U.S. patent application number 10/331074 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-15 for method and system for simultaneously sharing wireless communications among multiple wireless handsets.
This patent application is currently assigned to Qwest Communications International Inc.. Invention is credited to Benson, Harvey J., Gillespie, Donald E., Nabkel, Jafar, Siegel-Jacobs, Karen, Youngs, Edward A..
Application Number | 20030092452 10/331074 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23775128 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030092452 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Youngs, Edward A. ; et
al. |
May 15, 2003 |
Method and system for simultaneously sharing wireless
communications among multiple wireless handsets
Abstract
A method and system for simultaneously sharing wireless
communications among multiple wireless handsets deployed in a
wireless network having at least one cell site associated therewith
includes a first and second wireless handset for transmitting a
request for the same wireless communication. The wireless network
then assigns a first wireless receive channel to the first wireless
handset and the second wireless handset and simultaneously
transmits the requested wireless communication to the first and
second wireless handsets for receipt by the first wireless receive
channel. If the requested wireless communication originates from a
source handset, and the first and second handsets are located in
direct communication proximity to the source handset, the source
handset itself negotiates the common wireless receive channel for
receiving the requested wireless communication.
Inventors: |
Youngs, Edward A.; (Boulder,
CO) ; Gillespie, Donald E.; (Boulder, CO) ;
Nabkel, Jafar; (Boulder, CO) ; Benson, Harvey J.;
(Highlands Ranch, CO) ; Siegel-Jacobs, Karen;
(Boulder, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Qwest Communications International
Inc.
Denver
CO
|
Family ID: |
23775128 |
Appl. No.: |
10/331074 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10331074 |
Dec 26, 2002 |
|
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|
09447137 |
Nov 22, 1999 |
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6522886 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/461 ;
455/509 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 72/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/461 ;
455/509 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 007/20; H04B
007/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for simultaneously sharing wireless communications
among multiple wireless handsets deployed in a wireless network
having at least one cell site coverage area associated therewith,
the method comprising: receiving a request for the same wireless
communication from a first and second wireless handset; assigning a
first wireless receive channel to the first wireless handset and
the second wireless handset; and simultaneously transmitting the
requested wireless communication via the first wireless receive
channel for receipt by the first and second wireless handsets.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein simultaneously
transmitting the requested wireless communication further includes
simultaneously transmitting the requested wireless communication at
a power level based on the location of the first and second
wireless handsets.
3. The method as recited in claim 2 further comprising receiving
the simultaneously transmitted wireless communication at the first
and second wireless handsets at varying levels of receive signal
strength.
4. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the first and second
wireless handsets are located in different cell site coverage areas
and wherein the first wireless receive channel assigned to the
second wireless handset is the same as the first wireless receive
channel assigned to the first wireless handset.
5. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the first and second
wireless handsets are located in different cell site coverage areas
and wherein the first wireless receive channel assigned to the
second wireless handset is different from the first wireless
receive channel assigned to the first wireless handset.
6. The method as recited in claim i wherein receiving the request
includes receiving a command signal selecting one of a plurality of
pre-established communication choices.
7. The method as recited in claim 6 wherein the command signal is a
predetermined number entered by a subscriber of one of the first
and second wireless handsets.
8. The method as recited in claim 6 wherein the command signal is a
number key depression made by a subscriber of one of the first and
second wireless handsets as prompted by the one of the first and
second wireless handsets.
9. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein each of the first and
second wireless handsets has a wireless transmit channel for
transmitting communications and the method further comprising
dynamically muting the wireless transmit channels of each of the
first and second wireless handsets so as to restrict conversation
during the simultaneous transmission of the wireless
communication.
10. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising: receiving
a request from the first and second wireless handsets to
participate in a multi-party communication while assigned the first
wireless receive channel; and assigning a first wireless transmit
channel to the first and second wireless handsets so as to allow
multi-party communication between the first and second wireless
handsets while simultaneously receiving the same wireless
communication.
11. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein the wireless
communication includes at least one of an audio, video, and data
communication.
12. A system for simultaneously sharing wireless communications
among multiple wireless handsets deployed in a wireless network
having at least one cell site coverage area associated therewith,
the system comprising: a first and second wireless handset each for
transmitting a request for the same wireless communication; and the
wireless network for assigning a first wireless receive channel to
the first wireless handset and the second wireless handset and
simultaneously transmitting the requested wireless communication
via the first wireless receive channel for receipt by the first and
second wireless handsets.
13. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein the wireless network,
in simultaneously transmitting the requested wireless
communication, is further operative to simultaneously transmit the
requested wireless communication at a power level based on the
location of the first and second wireless handsets.
14. The system as recited in claim 13 wherein the first and second
wireless handsets are further operative to receive the
simultaneously transmitted wireless communication at varying levels
of receive signal strength.
15. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein the first and second
wireless handsets are located in different cell site coverage areas
and wherein the first wireless receive channel assigned to the
second wireless handset is the same as the first wireless receive
channel assigned to the first wireless handset.
16. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein the first and second
wireless handsets are located in different cell site coverage areas
and wherein the first wireless receive channel assigned to the
second wireless handset is different from the first wireless
receive channel assigned to the first wireless handset.
17. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein each of the first and
second wireless handsets are further operative to transmit a
command signal selecting one of a plurality of preestablished
communication choices.
18. The system as recited in claim 17 wherein the command signal is
a predetermined number entered by a subscriber of one of the first
and second wireless handsets.
19. The system as recited in claim 17 wherein the command signal is
a number key depression made by a subscriber of one of the first
and second wireless handsets as prompted by the one of the first
and second wireless handsets.
20. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein each of the first and
second wireless handsets has a wireless transmit channel for
transmitting communications and wherein the wireless network is
further operative to dynamically mute the wireless transmit
channels of each of the first and second wireless handsets so as to
restrict conversation during the simultaneous transmission of the
wireless communication.
21. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein each of the first and
second wireless handsets are further operative to transmit a
request to participate in a multi-party communication while
assigned the first wireless receive channel and wherein the
wireless network is further operative to assign a first wireless
transmit channel to the first and second wireless handsets so as to
allow multi-party communication between the first and second
wireless handsets while they are simultaneously receiving the same
wireless communication.
22. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein the wireless
communication includes at least one of an audio, video, and data
communication.
23. A method for simultaneously sharing wireless communications
among multiple wireless handsets deployed in a wireless network
having at least one cell site coverage area associated therewith,
wherein the wireless communications originates from a source
handset, the method comprising: receiving a request at the source
handset for the same wireless communication from a first and second
wireless handset located within direct communication proximity to
the source handset; assigning a first wireless receive channel to
the first and second wireless handsets in response to the request;
and simultaneously transmitting the requested wireless
communication via the first wireless channel for receipt by the
first and second wireless handsets.
24. The method as recited in claim 23 wherein simultaneously
transmitting the requested wireless communication further includes
simultaneously transmitting the requested wireless communication at
a power level based on the location of the first and second
wireless handsets.
25. The method as recited in claim 24 further comprising receiving
the simultaneously transmitted wireless communication at the first
and second wireless handsets at varying levels of receive signal
strength.
26. The method as recited in claim 23 wherein receiving the request
includes receiving a command signal selecting one of a plurality of
pre-established communication choices.
27. The method as recited in claim 26 wherein the command signal is
a predetermined number entered by a subscriber of one of the first
and second wireless handsets.
28. The method as recited in claim 26 wherein the command signal is
a number key depression made by a subscriber of one of the first
and second wireless handsets as prompted by the one of the first
and second wireless handsets.
29. The method as recited in claim 23 wherein each of the first and
second wireless handsets has a wireless transmit channel for
transmitting communications and the method further comprising
dynamically muting the wireless transmit channels of each of the
first and second wireless handsets so as to restrict conversation
during the simultaneous transmission of the wireless
communication.
30. The method as recited in claim 23 further comprising: receiving
a request from the first and second wireless handsets to
participate in a multi-party communication while assigned the first
wireless receive channel; and assigning a first wireless transmit
channel to the first and second wireless handsets so as to allow
multi-party communication between the source handset and the first
and second wireless handsets while simultaneously receiving the
same wireless communication.
31. The method as recited in claim 23 wherein the source handset is
located in a first cell site coverage area and the wherein the
wireless network further includes a second cell cite coverage area,
the method further comprising: receiving a request for the same
wireless communication at the wireless network from a third
wireless handset located in one of the first cell site coverage
area outside direct communication proximity to the source handset
and a second cell site coverage area different from the first cell
site coverage area; assigning a second wireless receive channel to
the third wireless handset; and simultaneously transmitting the
requested wireless communication via the first wireless receive
channel for receipt by the first and second wireless handsets and
via the second wireless receive channel for receipt by the third
wireless handset.
32. The method as recited in claim 31 wherein the first and second
wireless receive channels are the same.
33. The method as recited in claim 31 wherein the first and second
wireless receive channels are different.
34. The method as recited in claim 31 wherein the third wireless
handset has a wireless transmit channel for transmitting
communications, the method further comprising: receiving a request
from at least one of the first, second and third wireless handsets
to participate in a multi-party communication while assigned the
first and second wireless receive channels, respectively; and
assigning a first wireless transmit channel to the first and second
wireless handsets and a second wireless transmit channel to the
third wireless handset so as to allow multi-party communication
between the first, second and third wireless handsets while
simultaneously receiving the same wireless communication.
35. The method as recited in claim 34 wherein the first and second
wireless transmit channels are the same.
36. The method as recited in claim 34 wherein the first and second
wireless transmit channels are different.
37. The method as recited in claim 23 wherein the wireless
communication includes at least one of an audio, video, and data
communication.
38. A system for simultaneously sharing wireless communications
among multiple wireless handsets deployed in a wireless network
having at least one cell site coverage area associated therewith,
wherein the wireless communications originates from a source
handset, the system comprising: a first and second wireless handset
located within direct communication proximity to the source handset
in a first cell site coverage area for transmitting a request for
the same wireless communication; and the source handset for
assigning a first wireless receive channel to the first and second
wireless handsets in response to the request and simultaneously
transmitting the requested wireless communication via the first
wireless receive channel for receipt by the first and second
wireless handsets.
39. The system as recited in claim 38 wherein the source handset,
in simultaneously transmitting the requested wireless
communication, is further operative to simultaneously transmit the
requested wireless communication at a power level based on the
location of the first and second wireless handsets.
40. The system as recited in claim 39 wherein the first and second
wireless handsets are further operative to receive the
simultaneously transmitted wireless communication at varying levels
of receive signal strength.
41. The system as recited in claim 38 wherein each of the first and
second wireless handsets are further operative to transmit a
command signal selecting one of a plurality of preestablished
communication choices.
42. The system as recited in claim 41 wherein the command signal is
a predetermined number entered by a subscriber of one of the first
and second wireless handsets.
43. The system as recited in claim 41 wherein the command signal is
a number key depression made by a subscriber of one of the first
and second wireless handsets as prompted by the one of the first
and second wireless handsets.
44. The system as recited in claim 38 wherein each of the first and
second wireless handsets has a wireless transmit channel for
transmitting communications and wherein the source handset is
further operative to dynamically mute the wireless transmit
channels of each of the first and second wireless handsets so as to
restrict conversation during the simultaneous transmission of the
wireless communication.
45. The system as recited in claim 38 wherein each of the first and
second wireless handsets are further operative to transmit a
request to participate in a multi-party communication while
assigned the first wireless receive channel, and wherein the source
handset is further operative to assign a first wireless transmit
channel to the first and second wireless handsets so as to allow
multi-party communication between the source handset and the first
and second wireless handsets while they are simultaneously
receiving the same wireless communication.
46. The system as recited in claim 38 wherein the source handset is
located in a first cell site coverage area and wherein the wireless
network further includes a second cell site coverage area, the
method further comprising: a third wireless handset located in one
of the first cell site coverage area outside direct communication
proximity to the source handset and a second cell site coverage
area different from the first cell site coverage area for
transmitting a request for the same wireless communication; and the
wireless network for receiving the request from the third wireless,
assigning a second wireless receive channel to the third wireless
handset, and simultaneously transmitting the requested wireless
communication via the second wireless receive channel for receipt
by the third wireless handset.
47. The system as recited in claim 46 wherein the first and second
wireless receive channels are the same.
48. The system as recited in claim 46 wherein the first and second
wireless receive channels are different.
49. The system as recited in claim 46 wherein the third wireless
handset further includes a wireless transmit channel for
transmitting communications, the system further comprising: at
least one of the first, second and third wireless handsets
transmitting a request to participate in a multi-party
communication while assigned the first and second wireless receive
channels, respectively; the source handset for assigning a first
wireless transmit channel to the first and second wireless
handsets; and the wireless network for assigning a second wireless
transmit channel to the third wireless handset so as to allow
multi-party communication between the first, second and third
wireless handsets while simultaneously receiving the same wireless
communication.
50. The system as recited in claim 49 wherein the first and second
wireless transmit channels are the same.
51. The system as recited in claim 49 wherein the first and second
wireless transmit channels are different.
52. The system as recited in claim 38 wherein the wireless
communication includes at least one of an audio, video, and data
communication.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application relates to co-pending application entitled,
"Method and System for Providing Transmission of Selected Media
Programs to a Wireless Subscriber," having the same filing date as
the present invention.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to methods and systems for
simultaneously sharing wireless communications among multiple
wireless handsets.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Today, wireless phone systems are designed to provide
private, two-way voice conversations and data transmissions. This
is accomplished by assigning each data or voice call to a separate,
duplex channel. However, in some cases it may desirable to allow
multiple handsets to simultaneously receive the same voice
transmission or the same data transmission. This may be the case
when providing "party-line" services, multi-party coordination
services such as search coordination, conference calling services,
multi-party games, or other similar services in which multiple
parties transmit to, and receive from, more than one other party
who have similar capabilities. It may also be desirable to
simultaneously transmit from multiple wireless handsets to a single
receiver or data collection point, such as providing simultaneous
collection of voice, data, video or other reports from multiple
parties that are capable of transmitting to one or more collection
points. Still further, it may be desirable to simultaneously
transmit information to multiple parties from a single source or
point, such as in the case of emergency broadcasts of weather
alerts, civil actions, natural disasters, etc.
[0004] By suitable reconfiguration of system and terminal
capabilities and resources, these new service capabilities could be
realized with significant spectrum economies over current practice
through multiple, simultaneous use of the same radio channel.
[0005] Thus, there exists a need for allowing multiple wireless
handsets to be able to simultaneously share the same wireless
communications spectrum in receiving or transmitting common
wireless communications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is a general object of the present invention to allow
multiple wireless handsets to simultaneously transmit and receive
wireless communications over a common wireless channel.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to efficiently
utilize the wireless communications spectrum when simultaneously
sharing the communications among the multiple wireless handsets
located in the same wireless cell site coverage area.
[0008] In carrying out the above objects and other objects,
features, and advantages of the present invention, a method is
provided for simultaneously sharing wireless communications among
multiple wireless handsets deployed in a wireless network having at
least one cell site coverage area associated therewith. The method
includes receiving a request for the same wireless communication
from a first and second wireless handset, assigning a first
wireless receive channel to the first wireless handset and the
second wireless handset, and simultaneously transmitting the
requested wireless communication via the first wireless receive
channel for receipt by the first and second wireless handsets.
[0009] In further carrying out the above objects and other objects,
features, and advantages of the present invention, a system is also
provided for carrying out the steps of the above described method.
The system includes a first and second wireless handset each for
transmitting a request for the same wireless communication. The
system also includes a wireless network for assigning a first
wireless receive channel to the first wireless handset and the
second wireless handset and simultaneously transmitting the
requested wireless communication via the first wireless receive
channel for receipt by the first and second wireless handsets.
[0010] Still further, in carrying out the above objects and other
objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, a
method is provided for allowing simultaneous sharing of wireless
communications among multiple wireless handsets when the wireless
communications originates from a source handset. The method
includes receiving a request at the source handset for the same
wireless communication from a first and second wireless handset
located within direct communication proximity to the source
handset, assigning a first wireless receive channel to the first
and second wireless handsets, and simultaneously transmitting the
requested wireless communication via the first wireless receive
channel for receipt by the first and second wireless handsets.
[0011] In carrying out the above objects and other objects,
features, and advantages of the present invention, a system is also
provided for carrying out the steps of the above described method.
The system includes a first and second wireless handset each for
transmitting a request for the same wireless communication while
located within direct communication proximity to the source
handset. Upon receiving the request, the source handset assigns a
first wireless receive channel to the first and second wireless
handsets and simultaneously transmits the requested wireless
communication via the first wireless receive channel for receipt by
the first and second wireless handsets.
[0012] In carrying out the simultaneous transmission feature of
either embodiments of the present invention, each of the wireless
handsets is further assigned the same wireless transmit channel so
that each of the handsets may communicate with each other over the
shared communication channel. Thus, multi-party communications
among the wireless handsets is possible while receiving shared
communications.
[0013] The above objects and other objects, features and advantages
of the present invention are readily apparent from the following
detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the
invention when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless network system
architecture incorporating the teachings of the present invention;
and
[0015] FIGS. 2a-2b are flow diagrams illustrating the general
sequence of steps associated with the method of the present
invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0016] A schematic diagram of the system architecture of a wireless
network incorporating the teachings of the present invention is
shown in FIG. 1. The wireless network 20 typically includes a
Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 22 for processing calls to and from
the wireless users of the wireless network 20. MSC 22 is known to
those skilled in the art as a digital telephone exchange that
controls the switching between a wireline network and mobile cell
sites for all wireline-to-mobile, mobile-to-wireline, and
mobile-to-mobile calls. In operation, when MSC 22 receives a call
from the wireline network that is directed to a wireless handset
24, MSC 22 deciphers the telephone number dialed by the originating
caller and alerts Base Station Controllers (BSCs) 26 (described
below) at one or more cell sites to page the corresponding wireless
handset 24. Similarly, when wireless handset 24 places a call, MSC
22 accepts the dialing data from BSC 26 and uses the dialed number
for routing the communication. MSC 22 to also processes mobile
registration status data received from BSC 26, switches calls to
other cells, processes diagnostic information, and compiles mobile
billing information.
[0017] Typical wireless networks include several coverage areas
each including multiple adjoining cells. The BSC 26, which operates
under the direction of MSC 22, serves each coverage area via a
plurality of Base Stations (BSs) 28 disposed throughout each of the
adjoining cells. The BSC 26 manages each of the radio channels
assigned to its coverage area, supervises calls, turns the radio
transceivers on and off, injects data onto control and user
channels, and performs diagnostic tests on the cell site
equipment.
[0018] To register a subscriber in the wireless network 20, MSC 22
ascertains whether a subscriber is present in the wireless network
when the subscriber places a call via the wireless handset 24,
receives a call via the wireless handset 24, or by automatic
registration. Specifically, each time wireless handset 24 is
powered on or a call is originated from wireless handset 24,
certain information is transmitted to MSC 22, including a Mobile
Identification Number (MIN), an Electronic Serial Number (ESN), and
a System Identification (SID) of the wireless handset 24.
[0019] In order to respond to subscriber call requests, the MSC 22
compares the information transmitted by the wireless handset 24
with subscriber data contained in a database, referred to as a
Wireless Subscriber Location Register 30. The WSLR 30 is a master
database for storing data related to each mobile subscriber, such
as the subscriber profile and mobility information together with
their relevant permanent (static) data, such as access capabilities
and subscriber services. WSLR 30 also contains location and service
data for each visiting subscriber entering its coverage area in
order to route incoming and outgoing calls appropriately. The WSLR
30 performs substantially the same functionality as the well known
Home Location Register and Wireless Service Control Point, yet
serves one or more MSCs 22 rather than only one MSC 22, as
traditionally done in the prior art.
[0020] MSC 22 and WSLR 30 communicate with each other utilizing a
signaling protocol, such as IS-41 Mobile Application Part (MAP) or
GSM MAP. In some implementations, MSC 22 and WSLR 30 may be
integrated into one component.
[0021] Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a flow diagram
illustrating the general sequence of steps associated with the
method of the present invention. First, the MSC 22 receives a
request for the same wireless communication from at least two
wireless handsets, as shown at block 50. The communication can be
an audio, video, data, or any other similar communication. The
communication can also be a pre-established media program, either
pre-recorded or live, such as a television or radio broadcast, as
shown at block 32 in FIG. 1. For example, video communications may
include sports programming delivered via a traditional broadcast or
television provider or via the Internet. Similarly, data
communications may include media such as an Internet web page,
stock quotes or sports scores.
[0022] Selection of these types of communications can be
accomplished in one of several ways. The subscriber could enter a
well-known number or letter designation for the desired program.
For example, "7" or "43" for a TV-cable program, or "1650" or "630"
for a radio program (FM/AM). Alternatively, if a unique mapping for
programs in a particular area can be achieved, then the subscriber
could enter "KBCO" or "KUSA" to designate the station's call
letters. This approach assumes the user knows the numbers for
desired programs or has reference to a printed Program Listing
Guide or some equivalent.
[0023] Still further, the handset 24 could present the subscriber
with a list of available programs on the handset display or with an
auditory list. The subscriber would then simply select the desired
program and the MSC 22 would execute the needed functions to
request that program. The handset 24 would provide the needed
"navigation" and "search" features for the subscriber to review the
entire list, find specific programs, mark/save favorite programs,
etc. via arrow and scroll buttons, or other navigation mechanisms
known to those skilled in the art.
[0024] The "menu" of program options could be presented to the
subscriber via the handset either by having the "menu" built into
the handset 24 at the time of manufacture, or by dynamically
creating the "menu" for the subscriber whenever the subscriber
enters a "program request" mode. In this instance, the handset 24
and the MSC 22 would exchange commands that dynamically transmit
the currently available program list for the area the user is in
directly to the handset 24.
[0025] In yet another embodiment, the subscriber could use the
handset 24 to dial a specific "phone" number that would either
access a special directory that would prompt the subscriber with
program options or the wireless system could designate a different
phone number for each program. Finally, the subscriber could use
the handset 24 to dial a special "code" number that corresponds to
a particular channel, similar to the codes used in the TV-Guide
VCR-programming approach.
[0026] Upon receiving the request for the wireless communication,
the MSC 22 assigns a first wireless receive channel to the first
wireless handset, as shown at block 52. A wireless connection
between a BS 28 and a wireless handset 24 is enabled by the
availability, configuration and control of at least two radio
channels: a "bearer" channel over which subscriber information is
sent over a transmit channel portion and received over a receive
channel portion, and a shared "signaling" channel over which system
information is exchanged between the BS 28 and the multiple
handsets 24. The allocation of the radio spectrum into shared
channels may be accomplished differently for the different
industry-standard practices known to those skilled in the art. In
Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, for example, a
duplex (two-way) voice channel is accomplished by simultaneously
allocating the same frequency bands for the receive portion of the
voice channel of both the wireless handsets 24. In Time Division
Multiple Access (TDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
systems, channels are defined via time slots and code channels,
respectively. Again, the simultaneous transmission to the wireless
handsets 24 is accomplished by allocating the same time slot or
code channel for the receive portion of the bearer channel of both
handsets 24.
[0027] If the wireless handsets are located in different cell
sites, as shown at conditional block 54, the second wireless
handset is assigned a second wireless receive channel for receiving
the requested communication, as shown at block 56. It is possible
that the second wireless receive channel is the same as the first
wireless receive channel depending on the available resources in
the second cell site. If the first wireless receive channel is not
available, the second wireless receive channel is different from
the first wireless receive channel and allocated utilizing
conventional channel assignment techniques as described above. The
wireless network 20 then sends the requested communication over the
first and second wireless receive channels, as shown at block 58,
to the first and second wireless handsets 24, respectively, via
their respective BSs 28 so that each handset is simultaneously
receiving the same communication.
[0028] If, however, the wireless handsets 24 are located in the
same cell site, then the same first wireless receive channel is
also assigned to the second handset, as shown at block 60, and the
communication is transmitted simultaneously to the first and second
wireless handsets 24 via the same first wireless receive channel,
block 62. When transmitting to multiple handsets 24 within a
service area of a single BS 28, BS 28 must transmit the
communication at a power level sufficient to reach the farthest
handset 24 within its service area. Once a handset 24 travels to
another cell site and is handed off to that cell site, the BS 28
must adjust the transmit power level to reach the current handset
farthest from the BS 28. Consequently, the handset 24 now must be
flexible to receive signals that may be stronger than required by
conventional handsets.
[0029] The present invention also accommodates the sharing of
wireless communications in the form of multi-party conversations,
such as "party lines" or "chat services," for wireless handsets 24.
Within the service area of a single BS 28, if multi-party
conversation is desired, as shown at conditional block 64, the
wireless handsets 24 are allocated the same transmit channel, i.e.,
frequency, time slot, or code channel, for the transmission portion
of the bearer channel, as shown at conditional block 65 and block
66. This can be initiated in any number of ways. For example, the
handsets 24 could call a predetermined number, possibly followed by
selecting a conversation to be party to, e.g., a particular chat
topic. The handsets 24 that are party to a particular chat topic
then share an uplink channel that is decoded as a single channel.
Similarly, on the downlink, the handsets 24 are directed to the
same receive channel. Thus, large search parties might be
substantially helped by being able to keep one another informed
over an "open" line without unduly taxing network capacity.
[0030] Of course, the present invention supports "party-line" or
"chat services" across multiple cell site coverage area by bridging
them together in the wireless network, as shown at block 67, by
assigning a second transmit channel to the handsets in the other
cell site coverage area. As with the second receive channel, the
second transmit channel may or may not be the same as the first
transmit channel depending on availability of-network
resources.
[0031] If, however, the handsets are not participating in a party
line scenario, the uplink, or transmit portion, of the channel of
the handset 24 is muted, as shown at block 68. For example, if the
program is a sporting event, it may be desirable to prevent the
bridged parties from talking over the transmission. This can be
done by instructing the handset 24 to reduce the power on the
uplink to a minimum. Alternatively, the BS 28/MSC 22 could be
programmed to not receive the uplink transmission.
[0032] In some circumstances, data services could also be
accommodated. Point-to-multipoint wireless facsimile, for example,
could be provided at great system capacity savings. Similarly,
wireless video transmissions to multiple mobile handsets could be
accommodated economically.
[0033] Although the present invention has been described in which
the wireless network is responsible for receiving the request for
shared wireless communications and assigning receive channels
accordingly to enable simultaneous transmission of the
communication for receipt by the same receive channel, it is also
possible for the wireless handsets themselves to be able to
negotiate the sharing of the wireless spectrum without intervention
by the wireless network. Present day systems allow a first wireless
handset to connect with a second wireless handset directly and
establish a private communication channel from available channels.
However, these systems are limited to point-to-point
communications. The present invention, on the other hand, allows
two or more handsets that are in direct communication proximity to
a source handset to communicate directly with that source handset
to establish the shared communication channel.
[0034] In this embodiment, the wireless communication may be any
number of communications, such as, but not limited to, a broadcast
of a child's soccer game for receipt by family members or a
broadcast of some media program, as shown at block 34 in FIG. 1.
The source handset 25, which is capable of communicating with
multiple handsets simultaneously over the same communication
channel, then assigns, or directs, the first and second wireless
handsets to a first wireless receive channel so that they can
simultaneously receive the requested wireless communication at the
same time over a restricted shared channel.
[0035] As in the previous embodiment, here the source handset 25
must transmit the requested wireless communication at a power level
based on the location of the first and second wireless handset so
that it is sure to be received by the farthest handset. Also, the
handsets can request the desired wireless communication in the
manner as described above. And, if the handsets in this embodiment
wish to participate in a multi-party communication, a common
restricted shared transmit channel is assigned to the handsets as
in the previous embodiment.
[0036] If any one of the handsets move out of the direct
communication range of the source handset or another handset in a
different cell site coverage area desires the same communication,
the wireless network becomes involved as described above and
assigns appropriate transmit and receive channels so as to bridge
the handset, or handsets, with the other handsets directly
communicating with the source handset 25. Again, these transmit and
receive channels may or may not be the same as the original
transmit and receive channels, depending on the availability of
channel resources.
[0037] While the best modes for carrying out the invention have
been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this
invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and
embodiments for practicing the invention. This includes various
architectures for constructing the wireless network. In some
situations, the functionality of the MSC may be combined with a
wireline network switch. In others, the intelligence for routing
wireless calls may be distributed to BSCs or other wireless network
elements thereby eliminating the MSC as a discrete element. The
teachings of this invention may be practiced with these and other
embodiments as defined by the following claims.
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