US7006831B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Apparatus and method for providing dynamic communications network traffic control
Assignee: AT&T Delaware Intellectual Property Inc
•
Filing: 2002-09-27
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Granted: 2006-02-28
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Expires: 2022-09-27
Abstract
Abstract Systems and methods for controlling traffic on a communications network include dynamic and flexible control plans that enable service providers to control or influence customer access to communications facilities. Communications facilities are monitored to identify network elements, such as cell sites, that are overloaded. When the traffic intensity on a particular facility exceeds a predetermined level, either active or passive control is imposed on subscribers that are in the geographic area of the facility. Active control involves blocking, delaying or disrupting subscriber calls during the critical time period. Passive control involves providing cost incentives or disincentives during low or peak periods of traffic intensity. Customers are notified of the commencement and/or termination of active or passive control preferably via SMS. When implemented with stationary cellular service, the systems and methods aid in traffic engineering and provide opportunities for customers to reduce the cost and increase the accessibility of telephone service.
Inventors
- 👤 William R. Matz
- 👤 Douglas R. O'Neil
- 👤 James R. Bacon
- 👤 Vernon Meadows
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 20:57
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04M; H04M15/00; H04M15/80; H04M15/8016; H04M15/8083; H04M15/81; H04W; H04W28/00; H04W28/02; H04W28/0247; H04W4/00; H04W4/24; H04M2215/00; H04M2215/01; H04M2215/0112; H04M2215/0152; H04M2215/0184; H04M2215/20; H04M2215/2026; H04M2215/32; H04M2215/74; H04M2215/7414; H04W24/00; H04W24/08; H04W48/00; H04W48/02; H04W48/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 45
Claim 1
Independent Claim
199 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the network element from the traffic engineering database; determines a traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element wherein the traffic control measure includes: altering a cost of placing calls from communications devices associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and the geographic location; and preventing each of the communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed; and retrieves a list containing each communications device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and the geographic location, wherein each subscriber identifier associated with a communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that communications device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
199 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the network element from the traffic engineering database; determines a traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element wherein the traffic control measure includes: altering a cost of placing calls from communications devices associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and the geographic location; and preventing each of the communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed; and retrieves a list containing each communications device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and the geographic location, wherein each subscriber identifier associated with a communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that communications device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the traffic control application further implements the traffic control measure with respect to the communications devices retrieved on the list.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein the traffic data indicates that a traffic intensity at the network element is outside of a predetermined range.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 2 , wherein the network control center sends a message to the communications devices when the traffic control measure is implemented.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 2 , wherein the network control center sends a message to the communications devices when the traffic control measure is terminated.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 4 or 5 , wherein the message is an SMS message.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 4 or 5 , wherein the message is a call.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 4 or 5 , wherein the message causes the communications devices to vibrate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 4 or 5 , wherein the message causes the communications devices to emit a tone.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the communications devices is a telephone.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the communications devices is a wireless device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the communications devices is a stationary cellular device.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for implementing rates based on traffic on a communications network, comprising: monitoring traffic intensity of a plurality of network elements; if the traffic intensity at a selected network element is outside a predetermined range, retrieving a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise all communications devices that are associated with the network element; and implementing a traffic control measure according to a control plan associated with each affected communications device wherein the control plan varies among the affected communications devices according to a degree of control exerted by the traffic control measure on each affected communications device; wherein the traffic control measure includes preventing each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
135 words
A method for implementing rates based on traffic on a communications network, comprising: monitoring traffic intensity of a plurality of network elements; if the traffic intensity at a selected network element is outside a predetermined range, retrieving a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise all communications devices that are associated with the network element; and implementing a traffic control measure according to a control plan associated with each affected communications device wherein the control plan varies among the affected communications devices according to a degree of control exerted by the traffic control measure on each affected communications device; wherein the traffic control measure includes preventing each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 13 , wherein the traffic control measure further includes altering a cost of placing a call from each of the affected communications devices.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 13 , further comprising sending a message to each of the affected communications devices to indicate that the traffic control measure is in effect.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein sending the message comprises sending an SMS message to each of the affected communications devices.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein sending the message comprises placing a call.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein sending the message comprises causing the affected communications devices to vibrate.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 15 , wherein sending the message comprises causing the affected communications devices to emit a tone.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
207 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the network element from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element wherein the traffic control measure includes preventing each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed; retrieves a list of the affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise each communication device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location, and wherein the subscriber identifier associated with each affected communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that affected communications device; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected communications devices.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
207 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the network element from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element wherein the traffic control measure includes preventing each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed; retrieves a list of the affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise each communication device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location, and wherein the subscriber identifier associated with each affected communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that affected communications device; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected communications devices.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
187 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the network element from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element; retrieves a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise each communication device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location, and wherein the subscriber identifier associated with each affected communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that affected communications device; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected communications devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents the affected communications devices from placing calls.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
187 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the network element from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element; retrieves a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise each communication device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location, and wherein the subscriber identifier associated with each affected communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that affected communications device; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected communications devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents the affected communications devices from placing calls.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
217 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding o the network element from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element; retrieves a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise each communication device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location, and wherein the subscriber identifier associated with each affected communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that affected communications device; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected communications devices wherein the traffic control measure alters a cost of placing calls from the affected communications devices and prevents each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
217 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding o the network element from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element; retrieves a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise each communication device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location, and wherein the subscriber identifier associated with each affected communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that affected communications device; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected communications devices wherein the traffic control measure alters a cost of placing calls from the affected communications devices and prevents each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
227 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the network element from the traffic engineering database; and determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element; retrieves a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise each communication device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location, and wherein the subscriber identifier associated with each affected communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that affected communications device; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected communications devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed and wherein the network control center sends a message to the affected communications devices when the traffic control measure is implemented.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
227 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the network element from the traffic engineering database; and determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element; retrieves a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise each communication device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location, and wherein the subscriber identifier associated with each affected communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that affected communications device; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected communications devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed and wherein the network control center sends a message to the affected communications devices when the traffic control measure is implemented.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
226 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the network element from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element; retrieves a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise each communication device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location, and wherein the subscriber identifier associated with each affected communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that affected communications device; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected communications devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed and wherein the network control center sends a message to the affected communications devices when the traffic control measure is terminated.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
226 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a communications network, the system comprising: a network control center that receives traffic data associated with at least one element of the communications network, and relays the traffic data to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores the traffic data; and a traffic control application that, for each of the network elements: extracts traffic data corresponding to the network element from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the network element, based upon the traffic data corresponding to the network element; retrieves a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices comprise each communication device associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location, and wherein the subscriber identifier associated with each affected communications device indicates a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on that affected communications device; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected communications devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed and wherein the network control center sends a message to the affected communications devices when the traffic control measure is terminated.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
188 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a cellular network, the system comprising: a plurality of cellular facilities; a network control center that: receives occupancy data associated with each cellular facility; determines traffic intensity at each cellular facility; and relays the traffic intensity to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores traffic intensity; and a traffic control application that: extracts the traffic intensity corresponding to a selected cellular facility from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility, based upon the traffic intensity corresponding to the selected cellular facility; retrieves a list of affected cellular devices wherein the affected cellular devices include all cellular devices having a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected cellular devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents each of the affected cellular devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
188 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a cellular network, the system comprising: a plurality of cellular facilities; a network control center that: receives occupancy data associated with each cellular facility; determines traffic intensity at each cellular facility; and relays the traffic intensity to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores traffic intensity; and a traffic control application that: extracts the traffic intensity corresponding to a selected cellular facility from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility, based upon the traffic intensity corresponding to the selected cellular facility; retrieves a list of affected cellular devices wherein the affected cellular devices include all cellular devices having a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected cellular devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents each of the affected cellular devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
170 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a cellular network, the system comprising: a plurality of cellular facilities; a network control center that: receives occupancy data associated with each cellular facility; determines traffic intensity at each cellular facility; and relays the traffic intensity to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores traffic intensity; and a traffic control application that: extracts the traffic intensity corresponding to a selected cellular facility from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility, based upon the traffic intensity corresponding to the selected cellular facility; retrieves a list of affected cellular devices wherein the affected cellular devices include all cellular devices having a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected cellular devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents the affected cellular devices from placing calls.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
170 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a cellular network, the system comprising: a plurality of cellular facilities; a network control center that: receives occupancy data associated with each cellular facility; determines traffic intensity at each cellular facility; and relays the traffic intensity to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores traffic intensity; and a traffic control application that: extracts the traffic intensity corresponding to a selected cellular facility from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility, based upon the traffic intensity corresponding to the selected cellular facility; retrieves a list of affected cellular devices wherein the affected cellular devices include all cellular devices having a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected cellular devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents the affected cellular devices from placing calls.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
170 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a cellular network, the system comprising: a plurality of cellular facilities; a network control center that: receives occupancy data associated with each cellular facility; determines traffic intensity at each cellular facility; and relays the traffic intensity to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores traffic intensity; and a traffic control application that: extracts the traffic intensity corresponding to a selected cellular facility from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility, based upon the traffic intensity corresponding to the selected cellular facility; retrieves a list of affected cellular devices wherein the affected cellular devices include all cellular devices having a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected cellular devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents placing calls from the affected cellular devices.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
170 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a cellular network, the system comprising: a plurality of cellular facilities; a network control center that: receives occupancy data associated with each cellular facility; determines traffic intensity at each cellular facility; and relays the traffic intensity to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores traffic intensity; and a traffic control application that: extracts the traffic intensity corresponding to a selected cellular facility from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility, based upon the traffic intensity corresponding to the selected cellular facility; retrieves a list of affected cellular devices wherein the affected cellular devices include all cellular devices having a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected cellular devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents placing calls from the affected cellular devices.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
213 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a cellular network, the system comprising: a plurality of cellular facilities; a network control center that: receives occupancy data associated with each cellular facility; determines traffic intensity at each cellular facility; and relays the traffic intensity to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores traffic intensity; and a traffic control application that: extracts the traffic intensity corresponding to a selected cellular facility from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility, based upon the traffic intensity corresponding to the selected cellular facility; retrieves a list of affected cellular devices wherein the affected cellular devices include all cellular devices having a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected cellular devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents each of the affected cellular devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed and wherein the network control center sends a message to the affected cellular devices, the message indicating that the traffic control measure is in effect.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
213 words
A traffic control system for controlling traffic on a cellular network, the system comprising: a plurality of cellular facilities; a network control center that: receives occupancy data associated with each cellular facility; determines traffic intensity at each cellular facility; and relays the traffic intensity to a traffic engineering database; a traffic engineering database that stores traffic intensity; and a traffic control application that: extracts the traffic intensity corresponding to a selected cellular facility from the traffic engineering database; determines at least one traffic control measure to be imposed in a geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility, based upon the traffic intensity corresponding to the selected cellular facility; retrieves a list of affected cellular devices wherein the affected cellular devices include all cellular devices having a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the geographic location associated with the selected cellular facility; and implements the traffic control measure with respect to the affected cellular devices wherein the traffic control measure prevents each of the affected cellular devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed and wherein the network control center sends a message to the affected cellular devices, the message indicating that the traffic control measure is in effect.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
180 words
A method for alerting communications devices of a temporary altered cost for using a communications network, comprising: monitoring traffic intensity of a plurality of network elements; when the traffic intensity at a selected network element is outside a predetermined range, retrieving a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices include each communications devices associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the network element; implementing a traffic control measure according to a control plan associated with each affected communications device wherein the traffic control measure includes altering a cost of placing a call from each of the affected communications devices and preventing each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed; and sending a message to each of the affected communications devices to indicate that the traffic control measure is in effect wherein the cost altered varies between the affected communication devices based on a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on each affected communication device.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
180 words
A method for alerting communications devices of a temporary altered cost for using a communications network, comprising: monitoring traffic intensity of a plurality of network elements; when the traffic intensity at a selected network element is outside a predetermined range, retrieving a list of affected communications devices wherein the affected communications devices include each communications devices associated with a subscriber identifier to be controlled and associated with the network element; implementing a traffic control measure according to a control plan associated with each affected communications device wherein the traffic control measure includes altering a cost of placing a call from each of the affected communications devices and preventing each of the affected communications devices from exceeding maximums for at least one of a number of calls placed or a duration of calls placed; and sending a message to each of the affected communications devices to indicate that the traffic control measure is in effect wherein the cost altered varies between the affected communication devices based on a degree of control the traffic control measure exerts on each affected communication device.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein sending the message comprises sending an SMS message to each of the affected communications devices.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein sending the message comprises placing a call.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein sending the message comprises causing the affected communications devices to vibrate.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 29 , wherein sending the message comprises causing the affected communications devices to emit a tone.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2009-02-27 | 2009-08-29 | 2010-02-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2013-02-27 | 2013-08-29 | 2014-02-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2017-02-27 | 2017-08-29 | 2018-02-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |