Apparatus and methods for network identification of open market wireless devices

Apparatus and method for network identification of open market wireless devices

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/975,405, entitled "Apparatus and Methods Associated with Open Market Handsets," filed on September 26, 2007 and assigned to the assignee of the present invention, all of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Aspects of the present invention relate to wireless communication devices, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for network operator identification of open market wireless devices.

A wireless communication device, also called a handset, is used to communicate with another handset or landline phone over a wireless communication network. In order to establish a connection with a wireless communication network, the handset must have a relationship with an operator or service provider to allow access to the wireless communication network and billing to the handset user for use of the wireless communication network. In a closed market system, an operator maintains a degree of control over the sale and distribution of handsets that operate on the operator's wireless communications network. For example, an operator may distribute and sell the handsets themselves, or authorize a third party to perform these tasks, where individual closed market handsets are licensed by the operator to operate on the operator's wireless communications network. and supplied Accordingly, closed market handsets are limited for use in specific wireless communication networks corresponding to individual operators.

In contrast to a closed market system, an open market system allows a handset to be distributed and sold for use on any of a number of wireless communication networks, each corresponding to a respective one of a number of different operators. In a closed market system, a user must obtain a removable module, such as a smart card, from one of a number of different operators, wherein the user identity module is a key or Other authorization mechanisms are included. The user may then insert the removable module containing the user identity information into the open market handset, allowing the open market handset to communicate with the respective wireless communication network associated with the operator that has authorized the removable module. For example, an operator can use a Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, a CDMA Subscriber Identity Module (CSIM) based on Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) for CDMA systems, and Universal Mobile It may be referred to as a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) based on UICC for Telecommunications System), or a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) for a global System for Mobile communications (GSM). For the sake of brevity, the term removable module is used throughout this specification to refer to any module that can be inserted or otherwise communicated with a wireless device that provides storage of data such as user identity information.

In an open market system, network operators control user identity modules, whereas network operators do not control the wireless devices into which user identity modules are inserted. Likewise, the network operator is aware of which particular devices (eg, manufacturer, model type or others of the like) are used by each subscriber (ie, user identity module holder) in their respective network (ie, user identity module holder). there is no way to know) This is because the wireless devices may have been purchased from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or other third party distribution channel.

The tracking of devices implemented in the network provides valuable information to the network operator. The device identification information may be used to access capabilities of devices in the system so that network providers can better tune service availability based on device capabilities. Also, when network operators have information that allows them to identify specific devices used in a network, network operators can use the information for marketing purposes. For example, a network operator may provide offers or incentives that are exclusive to a particular wireless device type that is readily used in a network or others of the like. In addition, network operators can determine, in terms of the device's current capabilities, the current state of the network's wireless devices (ie, current hardware capabilities and/or current software/firmware capabilities as defined by a software/firmware revision number). ) may want to know.

Additionally, device type information may be desirable to network operators in providing customer management/technical support to open market network subscribers in need thereof. While a network subscriber may manually provide the necessary information, in certain instances the information necessary for a network operator to provide the necessary technical support is not readily available to the subscriber. In other instances, problems experienced by the subscriber may prevent the subscriber from accessing necessary information on the device, such as product, model, serial number, or others of the like.

Accordingly, a need exists for properly and efficiently identifying specific open market wireless devices used in a wireless network. The desired methods and apparatus should provide an automated process for identifying wireless devices in a system, and thus provide a level of transparency to a network subscriber (ie, holder of a removable module). In addition, the desired system and apparatus must identify the devices as they are initially introduced into the network. A need also exists to ensure that the identity and other profile data associated with devices in the network reflects the current state of the wireless device in terms of hardware and/or software/firmware capabilities. A further need exists for dynamically identifying and/or accessing the capabilities of open market wireless devices in the example where a network operator provides customer care or technical support to a subscriber via wireless communications.

The following description provides a simplified description of one or more embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. This section is not an exhaustive overview of all possible embodiments, and is intended to neither identify key ones of all nor cover the scope of all embodiments. Its sole purpose is to present a concept of one or more embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the detailed description that is presented later.

The methods, apparatuses and systems of the present invention are for network identification of open market wireless communication devices. In particular, the present invention provides a wireless device for transmitting identification information, referred to herein as profile information, to a network entity, such as a network operator, based on acceptance of a removable module of the wireless device. In one aspect, the removable module includes an executable application that provides the removable module to retrieve profile information from an associated wireless device and initiate communication of the profile information to a network entity. The removable module-based application determines whether a device is being associated with a removable module for the first time (i.e., the first of a removable module in a wireless device, such that profile information is communicated to the network entity based only on the first association/insertion of the removable module with the device). insertion) may be further activated. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention provide for automated network identification of open market wireless devices, such that network operators can easily and automatically identify open market wireless devices being used in their respective networks. Accordingly, the automated feature of the launched aspects provides for network identification of open market wireless devices without requiring device users to manually register or otherwise identify their individual devices.

Aspects of the present invention also provide a network entity, such as a network operator or a third party entity, the ability to remotely access a removable module to request retrieval and communication of profile information as needed. This aspect of the invention is particularly useful in technical support/customer management scenarios, where a network operator/customer management representative can remotely access and retrieve profile information. Such remote access and retrieval alleviates the user's need of a device to place information on the device, and manually communicates the information to a network operator/customer care representative.

In one aspect, a method for network identification of an open market communication device is defined. The method includes receiving a removable module in a wireless communication device. The removable module includes a configuration for enabling the removable module to communicate over a wireless network. The method further includes retrieving device profile information from the wireless communication device memory in response to acceptance of the removable module. The method also includes generating a device identification message comprising at least a portion of the device profile information, and communicating the device identification message to a network operator associated with the removable module over a wireless network.

The method may further include determining that network identification of the wireless device is required prior to retrieving the device profile information. The determination may be based on an initial first acceptance of the removable module at the wireless communication device. Likewise, the determining may further include accessing the removable module memory to determine that a device identifier associated with the wireless communication device is not stored in the removable module memory. If the device identifier is not stored in the removable module memory, it is assumed that the removable module was previously associated with this particular wireless device, and thus a need exists to provide a network identification of the open market wireless device. Based on the device identifier not present in the removable module memory, the method further comprises storing the device identifier in the removable module memory to ensure that subsequent acceptance/insertion of the removable module in the wireless device does not trigger a network identification process can do.

The method may further include automatically launching a removable module-based device identification application in response to acceptance of the removable module at the wireless device. The removable module-based application may further be implemented to launch retrieval of device profile information and launch generation of device identification messages. In some aspects, the device identification application may be further implemented to determine that network identification of the wireless device is required.

In some aspects of the method, retrieving the device profile information may further include executing the removable module interface application to retrieve the device profile information from the wireless communication device memory. In one particular method aspect, the Removable Module Interface application may be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Card Application Toolkit (CCAT) application or others of the like. Further, in some aspects of the method the profile information may include a device manufacturer identifier, or a device model identifier, or a device identifier, or a software identifier, or a software revision identifier, or a firmware identifier, or a firmware revision identifier, or a hardware identifier, or It may be further defined as at least one of the hardware capability identifiers.

In some aspects of the method, generating the device identification message further comprises generating a short message service (SMS) communication comprising the device profile information. In alternative aspects, other communication mechanisms may be used to convey the profile information to the network entity.

In other optional aspects, a method may include receiving a device identification request requesting dynamic network identification of a wireless communication device and retrieving the device profile information from a wireless communication device in response to receiving the device identification request. can The method further includes generating a second device identification message including the device profile information, and forwarding the second device identification message to a network entity associated with the device identification request over the wireless network. The method automatically launches the removable module-based device identification application in response to receiving the identification request, such that the device removable module-based device identification application launches retrieval of device profile information and launches generation of a second device identification message. It may further include the step of These aspects relate to an example in which a network operator representative, such as a customer care representative, etc., dynamically accesses the removable module to retrieve profile information.

At least one processor configured to provide network identification of an open market wireless communication device is provided. The processor includes a first module for verifying acceptance of the removable module in the wireless communication device and a second module for retrieving device profile information from the wireless communication device memory in response to acceptance of the removable module. A removable module may include a configuration for enabling the removable module to communicate over a wireless network. The processor further comprises a third module for generating a device identification message comprising at least a portion of the device profile information, and a fourth module for communicating the device identification message to a network operator associated with the removable module via a wireless network do.

A further related aspect is defined by a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium includes a first set of codes for causing a computer to verify acceptance of a removable module in a wireless communication device, and causing the computer to retrieve a device profile from a wireless communication device memory in response to acceptance of the removable module. and a second set of codes for retrieving information. The removable module includes a configuration for enabling the removable module to communicate over a wireless network. The medium includes a third set of codes for causing a computer to generate a device identification message including at least a portion of the device profile information, and causing the computer to provide a network operator associated with the removable module over the wireless network to the device. and further comprising a fourth set of codes for causing conveying the identification message.

Also provided is an apparatus for network identification of an open market wireless communication device. The apparatus includes means for receiving a removable module in a wireless communication device, and means for retrieving device profile information from a wireless communication device memory in response to receiving the removable module. The removable module includes a configuration for enabling the removable module to communicate over a wireless network. The apparatus further includes means for generating a device identification message comprising at least a portion of device profile information, and means for communicating the device identification message to a network operator associated with the removable module via a wireless network.

Another related aspect is defined by a wireless communication device comprising a computer platform comprising a processor and a memory for storing device profile information. The device further includes a messaging module, such as a short messaging service (SMS) module, operative to generate the wireless communication. The device also includes a removable module in communication with the processor. The removable module enables the removable module to communicate with a wireless network and a device identification application that is activated to be launched when the removable module is received in the device, launches retrieval of device profile information from memory, and a messaging module and a configuration for prompting to launch generation of a device identification message including at least a portion of the vise profile information. The wireless device further includes a communication module in communication with the processor and operative to communicate the device identification message to a network operator associated with the removable module over the wireless network.

In an aspect of the device, a device identification application is further operative to determine if device identification of a wireless device is required by the network operator. In such aspects, the determination may be based on whether acceptance of the removable module at the wireless communication device is an initial first acceptance/insertion. The determination may be performed by accessing the removable module memory to determine whether a device identifier associated with the wireless communication device is not stored in the removable module memory. As previously discussed, if the device identifier is stored in the removable module memory, it is assumed that the removable module has previously been associated/inserted in this particular wireless device, and that the network has previously received profile information associated with this particular device. . Accordingly, in certain aspects, the device is further operative to store the device identifier in the removable module memory during the device identification procedure to ensure that subsequent insertions of the removable module of the device do not trigger the need to provide the device identification to the network. can be

In other aspects, the removable module may further include an interface application in communication with the processor and operative to retrieve device profile information from the wireless communication device memory. In one particular application, the interface application may be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Card Application Toolkit (CCAT) application. The device profile information retrieved and subsequently included in the device identification message may include a device manufacturer identifier, or a device model identifier, or a device identifier, or a software identifier, or a software revision identifier, or a firmware identifier, or a firmware revision identifier, or a hardware identifier, or It may include at least one of hardware capability identifiers, but is not limited thereto.

In other optional aspects, the communication module is further operative to receive a device identification request operative to request a dynamic network identification of the wireless communication device. The network identification application is further operative to initiate retrieval of the device profile information from memory in response to receiving the device identification request and prompt the messaging module to launch generation of a second device identification message comprising the device profile information. do. Further, the communication module is further operable to forward the second device identification message to the network entity associated with the device identification request. Likewise, this aspect relates to an example in which a network operator representative, such as a customer care representative, etc., dynamically accesses the removable module to retrieve profile information.

A further aspect of the invention is provided by a method for requesting identification of an open market wireless communication device. The method includes generating a device identification request at a network entity, and forwarding the device identification request to a removable module. The method includes receiving, at a network entity, a response to a device identification request comprising device profile information associated with an open market wireless communication device in communication with a removable module, and a device for associating the removable module with one or more open market devices. The method further includes storing the profile information in a database.

In certain aspects of the method, generating the device identification request may further include generating the device identification request based on the removable module user contacting the network entity for assistance. In other aspects of the method, generating the device identification request may further include periodically generating the device identification request based on the predetermined update schedule.

In certain aspects of the method, generating the device identification request may further include generating a short message service (SMS) comprising the request for device profile information. In such aspects, receiving the response to the device identification request at the network entity may further provide receiving an SMS comprising device profile information. As previously discussed, device profile information includes a device manufacturer identifier, or a device model identifier, or a device identifier, or a software identifier, or a software revision identifier, or a firmware identifier, or a firmware revision identifier, or a hardware identifier, or a hardware capability identifier. It may include at least one of, but is not limited thereto.

A related aspect of the invention is defined by at least one processor configured to request identification of an open market wireless communication device. The processor includes a first module for generating a device identification request at the network entity and a second module for forwarding the device identification request to the removable module. The processor includes a third module for receiving a response to the device identification request including device profile information associated with the open market wireless communication device in communication with the removable module, and a device profile for associating the removable module with one or more open market devices. and a fourth module for storing the information in the database.

Another related aspect is provided by a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium. The medium includes a first set of codes for causing a computer to generate a device identification request at a network entity, and a second set of codes for causing the computer to communicate the device identification request to a removable module. The medium includes a third set of codes for causing a computer to receive a response to a device identification request comprising device profile information associated with an open market wireless communication device in communication with the removable module, and a third set of codes for causing the computer to install the removable module. and a fourth set of codes for causing device profile information to be associated with the above open market devices to be stored in a database.

An apparatus for requesting identification of an open market wireless communication device defines another related aspect. The apparatus includes means for generating a device identification request at a network entity, and means for forwarding the device identification request to the removable module. Further, the apparatus comprises means for receiving a response to a device identification request comprising device profile information associated with an open market wireless communication device in communication with the removable module at a network entity, and the removable module with one or more open market devices. and means for storing the associating device profile information in a database.

A network device provides a further aspect of the present invention. The device includes a computer platform including processor memory. The device further includes a messaging module stored in the memory and in communication with the processor and operative to generate wireless communication messages. The device also includes a device identification request module stored in the memory and in communication with the processor. The device identification request module is operative to prompt the messaging module to generate and launch the device identification request. Further, the device is operative to communicate with the processor, communicate the device identification request to the identified removable module, and receive a response to the device identification request comprising device profile information associated with the open market wireless communication device in communication with the removable module. It includes a communication module. The device further comprises a removable module device database operative to store device profile information as an association with the removable module.

In an aspect of the network device, the device identification request module is further operative to generate the device identification request based on the removable module user contacting the network entity for assistance. In other aspects of the network device, the device information request module is further operative to periodically generate the device identification request based on the predetermined update schedule.

Accordingly, aspects of the present invention provide methods, apparatus and systems for automatically providing network operators identification of open market wireless devices used in an operator's respective network. Aspects of the present invention are achieved by retrieving device profile information in response to a network operator's removable module being associated with (ie, inserted into) the wireless device, communicating the device profile information to the network operator or the like, and the like. This allows a network operator or third party entity to track and/or monitor the types of wireless devices present in their respective wireless networks. Additionally, the automated nature of tracking eliminates the need for subscribers/users of removable modules to manually or otherwise provide device identification to network operators. Aspects of the present invention also provide for network operators or third party entities to remotely and dynamically access a removable module for retrieving profile information related to a wireless device with which the removable module is currently communicating. This aspect allows a network operator or third party entity to automatically retrieve and in some aspects update a profile without requiring user intervention.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related objects, one or more embodiments include the features set forth below and particularly specified in the claims. The following description and related drawings set forth in more detail exemplary aspects of these embodiments. These aspects are merely exemplary, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible, and this description is to be construed to include both such embodiments and their equivalents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Aspects launched below are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and are provided to describe and not limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations refer to like elements.

1 is a schematic diagram of a system for providing network identification of open market wireless devices in accordance with an aspect. 2 is a schematic diagram of an open market wireless device and an associated removable module within a system for providing network identification of open market wireless devices in accordance with an aspect. 3 is a schematic diagram of a network entity/device within a system for providing network identification of open market wireless devices in accordance with an aspect; 4 is a schematic diagram of an aspect of a wireless communication device operating as disclosed herein. 5 is a schematic diagram of an aspect of a network device operating as disclosed herein. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cellular wireless network used to provide messaging in conjunction with aspects of the present invention for network identification of open market wireless devices used in the network; 7 is a flow diagram launching a method for providing network identification of an open market wireless device in accordance with another aspect. 8 is a flow diagram launching a method for providing network identification of open market wireless devices in accordance with an aspect. 9 is a flow diagram of a method for requesting identification of an open market wireless device at a network entity in accordance with a further aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The devices, apparatuses, methods, computer-readable media, and processors of the present invention will now be more fully described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which are illustrated aspects of the invention. However, devices, apparatuses, methods, computer-readable media, and processors may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the aspects set forth herein; Rather, these aspects are provided so that this will be completed and completed, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numerical indicators in the drawings and detailed description refer to like elements throughout.

Aspects of the present invention disclose an apparatus and method for providing network identification of open market wireless devices used in a network herein. In particular, the present invention provides a wireless device for transmitting identification information, referred to herein as profile information, to a network entity, such as a network operator, based on acceptance (eg, insertion) of a removable module of the wireless device. In an aspect, the removable module includes an executable application that provides the removable module to retrieve profile information from an associated wireless device and initiate communication of the profile information to a network entity. A removable module-based application is such that a device is first associated with a removable module (ie, initial insertion of a removable module in a wireless device) such that profile information is only communicated to a network entity based on the first association/insertion of the removable module with the device. ) can be further activated to recognize

Accordingly, aspects of the present invention provide for automated network identification of open market wireless devices, such that network operators can easily and automatically identify open market wireless devices used in their respective networks. Accordingly, the automated nature of the launched aspects provides for network identification of open market wireless devices without requiring device users to manually register or otherwise identify their individual devices. A network operator may benefit from knowing which type, model, and similar wireless devices are implemented in their wireless networks, and may use this device profile information for marketing purposes and the like.

Aspects of the present invention also provide a network entity, such as a network operator or a third party entity, the ability to remotely access a removable module to request retrieval and communication of profile information as needed. This aspect of the invention is particularly useful in technical support/customer management scenarios, where the network operator/customer management representative can remotely access and retrieve profile information on behalf of the device user without any intervention. Such remote access and retrieval alleviates the need for a device user to locate information on the device and manually communicate the information to a network operator/customer care representative.

1 , in one aspect, a system 10 for providing network identification of open market wireless devices includes an open market wireless device 12 operating on a communications network 14 under the control of a network operator 16 . include As previously discussed, in an open market wireless network environment, network operator 16 provides access to network 12 via any open market wireless communication device configured to receive or otherwise communicate with removable module 18 . Controls and distributes removable modules 18 that provide access to users/subscribers. The removable nature of the removable module allows the module, typically in the form of a card, to be inserted into a wireless device or otherwise communicated in a non-persistent (ie, removable) manner. Likewise, the network operator 16 does not control which open market wireless devices 12 are used in the wireless network. Accordingly, in accordance with aspects disclosed herein, the removable module 18 is configured to provide a network operator with identification of the wireless devices 12 that receive or otherwise communicate with the removable module 18 .

The term "removable module" is used herein to refer to any module that can be inserted into or otherwise communicated with a wireless device, and provides storage of information such as wireless service provisioning information and/or network service provisioning information. to provide. Thus, a "removable module" refers to a Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) for Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, a CDMA Subscriber Identity Module (CSIM) based on a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) for a CDMA system, and a Universal Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) based on UICC for Mobile Telecommunications System), or Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) of Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), but is not limited thereto. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the removable module is configured to enable the removable module to communicate with a wireless network 14 , such as a network controlled by the network operator 16 . In this regard, in the open market scenario, the removable module 18 is needed to enable communication with the wireless network as opposed to the open market wireless device 12 .

Likewise, the removable module 18 includes a device identification application 20 that is operative to be launched when the removable module 18 is received in or otherwise communicates with the open market wireless device 12 . Once the device identification application 18 is launched, it retrieves the device profile information 22 stored in the memory 24 of the open market wireless device 12 , and the memory 24 of the open market wireless device 12 . operative to prompt the messaging module to generate a device identification message 28 , which is also stored in .

The open market wireless device 12 includes a computer platform 30 that includes a memory 24 and at least one processor 32 . As previously discussed, memory 24 of wireless device 12 stores device profile information 22 . Device profile information 22 may include manufacture (ie, manufacturer), model, device identifier such as Electronic Serial Number (ESN) or Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID), hardware identifier, hardware capabilities, software/firmware identifiers, software/firmware data about their respective wireless communication devices, such as redacted identifiers, and any other wireless device-related information pertaining to the network operator or third party.

The open market wireless device 12 is operative to generate a radio-communication message, referred to herein as a device identification message 28 , based on a prompt received from a device identification application 20 running on the removable module 18 . It further includes a messaging module 26 . Device identification message 28 is provided to identify open market wireless device 12 according to device profile information 22 . In this regard, the device identification message 28 may include all or any portion of the device profile information 22 , as configured by a removable module and/or network operator. In one aspect, the messaging module 26 provides a short messaging service (SMS), commonly referred to as a text messaging service, or wireless communication between the open market wireless device 12 and the network operator 16 or third party entity. It may be further defined as any other messaging service capable of In this regard, any other voice messaging, data messaging, or multimedia messaging module may be implemented in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein without departing from the inventive concepts.

The open market device also communicates with the processor 32 and wirelessly forwards the device identification message 28 over the wireless network 14 to the network operator 16 or other third party entity (not shown in FIG. 1 ). and a communication module 34 operative to

At the network operator 16 , the system includes one or more network devices 40 , such as network servers and associated storage devices, collectively referred to as a network entity. The storage device 42 includes a removable module/wireless device database 44 that associates the removable modules 18 with each open market wireless device 12 identified according to the received profile information 22 .

In one aspect, the network device 40 includes a computer platform 46 that includes a memory 48 and at least one processor 50 . The network device 40 also includes a communication module 56 operative to receive and transmit wireless communications, in particular to receive a device identification message, such as SMS messages comprising device profile information and the like. Memory 48 of network device 40 receives device identification messages 28 from communication module 56 , verifies the device identification message as including device profile information 22 , and includes a removable module/radio a messaging module 54 , such as an SMS module or any other suitable messaging module operative to forward device profile information to the device database 44 .

In certain aspects, the memory 48 of the network device 40 may include a device identification request module 52 operative to initiate the generation and communication of a device identification request. In an aspect, the device identification module 52 may be implemented by a network representative/customer care representative wishing to identify an open market wireless device while assisting the user/subscriber with technical support regarding the removable module and/or wireless device. In other aspects, device identification module 52 may be configured to periodically transmit device identification requests to the removable modules at predetermined intervals to ensure currency of device profile information. In such aspects, the messaging module 54 may be further operable to generate a device identification request based on a prompt from the device identification request module 52 , the communication module 56 including one or more deployed in the wireless network. It may further be operable to forward device identification request messages to the removable modules.

FIG. 2 provides another more detailed aspect of the system 10 , particularly highlighting detailed and optional aspects of the open market wireless device 12 and associated removable module 18 . As previously launched, system 10 includes an open market wireless device 12 operating on a communications network 14 under the control of a network operator 16 .

Memory 24 of wireless device 12 includes device profile information 22 that serves to identify the wireless device and provides other device capabilities and device status information. While the device profile information 220 shown in FIG. 2 is launched as being stored in a single file or memory location, the device profile information 22 is stored in more than one file or location or wireless device as dictated by the device configuration. It should be noted that it can be In instances where device profile information 22 is stored in various locations, device identification application 20 and associated interface applications on removable module 18 are configured to properly locate and retrieve device profile information from various storage locations. can be

Device profile information 22 includes a device identifier 60; device model identifier 62; device identifier 64, such as an electronic serial number (ESN) or mobile equipment identifier (MEILD); hardware identifiers 66 such as display identifiers, speaker identifiers, and the like; hardware capabilities 68 such as display resolution/configuration, speaker output/configuration, etc.; software/firmware identifiers 70; data pertaining to the individual wireless communication device, such as, but not limited to, software/firmware revision identifiers 71 and any other wireless device-based profile information 74 applicable to the operator.

As discussed, system 10 includes a removable module 18 that includes a device identification application 20 that is operative to be launched upon receipt (ie, insertion) of the removable module of an open market wireless device 12 . In optional aspects, the device identification application 20 may further be operative to determine if a network identification of the wireless device is required. In such aspects, the device identification application 20 may determine the need/requirement for network identification based on whether acceptance of the removable module is a first initial acceptance of the removable module by the wireless device. Similarly, the device identification application 20 may be configured to verify that a device identifier, such as an ESN, MEID, etc. resides in the removable module-based device identifier storage 78 . If a device identifier for a device currently communicating with the removable module exists in device identifier storage 78, the removable module is presumed to have been previously accepted by this particular wireless device. Thus, the device profile information was previously retrieved from the device and communicated to the network operator. If the device identifier is not present in the device identifier storage 78, it is presumed that the removable module has not previously been accommodated by this particular wireless device and that retrieval and transfer of this device profile information to the network operator is required/required.

The removable module may also include an interface application 76 operable to allow the device identification application 20 to interface with applications/storage on the open market wireless device 12 . The interface application 76 provides the necessary protocols and the like to allow applications residing on the removable module to communicate with applications/storage residing on the associated wireless device 12 . In the launched embodiment, the interface application 76 allows the device identification application 20 to retrieve the profile information 22 and prompt the messaging module 26 to launch the generation of the device identification message 28 . do. In a code division multiple access (CDMA) wireless network, the interface application may be the CDMA Card Application Toolkit (CCAT), while other wireless networks may implement an associated appropriate interface application 76 .

3 provides another more detailed aspect of system 10 , in particular highlighted detailed and optional aspects of network device 40 and associated network storage device 42 . As previously launched, system 10 includes one or more network devices 40 such as network servers that store a removable module/wireless device database 44 and associated network storage devices 42 . network operator 16 .

As previously discussed, in one aspect, the network device 40 includes a computer platform 46 that includes a memory 48 and a processor 50 . Network device 40 receives and transmits wireless communications, in particular receives device identification messages 28 and/or transmits device identification request 82 , such as SMS messages containing or requesting device profile information, etc. and a communication module 56 operative to Memory 48 of network device 40 receives device identification messages/responses 28 from communication module 56 and verifies device identification messages/responses 28 to include device profile information. and a messaging module 54 , such as an SMS module or other suitable messaging module, operative to forward device profile information 22 to the removable module/wireless device database 44 . The messaging module is also operative to generate device identification request messages 82 based on the prompt from the device identification request module 52 .

The removable module database 44 may be comprised of removable module identifier files 84 corresponding to individual removable modules controlled by the network operator 16 . Similarly, each removable module identifier file 84 may include profile information associated with a wireless device and one or more device profile information 22 that serve to identify wireless devices associated with (ie, used with) a removable module. have. Removable module identifier files 84 provide one exemplary configuration of removable module database 44, and likewise other configurations of database 44 that do not utilize removable module identifier files 84 are also possible and present. It should be noted that they may fall within the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

As previously discussed, in certain aspects memory 48 of network device 40 may include a device identification request module 52 operative to initiate the generation and communication of a device identification request. In an aspect, the device identification module 52 may be implemented by a network representative/customer care representative wishing to identify an open market wireless device while assisting users/subscribers with technical assistance related to the removable module and/or wireless device. . This aspect allows a network operator to dynamically retrieve device profile information without requiring user-subscriber intervention. The device profile information requested by the network operator may be an initial request for device profile information, or the request may have the purpose of updating and/or verifying profile data previously present in the database 44 . In other aspects, the device identification module 52 may be configured to automatically transmit device identification requests 82 periodically to the removable modules at predetermined intervals to ensure currency of the device profile information.

In those aspects in which the network device 40 is configured with the device identification request module 52 , the messaging module 54 is further operative to generate a device identification request based on the prompt from the device identification request module 52 . and communication module 56 may be further operable to forward device identification request messages 82 to one or more removable modules 18 deployed in the wireless network. In response to the device identification request messages 82 , the communication module 56 may receive a device identification response message 28 that includes device profile information 22 of an open market wireless device currently associated with the removable module. . The communication module 56 forwards the message externally to the messaging module 54, which recognizes that the communication includes the wireless device profile information 22 based on flags in the header and/or formatting. , forwards the device profile information to the removable module/wireless device database 44 .

4, in one aspect, an open market wireless communication device 12 comprises a mobile communication device, such as a mobile phone, operating on a wireless communication system. As can be appreciated, a variety of wireless communication systems exist, which often use different spectral bandwidths and/or different air interface technologies. Exemplary systems include CDMA (CDMA 2000, EV DO, WCDMA), OFDM, or OFDMA (Flash-OFDM, 802.20, WiMAX), FDMA/TDMA using FDD or TDD licensed spectrums, often with unpaired licenses. peer-to-peer (eg, mobile-to-mobile) ad hoc network systems that use non-existent spectrums, and 802.xx wireless LAN or BLUETOOTH technologies.

The wireless communication device 12 includes processing functions associated with one or more components and a processor component 32 for executing the functions disclosed herein. Processor component 32 may include single or multiple sets of processors or multi-core processors. Further, processing component 32 may be implemented as an integrated processing system and/or a distributed processing system.

The wireless communication device 12 further includes memory, such as for storage of local versions of applications/modules executed by the processor component 32 . Memory 24 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and combinations thereof. Also, in some aspects (not shown in FIG. 4 ), memory 24 includes wireless device profile information 22 and/or messaging module 26 .

Additionally, the wireless communication device 12 includes a communication module 34 that provides for establishing and maintaining communication with one or more parties using hardware, software, and services such as those disclosed herein. . The communication component 34 is configured between the wireless communication device 12 and external network devices 40 , such as devices located across the communication network and/or devices connected serially or locally to the wireless communication device 12 . communication between components on the wireless communication device 12 , such as

In addition, the wireless communication device 12 may further include a data store 90 , in conjunction with software and/or hardware, databases, and aspects disclosed herein, that provide for mass storage of information. It may be any suitable combination of programs used. Optionally, in some aspects (not shown in FIG. 4 ) data store 90 may include wireless device profile information 22 .

The wireless communication device 12 can further include a user interface component 92 operative to receive inputs from a user of the wireless communication device 12 and generate outputs for presentation to the user. User interface component 92 may be a keyboard, number pad, mouse, touch-sensitive display, navigation key, function key, microphone, voice recognition component, any other mechanism capable of receiving input from a user, or any of these It may include, but is not limited to, one or more input devices including a combination. Additionally, user interface component 92 may include one or more output devices including a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting output to a user, or any combination thereof. However, it is not limited thereto.

5 , in one aspect, network device 40 is operative to receive device profile information from open market wireless devices, and optionally request device profile information. Network device 40 includes any type of network-based communication device, such as a network server, operating on communication network 14 . Communication network 14 may be a wired or wireless communication system, or a combination of the two, and includes wireless networks in which open market wireless devices 12 operate.

The network device 40 includes processing functions associated with one or more components and a processor component 50 for executing the functions disclosed herein. Processor component 50 may include single or multiple sets of processors or multi-core processors. Further, processor component 50 may be implemented as an integrated processing system and/or a distributed processing system.

Network device 40 further includes memory 48 , such as for storing local versions of applications executed by processor component 50 . Memory 48 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and combinations thereof. Optionally, in some aspects, memory 48 includes a device identification request module 52 and/or a messaging module, or the like.

Additionally, the network device 40 includes a communications module 56 that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more subjects using hardware, software, and services as launched herein. Communication module 56 may perform communication between components on network device 40 , such as between network device 40 and external devices, such as wireless communication device 12 , and serially to network device 40 . devices connected locally or locally and/or devices located across the communication network 14 . In an aspect, communication module 56 is operative to receive device identification messages 28 , transmit device identification request messages 82 , and the like.

In addition, network device 40 may further include storage devices 42 , in conjunction with software and/or hardware providing mass storage of information, databases, and aspects disclosed herein. It may be any suitable combination of programs used. In some aspects, storage devices 42 may store removable module/wireless device data 44 , or the like.

Network device 40 may further include a user interface component 94 operative to receive inputs from a user of network device 40 and generate outputs for presentation to the user. User interface component 94 may include a keyboard, number pad, mouse, touch-sensitive display, navigation key, function key, microphone, voice recognition component, any other mechanism capable of receiving input from a user, or any of these It may include, but is not limited to, one or more input devices, including combinations. Additionally, user interface component 94 may include one or more output devices including a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting output to a user, or any combination thereof. However, it is not limited thereto.

6 shows a block diagram of a cellular network 100 that may be used with aspects of the present invention to convey wireless messages. The wireless network 14 may be included within the cellular network 100 , likewise forwarding device identification messages from the wireless devices/removable modules to the network operator, and requesting a device identification from the network operator to the wireless devices/removable modules. It can be implemented to deliver messages. 6 , in one aspect, open market wireless device 12 comprises a wireless communication device, such as a cellular telephone. In aspects of the present invention, wireless communication devices are configured to communicate over the cellular network 100 . Cellular network 100 provides wireless communication device 12 with the ability to forward communication data packets, such as SMS data packets or other messaging data packets. The cellular telephone network 100 may include a wireless network 14 that is connected to a wired network 104 via a carrier network 106 . 6 is a representative diagram that more fully launches the components of a wireless communication network and the interrelationship of elements of an aspect of the system of the present invention. Cellular telephone network 100 is exemplary only and may include any system such that remote modules such as wireless communication devices 12 are wireless networks including but not limited to wireless network carriers and/or servers. Wirelessly communicate between the components of (14) and/or with each other.

In network 100 , network devices 40 , such as network servers, may communicate over wired network 104 (eg, a local area network (LAN)). Additionally, the network database/storage device 42 may communicate with the network device 40 via the wired network 104 . Network device 40 may receive and/or generate and forward communication data packets, such as SMS message data packets, to and from open market wired devices 12 . Network device 40 and database 42 may reside on cellular telephone network 100 along with any other network components necessary to provide cellular wireless communication services. Network device 40 and database 42 communicate with carrier network 106 via data links 108 and 110 , which may be data links such as the Internet, a secure LAN, WAN, or other network. The carrier network 106 controls the messages (generally data packets) that are sent to the mobile switching center ("MSC") 112 . Additionally, the carrier network 106 communicates with the MSC 112 by way of a network 110 , such as the Internet, and/or a "plain old telephone service" (POTS). Typically, in network 110, the network or Internet portion carries voice information. The MSC 112 may be connected to a number of base stations ("BTSs") by other networks 116 , such as data networks, and/or by an Internet portion for data transmission and a POTS portion for voice information. The BTS 214 ultimately broadcasts messages wirelessly to the wireless communication devices 12 by means of a short messaging service ("SMS"), or other wireless methods.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a flowchart illustrates a method for network identification of open market wireless devices in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. At event 200, the removable module is inserted into or otherwise received in an open market wireless communication device. While a removable module is referred to herein as being inserted into or received in a wireless device, it should be noted that any associated communication between the removable module and the wireless device constitutes acceptance and/or insertion of the removable module in the wireless device. The removable module includes a configuration for enabling the removable module to communicate with a wireless network managing a network operator. In this regard, in an open market scenario, the removable module enables wireless network communication as opposed to an open market wireless device in which wireless network communication enables wireless network communication.

At Event 202 , based on acceptance of the removable module of the wireless device, a device identification application is launched. In most aspects, the device identification will reside on the removable module as the removable module is controlled by the network operator, the network operator being the entity that desires the device identification. In alternative aspects, it is feasible for the device identification application to reside on the wireless device.

At event 204 , the device identification application may check the removable module memory for a device identifier associated with the wireless device. As previously discussed, the presence of a device identifier in the removable module memory means that the removable module was previously accepted in the wireless device, and thus wireless device profile data was retrieved from the wireless device memory and communicated to the network operator. In contrast, the absence of a device identifier in the removable module memory means that this is the first first acceptance of a removable module in this particular wireless device, thus requiring retrieval of device profile information from the device memory and transfer to the network operator.

At decision 206, a determination is made as to whether a device identifier for the wireless device of the present invention is currently stored in the removable module memory. If the device identifier is stored in the removable module memory, at event 208 the device identification application can be shut down and no further device identification is required. If the device identifier is not stored in the removable module memory, then at Event 210, the removable module/wireless device interface application is launched to allow the device identification application to interface with the profile information storage locations and the messaging module. At event 212, device profile information is retrieved from the wireless device memory, and at event 214, a messaging module, such as an SMS module, is launched, and the profile information is communicated to the messaging module.

At event 216 , the messaging module generates a device identification message including at least a portion of the profile information. The messaging module may be specially formatted to provide device information to be automatically recognized by the receiving network device as device profile information. Once the device identification message is generated, at event 218, the message is communicated wirelessly to the network operator or third party entity as configured within the device identification application.

8 is another flowchart of a method for network identification of open market wireless devices in accordance with another aspect of the present invention. At event 300, the open market wireless device receives or otherwise communicates with the removable module. As previously discussed, the removable module includes a configuration for enabling the removable module to communicate with a wireless network controlling the network operator. At optional event 302 , a removable module-based device identification application is launched. As previously discussed, the removable modules are controlled by the network operators, and in preferred aspects the device identification application will reside on the removable module. However, other aspects may provide for a device identification application to reside on a wireless device.

At optional event 304, a determination is made as to whether network identification of the wireless communication device is required. In an aspect, such determination may be performed by a device identification application, which verifies that a device identifier associated with the currently associated device is not stored in the removable module memory. In alternative aspects, the device identification application may be configured such that profile information is communicated to the network operator whenever the removable module is received, inserted, or in communication with an open market wireless device. In such aspects, no decision need be made to determine if network identification is required, since all acceptances, insertions, trigger device identification.

At Event 306 , device profile information is retrieved from the wireless device memory in response to acceptance (ie, insertion) of the removable module into the open market wireless device. As previously discussed, in some aspects, receipt of wireless device information by the removable module-based device identification application allows the removable module-based application to communicate with device applications/modules and/or storage locations. It may be enabled by an interface application that provides the necessary protocol and interface information to do so.

At event 308 , a device identification message is generated that includes at least a portion of the device profile information. As previously discussed, the network operator may configure the removable module to convey all or any part of the device's profile information. In an aspect, generating the wireless communication includes launching a messaging module, such as an SMS module, etc. based on a prompt from a device identification application, receiving profile information from a storage location, identifying a device based on receiving the device profile information. This may include automatically generating messages.

At event 310 , the device identification message is communicated wirelessly over the wireless network to the network operator and/or designated third party entities. At optional event 312, a device identifier, such as ESN, MIAD, etc., as determined from profile information is stored in the removable module memory. Storing the device identifier in the removable module memory may occur in aspects in which a determination is made as to whether a network identification of the wireless device is required (ie, whether identification has been previously performed).

9 is another flow diagram of a method for requesting a wireless device in a network entity according to another aspect of the present invention. At event 400, the network entity generates a device identification request. The device identification request may be generated by launching an associated device identification request application. In one aspect, the generation of the device identification request is based on the user/subscriber contacting the network operator/customer care representative for technical assistance or the like. In such aspects, the customer care representative may dynamically request and retrieve device profile information from a device communicating with the removable module on behalf of the user/subscriber without any interference. In other aspects, the generation of the device identification request may be configured to occur automatically at predetermined intervals based on a need to update or verify device profile information. In an aspect, the device identification request may include a wireless message such as an SMS message or the like. Likewise, generating the message may further include launching the necessary messaging module to generate the device identification request.

At event 400, the device identification request is communicated with a network address associated with the removable module, and at event 410, a device identification response message is received at the network entity. The device identification response message includes device profile information associated with an open market wireless device currently in communication with the removable module. At event 406 , the device profile information is stored in a network database that associates the removable module with one or more open market wireless devices in communication with the removable module. In turn, the network database may be used by network operators and/or third party entities to track the configuration and type of wireless devices used in their respective networks.

The various illustrative logics, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein are general purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits designed to perform the functions described herein. It may be implemented or performed as a circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, eg, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other configuration. Additionally, at least one processor may include one or more modules operative to perform one or more steps and/or operations disclosed herein.

Accordingly, aspects of the present invention provide methods, apparatus and systems for automatically providing network operators identification of open market wireless devices used in an operator's respective network. Aspects of the present invention are achieved by retrieving device profile information in response to a network operator's removable module associated with (ie, being inserted into) a device and communicating the device profile information to a network operator or the like, and the like. This allows a network operator or third party entity to track and/or monitor the types of wireless devices present in their respective wireless networks. In addition, the automated nature of tracking alleviates the need for subscribers/users of removable modules to provide device identification to network operators manually or otherwise. Aspects of the present invention also provide network operators or third party entities for remotely and dynamically accessing a removable module to retrieve profile information related to a wireless device with which the removable module is currently communicating. This aspect allows a network operator or third party entity to automatically retrieve and, in some aspects, update the profile information without requiring user intervention.

Additionally, the steps and/or operations of a method or algorithm described in conjunction with the aspects launched herein may be implemented directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or by a combination thereof. Software modules may reside as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. Additionally, in some aspects a processor and a storage medium may reside in an ASIC. In addition, the ASIC may exist in the user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium may exist as discrete components in the user terminal. Additionally, in some aspects, the steps and/or operations of a method or algorithm may be incorporated into one, or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a machine-readable medium and/or a computer program product. may exist as a computer-readable medium that can be

While the foregoing has shown illustrative embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that various changes and modifications herein may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. Additionally, elements of the invention may be launched or claimed in the singular, however, plural elements are contemplated unless limitations to the singular are explicitly stated. Furthermore, all or part of any aspect and/or embodiment may be used in conjunction with all or part of any other aspect and/or embodiment unless stated otherwise.