text:
Laundry Storage hamper. Folds flat when not in use. Dimensions: Height 60cm x Width 40cm x Depth 30cm.
Colours: Beige, Green Stripe, Grey. Canvas. -
Brabantia Laundry Bag
From £1.30 per week
- Was
- Was £35.00
- Now
- Now £26.00
- Save £9.00
- In Stock
- Delivery
0 reviewAn ingenious open and close laundry bag. The magnetic handle flaps shut to form a large opening to drop the laundry through. Pop the handles open and the laundry bag can be easily carried. The laundry bag has a large 50 litre capacity and large opening, making it easy to load the washing machine. Portable and easy to carry. 2 year manufactures guarantee.
Colours: Blue, Grey, Purple, Red, Yellow. -
Elysee Laundry Bin
From £1.09 per week
- Price
- £109.00
- In Stock
- Delivery
- Next day delivery available
0 reviewElysee Laundry Bin with optional home assembly service*
Give your bathroom or en suite a style that harks back to an altogether more sophisticated era with this laundry bin from the Elysee furniture range.
Crafted from a combination of solid pine and MDF, the laundry bin is beautifully shaped with traditional Queen Anne-style legs, then finished in a choice of white or grey.
A truly classy place to keep laundry stored out of sight until wash day arrives.
To ensure your new furniture is suitable for your home, please remember to measure your available space before ordering.
H 72, W 35, D 43 cm (approx.)Give your bathroom or en suite the full Elysee look with matching furniture, including wall cabinet, corner cabinet and tall cabinet, all of which are available separately.
Useful info:
- Elysee laundry bin
- Solid pine and MDF
- Grey or white finish
- Queen Anne-style legs
- Home assembly (assembly service available)
* For an additional charge per item we'll put your furniture together in your home so you don't have to. Simply add this product to your basket, then visit item number 369XL and add that to your basket.
Colours: Grey, White.
Please note: assembly service is not available to residents of the Isle of Man, Republic of Ireland or the Shetland Islands


text:
Summit Feature: Cairn
Classification: Corbett, Hump, Marilyn, Sim, P30 Tump, Yeaman.
OS Grid Ref: NG854120 (10 figure Grid Ref: NG8543212006).
UK Area: 10 - Glen Shiel to Loch Hourn and Loch Quoich (OS Maps 1:50k 33. 1:25k 413S.)
Latitude: 57.14862, Longitude: -5.548708, Height: 805 metres (2641 feet)
Prominence: 201 metres (659 feet)
Unique Waypoint POI Name: 0805.C (DoBIH Hill ID: 718)
External Links for Beinn na h-Eaglaise:
-GeoHack link...
-OS Map Bing link...
-Google Map link...
-Geograph link...
-Beinn na h - Eaglaise on hill-bagging.co.uk...
Data courtesy of the Database of British and Irish Hills v13.3
You can use this list of Hills & Map as your personal Beinn na h-Eaglaise Baggers' Tick-list to keep track of your hill climbing progress
Just register as a member and Log-in to access this feature!
Climbed Beinn na h-Eaglaise? Log in to tick it off...
Beinn Sgritheall East Top (1.0km)Beinn nan Caorach (1.7km)Beinn Sgritheall (2.0km)Beinn Sgritheall NW Top (2.3km)Beinn Clachach West Top (2.5km)Creag na h-Oidhche (2.9km)Meall na h-Oidhche (3.2km)Beinn Clachach (3.3km)Beinn a'Chapuill (3.4km)The Saddle-Sgurr na Laire Brice North To (3.6km)
Chris Upson fergie GeorgeH gigha GordonAdshead HillmanImp malky_c oakesave oscarben rhw Summerace
Total = 1 Beinn na h-Eaglaise hills
Data courtesy of the Database of British and Irish Hills v13.3

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Located in Madison's premier healthclub, Princeton Club Madison West, True Laser hair removal has trained staff that utilize the latest laser technologies to ensure your complete satisfaction. Visit the True Laser Clinic in Madison, WI Today.
- Laser Hair Removal
- Skin Rejuvenation
- Skin Scope Analysis
- Microdermabrasion
- Peels
8066 Watts Road Madison, WI 53719
Local: 1.608.827.8783 (TRUE)
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Later by appointment) Sunday: Closed
Other hours available by appointment.
Conveniently located on the Beltline just minutes off of Interstate 90 in Madison Wisconsin, True Laser, Ltd. is just a short trip away for True Results.
View Larger Map
Home | Our Services | Price List | About Us | Contact Us | Gift Certificates
Copyright 2011 by True Laser LTD Terms Of Use | Privacy Statement | Login


text:
PBurg Blint1585
- 4 stars Rating: 78
107 votes total - (83)
- 25 months
- 4 stars
- 5 stars Rating: 95
1312 votes total - (1113)
- 39 months
- 5 stars
You must be a subscriber of Lions247 to post. 7-Day Free Trial
Black shoes, basic blues. No names, all game
Buy, sell and swap tickets
You have no favorite boards.
It doesn't get a lot of US coverage and its probably because people like me don't really care.
MLB is pretty big in America and is almost ten months long with spring training and the post season. I don't really see the point and quite honestly it's not the Olympics, to me, and I don't want my MLBs teams players getting hurt or playing hard now.
If winning was easy even losers would do it.
I have been watching, wanting to get into it... When David Wright hit the GS and fans were chanting USA I became committed to watching the rest of the game and tomorrow's game. Would love to see us get to the finals for the first time(have to beat Canada tomorrow first), USA winning will create further interest for the event IMO.
I'm a fan of WBC and have been since '06. I attended a Japan/US game in Anaheim. Chipper was the US's best player, but fell to Ichiro, Matuzaka, and that other guy on the Mets.
Best part was when the Japanese manager (Oh) refused to take the field for a solid 15 mins in protest of a bad call by the umpires.
The stadium in San Juan has ridiculously good atmosphere. I can't wait to see the DR / PR game coming up. Also, when the Asian brackets (including Cuba & the Netherlands) come back to the US it's always fun - especially the Japanese vs Koreans. It's always interesting to see Cuba play in the US.
50/50 crowds of Mexican & US fans was very cool last night. I agree that the US has been sluggish in this tournament....they just need to step up intensity vs prior years. But there is alot of talent on the other teams --- winning is not a cakewalk.
Black shoes, basic blues. No names, all game
Buy, sell and swap tickets
247Sports In partnership with CBS Sports


text:
Book Description:This book provides a comprehensive survey of the entire field of intellectual property, including copyrights, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, unfair competition, the right of publicity, and other areas of intellectual property protection. It is designed to be reader-friendly, up-to-date through September 2012, and comprehensive. It can be a study guide for an intellectual property survey course or used as a useful introduction or refresher for anyone interested in the field. The book's primary focus is on the three main fields of federal intellectual property law copyrights, patents, and trademarks along with important areas of state law protection (such as trade secrets, right of publicity, and contracts).
Tags: Books, Specialty Boutique, New & Used Textbooks,
Book List () | College Textbooks
Content Copyright © 1999-2014 Terms and Conditions of Use, Security and Privacy Policy | Resources: 1 2 3 | Site Map


text:
View Cart
Order Tracking
Customer Service
Shop by Category
Shop by Brand
Beer Dept.
Wine Dept.
Coffee & Tea Dept.
Spirits & Bar
Espresso Machines
Coffee Makers
Coffee Grinders
Hot Water Kettles
French Presses
Travel Mugs
Thermal Carafes
Coffee & Tea Equipment
Coffee Accessories
Coffee & Tea Equipment
Espresso Machines
Coffee Grinders
Coffee Makers
French Presses
Coffee Percolators
Cups & Mugs
Hot Water Kettles
Milk Frothers
Coffee Accessories
Thermal Carafes
Travel Mugs
Coffee Cleaning Equipment
Tea Presses
Tea Pots
Tea Accessories
Coffee & Pods
Cup Warmers
Gift Certificates
Clearance Outlet
Contact Center
Customer Service Area
Advanced Search
Track Your Order
Contact Us
Corporate Sales
Store Location
Coffee Accessories
Vacu Vin Coffee Saver Vacuum Storage Container (1.3 L)
Price: $8.00
On Clearance
Aeropress Micro-Filters (Pack of 350)
Price: $2.95
Jura Clearyl Water Care Cartridge
Price: $19.00
BonJour Stainless Steel Sugar Tongs
Sale Price: $4.50
Capresso 70878 - Cool Control Black Milk Cooler
Price: $199.99
Free Shipping!
Oasis Green (Tea/Flavored) Cap for SS Vacuum Carafe
Sale Price: $8.96
Oasis 033963-012 - Water Guard System for FreshStart Coffee Brewers - Black
Sale Price: $17.96
Oggi 7088 Airtight Stainless Steel 16 oz. Coffee Canister
Price: $12.50
On Clearance
Oggi 7117 Stainless Steel Sugar & Creamer Set
Sale Price: $17.95
BonJour 53774 Montano Sugar & Creamer Set - Double Wall Stainless Steel
Sale Price: $35.96
Free Shipping!
Shop by Brand in
Coffee Accessories
Vacu Vin
Shop with Confidence
Why Buy
About Us
Shipping Information
Price Match Policy
Private & Secure
Email A Friend


text:
Forgot Password? | Not a User? Sign up
Your browser does not support iframes.
As Halloween looms near, the Galax Downtown Association prepares for the 4th Annual Halloween Monster Bash from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 31.
The event will feature annual favorites, such as a costume contest for prizes, games, activities, candy, live DJ music by Tyler Carpenter at the Grayson Stage and free hot dogs for the kids.
In the spirit of a free, safe and fun Halloween for all to enjoy, creepy creatures and frightening figures have appeared in the store windows downtown, giving residents a chance to play the "Monster Hunt" game and enter to win prizes.
After battling a lawsuit for the past few years regarding the placement of a veterans' monument, the City of Galax can now proceed with plans to help a group of local veterans and volunteers erect the Twin County Veterans Memorial at the Galax Public Library.
With the suit ending in the city's favor, Galax is moving forward with securing the services of a consulting engineer for technical design and cost estimates for the memorial designed by Todd Price, an artist from Elk Creek.
The new coordinator of the Mount Rogers Powerhouse Clubhouse plans to match the improvements in downtown Galax with positive changes at the facility on Main Street.
Rick Whisenhunt, the newly named coordinator and local who graduated from Galax High School in 1996, wants to boost visibility of clubhouse members in the community.
Powerhouse is a daytime-only service center for individuals who need a little extra support in a friendly family atmosphere, he said.
"The main thing with us is helping people with the extra challenges they face each day."
When Mark Davis and Cody Cline started out in the barbecue catering business as Squealers Authentic BBQ Company more than a year ago, their intentions were to become restaurant owners, serving only the best homemade foods around.
In fact, Davis, who worked for many years at The Gazette and The Carroll News, quit his newspaper job to make a career out of barbecuing.
Cline, a full-time mechanic at Hills Trucking, spends 50 to 60 hours a week in front of the grill, perfecting barbecue.
Little Ty Dixon seemed like a normal baby, but at age 6 his parents — Angela and Brian Dixon of Galax — found they had been blessed with something special.
As an infant, Ty sat up and crawled early. But as he grew into a toddler, red flags went up for Angela and Brian.
Ty didn't walk until 19 months. And by age 3, when toddlers speak in full sentences, Ty was only saying a couple of words here and there, and potty training became a challenge.
Galax City Schools was one of just 26 Virginia school divisions in which all of a locality's schools met 29 annual performance benchmarks for 2007-2008 toward "adequate yearly progress" under the No Child Left Behind Act.
Among 132 school divisions in the commonwealth, Galax City Schools was one of the 17 divisions in which all schools made adequate yearly progress and the division as a whole made progress.
Hanging up fliers and decorating cars in red, white and blue, locals are cheering on 11-year-old Alexandra Pyles of Galax and her teammates, who will appear in the next round of competition on the NBC reality show "America's Got Talent" tomorrow, Tuesday, when the show goes live in Los Angeles at 8 p.m.
Alexandra left for Los Angeles on Aug. 19.
She is receiving national and regional recognition. On Aug. 18, she was interviewed by the Winston-Salem Journal and WXII Channel 12 News in Winston-Salem, N.C.
The Town of Fries, population 697, is the place where the country music industry really began. Located in a sheltered cove of the beautiful New River, tiny Fries had a major impact upon American music.
Other places in Grayson and Carroll counties have a rich musical history, but Fries keeps its heritage alive in a picture-perfect setting — and those musical traditions thrive.
In 1923, loom tender Henry Whitter, an employee of the old Washington Cotton Mill in Fries, became the first singer to record a country record.
On Saturday evening, a program saluting the Round Peak sound will be presented at the Blue Ridge Music Center.
Paul Brown, a Washington-based newscaster and reporter for National Public Radio, will host the 7 p.m. program.
Brown is heard most mornings coast-to-coast on NPR's Morning Edition.
During his youth Brown came to the Galax area to learn Round Peak music, and he remains an enthusiastic supporter of the sound.
At age 3, Benjamin Galyean is already reading music, and so is 6-year-old Jesse Dittrich, who has been diagnosed with a form of dyslexia.
For almost 10 years, Charlotte McPherson, director of the Joybell Ringers at Galax's First Baptist Church, has taught music to numerous families as siblings and moms come together.
Her classes range from 2-year-old tots in the Baby Bell class to home-schooled teens and 30-something mothers in Beginner Bells and Joybell Ringers.


text:
Chinese director Zhang Yimou took to Sina Weibo on Sunday to admit that he and his wife had violated the country's one-child policy and would accept punishment for their actions.
In a statement posted to the verified account of Mr. Zhang's office, the director said he and his wife, Chen Ting, apologized for their actions and would cooperate with the government.
China has been accused of producing knockoff handbags and electronics, but lately fingers have been pointed at a different kind of counterfeit product: TV shows.
Scene Asia is The Wall Street Journal's guide to food, wine, fashion, design, sports, entertainment, and the arts in Asia. It delivers a behind-the-scenes look at the region's dynamic culture, including Q&As with filmmakers, artists and chefs, news on arts and entertainment, and a spotlight on the most striking homes from Goa to the Gold Coast. Write to us at firstname.lastname@example.com
You can also get the latest updates from Scene on your iPhone with WSJ's Scene Asia app.


text:
Eliakim \e-lia-kim\ as a boy's name is a variant of Eliachim (Hebrew), and the meaning of Eliakim is "God will establish".
Similar baby names are Eliam, Elam and Elami.
Eliakim is not a popular first name for men and an equally uncommon surname or last name for all people. (1990 U.S. Census)


text:
The Center for Law, Economics and Organization sponsors several scholarship and fellowship programs for incoming and current students, as well as a post-graduate fellowship program. The Center also sponsors an annual prize for the best student paper in law and economics.
Center for Law, Economics and Organization
Scholarships, Fellowships and Prizes
Support NYU Law
We are at the forefront of legal education, and with your help we can continue the remarkable transformation that has brought us to this point.
Selected News
Featured Media
Site Seeing
Looking for more? Try these pages:
About NYU Law
Blogs and Journals
Law School Magazine
Milbank Tweed Forum
Click to see more:


text:
Serum levels of TUBB3 correlate with clinical outcome in Chinese patients with advanced gastric cancer receiving first-line paclitaxel plus capecitabine.
Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, 52 Fucheng Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100142, People's Republic of China, .
Medical Oncology (Impact Factor: 2.14). 07/2012; DOI:10.1007/s12032-012-0292-y Source: PubMed
- Citations (25)
- Cited In (0)
- [show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer. Randomized phase II and III clinical trials on first-line chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer were identified by electronic searches of Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and Cancerlit; hand searches of relevant abstract books and reference lists; and contact to experts. Meta-analysis was performed using the fixed-effect model. Overall survival, reported as hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI, was the primary outcome measure. Analysis of chemotherapy versus best supportive care (HR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.52) and combination versus single agent, mainly fluorouracil (FU) -based chemotherapy (HR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.74 to 0.93) showed significant overall survival benefits in favor of chemotherapy and combination chemotherapy, respectively. In addition, comparisons of FU/cisplatin-containing regimens with versus without anthracyclines (HR = 0.77; 95% CI, 0.62 to 0.95) and FU/anthracycline-containing combinations with versus without cisplatin (HR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.91) both demonstrated a significant survival benefit for the three-drug combination. Comparing irinotecan-containing versus nonirinotecan-containing combinations (mainly FU/cisplatin) resulted in a nonsignificant survival benefit in favor of the irinotecan-containing regimens (HR = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.73 to 1.06), but they have never been compared against a three-drug combination. Best survival results are achieved with three-drug regimens containing FU, an anthracycline, and cisplatin. Among these, regimens including FU as bolus exhibit a higher rate of toxic deaths than regimens using a continuous infusion of FU, such as epirubicin, cisplatin, and continuous-infusion FU.Journal of Clinical Oncology 07/2006; 24(18):2903-9. · 18.04 Impact Factor - [show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadliest form of primary brain cancer in adults. Despite advances in molecular biology and genetics of gliomas currently there is no effective treatment or promising molecularly targeted experimental therapeutic strategies for these tumors. In previous studies we have shown aberrant overexpression of the class III beta-tubulin isotype (betaIII-tubulin) in GBM and have proposed that this change may reflect perturbations in microtubule dynamics associated with glioma tumorigenesis, tumor progression and malignant transformation into GBM. This minireview focuses on microtubules and tubulin as emerging targets in potential therapy of GBM using a new class of betaIII-tubulin-targeted drugs in the light of recent developments concerning the function and potential role of this isotype in clinically aggressive tumor behavior, cancer stem cells, tumor hypoxia and chemoresistance to tubulin binding agents, principally taxanes.Journal of Cellular Physiology 08/2009; 221(3):505-13. · 4.22 Impact Factor -
Article: Clinical studies of three oral prodrugs of 5-fluorouracil (capecitabine, UFT, S-1): a review.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Although 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was first introduced in 1957, it remains an essential part of the treatment of a wide range of solid tumors. 5-FU has antitumor activity against epithelial malignancies arising in the gastrointestinal tract and breast as well as the head and neck, with single-agent response rates of only 10%-30%. Although 5-FU is still the most widely prescribed agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer, less than one-third of patients achieve objective responses. Recent research has focused on the biomodulation of 5-FU to improve the cytotoxicity and therapeutic effectiveness of this drug in the treatment of advanced disease. As all the anticancer agents, 5-FU leads to several toxicities. The toxicity profile of 5-FU is schedule dependent. Myelotoxicity is the major toxic effect in patients receiving bolus doses. Hand-foot syndrome (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), stomatitis, and neuro- and cardiotoxicities are associated with continuous infusions. Other adverse effects associated with both bolus-dose and continuous-infusion regimens include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, alopecia, and dermatitis. All these reasons explain the need for more effective and less toxic fluoropyrimidines. In the first part of this review, we briefly present the metabolic pathways of 5-FU responsible for the efficacy and toxicity of this drug. This knowledge is also necessary to understand the target(s) of biomodulation. The second part is devoted to a review of the literature on three recent prodrugs of 5-FU, i.e., capecitabine, UFT (ftorafur [FTO] plus uracil), and S-1 (FTO plus 5-chloro-2,4-dihydroxypyridine plus potassium oxonate). The pharmacological principles that have influenced the development of these new drugs and our current knowledge of the clinical pharmacology of these new agents, focusing on antitumor activity and toxicity, are presented. The literature was analyzed until March 2002. This review is intended to be as exhaustive as possible since it was conceived as a work tool for readers wanting to go further.The Oncologist 02/2002; 7(4):288-323. · 4.10 Impact Factor
Data provided are for informational purposes only. Although carefully collected, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The impact factor represents a rough estimation of the journal's impact factor and does not reflect the actual current impact factor. Publisher conditions are provided by RoMEO. Differing provisions from the publisher's actual policy or licence agreement may be applicable.


text:
PARIS — PARIS (AP) - A French official says France may propose joint bonds among the eurozone's strongest economies as part of a package of measures to save the shared currency, despite German resistance.
The official said Tuesday that discussions over joint bonds by top-rated triple A eurozone economies is under discussion as the French government prepares for an EU summit next week.
Proponents say the proceeds of the so-called elite bonds could be used to help the eurozone's weaker countries deal with their debts, in return for strict conditions being imposed on their budgets.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the sensitive, closed-door talks are still under way.
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble dismissed reports of joint bonds Monday, saying they were "completely made up."


text:
Monte Grande is an 18 acre tropical Jungle estate, on the way to Playa Grande.The property consists of A main house, and a pool house, with a total of 3 bedrooms / 2 .5 baths. Caretaker home onsite 100 meters away for security and to assist you in anything you may need during your stay.
Take advantage of seeing as much as you can on your vacation!! Instead of staying close to one beach, stay at Casa Bambu, Monte Grande, central to all sites and towns only minutes from Playa Grande, Tamarindo, Conchal, Brasilito, Playa Potrero, Flamingo and all amenities, services & authentic Costa Rican cuisine in Huacus. Close to it all, yet just far enough away to enjoy peace & quiet.
This mountain / jungle retreat comes with your own personal concierge to make the check-in process easy, and to assist in arranging any activities such as turtle refuge tour, surf lessons, zipline tours, Volcano Rincon de la Vieja, Volcano Arenal, national parks, fishing, snorkeling, mangrove / estuary tours, sunset catamaran, massage, private chef, extra housekeeping, information on local fiestas, and anything else you would like to see & do during your time here.
Enjoying your 4x4 rental car making your way to the house, is all part of the fun!! Stay away from tourist traps and experience real Costa Rica paradise living!!!
This new rustic, ecological custom home is a 100% bamboo structure with Teak wood floors, full kitchen, with a total of 3 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms. a 2 bedroom main house and a 1 bedroom guest house., The pool is pristine, there is a laundry room & over 3,000 sqft of construction. Very clean, open air space. RENTAL INCLUDES A SAMSUNG GALAXY CELL PHONE AT NO EXTRA COST... for local calls, international calls, GPS. internet & WIFI.....Print out a copy of the House Manual below for instructions on how to use phone & washing machine.
Very safe and secure property with security cameras, caretaker & trusty guard dog onsite. This is a country retreat in the hills with a lot to see and do in the surrounding areas, so unless time is not an issue, a rental car is recommend to see, and experience the most you can during your vacation.
This Oasis is in the heart of hundreds of acres of ranch land, on the rural outskirts of the sleepy little town of Matapalo... This little reserve known as Monte Grande is where the monkey's, exotic birds, iguanas and other animals live freely. There are private hiking trails throughout the property that leads to a breath taking ocean viewpoint ideal for watching the sunsets.
This is the perfect place for an affordable, blissful vacation to share with family and friends.
A helpful tool is the HOUSE MANUAL listed below. Please print out a copy and bring it with you for; suggested tours, driving directions to the must see beaches, Daniel's top suggested restuarants, and how to operate certain mechanics in the house, as well as what to do in case of an emergency. Print out a copy and bring it with you.
Room type: | Entire home/apt |
Bed type: | Real Bed |
Accommodates: | 7 |
Bedrooms: | 3 |
Bathrooms: | 2.5 |
Beds: | 3 |
Extra people: | $20 / night after 3 guests |
Weekly Price: | $700 /week |
Monthly Price: | $2000 /month |
Security Deposit: | $200 |
Cleaning Fee: | $40 |
Country: | Costa Rica |
City: | Playa Grande |
Cancellation: | Strict |
Pet Owner: | Dog(s) |
Wind, stars, dust, sun, birds, sunset, trees, pool, bathhouse, the house an artwork, Machete the dog our new friend, Danise the housekeeper... one of the most beautiful places we have ever been.
Daniel, Danise, thanks for all that.
Amazing, spacious bamboo house! We really enjoyed this experience. It was a little big for us as a couple but should be perfect for 4 :)
The place is just as described and has some great views over the jungle forest - jungle noises inclusive! Loved the terrace(s) too! Playa Grande is a 10 min drive - the beach is beautiful and there is a great surf school nearby (Frijoles Locos). There are also a couple of cute eateries in the village nearby.
But most importantly - Daniel and Danise, who helped out during Daniel's absence, are great hosts. The communication was super easy and Danise was a massive help on-site. She helped us organise a couple of tours :)
Machete, the guard dog was super friendly too. Here you will definitely get an amazing holiday and a dog. Not a bad deal!
This listing didn't have a lock box for the key, or a map to find the house, so it took some extra time to get checked in. There also wasn't free wifi, or basics like soap, towels, and blankets.
During our visit, there were 4 different people who came to the property to work on various things. More privacy would have been nice.
I am very sorry you did not thoroughly enjoy your stay. Key boxes are not used anywhere in Costa Rica for security & liability reasons. There is a map on the profile, and a copy could have been provided if you asked, as well as extra towels, free wi-fi, soap & blankets. Employees are there to make you feel secure & to attend to your needs, but to not say anything only to complain afterwards, publicly in a bad review.... is not fair Anne.
Fuimos 4 adultos y una niña. Nuestro paseo fue un éxito!! Tanto por las condiciones de la casa y el lugar donde se encuentra. Teniendo un auto es muy fácil llegar a muchas playas (nosotros conocimos 8 playas en dos días). Casa Bambu cuenta con todas las comodidades que uno puede necesitar cuando está viajando. Daniel y Denise son muy atentos desde el momento en que uno llega hasta el momento en que se retira. Al mismo tiempo, uno siente privacidad y libertad (que es muy preciado por nosotros). El lugar es muy lindo, se disfruta mucho la naturaleza. Disfrutamos mucho la piscina, la parrilla para asados, el mirador, las hamacas, la tierra, el viento, el sol, pasar el tiempo sin preocupaciones… El lugar es muy seguro "machete" (el perro) cumple muy bien su función y es muy amigable con los huéspedes.
A todos los que les interesa conocer Guanacaste, los invito a quedarse en este lugar que está rodeado de paisajes maravillosos, disfrútenlos y cuídenlos. PURA VIDA!!!
We had a great time a Daniel's place- what a fine Christmas!
Daniel was a great host- really hospitable, helpful, and got back to us immediately about anything we asked. The place is better than the listing- its a unique construction, with masses of space, and set out on two levels, making it great for families. (we were 2 adults and 2 kids, so we all had ample room). Really good to have the pool, and there's even the second house for the spillover guests.
The area is ideal, if you've a car- quiet, on a big area of land, yet close enough to the beaches to be really easy. CHILL here- thats what its for! I think for location, value, ease, comfort and all-round uniqueness, its 5 stars. And Machete the dog was a winner with us.
Negatives? Hmm, nope. (Maybe not enough lizards and the howler monkeys didn't hang out with us very much, but what can you do?)
Don't be tempted by the beach locations- this is the place!
Cheers Daniel!
All the best to all for 2014!
We went in December 2013 and had a marvelous time. Dan was very helpful in hooking us up with everything from turtle tours to even dentists appointments! He is knowledgeable about local entertainment and willing to ensure you will stay busy and have fun! His dogs are very friendly too :) The House itself is very cool and nice to experience as if you are in the jungle! The pool is great to jump into when the sun is beaming down. Overall, great experience! Highly recommended!
You have to stay here. This made our first trip to Costa Rica incredibly unique and unforgettable. I wish my review could accurately describe how amazing this house is, but know it probably won't do it justice. Daniel's house is simply incredible and we had an amazing time. The first night we arrived late and Daniel stayed up to welcome us. He was a great host showing us how everything worked and getting us connected to the internet. The open air design opens right up to the jungle and your view from the top floor is over the tree tops. Our favorite thing in the morning was opening up all the doors, making Costa Rican coffee, and cooking fresh plantaines/eggs. There is a short hike to the top of the hill behind the house that you can see the ocean and surrounding beaches. It surprised us how close the families of howler monkeys came to us each day. There are numerous beautiful beaches a 15 minute drive from the house. We loved it because it close enough to everything but far enough away for privacy. It's the perfect location. We did have one setback while out at a popular beach (Playa Conchal) and our car trunk was broken into and we lost our backpack, phones, and wallets. Daniel was quick to help and we were able to cancel everything before any damage was done. We couldn't have done it without him. After staying with Daniel for a week we finished out our trip at the all inclusive Riu Guanacaste resort. After a week of empty beaches and quiet jungle life the busy resort was kind of a shock. We actually preferred staying at Daniel's house compared to the all inclusive resort. So if you're looking for a true local experience in Costa Rica, and want to get away from the busy resort towns, come stay at this house. We can't wait to get back and visit again. Thanks Daniel!
I stayed at Casa Bambu with three friends for 10 days and had a great time. We used it as a "home base" to explore Guancaste -- it was a comfortable place to lay our head and relax.
Daniel was a great host. He provided lots of suggestions for places to eat and things to do. He was very helpful and truly cares about his guests having a great experience. If there was anything we needed, he was happy to help at a moment's notice.
As far as the house, it's unique and cozy. It is laid out well for 2 couples, with separate bedrooms and bathrooms. The kitchen was a good size and we had no problem preparing meals. It was really enjoyable to eat our breakfast "al fresco" and listen to the howler monkeys and watch the beautiful birds fly by. We all also really enjoyed relaxing on the hammocks and taking a dip in the pool when we got hot.
A few suggestions to future guests -- we highly recommend having your own set of wheels. Daniel's house is in a small town (part of the reason why we chose it), and you'll need a car if you want to venture out. When choosing your car, we also recommend a 4x4 -- the road to Daniel's (like most roads in Costa Rica) is rocky and a bit rutty.
We really enjoyed our stay at this wonderfully unique house. It feels like an elaborate treehouse, and the first day of our stay the monkeys came right up to the house to greet us. There are two watch dogs and one of them in particular instantly became my daughters best friend and she misses him to this day. Location is also great for visiting Playa Grande, though on the really hot days we didnt even want to leave the property but just hanged in the hammocks and swam in the Pool. The housekeeper is also really nice and we managed to communicate even though he only speaks Spanish and we only speak English. The only thing would be that the house lacks airconditioning (there are fans) so at times we were sweating quite a bit, at 36 degrees Celsius. You also shouldnt be a light sleeper because the sounds of the house and jungle at night can be quite noisy. Overall I highly recommend this place for a unique stay, Thanks Daniel!
Thank you for the excellent review!! Future guests please take Siebe's helpful remarks into account; there is no AC. This is an ecological home, designed with a low carbon foot print. However, with the cool bamboo construction, off shore breeze, multiple fans, covered patios & pool, keeps most guests comfortable, which is why this is the first mention of the heat in 36 reviews. Ahhhh the sweet sounds of the jungle; If you are not interested in the peaceful chirps of the insects, bellow of the frogs, birds singing their song of the night, or the howl of the monkey's at first light….Casa Bambu, is probably not for you. Thanks again Siebe, hope you come back soon!!!!
Daniel was a great host. Our bamboo cabin was very quaint and what a great value for the price. The pool was very clean and well kept. We loved that we had the entire place to ourselves and we were in short driving distance to one of our favourite towns, Brasilito. Daniel accompanied us on a short hike to watch the sunset which was amazing and he gave us many recommendations of great local places to eat, exactly what we were looking for. The cabin was spectacular and not to be missed. Machete (house guard dog) and Sierra were great company and for all those that might have an aversion of dogs, don't let them deter you. They're both great, loving dogs. We would definitely stay here again. It was great value for what you got, which is paradise in the jungle!


text:
I got tired of messing with this, so I made some changes to the basic layout, and it fixed the problem.
These particular pages are technical ones, using tables for layout to make sure everything aligns, since mis-matched numbers could cause problems. The table had two columns, everything in the left column displayed as it should, but the right column with the AdSense div float was awful. Text on top of text, text on top of images, h3 text out of place, and despite validating with zero warnings, that's what I got.
I split the right column into separate cells, three on one page and two on the other, and now everything is just fine. No emulate code necessary.
The only thing I can figure is that another div in that same cell was causing a problem. Div float is a basic and it seems IE ought to get it right, since it's been a problem since IE5? IE6? It would be nice to know what the problem is, for future reference, since IE9 will be out at some point (likely with a slew of new problems, too!)
Hopefully I can get some work done, now, after wasting a good part of the day yesterday on this. Thanks to those who offered advice.


text:
US 20010000777 A1 Abstract A mobile phone system with a mobile phone having internal accounting capabilities for real time call debiting to account for the billing parameters of a mobile phone unit that is operated in a multi zone communication network with a complex rate structure, the mobile phone unit having an internal processor with accessible internal memory for storing the accounting program and call data for each call, a clock and circuit means for activating and deactivating the phone, the accounting program including an updatable rate table and a complex billing algorithm for calculating the account status on the fly including multiple rate structure factors such as long distance calls, international calls with country independent local charges, charges for roaming per day and/or roaming per minute, and call surcharges, where the account status of the mobile phone is calculated in real time for decrementing a debit account or calculating an account charge on demand, the mobile debit phone having a signal for alerting the user of account status which is preferably a display of real time account status, the mobile phone system including a communication system for activating and programming a new phone unit over the airways and upgrading the account status in rate table in the phone unit over the airways.
Claims(44) 1. A method for remote activation and programming of a mobile phone unit by a mobile phone system provider comprising the steps of:
a) establishing a communication link between the system provider and a new mobile phone unit programmed to enable transmission of at least one discrete phone call connecting the phone unit to the system provider; b) switching the mobile phone unit from voice communication to paging mode; c) connecting the host processor of the system provider to the phone unit; d) programming the phone unit with NAM parameters using DTMF signals sent from the host processor of the system provider to the phone unit in paging mode; e) activating the mobile phone unit for use. 2. The method of
claim 1 3. The method of
claim 1 4. The method of
claim 1 5. The method of
claim 4 6. The method of
claim 5 7. The method of
claim 6 8. The method of
claim 7 9. The method of
claim 5 10. The method of
claim 9 11. A mobile phone system comprising a system provider having a host processor unit and a plurality of system users each having at least one mobile phone unit wherein:
the host processor unit has means for selectively establishing a communication link with each mobile phone unit; and, each phone unit includes a processor, memory associated with the processor, program means including a complex billing algorithm and rate data for internally calculating call charges as calls are made and storing call charges as record data in the memory, and communication means for communicating the record data of call charges to the host processor. 12. The mobile phone system of
claim 11 13. The mobile phone system of
claim 12 14. The mobile phone system of
claim 12 15. The mobile phone system of
claim 14 16. The mobile phone system of
claim 12 17. The mobile phone system of
claim 16 18. The mobile phone system of
claim 12 19. Software for a debit telephone system comprising:
internal accounting software for a cordless hand-held mobile telephone unit to establish a debit account with a representation of prepaid funds, store a plurality of charge rates and create a billing algorithm which can classify each telephone call into one of a plurality of billing categories, select a charge rate corresponding to that billing category, calculate an appropriate charge for that telephone call in real time by using said selected charge rate and subtract this appropriate charge from said debit account; and software for a system provider's host processor which stores mobile telephone unit identification information, stores operating codes needed for mobile phone unit activation and stores operating codes needed for replenishing mobile phone unit debit accounts whereby, upon receipt of mobile telephone unit identification information from a particular mobile phone unit or its user, said host processor software is capable of ascertaining the operating codes needed to activate that particular mobile phone unit or to replenish its debit account. 20. The debit telephone system software of
claim 19 21. The debit telephone system software of
claim 19 22. The debit telephone system software of
claim 19 23. The debit telephone system software of
claim 19 24. The debit telephone system software of
claim 19 25. Software for a debit telephone system comprising:
internal accounting software for a cordless hand-held mobile telephone unit to establish a debit account with a representation of prepaid funds, store a plurality of charge rates and create a billing algorithm which can classify each telephone call into one of a plurality of billing categories including categories for local, long distance and roaming telephone calls, select a charge rate corresponding to that billing category, calculate an appropriate charge for that telephone call in real time by using said selected charge rate and subtract this appropriate charge from said debit account; and software for a system provider's host processor which stores mobile telephone unit identification information, stores assignable telephone numbers, stores operating codes needed for mobile phone unit activation and stores operating codes needed for replenishing mobile phone unit debit accounts whereby, upon receipt of mobile phone unit identification information from a particular mobile phone unit or its user, said host processor software is capable of ascertaining the operating codes needed to activate that particular mobile phone unit, to replenish its debit account or to select an assignable telephone number corresponding to the user's locale. 26. A mobile debit telephone unit operating within a debit telephone system comprising:
a transmitter, a receiver, a processor, memory and internal accounting software, wherein said internal accounting software includes a debit account with a representation of prepaid funds, a plurality of charge rates, memory allocation for a phone number to be assigned at the time of activation and a billing algorithm which can classify each telephone call into one of a plurality of billing categories, select a charge rate corresponding to that billing category, calculate an appropriate charge for that telephone call in real time by using said selected charge rate and subtract this appropriate charge from said debit account. 27. The mobile debit telephone unit of
claim 26 28. The mobile debit telephone of
claim 26 29. The mobile debit telephone of
claim 26 30. A mobile debit telephone unit operating within a debit telephone system comprising:
a transmitter, a receiver, a processor, memory and internal accounting software, wherein said internal accounting software includes a debit account with a representation of prepaid funds, a plurality of charge rates, memory allocation for a phone number to be assigned at the time of activation, coding to allow the telephone unit to accept and implement operating codes generated by a system provider host processor and a billing algorithm which can classify each telephone call into one of a plurality of billing categories including billing categories for local calls, long distance calls and roaming calls, select a charge rate corresponding to that billing category, calculate an appropriate charge for that telephone call in real time by using said selected charge rate and subtract this appropriate charge from said debit account. 31. The mobile debit telephone of
claim 30 32. A method for activating a mobile debit telephone unit within a debit telephone system run by a system provider comprising:
storing mobile debit telephone identification information, mobile debit telephone operating codes and assignable telephone numbers in a system provider's host processor; having the mobile debit telephone or its user initiate communication with the system provider to activate said mobile debit telephone unit including providing to said system provider with information about the identity of said mobile debit telephone unit and the location of its user; inputting said identity and location information into the system provider's host processor; retrieving from said system provider's host processor operating codes to activate said debit telephone, operating codes to establish a debit account balance and an assignable telephone number corresponding to the user location information; communicating said operating codes and assignable telephone number to said mobile telephone unit or its user; inputting said operating codes and assignable telephone number into said mobile debit telephone unit to activate said mobile debit telephone unit, establish a debit account balance and establish a working telephone number for said mobile debit telephone unit. 33. The activation method of
claim 32 34. The activation method of
claim 33 35. The activation method of
claim 32 36. The activation method of
claim 32 37. The activation method of
claim 32 38. The activation method of
claim 32 39. A method for replenishing a mobile debit telephone unit debit account within a debit telephone system run by a system provider comprising:
storing operating codes within a system provider's host processor which are capable of replenishing a mobile telephone unit's debit account; having the mobile debit telephone user pay to have the mobile telephone unit debit account replenished in a designated amount and providing said user with verification of such payment; having the mobile debit telephone or its user initiate communication with the system provider to replenish the mobile telephone unit debit account including providing to said system provider information about the identity of said mobile debit telephone unit and verification of payment; inputting said identity and payment verification information into the system provider's host processor; retrieving from said system provider's host processor operating codes applicable only to the particular mobile debit telephone unit identified in order to replenish that telephone's debit account in the designated amount; communicating said operating codes to said mobile telephone unit or its user; and, inputting said operating codes into said mobile debit telephone unit to replenish its debit account. 40. The debit account replenishment method of
claim 39 41. The debit account replenishment method of
claim 40 42. The debit account replenishment method of
claim 39 43. The debit account replenishment method of
claim 39 44. The debit account replenishment method of
claim 39 Description [0001] This application is a continuation of and claims benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/749,721, filed on Nov. 15, 1996, which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/381,704, filed on Jan. 30, 1995, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,100. [0002] This invention relates to a mobile phone system with a mobile telephone accounting protocol for mobile phones, and in particular to cellular phones and radio phones that are capable of moving from one transmission station to another in a communication network. In particular, the mobile telephone accounting protocol is adapted for a mobile debit phone in which the communication traffic with the service provider is minimized to expand traffic handling capacity of the service provider by accomplishing the accounting procedures within each mobile phone unit. The mobile telephone accounting protocol is similar to that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,418, which is incorporated herein by reference. In the referenced patent, an accounting system is described which has particular application to a rental phone system or a controlled phone system, such as an intra-corporate system where periodic calculation of phone charges are made prior to receipt of billings from public or switched service providers. In such systems, phone call data is stored in the mobile phone unit and charges are calculated by a host processor after a dialogue is established between the host processor and the phone unit. This system requires that a communication link be established between the host processor and the mobile phone unit and may require that the phone unit be physically connected to the host processor. [0003] Although debit systems with internal debit and credit memory for cordless phones have been previously proposed such systems do not account for the particular complexities of mobile phone systems wherein multiple service providers may be involved in a communication network and the mobile phone is allowed to move or roam across defined zones or cells within a particular service area or across multiple service areas. In such situations, the location of the mobile phone making the call is as important for billing calculations as the location of the phone or stations being called. This added complexity complicates billing procedures for mobile phones and increases the communication session required for remote debit systems, thereby adding to airway traffic. [0004] In addition to the objective of eliminating an accounting session with a service provider for each call made, the mobile phone with internal accounting capabilities greatly expands the potential customer base by enabling persons with inadequate credit to obtain mobile phone service by the use of a pay-as-you-go debit account. In this case, the credit risk is avoided by prepayment of service and call charges, and where credit is extended permits the credit to be provided by an entity other than the service provider, for example by the seller of the phone, or by a billing service that provides credit or pre-paid accounts for mobile phone users. [0005] The mobile phone unit of this invention can be used with a mobile phone rental system as described in reference Pat. No. 5,325,418. Because the mobile phone unit itself includes the accounting capabilities, the rental system can be greatly expanded, allowing the return station to have minimum system hardware, and indeed, requiring only the ordinary equipment necessary to clear an account, collect the charges and store the returned phone for pick-up or return to an initiating station. The mobile phone unit itself calculates the charges on the fly and provides a cumulative account record for review at the return station. The mobile phone system of this invention is adapted for analog or digital cellular telephones, radiophones in personal communication service networks (PCS's) and other wireless communication systems where it is desirable that call accounting be done on the fly. [0006] The mobile phone system with mobile phones having internal accounting of this invention relates to wireless communication systems having mobile communication devices, particularly mobile telephones that are part of a wireless communication network. In particular, the invention relates to a mobile communication device, such as a mobile telephone unit that includes an internal accounting protocol for internal calculation of communication charges on the fly. Such mobile telephone units or mobile phone units are typically cellular telephones in a cellular phone network, radio telephones in a personal communication service network or other communication system where the communication device is moveable from place to place and requires a complex accounting system for calculating calling charges in real time or on the fly. [0007] Although the primary intended use of the mobile phone system of this invention is intended for mobile debit phone units, where real time calculation of phone charges is necessary to limit phone use or to immediately bill for phone use where the billings of public switched service providers and involved wireless service providers are not yet available. [0008] A real time accounting system carried internally in the mobile phone unit greatly expands the potential customer base for such units and coupled with certain activation and deactivation features allows a new segment of business to become involved in the mobile communications industry. Because credit responsibility can be shifted from the service provider, retailers, billing services, and a host of intermediate entities can be integrated between the phone user and the service provider. Additionally, the service provider can expand its customer base by providing mobile debit phones to its customers with a pre-paid phone credit or with a preapproved credit limit that will deactivate the phone unit if credit is exceeded or credit is not extended by the airway activation and credit transfer procedures that form a part of this mobile phone system. In this manner, the credit risk is limited to an acceptable predefined level. [0009] The accounting system that provides these features is carried internally in the mobile communication device, for convenience, hereafter called the mobile phone unit. The accounting system includes a complex billing algorithm with multiple factor accounting protocol to account for local charges, roaming charges when the mobile phone unit moves from one zone to another, long distance charges, international charges including country independent local charges, and surcharges which may be per call or rate based. The complex billing algorithm can be expanded to accommodate special charges of service providers or called stations or special discounts or premiums for data transfer calls. [0010] The complex algorithm is stored within the phone unit, together with a rate schedule. The rate schedule may be periodically updated by a wireless communication with a host or service provider. [0011] It is to be understood that the mobile phone unit with internal accounting can be implemented into existing wireless communication networks without substantial modification to the network and can be implemented into most existing mobile communication devices with minimal modification, primarily by internal reprogramming of the device. [0012] A mobile phone unit such as a cellular telephone currently includes an internal processor and sufficient internal memory to incorporate the programming and data storage necessary to accomplish the real time accounting. The complex algorithm providing the multiple factor accounting protocol is sufficiently compact that storage and processing of the call data is enabled in real time with sufficient accuracy to account for multiple charges from multiple service providers even for a roaming phone unit. The accounting protocol enables internal tracking of phone usage with activation and deactivation of the phone unit to insure unauthorized usage is prevented. The accounting protocol further includes an encryption system to permit activation and licensed use of the phone unit, and account credit transfers on the fly over the airways. [0013] These and other features of the mobile phone system with internal accounting in the mobile phone units will become apparent upon consideration of the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments that follows. [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the components of the mobile phone accounting system of this invention with part of the system shown schematically. [0015]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the basic internal components of a mobile phone unit. [0016] Referring to FIG. 1, the mobile phone accounting system of this invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10, and illustrates a stand-alone, tracking and accounting unit 12 that may be used by a rental agency or by a mobile phone dispensing center such as a retail store, or a center associated with a wireless service provider. [0017] The tracking and accounting unit 12 includes a central processing unit 14 that combines a data entry keyboard 16 coupled to a controller or data processor 18, which in turn is coupled to a monitor 20 having a display screen 22 for tracking data entry and review. Also connected to the processor 18 are peripheral components including a printer 24, here with a continuous paper roll 26 for printing statements, receipts, customer and service provider contracts, and the like, and a credit card reader 27 for credit verification. [0018] Included in one embodiment of the tracking unit 18 of the mobile phone accounting system is direct couple, interlink receiver 28, shown with an installed hand-held, mobile phone unit 30. The interlink receiver 28 structurally forms a boot 32 into which the cellular phone unit 30 is inserted for direct, electronic coupling of the phone unit 30 and the data processor 18 of the central processing unit 14. As many of the accounting functions of the accounting system are preferred internally in the phone unit 30, satellite processors for activating and programming phone units require only a personal computer with a modem and a bus connect to the connection port of the phone unit. [0019] In the arrangement of FIG. 1, the interlink receiver functions as a terminal interconnect allowing for direct �hard wire� communication between the data processor 18 and the mobile phone unit 30 through the connection port of the phone unit 30. Programming and activation of the phone unit 30 can be accomplished by the processing unit 14 through the interlink receiver with minimal security procedures. The processing unit 14 is particularly useful in opening new customer accounts and includes the necessary data base format for assigning a phone to a user and tracking the assigned phone as described in detail in co-pending application, entitled, �MOBILE PHONE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM,� Ser. No. 08/265,373, filed Jun. 23, 1994. [0020] The mobile phone unit 30 is preferably a contemporary unit with an LCD display screen 32 for display of phone numbers, account data, and other numeric or alphanumeric data. Additionally, the phone unit 30 includes one or more light emitting diodes 34, to signal a user with color coded lights during a call that an impending deactivation of the phone unit 30 is near. The phone unit 30 includes conventional circuitry and firmware to perform the customary communication, transmission and reception function, as shown in FIG. 2. The phone unit 30 has a transceiver antenna 36 for wireless communication, and as described hereafter, can be activated and programmed over the airways. [0021] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the central processing unit 14 includes a modem 38 that is linked to a transmission station 40 for establishing a wireless communication link to a phone unit 30 a, shown with its antenna extended for reception. The transmission station 40 may be part of the mobile phone system common to the central processing unit 14 and owned by the system provider, or may be owned by an external service provider and part of the external communications network that includes the public switching network. [0022] In this mode of operation, the central processing unit 14 communicates via hardwire, possibly through a public service network to the RF transmission station 40 for remote processing between the central processing unit 14 and the mobile phone unit 30 a. Alternately, a low level transceiver 42, preferably with control circuitry located within the interlink receiver 28, provides for RF communication with the phone unit 30 a within local range. This feature is useful in retail centers where it is desired that the central processing unit 14 be located in a computer room and sales clerks communicating with a customer, communicate to the central processing unit through one or more floor terminals with limited processing capabilities for security reasons. [0023] Since the mobile phone unit 30 includes the necessary accounting functions to internally maintain a user's call account, at least within a rental period or within period of periodic polling by the central processing unit 14 during off hours, the unit 30 and a transaction station 44 need only verify the validity of a money transfer or credit transfer. When functioning as a debit phone, the phone can continue to operate until the account is exhausted, without contact with the system provider. The transaction station 44 shown in FIG. 1 includes an interlink receiver boot 46 in which is installed a mobile phone unit 30 b. The transaction station 44 includes a cash receiving slot 48 for receiving cash for increasing the internal pre-paid account of the phone. The transaction station 44 also includes a card slot 50 for receiving pre-paid phone cards or credit cards and a key pad 51 for data entry. Verification of the value of phone cards and credit card may be accomplished by a stand alone transaction station 44; however, to prevent fraud it is preferred that a transaction station 44 having a card reader be connected by a communication line 52, as shown, to credit verification center, here the central processing unit 14 via the modem 38. The phone card is a discardable credit card-like device having a magnetic strip coded with a pre-paid amount and can be sold independently of the phone system. To prevent reuse of dispensed cards by reprogramming the magnetic strip, the card is voided upon use, and the card serial number is centrally logged as void. [0024] Similarly, to provide an opportunity for a credit card verification, the use of a direct communication line 52 to the modem 38 or alternately to a local credit agency is preferred. The transaction station 44 also includes a key pad 54 allowing a user to select the amount to be added to the internal account in the phone. In this manner, where the mobile phone user desires to increase his phone use account amount without a dialogue with the system provider, there is an opportunity to do so. The call data in the phone unit is dumped to the transaction station or cleared to permit the accumulation of new data related to the upgrade account. Alternatively, where an account has been established with the system provider, which may be an entity different from the wireless service provider with whom the system may contract, the mobile phone user may request an increase in the internal debit account by contacting the system provider through the airways as shown by the phone unit 30 a in FIG. 1. [0025] Referring to FIG. 2, a generalized electronic schematic is shown of the typical mobile phone unit 30 used in the system here described. The phone unit 30 includes a processor 56 that acts as a controller to coordinate the functions of the unit 30. The processor 56 has an associated memory comprising an EPROM chip 58 which stores the firmware that forms the core operating code of the unit and one or more RAM chips 60, that provide programmable memory and may include command codes as well as data storage, for example for logging the call data. Also, closely associated with the controller is a clock chip 64, which provides a timer for calls. In the preferred mobile phone unit 30, the clock chip is a real time chip that provides time and date for improved call logging and for greater flexibility in phone use plans. Use of a real time clock chip is not required for the described mobile phone accounting system, but allows for full use of the logging and tracking features. Additionally, certain features such as deactivation of the phone of a set date is accomplished using a real time clock chip. Call counters and cumulative time limits for deactivation may be served by a timer chip. [0026] Airway communication is provided through the antenna 36, which is connected to an RF transceiver connected to the processor 56 and to an analog audio circuit 68 with an ear phone output 70 and a microphone input 72. The audio circuit 68 is also connected to the processor 56 for audio output of touch-tones, warning signals and the like. The phone unit 30 includes DTMF decoder chip 72 and a keypad 76 for data entry, such as telephone numbers, and DTMF signals for code dialogues with the central processor over the airways. Preferably, the phone unit 30 includes a LCD display screen 33 as noted and a series of green, yellow and red LEDs 34 to visibly warn of a forced termination of a call because of loss of credit or the like, with yellow providing a five minute warning light, for example. Audio warnings are transmitted through the earphone 74. The phone unit 30 is powered by a battery pack 78. [0027] Ordinarily, by displacing certain features in a manufacturer's stock phone unit, such as the storage of frequently called numbers in a cellular phone, the RAM is sufficiently large to accept the complex billing algorithm and the command set necessary to convert a cellular phone to a real time billing phone. Where the existing RAM is inadequate, modification by installation of additional RAM or ROM will allow incorporation of the conversion code and data. For example, in a newly designed phone, the new auxiliary firmware in including parts of the complex billing algorithm and much of the command set, could advantageously be allocated to ROM, with changeable data such as the rate tables and call log allocated to RAM. Alternatively, all wireless auxiliary firmware and changeable data can be allocated to existing RAM or added RAM. [0028] The phone unit 30 when received from the manufacturer includes a fixed ESN (electronic serial number) unique to each phone. To be functional, the phone unit is programmed and this may be accomplished individually, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,418 or in batch mode as described in the referenced application. The existing ESN and GIM (group identification mark) are read and stored and the NAM (number assigned module) is run, assigning the MIN (mobile identification number), SID (site identification number) and other parameters to activate a phone unit for general use. The MIN is the assigned telephone number for the unit and should be one of the last numbers assigned, if step programming is accomplished to preserve a working inventory of available MINS. Step programming may be desired where a batch of phones are programmed and assigned to a service provider identified by SID, which then assigns a phone to a customer at the service provider's location. [0029] Customarily, the phones are programmed by installing the phone unit in an interlink receiver 28 in the central processor unit 14 or at a remote terminal connected to the central processor unit. The phone unit 30 can alternately be activated and programmed on the fly by use of the paging capabilities of the phone unit via the DTMF signals as described hereafter. This feature allows remote programming of the phone over the airways via the transmission station without the necessity of the direct connection of the phone port connector to the central processor unit 14. [0030] In the mobile phone system of this invention where the mobile phone unit has internal accounting capabilities, the phone unit is programmed with the code responsive to the command set, the complex billing algorithm, the license code and other parameters allowing the phone unit to be a periodically polled unit, for example, in a rental environment, or a debit unit, where account status can be determined and upgraded on the fly. The following table, Table I, lists the command set. The command set is suitable for most modern cellular type phones and it is understood that modifications may be required for phone units of different types or different manufacturers. As noted, certain commands may not be operational where the hardware includes a clock chip that does to provide real time and date, and suitable modification is required.
[0031] A suggested protocol for the command set in Table I uses the acronyms in the following table:
[0032] The host computer comprises the central processing unit 14 of FIG. 1 or a satellite computer that is preferably connected to the central processing unit 14 which acts as a hub for system wide coordination of accounting and tracking information. The host computer, which may be a typical higher end PC communicates to the phone units via a bus using a standard Asynchroneous RS-232 serial port at 9600 band, no parity, 1 stop bit, 8 data bits or a customized interface tailored to a particular manufacturer's phone-unit. Where programming the initial activation of a phone unit over the airway, the initial dialogue is accomplished using DTMF signals. A factory phone has limited calling capability, typically 911 for emergency. The factory phones are preprogrammed to allow an additional dedicated 800 number, the number of the system provider service center. Once the connect is made by voice dialogue, the phone is switched to page mode and the service operator initiates the STMF code program. The ESN is checked by the HOST and if verified as an authorized phone for assignment by the HOST, the NAM parameters are programmed to the phone unit (PP). The programming of the phone as an internal accounting phone is also accomplished using DTMF signals. Because of security reasons, it is preferred that the phone unit be programmed through the bus by direct connection as previously described. [0033] A suggested data format for the command set listed in Table I is set forth in the following paragraphs: [0034] RD_PHONE_NUMBER [0035] HOST and PP Interaction: [0036] HOST sends CB to PP [0037] PP sends DBS+LRC (Longitudinal Redundancy Check) [0038] Data From Phone: [0039] DBS is an ASCII string representation of the MIN. eg. 5108382400 [0040] LRC Calculation [0041] The LRC, Longitudinal Redundance Check, is calculated by the following algorithm: [0042] b=0�00 [0043] LOOP I=0 to length of data [0044] b=b XOR data[I] [0045] LRC=b [0046] The LRC is used when any data bytes, DB, are sent to the PP or form the PP [0047] RD_PHONE_CALLS [0048] HOST an PP Interaction: [0049] HOST sends RD_CALLS_COUNTER to PP [0050] PP sends back DB for the call counter to HOST [0051] HOST sends CB to PP [0052] PP sends back all call data to HOST followed by an LRC byte (Longitudinal Redundancy Check) (The bytes coming back would be number of calls * 17+1 for the LRC) [0053] WR_PHONE_TIME [0054] HOST and PP Interaction: [0055] HOST sends CB+DB(4)+LRC to PP (The LRC would include the CB) [0056] PP sends back an ACK to HOST [0057] Data sent to phone: [0058] The CB, RD_PHONE_TIME, is sent followed by 4 bytes containing the MMDDHHMM in BCD. The month, day, hour and minute are each in the form of a BCD byte [0059] Example: [0060] eg. for Jan. 1, 1980 at 1 pm the DB would look like 01011300 where 01, 01, 13 and 00 are all bytes [0061] RD_PHONE_TIME [0062] HOST and PP Interaction: [0063] HOST sends a CB to PP [0064] PP sends back a DB(4)+LRC to HOST [0065] Data sent form phone: [0066] The data sent from the phone is identical to the data sent to the phone in WR_PHONE_TIME [0067] Example: [0068] eg. For Feb. 2, 1999 at 2:12 pm the DB bytes would look like 02021412 etc. [0069] RD_PHONE_RTB [0070] HOST and PP Interaction: [0071] HOST sends a CB to PP [0072] PP sends back its firmware revision number in some format relevant to the phone+LRC [0073] Data sent from phone: [0074] TBD. Specific to the manufacturers phone [0075] LOCK_PHONE [0076] When the phone is in �locked� mode, the phone should display the word �LOCKED� on the main viewing screen. The phone is completely deactivated while in this mode until the HOST issues the UNLOCK_PHONE command. The purpose of this mode is to secure the phone in between rentals or debit-rentals. While in this mode, it prevents users, or employees, from stealing air time. Also, if the phone is stolen while in this mode, the phone is worthless. This worthlessness provides a sense of security for the supplier of the phones. [0077] HOST and PP Interaction: [0078] HOST sends a CB to PP [0079] PP send back an ACK to HOST [0080] UNLOCK_PHONE [0081] This mode is just opposite the LOCK_PHONE or �LOCKED� mode. In this mode, the phone is completely usable. [0082] HOST and PP Interaction: [0083] HOST sends CB to PP [0084] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0085] RD_CALL_COUNTER [0086] This comment allows the HOST to read the current number of calls that have been made on this phone during this rental. From there, the HOST can use this as data to present to the user and use this data to determine the number of bytes the phone will send when issued the RD_PHONE_CALLS command. [0087] Host and PP Interaction: [0088] HOST sends CB to PP [0089] PP sends DB(2)+LRC to HOST [0090] The two data bytes are 16 bits from most significant bit to least significant bit. These two bytes represent the number of calls that have been made on the telephone. The last, or third byte, is an LRC. [0091] RD_COMMAND_STATUS [0092] At any point during the PP interrogation by the HOST, the HOST can issue this command byte, CB, to determine the state of the last command sent. Even though ACK's and LRC's are used, this provides a general status check on the PP. [0093] HOST and PP Interaction: [0094] HOST sends CB to PP+LRC [0095] PP sends back DB(2)+LRC to HOST [0096] Data Sent From PP: [0097] The DB byte sent from the phone can be used to diagnose internal problems that have occurred in the phone. If the last command and the current state of the phone are good, the DB should be 0�01. The rest of the bytes values can be left up to the manufacturer to decide what phone specific information can be returned via this byte. [0098] RESET_CALLS_MEMORY [0099] If the DO_CALL_TRACKING has been turned on during a rental period, the phone will have been storing call data in memory blocks of 17 bytes per call. This command is used to either clear the memory or simply reset a pointer in memory to the call data. [0100] HOST and PP Interaction: [0101] HOST sends a CB to PP+LRC [0102] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0103] RESET_ILLEGAL_CALLS [0104] The service provider has created a small algorithm that lets a phone perform call restriction. This feature allows the service provider to disable segments of the numbers or whole numbers right at the source; the phone. [0105] HOST and PP Interaction: [0106] HOST sends a CB+DB(63)+LRC to PP [0107] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0108] Data Sent From Host: [0109] KL=Key length, digit count to use for the search 1 byte [0110] KEY=The actual digits for the search 7 bytes [0111] ODS=Offset from the end of the digit string to search 1 byte [0112] Total: 9 bytes [0113] The total number of numbers to block is 7 which gives us 7*9=63 bytes of configuration data. [0114] ENABLE_ALL_CALLS [0115] This command disables the call restriction feature. If this command has been issued to the phone, then steps 2.0 and 2.1 are executed in the call restriction algorithm. On the other hand, if the RESTRICT_ILLEGAL_CALLS is issued to the phone with the configuration data, the phone would be placed in call restriction mode. [0116] HOST and PP Interaction: [0117] HOST sends CB to PP+LRC [0118] PP sends ACK to HOST [0119] RD_TELEPHONE_ESN [0120] The HOST requests the ESN and the phone transmits the ESN to the HOST. The ESN is the only nonchangeable part in the NAM that phones can be tracked by. [0121] HOST and PP Interaction: [0122] HOST sends CB to PP [0123] PP sends DB(x)+LRC to HOST [0124] Data Sent to HOST: [0125] The data that is sent to the HOST is dependent on the format the manufacturer is using. [0126] WR_NAM [0127] Writing the NAM via the HOST provides some benefits which are: [0128] 1. Misprogramming by employees which leads to bad service; [0129] 2. Fraud prevention in that the phone can only be programmed via this command; therefore, this deters an individual from simply stealing a rental phone and getting service somewhere else; [0130] 3. Safely and effectively moving phones from place to place; and [0131] 4. No training is required at the rental/debit site to activate the telephone. [0132] The following is a general list of parameters that would need to be programmed in an analog cellular phone: [0133] MIN, Mobile Identification Number [0134] SID, System ID (A side is an odd number while the B side is an even number) [0135] GIM, Group Identification Mark/ID (Typically 0-15) [0136] LUM, Local Usage Mark (0 or 1) [0137] EX, Min Class (0 or 1) [0138] ACCOLC, Access Overload Class (0+last digit of the MIN) [0139] LOCK, The User's Lock Code [0140] SS, The System Select (A-Only, B-Only, or Standard A-B/B-A mode) [0141] ICPH, Initial Paging Channel (334 B, 333 A) [0142] HOST and Interaction: [0143] HOST sends CB+DB(X)+LRC to PP [0144] PP sends ACK to HOST [0145] Data Sent To PP: [0146] The NAM data is somewhat standardized, however, each phone manufacturer usually has a built in protocol for doing just this. [0147] RD_NAM [0148] The RD_NAM, or read NAM, functions just the opposite of WR_NAM or write NAM. Again, this is typically already set up in a manufacturers phone. [0149] HOST and PP Interaction: [0150] HOST sends CB to PP [0151] PP sends DB(X)+LRC to HOST [0152] WR_SCRATCH_PAD [0153] This �scratch pad� memory is a segment of memory that the system provider can use to store important information in the phone. This information can be credit information, rental information or multi-site drop off information. By having the ability to store a small amount of data in the phone, the system provider can open the doors to many new features. This also provides the system provider with the ability to allow for future updates in the software that can take advantage of this memory. Any size up to 1K, 1024 bytes is adequate. [0154] HOST and PP Interaction: [0155] HOST sends CB+DB(X)+LRC to PP [0156] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0157] RD_SCRATCH_PAD [0158] This is just the opposite of WR_SCRATCH_PAD. With this command, the phone would send the �scratch pad� memory to the HOST. [0159] HOST and PP Interaction: [0160] HOST sends CB to PP [0161] PP sends DB(X)+LRC to HOST [0162] WR_LOCK_DATE [0163] Creates the ability to tell the phone to shut off at some date. [0164] HOST and PP Interaction: [0165] HOST sends CB+DB(3)+LRC to PP [0166] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0167] Data Sent To PP: [0168] The data date format is slightly different in that it contains no time information and does contain year information. The BCD format YYMMDD. [0169] Example: [0170] Jul. 21, 1968 would be 680721 [0171] RD_LOCK_DATE [0172] This is just the opposite of WR_LOCK_DATE. This is used to verify or find out what the current lock date is in the phone. [0173] HOST and PP Interaction: [0174] HOST sends CB to PP [0175] PP sends DB(3)+LRC to HOST [0176] Data Sent To Host: [0177] The data DB(3) is a date in the format described in WR_LOCK_DATE. [0178] REGISTRATION [0179] This REGISTRATION command acts as a security feature for the phone manufacturer and the system provider. Before any HOST and PP interaction can occur, the HOST must send this command followed by the password. From that point on, any command issued should work. If this command has not been issued, then the PP should not respond to any HOST commands. [0180] HOST and PP Interaction: [0181] HOST sends CB+DB(16)+LRC to PP [0182] PP sends DB(16)+LRC to HOST [0183] Data sent to PP [0184] The data password may be a default password selected by the system provider. [0185] Data sent to HOST: [0186] The data is then echoed back to the HOST. This helps show the relationship between the system provider and a customer such as a telephone vendor. [0187] WR_CONF_DATA [0188] This is the configuration structure that contains all the necessary parameters for providing a debit service. This data includes items such dialing information, relates and other configuration information, including the complex billing algorithm that permits internal accounting within the phone unit. Once this data is in place and the DO_DEBIT_MODE command is given, the phone will begin using this information to process call charges. [0189] RD_CONF_DATA [0190] This command will read back the configuration data that was written by WR_CONF_DATA. [0191] HOST and PP Interaction: [0192] HOST Sends a CB to PP [0193] PP sends DB(X)+LRC to PP [0194] Data From Phone: [0195] This data (DB(X) is the size of the data structure discussed in WR_CONF_DATA. This may vary depending on implementation and phone restrictions. Following the data, there should be an LRC. [0196] WR_DOLLAR_AMOUNT [0197] This command is used to update the current dollar limit in the phone. Since this is a single command there stands great risk for fraud. So there is a bit of extra data that helps deter fraud built in. [0198] HOST and PP Interaction: [0199] HOST sends CB+LICENSE NUMBER+LRC to PP [0200] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0201] Data sent to phone: [0202] The HOST will send a CB then a valid license number followed by an LRC. This license number is the same license number that is transmitted �over the air� to the phone or manually imputed via the key pad. [0203] RD_DOLLAR_AMOUNT [0204] This command returns the current dollar amount in the phone. [0205] HOST and PP Interaction: [0206] HOST sends a CB to PP [0207] PP sends DB(2)+LRC to HOST [0208] Data sent to host: [0209] The DB(2) data in the two bytes of dollar data with the Most Significant bit first and Least Significant bit last. [0210] Example: [0211] DB(2)=00 02 which would translate to the value 2 [0212] DO_CALL_TRACKING [0213] This command turns on the call tracking feature. If the phone is in call tracking mode, the phone will save, see the RD_PHONE_CALLS command, all calls made so that they may be used to bill the user at a later time. [0214] HOST and PP Interaction: [0215] HOST sends a CB to PP [0216] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0217] NO_CALL_TRACKING [0218] This command turns on the call tracking feature. This command is useful when the supplier of phones wishes to leave a phone out in the field for long or indefinite periods of time. This command might be used in setting up debit phones at the factory or distribution center so that they would be ready for the retail market. [0219] HOST and PP Interaction: [0220] HOST sends a CB to PP [0221] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0222] DO_DEBIT_MODE [0223] This command tells the phone to begin the processing and using the WR_CONF_DATA and WR_DOLLAR_AMOUNT's data. When this mode is active, the phone begins to watch each phone call during debiting money as the phone is in use. Based on the configuration data supplied by WR_CONF_DATA the phone would decrement the WR_DOLLAR_AMOUNT each minute as the phone is in use. [0224] HOST and PP Interaction: [0225] HOST sends a CB to PP [0226] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0227] NO_DEBIT_MODE [0228] This command tells the phone not to do debit processing. This will most likely be used whenever a customer wants to track calls of a user on a periodic basis as in a rental situation. Again, if call tracking is on and this command is issued, calls are only tracked and the phone should lock when the memory is fall. [0229] HOST and PP Interaction: [0230] HOST sends a CB to PP [0231] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0232] ENABLE_AIR_ACTIVATION [0233] The reason to provide the commands ENABLE_AIR_ACTIVATION and DISABLE_AIR ACTIVATION is for a customer that doesn't want over the air debit activation for its client users. By turning off the air activation, the customer has less room for fraud. This feature could also be used in creating a value added telephone or different models of the same phone etc. [0234] HOST and PP Interaction: [0235] HOST sends a CB to PP [0236] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0237] DISABLE_AIR_ACTIVATION [0238] When this command is sent to the phone, the phone will no longer accept debit updates via DTMF tones. The only way a phone could then receive an update is via the keypad or via a self-service transaction station. [0239] HOST and PP Interaction: [0240] HOST sends a CB to PP [0241] PP sends an ACK to HOST [0242] When the foregoing command set has been implemented to establish the interface protocol between the HOST, here the central control unit 14, and the PP, here the mobile phone unit 30, the phone unit is programmed to respond to the HOST and to limited user commands as noted. The command set allows for a communication dialogue between the central control unit, or its surrogate, and the phone unit. [0243] When the WR_CONF_DATA command is executed, the phone unit is loaded with the necessary data and code, including the complex billing algorithm to enable the phone unit to function as a debit phone upon entering and execution of the DO_DEBIT_MODE command. [0244] The complex billing algorithm factors the multiple variables of a telephone call from a mobile phone into a billing equation that virtually mirrors the factors considered by public switched network providers and involved wireless service providers, (of which there may be more than one involved in a single call). The resultant call charge accurately approximates the summation of real charges that will be billed by the involved providers enabling an instant calculation of charges. Naturally, any error bias is programmed to favor the accounting system provider to minimize potential underbilling. By incorporating a rate table in the phone unit 30, dialogue with the system provider, which may be a separate entity from the wireless service provider, is thereby avoided. Since the rate table used by the complex billing algorithm may change at any time, the mobile phone system of this invention provides for over the air updating of the internal rate table in each phone unit at the initiation of the system provider. Each phone unit may be polled and updated by the system provider during off-hours. Preferably, the updated rate table is coded when the user applies for an increase in the internal phone account. [0245] In describing the complex billing algorithm, the acronyms in Table III are used.
[0246] The call record configuration structure that enables the billing data to be established for calculation of charges is set forth in TABLE IV.
[0247] The configuration data for the foregoing record fields is explained as follows: [0248] Maximum International Digts�This is the maximum length of a country's country code. For instance, the USA has a country code of 1 while Venezuela has a country code of 58. If these were the only two countries in the world, then the maximum international digits would be 2. This isn't the case and we typically have this set at either 3 or 5 depending on the billing demand. [0249] Minimum International Digits�This is the minimum length of a country code. This will, in almost all cases, be set to 1. [0250] Maximum Long Distance Digits�This is the maximum length of a city's area code. This varies greatly in third world countries. Here in the USA this will always be set at 3 because all area codes are a length of 3. However, some countries area codes range from 1 digit up to 5 or more digits. [0251] Minimum Long Distance Digits�This is just the opposite of the maximum for long distance. Again, for the USA this will always be set to 3 but will vary outside the USA. [0252] Maximum Local Digits�This is the maximum length of digits it takes to call a local number. Here in the USA it is fixed at 7. However, this varies greatly in other countries. [0253] Minimum Local Digits�This is the minimum length of digits it takes to place a local call. This varies greatly even if you are in the USA. This can be used to create different effects in billing. However, because of the scope of the debit phone, this will most likely always be set to 0 or the USA only. (0 would account for an incoming call) [0254] International Access Code�This is the required prefix that must be dialed to place a directly dialed international call. From the USA a customer would dial 011+ country code+city/area code+local digits in order to place an international call. This varies greatly from country to country. A length of 7 in the description above provides the system provider with the capability of serving places like the Caribbean. They require a standard 7 digit number as a prefix. (This is just an example of place in the Caribbean) [0255] Long Distance Access Code�This is the digit or digits that are required for a user to dial in order to place a long distance call. From the USA, the user would dial a 1+, sometimes called one plus dialing. In other countries, this varies from a simple 0 to some lengthy digits e.g., 108 for the Philippines. [0256] Is Long Distance Access Code Required�In some cellular systems, it is not required that you dial the long distance access code in order to place a long distance call. In San Francisco, for example, if one were to call Utah information, all one would have to do is dial 801-555-1212, 1-801-555-1212 would also get to the same place. If the long distance access code is required, it will help the accuracy of the billing algorithm. [0257] Third Party Prefix/Operator/Calling Card�This essentially is the digit that must be dialed to reach the operator. In the USA, 0 is the digit necessary to reach the operator. It also is the digit necessary to place a collect call or credit card call. [0258] Billing Delay�After X seconds have passed, billing will begin. Since the phone does not know exactly when the call has been connected, we have to approximate this connection. If the call lasts under this X seconds, then the user is not billed for the call. However, if the call lasts X seconds, then the user is billed from the time they hit SND to END or the call is dropped. [0259] Home SID�This is the cellular system ID this phone is assigned to. [0260] Home Area Code�This is the area code of the cellular phone number or MIN, Mobile Identification Number. [0261] Ease Access Per Minute Charge�This rate is added to every telephone call made. This is the base rate for the telephone call. The only way this rate would not be added in is if the Billing Delay had not been reached. [0262] Additional Per Minute Long Distance Charge�This rate is added upon the Base Access rate when the call placed is classified as a long distance call. [0263] Additional International Per Minute Charge�This rate is added upon the Base Access rate when the call placed is classified as an international call. [0264] Additional Roaming Per DaU Charge�This rate is added upon the Base Access rate when the call is a roaming call and this charge has not been already been applied today. [0265] Additional Roaming Per Minute Charge�This rate is added upon the Base Access rate and possible the Additional Roaming Per Day Charge when the call is a roaming call. [0266] Additional Operator Assistance Charge�This rate is added upon the Base Access rate when the call starts with the Third Party Prefix/Operator digit(s) or is a surcharge for call connects identified as data transfer calls or the like. [0267] Lock Date�This is the date the phone will no longer function on. The phone will display �DATE-LOCKED� and will not be able to be used until it is reprogrammed via the HOST or a license number. [0268] Non-Billed Area Code�This is an area code or number that is to be billed. This would be set to 800 for the USA. (NOTE: Only the long distance part of the charge is not billed) [0269] Last Date Phone Was Roaming�This is used to store the last date the customer was charged Roaming Per Day. If a call is roaming and today isn't equal to the Last Date Phone Was Roaming, then the Roaming Per Day Charge would apply. [0270] Non-Billed Numbers�This is a block of at least 5 numbers of 11 digits in length that provides the flexibility not to bill for certain phone numbers called. Numbers like 911 or other special numbers such as *18 for roaming. Any Non-Billed Number can also be dialed even if the phone is out of money or locked. This way, if the user's phone runs out of money in debit mode, the user can use that very phone to call a Non-Billed Number, such as customer support, to increase their credit on the phone. [0271] Random Number Block�This is a block of numbers ranging from 1000-9999 that are used in decoding license numbers. [0272] The basic complex billing algorithm calculates the call charges for the basic categories of local calls, longs distance calls, international calls and roaming calls. As the algorithm allows compounding of categories, the call types are a complex of factors, for example, incoming roaming long distance call. The algorithm is easily expanded to handle other categories, for example data transfer calls, for which deductions or surcharges may apply. [0273] In classifying a call, the following factors are considered which cover virtually all situations: [0274] Local Call�If the call digit length is less than or equal to the Maximum Local Digits and the call digit length is greater than or equal to the Minimum Local digits, then this is a local call. [0275] Long Distance Call�First, long distance calls are the most cumbersome to classify because there are so many possibilities. However, this can be boiled down to a few tests. [0276] If the number starts with the Long Distance Access Code, then subtract the length of the Long Distance Access Code from the length of the call digits. (i.e., If I dial 1-510-838-2400 the length is 11−1=10) [0277] If the NEWLY calculated call digit length is less than or equal to (the Maximum Local Digits+the Maximum Long Distance Digits) and the call digit length is greater than or equal to (the Minimum Local Digits+the Minimum Long Distance Digits) then: [0278] If the call does not start with the Long Distance Access Code and the Long Distance Access Code Required flag is set to yes, then this call is not a legitimate long distance call. (This is helpful in the third world) [0279] The following special cases are considered: [0280] Is a Call Roaming? [0281] If the SID the phone is currently in when the call is placed is not equal any of the 5 Home SIDs, then the call is roaming. [0282] Third Party Prefix/Operator Assisted Calls [0283] If any call begins with the Third Party Prefix, then the call is not to be billed at all. [0284] Billing Delay [0285] If a call lasts under the Billing Delay seconds, then the call is not to be billed at all. [0286] Date Locking [0287] If the current date is equal or greater than the current Lock Date, the phone should lock and display �DATE�LOCKED�. [0288] The following examples provide an overview on the manner calls are calculated:
[0289] Once a call has been classified, as close to pressing SND as possible, the charges described above need to be tracked on a minute by minute basis. One reason might be that if a user gets a dropped call or some unexpected end of a call, the system provider wants to be able to bill the call as close to it can to the number of minutes the user actually talked. The phone updates the debit amount every minute on the minute during a call. So, for a local call, the minute by minute calculation might be as follows: Total Charge=Total Charge+L [0290] The user should be notified by a tone or set of tones in the earpiece and on the phone's screen or by the warning lights if there is less than 5 minutes of air time left at the current rate of use. [0291] The mobile phone system of this invention allows over the air activation and dialogue with the phone unit 30 using DTMF signals and the paging capability of a mobile phone with a receiver decoder. The current allowable dollar amount in the internal account of the phone unit can then be upgraded over the air. During the DTMF dialogue between the central processing unit of the system provider and the user's phone, the encrypted license number of the user's phone is transferred and verified. The user's account is checked to determine if upgrade is warranted or is flagged as a credit risk. The upgrade amount is encrypted and keyed to the encrypted license number and transferred to the user together with any update of the rate schedule. [0292] When the user exhausts the amount in the internal account in the phone unit 30, the phone unit is locked, and the display 33 shows �EMPTY-LOCKED.� The phone unit 30 is placed in paging mode enabling customer service to be paged for an account upgrade. [0293] Similarly, when the use period expires, the phone unit 30 becomes locked and the display 33 shows �DATE-LOCKED,� and is placed in paging mode. Where the user has a low account balance, he voluntarily enters page mode and contacts customer service for an account increase. [0294] If desired, the phone unit when in involuntary paging mode can have restricted paging function, allowing only contact to the service center and receipt of a license number. This disables the phone, even as a pager, and deters theft in the rental environment. Alternatively, the phone unit when locked can retain full paging capabilities. [0295] It is to be understood that all of the data security issues are not here addressed and the security measures to be implemented depend on the environment of use and the position of the system provider in the service network. Upgrades are phone specific and are verified internally in the phone using parameters unique to the phone unit. The license numbers, after verification, are not stored or known to the user except in encrypted form. [0296] The mobile phone system of this invention provides substantial flexibility by the features described. Phone retailers can sell and activate phones on site without special equipment. Furthermore, phones with internal accounting allow for prepayment of service and call usage charges permitting the retailer to make credit judgment or cash sales independent of the service provider. Additionally, the task of the system provider can be assumed by the retailer, the service provider or an independent entity that assumes the risk or provides for only cash prepayment transactions. [0297] While, in the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention. Referenced by
Legal Events
Rotate |