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Patent Application 18142684 - WIRELESS CONNECTION MONITORING CLASSIFICATION - Rejection

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Patent Application 18142684 - WIRELESS CONNECTION MONITORING CLASSIFICATION

Title: WIRELESS CONNECTION MONITORING, CLASSIFICATION, AND PRIORITY

Application Information

  • Invention Title: WIRELESS CONNECTION MONITORING, CLASSIFICATION, AND PRIORITY
  • Application Number: 18142684
  • Submission Date: 2025-04-08T00:00:00.000Z
  • Effective Filing Date: 2023-05-03T00:00:00.000Z
  • Filing Date: 2023-05-03T00:00:00.000Z
  • National Class: 455
  • National Sub-Class: 456100
  • Examiner Employee Number: 78670
  • Art Unit: 2643
  • Tech Center: 2600

Rejection Summary

  • 102 Rejections: 1
  • 103 Rejections: 0

Cited Patents

No patents were cited in this rejection.

Office Action Text


    DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159.  See MPEP §§ 706.02(l)(1) - 706.02(l)(3) for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b). 
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/process/file/efs/guidance/eTD-info-I.jsp.
Claims 1-20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claim 1-34 of U.S. Patent No. 11678290 B2. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other, take an example of claim 1 of the U.S. Patent No. 11678290 B2 and claim 1 of the Pending application (Please see the Table below):
US Patent NO 11678290 B2  
Pending application 18142684
Reasoning
1. A method comprising: tracking multiple instances of a mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of multiple wireless access points at different times to access a remote network; based on the tracking, determining a set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a first geographical region; assigning a first wireless access point from the set as being a default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device wireless connectivity to the remote network; wherein the first wireless access point is assigned as the default wireless access point to provide the mobile communication device wireless access during a first subsequent condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the first geographical region; wherein the set is a first set, wherein the default wireless access point is a first default wireless access point, the method further comprising: based on the tracking, determining a second set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a second geographical region; and assigning a second wireless access point from the second set as being a second default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device wireless connectivity to the remote network during a second subsequent condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the second geographical region.
2. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: assigning the first wireless access point as the first default wireless access point in response to detecting highest usage of the mobile communication device establishing wireless connectivity with the first wireless access point to access the remote network, the highest usage being a longest overall duration of time of the mobile communication device connecting with a respective wireless access point of the multiple wireless access points while present in the first geographical region.
3. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: assigning the first wireless access point as the first default wireless access point depending on a number of the multiple instances in which the mobile communication device establishes wireless connectivity with the first wireless access point to access the remote network while the mobile communication device is in the first geographical region.
4. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: subsequent to assigning the first wireless access point as the first default wireless access point, receiving a command to newly connect the mobile communication device to the remote network while the mobile communication device resides in the first geographical region; in response to receiving the command, selecting the first default wireless access point to establish a new wireless connection with the mobile communication device; and establishing the new wireless connection between the first wireless access point and the mobile communication device.
5. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: subsequent to assigning the first wireless access point as the first default wireless access point, receiving a command requesting to connect the mobile communication device to the remote network during a condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the first geographical region; and in response to receiving the command: i) obtaining discovery information indicating a detected group of wireless access points present in wireless range of the mobile communication device, and ii) in response to detecting presence of an identity of the first default wireless access point in the group as indicated by the discovery information, selecting the first default wireless access point to establish a new wireless connection with the mobile communication device.
6. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: based on respective time information associated with the instances of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting with each of the multiple wireless access points in the first geographical region and the second geographical region, classifying the first default wireless access point and the second default wireless access point, the time information tracking time durations in which the mobile communication device is wirelessly connected to a respective wireless access point in the first set and the second set.
7. The method as in claim 6 further comprising: classifying the first default wireless access point as being a home network of a subscriber that operates the mobile communication device, the home network providing the mobile communication device wireless access during the a-first subsequent condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the first geographical region; and classifying the second default wireless access point as being a work network of the subscriber that operates the mobile communication device; the work network providing the mobile communication device wireless access during a second subsequent condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the second geographical region.
8. The method as in claim 1, wherein determining the set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in the first geographical region includes: detecting that the mobile communication device communicates with each of the multiple wireless access points in the first set within a respective window of time.
9. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: utilizing times of day information associated with the instances of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting with the multiple wireless access points as a basis to identify a network type associated with the first default wireless access point.
10. The method as in claim 1, wherein determining the set of multiple wireless access points that reside in the first geographical region includes: producing a confidence value indicating a likelihood that the first default wireless access point is a network of a particular type.
11. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: determining a location of the first default wireless access point based on the different instances of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting with each of the multiple wireless access points to access the remote network.
12. The method as in claim 1, wherein the first wireless access point is selected as the first default wireless access point in response to detecting that the mobile communication device connects to the first wireless access point for a greater percentage of time than the second wireless access point during a condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the first geographical region.
13. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: determining that a third wireless access point resides in the first geographical region based on a time difference between the mobile communication device connecting with the first wireless access point and the mobile communication device switching over to connecting with the third wireless access point.
14. The method as in claim 1, wherein tracking multiple instances of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of multiple wireless access points at different times includes: utilizing a respective time of day of the multiple instances of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of the multiple wireless access points at different times to determine a type associated with the first geographical region.
15. The method as in claim 14 further comprising: applying different weight values to time durations of the different times of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of the multiple wireless access points.
16. The method as in claim 1, wherein assigning the first wireless access point from the set as being the first default wireless access point includes: applying different weight values to time durations of the different times of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of the multiple wireless access points.
17. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: utilizing times of day information associated with the instances of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting with the multiple wireless access points in the first geographical region as a basis to identify a type of domain in which the mobile communication device resides.
18. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: utilizing a respective day of week associated with each of the instances of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting with the multiple wireless access points in the first geographical region as a basis to identify a type of domain in which the mobile communication device resides.
19. The method as in claim 18 further comprising: applying different weight values to the multiple instances for different days of the week.
20. A system comprising: communication management hardware operative to: track multiple instances of a mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of multiple wireless access points at different times to access a remote network; based on the tracking, determine a set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a first geographical region; and assign a first wireless access point from the set as being a default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device wireless connectivity to the remote network; wherein the first wireless access point is assigned as the default wireless access point to provide the mobile communication device wireless access during a first subsequent condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the first geographical region; wherein the set is a first set, wherein the default wireless access point is a first default wireless access point, the communication management hardware further operative to: based on the tracking, determine a second set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a second geographical region; and assign a second wireless access point from the second set as being a second default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device wireless connectivity to the remote network during a second subsequent condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the second geographical region.
21. The system as in claim 20, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: assign the first wireless access point as the first default wireless access point in response to detecting that the mobile communication device establishes wireless connectivity with the first wireless access point most frequently amongst the multiple instances to access the remote network.
22. The system as in claim 20, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: assign the first wireless access point as the first default wireless access point depending on time durations of the multiple instances in which the mobile communication device establishes wireless connectivity with the first wireless access point to access the remote network while in the first geographical region.
23. The system as in claim 20, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: subsequent to assigning the first wireless access point as being the first default wireless access point, receive a command to connect the mobile communication device to the remote network while the mobile communication device resides in the first geographical region; and in response to receiving the command, selecting the default first wireless access point to establish a requested wireless connection providing the mobile communication device access to the remote network.
24. The system as in claim 20, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: subsequent to assigning the first wireless access point as being the first default wireless access point, receive a command to connect the mobile communication device to the remote network; and in response to receipt of the command: i) obtain discovery information indicating a group of wireless access points present in a vicinity of the mobile communication device, and ii) in response to detecting presence of an identity of the first default wireless access point in the group as indicated by the discovery information, select the first default wireless access point to establish a wireless connection with the mobile communication device.
25. The system as in claim 20, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: based on respective time duration information associated with the instances of mobile communication device wirelessly connecting with each of the multiple wireless access points, classify the first default wireless access point and the second default wireless access point.
26. The system as in claim 25, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: classify the first default wireless access point as being a home network of a subscriber that operates the mobile communication device; and classify the second default wireless access point as being a work network of the subscriber that operates the mobile communication device.
27. The system as in claim 20, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: detect that the mobile communication device communicates with each of the multiple wireless access points in the first set within a window of time during which the mobile communication device resides within the first geographical region.
28. The system as in claim 20, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: utilize time of day information associated with the instances of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting with the multiple wireless access points as a basis to identify a network type associated with the first default wireless access point.
29. The system as in claim 20, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: produce a confidence value indicating a likelihood that the first default wireless access point supports a network of a particular type.
30. The system as in claim 20, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: determine a location of the first default wireless access point based on the different times of the mobile communication device wirelessly connecting with each of multiple wireless access points to access the remote network.
31. Computer-readable storage hardware having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when carried out by computer processor hardware, cause the computer processor hardware to: track multiple instances of a mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of multiple wireless access points at different times to access a remote network; based on the tracking, determine a set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a first geographical region; and assign a first wireless access point from the set as being a default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device wireless connectivity to the remote network; wherein the first wireless access point is assigned as the default wireless access point to provide the mobile communication device wireless access during a first subsequent condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the first geographical region; wherein the set is a first set, wherein the default wireless access point is a first default wireless access point, the computer processor hardware further operative to: based on the tracking, determine a second set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a second geographical region; and assign a second wireless access point from the second set as being a second default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device wireless connectivity to the remote network during a second subsequent condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the second geographical region.
32. A method comprising: tracking multiple instances of a mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of multiple wireless access points at different times to access a remote network; based on the tracking, determining a set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a first geographical region; and assigning a first wireless access point from the set as being a default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device wireless connectivity to the remote network; subsequent to assigning the first wireless access point as being the default wireless access point in the first geographical region, receiving a command requesting to provide the mobile communication device access to the remote network during a condition in which the mobile communication device resides in the first geographical region; in response to the command, determining identities of wireless access points in wireless communication range of the mobile communication device; and in response to detecting that the default wireless access point matches one of the determined identities, selecting the default wireless access point to establish a new wireless connection with the mobile communication device as requested by the command.
33. The method as in claim 32, wherein the determined identities includes a first identity and a second identity, the first identity being an identity of the first wireless access point in the first geographical region, the second identity being an identity of a second wireless access point in the first geographical region; and wherein detecting that the default wireless access point matches one of the determined identities includes: matching the first identity with an identity of the default wireless access point.
34. The method as in claim 33, wherein the first wireless access point is selected as the default wireless access point in response to detecting that a usage percentage of the mobile communication device previously connecting to the first wireless access point is greater than a usage percentage of the mobile communication device previously connecting to the second wireless access point associated with the multiple instances.

1. A method comprising: at a mobile communication device, receiving identities of multiple wireless access points available for providing the mobile communication device wireless access to a remote network; determining that a first wireless access point of the multiple wireless access points is assigned as a default wireless access point amongst the multiple wireless access points; and establishing wireless connectivity between the mobile communication device and the first wireless access point.

2. The method as in claim 1, wherein determining that the first wireless access point is assigned as the default wireless access point includes: obtaining tracking information indicating prior connectivity of the mobile communication device to each of the multiple wireless access points.

3. The method as in claim 2, wherein the tracking information indicates a ranking of the multiple wireless access points.

4. The method as in claim 3, wherein the ranking is based on a frequency of the mobile communication device previously wirelessly connecting to each of the multiple wireless access points.

5. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: assigning the first wireless access point as the default wireless access point based on a learn mode of monitoring prior connectivity of the mobile communication device to each of the multiple wireless access points.

6. The method as in claim 1 further comprising: determining that the multiple wireless access points reside at a same location based on times of day of the mobile communication device previously connecting to the multiple wireless access points.

7. A method comprising: tracking multiple instances of a mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of multiple wireless access points at different times to access a remote network; based on the tracking, determining a set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a first geographical region; and assigning a first wireless access point from the set as being a default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device subsequent wireless access to the remote network.

8. The method as in claim 7 further comprising: assigning the first wireless access point as the default wireless access point in the first geographical region for the subsequent wireless access in response to detecting highest usage of the mobile communication device establishing wireless connectivity with the first wireless access point to access the remote network in a time of day window.

9. The method as in claim 7 further comprising: classifying the first wireless access point as being a particular type of network depending on times of day when the mobile communication device connects to the first wireless access point.

10. The method as in claim 7, wherein determining the set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in the first geographical region includes: detecting that the mobile communication device communicates with each of the multiple wireless access points in the set within a respective window of time.

11. A system comprising: communication management hardware operative to: receive identities of multiple wireless access points available to provide a mobile communication device wireless access to a remote network; determine that a first wireless access point of the multiple wireless access points is assigned as a default wireless access point amongst the multiple wireless access points; and establish wireless connectivity between the mobile communication device and the first wireless access point.

12. The system as in claim 11, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: obtain tracking information indicating prior connectivity of the mobile communication device to each of the multiple wireless access points to determine that the first wireless access point is the default wireless access point.

13. The system as in claim 12, wherein the tracking information indicates a ranking of the multiple wireless access points.

14. The system as in claim 13, wherein the ranking is based on a frequency of the mobile communication device previously wirelessly connecting to each of the multiple wireless access points.

15. The system as in claim 11, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: assign the first wireless access point as the default wireless access point based on a learn mode of monitoring prior connectivity of the mobile communication device with each of the multiple wireless access points.

16. The system as in claim 11, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: determine that the multiple wireless access points reside at a same location based on times of day of the mobile communication device previously connecting to the multiple wireless access points.

17. A system comprising: communication management hardware operative to: track multiple instances of a mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of multiple wireless access points at different times to access a remote network; based on the tracking, determine a set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a first geographical region; and assign a first wireless access point from the set as being a default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device subsequent wireless access to the remote network.

18. The system as in claim 17, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: assign the first wireless access point as the default wireless access point in the first geographical region for the subsequent wireless access in response to detecting highest usage of the mobile communication device establishing wireless connectivity with the first wireless access point to access the remote network in a time of day window.

19. The system as in claim 17, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: classify the first wireless access point as being a particular type of network depending on times of day when the mobile communication device connects to the first wireless access point.

20. The system as in claim 17, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: detect that the mobile communication device communicates with each of the multiple wireless access points in the set within a respective window of time.
Further, the instant claims obviously encompass the claimed invention of U.S. Patent No. 11678290 B2 and differ only in terminology. To the extent that the instant claims are broaden and therefore generic to the claimed invention of U.S. Patent No. 11678290 B2, in re Goodman 29 USPQ 2d 2010 CAFC 1993, states that a generic claim cannot be issued without a terminal disclaimer, if a species claim has been previously been claimed in a pending application. Nonetheless, the removal of said limitations from claim 1 of the present application made claim 1 a broader version of claim 1. Therefore, since omission of an element and its function in combination is an obvious expedient if the remaining elements perform the same function as before (In re Karlson (CCPA) 136 USPQ 184 (1963)), claim 1 is not patentably distinct from claim 1.



Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –

(a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.

Claim(s) 1-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Hart et al (20230379772).
	Regarding claim 1, Hart et al discloses, a method comprising (abstract, the UE being configured to connect to a wireless wide-area cellular telecommunications network, said telecommunications network comprising a plurality of radio access points, and the method comprising the steps of: identifying, from the plurality of radio access points, a default radio access point for the UE; identifying, from the plurality of radio access points): 
at a mobile communication device (110, fig. 1), receiving identities of multiple wireless access points (120-1, 120-2, fig. 1) available for providing the mobile communication device wireless access to a remote network (140, fig. 1) (¶ 0059, 0070, at least one small cell is available; if so, the process proceeds to step 330 having recorded at step 320 the identities of each available small cell and the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics); 
determining that a first wireless access point of the multiple wireless access points is assigned as a default wireless access point amongst the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0060-0074, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE); and
establishing wireless connectivity between the mobile communication device and the first wireless access point (¶ 0073-0074, provides a sufficiently-reliable connection, as is desirable of a default small cell).
	Regarding claim 2, Hart et al discloses, wherein determining that the first wireless access point is assigned as the default wireless access point includes: obtaining tracking information indicating prior connectivity of the mobile communication device to each of the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0060-0074, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE).
	Regarding claim 3, Hart et al discloses, wherein the tracking information indicates a ranking of the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0060-0074, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE).
	Regarding claim 4, Hart et al discloses, wherein the ranking is based on a frequency of the mobile communication device previously wirelessly connecting to each of the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0060-0074, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell).
	Regarding claim 5, Hart et al discloses, further comprising: assigning the first wireless access point as the default wireless access point based on a learn mode of monitoring prior connectivity of the mobile communication device to each of the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0060-0074, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell).
	Regarding claim 6, Hart et al discloses, further comprising: determining that the multiple wireless access points reside at a same location based on times of day of the mobile communication device previously connecting to the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 7, Hart et al discloses, a method comprising:
tracking multiple instances of a mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of multiple wireless access points at different times to access a remote network (¶ 0059-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, at least one small cell is available; if so, the process proceeds to step 330 having recorded at step 320 the identities of each available small cell, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance); 
based on the tracking, determining a set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a first geographical region (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance); and
assigning a first wireless access point from the set as being a default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device subsequent wireless access to the remote network (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 8, Hart et al discloses, further comprising: assigning the first wireless access point as the default wireless access point in the first geographical region for the subsequent wireless access in response to detecting highest usage of the mobile communication device establishing wireless connectivity with the first wireless access point to access the remote network in a time of day window (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 9, Hart et al discloses, further comprising: classifying the first wireless access point as being a particular type of network depending on times of day when the mobile communication device connects to the first wireless access point (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 10, Hart et al discloses, wherein determining the set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in the first geographical region includes: detecting that the mobile communication device communicates with each of the multiple wireless access points in the set within a respective window of time (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 11, Hart et al discloses, a system comprising: 
communication management hardware operative to: 
receive identities of multiple wireless access points available to provide a mobile communication device wireless access to a remote network (¶ 0059, at least one small cell is available; if so, the process proceeds to step 330 having recorded at step 320 the identities of each available small cell); 
determine that a first wireless access point of the multiple wireless access points is assigned as a default wireless access point amongst the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance); and 
establish wireless connectivity between the mobile communication device and the first wireless access point.
	Regarding claim 12, Hart et al discloses, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: obtain tracking information indicating prior connectivity of the mobile communication device to each of the multiple wireless access points to determine that the first wireless access point is the default wireless access point (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 13, Hart et al discloses, wherein the tracking information indicates a ranking of the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 14, Hart et al discloses, wherein the ranking is based on a frequency of the mobile communication device previously wirelessly connecting to each of the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0059-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 15, Hart et al discloses, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: assign the first wireless access point as the default wireless access point based on a learn mode of monitoring prior connectivity of the mobile communication device with each of the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 16, Hart et al discloses, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: determine that the multiple wireless access points reside at a same location based on times of day of the mobile communication device previously connecting to the multiple wireless access points (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 17, Hart et al discloses, a system comprising: 
communication management hardware operative to: track multiple instances of a mobile communication device wirelessly connecting to each of multiple wireless access points at different times to access a remote network (¶ 0059, at least one small cell is available; if so, the process proceeds to step 330 having recorded at step 320 the identities of each available small cell); 
based on the tracking, determine a set of the multiple wireless access points that reside in a first geographical region (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance); and 
assign a first wireless access point from the set as being a default wireless access point in which to provide the mobile communication device subsequent wireless access to the remote network (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 18, Hart et al discloses, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: assign the first wireless access point as the default wireless access point in the first geographical region for the subsequent wireless access in response to detecting highest usage of the mobile communication device establishing wireless connectivity with the first wireless access point to access the remote network in a time of day window (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 19, Hart et al discloses, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: classify the first wireless access point as being a particular type of network depending on times of day when the mobile communication device connects to the first wireless access point (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).
	Regarding claim 20, Hart et al discloses, wherein the communication management hardware is further operative to: detect that the mobile communication device communicates with each of the multiple wireless access points in the set within a respective window of time (¶ 0060-0074, 0092-0093, fig. 3, steps 330 and 340, the UE also compares the compiled characteristics for each small cell against a set of pre-determined criteria for the characteristics, including threshold values, a ranking of each remaining available small cell is generated based on an aggregate of the compiled characteristics and identified as the default small cell on the basis that it is a small cell which is optimally available to the UE; the pre-defined location is available to be a most-frequently visited location or a home residence or a place of work as designated by a user associated with the UE; total duration of historical connections between the UE and a small cell; frequency of connections and/or disconnection between the UE and a small cell and recentness of a connection between the UE and a small cell; signal strength between the UE and a small cell; PLMN ID of a small cell; availability of a pre-defined functionality by a small cell; distance between the UE and a small cell and has established a connection with the UE for at least a certain total period of time, at least a certain number of times, and/or within at least a certain period of time; and meets a threshold value for network performance).

Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KHAWAR IQBAL whose telephone number is (571)272-7909. The examiner can normally be reached M-F.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Jinsong Hu can be reached on 5712723965. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/KHAWAR IQBAL/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2643                                                                                                                                                                                                        


    
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
        
            
    


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