U.S. patent application number 10/196490 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for method and apparatus for sending a message from a wireless device.
Invention is credited to Qu, Hai, Shi, Guangming.
Application Number | 20030224814 10/196490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29586377 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030224814 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Qu, Hai ; et al. |
December 4, 2003 |
Method and apparatus for sending a message from a wireless
device
Abstract
A method, apparatus, and computer-readable media for sending a
message from a multi-mode wireless device in a multiple
communication mode environment. A preferred communication mode is
selected from a plurality of communication modes supported by the
wireless device. A preferred message service is selected based on
contents of the message and the preferred communication mode. Then,
compatibility of the preferred message service with an active
communication mode of the wireless device is determined. If the
preferred message service is compatible with the active
communication mode, the message is sent by using the preferred
service according to the active communication mode.
Inventors: |
Qu, Hai; (San Diego, CA)
; Shi, Guangming; (San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Qualcomm Incorporated
Patents Department
5775 Morehouse Drive
San Diego
CA
92121-1714
US
|
Family ID: |
29586377 |
Appl. No.: |
10/196490 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60384187 |
May 29, 2002 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/517 ;
455/466 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 51/58 20220501;
H04W 88/06 20130101; H04W 8/18 20130101; H04W 4/12 20130101; H04L
51/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/517 ;
455/466 |
International
Class: |
H04Q 007/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for sending a message from a wireless device in a
multiple communication modes environment, comprising: selecting a
preferred communication mode from a plurality of communication
modes supported by the wireless device; selecting a preferred
message service based on contents of the message and the preferred
communication mode; determining compatibility of the preferred
message service with an active communication mode of the wireless
device; and if the preferred message service is compatible with the
active communication mode, sending the message using the preferred
service according to the active communication mode.
2. The method as set forth in claim, 1 further comprising:
receiving a message origination mode preference for setting a
message origination mode including the preferred communication
mode; and wherein selecting the preferred message service is
further based on the message origination mode.
3. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising
formatting said message according to the preferred message
service.
4. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising, if the
preferred message service is not compatible with the active
communication mode, resetting the active communication mode to a
next communication mode that is compatible with the preferred
message service and the preferred communication mode.
5. The method as set forth in claim 4, further comprising, if the
preferred message service is compatible with the next communication
mode, sending the message using the preferred message service
according to the next communication mode.
6. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising receiving
a request to send the message as a reply to a received message.
7. The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising receiving
a request to send the message in response to receiving the content
from a user.
8. An apparatus for sending a message from a wireless device in a
multiple communication mode environment, comprising: a control
processor configured for selecting a preferred communication mode
from a plurality of communication modes supported by the wireless
device, selecting a preferred message service based on contents of
the message and the preferred communication mode, and determining
compatibility of the preferred message service with an active
communication mode of the wireless device; and a communication
module configured for sending the message using the preferred
service according to the active communication mode if the preferred
message service is compatible with the active communication
mode.
9. The apparatus as set forth in claim, 8 further comprising: a
user interface for receiving a message origination mode preference
from a user, the message origination mode preference being
configured to set a message origination mode including the
preferred communication mode from one or more communication modes
supported by the wireless device; and wherein the selecting the
preferred message service is further based on the message
origination mode.
10. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the control
processor is further configured to format said message according to
the message service.
11. The apparatus as set forth in claim 8, wherein the control
processor is configured to select a next communication mode
compatible with the preferred message service if the preferred
message service is incompatible with the active communication
mode.
12. A apparatus for sending a message from a wireless device in a
multiple communication mode environment, comprising: a control
processor; and computer readable media including code for
instructing the control processor, wherein the code comprises: code
for selecting a preferred communication mode from a plurality of
communication modes supported by the wireless device; code for
selecting a preferred message service based on contents of the
message and the preferred communication mode; code for determining
compatibility of the preferred message service with an active
communication mode of the wireless device; and code for, if the
preferred message service is compatible with the active
communication mode, sending the message using the preferred service
according to the active communication mode.
13. The apparatus as set forth in claim, 12 further comprising:
code for receiving a message origination mode preference for
setting a message origination mode including the preferred
communication mode; and code for wherein selecting the preferred
message service is further based on the message origination
mode.
14. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, further comprising code
for formatting said message according to the preferred message
service.
15. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, further comprising, if
the preferred message service is not compatible with the active
communication mode, code for resetting the active communication
mode to a next communication mode that is compatible with the
preferred message service and the preferred communication mode.
16. The apparatus as set forth in claim 15, further comprising, if
the preferred message service is compatible with the next
communication mode, code for sending the message using the
preferred message service according to the next communication
mode.
17. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, further comprising code
for receiving a request to send the message as a reply to a
received message.
18. The apparatus as set forth in claim 12, further comprising code
for receiving a request to send the message in response to
receiving the content from a user.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/384,187, filed May 29, 2002 entitled
"Method and Apparatus for Providing Messaging Services with
Multi-Mode Wireless Devices."
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] The present invention relates to communication of data, and
more particularly, to sending messages from a wireless device in a
multiple communication modes environment.
[0004] 2. Background
[0005] Various communication systems operating according to
different communication protocols provide for communication of
messages. Generally, communication of messages is provided through
different message services. One of the message services is the
short message service (SMS.) The SMS is a wireless message service
for providing a medium for communication of alphanumeric messages
of limited size. The communication of SMS messages may be between
mobile devices, or a mobile device and a wireless network. The SMS
may be used for a variety of communication services such as
electronic mail, paging, facsimile, voice mail, or Internet access.
The SMS is available in communication systems operating in
accordance with the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)
standard, and code division multiple access (CDMA) standards, such
as CDMA1X, CDMA2000, and WCDMA. The standards may include a
specific set of protocols for communication of data. Such specific
protocols include the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and the
Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS).
[0006] Another type of message service is known as Enhanced
Messaging Service (EMS.) The EMS allows users of EMS-compliant
mobile devices to send and receive text, melodies, pictures, and
simple sounds and animations, or a combination thereof. The EMS is
also supported by a number of communication standards.
[0007] A mobile device having multiple communication modes may
support the operations of communicating data in accordance with
more than one standard. Therefore, the mobile device may be a
multi-mode wireless device (MWD.) The MWD allows a user to send and
receive voice and data over multiple wireless networks, each
operating in accordance with a communication standard. The
communication modes include, without limitation, operations in CDMA
or GSM based systems, or GSM-based derivatives such as GPRS or
UMTS. Other CDMA-based systems are also included, such as CDMA1X,
CDMA2000, etc. The MWDs are generally compatible with the SMS and
EMS for sending and receiving messages.
[0008] Most communication modes provide at least one message
service. Each message service, however, has distinct formats,
interfaces, and protocols for generating, sending, and receiving
messages. In the past, mobile service providers required users to
choose a single wireless system for their service. Thus, a wireless
device had to support only one set of message services.
[0009] The proliferation of MWDs, however, requires the ability to
support multiple message services for corresponding multiple
communication modes, as well as each message service's unique
standards. Currently, a user of an MWD must determine which
wireless communication mode or modes is available for use, and must
manually select an appropriate corresponding message service.
Further, the MWD may employ a different application for each
message service, and each application includes a distinct interface
and set of procedures for sending a message.
[0010] There is therefore a need in the art for a method and
apparatus for sending a message in which a wireless communication
mode and a message service can be automatically selected.
SUMMARY
[0011] Embodiments disclosed herein address the above stated needs
by providing a novel and improved method, apparatus, and
computer-readable medium for sending messages from a wireless
device. In accordance with various aspects of the invention, a
wireless device supporting more than one wireless communication
system executes a method for sending a message. The method includes
selecting a preferred communication mode from a plurality of
communication modes supported by the wireless device. The method
further includes selecting a preferred message service based on
contents of the message and the preferred communication mode. The
method further includes determining compatibility of the preferred
message service with an active communication mode of the wireless
device, and if the preferred message service is compatible with the
active communication mode, sending the message using the preferred
service according to the active communication mode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a communication system
having multiple wireless networks;
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart for sending a message in
accordance with various embodiments of the invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a multi-modes wireless
device for sending a message in accordance with various embodiments
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a wireless communication system
100 capable of operating in accordance with various aspects of the
invention. The communications at various block interfaces within
the wireless communication system 100 may be compliant in
accordance with the Interim Standard-41C, or variants thereof. The
wireless communication system 100 may be integrated with other data
communication systems. During operation, messages are communicated
between wireless devices 102, 103, and 104 operated by respective
users and one or more external short messaging entities (ESME) 105.
Each wireless device may be any type of wireless communication
device. Such devices may be connected or integrated with other
types of devices, such as computers or devices operating like a
computer. The wireless devices may also operate from a fixed
location, such as a wireless local loop or a meter reading system,
or a combination thereof. The wireless device 103 may be configured
for operation in accordance with multiple communication standards
in communication system 100. Therefore, the wireless device 103 may
be a MWD.
[0016] The ESME 105 may include voice mail systems 106, the
Internet or a closed Intranet 108, electronic mail system 110, and
other systems 112 such as fax machines, pagers, terminals or
computers. The system 100 includes a short message service center
(SMSC) 114, also known as a message center. Other message centers
may be employed to handle different message services. The SMSC 114
may be a combination of hardware and software for relaying, storing
and forwarding messages between the ESME 105 and the wireless
devices in communication system 100 via network paths 199 and
198.
[0017] The network paths 199 and 198 include one or more signal
transfer points (STPs) 116(a) and 116(b), also known as gateways.
The STPs 116(a) and 116(b) are connected with the SMSC 114 to
enable IS-41C interconnections over signaling system 7 (SS7) links
or similar channels with multiple network elements. Home location
registers (HLR) 118(a) and 118(b) are connected with the STPs
116(a) and 116(b), respectively. Each HLR includes a database
containing subscription data and service profiles of users. In
response to a request from the SMSC 114, an HLR 118(a) or 118(b)
provides routing information for an indicated user. Further, if a
recipient is not available when a message delivery is attempted,
the HLR 118 signals the SMSC 114 when the recipient is accessible
and when the message is deliverable. Each STP is connected with one
or more mobile switching centers (MSC) 120(a) and 120(b). Each MSC
performs switching functions and controls message routing to and
from respective radio access networks (RANs) 122 and 123. The
wireless communications from RAN 122 and RAN 123 with the mobile
devices may be in accordance with different over the air protocols
as defined by different standards. For example, RAN 123 may operate
in accordance with the GSM standard, and RAN 122 in accordance with
the CDMA standard. The MWD 103 is capable to operate in accordance
with both standards with RAN 122 and 123 respectively.
[0018] For purposes of simplicity, system 100 is shown with SMSC
114 in communication with two network paths 199 and 198. Each
network path may include one signal transfer point (STP), one
mobile switching center (MSC) and one radio access network (RAN).
However, additional STPs, MSCs and RANs are also possible in each
network path. Accordingly, the system 100 may include the ESME 105,
SMSC 114, and a network path having at least one of each of an STP,
MSC and RAN. The system 100 may include one or more SMSCs 114 or
similar message centers.
[0019] In one example, the wireless device 102 is only compatible
with the wireless network including the RAN 122 using a first
wireless communication mode. Similarly, the wireless device 104 is
only compatible with the wireless network including RAN 123 using a
second wireless communication mode. Wireless device 102 could not
communicate with the system 100 through the network path associated
with RAN 123, nor could wireless device 104 communicate with the
system 100 through the network path associated with the RAN 122.
For example, RAN 122 may operate according to CDMA standard, and
RAN 123 operates according to GSM standard. The MWD 103 may operate
with both RANs 122 and 123.
[0020] For different communication modes such as CDMA and GSM
modes, message services may require different formatting. For
example, CDMA SMS messages are formatted differently than GSM SMS
messages. The MWD 103, however, is configured to communicate with
wireless networks connected to either RAN 122 or 123, even where
they operate according to different communication modes. Wireless
devices 102, 103 and 104 can receive different types of messages
depending on the services to which they are subscribed. In
particular, by operating according to more than one communication
mode, the MWD 103 can receive messages from various sources
operating in accordance with different communication modes, such as
CDMA and GSM modes.
[0021] According to various aspects of the invention, the MWD 103
automatically selects a message service based on content of a
message and on a communication mode used for communicating with an
available wireless network. Alternatively, the MWD 103 selects one
message service, from one or more message services it supports,
based on a message to be communicated and a preferred communication
mode.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a flowchart 200 illustrating various steps for
sending a message from a MWD in a multiple communication mode
environment in accordance with various aspects of the invention. At
step 202, the MWD receives a message origination mode preference.
The message origination mode preference is a signal or code that is
input into the MWD, and may be provided by a user, manufacturer or
service provider for setting a message origination mode.
[0023] The message origination mode selects or designates a
preferred communication mode or priority scheme of communication
modes from among the communication modes supported by the MWD. The
preferred communication mode may be used by the MWD to originate
(i.e. receive, format, and prepare) and send a message.
[0024] The message origination mode includes an automatic mode, in
which any communication mode can be used for sending the message.
In the CDMA1x-only mode, the message may only be sent to a
CDMA1x-compliant network. In GSM/GPRS/UMTS mode, a CDMA1x
communication mode cannot be used, and a message may be sent
according to a mode consistent with several parameters of the
message, such as size, content, etc.
[0025] A message can be originated either in response to a user
request to enter a message at step 204, or as a reply to a message
received by the MWD from an external sender at steps 224 and 226,
which are explained in greater detail. In response to a user
request, the MWD receives message content and forms a message
according to a format and protocol required by the message
origination mode. At step 206, the MWD receives a message send
request from the user.
[0026] At step 208, the MWD selects a preferred wireless service
from among the wireless services supported by the MWD. The
selection is based on parameters of the message, and the message
origination mode, if registered by the MWD. For example, if the
message is an SMS message, and the text payload exceeds 140 bytes,
then the message may be sent over a CDMA traffic channel, using
service option 6 (SO6, rate set 1 of 9.6 kbps) or service option 14
(SO14, rate set 2 of 14.4 kbps). In another example, if CDMA is
selected and the message exceeds the size limit of about 70 bytes
for being sent on a CDMA access channel, the MWD will select either
SO6 or SO14 and set up a call on the CDMA traffic channel. If the
selected service option fails, the MWD will try another service
option. If both service options fail, the MWD may try another mode
such as WCDMA.
[0027] At step 209, the MWD compares the selected preferred message
service with a currently-used, active communication mode of the
device, if any, to determine whether they are compatible. If the
preferred message service is compatible with the active
communication mode, shown at decision step 210, the MWD sends the
message using the preferred message service to a wireless network
associated with the active communication mode at step 212.
[0028] If the preferred message service is not compatible with the
current active communication mode, or if a network connection is
lost before transmission of the message is completed, the MWD will
select another communication mode as shown at step 220. The MWD
selects a next communication mode based on compatibility with the
preferred message service, and in accordance with preferences
registered by the message origination mode preference, if any. If a
network connection can be acquired using the next suitable
communication mode as set forth at decision step 222, the MWD sends
the message to a wireless network associated with the next suitable
communication mode at step 212. If a network connection cannot be
acquired, the MWD selects a next suitable communication mode at
step 220.
[0029] To acquire a network connection using the next suitable
communication mode, the MWD stops the protocol stack for the
current active mode, and starts the protocol stack for the newly
selected mode which causes a hardware and firmware change in order
to tune into the newly acquired wireless network. Alternatively,
the MWD may run multiple stacks concurrently. The MWD may listen to
protocol information from the newly acquired wireless network, and
establishes dialogues with the network (i.e. GSM location update,
CDMA registration, etc.).
[0030] If the message is sent successfully over the network, the
MWD may receive a message submission status (CDMA transport layer
Acknowledgement Message, GSM/UMTS Submit Report message, etc.) from
the SMSC 114, as indicated at step 214. The message submission
status is preferably received within the time period that is
specified by the standards of the wireless system used. If the
submission status indicates that the SMSC 114 accepted the message,
and the user requested a message delivery status (CDMA Delivery
Acknowledgement Message, GSM/UMTS Status Report message, etc.), the
MWD may receive a message delivery status from the SMSC at step
216. If the user requested a reply to the sent message (CDMA User
Acknowledgement, GSM Reply Path, etc.), the MWD may receive the
requested reply at step 218.
[0031] Returning now to step 224, the MWD is able to receive a
message from multiple available wireless networks according to
multiple wireless communication modes. If the sender of such a
message requests a reply, the MWD user generates the reply without
having to know on which system or network the original message is
received. Accordingly, at step 226, the MWD receives a user request
to reply to the received message, and once the reply data is
received and a reply message is formed, the MWD receives the user
message send request at step 206. When replying to a received
message, the MWD may select a communication mode used by the
network when the received message is arrived. The flow of various
steps then proceeds as set forth. Those with skill in the art would
recognize that the steps in FIG. 2, representing steps for sending
a message by a multi-mode wireless device, may be interchanged or
reordered without departing from the main scope of the
invention.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a block diagram 300 of a MWD 103 for sending a
message in accordance with various aspects of the invention. The
MWD 103 includes a communication module 302 that enables
communication with a wireless network using different communication
modes. The communication module 302 sends and receives control and
traffic signals via antenna 304 while in communication with RAN 122
and 123 in accordance with corresponding protocols defined in
relevant standards. The MWD 103 also includes a control processor
306 and computer-readable media 308. The computer-readable media
308 stores one or more software modules for execution by the
control processor 306. The MWD 103 also includes a user interface
310 for receiving commands, requests, instructions, and data from a
user, and for providing information to the user via, for example, a
display in MWD. Various steps defined and explained in relation to
flowchart 200 depicted in FIG. 2 may be formed via software code or
hardware or a combination of both, and incorporated in MWD 103 via
computer-readable media 308 and control processor 306. Therefore,
MWD 103 may operate in accordance with various aspects of the
invention.
[0033] Those of skill would further appreciate that the various
illustrative logical blocks, modules, functional blocks, and
algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments
disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware,
computer software stored on computer-readable media, or
combinations thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability
of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks,
modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in
terms of their functionality. Furthermore, the various illustrative
logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with
the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed
with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP),
an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field
programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in
the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor,
controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also
be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a
combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0034] The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection
with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in
hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a
combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory,
flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers,
hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage
medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to
the processor such the processor can read information from, and
write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the
storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and
the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a
wireless device. In the alternative, the processor and the storage
medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal
connected with the wireless device.
* * * * *