US 6,192,239 B1 · Handset based automatic call re-initiation for multi-mode handsets

Abstract

In the occurrence of a multi-mode portable handset leaving the coverage area of a first operating network during an active telephone call on the first operating network, a method is disclosed for terminating the telephone call and re-initiating it within a second operating network. The signal strength and bit error rate corresponding to the first operating network are monitored during the telephone call. When it is determined that the handset is leaving the coverage area using these indicators, the handset warns both parties in the conversation. With use of the redial function or CLID (Calling Line Identification) the telephone number of the party other than the user of the portable handset is determined. The handset proceeds to terminate the call on the first operating network and dials the telephone number corresponding to the other party on the second operating network. The telephone conversation can then proceed on the second operating network with a minimum inconvenience to the user of the handset.

Claims29

Dependent claims

In a portable telephone handset capable of functioning within a plurality of operating networks respectively operating under different standards, a method of handing an active telephone call over between networks to maintain the integrity of the call, the method comprising the steps of:

monitoring at least one signal parameter corresponding to a first operating network during a first active telephone call on the first operating network between a user of the portable handset and another party, the user of the handset or the other party being the calling party;
producing a warning message if the at least one signal parameter is not within a predetermined acceptable range, the step of producing a warning message comprising requesting both the user of the handset and the other party to hang up;
determining a telephone number corresponding to the other party if the telephone number can be accessed;
and
subsequent to both the user of the portable handset and the other party hanging up, initializing a second active telephone call from the portable handset to the other party on a second operating network if the telephone number corresponding to the other party can be accessed.

2 more elements

A telephone portable handset capable of functioning within a plurality of operating networks respectively operating under different standards, the portable handset comprising:

a monitoring means used to periodically determine at least one signal parameter corresponding to a first operating network during a first active telephone call between a user of the portable handset and another party;
a warning means used to send a warning message to the user of the portable handset and the other party if the at least one signal parameter is not within a predetermined acceptable range, the warning message comprising a request for the user of the handset and the other party to hang up their handsets;
a telephone number determining means used to determine a telephone number corresponding to the other party;
and
an initiation means used to initiate a second active telephone call on a second operating network from the portable handset to the other party using the telephone number corresponding to the other party subsequent to the user of the handset and the other party hanging up their handsets.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Handset based automatic call re-initiation for multi-mode handsets

Life of this patent

Handset based automatic call re-initiation for multi-mode handsets

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims29