Title of Invention

METHOD IN MULTI-MODE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE FOR IDENTIFYING PREFERRED SYSTEM AND MULTI-MODE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE THEREFOR

Abstract A method (400) and a multi-mode wireless communication device for identifying a preferred system are disclosed. The multi-mode wireless communication device receives (404) preferred roaming list information ("PRL") including system identifier information such as System Identification, Network Identification, and Service Set Identifier, and enhanced roaming indicators ("ERI") associated with the system identifier information, transmits (408) a request for functionality extension table information, receives (410) the functionality extension table information, identifies (414) a currently available preferred system based upon the system identifier information; and conveys (416) information indicative of the identified currently available preferred system based upon the functionality extension table information.
Full Text METHOD IN MULTI-MODE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION
DEVICE FOR IDENTIFYING PREFERRED SYSTEM AND MULTI-
MODE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE THEREFOR
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to a method and an apparatus for searching an
available system, and more specifically to a method and an apparatus for a wireless
communication device for identifying a preferred system that is currently available.
Background Art
It is known to provide a cellular telephone, or a mobile terminal, using the Code
Division Multiple Access ("CDMA") with a table called Preferred Roaming List
("PRL"). Based upon the information contained in the PRL, such as System
Identification ("SID") and Network Identification ("NID"), the cellular telephone
determines the most appropriate network to register itself. Depending on the
availability of systems and networks in the environment where the cellular telephone
is located, the cellular telephone may receive a new PRL appropriate for the current
environment of the cellular telephone over the air to replace the existing PRL.
Currently, the cellular telephone supports three types of roaming indicators associated
with the PRL, which help notify the user the roaming status of the cellular telephone
in the current environment. The roaming status then indicates to the user that there
may be a fee or different rate charged for making a call in the current area. For
example, the first type of the indicators may indicate that the cellular telephone is in a
home network, i.e., not roaming, by having the roaming indicator light turned off; the
second type of the indicators may indicate that the cellular telephone is in a preferred
roaming network by having the roaming indicator light turned on; and the third type
of the indicators may indicate that the cellular telephone is in a non-preferred roaming
network by having the roaming indicator light flashing. As defined in TIA/EIA

TSB58b section 8.1, enhanced roaming indicators ("ERI"), supporting more than
three types of indicators, may be provided in the cellular telephone to enhance the
information conveyed to the user such as the roaming condition. The ERI may be
particularly desirable for a multi-mode cellular telephone, which is capable of
operating in more than one cellular telephone network types including CDMA,
wireless local area network ("WLAN"), Advanced Mobile Phone System ("AMPS"),
Global System for Mobile ("GSM"), and Time Division Multiple Access ("TDMA").
For example, the multi-mode cellular telephone may first operate in a first mode such
as CDMA in a first network such as its home network operated by System Provider A,
and then may roam to a second network operated by System Provider B operating in a
second mode such as TDMA. Each system provider is likely to have its own
agreement with other system providers such as a WLAN provider within its own
service area, and is likely to have its own PRL. The first PRL provided by System
Provider A to the multi-mode cellular telephone therefore is likely to be different
from the PRL provided by System Provider B. As the multi-mode cellular telephone
roams and if the PRL of the multi-mode cellular telephone is replaced with a new and
different PRL, the information associated with the ERI may not be correctly
associated with the ERI of the new PRL.

Brief Description of Accompanying Drawings
FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment where the present invention may be
practiced;
FIG. 2 is an exemplary representation of some of the information included in a
preferred roaming list;
FIG. 3 is an exemplary representation of some of the information included in a
functionality extension table;
FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart describing a method for identifying a
preferred system in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a first exemplary flow chart further describing a step in FIG. 3 of
identifying a currently available preferred system;
FIG. 6 is a second exemplary flow chart further describing a step in FIG. 3 of
identifying a currently available preferred system; and
FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram of a multi-mode wireless communication
device in accordance with the present invention.

Disclosure of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for a wireless
communication device for searching and identifying a preferred available system. In
some applications, a first set of data, such as a preferred roaming list ("PRL")5 is
stored in the wireless communication device, and a second set of data, for example,
enhanced roaming indicator ("ERF') table, associated with or synchronized to the first
set of data is also stored in the wireless communication device. However, depending
upon the availability of systems and networks in a new environment, the wireless
communication device may receive a new PRL, which may not be synchronized to the
current ERI table already stored in the device, as the wireless communication device
roams from one environment to the next.
FIG. 1 is an exemplary environment where some aspects of the present
inventions may be practiced. When a multi-mode wireless communication device 102
initially located in a first region 104, which is supported by a first carrier ("Carrier
A") operating a first network 106, leaves the first region 104 and enters a second
region 108 supported by a second carrier ("Carrier B") operating a second network
110, it may be necessary for the multi-mode wireless command device 102 to register
and to operate in the second region 108. For example, in some instances, the first
network 106 may be too far from the multi-mode wireless communication device 102
to effectively communicate, and the second network 110 may be compatible with the
multi-mode wireless communication device 102 and better able to support continued
communication. In other instances, the multi-mode wireless communication device
102 may further choose to operate in a certain network over other available networks.
For example, the multi-mode wireless communication device 102 may choose to
register and to operate in the second network 110 even though there is a third carrier
("Carrier C") in a third network 114 providing a better signal to the multi-mode
wireless communication device 102 than the second network 110 in a third region.
A home carrier of the multi-mode wireless communication device 102 may
have different contracts with each of the Carriers A, B, and C, which may affect the
fee charged for usage of the multi-mode wireless communication device 102 within
each of the networks and may affect the order of preference regarding the choice of

networks, or may limit the ability of the multi-mode wireless communication device
102 to operate in certain networks. To assist in determining the status of the multi-
mode wireless communication device 102 in a given network, the multi-mode
wireless communication device 102 can refer to a preferred roaming list ("PRL"),
preferably a multi-mode PRL including at least one of WLAN, AMPS, GSM, TDMA,
or CDMA, and notify a user of a preferred available system or network.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary representation of some of the information included in a
PRL 200. The PRL includes system identifier information 202 such as System
Identification ("SID") and Network Identification CTNflD") for cellular telephone
networks, and Service Set Identifier ("SSID") for Wireless Local Area Network
("WLAN") systems. An enhanced roaming indicator ("ERT") 204 is assigned to each
of the system identification information. Referring back to FIG. 1, the following
information is assumed for the purpose of this illustration: the first network 106 has a
NID of 1 and an ERI of 2, the second network 110 has a NID of 2 and an ERI of 3,
and the third network 114 has a SSID of 3 and an ERI of 1, where a lower ERI
represents a more preferred network. Carrier identity column 206, which may not be
a part of the PRL, has been added for clarification for this example. If the multi-mode
wireless communication device 102 were at a location where all three networks were
available, then the third network 114 would be the most preferred network because
the third network 114 has the lowest roaming indicator corresponding to the highest
preference status among the available networks. The ERI further provides pointers to
entries in a functionality extension table 300 as shown in FIG. 3. Each of the ERI 3 02
in the functionality extension table 300 is associated with an action entry 304, which
directs the multi-mode communication device 102 to perform according to the 304 for
a given ERI.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart 400 describing a method in the multi-mode
wireless communication device 102 for identifying a preferred system in accordance
with the present invention. The process begins in block 402. In block 404, the multi-
mode wireless communication device 102 receives preferred roaming list information,
such as but not limited to, a preferred roaming list ("PRL") including system identifier
information, such as SID, NID, and SSID, and ERI. The ERI is also effective in
informing the multi-mode wireless communication device 102 that the entries, or the

functionality extension table information, are available. In block 406, the received
PRL is stored into the multi-mode wireless communication device 102, and then the
multi-mode wireless communication device 102 transmits a request for functionality
extension table information, which includes entries to the functionality extension
table, associated with the ERI in block 408. The multi-mode wireless communication
device 102 receives the functionality extension table information in block 410 in
response to the transmitted request, and stores the received functionality extension
table information in block 412. Based upon the system identifier information, such as
SID, NID, and SSID, contained in the PRL, the multi-mode wireless communication
device 102 identifies a currently available preferred system in block 414. The multi-
mode wireless communication device 102 then conveys information indicative of the
identified currently available preferred system based upon the functionality extension
table information in block 416.
As previously described, the ERI provides pointers to entries in a functionality
extension table. Using the SID, for example, of the identified currently available
system, the multi-mode wireless communication device 102 performs according to the
entry in the functionality extension table referenced by the functionality extension
table reference information associated with the identified currently available system.
The conveyance of the information may be accomplished by displaying a text
message, displaying a particular icon, flashing an indicator light, or by any other
relevant method appropriate for the multi-mode wireless communication device 102.
The process then terminates in block 418.
The multi-mode wireless communication device 102 may receive the PRL in
various ways. For example, the PRL may be loaded into the multi-mode wireless
communication device 102 in a factory where the multi-mode wireless
communication device 102 is built, at a retail store where the multi-mode wireless
communication device 102 is sold, or by an over-the-air ("OTA") programming while
the multi-mode wireless communication device 102 is in operation.
When a new PRL is received after the initial PRL and the functionality
extension table information are received and stored, the multi-mode wireless
communication device 102 determines whether the functionality extension table
information is still synchronized with the new preferred roaming list information. If

the functionality extension table information is no longer synchronized, then the
multi-mode wireless communication device 102 may update the functionality
extension table information.
FIG. 5 is a first exemplary flow chart further describing block 414 in FIG. 4 of
identifying a currently available preferred system. In block 502, the multi-mode
wireless communication device 102 scans for currently available systems, and obtains
system identifiers of the currently available systems in block 504. From the currently
available systems, the multi-mode wireless communication device 102 selects a
system whose system identifier has the most preferred status found in the system
identifier information of the PRL in block 506. Once the most preferred system is
identified, a user of the multi-mode wireless communication device 102 may be given
an option of whether to select the most preferred system for registering the multi-
mode wireless communication device 102. Alternatively, the multi-mode wireless
communication device 102 may automatically transmit a registration request to the
most preferred system.
FIG. 6 is a second exemplary flow chart further describing block 414 in FIG. 4
of identifying a currently available preferred system. In block 602, the multi-mode
wireless communication device 102 maps the functionality extension table
information and system identifier information into a functionality extension table,
thereby combining two sets of information previously stored separately into one table.
In block 604, the multi-mode wireless communication device 102 scans for currently
available systems, and obtains system identifiers of the currently available systems in
block 606. From the currently available systems, the multi-mode wireless
communication device 102 selects a system whose system identifier has the most,
preferred status found in the system identifier information in the functionality
extension table in block 608.
FIG. 7 is an exemplary block diagram of a multi-mode*wireless
communication device 700 in accordance with the present invention. The multi-mode
wireless communication device 700 is configured to identify a preferred system, and
comprises a receiver 702, which is configured to receive preferred roaming list
information, such as a preferred roaming list ("PRL") which includes system
identifier information such as Network Identification ("NID") for cellular telephone

networks, and Service Set Identifier ("SSID") for Wireless Local AxeaNetwork
("WLAN") systems. An enhanced roaming indicator ("ERI") is assigned to each of
the system identification information. The ERI associated with the system identifier
information provides pointers to entries in a functionality extension table, and further
informs the multi-mode wireless communication device 700 that the entries, or the
functionality extension table information, are available.
A transmitter 704 is coupled to the receiver 702, and is configured to transmit
a request for the functionality extension table information in response to the reception
of the preferred roaming list information. The receiver 702 is further configured to
receive the functionality extension table information in response to the transmitted
request. A system identifier module 706 is also coupled to the receiver 702, and is
configured to identify a currently available preferred system based upon the system
identifier information, such as SID, NID and SSID found in the PRL. An output user
interface 708 is coupled to the system identifier module 706, and is configured to
convey information indicative of the currently available preferred system based upon
the functionality extension table information. The output user interface 708 may be a
display, a light, a sound generator, or any device capable of conveying a relevant
message indicative of the currently available preferred system. To determine a
currently available preferred system, the receiver 702 is further configured to search
for the currently available systems, and the system identifier module 706 is further
configured to obtained system identifiers of the currently available systems and to
correlate the system identifiers of the currently available systems with the system
identifier information.
A functionality extension table generator 710 is coupled to the receiver 702
and to the system identifier module 706, and is configured to map the functionality
extension table information received in response to the request transmission and the
system identifier information included in the PRL into a functionality extension table.
By mapping the functionality extension table information received and the system
identifier information into the functionality extension table, the multi-mode wireless
communication device 700 is enabled to convey information according to the
functionality extension table information without first referring to the PRL.

The multi-mode wireless communication device 700 further includes
functional blocks normally associated with a wireless communication device such as
an antenna 712 coupled to the receiver 702 and to the transmitter 704; a processor 714
coupled to the receiver 702, the transmitter 704, the system identifier module 706, the
output user interface 708, and the functionality extension table generator 710, and
configured to instruct the coupled blocks and to perform associated functions; a power
supply 716 coupled to the processor 714, and configure to supply power to any blocks
requiring power; and an input user interface 718 such as a keypad and a microphone
coupled to the processor 714, and configured to accept inputs from a user. The input
user interface 718 may be further configured to accept a user input indicative of a user
selection of the currently available preferred system, to which a registration request is
transmitted. Alternatively, the transmitter 704 may be further configured to
automatically transmit a registration request to the identified currently available
preferred system.
While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described, it is to be understood that the invention is not so limited. Numerous
modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention
as defined by the appended claims.

We Claim:
1. A method in a multi-mode wireless communication device for identifying a particular
preferred system, the method comprising:
receiving preferred roaming list information comprising system identifier
information and enhanced roaming indicators associated with the system identifier
information;
storing the preferred roaming list information;
transmitting a request for functionality extension table information associated with
the enhanced roaming indicators;
after transmitting the request, receiving the functionality extension table information
in response to the transmitted request;
storing the functionality extension table information;
identifying a currently available preferred system based upon the system identifier
information; and
conveying information indicative of the identified currently available preferred
system based upon the functionality extension table information.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, which involves:
accepting a user input indicative of a user selection of the currently available
preferred system; and
transmitting a registration request to the user selected currently available preferred
system.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preferred roaming list information
comprises preference a status associated with the system identifier information.
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein identifying the currently available
preferred system by:

searching for currently available systems;
obtaining system identifiers of the currently available systems; and
selecting from the currently available systems a system having a system identifier
found in the system identifier information in the preferred roaming list information, the
system identifier having the most preferred status.
5. The method as claimed in claim 4, which involves:
transmitting a registration request to the selected currently available systems.
6. The method as claimed in claim 3, wherein identifying the currently available
preferred system by:
mapping the functionality extension table information and the system identifier
information into a functionality extension table;
searching for currently available systems;
obtaining system identifiers of the currently available systems; and
electing from the currently available systems a system having a system identifier
found in the functionality extension table, the system identifier having the most preferred
status.
7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the functionality extension tabie
information is synchronized with the preferred roaming list information.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, which involves:
after receiving the request, updating previously stored functionality extension table
information with the functionality extension table information received in response to the
request.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system identifier information

comprises at least one of:
wireless local area networks information;
Advanced Mobile Phone System network information;
Global System for Mobile network information;
Time Division Multiple Access network information; and
Code Division Multiple Access network information.
10. A method in a multi-mode wireless communication device for identifying a particular
preferred system, the method comprising:
receiving preferred roaming list information comprising system identifier
information, enhanced roaming indicators associated with the system identifier information,
and preference status associated with the system identifier information;
requesting functionality extension table information associated with the enhanced
roaming indicators;
receiving the functionality extension table information;
mapping the functionality extension table information and the system identifier
information into a functionality extension table;
identifying a currently available preferred system based upon the functionality
extension table; and
conveying information indicative of the identified currently available preferred
system based upon the functionality extension table.
11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the preferred roaming list information
comprises preference a status associated with the system identifier information, and wherein
identifying the currently available preferred system comprises:
searching for currently available systems;
obtaining system identifiers of the currently available systems; and
selecting from the currently available systems a system having a system identifier
found in the functionality extension table, the system having the most preferred status.

12. The method as claimed in claim 10, which involves:
after receiving the request, updating the functionality extension table with the
functionality extension table information received in response to the request.
13. A multi-mode wireless communication device configured to identify a particular
preferred system, the multi-mode wireless communication device comprising:
a receiver configured to receive preferred roaming list information comprising
system identifier information and enhanced roaming indicators associated with the system
identifier information, the receiver configured to receive functionality extension table
information associated with the enhanced roaming indicators;
a transmitter coupled to the receiver, the transmitter configured to transmit a request
for the functionality extension table information in response to the reception of the preferred
roaming list information;
a system identifier module coupled to the receiver, the system identifier module
configured to identify a currently available preferred system based upon the system
identifier information; and
a user interface coupled to the system identifier module, the user interface configured
to convey information indicative of the currently available preferred system based upon the
functionality extension table information.
14. The multi-mode wireless communication device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the
user interface is configured to accept a user input indicative of a user selection of the
currently available preferred system.
15. The multi-mode wireless communication device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the
transmitter is configured to transmit a registration request to the user selected currently
available preferred system.

16. The multi-mode wireless communication device as claimed in claim 13, wherein:
the receiver is configured to search for currently available systems, and
the system identifier module is configured to obtain system identifiers of the
currently available systems and to correlate the system identifiers of the currently available
systems with the system identifier information.
17. The multi-mode wireless communication device as claimed in claim 13, having a
functionality extension table generator coupled to the receiver and to the system identifier
module, the functionality extension table generator configured to map the functionality
extension table information and associated system identifier information into a functionality
extension table, wherein:
the receiver is configured to search for currently available systems, and
the system identifier module is configured to obtain system identifiers of the
currently available systems and to correlate the system identifiers of the currently available
systems with the mapped system identifier information in the functionality extension table.
18. The multi-mode wireless communication device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the
system identifier information comprises at least one of:
wireless local area networks information;
Advanced Mobile Phone System network information;
Global System for Mobile network information;
Time Division Multiple Access network information; and
Code Division Multiple Access network information.

Documents:

01052-kolnp-2006-abstract.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-assignment.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-claims.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-correspondence other.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-correspondence others-1.1.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-correspondence-1.2.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-description complete.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-drawings.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-form-18.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-from 1.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-from 3.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-from 5.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-international publication.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-international search report.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-pct from.pdf

01052-kolnp-2006-priority document-1.1.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-(11-04-2012)-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-(11-04-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-(11-04-2012)-FORM-16.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-(11-04-2012)-PA-CERTIFIED COPIES.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-ABSTRACT-1.1.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-AMENDED PAGES.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-ANEXURE TO FORM 3.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-assignment.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-CANCELLED PAGES.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-CLAIMS-1.1.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-CORRESPONDENCE-1.2.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-correspondence1.3.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETED)-1.1.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-DRAWINGS-1.1.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-examination report.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-FORM 1-1.1.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-form 18.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-form 3.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-form 5.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-FORM-27.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-gpa.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-granted-abstract.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-granted-claims.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-granted-description (complete).pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-granted-drawings.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-granted-form 1.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-granted-form 2.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-granted-specification.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-others.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-PETITION UNDER RULE 137.pdf

1052-KOLNP-2006-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1052-kolnp-2006-reply to examination report1.1.pdf

abstract-01052-kolnp-2006.jpg


Patent Number 246176
Indian Patent Application Number 1052/KOLNP/2006
PG Journal Number 08/2011
Publication Date 25-Feb-2011
Grant Date 18-Feb-2011
Date of Filing 24-Apr-2006
Name of Patentee MOTOROLA ,INC.
Applicant Address 1303 EAST ALGONQUIN ROAD, SCHAUMBERG, ILLINOIS
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 AERRABOTU, NAVEEN 7943 DADA DRIVE, GURNEE, IL 60031
2 DROSTE, SCOTT, T. 1404 LOCH LOMOND DRIVE, CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 60014
PCT International Classification Number H04Q 7/20
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2004/040468
PCT International Filing date 2004-12-03
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 10/736,270 2003-12-15 U.S.A.