24') receiving from the remote communication device (152) via the network control channel (38), and the communication means further receives the receipt notification message. Received from the MSC (24') over the first communication link (42') and processed the receipt notification message to determine if the receipt notification message corresponds to a particular one of the data messages. A paging receipt notification system characterized by

【0117】

2. The communication means (149) has started one of the paging messages corresponding to the specific data message in response to the determination that the receipt notification message corresponds to the specific data message. The paging receipt according to claim 1, wherein a confirmation message is output to the paging party, and the confirmation message provides confirmation of receipt of the selected data message by the remote communication device (152). Notification system.

【0118】

3. Each of the data messages corresponds to one of the paging messages, and the address that uniquely identifies the selected one of the remote communication device (152) and the corresponding paging message are unique. A paging data that is provided by the paging party that initiated the corresponding paging message and is intended to communicate with the user associated with the selected remote communication device (152). The paging receipt notification system according to claim 1, wherein the paging receipt notification system is composed of.

【0119】

4. The paging receipt notification system according to claim 3, wherein the receipt notification message is composed of the receipt notification code.

【0120】

5. The paging receipt notification system according to claim 4, wherein the receipt notification message is further composed of operation data supplied by the user and intended to communicate with the paging party.

【0121】

6. The receipt notification message according to claim 3, wherein the receipt notification message is composed of the receipt notification code and operation data supplied by the user and intended to communicate with the paging party. Paging receipt notification system.

【0122】

7. The receipt notification message is formatted to correspond to the identification signal transmitted by the cellular radiotelephone when the cellular radiotelephone first self-identifies to the CMR system, which is the mobile phone number and electronic. The paging receipt notification system according to claim 6, which comprises a serial number (ESN).

【0123】

8. The paging receipt notification system according to claim 7, wherein the receipt notification code corresponds to at least a part of the mobile telephone number.

【0124】

9. The paging receipt notification system according to claim 8, wherein the operation data corresponds to at least a part of the ESN.

【0125】

10. The communication means (149) is further characterized in that the receipt notification code is assigned to each of the data messages, and the receipt notification code is stored in the memory storage device and output for storage as the receipt notification code. The paging receipt notification system according to claim 7.

【0126】

11. The communication means (149) determines whether or not the receipt notification message corresponds to the specific data message, and the receipt notification code included in the receipt notification message is related to the specific data message. The paging receipt notification system according to claim 10, wherein the determination is made by comparing with a stored receipt notification code.

【0127】

12. Each of the remote communication devices (152) has a cellular source for a predetermined time period, the MSC (24', via the cellular network control channel (38), during a specific time interval. ), In order to detect a stream of busy idle bits indicating whether or not each has started cellular communication, the cellular network control channel (38) is monitored, and communication with the control network control channel (38) is performed. The paging receipt notification system according to claim 1, wherein the level is determined based on the state of the busy idle bit.

【0128】

13. A claim characterized in that each of the remote communication devices (152) transmits the data message to the MSC (24') when the level for the communication is less than a predetermined minimum threshold. The paging receipt notification system described in 12.

【0129】

14. The paging receipt notification system according to claim 1, wherein the receipt notification message is formatted to represent an extended protocol message in accordance with EIA / TIA-533.

【0130】

15. Communicate receipt notification messages in the Cellular Mobile Wireless Telephone (CMR) system (8') to confirm receipt of the paging message each generated by the paging party for communication to the paged party. A step of receiving the paging message from the paging party, a step of preparing the data message in response to the receipt of the corresponding paging message by the data message, and the data. -A step of transmitting a message via a communication path (156), a step of preparing a receipt notification message in response to the data message to confirm receipt of the data message, and a step of preparing the receipt notification message. The step of transmitting to at least one mobile switching center (MSC) (24') via the cellular network control channel (38) of the CMR system (8') and one of the receipt notification messages is the data. A method comprising the steps of processing the receipt notification message to determine whether the message corresponds to a particular one.

【0131】

16. It is characterized by further including a step of outputting a confirmation message giving confirmation of receipt of the specific data message in response to the determination that one of the receipt notification messages corresponds to the specific data message. The method of claim 15.

【0132】

17. Each of the data messages has an address that uniquely identifies the selected remote communication unit (152) that receives the data message and a receipt notification code that uniquely identifies the corresponding paging message. 15. The 15th aspect of claim 15, wherein the paging data is provided by the paging party that initiated the corresponding paging message and is intended to communicate with the paged party. Method.

【0133】

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the receipt notification message is composed of a receipt notification code.

【0134】

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the receipt notification message is further composed of operational data given by the paged party and intended to communicate with the paging party.

【0135】

20. The 17th claim is characterized in that the receipt notification message is further composed of the receipt notification code and the operation data given by the other party and intended to communicate with the paging party. The method described.

【0136】

21. The receipt notification message is formatted to correspond to an identification signal transmitted by the cellular radiotelephone when the cellular radiotelephone first self-identifies to the CMR system, the identification signal being the mobile phone number. The method of claim 20, characterized in that it comprises an electronic serial number (ESN).

【0137】

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the receipt notification code corresponds to at least a portion of the mobile phone number.

【0138】

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the operational data corresponds to at least a portion of the modified ESN.

【0139】

24. Whether the step of sending the receipt notification message has initiated cellular communication with the MSC (24) over the cellular network control channel (38) during a specific time interval. Based on the steps of monitoring the cellular network control channel (38) for a predetermined time period and the state of the busy idle bits to detect a stream of busy idle bits, respectively. The data message is sent to the MSC in the step of determining the level of communication for the cellular network control channel (38) and until the level for the predetermined time period is less than a predetermined minimum threshold. 15. The method of claim 15, comprising delaying the step of transmitting to (24').

【0140】

25. The step of transmitting the receipt notification message is characterized by including a step of outputting a clock signal at the expiration of the time interval and a step of transmitting the receipt notification message in response to the clock signal. The method according to claim 15.

【0141】

26. Each busy idle bit indicates whether the cellular source has initiated cellular communication with the MSC (24') over the cellular network control channel (38) during a particular time interval. The control network control channel (38) is based on the steps of monitoring the cellular network control channel (38) and the state of the busy idle bit for a predetermined time period to detect the stream. In response to the clock signal, the data message is transmitted to the MSC (24') until the level for the communication is less than a predetermined minimum threshold. 25. The method of claim 25, further comprising delaying the step.

【0142】<u style="single">Detailed description of the invention</u>In the drawings to be referred to, similar numbers indicate similar components across a plurality of drawings. FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the data message system 10 in a preferred environment of the cellular mobile radiotelephone (CMR) system 8. As shown in FIG. 1, the data collection system 10 supports data collection and communication to a central data collection site by means of reporting systems associated with a myriad of data sources. By operating within the environment of the CMR system 8 well adapted for mobile or mobile communications, the data messaging system 10 leverages the existing wide area communication network and is conventional with each remote data site. Prevent the cost of communication via dedicated telephone facilities or conventional two-way wireless communication. The present inventor has a wide variety of data such as utility meters, cable television (CATV) pay-per-view (PPV) terminals, equipment operating at isolated sites, and security alarm systems. Predict a myriad of communication applications for the data collection system 10, including communicating data collected from sources.

【0143】

The data message system 10 applies the existing environment of the CMR system to communicate data from one or more remote sites to a central location. However, in order to save the use of the CMR system's voice channel for traditional telephone calls, the data acquisition system 10 uses the CMR system's cellular network control channel for data communication. This saves valuable frequency spectrum dedicated to the audio channels of regular CMR systems.

【0144】

A typical CMR system includes a geographic radio service area, as indicated by cell 12, and usually multiple cells are provided to the system of a normal cellular service operator. The cell 12 is serviced by the broadcast antenna 14 to enable communication between the cellular mobile radiotelephone operating in the cell 12 and the cell control 16. Mobile telephone switching stations such as the Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 24 are dedicated telephone facilities (not shown) or, more often, cell-to-mobile switching center data between cell control 16 and the MSC24. -Link 22 allows communication with cell 12. At least part of the data link 22 is usually supported by a wireless communication link, such as the microwave link 20, located between cell 12 and MSC24.

【0145】

As is well known to those skilled in the art, conventional CMR systems consist of at least one mobile phone switch coupled to a suitable array of cell sites 12 that are approximately equally equipped. The MSC24 typically combines telephone calls, including mobile wireless telephones operating within cell 12, to the public switched telephone network (PSTN) 26 via a telephone facility 28.

【0146】

The data collection system 10 is composed of at least one monitor 32 that collects data from the remote data source 30, and a cellular communication device 34 that communicates the collected data to the MSC 24 via the control channel of the CMR system. Includes a set of data reporting devices 29. A monitor 32 connected to the corresponding remote data source 30 obtains and records selected data directed to operating or operating characteristics. The cellular communication device 34, which is then connected to the corresponding monitor 32 via the signal path 33, prepares a data packet containing the selected data and transmits the packet as a data message. The selected data represents the actual data acquired by the monitor 32 in response to monitoring the operation or operation of the data source 30. Alternatively, the selected data may represent a predetermined data or a pre-programmed message associated with the detection of a predetermined event by the monitor 32 for the data source 30.

【0147】

The MSC24 receives data messages via the data link 22, and the cellular network control channel 38 formed by the combination of the cellular communication link 36 between the broadcast antenna 14 and the cellular communication device 34. This combination of communication links is collectively referred to as a control channel. As is well known, cellular network control channels for conventional CMR systems generally consist of two radio channels, described as forward control channel (FOCC) and reverse control channel (RECC). The FOCC is used to communicate to radiotelephones initiated by the MSC. On the other hand, RECC is used for communication from a radiotelephone to MSC24. The communication operation of the preferred embodiment also uses this conventional usage for communication between the MSC24 and the cellular communication device 34. That is, the control channel 38 consists of two separate data communication paths, a FOCC for communication initiated by MSC24 and a RECC for communication initiated by a cellular communication device (or a mobile radiotelephone operating within the cell). Therefore, the cellular communication device 34 transmits a data message via the RECC, and the MSC24 transmits a command signal via the FOCC.

【0148】

In this way, the MSC24 can receive data messages from each of the cellular communication devices 34 operating within the coverage area of the cell array for the CMR system 8. The data message contains selection data rather than the parameters normally included in the actual radiotelephone control information, but the MSC24 formats the data message so that it appears as a registration signal generated by the radiotelephone. The messages act as if they were sent from a conventional radiotelephone running in the cell.

【0149】

The MSC24 responds to a data message by storing the data message for later processing, processing the selected data provided by the data message, or collecting the data message in a data collection system (data collection). One or more of the transfers to system) 40 via the first communication link 42 can be performed. The data collection system 40 is connected to the memory storage device 44 and collects selected data by storing the received data message in the memory storage device 44. Like the MSC24, the data acquisition system 40 can process the selected data to obtain more information about the operation or operation of the data source 30. Alternatively, the data collection system 40 sends a data message to the data processing system 46 via the second communication link 48. The data processing system 46 is typically located far away from the data collection system 40, facilitating the convenient processing of selected data at the central site. The second communication link 48 is usually implemented by a conventional telephone facility, a dedicated data link, or a wireless communication link.

【0150】

A typical application for a data collection system 10 is to monitor the load on an electrical load system and communicate energy consumption data to a central site for processing. The utility industry typically determines the efficiency of electrical load management systems by collecting or monitoring energy consumption data during load management activities for selected control scenarios. That is, the utility compares the maximum energy consumed by selected customers during a collection period with the maximum energy that would be consumed by those customers in the absence of load management activity. Utilities typically use a load profile recorder located near each customer's electrical load to record the customer's power consumption during a given time interval. At the end of the collection period, the recorded energy consumption data is transferred from each load profile recorder to the central data processing site for data conversion and evaluation. It is well known to use traditional telephone systems to send energy consumption data recorded by load profile recorders to data processing sites.

【0151】

In this application, the monitor 32 acts as a load profile recorder because it obtains energy consumption data from the data source 30 (here, the electrical load). The cellular communication device 34 then sends a data message containing energy consumption data to the MSC24. The MSC24 can transfer the data message to the data collection system 40 for processing energy consumption data, or the data collection system 40 then sends the data message to the data processing system 46 for processing operation. In this way, the utility can collect energy consumption data from a large number of electrical loads to support the utility's assessment of the efficiency and cost benefits of the electrical load management program.

【0152】

Using a system that monitors data related to the commercial activities of reporting systems such as juice vending machines and communicates non-dedicated to a central data collection site via traditional telephone facilities is also in US Pat. No. 4,766,548. As shown, it is well known. Such a system can monitor various events in the vending machine such as inventory change, service call, cash receipt, demand for a given product, sold-out status, and various alarm functions. In this type of application, the monitor 32 monitors the commercial operation of the data source 30 (here, the vending machine), and the cellular communication device 34 sends a data message containing the operating parameters to the MSC24. Similar to utility applications, the MSC24 can transfer data messages to the data collection system 40 for processing selected data.

【0153】

The data collection system 10 is convenient for a wide variety of data collection and reporting activities, and the above examples are not intended to limit the scope of application of the present invention.

【0154】

The data collection system 10 applies existing architectures and communication protocols to traditional CMR systems to provide a new and economical approach to communicating data collected from numerous link sites. It will be appreciated that the communication of data messages between the MSC24 and the cellular communication device 34 is primarily based on conventional techniques and known protocols for CMR system communication. Therefore, it may be useful to give an overview of the behavior of a typical CMR system before discussing the detailed behavior of the data acquisition system 10.

【0155】

CMR systems are generally characterized by dividing the radio coverage area into smaller coverage areas, or "cells," that use low power transmitters and limited coverage receivers. As is known to those skilled in the art, limited coverage allows radio channels used in one cell to be reused in another cell. When a mobile radiotelephone in a cell crosses the cell boundary and enters an adjacent cell, the control circuit unit attached to the cell detects that the signal strength of the mobile radiotelephone in the newly entered cell is stronger. Communication with mobile radiotelephones is "handed off" to the cell just entered.

【0156】

CMR systems typically use a pair of radio frequencies for each radio channel and each cell. Each cell typically contains at least one signaling channel (also called a cellular network control channel or access channel) and several voice channels. The control channel receives service requests from the mobile device and the portable device, pages the selected mobile device or portable device, and synchronizes the mobile device or portable device with a predetermined voice channel in which a call occurs. Selected or exclusive to direct. Therefore, the control channel is normally responsible for transmitting and receiving data that controls mobile and mobile radiotelephone communication operations.

【0157】

The control channel usually consists of a FOCC for communication from the MSC to the radiotelephone and a RECC for communication from the radiotelephone to the MSC. The FOCC provides a multiplexed data stream of message data words, busy idle signals, and busy idle bits. The busy idle bit is useful for giving instructions to the radiotelephone you are monitoring about the current state of the RECC. If the RECC is in use by a radiotelephone, the RECC is considered busy and the busy idle bit is set to the binary value 1. Also, if RECC is not used, RECC is considered idle and the busy idle bit is set to the binary value 0. Thus, radiotelephones typically transmit over the control channel during the time of opportunity manifested by the transition from busy to idle. That is, the busy idle bit gives a momentary view of signaling activity on the control channel, and a conventional radiotelephone responds to this momentary fragment of control channel activity.

【0158】

Data message and radio channel specifications for US cellular radiotelephone systems can be found in the Report and Orders attached to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Docket No. 79-318. Specified by (EIA / TIA) Standard 533 and implemented in accordance with 47 CFR §22.

【0159】

A copy of EIA / TIA-553 is available from the Engineering Department of the Electronic Industries Alliance (2001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, USA 20006).

【0160】

When making a call, the cellular mobile radiotelephone sends a series of data messages to the service cell. These messages are commonly referred to as Call Origination and are specified by EIA / TIA-533. These data messages are the last seven digits of the unit's telephone number, known as the Mobile Identification Number (MIN), and the unit's Station Class Mark (SCM), which identifies the functional characteristics of the unit. ), And always include the Called Address or dialed telephone number. The cellular system operator usually has the upper three digits of the cellular unit or the NPA MIN2 and the electronic serial number (Electronic Serial). Additional data words containing Number: ESN) must also be sent. The MIN is assigned to a particular radiotelephone by the cellular service provider selected by the subscriber. The MIN usually contains information that is unique to the CMR system operator, for example, the first three digits of the MIN (XXX) usually correspond to the area code and the next three digits (XXX). "XXX") usually corresponds to a geographic location within the area code, and the last four digits ("XXXX") identify a particular part of the facility. Similarly, the ESN is unique to each mobile cellular radiotelephone and has a format that allows the manufacturer and, in some cases, the model number, date of manufacture, etc. to be distinguished.

【0161】

These messages are first delivered to the cell and then over the data link to the mobile telephone switching center (also referred to as the mobile switching center). MSCs, also known as "switches," form voice connections between mobile radiotelephones and other telecommunications networks. In MSCs, a unit typically provided by a radiotelephone to see if the radiotelephone is an authorized user or subscriber and if there is an entry in the MSC's database for that particular phone. Determined by looking up your phone number, serial number, and other information. An optional feature of the MSC is to ensure that the ESNs and MINs received as part of the call origination message are valid. If MIN is enabled and the radiotelephone is identified as a subscriber in a given cellular system, the "home" unit, the received ESN will be the MSC database ESN entry and fraud. Is compared to detect. If these checks are successful, the cellular call is allowed to proceed.

【0162】

As is also well known, when a mobile radiotelephone is first powered on or enters the CMR system when it is already powered on, the unit is actively present in the system. Can self-identify as Radiotelephones autonomous self-identification or "registration" It is done by providing data packets similar to call origination through a process known as Registration). An autonomous registration signal, also called a registration or identification number, usually consists of at least a mobile phone number, a data field for MIN and ESN. The original design intent of autonomous registration was to improve the efficiency of potential future call delivery by keeping the MSC informed of the approximate location of each personal radiotelephone, all to improve and find a particular cellular unit. The goal was to reduce the paging channel load by reducing the need to page cells. Given this information, the MSC may later "page" or ring only the cellular units in the cell or area known to have been last. More cells will be paged only if the first page fails to position a particular radiotelephone. Thus, autonomous registration is simply a set of periodic and autonomous transmissions from the mobile radiotelephone to the service cell at intervals specified by the data parameters previously received from the cell by the cellular unit. It is a message.

【0163】

The use or attempt to use your mobile radiotelephone in a service area outside the subscriber's home service area is called "roaming" and the user (and accompanying mobile radiotelephone). Is commonly referred to as the "roamer". For example, when a subscriber enters the service area of another CMR system service provider and powers on the radiotelephone, the radiotelephone then receives a message through the control channel of the particular cell in which the phone is then located. To do. This message contains a request that the subscriber registers for operation within a particular cellular system. In the response, both the mobile phone number and the serial number for the radiotelephone are sent as identification information and returned to the cell site. The cell transfers this information to the mobile switching center, which immediately verifies whether the radiotelephone is a customer of the local cellular service provider or a customer of another cellular system.

【0164】

If the radiotelephone is a customer of another cellular service provider, the mobile switching center sends message packets to the home system for the particular phone. This message indicates that a particular radiotelephone has been registered with another cellular system and requests information about the validity of the number and billing information for the radiotelephone. The home system responds by sending a response packet containing the requested information. When enabled, the mobile switching center of the external cellular system adds Romer to its registered user list, and the home cellular system keeps the subscriber associated with the radiotelephone out of the service area and another. Add to the list of roamers registered in the area.

【0165】

When this same radiotelephone registers with yet another system, the mobile switching center's database for the home system observes that the unit has moved again and where the roaming unit most recently registered in the database system. Update the list of. In addition, sending a message to the first external system, the roaming system has moved and registered with another system, and the first external system must remove a particular unit from its list of registered romares. Inform. In this way, the databases of the various mobile switching centers identify previously registered romares as valid accounts in need of service shortly after they leave the service area. Will not be messed up by.

【0166】

In view of the general information on cellular system operation described above, again referring to FIG. 1, in response to the transmission of the data message by the cellular communication device 34, the MSC24 typically sends the cellular communication device that transmitted the data message. 34 determines if it is an authorized user or subscriber of a service provided by cellular system 8 or another system. As shown in FIG. 2 and described below with respect to the data message format, the data message preferably uses the cellular communication device 34 as a radiotelephone that typically operates within a given remote or external cellular system. Contains certain information to identify. Based on this information, the MSC24 states that the cellular communication device 34 is a roma because it is actually subscribed to the cellular service provided by another cellular system (in this case, remote cellular switching). to decide. That is, the MSC24 maintains a list or database that identifies certain information in a data message as belonging to a particular cellular system, and by checking this database, the cellular communication device 34 is a subscriber or romare. Decide if there is. Thus, MSC 24 is a data message CMR sheet will be seen be interpreted as transmission from a roaming mobile radiotelephone operating within the stem 8.

【0167】

The remote cellular system identified by the data message is dedicated to the data collection application and is represented by the data collection system 40, rather than the actual operational cellular system that supports telephone calls. Recognizing that the cellular communication device 34 is actually related to the remote cellular system, the MSC24 transfers the data message to the data collection system 40 via the first communication link 42. The data collection system 40 responds by sending a message to the MSC24 confirming that the Romer associated with the data message is a valid or authorized user of the remote cellular system. The cellular communication device 34 is then added to the registered romare database as a registered radiotelephone at MSC24.

【0168】

The data collection system 40 receives a data message containing selected data collected from the remote data source 30, and unlike the MSC24, the data message is the desired data collected from the remote data source 30. Recognize that it actually contains. Therefore, the data collection system 40 sends a message to the MSC 24 instructing the MSC to remove the cellular communication device 34 from its list of registered romans. The MSC24 will usually find that it receives this type of message when a roaming radiotelephone is moved to another cellular system and subsequently registered for operation on that other system. Therefore, the MSC24 database no longer needs to maintain registration information about the cellular communication device 34 after transferring the data message to the data collection system 40.

【0169】

Alternatively, MSC24 clears its database of such registration information at the expiration of a given time interval. The data collection system 40 can respond to the data message by verifying that the Roman is a valid user and then sending a message to the MSC24 instructing the MSC24 to delete the registration entry at the expiration of a predetermined time interval. Alternatively, the MSC24 can automatically remove registration entries from the MSC database at the expiration of a given time interval without instructions from the data collection system 40. In this way, the data collection system 40 does not need to send yet another message to the MSC24 after confirming that the cellular communication device 34 represents a valid user.

【0170】

The MSC24 and data collection system 40 are preferably compatible with the EIA / TIA provisional standard 41 (IS-41 standard). The IS-41 standard specifies a communication protocol for communication between two cellular systems. The IS-41 standard allows handoffs between dissimilar cellular systems for cellular calls in the same way that calls are handed off between cells in a single CMR system. In addition, the IS-41 standard enables call deliveries and communications exchange to prove that a cellular caller is a valid cellular service subscriber. .. In this way, the MSC24 hands off or forwards the data message to the data collection system 40 over the first communication link 42, which is preferably implemented as an IS-41 compatible network. In response, the data collection system sends a user validation message over link 42 to ensure that the source of the data message, specifically the cellular communication device 34, is a valid cellular source.

【0171】

That is, the data collection system 40 recognizes that the received data message includes the selected data transmitted by the cellular communication device 34. Therefore, the data collection system 40 processes the received data message and compares the predetermined identification characteristics in the data message with the list of such characteristics in the database. This database preferably contains entries for predetermined characteristics for each of the known cellular communication devices 34 and corresponding data that identifies the associated device as a valid cellular source. Upon a positive match, the data collection system 40 responds to the received data message, preferably by sending a confirmation message to the MSC24. It will also be found that in response to a negative match, the data collection system 40 can forward a message to the MSC24 confirming the absence of a valid entry for the cellular communication device 34.

【0172】

This confirmation message can also include a profile of a communication service authorized for use by a particular cellular source. For example, this user profile typically defines operational restrictions on cellular sources, including access to long-distance services, the ability of the source to make (or not receive) calls through the cellular system, and so on. To do. In a preferred embodiment, the user profile information can include an instruction to instruct the MSC24 to remove the registration entry for a particular cellular communication device from its database after the expiration of a predetermined time period. This allows the MSC24 to make an entry for such a device because the cellular communication device 34, which communicated data messages through the cellular system 8 by registering with the MSC24, no longer requires the MSC24's continued communication support. It will be possible to clear from that database.

【0173】

The data collection system 40 can store the selected data provided by the received data message in the memory storage device 44, process the selected data and store the result data, or store the selected data in the data processing system. Can be transferred to 46 for processing. Prior to sending the selected data to the data processing system 46, the data collection system 40 first transforms the data message into a communication protocol that is acceptable to carry the data message to the data processing system 46. This step is required before communication with the data processing system 46, as neither the data processing system 46 nor the second communication link 48 is IS-41 standard compliant, unlike the MSC 24 and the data collection system 40.

【0174】

In a preferred embodiment, the MSC24 is programmed to treat the cellular communication device 34 as a Roman associated with an external cellular system, but the database of the MSC24 is also a cellular communication device 34 operating within the cell of the cellular system 8. You will also see that it can be programmed to include an entry for a predetermined discriminating characteristic of. Upon receiving a data message from such device 34 via control channel 38, the MSC24 containing such a database entry will include an entry in which the MSC database corresponds to the predetermined identification characteristics provided by the message. So identify the transmitting cellular communication device 34 as a "home" unit, not as a database. Therefore, the MSC24 registers the transmitting cellular communication device 34 as the home unit of the cellular system 8. This eliminates the need to contact an external cellular system such as the data collection system 40 to determine if this cellular source is a valid user or subscriber.

【0175】

However, in order to initiate the necessary transfer of the information in the data message to the data collection system 40, the MSC24 of this embodiment recognizes that the data message still has to be transferred to the data collection system 40. Applies to. Specifically, based on some of the predetermined identification characteristics that are uniquely associated with the data collection system 40, the MSC24 commands the switch to send all messages containing such characteristics to the data collection system 40. Find the position of the entry in. As a result, the MSC24 then transfers the data message to the data communication system 40 via the first communication link 42.

【0176】

The data collection system 40 can be implemented by a computer. One embodiment of the data collection system 40 is a computer at a service circuit node. Certain products of switches, such as the MSC24, including Motorola's EMX switches and other vendor-specific switches, also provide equipment that implements communication with the data acquisition system 40. Switch manufacturers include AT &amp; T Network Systems (Whippany, New Jersey), Ericsson Radio Systems (Richardson, Texas), Hughes Network Systems (Germantown, Maryland), and Motorola (Schaumburg Illinois).

【0177】

The cellular system 8 is preferably implemented as an AMPS or DAMPS cellular system. However, cellular system 8 includes DCS 1800, GSM, IS 95-CDMA, JTACS, TACS, ETACS, RC2000, NMT 450, ESMR, CT-2, WACS, NMT 900, or other similar wireless systems. You will also find that it can also be compatible with other cellular systems that implement control channels for mobile to cell communications.

【0178】

It can be seen that the CMR system 8 contains an array of cells such as cell 12, and a pair of reporting systems 29 formed by the monitor 32 and the cellular communication device 34, respectively, are usually located within the cell. Let's go. For each data source 30 in cell 12, the monitor 32 and cellular communication device 34 are preferably located close to the data source 30 in order to minimize the length of the signal paths 31 and 33. To facilitate the economical installation of reporting equipment, the monitor 32 and cellular communication equipment 34 can be combined within the same housing, which housing is adjacent to or data source 30. Can be installed as an integrated part of 30. For installation near the data source 30, the signal path 31 and the signal path 33 preferably form a hard-wired connection between the connecting devices. However, it will be seen that signal paths 31 and 33 can be implemented as either infrared or wireless communication links.

【0179】

It will be seen that a single cellular communication device 34 can be connected to multiple monitors 32 to allow transmission of selection data collected from the associated data source 30 located at the central site. For example, a single cellular communication device 34 is installed in or in a central location alongside an office building, and multiple monitors 32 are inside the building to allow data to be retrieved from ancillary data sources 30. Distributed over.

【0180】

The data acquisition system 40 can be located near or as a coupling portion of the MSC24, in which case the first communication link 42 preferably forms a real wiring connection between the devices. However, the data collection system 40 can also be located at a remote site. For this remote installation, the first communication link 42 can be implemented as a wireless communication system such as a microwave system or as a dedicated data line such as a conventional telephone facility. For the convenience of the party sponsoring the collection of a particular type of data, the data processing system 46 is typically located at another remote site near the sponsoring party.

【0181】

FIG. 2 is a table showing the formats for data messages communicated by the data message system 10. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the data record 50 for the data message contains the data field 54 for the selected data obtained from the remote data source 30 and the cellular communication device 34 that started sending the data message. Includes both data fields 52 for predetermined identification characteristics that uniquely identify. To leverage the existing architecture of the CMR system 8, the format for data messages is preferably the message format (or message format) for the identification signal transmitted by the cellular radiotelephone when self-identifying to a CMR system such as the CMR system 8. Matches the data record).

【0182】

By using the data message format that accompanies the registration signal, the cellular communication device 34 "registers" with the MSC24 by sending a data message that appears to contain a valid mobile phone number and ESN. Although it is not intended to make a traditional voice-based cellular phone call to cellular communication device 34, cellular communication device 34 is nevertheless a field by registering for operation with MSC24. Enables communication of selected data from.

【0183】

As shown in data record 50 of FIG. 2, the standard message format for the registration signal was applied by the data message to allow the identification and communication of selected data of a particular transmit cellular communication device 34. .. Specifically, the data field 52 for a predetermined identification characteristic corresponds to a mobile telephone number or at least a portion of the MIN assigned to the cellular communication device 34. Therefore, the predetermined discriminant characteristics are usually replaced in the data field reserved for MIN in the discriminant signal. This predetermined identification characteristic can belong to a set of unassigned mobile phone numbers. Alternatively, the predetermined identification characteristic assigned to each cellular communication device 34 may be a conventional telephone number or a set of 10 digits. The predetermined identification characteristics allow the identification of the data source by uniquely identifying the cellular communication device 34 associated with the remote data source 30. The predetermined identification characteristic also provides the information used by the MSC24 to recognize that a data message containing this predetermined identification characteristic is associated with the data collection system 40.

【0184】

In addition, the data field 54 in the data message for remote data corresponds to the location in the data record of the identification signal for the ESN. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, ESNs are 32-bit long and include an 8-bit manufacturer code. In cellular systems that do not look at or look up ESNs based on the manufacturer code segment, data that has data fields 54 that contain 32-bit selection data by manipulating data fields that are normally filled with ESNs. A message can be provided. However, if the cellular system uses the ESN's manufacturer code segment, the selected data in data field 54 consists of the length specified by the remaining 24 bits of the ESN. For most applications, a data message with 24-bit selection data (and, if necessary, 8 bits of the manufacturer code segment for the traditional ESN) is sufficient to provide the relevant data. There is no need to manipulate the ESN manufacturer code segment.

【0185】

Applying certain predetermined data fields of a traditional registration signal is the preferred method of transferring selected data in a data message to the MSC24, but other message protocols also provide the desired information. It can be used to send from the cellular communication device 34 to the MSC24 via the control channel 38. In particular, EIA / TIA-553 defines extended protocol messages that can be applied to include data fields for the predetermined identification characteristics and selection data described above. For this type of message forwarding, the data message is formatted to represent an extended protocol message according to EIA / TIA-553. This extended protocol extends the signaling capabilities of the interface between the MSC and mobile cellular devices, giving new capabilities and operational capabilities to current and future cellular systems.

【0186】

As specified in EIA / TIA-553, the extended protocol message for RECC includes a message header and at least one message data word (up to N message data word). The message header consists of two words, header word A and header word B. Header word A has a format with the following fields: field F1 indicating the start of the header (2 bits set to binary value 11); reserved field RSVD (2 bits set to binary value 00) Message class field T (1 bit set to binary value 1); S field indicating whether the cellular device should send its serial number when accessing the system (set to binary value 0) 1 bit); E field indicating whether the cellular device should send MIN1 and MIN2 (1 bit set to binary value 1); Extended protocol display ER field (1 bit); SCM field (4 bits); MIN Field (24 bits); and cyclic redundancy (cyclic) redundancy) Code P (12 bits). Header word B has the following fields: field F2 indicating the start of the second header word (2 bits set to binary value 10); reserved field RSVD (2 bits set to binary value 00) ); Message length display MSL field (5 bits); Message type display MST field (8 bits); LT field (1 bit) indicating whether the next access by the cellular device is the last access attempt; Extended protocol Function display EP field (1 bit set to binary value 1); Reserved field RSVD (7 bits set to binary value 0 ... 0); MIN2 field (10 bits); 12 bits). The message data word contains the following fields: field F3 (2 bits set to binary value 01) or the last message data word, which means the message data word from the beginning to N-1. Field F4 (2 bits set to binary value 00); and cyclic redundant code P (12 bits).

【0187】

Mobile switching centers are typically programmed to perform predetermined actions on extended protocol messages, or to implement predetermined actions in response to receipt of extended protocol messages. Otherwise, it applies. To take advantage of this type of message protocol, the MSC24 is preferably programmed to transfer each data message formatted as an extended protocol message to the data collection system 40. Communication of this extended protocol message does not require the MSC24 or data acquisition system 40 to be implemented as an IS-41 compatible communication system. Therefore, the first communication link 42 in this embodiment can be implemented not as an IS-41 compatible communication network but as a dedicated line link or a wireless communication link.

【0188】

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the components of the reporting system 29, namely the monitor 32 and the cellular communication device 34. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the monitor 32 includes a recorder 60, a memory 62, and one or more sensors 64. The recorder 60 is connected to the data source 30 via a signal path 31 and uses a sensor 64 to detect a predetermined operation or driving characteristic of the data source 30. The detected characteristic preferably represents selection data stored in the memory storage device 62. The memory 62 is preferably random access memory (RAM). However, it will be appreciated that memory 62 can also be implemented in other types of mass data storage devices, including computer hard disk devices or optical disk devices.

【0189】

It will be appreciated that the signal path 31 represents one or more signal channels that transfer selected data to the recorder 60, and that the recorder 60 can be implemented as either a single or multi-channel recording device. Each signal channel is usually associated with different behavioral or operating characteristics for the data source 30.

【0190】

In a given application, the recorder 60 records selected data from the data source 30 for a predetermined time period. The clock 66 connected to the recorder 60 provides timing data to the recorder 60, which allows the recorder 60 to add a time tag to the selected data. The time tag indicates the relative time to the start of each predetermined time period of the recording operation. Assuming that the predetermined time period is a known value, the addition of time tag data makes it possible to calculate the start and end times for each data reporting operation. Correlation of data collection time with selected data is desirable for a given processing operation. The clock 66 can be implemented as a conventional counter supplied as a hardware device or as a software routine executed by a microprocessor.

【0191】

The cellular communication device 34 includes at least a data receiver 70, a cellular transmitter 72, and a controller 74. The data receiver 70 is connected to the recorder 60 via a signal path 33 and receives selected data obtained by the monitor 32 from the data source 30. The controller 74 is connected to the data receiver 70 and the cellular transmitter 72, and controls the operation of the data receiver 70 and the cellular transmitter 72, respectively. The controller 74 is preferably a microprocessor-based control system that can be programmed to perform control operations in a manner known in the art.

【0192】

In response to the selection data, the controller 74 prepares a data packet containing the predetermined identification characteristics associated with the cellular transmitter 72 and the selection data collected from the data source 30. The cellular transmitter 72 responds to the data packet by transmitting the corresponding data message through the control channel 38 of the CMR system 8. In particular, the cellular transmitter 72 uses the RECC on control channel 38 to send data messages to the MSC24. Although the cellular transmitter 72 can be implemented as a traditional transmitter for radiotelephones, the preferred cellular transmitter 72 uses only the data radio channel of the CMR system 8 to transmit data messages.

【0193】

The cellular communication device 34 further includes a memory storage device 76 connected to the controller 74 via a bi-directional data path. The selected data received by the data receiver 70 can be stored in the memory storage device 76 before the data message is transmitted by the cellular transmitter 72. Although the memory storage device 76 is shown as a memory separated from the memory storage device 62, the memory storage devices 62 and 76 can be implemented as a single memory accessible by both the recorder 60 and the controller 74.

【0194】

Since the communication from the MSC 24 is received via the control channel 38, the cellular communication device 34 also includes the cellular receiver 78. The cellular receiver 78 is connected to the controller 74 and can be implemented as a cellular receiver for a conventional radiotelephone. However, like the cellular transmitter 72, the desirable cellular receiver 78 operates to receive information primarily through the data radio channel rather than the voice radio channel of the CMR system.

【0195】

It is well known that the cellular network control channel FOCC carries a stream of busy idle bits because it indicates the RECC status of the cellular network control channel. RECC is busy if the busy idle bit is set to the binary value 1. In order to minimize the effect of transmission by one or more cellular communication devices 34 in cell 12 on normal control signal traffic on control channel 38, the cellular transmitter 72 preferably has channels available or available. Send a data message during the expected period. Therefore, the cellular receiver 78 monitors the FOCC of the control channel 38 to determine the amount of activity on the RECC for the monitored cell. By monitoring the FOCC for a predetermined time period and counting the number of busy idle bits set to the binary value 1, the cellular communication device 34 controls the control channel during that time period. You can determine the level of activity. When the level of control channel activity drops below a predetermined threshold associated with light or no activity on the control channel, controller 74 feeds data packets to cellular transmitter 72. In response, the cellular transmitter 72 begins transmitting data messages to the MSC 24 via the RECC on control channel 38.

【0196】

That is, the cellular communication device 34 preferably monitors the busy idle bits carried by the FOCC of the control channel 38 for a continuous predetermined time period. The cellular communication device 34 has (1) the running average of the "highest" counts of busy idle bits set to a binary value of 1 per monitoring time period, and (2) the monitoring time period. Calculates and stores the last "n" count of busy idle bits set to the per-binary value 1. To calculate the run-time average, the count per time period of the busy idle bits set to the newly acquired binary value of 1 is one standard deviation from the stored average of the count at the last interval. If it is higher than the lower value, the average and average of the busy idle bits set to the stored binary value 1 is taken. Before sending the data message over control channel 38, the cellular communicator 34 counts the last "n" of busy idle bits set to the binary value 1 per stored time period. Average and take the calculated "n" average with the stored run-time average. If the calculated "n" average falls below the stored run-time average, the cellular communication device 34 outputs a data message. However, if the calculated "n" average exceeds the stored run-time average, the cellular communication device 34 delays transmission. In contrast to traditional radiotelephones that respond to momentary activity on the control channel, the transmit queuing process described above is heuristic based on a deterministic analysis of the busy idle bit stream. You will find that it is a (heuristic) method.

【0197】

In this way, the cellular transmitter 78 transmits data messages only when the control channel is reasonably available by the cellular communication device 34. This data queuing format minimizes the possibility that the operation of a number of cellular communication devices 34 in cell 12 interferes with a normal telephone call involving an operating radiotelephone in the cell. However, it will also be found that the cellular transmitter 78 can transmit data messages without first checking the availability of control channel 38.

【0198】

Alternatively, cellular communication equipment 34 may be programmed to send data messages during predetermined time intervals, such as early morning hours between midnight and 6 am, when control signal traffic is usually at its lowest level. it can. To enable this type of automatic transmission operation, the cellular communication device 34 includes a clock 82 connected to the controller 74. The clock 82 outputs a clock signal in response to the expiration of the time interval. In response to the clock signal, controller 74 initiates data message transmission by cellular transmitter 72. In this way, the selected data is transmitted from one of the reporting devices in cell 12 to the central location for a known time interval.

【0199】

The clock 82 preferably outputs a clock signal for a period of time during which the use of control channel 38 is at a reduced level, thereby minimizing the possibility that the cellular communication device 34 interferes with the normal communication operation of the CMR system 8. To. In particular, the time interval preferably allows data message transmission by the various cellular communication devices 34 in cell 12 to be non-interfering with voice call processing messages sent and received to and from radiotelephones operating in cell. To ensure, it is selected using the prior knowledge of the reduced activity period for traditional telephone call traffic on the CMR system 8. The clock 82 can be implemented as a hardware counter or as a software counter implemented by a program instruction executed by the controller 74.

【0200】

Data transmission by the cellular communication device 34 is also initiated in response to the status signal output via the signal path 33 by the monitor 32. This status signal causes the cellular communication device 34 to transmit the stored selection data via the RECC of the control channel 38. The monitor 32 normally outputs a status signal in response to the end of the data recording event. For example, in a typical vending facility application, the monitor 32 can output a status signal in response to an alarm event such as detection of a maintenance service request. Alternatively, in a utility load management application, the monitor 32 can output a status signal in response to detection of a risk of tampering with the utility load control device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the generation of status signals is event driven and that the application for the data message system 10 determines these events.

【0201】

Since the cellular communication device 34 initiates the transmission of data messages, it will be found that the process of outputting a clock signal or status signal is similar to the autonomous registration operation performed by a given known radiotelephone. In autonomous registration, the radiotelephone automatically identifies itself to the cellular system by initiating its own registration operation. Similarly, in the embodiments described, the cellular communication device 34 responds to a clock signal or status signal by sending a data message having a message format representing a data record for the radiotelephone registration signal. The MSC24 then receives the data message over control channel 38 and then acts on the data message as if it were a registration signal transmitted by a conventional radiotelephone.

【0202】

The time interval with respect to the clock 82 is preferably chosen to minimize any interference from the transmission of the data message, but when the clock 82 outputs a clock signal to initiate transmission by the cellular transmitter 72. It is also possible that the cellular network control channel 38 is busy. To minimize this possible interference problem, the data message transmission detects the activity level on the control channel 38 where the cellular communication device 34 falls below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time period. Is delayed until. This delays the transmission of data messages that would normally occur in direct response to the clock signal, but this delay allows the cellular communication device 34 to transmit data messages during non-busy intervals on control channel 38. It will be possible.

【0203】

In this embodiment, controller 74 detects a busy idle bit set to a binary value of 1 carried by the FOCC and received via the cellular receiver 78, with a run-time average of "n". It responds to the clock signal output by clock 82 by calculating both the averages. This run-time average is stored in the memory storage device 76. The controller 74 supplies the cellular transmitter 72 with a data packet containing the selected data only when the calculated "n" average falls below the stored run-time average. You will find that this process of queuing the transmission of data messages usually requires the storage of selected data in memory 76 before initiating the transmission of data messages.

【0204】

It is well known that a cellular network control channel, such as control channel 38, is a two-way communication path between the MSC 24 and the radiotelephone device operating within cell 12. Therefore, the receiver 78 is also useful for receiving communications from the MSC 24 via the FOCC on control channel 38. In particular, the MSC 24 can output a command signal via the control channel 38 in order to initiate a predetermined operation of one or more cellular communication devices 34 in the cell 12 or to control a predetermined function. The cellular communication device 34 is preferably programmed to respond to a command signal by performing a particular action associated with the command signal or by controlling a predetermined function.

【0205】

The command signal usually includes address data, and each cellular communication device 34 responds only to the command signal containing the predetermined address data. This allows the MSC24 to communicate with one or more predetermined communication devices 34. Proper use of the addressing operation allows the MSC24 to remotely control the operation or function of a subset of cellular communication devices 34 selected from the entire group of devices 34 in cell 12.

【0206】

The address data of the command signal is preferably a 10-digit number representing a conventional telephone number. At least a portion of this telephone number is assigned to the corresponding cellular communication device 34. The rest of the 10-digit telephone number (if available) can represent a command for a particular action or function. In this way, the cellular communication device 34 can be programmed to respond only to a command signal containing its address data and to perform a particular operation or function identified by the address data.

【0207】

By transmitting a command signal to the cellular communication device 34, the MSC24 can remotely control various operations of the cellular communication device 34 or remotely define various programmable operating parameters of the device 34. In response to the selected command signal, the cellular communication device 34 "registers" with the MSC24 by sending a data message to the MSC24. This command signal is similar to a traditional Locate Request signal generated by a CMR system such as AT &amp; T's Autoplex System, requesting registration of the selected radiotelephone. By using this command signal, the selected cellular communication device 34 may be polled at any time by the MSC24 to initiate transmission of a data message containing the desired selected data.

【0208】

In response to another command signal, the time interval for clock 82 is changed or otherwise replaced by an alternative time interval. The cellular communication device 34 can also instruct the monitor 32 to start recording data from the data source 30 in response to yet another command signal. That is, the controller 74 responds to the detection of the command signal by the cellular receiver 78 and outputs an instruction signal to the recorder 60 in order to promote the data reporting operation.

【0209】

FIG. 4 shows a preferred step in how data collected from a remote data source is communicated over a cellular control channel. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, keeping in mind the general operation of the components of the data acquisition system 10 described above, this method starts at start block 200. In step 202, the operation of one or more remote data sources 30 is typically monitored for a predetermined period of time. In step 204, selected data directed to the operating or operating characteristics of the remote data source 30 is collected and stored. A data packet containing selected data and predetermined identification characteristics is prepared in step 206. In step 208, the data message corresponding to the data packet is sent to the MSC 24 via control channel 38 of the CMR system 8. The steps described above are preferably implemented by one or more software routines performed by the reporting system 29 formed by the monitor 32 and the cellular communication device 34.

【0210】

The program then branches into block A (Figure 5). While this program branch is enabled, the MSC24 is based on the information contained in the registration signal (in this case, the data message) as to whether the incoming registration signal was sent by the Roman or the home unit. To decide.

【0211】

Figure 5 shows whether the data message was sent by Rome or by the home unit, and as a result, to determine the action taken by MSC24 based on the initial decision. The preferred steps taken by MSC24 are shown. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, the database operation performed by MSC24 begins at step 210 of branch A. In step 210, a registration signal, such as a data message, is received on the MSC24 via control channel 38. In decision block 214, if the received MIN is a MIN associated with a home unit that has an entry in the database of MSC24, it proceeds to block 216 according to the "YES" branch. At block 216, the home unit registers with MSC24. At least some of the traditional radiotelephones operating in cell 12 are very likely to represent subscribers to the cellular services provided by CMR system 8, and therefore their radiotelephones. The phone is identified as a home unit. On the other hand, the transmission by the cellular communication device 34 operating in the cell 12 is preferably designed to be visible as a transmission from an external or remote CMR system such as the data acquisition system 40.

【0212】

If the received MIN is not the home MIN, follow the "NO" branch to step 218, where the MSC24 determines that the source of the registration signal is Roman. That is, for a data message, the MSC24 makes this decision according to a predetermined discriminating characteristic placed in the data field corresponding to MIN. At least some of the predetermined identification characteristics identify the data acquisition system 40 as a "home" service provider for the cellular communication device 34. Therefore, the MSC24 determines that the data message was sent by an external CMR system, specifically the Roman associated with the data collection system 40.

【0213】

In decision block 220, the database maintained by MSC24 is checked to determine if the Roman MIN exists in the database as a result of previous registration with CMR system 8. As described in more detail below, the MSC24 typically has data in this database because the data message was sent by the cellular communication device 34 rather than by the traditional radiotelephone associated with the cellular system 8. -Do not position the predetermined identification characteristics of the message. If this query is negative, follow the "NO" branch to block 222. At block 222, the MSC24 transfers certain identification information to the external CMR system associated with the roma. In response to the data message, the MSC24 transmits a data message containing predetermined identification characteristics and selected data to the data collection system 40 via the first communication link 42. At this point, the data acquisition system 40 recognizes that the data message contains the desired selection data and usually stores the selection data in the memory storage device 44 for ease of use after the selection data. ..

【0214】

If Romer's MIN is included in the MSC24 database, following the "YES" branch skips steps 222 and 224 and proceeds to decision block 228.

【0215】

Information about the romer, ie, the cellular communication device 34, is then added to the database at MSC24, at least temporarily, in response to a confirmation message sent by the data collection system 40 during step 224. However, in step 228, an inquiry is made to determine if the MSC24 has received an instruction from the data collection system 40 requesting the removal of the Roman information from the MSC database. If the response is positive, follow the "YES" branch and proceed to step 230, where MSC24 removes the entry from the database. In this way, the database is no longer cluttered with information that is no longer relevant to the operation of MSC24. On the other hand, if the response is negative, the "NO" branch is followed to return to step 228.

【0216】

The steps shown in Figure 5 are preferably placed on top of the MSC24 and implemented by one or more software routines executed by the MSC24. The software development techniques required to encode this process and generate the required software routines are known to those of skill in the art.

【0217】

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing steps of a method of initiating transmission of a data message over a control channel when the cellular network control channel of the cellular system does not interfere with its use. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, this method starts at step block 240. In step 242, an inquiry is made as to whether the predetermined time interval has expired. If the time period has not expired, follow the "NO" branch back to the start block. On the other hand, when the time period has expired, the process proceeds to block 244 according to the "YES" branch. At block 244, a clock signal is output at the expiration of a predetermined time interval. A data packet is prepared in step 246 to allow the transmission of a data message containing predetermined identification characteristics and selected data. At this point, the cellular communication device 34 is ready to transmit a data message if the data channel of the cellular network control channel is available on a non-interfering basis.

【0218】

In step 248, cellular communication device 34 monitors a stream of busy idle bits carried by the FOCC on control channel 38, followed by the last "n" busy idle with a binary value of 1 per time interval. -Calculate the average for bits. In decision block 250, to determine if the calculated "n" average is less than the run-time average of the maximum count of busy idle bits with a binary value of 1 per stored time interval. Matching is done. If the response to this inquiry is negative, control channel 38 is busy, which delays the transmission of data messages by following the "NO" branch and proceeding to step 248, busy idle. -The sequence of monitoring bits and calculating the average continues. On the other hand, if the response is positive, the "YES" branch is followed to step 252, where the data message is sent to the MSC 24 via the RECC on control channel 38.

【0219】

The steps shown in FIG. 6 are preferably placed on the cellular communication device 34 and implemented by one or more software routines performed by the cellular communication device 34. The software development techniques required to encode this process and generate the required software routines are known to those of skill in the art.

【0220】

Referring to FIG. 7 showing another embodiment of the present invention, the paging receipt notification system 10'operates within the environment of the CMR system 8'that communicates the receipt notification message in response to the receipt of the paging message. This allows a paging party using the communication service provided by system 10'to receive some form of receipt notification that the paged party actually received the paging message.

【0221】

Similar to the data collection system 10, the paging receipt notification system 10'utilizes the installed equipment provided by a conventional CMR system such as the CMR system 8 to communicate receipt notification messages in a local area or wide area. Provide any communication system in the area. Since the receipt notification message contains data-based information rather than voice-based information, system 10'uses only the cellular network control channel of the CMR system to communicate the receipt notification message. By avoiding any use of the valuable voice channels of the CMR system, System 10'saves the use of voice channels for traditional telephone calls by users of cellular radiotelephones. This allows System 10'to expand the use of traditional voice-based applications, the resources available by existing or applied equipment in CMR systems, while minimizing any interference with telephone calls. to enable.

【0222】

As shown in FIG. 7, the paging receipt notification system includes a communication system 149 consisting of at least one paging terminal 150 and a data collection system 40', one or more remote communication devices 152, and a CMR system 8. Includes at least one MSC24 associated with'. In general, communication system 149 responds to a paging message from a paging party by preparing a data message corresponding to the paging message. The particular receipt notification code assigned to the data message by communication system 149 is stored to support a later decision as to whether the data message was properly notified by one or more communication devices 152. The communication system 149 then sends a data message over the communication path 156 to the selected remote communication device 152.

【0223】

The selected remote communication unit 152 receives the data message and then prepares a receipt notification message containing the receipt notification code taken from the data message. Then, the selected remote communication device 152 transmits the receipt notification message to the MSC24'via the cellular network control channel 38. The MSC24'recognizes that the source of the receipt notification message is related to the communication system 149 and forwards the receipt notification message to the communication system 149 via the first communication link 42'. Communication system 149 processes the receipt notification message and determines whether the receipt notification message corresponds to a particular data message. This decision is made by comparing the receipt notification code in the receipt notification message with the stored receipt notification code that accompanies the data message. If matched, the receipt notification can be stored for later use or provided to the paging party.

【0224】

Continuing with Figure 7 and examining the operation of the paging receipt notification system 10'in more detail, a party wishing to contact another party at the remote site would be required to make a final transmission by the paging terminal 150. To forward the paging message over the communication network 151. In response to the paging message, the paging terminal 150 transmits a data message corresponding to the paging message via the antenna 154. The combination of the paging terminal 150 and the antenna 154 preferably operates as a wireless transmission system capable of broadcasting data messages over a known geographic area. The remote communication device 152 operates within the geographical coverage area and responds to a data message containing the specific address. In particular, the remote communication device 152 transmits the receipt notification message via the cellular network of the CMR system 8', that is, the control channel 38 and the MSC24'. Receiving the receipt notification message by MSC24'allows the process of confirming receipt of the data message, as shown below.

【0225】

In a preferred embodiment, the paging terminal 150 receives the paging message, preferably via a communication network 151 such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN). It will be appreciated that the communication network 151 can be implemented as another known communication system, including a data network such as a value-added network (VAN) (not shown) or a dedicated data line (not shown). The paging terminal 150 is applied to handle special requests to the receipt notification system and responds to the paging message by preparing the corresponding data message. The data message contains the following information: (1) an address that uniquely identifies the intended receiver, in particular the selected remote communicator 152, (2) a particular data message and the corresponding paging. Receipt notification code that uniquely identifies the message, (3) Paging data that accompanies the paging message. The format of the data message is described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

【0226】

The paging party typically provides information related to the address to the selected remote communication device 152 and the paging data for communication to the user of the selection device 152. On the other hand, the paging terminal 150 is applied to provide a receipt notification code for use with a data message, preferably the receipt returned from the remote communication device 152 in the receipt notification message, as described below. Store or store the receipt notification code so that it can be compared later with the notification code. Each data message is assigned a unique receipt notification code to support comparison of the data message with a particular receipt notification message. The paging terminal 150 then sends a data message to complete the communication of the paging message to the desired page party.

【0227】

In local area communication of paging messages, the paging terminal 150 is a selected remote communication device 152 known to operate the corresponding data message within the geographic coverage area of the paging terminal 150. Send because it is received directly by. However, if the remote communicator 152 typically operates outside the geographic coverage of the paging terminal 150, the terminal 150 separates the data message to send the data message within the appropriate geographic area. Transfer to a paging terminal in Japan via a national paging network (not shown). How to use a group of paging terminals connected by a communication network to form such a wide area communication network is well known in the paging industry. Therefore, the following system 10'operation description is based on the local distribution of data messages to the remote communication device 152.

【0228】

The paging terminal 150 communicates with a remote communication device 152 operating within its geographical coverage area, preferably via a communication path 156 implemented as a wireless communication system such as a microwave or radio frequency (RF) radio link. To do. However, it will be appreciated that the communication path 156 can also be implemented as a dedicated data line or an actual wiring communication system including a conventional telephone facility. For the preferred communication path 156, the paging terminal 150 transmits a data message via the antenna 154.

【0229】

The remote communication device 152 responds to the data message including the specific address by providing the paging data accompanying the paging message to the user of the device 152. In a manner similar to a conventional pager, the preferred remote communication device 152 outputs an alert to the user to indicate receipt of a data message, and then provides the user with paging data in the conventional manner. As is well known in the paging system industry, alarms can be visual, auditory, or tactile signals, and presentation of paging data can be in audible or text (or graphic) format.

【0230】

The remote communication device 152 further responds to the data message by sending a receipt notification message including a receipt notification code for the data message via the CMR system 8'. It will be seen that the receipt notification code allows for a later association between the outgoing data message (and the corresponding paging message) and the incoming receipt notification message. As described in more detail in connection with FIG. 9, the receipt notification message includes this information in a data type format to allow communication of the information over control channel 38. In particular, to take advantage of the known architecture of the CMR system, the receipt notification message is formatted to appear as a registration signal transmitted by a conventional radiotelephone when first self-identifying to the CMR system.

【0231】

The remote communication device 152 sends a receipt notification message to the cell control 16 in the cell 12 via the cellular communication link 36. Cell control 16 then forwards the receipt notification message to MSC24'via data link 22. The control channel 38 is formed by a data link 22 and a cellular communication link 36, and enables communication of a control signal between each remote communication device 152 in the cell 12 and the MSC24'.

【0232】

The MSC24'receives the receipt notification message via the control channel 38 and determines that the message appears to have been sent by the roaming radiotelephone based on the predetermined information given in the receipt notification message. Without recognizing that the receipt notification message was actually sent by the remote communication device 152, the MSC24'treats the receipt notification message as if the message was sent by a roman. As a result, the MSC24'forwards the receipt notification message to the data collection system 40' via the first communication link 42'. The data collection system 40'recognizes that the receipt notification message contains a receipt notification code and then transfers the code via communication link 174 for comparison with the stored receipt notification code assigned to the outgoing data message. And send it to the paging terminal 150. If the match is successful, you can see the receipt of the data message corresponding to the particular paging message.

【0233】

Before further examining the details of the operation of the paging receipt notification system 10', it may be useful to consider the data structure for the data message and the receipt notification message. FIG. 8 is a table showing the format of the data message sent by the paging terminal 150 in response to the paging message. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the data record 160 for a data message uniquely identifies the address data that uniquely identifies a particular remote communication device 152 and the data message and the corresponding paging message. Includes the receipt notification code to be received and the paging data intended to communicate with the subscriber operating the selected remote communication device. Similar to a standard paging system, the address data in field 162 is preferably associated with a specific CAP code or personal identification number (PIN) assigned to the selected remote communication unit 152. The address data, receipt notification code, and paging data are contained in separate data fields, address data field 162, receipt notification code field 164, and paging data field 166, respectively. Data fields 162, 164, and 166 are preferably separated by one or more identifying characters or character strings to separate the information in the fields and allow accurate reading of such information.

【0234】

The paging message is usually initiated when the paging party contacts the paging terminal 150 via the communication path 151, which is shown as PSTN in FIG. The paging party then presents the desired paging data, such as the return phone number, to the operator who traditionally provides the paging data to the paging terminal 150 in the appropriate format, or the paging data. Have the opportunity to provide to the paging terminal 150 by typing through the telephone facility. You will also find that paging messages can also be initiated in response to messages sent via an email system.

【0235】

For a successful receipt notification of a paging message, part of the data message, specifically the receipt notification code contained in data field 164, is via the receipt notification message forwarded by CMR system 8'. Must be returned to paging terminal 150. Therefore, the format of the receipt notification code for the character is preferably compatible with the overall message format for the receipt notification message. The data record for the receipt notification message is shown in Figure 9. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 9, the data record 168 for the receipt notification message contains separate fields for both the user-entered data and the receipt notification code. Field 170 for user input data and field 172 for receipt notification code are separated by a selected character set to identify the end of the character string for operation data and the start of the character string for receipt notification code. One or more characters can be added to the end of a data record to indicate the end of the data message.

【0236】

The data record 168 for the receipt notification message is preferably the same as the message format for the registration signal transmitted by the radiotelephone when first self-identifying to a CMR system such as CMR system 8'. In particular, the data field 172 for the receipt notification code corresponds to a position in the registration signal for at least a portion of the mobile phone number or MIN. The receipt notification code preferably belongs to a set of traditional phone numbers, a set of 10-digit numbers, or a set of unassigned mobile phone numbers. The receipt notification code also contains information that allows the MSC24'to determine that the receipt notification message was sent by the source associated with the data collection system 40'.

【0237】

In a preferred embodiment of the paging receipt notification system 10', the subscriber using the remote communication device 152 has the option of providing a response to the received data message. This response, called operation data, is provided by the user by inputting the operation data in a conventional manner through a keyboard installed on the remote communication unit 152. Alternatively, the response to the received data message can be automatically provided by the remote communication unit 152 without any action by the subscriber. Operational data typically consists of text characters or binary data that is inserted into data field 170 of receipt notification message data record 168.

【0238】

The data field 170 for the operation data corresponds to the position in the data record of the registration signal for the ESN. In cellular systems that do not look at or examine ESNs based on 8-bit manufacturer code segments, it is possible to use the entire 32-bit data field normally assigned to ESNs for operational data. However, if the cellular system examines an 8-bit field for the ESN's manufacturer code segment, the behavioral data must fit within the remaining 24 bits of the data field normally assigned to the ESN. Receipt notification messages with 24-bit operational data are sufficient for communication with limited responses in most applications, so in most applications the ESN manufacturer code segment is manipulated for data use. It wouldn't be necessary. It will be found that the use of only 24 bits of the ESN location for the placement of operational data in the receipt notification message allows for more than 16 million responses.

【0239】

In addition, the format for the receipt notification message can be changed so that both the receipt notification code and the optional operation data can be inserted in the data field corresponding to the location for the ESN in the registration signal. In this alternative message format, each data message is assigned an identification receipt notification code, and each remote communication device 152 is assigned a unique mobile phone number that acts to identify the outgoing cellular source. Be done. In response to a data message containing this type of receipt notification code, the remote communication device 152 populates a data field containing that particular mobile phone number with a data field containing both the receipt notification code and optional behavioral data. Output the receipt notification message including. The receipt notification code is preferably separated from the behavioral data by one or more separating characters within the same data field. This receipt notification message is formatted to represent the registration signal and the data fields correspond to the positions of MIN and ESN within the conventional registration signal. The mobile phone number in this receipt notification message helps identify the sending cellular source, specifically the particular remote communication device 152, and the receipt notification code is the corresponding data message (and paging). -Acts to identify the message).

【0240】

Referring again to FIG. 7, in response to the data message, the remote communicator 152 sends the data message in automatic mode without the intervention of the subscriber or in manual mode under the control of the subscriber. By sending a receipt notification message with a message format that accompanies the registration signal, the remote communication device 152 registers with MSC24'because the receipt notification message appears to contain both a valid mobile phone number and ESN. .. The remote communication device 152 is merely attempting to send a receipt notification as a data type signal instead of a traditional voice-based telephone call over the control channel, but nevertheless the device 152 Register for operation with MSC24'and enable communication of receipt notification code via CMR system 8'.

【0241】

In response to the receipt notification message, the MSC24'determines whether the device sending the signal is an authorized user or a subscriber to the service provided by the CMR system 8'. This determination is made based on the receipt notification code in the data record 172, which corresponds to the MIN information for the registration signal. At least a portion of the receipt notification code indicates that the selected remote communication device 152 is associated with another "remote" cellular system. Based on this information, the MSC24'checks its database and determines that the remote communication device 152 has joined the remote cellular system, i.e. the data collection system 40'. In this way, MSC24'determines that the source of the receipt notification message is treated as a Roman. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the MSC24'interprets the receipt notification message as a transmission from a roaming mobile radiotelephone operating within the CMR system 8'.

【0242】

The remote cellular system identified by part of the receipt notification code is not the actual operational cellular system that supports telephone calls, but is dedicated by the receipt notification based application and represented by the data collection system 40'. Recognizing that the remote communication device 152 accompanies this remote cellular system, the MSC24'forwards the receipt notification message to the data collection system 40' via the first communication link 42'. The data collection system 40'by sending a confirmation message to the MSC24' confirming that the source of the receipt notification message is attached to the data collection system 40' and that the MSC24'must receive communications from that source. answer. The remote communication device 152 is then added to the database of the registered radiotelephone on the MSC24'as a registered radiotelephone, thereby completing the registration of the receipt notification message source on the MSC24'.

【0243】

The data collection system 40'subsequently sends a message to the MSC 24'via link 42' instructing the MSC to remove the remote communication source 152 from its list of registered romares. This entry is deleted from the MSC database because it is no longer necessary to maintain registration information about the remote communication source 152 after forwarding the receipt notification message to the data collection system 40'. Alternatively, the database entry for the registered remote communication device 152 is deleted by MSC24'at the expiration of the time interval.

【0244】

Unlike the MSC24', the data collection system 40'predetermines that the selected remote communication device 152 has received the data message and forwarded the response, ie the receipt notification message containing the receipt notification code and operation data. Recognize that the receipt notification message contains the data of. As a result, the data collection system 40'sends the receipt notification code and the operation data to the paging terminal 150 via the communication link 174 so that the paging terminal can update the receipt notification record.

【0245】

The paging terminal 150 then compares the receipt notification code provided by the data collection system 40'with the list of receipt notification codes assigned to the data message (and the corresponding paging message). If there is a match, it indicates that the intended recipient of the paging message, i.e., the selected remote communicator 152, has received the data message and forwarded the receipt notification message to confirm receipt of the data message. Based on this comparison, the paging terminal 150 stores receipt notification information in a database or memory storage device for storing the receipt notification of this paging message for access by the paging party. The paging terminal 150 also stores operation data, if any, to allow access to responses from users of the remote communication device 152 selected by the paging party.

【0246】

You will find that the data collection system 40'and the paging terminal 150 can be installed as separate systems located in different locations or as a fully integrated facility at the same site.

【0247】

This description of the paging receipt notification system refers to the use of the remote communication unit 152 by a subscriber to the paging service, but the remote communication unit 152 also applies paging information to receive such paging information. You will see that it can be provided to the equipment. For example, transmission of a data message by the paging terminal 150 is convenient for initiating an operation by the application facility, such as recording data from a data source. In response to the data message, the applicable equipment can also supply operational data to the remote communication unit 152 for transmission to the central collection site via the cellular system 8'. When the facility is primarily used for data recording, the receipt notification message sent by the remote communication unit 152 includes operational data, including the recorded data. Therefore, the remote communication unit 152 can be connected to the applicable equipment via an actual wiring connection or a wireless link to enable the exchange of data messages and operation data.

【0248】

As with the data message system 10, communication between the data acquisition system 40'and the MSC24' is preferably compatible with the IS-41 standard. This allows the MSC24'to hand off or transfer data messages to the data acquisition system 40' over the first communication link 42', which should be implemented as an IS-41 network. However, other devices and protocols, including the Motorola DMX protocol and other vendor-specific protocols, will also find useful in implementing communication with the data acquisition system 40'.

【0249】

As shown in FIG. 10, in another embodiment 10 "of the receipt notification paging system, the communication system 149' is composed of a data collection system 40" and a paging terminal 150'. Referring to FIG. 10, the data collection system 40 "receives the paging message via a communication network 151 such as the PSTN instead of the paging terminal 150'. In response to the paging message, the data collection system 40" , Assign a unique identifier to the paging message, ie the receipt notification code, and prepare the data packet for transmission to the paging terminal 150'. The data packet contains the following information: (1) an address that uniquely identifies the intended receiver, (2) a receipt notification code, and (3) paging data. The paging terminal 150'receives a data packet via the communication link 176, and in response, outputs a data message corresponding to the data packet for reception by the selected remote communication device 152. The data collection system 40 also allows comparison of the stored receipt notification code with the receipt notification code in the receipt notification message transferred by the remote communication unit 152 via the CMR system 8'. -The receipt notification code corresponding to the packet (and the paging message) is also stored. From the above, the data collection system 40 "shown in FIG. 10 is the paging terminal 150 in the embodiment 10'shown in FIG. You can see that it does the receipt notification action that was performed by (but does not do the paging action).

【0250】

The communication between the paging terminal and the remote communication device 152, as well as the communication between the MSC24'and the data acquisition system 40', is the same as the operation described for the embodiment shown in FIG. By reference, the paging terminal 150'broadcasts a data message for reception by the selected remote communication device 152 through the antenna 154 in a conventional manner. In response, the selected remote communication device 152 , Register the operation with MSC24'by outputting the receipt notification message. Based on at least a part of the receipt notification code in the receipt notification message, MSC24'is that the selected remote communication device 152 is another cellular system ( In this case, recognize that it is related to the data collection system 40 ). As a result, the MSC24'forwards the receipt notification message to the data collection system 40' via the first communication link 42'.

【0251】

By comparing the receipt notification code in the receipt notification message with the stored receipt notification code assigned to the corresponding data message, the data collection system 40 "is performed by the remote communication device 152 from which the data message was selected. Recognize receipt. Based on this receipt notification, the data collection system 40 "removes the assigned receipt notification code from the database of transmitted data packets waiting for receipt notification and then. Take appropriate action to notify the party that made the page request. Since the paging terminal is implemented as a conventional paging system that does not perform the receipt notification operation, it is not necessary to forward the receipt notification message to the paging terminal 150'.

【0252】

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the data collection system 40 "and the paging terminal 150'can be separate systems located at different locations or can be installed at the same site as a fully integrated facility.

【0253】

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the components of the remote communication device 152. As shown in FIG. 11, the remote communication device 152 includes a paging device 178 and a cellular device 179. In the preferred remote communication device 152, the paging device 178 and the cellular device 179 are packaged in the same housing to facilitate access to the device 152 by a typical mobile subscriber. The inventor predicts that device 152 will become portable and will be housed in a small package similar to current paging devices and radiotelephones. Batteries are the preferred power source for device 152, given that it is intended to be carried and used with the device.

【0254】

The paging device 178 includes a paging receiver 180 that receives a data message from the paging terminal 150 via a communication path 156 (FIG. 7) and then stores a receipt notification code and paging data in the memory storage device 184. .. In response to the data message, the paging receiver 180 outputs a warning to the user to signal the receipt of the data message and then via a known method, typically a display (not shown). Alternatively, paging data is provided to the user as an audible message output via a speaker (not shown).

【0255】

The paging receiver 180 also responds to a data message by outputting a receipt notification code to the cellular transmitter 182 via a data channel 186 that connects the two devices. When the user responds to a data message by entering operational data, the operational data is typically stored in memory storage device 184 until it is transmitted to cellular transmitter 182 via data channel 186. From the above, it will be seen that the paging receiver 180 is a conventional pager applied to receive the information associated with the receipt notification process, namely the receipt notification code. Therefore, the paging receiver 180 must distinguish between the data fields in the data record 160 to ensure that the paging receiver 180 properly recognizes and processes the information contained in the data message.

【0256】

The cellular device 179 includes a cellular transmitter 182 that receives the receipt notification code and the operation data on the data channel 186 and stores this information in the memory storage device 190. In the receipt notification message transmission, the cellular transmitter 182 prepares the receipt notification message by reading the receipt notification code and the operation data from the memory storage device 190 and placing this information in the data fields 170 and 172, and then receives the receipt. Send a notification message over control channel 38. To properly communicate with the MSC24', the transmission of the receipt notification message by the cellular transmitter 182 is compatible with conventional cellular standards and protocols for the transfer of data signals (rather than voice signals) over the control channel. Thereby, the cellular transmitter 182 can be implemented as a transmitter for a conventional radiotelephone, except that the receipt notification code and the operation data are applied to be received via the data channel 186. In fact, by sending a receipt notification message in response to a data message, the remote communication device 152 performs an operation similar to the autonomous registration operation performed by a standard radiotelephone.

【0257】

The cellular transmitter 182 transmits over the data channel of a cellular network control channel, such as control channel 38, because system 10 does not use the voice channel to forward the receipt notification message through the CMR system 8'. You will find that only the ability to do is needed. As a result, the cellular transmitter 182 draws less power than a conventional radiotelephone operating on both the voice and data channels of the cellular network control channel. In addition, the cellular transmitter 182 typically draws power only during data transmission intervals, thereby conserving the battery, which is the desired power source. A typical receipt notification message transmission occurs in the form of a data packet as a burst of data, which further reduces power consumption. Power savings are important to the convenience of the communication device 152, as the remote device 152 is primarily intended for use by mobile subscribers who do not have constant access to another type of power source. It will be seen that the alternative power supply for the cellular transmitter 182 is a capacitor that can store enough energy to transmit the data burst.

【0258】

To receive communication from the MSC24'via control channel 38, the cellular device 152 also includes a cellular receiver 192 connected to the cellular transmitter 182. The cellular receiver 192 can be implemented as a cellular receiver for a conventional radiotelephone. However, like the cellular transmitter 182, the desirable cellular receiver 192 operates to receive information primarily through the data radio channel rather than the voice radio channel of the CMR system 8'.

【0259】

Similar to cellular communication device 34 (FIG. 3), remote communication device 152 utilizes a form of receipt notification message queuing that delays the transmission of receipt notification messages until control channel 38 is available on a non-interfering basis. You can also. The remote communication unit 152 preferably monitors the busy idle bits on the control channel 38 to determine the level of control signal activity prior to sending the receipt notification message. This minimizes the effect of transmission by one or more remote communication devices 152 in cell 12 on the normal control signal delivered to the radiotelephone operating in the cell via control channel 38.

【0260】

Specifically, the cellular receiver 192 monitors the busy idle bits carried by the FOCC on control channel 38 for a series of predetermined time periods. In response to receiving a busy idle status signal, the remote communication unit 152 determines the run-time average of the highest count of busy idle bits per hour period and the last "busy idle bit" per hour period. Calculate and store both n "counts. To calculate the run-time mean, if the count of busy idle bits during the last interval is higher than one standard deviation below the stored mean, then a new busy idle bit per time period. The acquired count is averaged with the stored average value. Before sending the receipt notification message over control channel 38, the remote communication unit 152 averages the last stored "n" count of busy idle bits per time period and calculates "n". Compare the average with the stored run-time average. If the calculated "n" average is less than the stored run-time average, the cellular transmitter 182 outputs a receipt notification message via the RECC on control channel 38. However, if the calculated "n" average exceeds the stored run-time average, the cellular transmitter 182 delays transmission.

【0261】

Therefore, the receipt notification message preferably occurs only when the control channel 38 is reasonably available by the remote communication device 152. It will be found that this message queuing technique can delay the transmission of receipt notification messages when control channel 38 is busy.

【0262】

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the preferred steps of how to communicate a receipt notification message over a cellular network control channel in a CMR system in response to a paging message. With reference to FIGS. 10 and 12, this method starts at start block 260 and at step 262 a paging message is received over the communication network 151. The data message corresponding to the paging message is prepared in step 264. Specifically, the receipt notification code is added to the address data and the page data previously supplied by the paging message. In step 265, the receipt notification code associated with the data message (and paging message) is stored for use during a later receipt notification operation. The data message is transmitted in step 266 by a paging terminal such as paging terminal 150'.

【0263】

In step 268, the data message is received by the selected remote communication unit 152 having a specific address contained within the data message. In response, a receipt notification message is prepared during step 270. The receipt notification message includes a receipt notification code taken from the data message and operational data entered by the subscriber. In step 272, the receipt notification message is sent to MSC24'via control channel 38.

【0264】

The MSC24'receives the receipt notification message in step 274 and forwards the receipt notification message to the data collection system 40'in step 276 based on at least a portion of the receipt notification code in the receipt notification message. , An inquiry is made to determine if the receipt notification code in the receipt notification message is the same as the previously stored receipt notification code (see step 265) that accompanies a particular data message. If affirmative, the "YES" branch is followed to step 280, where a receipt notification is provided to the paging party confirming receipt of the paging message. On the other hand, if the response is negative, the "NO" branch is followed to step 282. In step 282, the paging party is informed that the receipt notification was not received in response to the paging message.

【0265】

The particular embodiment described herein is disclosed as an example, and one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

[Simple explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a data message system in a desirable environment of a CMR system.

FIG. 2 is a table showing formats for data messages communicated via a data message system.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a data reporting system for a data message system.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing steps of a method of communicating a data message via a data message system.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing steps of a method of processing a data message by a mobile switching station.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing steps of a method of initiating transmission of a data message over a control channel.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a page receipt notification system in a desirable environment of a CMR system.

FIG. 8 is a table showing formats for data messages communicated via the page receipt notification system.

FIG. 9 is a table showing formats for receipt notification messages communicated via the page receipt notification system.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the page receipt notification system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a remote communication device.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing steps of a method of communicating a receipt notification message via a page receipt notification system.