WO2005015933A1 - Wireless telephone and wireless telephone system - Google Patents

Wireless telephone and wireless telephone system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005015933A1
WO2005015933A1 PCT/IB2004/051344 IB2004051344W WO2005015933A1 WO 2005015933 A1 WO2005015933 A1 WO 2005015933A1 IB 2004051344 W IB2004051344 W IB 2004051344W WO 2005015933 A1 WO2005015933 A1 WO 2005015933A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
telephone
wireless telephone
wireless
circuit
control unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2004/051344
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Richard Schubert
Original Assignee
Talknet Mobile Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Talknet Mobile Solutions (Pty) Ltd filed Critical Talknet Mobile Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Publication of WO2005015933A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005015933A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W48/00—Access restriction; Network selection; Access point selection
    • H04W48/18—Selecting a network or a communication service
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
    • H04W88/02—Terminal devices

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a wireless telephone and a wireless telephone system and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a public wireless payphone and public wireless payphone system.
  • Mobile telephones include a single Subscriber Identification Module (“SIM”) card that authorises the operation of the telephone with a network associated with the SIM card.
  • SIM Subscriber Identification Module
  • the SIM card is network specific which presents a difficulty in that a user cannot negotiate best rates by choosing between networks or network providers from a single mobile telephone. It is normal for the network to charge the user an increased call rate to cross-connect from the network supporting the embedded SIM card to other networks.
  • Some mobile phones do, however, provide for the insertion of two sim cards. These phones are relatively expensive in that they include two complete mobile phone electronic circuits, one for each sim card and its associated network. As a result, such phones are also physically larger than single sim card phones.
  • a wireless telephone comprising on electronic telephone circuit and control means for selecting the use of one of at least two electronically readable subscriber identification devices by the electronic telephone circuit to enable the circuit to communicate in a network associated with the selected subscriber identification device.
  • control means to connect the circuit to one of the identification devices in accordance with an input received from an input means of the mobile telephone.
  • a further feature of the invention provides for the input means to be a keypad of the mobile phone.
  • the mobile phone is provided for the mobile phone to be a public wireless payphone.
  • connection to a selected subscribed identification device is made in accordance with a telephone number input on the keypad; alternatively, a selected connection to an identification device is determined or predetermined in accordance with the best rate available.
  • a further feature of the invention provides for the wireless telephone to be connected to a payment control unit which selectively enables or disables operation of the wireless telephone.
  • the telephone and payment control unit may be powered by a rechargeable battery which may be connected to a solar panel.
  • the invention extends to a wireless telephone system comprising a control unit connected to a wireless telephone having an electronic wireless telephone circuit and a control means for selecting the use of one of at least two electronically readable identification modules by the electronic circuit to enable circuit to communicate in a network associated with he selected subscribed identification device: the control unit having authorisation means to selectively enable or disable operation of the mobile telephone.
  • the authorisation means to be a manual telephone keypad input; alternatively, for the authorisation means to be an input to the telephone from an automatic payment device.
  • system includes storage means for storing computer software or computer software instructions received over the network.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless telephone system
  • Figure 2 shows a block diagram of part of an electronic circuit of a wireless telephone.
  • a wireless or “mobile” or “cellular” telephone system is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.
  • the system 1 includes a mobile multi-SIM telephone 2 connected to a payment control unit 3.
  • the wireless telephone 2 can communicate with a number of networks through transceiver stations, such as stations 4 and 5, provided by a network operator to obtain access to global telephone networks 6, as is known in the art.
  • FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of part of an electronic circuit of the wireless telephone 2.
  • the wireless telephone 2 includes a control means in the form of a microprocessor 8 connected to a transceiver 9.
  • the receiver 9 is a single mobile telephone circuit as is known in the art.
  • the microprocessor 8 is also connected to a plurality, instead of one, as is known in the art, electronically readable identification devices 7.
  • the devices 7 are Subscribed Identification Modules (SIMs) or SIM cards.
  • SIM cards 7 are removably locatable in receiving means in a housing of the phone 2. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the microprocessor 8 and SIM cards 7 may be located in a separate housing or in a modified housing of an existing mobile phone.
  • the mobile phone 2 and payment control unit 3 may be powered by an internal or external power supply which may include batteries, solar panels and batteries or mains supply.
  • the control unit 3 may be programmed remotely over any one of the telephone networks supported by the SIM cards of the wireless telephone 2.
  • messages may be transmitted to an operator of the system, over the telephone network to alert the operator of rate changes, service changes and provide marketing and other information.
  • the operator may then store the new rates in a memory means of the telephone 2 or control unit 3 or microprocessor 8.
  • the control unit 3 and wireless phone 2 can also support data calls to provide Internet services.
  • a user of the public mobile phone 2 will pay the owner or operator of the system 1 , as is known in the art, to make a call.
  • the operator uses the control unit 3 to enable operation of the mobile phone 2 in accordance with payment received or credit provided.
  • the user now inputs a telephone number on a keypad of the wireless telephone 2.
  • the microprocessor receives the number and connects to a SIM card 7 associated with the specific network or service provider to gain access to that specific network.
  • the microprocessor may be programmed to choose the network providing the best rate or coverage or strongest signal at the time. This will ensure that the best rates or best connection for that specific call is achieved in that the telephone call is not made between two different networks but within one network, or cover the network providing the strongest signal at the time.
  • the control unit 3 or wireless telephone 2 may also be programmed to select a specific SIM card in circumstances where single network usage may not provide for the best rate.
  • the operator of the wireless telephone 2 will also be in a position to negotiate the best rate between service providers in that he will have access to a number of networks from a single wireless telephone 2, using only one wireless telephone circuit. It is envisaged that the system described herein will allow for a relatively inexpensive telephone in that just one telephone circuit is used to and selectively connected to one of at least two SIM cards instead of replacing a SIM card in a telephone as is known in the art or using separate telephone circuits each dedicated to or associated with its own SIM card.
  • control unit 3 may include a payment device such as a coin, bank card, smart card or bank note receiver or reader to facilitate automatic prepayment for telephone calls.
  • the block diagram of figure 2 may include solid lines from the transceiver to the SIM cards to show that a direct connection between the transceiver 9 and SIM cards are possible and controllable by the microprocessor 8.
  • the telephone 2 can also be housed in a commercially available cellular telephone housing instead of having a separate handset as shown in the figure 1.

Abstract

This invention relates to a wireless telephone and a wireless telephone system and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a public wireless payphone and public wireless payphone system. In accordance with this invention there is provided a wireless telephone comprising on electronic telephone circuit and control means for selecting the use of one of at least two electronically readable subscriber identification devices by the electronic telephone circuit to enable the circuit to communicate in a network associated with the selected subscriber identification device.

Description

WIRELESS TELEPHONE AND WIRELESS TELEPHONE SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a wireless telephone and a wireless telephone system and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a public wireless payphone and public wireless payphone system.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
It is known to provide public wireless payphones especially in rural and remote areas or in areas where there are no or limited landline payphones.
Mobile telephones include a single Subscriber Identification Module ("SIM") card that authorises the operation of the telephone with a network associated with the SIM card. The SIM card is network specific which presents a difficulty in that a user cannot negotiate best rates by choosing between networks or network providers from a single mobile telephone. It is normal for the network to charge the user an increased call rate to cross-connect from the network supporting the embedded SIM card to other networks. Some mobile phones do, however, provide for the insertion of two sim cards. These phones are relatively expensive in that they include two complete mobile phone electronic circuits, one for each sim card and its associated network. As a result, such phones are also physically larger than single sim card phones.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a mobile phone and a mobile phone system which, at least partially, alleviates some of the abovementioned difficulties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with this invention there is provided a wireless telephone comprising on electronic telephone circuit and control means for selecting the use of one of at least two electronically readable subscriber identification devices by the electronic telephone circuit to enable the circuit to communicate in a network associated with the selected subscriber identification device.
There is provided for the control means to connect the circuit to one of the identification devices in accordance with an input received from an input means of the mobile telephone.
A further feature of the invention provides for the input means to be a keypad of the mobile phone. There is provided for the mobile phone to be a public wireless payphone.
The connection to a selected subscribed identification device is made in accordance with a telephone number input on the keypad; alternatively, a selected connection to an identification device is determined or predetermined in accordance with the best rate available.
A further feature of the invention provides for the wireless telephone to be connected to a payment control unit which selectively enables or disables operation of the wireless telephone.
The telephone and payment control unit may be powered by a rechargeable battery which may be connected to a solar panel.
The invention extends to a wireless telephone system comprising a control unit connected to a wireless telephone having an electronic wireless telephone circuit and a control means for selecting the use of one of at least two electronically readable identification modules by the electronic circuit to enable circuit to communicate in a network associated with he selected subscribed identification device: the control unit having authorisation means to selectively enable or disable operation of the mobile telephone. A still further feature of the invention provides for the authorisation means to be a manual telephone keypad input; alternatively, for the authorisation means to be an input to the telephone from an automatic payment device.
There is provided for the system to include storage means for storing computer software or computer software instructions received over the network.
These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A preferred embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless telephone system; and
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of part of an electronic circuit of a wireless telephone.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
With reference to the drawings, a wireless or "mobile" or "cellular" telephone system is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.
The system 1 includes a mobile multi-SIM telephone 2 connected to a payment control unit 3. The wireless telephone 2 can communicate with a number of networks through transceiver stations, such as stations 4 and 5, provided by a network operator to obtain access to global telephone networks 6, as is known in the art.
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of part of an electronic circuit of the wireless telephone 2. The wireless telephone 2 includes a control means in the form of a microprocessor 8 connected to a transceiver 9. The receiver 9 is a single mobile telephone circuit as is known in the art. The microprocessor 8 is also connected to a plurality, instead of one, as is known in the art, electronically readable identification devices 7. The devices 7 are Subscribed Identification Modules (SIMs) or SIM cards. The SIM cards 7 are removably locatable in receiving means in a housing of the phone 2. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the microprocessor 8 and SIM cards 7 may be located in a separate housing or in a modified housing of an existing mobile phone.
The mobile phone 2 and payment control unit 3 may be powered by an internal or external power supply which may include batteries, solar panels and batteries or mains supply. The control unit 3 may be programmed remotely over any one of the telephone networks supported by the SIM cards of the wireless telephone 2.
This will allow for the remote programming of different rates for different networks. Alternatively, messages may be transmitted to an operator of the system, over the telephone network to alert the operator of rate changes, service changes and provide marketing and other information. The operator may then store the new rates in a memory means of the telephone 2 or control unit 3 or microprocessor 8.
The control unit 3 and wireless phone 2 can also support data calls to provide Internet services.
In use, a user of the public mobile phone 2 will pay the owner or operator of the system 1 , as is known in the art, to make a call. The operator uses the control unit 3 to enable operation of the mobile phone 2 in accordance with payment received or credit provided. The user now inputs a telephone number on a keypad of the wireless telephone 2. The microprocessor receives the number and connects to a SIM card 7 associated with the specific network or service provider to gain access to that specific network. The microprocessor may be programmed to choose the network providing the best rate or coverage or strongest signal at the time. This will ensure that the best rates or best connection for that specific call is achieved in that the telephone call is not made between two different networks but within one network, or cover the network providing the strongest signal at the time.
The control unit 3 or wireless telephone 2 may also be programmed to select a specific SIM card in circumstances where single network usage may not provide for the best rate.
It is envisaged that the operator of the wireless telephone 2 will also be in a position to negotiate the best rate between service providers in that he will have access to a number of networks from a single wireless telephone 2, using only one wireless telephone circuit. It is envisaged that the system described herein will allow for a relatively inexpensive telephone in that just one telephone circuit is used to and selectively connected to one of at least two SIM cards instead of replacing a SIM card in a telephone as is known in the art or using separate telephone circuits each dedicated to or associated with its own SIM card.
The invention is not limited to the precise details as described herein. For example, instead of having a manually operated control unit 3 the control unit 3 may include a payment device such as a coin, bank card, smart card or bank note receiver or reader to facilitate automatic prepayment for telephone calls. Also, the block diagram of figure 2 may include solid lines from the transceiver to the SIM cards to show that a direct connection between the transceiver 9 and SIM cards are possible and controllable by the microprocessor 8. The telephone 2 can also be housed in a commercially available cellular telephone housing instead of having a separate handset as shown in the figure 1.

Claims

Claims
1. A wireless telephone comprising an electronic telephone circuit and control means for selecting the use of one of at least two electronically readable subscriber identification devices by the electronic telephone circuit to enable the circuit to communicate in a network associated with the selected subscriber identification device.
2. A wireless telephone as claimed in claim 1 in which the control means connects the circuit to one of the identification devices in accordance with an input received from an input means of the mobile telephone.
3. A wireless telephone as claimed in claim 2 in which the input means is a keypad of the mobile phone.
4. A wireless telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the mobile phone is a public wireless payphone.
5. A wireless telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the selection of the use of a selected subscriber identification device is made in accordance with a telephone number input on the keypad.
6. A wireless telephone as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 in which a selected connection to an identification device is made in accordance with the best rate available through the network associated with that identification device.
7. A wireless telephone as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the wireless telephone is connected to a payment control unit which selectively enables or disables operation of the wireless telephone.
8. A wireless telephone as claimed in claim 7 in which the wireless telephone and payment control unit are powered from a rechargeable battery.
9. A mobile telephone system comprising a payment control unit connected to a wireless telephone having an electronic wireless telephone circuit and a control means for selecting the use of one of at least two electronically readable identification modules by the electronic telephone circuit to enable the circuit to communicate in a network associated with the selected subscriber identification device, the payment control unit having authorisation means to selectively enable or disable operation of the mobile telephone.
10. A mobile telephone system as claimed in claim 9 in which the authorisation is a manual telephone keypad input.
11. A mobile telephone system as claimed in claim 9 in which the authorisation means is an input to the telephone from the payment control unit.
12. A mobile telephone system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 in which the system includes storage means for storing computer software or computer instructions or rates associated with identification devices received over the network.
13. A wireless telephone system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the electronic readable subscriber identification devices are SIM cards.
14. A wireless telephone system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13 in which the system is powered by a rechargeable battery.
15. A wireless telephone system as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14 in which the system is charged from a battery which is charged, in use, by a solar panel.
PCT/IB2004/051344 2003-08-06 2004-07-30 Wireless telephone and wireless telephone system WO2005015933A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2003/6062 2003-08-06
ZA200306062 2003-08-06

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005015933A1 true WO2005015933A1 (en) 2005-02-17

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2004/051344 WO2005015933A1 (en) 2003-08-06 2004-07-30 Wireless telephone and wireless telephone system

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998017045A1 (en) * 1996-10-11 1998-04-23 Bright Technologies, Inc. Reprogrammable wireless local loop phone capable of emulating a wireline phone
WO1999045730A1 (en) * 1998-03-06 1999-09-10 Giovanni Ferrara An electronic device for the functional doubling with multiple cards of cellular telephones and similar
US5987325A (en) * 1997-05-19 1999-11-16 Motorola, Inc. Multiple smart card phone and method
WO2002005583A1 (en) * 2000-07-10 2002-01-17 Ubinetics Limited Mobile communications system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1998017045A1 (en) * 1996-10-11 1998-04-23 Bright Technologies, Inc. Reprogrammable wireless local loop phone capable of emulating a wireline phone
US5987325A (en) * 1997-05-19 1999-11-16 Motorola, Inc. Multiple smart card phone and method
WO1999045730A1 (en) * 1998-03-06 1999-09-10 Giovanni Ferrara An electronic device for the functional doubling with multiple cards of cellular telephones and similar
WO2002005583A1 (en) * 2000-07-10 2002-01-17 Ubinetics Limited Mobile communications system

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