U.S. patent application number 10/050838 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-18 for dynamic communication and method of use.
Invention is credited to Gurin, Michael H..
Application Number | 20020093956 10/050838 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26728747 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020093956 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gurin, Michael H. |
July 18, 2002 |
Dynamic communication and method of use
Abstract
A communication system and method for enhancing the
effectiveness of wireless and wired systems. The communication
system comprising a combination of (A) a communication device with
two separate transceivers and a unique access number (B) said
transceivers with a short-range wireless or wired transceiver and
long-range wireless transceiver, (C) a communication management
system from the group of local communication management system for
individual coordinated device connectivity, distributed
communication management system for management of multiple
communication devices, (D) said communication management system
performing dynamic switching of communication transceivers and
dynamic addressing of communication devices within the network of
communication devices. Suitable wireless medium include wireless
optical means, wireless power-line carrier means, wireless
radio-frequency means, and wireless radar means. Suitable wired
medium include serial, parallel, USB, Firewire, Ethernet, optical
fiber, and RS-485 communication means. The communication management
system ensures seamless and ubiquitous communication between wired
and wireless devices. The communication system, when utilizing
dynamic communication for wireless or wired roaming communications
in-conjunction with dynamic switching and addressing, enhances the
performance and effectiveness that are beneficial to most
communication devices.
Inventors: |
Gurin, Michael H.;
(Glenview, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael Gurin
Suite A
4132 Cove Lane
Glenview
IL
60025
US
|
Family ID: |
26728747 |
Appl. No.: |
10/050838 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60261637 |
Jan 16, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/389 ;
370/313 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 84/10 20130101;
H04W 84/04 20130101; H04L 12/5692 20130101; H04W 74/00 20130101;
H04W 8/26 20130101; H04W 88/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/389 ;
370/313 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A communication system comprising a combination of (A) a
wireless communication device with two separate transceivers and a
unique access number (B) said transceivers with a short-range
wireless or wired transceiver and long-range wireless transceiver,
(C) a communication management system from the group of local
communication management system for individual coordinated device
connectivity, distributed communication management system for
management of multiple communication devices, (D) said
communication management system performing dynamic switching of
communication transceivers and dynamic addressing of communication
devices within the network of communication devices.
2. The wireless transceivers of claim 1, wherein the standard
wireless means further comprising the step of selecting from the
group of wireless optical means, wireless power-line carrier means,
wireless radio-frequency means, and wireless radar means; in that
said wireless means has minimal interference between the
short-range means and long-range means, and from multiple devices
within the same wireless means; and in that said wireless means has
multiplexing means further selected from the group of code division
and time division multiplexing to increase maximum node
devices.
3. The unique access number of claim 1, wherein the access number
is selected from one of the group of standard telephone number,
Internet Protocol address, government assigned identification
number, and company assigned encrypted number; in that said unique
access number is cross-referenced in a lookup table to provide
current access numbers and sequential prioritization of access
numbers by a routing manager; and in that said is unique access
number is cross-referenced in a database further comprising the
step of selecting type from the group of object-oriented,
relational, semantic, and flat-file databases, and is further
comprised of data files selected from the group of personal,
professional, marketing, fax, e-mail, voice-mail, cellular, dynamic
or static Internet Protocol address, pager, membership, and
historic data.
4. The communication management system performing dynamic switching
of communication transceivers of claim 1 is further comprised of a
local communication management system on the communication device
and a distributed communication management system that manages and
coordinates the actions and interactions between the individual
components at the device level and system level, wherein the local
communication management system preferably establishes a
communications link with the short-range wireless transceiver; in
that said communications link the type of data transferred is
further selected from the group of digital and analog data between
originator and terminator devices; in that said communications link
further operates in a mode selected from the group of static and
dynamic modes of operation with local and remote channel managers;
and that said mode generates a warning signal when the signal
strength and bandwidth availability falls below a local threshold,
and below a remote threshold.
5. The communication devices of claim 1, wherein the devices
operates as selected from the group of telephone with operations of
data transfer further comprising the selection step of simultaneous
bi-directional exchange of digital or analog data, or walkie-talkie
with operations further of data transfer comprising the selection
step of unidirectional exchange of digital or analog data; and that
said data is further selected from the group of messaging, paging,
data exchange, and standard voice data; and that said telephone
features selected from the group of conference calling, call
waiting, call forwarding, and voice mail retrieval and
recording.
6. The communication management systems of claim 4, wherein the
management system utilizes thresholds in its dynamic algorithms
further comprising the step of selecting from the group of local
threshold that enables dynamic switching between short-range
channel managers, or remote threshold that enables dynamic
switching between long-range channel managers, or seamless
threshold that enables dynamic switching between short-range and
long-range communication channel managers.
7. The communication management system mode of claim 6, wherein the
mode is further selected from the group of static and dynamic
sub-modes.
8. The communication management systems dynamic switching of claim
6, wherein the dynamic switch occurs when a standby communications
link is successfully established.
9. The dynamic algorithms of claim 6, wherein the algorithms select
the optimal communications link utilizing factors selected from the
group of customer cost, frequency of switching, communications link
quality, historical performance, membership privileges, available
channel manager features, and rate of signal strength deterioration
or increase.
10. The dynamic algorithms of claim 6, wherein the algorithms
select the optimal address utilizing factors selected from the
group of time to register a new dynamic address, communications
latency times, and routing capacity availability.
11. The dynamic address of claim 10, wherein the dynamic address is
optimized throughout the communications process that further
includes the establishment of the device as a recognized device and
the establishment of the device with an initial communications
link.
12. The communication devices of claim 1, wherein the device is in
a special device class to differentiate between communication
devices disclosed in the invention and standard network devices,
said special device class improves network security.
13. The communication management system of claim 1, wherein the
management system extends the traditional caller identification
systems by making known both the call originator and the desired
call terminator.
14. The communication management system of claim 13, wherein the
management system serves multiple access numbers concurrently; in
that said multiple access numbers are further handled as selected
from the group of distinct ring to distinguish between a certain
call terminator and others, routing to voice-mail, and screening-in
and screening-out filters for process handling of communications
link.
15. The communication devices of claim 1, wherein the device makes
known its geographic location; in that said geographic location is
determined by the step of selecting from the group of channel
manager known location, triangulation of signal strengths from
multiple channel managers with their known location, global
positioning system, or local positioning system.
16. The knowledge of geographic location of claim 15, wherein the
location is utilized for multiple functions selected from the group
of displaying graphically the location to specified and authorized
parties, conveying geographic specific messages such as the
issuance of welcome messages, safety, marketing, optimal routing,
addressing, communications link, audit trail for payroll, audit
trail for security, and individual profiling.
17. The welcome message of claim 16, wherein the message takes the
multiple forms as selected from the group of walkie-talkie voice
message, a phone call voice message, an e-mail message, issuance of
coupons, and acknowledgement of registration.
18. The communication management system of claim 1, wherein the
management system further includes software to perform a wide range
of control; in that said control software is selected from the
group excluding any third party from knowledge of presence, audit
trail, billing, communications latency, user identification
services; and that said user identification services are selected
from the group of buying preferences, geographic location
restrictions, and customer identification.
19. The knowledge of geographic location of claim 15, wherein the
location coupled with the communication system's knowledge of known
geographic locations and coverage areas of channel managers is
utilized to enable or disable the short-range communication modes,
said disabling conserves battery power and communications
bandwidth.
20. The communication devices of claim 1, wherein the device
utilizes an integrated data scanner to trigger specific messages
with context sensitive information between device and channel
manager; in that said data scanner is selected from the group of
bar code scanner, read system such as radio frequency
identification tags, optical readers, and infrared transceiver; and
that said context sensitive information is selected from the group
of registration of an individual communication device into a
specific channel manager, inquiry of product pricing information,
generation of manufacturer's coupon, broadcast of known geographic
location to communication management system, broadcast of user's
identification to a specific registered device, and authorization
to initiate the sending of encrypted transactional information.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Serial No. 60/261,637 filed Jan. 16, 2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to dynamic communication for
wireless and wired roaming communications devices and methods for
enhancing the communications channel medium, and in particular to
the use of dynamic switching and addressing in wireless and wired
communications to enhance the performance and cost effectiveness of
wireless and wired media.
[0003] This invention relates to telecommunications networks, and
more particularly to telecommunications networks employing dynamic
protocol switching and addressing for communication links. The
recent increase in wireless communications has created demands for
less expensive means with faster response times and more system
flexibility for universal access.
[0004] When the user requests communication from an area outside of
the assigned geographic location, the requested communication must
first be sent to the assigned geographic location and then
forwarded to its final destination. Disadvantageously, static
Internet Protocol (IP) addressing has been known to create long
response times and possibly reduced throughput. Attempts have been
made to solve some of these problems with dynamic IP addressing.
Dynamic IP addressing assigns a new temporary IP address local to
the requesting device according to its current location. Therefore,
Internet access requests outside of the originally assigned network
do not have to be routed back through the originally assigned
network. Instead, communications may be processed directly at the
geographic location of the new temporary local address.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,725 discloses a communication system
having a local network communicating with a remote network for
assigning a dynamic IP address to a communication device and an IP
network by providing both local and non-local dynamic IP addressing
to reduce the response times, increase service availability for
Internet access requests, and allow access to more networks. Once a
non-local dynamic IP address can be assigned to satisfy the address
request, the non-local dynamic IP address will be maintained for
the duration of the communication session between the communication
device and the IP network. Therefore the notion of dynamic
addressing is limited to the establishment of the communications
session thus preventing dynamic addressing and switching to occur
within one communications session.
[0006] When the user requests wireless communication using
traditional cellular phone, the requested communication is
channeled through an expensive resource with relatively limited
bandwidth. Disadvantageously, cellular phone systems are becoming
more bandwidth constrained as both the demand is increasing
significantly and the applications demanding bandwidth are becoming
more communications intensive. Attempts have been made to solve
some of these problems with dual mode communications within the
cellular bandwidth. Dual mode handsets utilizes low range cellular
overlay cells to the requesting device to serve as a call
forwarding transceiver according to its home location.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,259 discloses a multiple mode, personal
wireless communications system that exists within a radiotelephone
network serving general customers and provides additional services
to a select group of customers. The system uses handsets that
automatically switch between a standard cellular radiotelephone
mode of operation and an enhanced cordless mode when the handsets
are within range of pico cells that are interconnected to the
public switched telephone network. The term "pico" is used herein
to suggest a smaller size than conventional cellular radio
telephone cells. Pico cells are provided at customer selected
locations to cooperate with a framework of overlay cells that
operate independently of the cells of the cellular network. Each
pico cell is controlled via a framework of overlay cells that
operates independently of the radiotelephone network and uses a
unique control protocol on a small number of reserved cellular
channels. Once the communications link is established, the
inability to switch between modes prevents seamless operation.
Therefore the notion of dynamic switching of modes is limited to
the a) establishment of two modes within one radio per handset (in
reality both modes are cellular modes simply using two channels, a
low power channel and a high power channel), b) the handset is
registered to one pico station designated as "home" that receives a
call forwarded to the pico station telephone number, c)
establishment of one communications link per pico station, and d)
cancellation of short range pico mode when carried out of range of
the pico station.
[0008] The present invention provides a new and improved wireless
communications enhancement for conveying of analog and digital data
and method of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
dynamic communication system is provided. The system includes an
integrated short-range wireless or wired transceiver, an integrated
long-range wireless transceiver, an integrated communication
management system and a unique identification number therein.
[0010] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
a communication management system is provided. The communication
management system includes a local communication management system
integral to the InterActMe communication device and a distributed
communication management systems that preferably establishes a
communications link with the short-range wireless or wired
transceiver.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the communication management system utilizes a look up table to
establish the originator and terminator(s) link of the
communications link and a prioritization process in choosing from
multiple connection options. The process includes the utilizing of
algorithms to determine optimal switching between short-range and
long-range transceivers, between one address and another address,
between a channel manager and another channel manager, and between
one routing means and another routing means and to determine the
optimal time to switch of any of the preceding states.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the communication device establishes a known geographic presence.
The geographic presence is determined by numerous methods that
include signal strength triangulation, integrated global
positioning systems with actual communication device, and
communication access port. The processes that benefit from
knowledge of geographic location are numerous that include safety,
marketing, optimal routing, addressing, and communications link,
audit trail for payroll, to individual profiling.
[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention, the communication device extends the notion of caller
identification (Caller-ID). The Caller-ID extension includes both
the call originator and call terminator access numbers (prior
referenced names can be alternatively shown).
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
the communication device reads context sensitive data. The context
sensitive data is read by numerous methods that include bar code
scanners, radio frequency identification tags, infrared
transceivers, and optical readers.
[0015] As used herein, the term communication management system is
used to imply the coordinated and integrated operations of local
and remote channel managers, dynamic routing systems, and a routing
manager system.
[0016] The term "wireless" refers to the non-wired measures to
establish communications. This includes though not limited to
infrared, radio frequency, cellular, radar, and power-line
carrier.
[0017] The term "wired" refers to the use of physical electrical or
optical connectivity to establish communications. This includes
though not limited to the use of serial, parallel, USB, Firewire,
Ethernet, optical fiber, and RS-485 port communication.
[0018] The term "access number" refers to the traditional
identification number utilized within the respective communication
protocol. Exemplary access numbers include telephone numbers,
Internet Protocol addresses, device path and node numbers, unique
identification numbers that are cross-referenced in a table.
[0019] The term "access port" refers to the physical port at which
the wireless communication is transmitted and received from the
communications system to each communications device.
[0020] The term "seamless" refers to the transparent,
non-noticeable, and continuous maintenance of communications
despite the transition from one communications medium, port, or
device to another.
[0021] The term "algorithm" refers to calculations, rules, and
parameter values utilized to determine the change of state in a
deterministic manner.
[0022] The term "warning signal" refers to visual, audio,
mechanical signals indicating the occurrence of a specific event or
status of a specific parameter. This includes though not limited to
LEDs, tone generator, LCD display, vibrator, and lights.
[0023] The term "communications link" refers to the successful
bi-directional conveyance of data, whether analog or digital,
between two or more communication devices.
[0024] The term "threshold" refers to an operational range for one
or more critical parameters that establishes a targeted envelope of
operation.
[0025] The term "phone call" refers to the simultaneous
bi-directional exchange of digital or analog data, which includes
standard voice and data exchange.
[0026] The term "walkie-talkie" refers to uni-directional exchange
of digital or analog data, which includes messaging, paging, data
exchange, and standard voice.
[0027] One advantage of the present invention is that cost
effectiveness of wireless and wired communications is
increased.
[0028] Another advantage of the present invention is that cellular
channel resources are reduced, by utilizing alternative short-range
communication means.
[0029] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the
dynamic addressing and look up tables enhance ubiquitous
communication.
[0030] A further advantage of the present invention derives from
identification of both the communications link originator and
terminator to minimize non-prioritized interruptions and to
maximize communications interactions.
[0031] A yet further advantage of the invention is that multiple
communication means can be seamlessly transitioned between
communication channels, means, and access numbers.
[0032] A still further advantage of the present invention is that
design flexibility of new open wireless standards is significantly
greater than the relatively closed cellular standards.
[0033] A yet further advantage of the present invention is
extensive secondary benefits associated with the integrated
knowledge of geographic location and ubiquitous communications.
[0034] A still further advantage of the present invention is the
establishment of special device class to maintain network security
amongst traditional network devices.
[0035] Other advantages of the present invention derive from the
integrated knowledge of context sensitive data, knowledge of
geographic location, knowledge of communications device owner
identification, knowledge database in communication system, dynamic
access and control, and real-time ubiquitous communications.
[0036] Additional features and advantages of the present invention
are described in and will be apparent from the detailed description
of the presently preferred embodiments. It should be understood
that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred
embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and
without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore
intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0037] The present invention will now be described in more detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic depicting three data lookup tables
utilized by the data router;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of communication links
between multiple devices operating in the inventive manner in a
wide area network;
[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of communication links
between multiple devices operating in the inventive manner in a
local area network with multiple access points;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of communication links
between multiple devices operating in the inventive manner in a
local area network within the same access point;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a schematic depicting one database record for one
communication device in the inventive manner indicating dynamic
connectivity information.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] A dynamic communications system and methods for comprising a
combination of (A) a wireless communication device with two
separate transceivers and a unique access number, (B) said
transceiver with a short-range wireless or wired transceiver and
long-range wireless transceiver, (C) a communication management
system from the group of local communication management system for
individual coordinated device connectivity, distributed
communication management system for management of multiple
communication devices, (D) said communication management system
performing dynamic switching of communication transceivers and
dynamic addressing of communication devices when used in a wireless
communications system, has a number of advantages, including
increased cost effectiveness, increased long-range wireless
resource capacity, increased communications flexibility, superior
management flexibility and providing seamless and stable
performance.
[0044] The wireless communication device is with configured both a
short-range wireless or wired channel and a long-range wireless
channel, and a corresponding InterActMe number, hereinafter
referred to as "InterActMe Device", useful in this invention are
those of standard wired and wireless means. The standard wireless
means are selected from the group of wireless optical means,
wireless power-line carrier means, wireless radio-frequency means,
and wireless radar means. For example, infrared, Bluetooth,
cellular or other suitable wireless communications means may be
used to form a communications link. The standard wired means are
selected from the group of serial, parallel, USB, Firewire,
Ethernet, optical fiber, and RS-485 port communication.
[0045] The preferred short-range communications means is influenced
by a number of factors, including cost effectiveness, range and
protocol characteristics (superior protocols are efficient in their
bandwidth utilization and handle numerous devices simultaneously).
Preferred short-range communication means have minimal interference
from the long-range wireless means and from a multiple of
short-range devices (expressed in terms of the number average value
of the maximum nodes number within the operating range) of from
about 1 device and 10,000 devices. More preferred short-range
communications means have a maximum nodes number of from about 10
devices to about 256 devices. Particularly preferred short-range
communications means have a particle maximum node number of from
about 256 devices. Above about 256 devices, the interference factor
affects the stability of the communications link outweighing the
benefits of multiple devices. Within the preferred range, some of
the protocols may utilize code division multiplexing to increase
the effective bandwidth.
[0046] The preferred long-range wireless means is influenced by a
number of factors, including cost effectiveness, range and protocol
characteristics (superior protocols are efficient in their
bandwidth utilization and handle numerous devices simultaneously).
Preferred long-range wireless means have minimal interference from
the short-range wireless means and from a multiple of long-range
wireless devices (expressed in terms of the number average value of
the maximum nodes number within the operating range) of from about
1 device and 100,000 devices and various multiplexing schemes. More
preferred long-range wireless means have a maximum nodes number of
from about 100 devices to about 10,000 devices. Particularly
preferred long-range wireless means have a maximum node number from
about 1,000 devices with code division multiplexing or time
division multiplexing and spread spectrum. More preferred
long-range wireless means utilize code division multiplexing and
spread spectrum radio frequency cellular communications
standards.
[0047] Preferred unique access numbers for identifying the specific
owner of communication device have a broad range of possibilities,
hereinafter referred to as "InterActMe Access Number". Exemplary
unique access numbers include a standard telephone number, an
Internet Protocol address, a government assigned identification
number (such as Social Security Number with a preceding country
code), or a company assigned 128 bit encrypted number.
[0048] In the preferred embodiment, the local communication
management system for individual coordinated device connectivity of
each InterActMe Device seeks to establish a communications link
with the short-range channel preferably over the long-range
channel. The short-range link is preferably utilized when ample
signal strength and bandwidth is available, and authorized access
& registration is acknowledged. This provides reduced cost
associated with more expensive cellular resources and service
provider.
[0049] In the preferred embodiment, the communications link is
utilized to transfer digital data and analog data that represents
data and voice between the originator and terminator(s) over the
chosen channel to their respective access number(s), utilizing
their respective protocols as managed by a communication management
system. Both a local communication management system on the
InterActMe Device and distributed communication management system
manage and coordinate the actions and interactions between the
individual components at the communications device level and all
InterActMe devices respectively.
[0050] Particularly preferred communications links are between
InterActMe access numbers that are cross-referenced in the
InterActMe Lookup Table (FIG. 1 #13), which is utilized to provide
current access number(s) or sequential prioritization of access
number(s) by the InterActMe Routing Manager (FIG. 1 #10) as
detailed in the table shown as FIG. 5. Exemplary database fields
include: Current Access Mode In & Out, Current Access Number,
Current Protocol, Current Dynamic Address, a series of Priority
Numbers in sequential preference order with their respective
Protocol, and e-mail Address all cross-referenced (e.g., index) by
the InterActMe Access Number. The method may further include
InterActMe Access Numbers with their respective protocols for a
wide range of data content. Exemplary types of data content include
fax, e-mail, voice-mail, cellular, dynamic or static Internet
Protocol address with their respective protocols. The method may
further include a wide range of personal, professional, and
marketing information in an object oriented, relational, semantic,
or flat-file database cross-referenced by InterActMe Access Number.
Said Current Access Mode In & Out is the parameter to store the
mode of operation for the InterActMe Device respectively for calls
initiated by the device and calls terminated to the device. Said
Current Access Number is the parameter that stores any call
forwarding access numbers in the event that the InterActMe Access
Number is not otherwise available. Said Current Protocol is the
parameter to store the communication protocol utilized to establish
a communication link at the aforementioned Current Access Number.
Said Current Dynamic Address is the parameter to store the
InterActMe assigned address currently being utilized in the
communication link. The Current Dynamic Address includes the
identification of InterActMe Local Channel Manager and InterActMe
Remote Channel Manager in addition to the unique identifier of
channel at the respective channel manager.
[0051] Each InterActMe in the preferred embodiment can operate in
accordance to two Local Modes of operation that include Static
Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4) and Dynamic Local Channel Manager
(FIG. 3). In the event that the existing short-range link falls
below the local threshold of signal strength and bandwidth
availability from the InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32)
a warning signal is generated on the InterActMe (FIG. 4 #33) while
in either Local Mode. The short-range link is maintained until the
signal strength and bandwidth availability fall below the dropout
specification.
[0052] Each InterActMe Device in the more preferred embodiment
operates in the Dynamic Local Channel Manager mode. The InterActMe
Device, while in the Dynamic Local Channel Manager mode, transfers
the communications link from the original InterActMe Local Channel
Manager (FIG. 3 #22) to the next InterActMe Local Channel Manager
(FIG. 3 #23) as it enters its' coverage area. Both Local Modes
ensure a seamless communications link between the authorized
InterActMe Device to other authorized InterActMe Device(s), solely
through the InterActMe Local Channel Manager(s). The Local
Communication Management System is capable of establishing a
communications link between one InterActMe Device to another
InterActMe Device directly as further enabled or disabled at its
respective device, though limited by the strict implementation of
the short-range access protocol, independent of the InterActMe
System.
[0053] The preferred embodiment further includes sub-modes of the
Local Mode for each InterActMe Device whereby the device operates
as either a telephone or walkie-talkie. The exemplary telephone
mode enables the making and receiving of a "phone call" in the same
end-user procedural manner as the standard plain old telephone. The
InterActMe system, however, orchestrates the translation of access
number(s) in accordance to the invention disclosure transparent to
the end-user. A "phone call" includes exemplary standard phone
features such as conference calling, call waiting, call forwarding,
voice mail retrieval and recording, and pager operations. The
exemplary walkie-talkie mode enables asynchronous communications
between multiple InterActMe Devices in the same end-user procedural
manner as the standard two-way radio. The InterActMe System again,
however, orchestrates the translation of access number(s) in
accordance to the invention disclosure transparent to the
end-user.
[0054] An exemplary operational procedure of the Static Local
Channel Manager is generally as follows:
[0055] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4 #33) registers with
the InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32) its presence.
[0056] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4 #33) requests a phone
call or walk-talkie communication with a specified access number(s)
to the InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32). The specified
access number(s) can be other InterActMe numbers or traditional
telephone numbers (that include fax, pager, cellular, and plain old
telephone system).
[0057] InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32) communicates
with InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 4 #31) to determine the
communications link to the requested access number(s).
[0058] InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 4 #32) establishes
the communications link to the other InterActMe Local/Remote Device
(FIG. 4 #34) with the requested access number(s).
[0059] Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 4 #33) or
InterActMe Local/ Remote Device (FIG. 4 #34) can terminate the
communications link at anytime.
[0060] An exemplary operational procedure of the Dynamic Local
Channel Manager is generally as follows:
[0061] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25) registers with
the InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) its presence.
[0062] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25) requests a phone
call or walk-talkie communication with a specified access number(s)
to the InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22). The specified
access number(s) can be other InterActMe numbers or traditional
telephone numbers (that include fax, pager, cellular, and plain old
telephone system).
[0063] InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) communicates
with InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 3 #21) to determine the
communications link to the requested access number(s).
[0064] InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) established
the communications link to the other InterActMe Local/Remote Device
(FIG. 3 #26) with the requested access number(s) through the
determined InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #23).
[0065] The InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) that has
the established communications link, hereinafter referred to as
access port, with the InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25),
hereinafter referred to as access node, is responsible for
maintaining the strength of signal communications link between the
access port and access node in accordance to the "local threshold".
In the event that the existing short-range link falls below the
local to another local switch threshold, hereinafter referred to as
"local threshold" (c.g., signal strength and bandwidth
availability) a warning signal is generated on the InterActMe. The
InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #23) is likewise
responsible for InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #26) in the
same manner.
[0066] The InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 3 #22) moves the
access port seamlessly to the next InterActMe Local Channel Manager
as determined by the InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 3 #21) in a
seamless manner.
[0067] Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #25) or
InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 3 #26) can terminate the
communications link at any time.
[0068] Multiple sub-modes of the two Local Modes (Dynamic Local
Channel Manager and Static Local Channel Manager) are anticipated
in the preferred embodiment. Exemplary sub-modes include:
[0069] InterActMe can initiate "phone call" through one InterActMe
Local Channel Manager.
[0070] InterActMe can initiate "phone call" through one initiating
InterActMe Local Channel Manager and another receiving InterActMe
Local Channel Manager.
[0071] InterActMe can initiate "walkie-talkie" directly to other
InterActMe devices without any interaction of InterActMe Local
Channel Manager.
[0072] InterActMe can receive "phone call" through an InterActMe
Local Channel Manager.
[0073] InterActMe can initiate "phone call" through an InterActMe
Local Channel Manager to other InterActMes on the same InterActMe
Local Channel Manager.
[0074] InterActMe can enable seamless access from the one
initiating InterActMe Local Channel Manager to the next InterActMe
Local Channel Manager, which becomes the new "initiating"
InterActMe Local Channel Manager.
[0075] While in Cellular Mode, only the long-range link is enabled
for communication. The InterActMe device's short-range abilities
are effectively disabled. This mode effectively prevents the
presence detection of an InterActMe Local Channel Manager from
establishing any form of communications with the InterActMe.
Cellular Mode is analogous to the Dynamic Local Channel Manager,
yet replaced with the Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4).
[0076] An exemplary operational procedure of the InterActMe
Cellular Base Station is generally as follows:
[0077] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) registers with
the Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) its presence.
[0078] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) requests a phone
call or walk-talkie communication with a specified access number(s)
to the InterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3). The specified
access number(s) can be other InterActMe numbers or traditional
telephone numbers (that include fax, pager, cellular, and plain old
telephone system).
[0079] InterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3) communicates
with InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 2 #1) to determine the
communications link to the requested access number(s).
[0080] InterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3) established
the communications link to the other InterActMe Local/Remote Device
(FIG. 2 #6) with the requested access number(s) through the
determined InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #6).
[0081] The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) that has the
established communications link, hereinafter referred to as access
port, with the InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5),
hereinafter referred to as access node, is responsible for
maintaining the strength of signal communications link between the
access port and access node in accordance to the "remote
threshold". The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) is likewise
responsible for maintaining the communications link with the
InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5).
[0082] The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) moves the access port
seamlessly to the next Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) as
determined by the service control unit of the standard cellular
infrastructure in a seamless manner.
[0083] The InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #2) maintains
and establishes the communications link to the other InterActMe
Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #6) with the requested access
number(s). The access number(s) are controlled in accordance with
the selected operational mode of the respective InterActMe access
number.
[0084] Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) or access
InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #6) can terminate the
communications link at any time.
[0085] The InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) can also
operate as a standard cellular phone. An exemplary operational
procedure of the standard cellular phone is generally as
follows:
[0086] InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) can also simply
operate as a standard cellular phone and thus request a phone call
with a specified access number, through the Cellular Base Station
(FIG. 2 #4), that is a traditional telephone number (that include
fax, pager, cellular, and plain old telephone system) or Internet
Protocol address.
[0087] The Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) moves the access port
seamlessly to the next Cellular Base Station (FIG. 2 #4) as
determined by the service control unit of the standard cellular
infrastructure in a seamless manner.
[0088] Either InterActMe Local/Remote Device (FIG. 2 #5) or
connected phone access number can terminate the communications link
at any time.
[0089] Multiple sub-modes of Cellular Mode are anticipated in the
preferred embodiment. Exemplary sub-modes include:
[0090] InterActMe can initiate "phone call" through a Cellular Base
Station.
[0091] InterActMe can receive "phone call" through a Cellular Base
Station.
[0092] InterActMe can initiate "phone call" through a Cellular Base
Station and subsequently through an InterActMe Remote Channel
Manager as routed to other InterActMes on their respective
InterActMe Local Channel Manager or InterActMe Remote Channel
Manager.
[0093] InterActMe can receive "phone call" through a Cellular Base
Station and subsequently through an InterActMe Remote Channel
Manager as routed to other InterActMes on their respective
InterActMe Local Channel Manager or InterActMe Remote Channel
Manager.
[0094] All phone call actions as characterized above can be
replaced by walkie-talkie actions, Internet Access to IP address
actions.
[0095] InterActMe can initiate "walkie-talkie" directly to other
InterActMe devices without any interaction of InterActMe Local
Channel Manager, InterActMe Remote Channel Manager or Cellular Base
Station.
[0096] The most preferred embodiment of the invention is for all
InterActMe Devices to operate in the Seamless Mode. The Seamless
Mode enables dynamic and seamless switching between Cellular Base
Station (FIG. 2 #4) and InterActMe Local Channel Manager (FIG. 2
#2), in the event that the existing short-range link falls below
the local to remote switch threshold, hereinafter referred to as
"seamless threshold" (e.g., signal strength and bandwidth
availability). A warning signal is generated on the InterActMe to
indicate a switch to and from the remote and local channel manager.
The warning signal can optionally be indicative of whether now in
remote or local mode. The pitch of the warning signal can
differentiate between the two modes. An additional audible signal
can be generated periodically as a reminder of the actual
operational mode of the Local Communication Management System
(short-range or long-range). The short-range link remains the most
preferred and thus the primary communications link until the
seamless threshold is reached at which time the InterActMe (FIG. 1
#5) initiates a long-range wireless standby communications link
through the InterActMe Remote Channel Manager (FIG. 2 #3). Upon the
successful establishment of the standby link between the new
InterActMe Remote Channel Manager and the current InterActMe Local
Channel Manager, in accordance to InterActMe Dynamic Router (FIG. 2
#1) on behalf of the InterActMe (FIG. 1 #5), the communications
link is transferred from the current InterActMe Local Channel
Manager to the InterActMe Remote Channel Manager. The reverse
process occurs when the seamless threshold establishes a
short-range standby communications link between the current
InterActMe Remote Channel Manager and the new designated InterActMe
Local Channel Manager.
[0097] The preferred embodiment utilizes an InterActMe Dynamic
Router that selects the optimal communications link utilizing an
algorithm to minimize customer cost (e.g., preference of local
channel manager over remote channel manager), to minimize frequency
of switching between local channel managers (e.g., preference of
access port with increase signal strength, increased operational
range, and consistent with direction of travel), to maximize
communications link quality, and to ensure routing capacity
availability. Numerous algorithms can be used to determine optimal
routing with exemplary factors such as historical performance,
membership privileges, and features provided by one local channel
manager versus other accessible local channel managers (e.g.,
security encryption, "home" access port, exclusion list of local
channel managers, etc.). Additional algorithms are included in the
more preferred embodiment to determine optimal switching time with
exemplary factors such as rate of signal strength deterioration or
increase, overlap bands in registered thresholds of local
threshold, remote threshold, and seamless threshold.
[0098] The more preferred embodiment further incorporates dynamic
addressing to optimize the communications link throughout the
communications infrastructure. Numerous algorithms can be used to
determine optimal switching time of dynamic address with exemplary
factors such as time to register a new dynamic address (to avoid
switching latency that may jeopardize seamless link between two
channel managers). Numerous methods are available to achieve the
desired benefits of dynamic addressing with one exemplary method of
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, the historically
traditional issuer of dynamic addresses on a local basis.
Additional methods include a Network Address Translation (NAT)
server. The more preferred method is the InterActMe Routing
Management System implementing a dynamic addressing scheme and
comprised of a network of distributed InterActMe Routing Managers.
Said dynamic addressing scheme provides for algorithms that
optimize the selection of an address for each InterActMe Device
throughout the entire communications process, not solely during the
establishment of the communications device as a recognized device
and not solely during the establishment of the initial
communications link. Further methods incorporated into the
preferred embodiment of the invention include the direct linking of
"remote" addresses to a local table of corresponding "local"
addresses. The resulting benefits of dynamic addressing are reduced
communication latency times, ability to use priority designated
tunnels of communication between all InterActMe Remote Channel
Managers and InterActMe Local Channel Managers, and the ability of
a wide range of devices to serve within one integrated and unified
communications system.
[0099] The more preferred embodiment establishes a special device
class to differentiate between InterActMe Devices and
non-InterActMe Devices (e.g., standard network devices). Improved
network security is maintained by enabling a limited range of
communications as compared to traditional Internet Protocol (IP)
communications to InterActMe Devices. The method may further
include an extension of traditional caller identification systems
(Caller-ID) to become a true unified communications system. Each
InterActMe Device takes advantage of said extended Caller-ID
features by making known to the desired call terminator InterActMe
Device both the call originator (standard caller id) and the
desired call terminator (extended caller id). This feature is
highly desirable of an InterActMe device especially under the
dynamic addressing scheme due to one InterActMe Device serving
effectively multiple InterActMe access numbers concurrently. The
Caller-ID access number or prior referenced names can be
alternatively shown or vocalized using a text to speech
synthesizer.
[0100] The call terminator is a critical parameter, within the
preferred embodiment of the InterActMe System, in the determination
of handling procedure to establish communication link. Exemplary of
this importance is a business communications link being routed to
voice mail directly in accordance to a time of day and calendar
schedule. Therefore the unified communications system avoids
undesirable interruptions. Further process handling can be easily
achieved such as screening-in or screening-out filters. The method
may further include a distinct ring to distinguish between a
certain call terminator and others. A further exemplary is a
children's communication link being routed to voice mail directly
in accordance to a time of day and calendar schedule along with
screen-in and/or screen-out filters. The freedom and flexibility of
every employee, family member, etc. having their own InterActMe
device introduces significant management demands to effectively
disable certain communications links at specified times.
[0101] Each InterActMe in the preferred embodiment is further
capable, within the full functionality of the InterActMe system, to
make known its geographic location through the known location of
each active InterActMe Local Channel Manager, with further
geographic location determination by triangulation of signal
strengths of multiple InterActMe Local Channel Managers. An
InterActMe can be further configured with a global positioning
system (GPS), said GPS establishes precise location through
triangulation with multiple satellite systems, to establish precise
geographic location. An InterActMe can be further configured with a
local positioning system (LPS), said LPS establishes precise
location through triangulation with multiple local transmitting
systems, to establish precise geographic location. When such
precise geographic location is known, the InterActMe system is
further capable of proactively utilizing this location for
displaying graphically the location to the specified parties
authorized to know such information, for conveying geographic
specific messages such as the issuance of a welcome message. The
welcome message can take the form of a walkie-talkie voice message,
a phone call voice message, an e-mail message, issuance of coupons,
or simply an acknowledgement of registration. Other purposes of
geographic location include safety, marketing, optimal routing,
addressing, and communications link, audit trail for payroll, audit
trail for security, to individual profiling.
[0102] The preferred embodiment may further include software to
control the InterActMe Local Channel Manager to exclude any third
party from knowledge of presence, audit trail, billing, and
communication latency. The owner of the Local Channel Manager may
further subscribe to a user identification service to learn a wide
range of information about the InterActMe owner. Information may
further include buying preferences, knowledge of geographic
location restrictions, customer identification.
[0103] In yet another alternative embodiment, the InterActMe system
can further utilize the knowledge of geographic location coupled
with the system's database knowledge of known geographic locations
and coverage areas of every InterActMe Local Channel Manager to
enable or disable the utilization of the short-range communication
mode, thereby conserving battery power and communications
bandwidth.
[0104] In yet another alternative embodiment, the InterActMe in the
preferred embodiment is further capable, within the full
functionality of the InterActMe system, of utilizing an integrated
data scanner (e.g., read system such as radio frequency
identification tags, optical readers, infrared transceiver, bar
code etc.) to trigger specific messages between InterActMe and
InterActMe Local Channel Manager (or alternatively to the
InterActMe Remote Channel Manager). Utilization of scanned
information initiates the conveying of a wide variety of context
sensitive information. Included in this context sensitive scheme,
though not limited, are the following: a) registration of an
individual InterActMe into a specific channel manager, b) inquiry
of product pricing information and/or generation of manufacturer's
coupon, c) broadcast of known geographic location to InterActMe
system, d) broadcast of user's identification to a specific
registered device, and e) authorization to initiate the sending of
encrypted transactional information.
[0105] The invention has been described with reference to the
preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will
occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding
detailed description. It is intended that the invention be
construed as including all such modifications and alterations
insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *