U.S. patent application number 13/364674 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-24 for multiple independent pathway communications.
This patent application is currently assigned to Broadcom Corporation. Invention is credited to James D. Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz, Nambirajan Seshadri.
Application Number | 20120127885 13/364674 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35355689 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120127885 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan ; et
al. |
May 24, 2012 |
Multiple Independent Pathway Communications
Abstract
A system and method for utilizing multiple independent
communication pathways for communication. Various aspects of the
present invention may comprise receiving a first signal directly
from a first communication network, where the first signal
communicates a first representation of a unit of information. A
second signal may be received from a second communication network,
where the second signal communicates a second representation of the
unit of information. The received first and second signals may be
processed to determine the first and second representations of the
unit of information respectively. An indication of reliability may
be determined from the second signal. The indication of reliability
and the second representation of the unit of information may be
used to re-determine the first representation of the unit of
information.
Inventors: |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan; (Irvine,
CA) ; Seshadri; Nambirajan; (Irvine, CA) ;
Bennett; James D.; (San Clemente, CA) |
Assignee: |
Broadcom Corporation
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
35355689 |
Appl. No.: |
13/364674 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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|
11092933 |
Mar 29, 2005 |
8111617 |
|
|
13364674 |
|
|
|
|
60601393 |
Aug 13, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
370/252 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 69/40 20130101;
H04L 69/14 20130101; H04L 2001/0096 20130101; H04B 7/082 20130101;
H04B 7/0842 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
370/252 |
International
Class: |
H04W 24/00 20090101
H04W024/00; H04L 12/26 20060101 H04L012/26 |
Claims
1. A method for determining a unit of information comprising: in a
portable communication device: receiving a first signal from a
first communication network; determining a first representation of
the unit of information from the first signal; receiving a second
signal from a second communication network; determining a second
representation of the unit of information from the second signal;
determining an indication of reliability for the second
representation of the unit of information; and re-determining the
first representation of the unit of information using the second
representation of the unit of information and the indication of
reliability for the second representation of the unit of
information.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: presenting the
re-determined first representation of the unit of information to a
user of the portable communication device.
3. The method of claim 1, where the first signal and the second
signal communicate information using different encoding strategies,
modulation techniques, communication protocols, or any combination
thereof.
4. The method of claim 1, where the first communication network is
communicatively coupled to the second communication network.
5. The method of claim 1, where determining the indication of
reliability is based on a frequency of detected errors.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining an
indication of reliability for the first representation of the unit
of information; and where re-determining the first representation
of the unit of information further comprises using the indication
of reliability for the first representation of the unit of
information.
7. The method of claim 1, where the first representation of the
unit of information and the second representation of the unit of
information have different data resolution levels, spatial
resolution levels, temporal resolution levels, or any combination
thereof.
8. A system for determining a unit of information, the system
comprising: a communication interface; a processor; a memory; logic
stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, is
operable to: receive, through the communication interface, a first
signal from a first communication network; determine a first
representation of the unit of information from the first signal;
receive, through the communication interface, a second signal from
a second communication network; determine a second representation
of the unit of information from the second signal; determine an
indication of reliability for the second representation of the unit
of information; and re-determine the first representation of the
unit of information using the second representation of the unit of
information and the indication of reliability for the second
representation of the unit of information.
9. The system of claim 8, where the logic, when executed by the
processor, is further operable to: present the re-determined first
representation of the unit of information to a user.
10. The system of claim 8, where the first signal and the second
signal communicate information using different encoding strategies,
modulation techniques, communication protocols, or any combination
thereof.
11. The system of claim 8, where the first communication network is
communicatively coupled to the second communication network.
12. The system of claim 8, where determining the indication of
reliability is based on a frequency of detected errors.
13. The system of claim 8, where the logic, when executed by the
processor, is further operable to: determine an indication of
reliability for the first representation of the unit of
information; and where: re-determining the first representation of
the unit of information further comprises using the indication of
reliability for the first representation of the unit of
information.
14. The system of claim 8, where the first representation of the
unit of information and the second representation of the unit of
information have different data resolution levels, spatial
resolution levels, temporal resolution levels, or any combination
thereof.
15. A portable communication device for determining a unit of
information, the portable communication device comprising: a
communication interface module operable to: receive a first signal
from a first communication network; and receive a second signal
from a second communication network; and a processing module
operable to: determine a first representation of the unit of
information from the first signal; determine a second
representation of the unit of information from the second signal;
determine an indication of reliability for the second
representation of the unit of information; and re-determine the
first representation of the unit of information using the second
representation of the unit of information and the indication of
reliability for the second representation of the unit of
information.
16. The portable communication device of claim 15, where processing
module is further operable to: present the re-determined first
representation of the unit of information to a user of the portable
communication device.
17. The portable communication device of claim 15, where the first
signal and the second signal communicate information using
different encoding strategies, modulation techniques, communication
protocols, or any combination thereof.
18. The portable communication device of claim 15, where the first
communication network is communicatively coupled to the second
communication network.
19. The portable communication device of claim 15, where
determining the indication of reliability is based on a frequency
of detected errors.
20. The portable communication device of claim 15, where the
processing module is further operable to: determine a first
indication of reliability for the first representation of the unit
of information; and where: re-determining the first representation
of the unit of information further comprises using the indication
of reliability for the first representation of the unit of
information.
21. The portable communication device of claim 15, where the first
representation of the unit of information and the second
representation of the unit of information have different data
resolution levels, spatial resolution levels, temporal resolution
levels, or any combination thereof.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 11/092,933 filed on Mar. 29, 2005, the
contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in
their entirety, which is related to and claims priority from
provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/601,393, filed on Aug.
13, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] [Not Applicable]
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0003] [Not Applicable]
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0004] [Not Applicable]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Various communication systems may utilize a single
communication path to communicate information. Such communication
may be limited by the communication environment along the single
communication path. For example, a communication network of the
single communication path may experience partial or full failure.
Also for example, a communication network of the single
communication path may experience periods of degraded performance,
for example, due to varying network utilization or environmental
conditions.
[0006] In various communication scenarios, a communication system
may roam through respective coverage areas of various communication
networks. For example, a communication system may initially
communicate relatively well in a communication network. Then the
communication system may be relocated to a different geographical
location or physical orientation, and the quality of communication
between the communication system and the communication network may
be degraded.
[0007] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the
art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention
as set forth in the remainder of the present application with
reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Various aspects of the present invention provide a system
and method for utilizing multiple independent communication
pathways for communication, substantially as shown in and/or
described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set
forth more completely in the claims. These and other advantages,
aspects and novel features of the present invention, as well as
details of illustrative aspects thereof, will be more fully
understood from the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary multiple network
communication environment, in accordance with various aspects of
the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method, in a
communication system, for receiving information through multiple
communication paths, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method, in a
communication system, for receiving information through multiple
communication paths, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method, in a
communication system, for receiving information through multiple
communication paths, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method, in a
communication system, for utilizing multiple communication paths
for communicating information, in accordance with various aspects
of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a block diagram of an exemplary
multiple network communication environment comprising a
communication system that communicates information through multiple
communication paths, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication
system that receives information through multiple communication
paths, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication
system that receives information through multiple communication
paths, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication
system that communicates information through multiple communication
paths, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of an exemplary multiple network
communication environment 100, in accordance with various aspects
of the present invention. The exemplary communication environment
100 may be referred to in the following discussion to provide
exemplary illustrations of various aspects of the present
invention. By no means, is the scope of various aspects of the
present invention to be limited by characteristics of the exemplary
communication environment 100.
[0019] The exemplary communication environment 100 may comprise a
first communication system 110 (e.g., a portable communication
device). Though the first communication system 110 is generally
illustrated as a portable handheld communication device, the first
communication system 110 may comprise characteristics of any of a
variety of communication systems. For example and without
limitation, the first communication system 110 may comprise
characteristics of a cellular phone, paging device, portable
multi-media communication device, pocket computer, personal digital
assistant, portable telephone, desktop or portable computer, etc.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of a particular
communication system.
[0020] The exemplary communication environment 100 may comprise a
wireless carrier central office 120 that, for example, manages
routing information and communicating information through various
communication networks (including, e.g., a wireless network) with
other communication systems. The following discussion may refer to
the wireless carrier central office 120 as an example of a system
with which other communication systems may communicate information.
However, various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by characteristics of a particular communication
system.
[0021] The first communication system 110 may comprise the
capability to communicate information over a plurality of
communication paths (e.g., with a plurality of communication
networks). A communication path may generally be defined as a route
that information (or data) travels between one communication system
and one or more other communication systems. A communication path
may comprise any of a variety of communication path
characteristics. For example and without limitation, a
communication path may comprise a direct link between communication
systems or may comprise one or more intervening communication
networks between communication systems.
[0022] For example, a first communication path of the plurality of
communication paths may comprise a first communication network, and
a second communication path of the plurality of information
communication paths may comprise a second communication network in
place of at least a portion of the first communication network. In
a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a first communication path of a
plurality of information communication paths may comprise a
telecommunication network, and a second communication path of the
plurality of information communication paths may comprise a
computer communication network in place of at least a portion of
the telecommunication network. In the non-limiting exemplary
scenario, the first communication path may comprise utilizing a
telecommunication network to provide the entire communication path
between first and second communication systems, and the second
communication path may utilize a computer network to communicate
between the first communication system and a central switch of the
telecommunication network and utilize the telecommunication network
to communicate information between the central switch and the
second communication system. The scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular path (or set of communication networks) through which
information may flow between systems.
[0023] In the exemplary communication environment 100, the first
communication system 110 is communicatively coupled to the wireless
carrier central office 120 through two communication paths. The
first communication path comprises a wireless interface 130 (e.g.,
a base transceiver subsystem of the wireless carrier
infrastructure) between the first communication system 110 and the
wireless carrier central office 120. The second communication path
comprises a local wireless interface 140 between the first
communication system 110 and a local gateway 141. The local
wireless interface 140 and local gateway 141 may, for example and
without limitation, be part of a local communication system (e.g.,
a local telecommunication system or local area computer network)
such as might be found at a workplace.
[0024] The gateway 141 may comprise a modem and be communicatively
coupled through communication link 142 to a broadband communication
network 143. The broadband communication network 143 may, for
example and without limitation, comprise characteristics of a
cable, DSL or satellite broadband access provider. The broadband
communication network 143 may be coupled through communication link
144 to the wireless carrier central office 120.
[0025] Communication links 142 and 144 (and other communication
links of the exemplary communication environment 100) may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of communication link types.
For example and without limitation, communication links 142 and 144
may utilize any of a variety of communication media (e.g., wired,
wireless, tethered optical, non-tethered optical, etc.). Also for
example, communication links 142 and 144 may be based on any of a
variety of communication standards or protocols. The scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular communication link type.
[0026] The first communication system 110 may communicate message
information with the wireless carrier central office 120 over
either of the described first or second communication paths (e.g.,
through the wireless interface 130 and coupled wireless
communication network; or the local wireless interface 140 and
coupled computer network). Note that though the exemplary first
communication system 110 is illustrated as communicating over two
different communication paths and associated networks, the first
communication system 110 may also comprise the capability to
communicate over more than two different communication paths and
associated networks.
[0027] The exemplary communication environment 100 also comprises a
second communication system 150 (e.g., a portable e-mail device,
pocket computer, desktop computer, or laptop with multi-network
communication capability) that comprises the capability to
communicate information over a plurality of communication paths
(e.g., with a plurality of communication networks).
[0028] In the exemplary communication environment 100, the second
communication system 150 is communicatively coupled to the wireless
carrier central office 120 through two communication paths. The
first communication path comprises a wireless interface 160 (e.g.,
a base transceiver subsystem of the wireless carrier's
infrastructure) between the second communication system 150 and the
wireless carrier central office 120. The second communication path
comprises a local wireless interface 170 (e.g., comprising a
wireless router and modem). The local wireless interface 170 may,
for example and without limitation, be part of a home or personal
communication system (e.g., a home-centric telecommunication system
or personal area computer network) such as might be found in the
home.
[0029] The local wireless interface 170 may comprise a modem and
may be communicatively coupled through communication link 171 to
the broadband communication network 143 discussed previously. The
broadband communication network 143 may, in turn, be
communicatively coupled through communication link 144 to the
wireless carrier central office 120. As with communication links
142 and 144 discussed previously, communication link 171 may
comprise characteristics of any of a variety of communication link
types.
[0030] The second communication system 150 may communicate
information with the wireless carrier central office 120 over
either of the described first or second communication paths. Note
that although the exemplary second communication system 150 is
illustrated as communicating over two different communication paths
and associated networks, the second communication system 150 may
also comprise the capability to communicate over more than two
different communication paths and associated networks.
[0031] The exemplary communication environment 100 also comprises a
third communication system 180 (e.g., a cellular phone) that
comprises the capability to communicate information over a
plurality of communication paths.
[0032] In the exemplary communication environment 100, the third
communication system 180 is communicatively coupled to the wireless
carrier central office 120 through two communication paths. The
first communication path comprises a wireless interface 190 (e.g.,
a base transceiver subsystem of the wireless carrier's
infrastructure) between the third communication system 180 and the
wireless carrier central office 120. The second communication path
comprises a wireless interface 193 of a CDMA network 195, which is
in turn, communicatively coupled to a transport network 197 through
communication link 196. The transport network 197 may then, for
example, be communicatively coupled to the wireless carrier central
office 120 through communication link 198. As with communication
links 142, 144 and 171 discussed previously, communication links
196 and 198 may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of
communication link types.
[0033] The third communication system 180 may communicate
information with the wireless carrier central office 120 over
either of the described first or second communication paths. Note
that although the exemplary third communication system 180 is
illustrated as communicating over two different communication paths
and associated networks, the third communication system 180 may
also comprise the capability to communicate over more than two
different communication paths and associated networks.
[0034] At this point, it is again stressed that the exemplary
communication environment 100 is merely exemplary and will be
referred to in the following discussion to provide specific
examples of generally broader aspects of the present invention.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of the exemplary
communication environment 100.
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 200, in a
communication system, for receiving information through multiple
communication paths, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention. As explained previously, a communication system
may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of communication
systems (e.g., portable or handheld communication systems). For
example and without limitation, a communication system may comprise
characteristics of a cellular phone, paging device, portable
multi-media communication device, pocket computer, personal digital
assistant, portable telephone, desktop or portable computer, etc.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of a particular
communication system.
[0036] Note that many of the following exemplary illustrations
utilize two-signal scenarios to illustrate various aspects of the
present invention. It should be recognized that two-signal
scenarios were chosen for the sake of illustrative clarity.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of various two-signal
scenarios. For example, the various two-signal illustrations may be
readily extended to three-signal or n-signal scenarios.
[0037] The exemplary method 200 may begin at step 210. The
exemplary method 200, and all methods discussed herein, may begin
for any of a variety of reasons. For example and without
limitation, the method 200 may begin executing when a communication
system that is implementing the method 200 resets or powers up.
Further for example, the method 200 may begin upon a user command
(e.g., an explicit command that causes the communication system to
communicate). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular initiating event or condition.
[0038] The exemplary method 200 may, at step 220, comprise
receiving a first signal directly (i.e., without an intervening
communication network) from a first communication network, where
the first signal communicates information. Such information may,
for example, comprise one or more units of information, where a
"unit of information" is generally a quantifiable amount of
information. For example and without limitation, a unit of
information may be a packet, bit, symbol, data frame, message,
song, program, music video, movie, timed segment of a
communication, etc. Such information may comprise characteristics
of any of a variety of types of information (e.g., textual,
graphical, multi-media, video, audio, pictorial, general data,
etc.). The scope of various aspects of the present invention should
not be limited by characteristics of a particular type of
information or by any arbitrary notion of what a unit of such
information may comprise.
[0039] The first communication network may comprise characteristics
of any of a variety of communication network types. For example and
without limitation, the first communication network may comprise a
telecommunication network, television network or a computer
network. The first communication network may, for example, comprise
a relatively small area network, for example, a personal area
network ("PAN") or local area network ("LAN"). Also, the first
communication network may, for example, comprise a relatively large
area network, for example, a metropolitan area network ("MAN"),
national communication network or worldwide communication network
(e.g., the Internet or various satellite communication networks).
The first communication network may be a portion of (or all of) a
first communication path between communicating systems. For
example, as discussed previously, a communication path may comprise
one or more communicatively coupled communication networks.
[0040] Referring briefly to the exemplary communication environment
100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the first communication system 110 may
receive a first signal directly from wireless interface 130 of the
wireless carrier's communication infrastructure, where the first
signal communicates a unit of information (e.g., a segment of a
telephone call). Also for example, the second communication system
150 may receive a first signal directly from the local wireless
interface 170 of a personal area network, where the first signal
communicates a unit of information (e.g., a song). Further for
example, the third communication system 180 may receive a first
signal directly from a wireless access point 193 of the CDMA
network 195, where the first signal communicates a unit of
information (e.g., a video image).
[0041] Generally, the first communication network may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of communication network types.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of a particular
communication network type.
[0042] The first signal may comprise characteristics of any of a
variety of communication signal types. For example and without
limitation, the first signal may be communicated over any of a
variety of communication media (e.g., wired, wireless, tethered
optical, non-tethered optical, etc.). Also for example, the first
signal may communicate information (e.g., a unit of information)
using any of a large variety of encoding strategies, modulation
techniques, compression techniques, communication protocols, etc.
In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the first signal may comprise
a wireless signal communicated utilizing the IEEE 802.11
communication standard that communicates video information
compressed in accordance with MPEG-4, part 10, which is encrypted
utilizing public/private key encryption. In another non-limiting
exemplary scenario, the first signal may comprise a wireless signal
communicated utilizing the GSM communication standard that
communicates cellular telephone information.
[0043] In general, the first signal may comprise characteristics of
any of a variety of communication signal types. Accordingly, the
scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by characteristics of any particular communication signal
type.
[0044] Step 220 may, for example, comprise receiving the first
signal utilizing a receiver. Such a receiver may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of receiver types. For example
and without limitation, the receiver may comprise characteristics
of a wired, wireless or optical receiver. Also for example, the
receiver may be adapted to communicate information communicated
utilizing any of a variety of communication protocols or standards.
The receiver may, for example, be associated with an antenna (or
other signal port) coupled to the receiver. The scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular type of receiver or other
apparatus that may receive a signal that communicates
information.
[0045] The exemplary method 200 may, at step 230, comprise
receiving a second signal directly from a second communication
network (e.g., substantially different than the first communication
network), where the second signal communicates information (e.g.,
the unit of information discussed previously with regard to the
first signal). For example, the second signal may generally
communicate the same unit of information that the first signal
(e.g., received at step 220) communicates. Note, however, that
communicating a same unit of information does not necessarily
comprise communicating the same data. For example and without
limitation, a unit of information may be communicated with a
variety of data resolutions (e.g., spatial, color, intensity and/or
temporal resolutions, etc.). Also for example, a unit of
information may be communicated utilizing a variety of data
compression techniques and/or encoding strategies.
[0046] As discussed above, the first and second signals may each
communicate at least a portion of the same unit of information.
Note that the first and second signals may also communicate
information that identifies the unit of information (or portion
thereof) that is communicated. For example and without limitation,
each of the first and second signals may communicate data packets
or frames comprising header information that identifies the
particular unit of information being communicated. Such
identification information may, for example and without limitation,
comprise timestamp information, sequence information, data
identification information, etc. In a non-limiting exemplary
scenario, the first signal may communicate a unit of information
along with header information identifying the unit of information,
and the second signal may communicate the same unit of information
along with at least a portion of the same header information
identifying the unit of information.
[0047] As with the first communication network, the second
communication network may comprise characteristics of any of a
variety of communication network types. The second communication
network may be a portion of (or all of) a second communication path
between communicating systems. Note that the second communication
path may share one or more communication networks (or portions
thereof). For example, the second communication network may be
communicatively coupled (directly or indirectly) with the first
communication network discussed previously.
[0048] Referring briefly to the exemplary communication environment
100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the first communication system 110 may
receive a second signal directly from local wireless interface 140
of, for example, an office LAN, where the second signal
communicates a unit of information (e.g., a segment of a telephone
call). For example and without limitation, the first signal
(received from wireless interface 130, discussed previously) and
the second signal may each communicate at least a portion of the
same unit of information (e.g., the same segment of a telephone
call).
[0049] Also for example, the second communication system 150 may
receive a second signal directly from wireless interface 160 of the
wireless carrier's communication infrastructure, where the second
signal communicates a unit of information (e.g., a song). For
example and without limitation, the first signal (received from the
local wireless interface 170, discussed previously) and the second
signal may each communicate at least a portion of the same unit of
information (e.g., the same song or a portion thereof).
[0050] Further for example, the third communication system 180 may
receive a second signal directly from a wireless access point 190
the wireless carrier's communication infrastructure, where the
second signal communicates a unit of information (e.g., a video
image). For example and without limitation, the first signal
(received from the wireless access point 193 of the CDMA network
195, discussed previously) and the second signal may each
communicate at least a portion of the same unit of information
(e.g., the same video image).
[0051] Generally, the second communication network may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of communication network types.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of a particular
communication network type.
[0052] As with the first signal, discussed previously with regard
to step 220, the second signal may comprise characteristics of any
of a variety of communication signal types. For example and without
limitation, the second signal may be communicated over any of a
variety of communication media (e.g., wired, wireless, tethered
optical, non-tethered optical, etc.). Also for example, the second
signal may communicate information (e.g., a unit of information)
using any of a large variety of encoding strategies, modulation
techniques, compression techniques, communication protocols, etc.
In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the second signal may
comprise a wireless signal communicated utilizing the IEEE 802.11
communication standard that communicates video information
compressed in accordance with MPEG-4, part 10, which is encrypted
utilizing public/private key encryption. In another non-limiting
exemplary scenario, the second signal may comprise a wireless
signal communicated utilizing the GSM communication standard that
communicates cellular telephone information.
[0053] In general, the second signal may comprise characteristics
of any of a variety of communication signal types. Accordingly, the
scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by characteristics of any particular communication signal
type.
[0054] Step 230 may, for example, comprise receiving the second
signal utilizing a receiver. Such a receiver may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of receiver types. For example
and without limitation, the receiver may comprise characteristics
of a wired, wireless or optical receiver. Also for example, the
receiver may be adapted to communicate information communicated
utilizing any of a variety of communication protocols or standards.
The receiver may, for example, be independent of a receiver
utilized to receive the first signal at step 220. Alternatively,
for example, the receiver may share one or more components with a
receiver utilized to receive the first signal at step 220. The
receiver may, for example, be associated with an antenna (or other
signal port) coupled to the receiver. The scope of various aspects
of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics
of any particular type of receiver or other apparatus that may
receive a signal that communicates information.
[0055] The exemplary method 200 may, at step 240, comprise
processing the received first signal and the received second signal
to determine the information (e.g., a unit of information)
communicated by the first and second signals received at steps 220
and 230. Step 240 may comprise processing the received first and
second signals in any of a variety of manners, non-limiting
examples of which are presented below.
[0056] Note that to perform various aspects of processing the first
signal and the received second signal, the exemplary method 200 may
comprise buffering one or both of the received first signal (or
information representative thereof) and the received second signal
(or information representative thereof). Such buffering may be
utilized, for example and without limitation, to compensate for
timing issues related to receipt and/or processing of the first and
second signals.
[0057] In a first non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 240 may
comprise processing the first signal to determine the unit of
information, and determining a first indication of reliability for
the unit of information determined from the first signal. Step 240
may then comprise processing the second signal to determine the
unit of information, and determining a second indication of
reliability for the unit of information determined from the second
signal. Step 240 may then comprise determining the unit of
information based, at least in part, on the determined first and
second indications of reliability.
[0058] Continuing the exemplary scenario, step 240 may, for
example, comprise determining the unit of information by selecting,
either the unit of information determined from the first signal or
the unit of information determined from the second signal, based at
least in part on the respective indications of reliability.
Alternatively, for example, step 240 may comprise determining the
unit of information by combining the unit of information determined
from the first signal and the unit of information determined from
the second signal. Such combining may, for example and without
limitation, be based at least in part on a weighting technique
related to the respective indications of reliability.
[0059] In a second non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 240 may
comprise processing the received first signal to determine the unit
of information as communicated by the first signal. Step 240 may
then comprise processing the received second signal to determine
the unit of information by utilizing the unit of information
determined from the first signal to determine the unit of
information from the second signal. In other words, having already
determined the unit of information from the first signal, step 240
may comprise determining the unit of information from the second
signal by basing decisions of such a determination on the unit of
information that has already been determined from the first signal.
Such determination may also, for example, be based on an indication
of reliability associated with the unit of information as
communicated by the first signal.
[0060] The exemplary method 200 may, at step 250, perform continued
processing. Such continued processing may comprise characteristics
of any of a large variety of continued processing. For example and
without limitation, step 250 may comprise returning to step 220 to
receive and process more information. Also for example, step 250
may comprise performing additional processing to present received
information to a user. Further for example, step 250 may comprise
interfacing with a user to determine whether or how to process
received information. Still further for example, step 250 may
comprise transmitting information. Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular continued processing.
[0061] The two previous exemplary scenarios were presented to
provide specific exemplary illustrations of generally broader
aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of the specific exemplary illustrations presented
above.
[0062] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 300, in a
communication system, for receiving information through multiple
communication paths, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0063] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 320, comprise
receiving a first signal directly from a first communication
network, where the first signal communicates information (e.g., a
unit of information). Exemplary step 320 may, for example and
without limitation, share various characteristics with step 220 of
the exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed
previously.
[0064] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 330, comprise
receiving a second signal directly from a second communication
network (e.g., substantially different than the first communication
network), where the second signal communicates information (e.g.,
the unit of information discussed previously with regard to the
first signal). Exemplary step 330 may, for example and without
limitation, share various characteristics with step 230 of the
exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed
previously.
[0065] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 340, comprise
processing the received first signal and the received second signal
to determine the information (e.g., the unit of information
communicated by the first and second signals received at steps 320
and 330). Exemplary step 340 may, for example and without
limitation, share various characteristics with step 240 of the
exemplary method 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussed
previously. The following discussion will present exemplary
sub-steps for step 340. Note, however, that the scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of such exemplary sub-steps.
[0066] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 342, comprise
processing the received first signal to determine the information
(e.g., the unit of information). Such processing may comprise
performing any of a large variety of signal processing operations
to determine information from a received signal. For example and
without limitation, step 342 may comprise performing signal
demodulation, digital detection (for digital signals), signal
decoding, decrypting, decompressing, error detecting and
correcting, etc. The scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by any particular manner of
determining information from a signal.
[0067] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 343, comprise
determining a first indication of reliability for the unit of
information determined from the received first signal (e.g., a unit
of information determined at step 342). An indication of
reliability may generally be viewed as a signal or value (e.g., a
numeric value, alpha-numeric value, etc.) associated with a degree
of confidence that a unit of information determined from a signal
is accurate or reliable. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, a
numeric scale may be utilized with high numbers associated with a
relatively high degree of confidence and low numbers associated
with a relatively low degree of confidence. In another non-limiting
exemplary scenario, a numeric scale may correspond to a degree of
statistical probability that a determined unit of information is
accurate. The scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by any particular indication of the
reliability (or accuracy) of information.
[0068] Step 343 may comprise determining the first indication of
reliability for the unit of information in any of a variety of
manners. For example and without limitation, step 343 may determine
the indication of reliability based, at least in part, on the
frequency of detected and/or corrected errors. Also for example,
step 343 may comprise determining the indication of reliability
based, at least in part, on communication environmental conditions
(e.g., S/N ratio). Further for example, step 343 may comprise
determining the indication of reliability based, at least in part,
on a predetermined confidence level (e.g., based on previous
history with a particular information source or communication
network from which the first signal was received). Accordingly, the
scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by characteristics of any particular manner of determining
an indication of reliability or degree of confidence in received
information.
[0069] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 344, comprise
processing the received second signal to determine the unit of
information. Exemplary step 344 may, for example and without
limitation, share various characteristics with exemplary step 342
discussed previously, albeit with respect to the second signal
received at step 330, instead of the first signal received at step
320.
[0070] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 345, may comprise
determining a second indication of reliability for the information
(e.g., the unit of information) determined at step 344. Exemplary
step 345 may, for example and without limitation, share various
characteristics with exemplary step 343 discussed previously,
albeit with respect to the second signal received at step 330 and
the information determined at step 344, instead of the first signal
received at step 320 and the information determined at step
342.
[0071] The exemplary method 300 may, at step 346, comprise
determining the unit of information based, at least in part, on the
determined first and second indications of reliability.
[0072] Step 346 may comprise determining the unit of information,
based at least in part on the determined first and second
indications of reliability, in any of a variety of manners. The
following discussion will include various non-limiting exemplary
illustrations, which should by no means, limit the scope of various
aspects of the present invention.
[0073] In a first non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 346 may
comprise selecting the most reliable unit of information. For
example, step 346 may comprise determining, based at least in part
on the respective indications of reliability determined at steps
343 and 345, that the information (e.g., a unit of information)
communicated by the first signal received at step 320 and
determined at step 342 is more reliable than the information (e.g.,
a unit of information) communicated by the second signal received
at step 330 and determined at step 344. Step 346 may then, for
example, select the unit of information determined at step 342.
[0074] In a second non-limiting exemplary scenario, step 346 may
comprise determining the unit of information based, at least in
part, on the unit of information determined (e.g., at step 342)
from the received first signal, the first indication of reliability
(e.g., determined at step 343), the unit of information determined
(e.g., at step 344) from the received second signal, and the second
indication of reliability (e.g., as determined at step 345). For
example, step 346 may comprise determining the unit of information
based, at least in part, on a weighted average. Such a weighted
average may, for example, comprise weighting each unit of
information (or portions thereof) by their respective indications
of reliability.
[0075] In general, step 346 may comprise determining the unit of
information based, at least in part, on the determined first and
second indications of reliability. Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular manner of making such
determination.
[0076] Exemplary method 300 was presented to provide specific
exemplary illustrations of generally broader aspects of the present
invention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of the exemplary
method 300.
[0077] FIG. 4 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 400, in a
communication system, for receiving information through multiple
communication paths, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0078] The exemplary method 400 may, at step 420, comprise
receiving a first signal directly from a first communication
network, where the first signal communicates information (e.g., a
unit of information). Exemplary step 420 may, for example and
without limitation, share various characteristics with steps 220
and 320 of the exemplary methods 200, 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3
and discussed previously.
[0079] The exemplary method 400 may, at step 430, comprise
receiving a second signal directly from a second communication
network (e.g., substantially different than the first communication
network), where the second signal communicates information (e.g.,
the unit of information discussed previously with respect to the
first signal). Exemplary step 430 may, for example and without
limitation, share various characteristics with steps 230 and 330 of
the exemplary methods 200, 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and
discussed previously.
[0080] The exemplary method 400 may, at step 440, comprise
processing the received first signal and the received second signal
to determine the information (e.g., a unit of information
communicated by the first and second signals received at steps 420
and 430). Exemplary step 440 may, for example and without
limitation, share various characteristics with steps 240 and 340 of
the exemplary methods 200, 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and
discussed previously. The following discussion will present
exemplary sub-steps for step 440. Note, however, that the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of such exemplary sub-steps.
[0081] The exemplary method 400 may, at step 442, comprise
processing the received first signal to determine the information
(e.g., the unit of information). Exemplary step 442 may, for
example and without limitation, share various characteristics with
step 342 of the exemplary method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and
discussed previously.
[0082] The exemplary method 400 may, at step 443, comprise
determining a first indication of reliability for the unit of
information determined from the received first signal (e.g., a unit
of information determined at step 442). Exemplary step 443 may, for
example and without limitation, share various characteristics with
step 343 of the exemplary method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and
discussed previously.
[0083] The exemplary method 400 may, at step 444, comprise
processing the received second signal to determine the unit of
information by utilizing the unit of information determined from
the first signal (e.g., at step 442) to determine the unit of
information from the second signal. Step 440 may comprise
performing such processing in any of a variety of manners. The
following discussion will include various non-limiting exemplary
illustrations, characteristics of which should not limit the scope
of various aspects of the present invention.
[0084] In a first exemplary scenario, step 444 may comprise
utilizing the unit of information determined from the first signal
as basis information, which may be modified in accordance with the
unit of information determined from the second received signal. For
example, if the unit of information (or a portion thereof)
determined from the second received signal is different from a
corresponding unit of information (or a portion thereof) determined
from the first received signal, and the reliability of the unit of
information determined from the second signal is relatively high,
then step 444 may determine that the unit of information (or a
portion thereof) determined from the second signal outweighs the
unit of information determined from the first signal.
[0085] In a second exemplary scenario, step 444 may comprise
utilizing the unit of information determined from the first signal
as guide information, which may be utilized to adjust or influence
the unit of information determined from the second received signal.
For example, if the unit of information (or a portion thereof)
determined from the second received signal is of relatively low
reliability, then step 444 may modify such information in
accordance with the unit of information determined from the first
received signal (e.g., particularly when reliability of the unit of
information determined from the first received signal is relatively
high).
[0086] As mentioned previously, step 444 may, in various exemplary
scenarios comprise utilizing respective indications of reliability
for the units of information determined from the first and second
signals. Note, however, that step 444 does not necessarily utilize
such indications of reliability. For example and without
limitation, step 444 may comprise utilizing a predetermined
algorithm for determining the unit of information from the second
signal, based at least in part on the unit of information
determined from the first signal, where such predetermined
algorithm does not explicitly utilize a determination of
information reliability.
[0087] The exemplary method 400 may, at step 450, comprise
performing continued processing. Step 450 may generally comprise
performing any of a variety of continued processing (e.g., as
discussed previously with regard to step 250 of the exemplary
method 200 illustrated at FIG. 2).
[0088] Step 450 may, for example, return execution flow of the
exemplary method 400 to step 420 for receiving and processing
additional signals and information. Step 450 may also, for example,
utilize the unit of information determined from the second signal
at step 444 to further refine the unit of information determined
from the first signal (e.g., utilizing an iterative processing
approach). For example, step 450 may comprise determining a second
indication of reliability for the unit of information determined
from the second signal (e.g., at step 444). Step 442 may then, in
the exemplary scenario, comprise utilizing the determined unit of
information as determined from the second signal and the determined
second indication of reliability to refine or re-determine the unit
of information from the first signal.
[0089] In general, step 444 may comprise processing the received
second signal to determine the unit of information by utilizing the
unit of information determined from the first signal to determine
the unit of information from the second signal. Accordingly, the
scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by characteristics of any particular manner of making such
determination.
[0090] Exemplary method 400 was presented to provide specific
exemplary illustrations of generally broader aspects of the present
invention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of the exemplary
method 400.
[0091] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method 500, in a
communication system, for utilizing multiple communication paths
for communicating information (e.g., a unit of information), in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The
exemplary method 500 may be implemented in any of a variety of
communication systems. For example and without limitation, a
communication system may comprise characteristics of a cellular
phone, paging device, portable multi-media communication device,
pocket computer, personal digital assistant, portable telephone,
desktop or portable computer, etc. Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of a particular communication system.
[0092] The information may, for example, comprise one or more units
of information. As explained previously, a "unit of information" is
generally a quantifiable amount of information. For example and
without limitation, a unit of information may be a packet, bit,
symbol, data frame, message, song, program, music video, movie,
timed segment of a communication, etc. Such information may
comprise characteristics of any of a variety of types of
information (e.g., textual, graphical, multi-media, video, audio,
pictorial, general data, etc.). The scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of a
particular type of information or by any arbitrary notion of what a
unit of such information may comprise.
[0093] The exemplary method 500 may, at step 520, comprise
determining a first set of information representative of the unit
of information. The first set of information may be representative
of the unit of information in any of a variety of ways. For example
and without limitation, the first set of information may correspond
exactly to the unit of information. Also for example, the first set
of information may comprise a compressed, encoded or encrypted
version of the unit of information. Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
any particular manner in which a set of information may represent a
unit of information.
[0094] Step 520 may comprise determining the first set of
information in any of a variety of manners. For example and without
limitation, step 520 may comprise compressing data representative
of the unit of information. Such compression may, for example, be
performed in any of a variety of manners and/or in accordance with
any of a variety of compression standards. Also for example, step
520 may comprise encoding or encrypting information representative
of the unit of information. The scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular manner of determining a set of information that is
representative of a particular unit of information.
[0095] The exemplary method 500 may, at step 530, comprise
determining a second set of information representative of the unit
of information. Step 530 may, for example and without limitation,
share various characteristics with exemplary step 520. For example,
the second set of information may be identical to the first set of
information.
[0096] Also for example, the second set of information may be
different than the first set of information. For example and
without limitation, the second set of information might comprise a
compressed representation of the unit of information, while the
first set of information might comprise an exact representation of
the unit of information or a different compressed representation
than the second set of information. Also for example, the second
and first sets of information may be encoded or encrypted
differently. Further for example, the second and first sets of
information may represent the unit of information at different
respective resolution levels (e.g., data point, spatial and/or
temporal resolution levels).
[0097] Note that the first and second sets of information may
comprise or be communicated with any of a variety of additional
information (e.g., information not directly representative of the
unit of information). For example and without limitation, such
additional information may comprise information identifying the
unit of information (or portion thereof) that is represented. For
example, such additional information may also comprise timestamp or
sequence information. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the
first and second sets of information may be sub-divided into one or
more data frames or packets, each of which comprises header
information. Continuing the non-limiting exemplary scenario,
respective headers of the first and second sets of information may
comprise information that may be utilized to synchronize or
correlate the first and second sets of information. For example,
the first and second sets of information may comprise at least some
common header information. Continuing the non-limiting exemplary
scenario, respective headers of the first and second sets of
information may comprise common source and/or destination
information.
[0098] In general, the first and second sets of information may
comprise or be communicated with any of a variety of additional
information. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular type of additional information.
[0099] In general step 530 may comprise determining a second set of
information representative of the unit of information. Accordingly,
the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by characteristics of a particular manner in which a unit
of information may be represented or by any particular manner of
determining a set of information that is representative of a
particular unit of information.
[0100] The exemplary method 500 may, at step 540, comprise
communicating the first set of information in a first signal
communicated directly to (and through) a first communication
network. The first communication network may, for example, be
communicatively coupled to one or more other communication systems
to which the first signal may be communicated. Various
characteristics of signals and networks were discussed previously
with regard to the discussion of FIG. 2.
[0101] Referring briefly to the exemplary communication environment
100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the first communication system 110 may
communicate a first signal to the wireless carrier central office
120 (or another system communicatively coupled thereto) through
wireless interface 130 of the wireless carrier's communication
infrastructure, where the first signal communicates a first set of
information representative of a unit of information (e.g., a
segment of a telephone call). Also for example, the second
communication system 150 may communicate a first signal to the
wireless carrier central office 120 through local wireless
interface 170 of a personal area network, where the first signal
communicates a first set of information representative of a unit of
information (e.g., a song). Further for example, the third
communication system 180 may communicate a first signal to the
wireless carrier central office through a wireless access point 193
of the CDMA network 195, where the first signal communicates a
first set of information representative of a unit of information
(e.g., a video image). Still further for example, the wireless
carrier central office 120 may communicate a first signal to the
first communication system 110 through wireless interface 130,
where the first signal communicates a first set of information
representative of a unit of information (e.g., a text message).
[0102] As discussed previously, in general, the first signal may
comprise characteristics of any of a variety of communication
signal types, and the first communication network may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of communication network types.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of any particular signal
type or type of communication network.
[0103] Step 540 may, for example, comprise transmitting the first
signal utilizing a transmitter (or transceiver). Such a transmitter
may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of transmitter
types. For example and without limitation, the transmitter may
comprise characteristics of a wired, wireless or optical
transmitter. Also for example, the transmitter may be adapted to
communicate information communicated utilizing any of a variety of
communication protocols or standards. The transmitter may, for
example, be associated with an antenna (or other signal port)
coupled to the transmitter. The scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular type of transmitter or other apparatus that may transmit
a signal that communicates information.
[0104] The exemplary method 500 may, at step 550, comprise
communicating the second set of information (e.g., as determined at
step 530) in a second signal communicated directly to (and through)
a second communication network (e.g., substantially different from
the first communication network). The second communication network
may, for example, be communicatively coupled to one or more other
communication systems to which the second signal may be
communicated. Non-limiting exemplary characteristics of various
signal and communication network types were presented previously.
Consider the following non-limiting illustrative examples.
[0105] Referring briefly to the exemplary communication environment
100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the first communication system 110 may
communicate a second signal to the wireless carrier central office
120 through the local wireless interface 140 of, for example, an
office LAN, where the second signal communicates the second set of
information representative of the unit of information (e.g., a
segment of a telephone call). Also for example, the second
communication system 150 may communicate a second signal to the
wireless carrier central office 120 through the wireless interface
160 of the wireless carrier's communication infrastructure, where
the second signal communicates the second set of information
representative of the unit of information (e.g., a song).
[0106] Further for example, the third communication system 180 may
communicate a second signal to the wireless carrier central office
120 through a wireless access point 190 of the wireless carrier's
communication infrastructure, where the second signal communicates
the second set of information representative of the unit of
information (e.g., a video image). Still further for example, the
wireless carrier central office 120 may communicate a second signal
to the first communication system 110 through the broadband access
network 143, local gateway 141 and local wireless interface 140,
where the second signal communicates the second set of information
representative of the unit of information (e.g., a text
message).
[0107] Generally, step 550 may comprise communicating the second
set of information (e.g., as determined at step 530) in a second
signal communicated directly to (and through) a second
communication network. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of
the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of
any particular type of signal or type of communication network.
[0108] Step 550 may, for example, comprise transmitting the second
signal utilizing a transmitter (or transceiver). Such a transmitter
may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of transmitter
types. For example and without limitation, the transmitter may
comprise characteristics of a wired, wireless or optical
transmitter. Also for example, the transmitter may be adapted to
communicate information communicated utilizing any of a variety of
communication protocols or standards. The transmitter may, for
example, be independent of a transmitter utilized to transmitter
the first signal at step 540. Alternatively, for example, the
transmitter may share one or more components with a transmitter
utilized to receive the first signal at step 540. The transmitter
may, for example, be associated with an antenna (or other signal
port) coupled to the transmitter. The scope of various aspects of
the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of
any particular type of transmitter or other apparatus that may
transmit a signal that communicates information.
[0109] The exemplary method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed
above was presented to provide specific examples of generally
broader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
specific characteristics of the exemplary illustration.
[0110] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a block diagram of an exemplary
communication environment 600 comprising a communication system 610
for communicating (i.e., receiving and/or transmitting)
information, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention. Various components of the exemplary communication system
610 may, for example and without limitation, share various
functional characteristics with the exemplary methods 200-500
illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 and discussed previously.
[0111] Additionally, the exemplary communication environment 600
may share various characteristics with the exemplary communication
environment 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.
Note that the exemplary communication environment 600 shows a
relatively small set of communication systems and communication
system components. The relatively small set was selected for the
purpose of illustrative clarity and should by no means limit the
scope of various aspects of the present invention.
[0112] The exemplary communication environment 600 comprises a
communication system 610, which comprises a communication interface
module 620 and a signal processing module 630. The communication
system 610 is communicatively coupled to the second system 690
through a plurality of communication paths. The second system 690
may, for example and without limitation, communicate any of a
variety of information with the communication system 610.
[0113] The following discussion will refer to various functional
modules of the communication system 610. It should be noted that
various functional modules might be implemented in hardware,
software or a combination thereof. Also, various modules may be
independent or may share various portions or sub-modules. For
example, a first module may share various hardware and/or software
components with a second module. Accordingly, the scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by any
particular module implementation or by arbitrary boundaries between
modules.
[0114] A first exemplary communication path between the
communication system 610 and the second system 690 flows through
communication link 644, the first communication network 640 and
communication link 642. The second exemplary communication path
between the communication system 610 and the second system 690
flows through communication link 652, the second communication
network 650, communication link 654, the first communication
network 640 and communication link 642. Notice that the second
exemplary communication path comprises a portion of the first
communication path (e.g., at least a portion of the first
communication network 640 and communication link 642).
[0115] The third exemplary communication path between the
communication system 610 and the second system 690 flows through
communication link 652, the second communication network 650,
communication link 656, the third communication network 660 and
communication link 662. For illustrative purposes, the third
communication network 660 will occasionally be referred to as the
Internet 660. Note, however, that such an illustrative example
should in no way limit the scope of various aspects of the present
invention. Notice that the third communication path comprises a
portion of the second communication path (e.g., communication link
652 and at least a portion of the second communication network
650), but is completely independent of the first communication
path. This serves to illustrate that various communication paths
may be independent from, or dependent on, other communication paths
or communication network components thereof.
[0116] The first, second and third exemplary communication paths,
and their respective communication networks, will be utilized to
provide specific examples of various broader aspects of the present
invention. As discussed previously, various communication paths may
comprise any of a variety of communication path characteristics,
and the communication networks may comprise any of a variety of
communication network characteristics. Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular communication path, by
characteristics of one or more communication networks that a
communication path may include, or by any particular number of
communication paths or networks.
[0117] The communication system 610 may comprise characteristics of
any of a variety of communication systems (e.g., portable or
handheld communication systems). For example and without
limitation, the communication system 610 may comprise
characteristics of a cellular phone, paging device, portable
multi-media communication device, pocket computer, personal digital
assistant, portable telephone, desktop or portable computer, etc.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of a particular
communication system.
[0118] Note that many of the following exemplary illustrations
utilize two-signal scenarios to illustrate various aspects of the
present invention. It should be recognized that two-signal
scenarios were chosen for the sake of illustrative clarity.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of various two-signal
scenarios. For example, the various two-signal illustrations may be
readily extended to three-signal or n-signal scenarios.
[0119] The communication system 610 may comprise a communication
interface module 620 and a signal processing module 630. The
communication interface module 620 may, in turn, comprise a first
transceiver module 622 and a second transceiver module 624. Note
that the following discussion may utilize the terms "transceiver,"
"receiver," and "transmitter." Such terms may often be used
interchangeably, and accordingly, the scope of various aspects of
the present invention should not be limited by a specific
utilization of such terms. Further, the following discussion will
refer to respective signals communicated by the respective
transceivers. It should be noted that in various scenarios, a
plurality of signals may be communicated by a single
transceiver.
[0120] The first transceiver module 622 may, for example, receive a
first signal directly from the first communication network 640
(e.g., over communication link 644), where the first signal
communicates information. Such information may, for example,
comprise one or more units of information, where a "unit of
information" is generally a quantifiable amount of information. For
example and without limitation, a unit of information may be a
packet, bit, symbol, data frame, message, song, program, music
video, movie, timed segment of a communication, etc. Such
information may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of
types of information (e.g., textual, graphical, multi-media, video,
audio, pictorial, general data, etc.). The scope of various aspects
of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics
of a particular type of information or by any arbitrary notion of
what a unit of such information may comprise.
[0121] The first communication network 640 may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of communication network types.
For example and without limitation, the first communication network
640 may comprise a telecommunication network, television network or
a computer network. The first communication network 640 may, for
example, comprise a relatively small area network, for example, a
personal area network ("PAN") or local area network ("LAN"). Also,
the first communication network 640 may, for example, comprise a
relatively large area network, for example, a metropolitan area
network ("MAN"), national communication network or worldwide
communication network (e.g., the Internet or various satellite
communication networks). The first communication network 640 may be
a portion of (or all of) a first communication path between
communicating systems. For example, as discussed previously, a
communication path may comprise one or more communicatively coupled
communication networks. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects
of the present invention should not be limited by characteristics
of a particular communication network type.
[0122] The first signal may comprise characteristics of any of a
variety of communication signal types. For example and without
limitation, the first signal may be communicated over any of a
variety of communication media (e.g., wired, wireless, tethered
optical, non-tethered optical, etc.). Also for example, the first
signal may communicate information (e.g., a unit of information)
using any of a large variety of encoding strategies, modulation
techniques, compression techniques, communication protocols, etc.
In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the first signal may comprise
a wireless signal communicated utilizing the IEEE 802.11
communication standard that communicates video information
compressed in accordance with MPEG-4, part 10, which is encrypted
utilizing public/private key encryption. In another non-limiting
exemplary scenario, the first signal may comprise a wireless signal
communicated utilizing the GSM communication standard that
communicates cellular telephone information.
[0123] In general, the first signal may comprise characteristics of
any of a variety of communication signal types. Accordingly, the
scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by characteristics of any particular communication signal
type.
[0124] The first transceiver module 622 may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of transceiver (or receiver or
transmitter) types. For example and without limitation, the first
transceiver module 622 may comprise characteristics of a wired,
wireless or optical transceiver. Also for example, the first
transceiver module 622 may be adapted to communicate information
utilizing any of a variety of communication protocols or standards.
The first transceiver module 622 may, for example, be associated
with an antenna (or other signal port) coupled to the first
transceiver module 622. The scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular type of transceiver, receiver or other apparatus that
may receive a signal that communicates information.
[0125] The second transceiver module 624 may, for example, receive
a second signal directly from the second communication network 650,
which may be substantially different than the first communication
network 640, where the second signal communicates information
(e.g., the unit of information discussed previously with regard to
the first signal). For example, the second signal may generally
communicate the same unit of information that the first signal
(e.g., received by the first transceiver module 622) communicates.
Note, however, that communicating a same unit of information does
not necessarily comprise communicating the same data. For example
and without limitation, a unit of information may be communicated
with a variety of data resolutions (e.g., spatial, color, intensity
and/or temporal resolutions). Also for example, a unit of
information may be communicated utilizing a variety of data
compression techniques and/or encoding strategies.
[0126] As discussed above, the first and second signals may each
communicate at least a portion of the same unit of information.
Note that the first and second signals may also communicate
information that identifies the unit of information (or portion
thereof) that is communicated. For example and without limitation,
each of the first and second signals may communicate data packets
or frames comprising header information that identifies the
particular unit of information being communicated. Such
identification information may, for example and without limitation,
comprise timestamp information, sequence information, data
identification information, etc. In a non-limiting exemplary
scenario, the first signal may communicate a unit of information
along with header information identifying the unit of information,
and the second signal may communicate the same unit of information
along with at least a portion of the same header information
identifying the unit of information.
[0127] As with the first communication network 640, the second
communication network 650 may comprise characteristics of any of a
variety of communication network types. As illustrated in the
exemplary communication environment 600, the second communication
network 650 may be a portion of, or all of, a communication path
between communicating systems (e.g., the communication system 610
and the second system 690). Note that the second communication path
may share one or more communication networks (or portions thereof)
with other communication paths. For example, the second
communication network 650 may be communicatively coupled through
communication link 654 (directly or indirectly) with the first
communication network 640 discussed previously.
[0128] Generally, the second communication network may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of communication network types.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of a particular
communication network type.
[0129] As with the first signal, discussed previously with regard
to the first transceiver module 622, the second signal may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of communication signal types.
For example and without limitation, the second signal may be
communicated over any of a variety of communication media (e.g.,
wired, wireless, tethered optical, non-tethered optical, etc.).
Also for example, the second signal may communicate information
(e.g., a unit of information) using any of a large variety of
encoding strategies, modulation techniques, compression techniques,
communication protocols, etc. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario,
the second signal may comprise a wireless signal communicated
utilizing the IEEE 802.11 communication standard that communicates
video information compressed in accordance with MPEG-4, part 10,
which is encrypted utilizing public/private key encryption. In
another non-limiting exemplary scenario, the second signal may
comprise a wireless signal communicated utilizing the GSM
communication standard that communicates cellular telephone
information.
[0130] In general, the second signal may comprise characteristics
of any of a variety of communication signal types. Accordingly, the
scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by characteristics of any particular communication signal
type.
[0131] The signal processing module 630 may process the first
signal (e.g., received by the first transceiver module 622) and the
second signal (e.g., received by the second transceiver module 624)
to determine the information (e.g., the unit of information)
communicated by the first and second signals. The signal processing
module 630 may process the received first and second signals in any
of a variety of manners, non-limiting examples of which are
presented below.
[0132] In a first non-limiting exemplary scenario, the signal
processing module 630 may process the first signal (e.g., as
received by the first transceiver module 622) to determine the unit
of information, and determine a first indication of reliability for
the unit of information determined from the first signal. The
signal processing module 630 may then process the second signal
(e.g., as received by the second transceiver module 624) to
determine the unit of information, and determine a second
indication of reliability for the unit of information determined
from the second signal. The signal processing module 630 may then
determine the unit of information based, at least in part, on the
determined first and second indications of reliability.
[0133] Continuing the exemplary scenario, the signal processing
module 630 may, for example, determine the unit of information by
selecting, either the unit of information determined from the first
signal or the unit of information determined from the second
signal, based at least in part on the respective indications of
reliability. Alternatively, for example, the signal processing
module 630 may determine the unit of information by combining the
unit of information determined from the first signal and the unit
of information determined from the second signal. Such combining
may, for example and without limitation, be based at least in part
on a weighting technique related to the respective indications of
reliability.
[0134] In a second non-limiting exemplary scenario, the signal
processing module 630 may process the first signal (e.g., as
received by the first transceiver module 622) to determine the unit
of information as communicated by the first signal. The signal
processing module 630 may then process the second signal (e.g., as
received by the second transceiver module 624) to determine the
unit of information by utilizing the unit of information determined
from the first signal to determine the unit of information from the
second signal. In other words, having already determined the unit
of information from the first signal, the signal processing module
630 may determine the unit of information from the second signal by
basing decisions of such a determination on the unit of information
that has already been determined from the first signal. Such
determination may also, for example, be based on an indication of
reliability associated with the unit of information as communicated
by the first signal.
[0135] The two previous exemplary scenarios were presented to
provide specific exemplary illustrations of generally broader
aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of the specific exemplary illustrations presented
above.
[0136] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication
system 700 that receives information through multiple communication
paths, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
Various components of the exemplary communication system 700 may,
for example and without limitation, share various functional
characteristics with the exemplary methods 200-400 illustrated in
FIGS. 2-4 and discussed previously. Also without limitation,
components of the exemplary communication system 700 may also share
various characteristics with components of the exemplary
communication system 610 illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed
previously.
[0137] The exemplary communication system 700 may comprise a
communication interface module 720 and a signal processing module
730. The communication interface module 720 may comprise a first
receiver module 722 and a second (or Nth) receiver module 724. The
signal processing module 730 may comprise a first decoder 732 and a
second (or Nth) decoder 734. The signal processing module 730 may
also comprise a selector/combiner module 736.
[0138] The communication interface module 720 may, for example and
without limitation, share various characteristics with the
communication interface module 620 illustrated in FIG. 6 and
discussed previously. Also for example, the communication interface
module 720 may share various functional characteristics with steps
220-230, 320-330 and 420-430 of exemplary methods 200-400
illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and discussed previously.
[0139] The exemplary communication system 700, and the exemplary
communication systems 800, 900 shown in FIGS. 8-9, are illustrated
with antennas coupled to transmitters and/or receivers. It should
be noted that the antennas are merely illustrative and accordingly,
the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by characteristics of RF wireless communication
systems.
[0140] The first receiver module 722 may receive a first signal
directly from a first communication network, where the first signal
communicates information (e.g., a unit of information). The first
receiver module 722 may, for example and without limitation, share
various functional characteristics with steps 220, 320 and 420 of
the exemplary methods 200-400 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and
discussed previously. The first receiver module 722 may also, for
example, share various characteristics with the first transceiver
module 622 illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed previously.
[0141] The second receiver module 724 may receive a second signal
directly from a second communication network (e.g., substantially
different than the first communication network), where the second
signal communicates information (e.g., the unit of information
discussed previously with respect to the first signal). The second
receiver module 724 may, for example and without limitation, share
various functional characteristics with steps 230, 330 and 430 of
the exemplary methods 200-400 illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 and
discussed previously. The second receiver module 724 may also, for
example, share various characteristics with the second transceiver
module 624 illustrated in FIG. 6 and discussed previously.
[0142] The signal processing module 730 may, for example, process
the first signal (e.g., as received by the first receiver module
722) and the second signal (e.g., as received by the second
receiver module 724) to determine the information (e.g., a unit of
information communicated by the first and second signals). The
signal processing module 730 may, for example and without
limitation, share various characteristics with steps 240 and 340 of
the exemplary methods 200, 300 illustrated in FIGS. 2-3 and
discussed previously. The following discussion will present
exemplary processing scenarios for the signal processing module
730. Note, however, that the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of such
exemplary processing scenarios.
[0143] The signal processing module 730 may, for example, process
the received first signal to determine the information communicated
by the first signal (e.g., the unit of information). Such
processing may comprise performing any of a large variety of signal
processing operations to determine information from a received
signal. For example and without limitation, the signal processing
module 730 may utilize a first decoder 732 to decode the received
first signal. Also, the signal processing module 730 may perform
other or additional processing tasks, for example, signal
demodulation, digital detection (for digital signals), signal
decoding, decrypting, decompressing, error detecting and
correcting, etc. The scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular manner of determining information from a signal or by
characteristics of related apparatus.
[0144] The signal processing module 730 may, for example, determine
a first indication of reliability for the unit of information
determined from the received first signal. As explained previously,
an indication of reliability may generally be viewed as a signal or
value (e.g., a numeric value, alpha-numeric value, etc.) associated
with a degree of confidence that a unit of information determined
from a signal is accurate or reliable. In a non-limiting exemplary
scenario, a numeric scale may be utilized with high numbers
associated with a relatively high degree of confidence and low
numbers associated with a relatively low degree of confidence. In
another non-limiting exemplary scenario, a numeric scale may
correspond to a degree of statistical probability that a determined
unit of information is accurate. The scope of various aspects of
the present invention should not be limited by any particular
indication of the reliability (or accuracy) of information.
[0145] The signal processing module 730 may determine the first
indication of reliability for the unit of information in any of a
variety of manners. For example and without limitation, the signal
processing module 730 may determine the indication of reliability
based, at least in part, on the frequency of detected and/or
corrected errors. Also for example, the signal processing module
730 may determine the indication of reliability based, at least in
part, on communication environmental conditions (e.g., S/N ratio).
Further for example, the signal processing module 730 may determine
the indication of reliability based, at least in part, on a
predetermined confidence level (e.g., based on previous history
with a particular information source or communication network from
which the first signal was received). Accordingly, the scope of
various aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular manner of (or apparatus for)
determining an indication of reliability or degree of confidence in
received information.
[0146] The signal processing module 730 may, for example, process
the received second signal to determine the unit of information.
The signal processing module 730 may, for example and without
limitation, share various functional characteristics with exemplary
step 344 of the exemplary method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and
discussed previously.
[0147] The signal processing module 730 may, for example, determine
a second indication of reliability for the information (e.g., the
unit of information) determined from the second signal. The signal
processing module 730 may, for example and without limitation,
share various functional characteristics with exemplary step 345 of
the exemplary method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed
previously.
[0148] The signal processing module 730 may, for example, determine
the unit of information based, at least in part, on the determined
first and second indications of reliability. The signal processing
module 730 may, for example and without limitation, share various
functional characteristics with exemplary step 346 of the exemplary
method 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussed previously. For
example, the signal processing module 730 may determine the unit of
information, based at least in part on the determined first and
second indications of reliability, in any of a variety of manners.
The following discussion will include various non-limiting
exemplary illustrations, which should by no means, limit the scope
of various aspects of the present invention.
[0149] In a first non-limiting exemplary scenario, the signal
processing module 730 (e.g., using the selector/combiner module
736) may select the most reliable unit of information. For example,
the selector/combiner module 736 may determine, based at least in
part on the respective indications of reliability determined
previously, that the information (e.g., a unit of information)
determined from the received first signal is more reliable than the
information (e.g., a unit of information) determined from the
received second signal. The selector/combiner module 736 may then,
for example, select the unit of information determined from the
received first signal.
[0150] In a second non-limiting exemplary scenario, the signal
processing module 730 (e.g., using the selector/combiner module
736) may determine the unit of information based, at least in part,
on the unit of information determined from the received first
signal, the first indication of reliability, the unit of
information determined from the received second signal, and the
second indication of reliability. For example, the
selector/combiner module 736 may determine the unit of information
based, at least in part, on a weighted average. Such a weighted
average may, for example, comprise weighting each unit of
information (or portions thereof) by their respective indications
of reliability.
[0151] In general, the signal processing module 730 may determine
the unit of information based, at least in part, on the determined
first and second indications of reliability. Accordingly, the scope
of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited
by characteristics of any particular manner of making such
determination.
[0152] Exemplary communication system 700 was presented to provide
specific exemplary illustrations of generally broader aspects of
the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of
the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of
the exemplary communication system 700.
[0153] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication
system 800 that receives information through multiple communication
paths, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.
The communication system 800 may, for example and without
limitation, share various characteristics with the exemplary
communication systems 610, 700 illustrated in FIGS. 6-7 and
discussed previously. Also for example, components of the
communication system 800 may share various functional
characteristics with the exemplary methods 200, 400 illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 4 and discussed previously.
[0154] The exemplary communication system 800 may comprise a
communication interface module 820 and a signal processing module
830. The communication interface module 820 may comprise a first
receiver module 822 and a second (or Nth) receiver module 824. The
signal processing module 830 may comprise a first decoder 832 and a
second (or Nth) decoder 834.
[0155] The communication interface module 820 may, for example and
without limitation, share various characteristics with the
communication interface modules 620, 720 illustrated in FIGS. 6-7
and discussed previously. Also for example, the communication
interface module 820 may share various functional characteristics
with steps 220-230 and 420-430 of exemplary methods 200, 400
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 and discussed previously.
[0156] The signal processing module 830 may, for example, process
the first signal (e.g., as received by the first receiver module
822) and the second signal (e.g., as received by the second
receiver module 824) to determine the information (e.g., a unit of
information communicated by the first and second signals). The
signal processing module 830 may, for example and without
limitation, share various characteristics with steps 240 and 440 of
the exemplary methods 200, 400 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 and
discussed previously. The following discussion will present
exemplary processing scenarios for the signal processing module
830. Note, however, that the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of such
exemplary processing scenarios.
[0157] The signal processing module 830 may, for example, process
the received first signal to determine the information communicated
by the first signal (e.g., the unit of information). The signal
processing module 830 may, for example and without limitation,
share various functional characteristics with step 442 of the
exemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed
previously. Such processing may comprise performing any of a large
variety of signal processing operations to determine information
from a received signal. For example and without limitation, the
signal processing module 830 may utilize a first decoder 832 to
decode the received first signal. Also, the signal processing
module 830 may perform other or additional processing tasks, for
example, signal demodulation, digital detection (for digital
signals), signal decoding, decrypting, decompressing, error
detecting and correcting, etc. The scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular manner of determining information from a signal or by
characteristics of related apparatus.
[0158] The signal processing module 830 may, for example, determine
a first indication of reliability for the unit of information
determined from the received first signal. The signal processing
module 830 may, for example and without limitation, share various
functional characteristics with step 443 of the exemplary method
400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously. For example,
the signal processing module 830 may determine an indication of
reliability in any of a variety of manners. Accordingly, the scope
of various aspects of the present invention should not be limited
by characteristics of any particular manner of (or apparatus for)
determining an indication of reliability or degree of confidence in
received information.
[0159] The exemplary signal processing module 830 may, for example,
process the received second signal (e.g., as received by the second
receiver module 824) to determine the unit of information by
utilizing the unit of information determined from the first signal
(e.g., as discussed above) to determine the unit of information
from the second signal. The signal processing module 830 may, for
example and without limitation, share various functional
characteristics with step 444 of the exemplary method 400
illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously. For example, the
signal processing module 830 may perform such processing in any of
a variety of manners. The following discussion will include various
non-limiting exemplary illustrations, characteristics of which
should not limit the scope of various aspects of the present
invention.
[0160] In a first exemplary scenario, the signal processing module
830 may utilize the unit of information determined from the first
signal as basis information, which may be modified in accordance
with the unit of information determined from the second received
signal. For example, if the unit of information (or a portion
thereof) determined from the second received signal is different
from a corresponding unit of information (or a portion thereof)
determined from the first received signal, and the reliability of
the unit of information determined from the second signal is
relatively high, then the signal processing module 830 may
determine that the unit of information (or a portion thereof)
determined from the second signal outweighs the unit of information
determined from the first signal.
[0161] In a second exemplary scenario, the signal processing module
830 may utilize the unit of information determined from the first
signal as guide information, which may be utilized to adjust or
influence the unit of information determined from the second
received signal. For example, if the unit of information (or a
portion thereof) determined from the second received signal is of
relatively low reliability, then the signal processing module 830
may modify such information in accordance with the unit of
information determined from the first received signal (e.g.,
particularly when reliability of the unit of information determined
from the first received signal is relatively high).
[0162] As mentioned previously, the signal processing module 830
may, in various exemplary scenarios, utilize respective indications
of reliability for the units of information determined from the
first and second signals. Note, however, that the signal processing
module 830 does not necessarily utilize such indications of
reliability. For example and without limitation, the signal
processing module 830 may utilize a predetermined algorithm for
determining the unit of information from the second signal, based
at least in part on the unit of information determined from the
first signal, where such predetermined algorithm does not
explicitly utilize a determination of information reliability.
[0163] In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the signal processing
module 830 may utilize an iterative approach to determining the
unit of information from the first and second received signals. For
example, the signal processing module 830 may utilize the unit of
information determined from the second signal to further refine the
unit of information determined from the first signal (e.g.,
utilizing an iterative processing approach). For example, the
signal processing module 830 may determine a second indication of
reliability for the unit of information determined from the second
signal. The signal processing module 830 may then, in the exemplary
scenario, utilize the unit of information determined from the
second signal and the determined second indication of reliability
to refine or re-determine the unit of information from the first
signal.
[0164] In general, the signal processing module 830 may process the
received second signal to determine the unit of information by
utilizing the unit of information determined from the first signal
to determine the unit of information from the second signal.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of any particular manner
of making such determination.
[0165] The exemplary system 800 was presented to provide specific
exemplary illustrations of generally broader aspects of the present
invention. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of the exemplary
system 800.
[0166] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary communication
system 900 that communicates information through multiple
communication paths, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention. The communication system 900 may, for example
and without limitation, share various characteristics with the
exemplary communication system 610 illustrated in FIG. 6 and
discussed previously. Also for example, components of the
communication system 900 may share various functional
characteristics with the exemplary method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5
and discussed previously.
[0167] The exemplary communication system 900 may comprise a
communication interface module 920 and a signal processing module
930. The communication interface module 920 may comprise a first
transmitter module 922 and a second (or Nth) transmitter module
924. The communication interface module 920 may, for example and
without limitation, share various characteristics with the
communication interface module 620 illustrated in FIG. 6 and
discussed previously. Also for example, the communication interface
module 920 may share various functional characteristics with steps
540 and 550 of the exemplary method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and
discussed previously.
[0168] The signal processing module 930 may, for example and
without limitation, share various functional characteristics with
steps 520 and 530 of the exemplary method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5
and discussed previously. For example, the signal processing module
930 may determine a first set of information representative of a
unit of information. The first set of information may be
representative of the unit of information in any of a variety of
ways. For example and without limitation, the first set of
information may correspond exactly to the unit of information. Also
for example, the first set of information may comprise a
compressed, encoded or encrypted version of the unit of
information. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by any particular manner in
which a set of information may represent a unit of information.
[0169] The signal processing module 930 may determine the first set
of information in any of a variety of manners. For example and
without limitation, the signal processing module 930 may compress
data representative of the unit of information. The signal
processing module 930 may, for example, perform such compression in
any of a variety of manners and/or in accordance with any of a
variety of compression standards. Also for example, the signal
processing module 930 may encode or encrypt information
representative of the unit of information. The scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular manner of determining a set of
information that is representative of a particular unit of
information.
[0170] The signal processing module 930 may also, for example,
determine a second set of information representative of the unit of
information. For example, the second set of information may be
identical to the first set of information. Also for example, the
second set of information may be different than the first set of
information. For example and without limitation, the second set of
information might comprise a compressed representation of the unit
of information, while the first set of information might comprise
an exact representation of the unit of information or a different
compressed representation than the second set of information. Also
for example, the second and first sets of information may be
encoded or encrypted differently. Further for example, the second
and first sets of information may represent the unit of information
at different respective resolution levels (e.g., data point,
spatial and/or temporal resolution levels).
[0171] Note that the first and second sets of information may
comprise or be communicated with any of a variety of additional
information (e.g., information not directly representative of the
unit of information). For example and without limitation, such
additional information may comprise information identifying the
unit of information (or portion thereof) that is represented. For
example, such additional information may also comprise timestamp or
sequence information. In a non-limiting exemplary scenario, the
first and second sets of information may be sub-divided into one or
more data frames or packets, each of which comprises header
information. Continuing the non-limiting exemplary scenario,
respective headers of the first and second sets of information may
comprise information that may be utilized to synchronize or
correlate the first and second sets of information. For example,
the first and second sets of information may comprise at least some
common header information. Continuing the non-limiting exemplary
scenario, respective headers of the first and second sets of
information may comprise common source and/or destination
information.
[0172] In general, the first and second sets of information may
comprise or be communicated with any of a variety of additional
information. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular type of additional information.
[0173] In general, the signal processing module 930 may determine
first and second sets of information representative of the unit of
information. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the
present invention should not be limited by characteristics of a
particular manner in which a unit of information may be represented
or by any particular manner of determining a set of information
that is representative of a particular unit of information.
[0174] The signal processing module 930 may utilize the
communication interface module 920 (e.g., the first transmitter
module 922) to communicate the first set of information in a first
signal communicated directly to (and through) a first communication
network. The first communication network may, for example, be
communicatively coupled to one or more other communication systems
to which the first signal may be communicated. Various
characteristics of signals and networks were discussed previously
with regard to the discussion of FIG. 2.
[0175] Referring briefly to the exemplary communication environment
600 illustrated in FIG. 6, the communication system 610 may
communicate a first signal to the second system 690. For example,
the communication interface module 620 may communicate the first
signal directly to the first communication network 640 through
communication link 644, where the first communication network 640
may then communicate the first signal to the second system 690
through communication link 642.
[0176] As discussed previously, in general, the first signal may
comprise characteristics of any of a variety of communication
signal types, and the first communication network may comprise
characteristics of any of a variety of communication network types.
Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present invention
should not be limited by characteristics of any particular signal
type or type of communication network.
[0177] As discussed previously, the signal processing module 930
may utilize the first transmitter module 922 to communicate the
first set of information in a first signal. The first transmitter
module 922 may comprise characteristics of any of a variety of
transmitter types. For example and without limitation, the
transmitter may comprise characteristics of a wired, wireless or
optical transmitter. Also for example, the first transmitter module
922 may be adapted to communicate information communicated
utilizing any of a variety of communication protocols or standards.
The first transmitter module 922 may, for example, be associated
with an antenna (or other signal port) coupled to the first
transmitter module 922. The scope of various aspects of the present
invention should not be limited by characteristics of any
particular type of transmitter or other apparatus that may transmit
a signal that communicates information.
[0178] The signal processing module 930 may utilize the
communication interface module 920 (e.g., the second transmitter
module 924) to communicate the second set of information in a
second signal communicated directly to (and through) a second
communication network (e.g., substantially different from the first
communication network). The second communication network may, for
example, be communicatively coupled to one or more other
communication systems to which the second signal may be
communicated. Non-limiting exemplary characteristics of various
signal and communication network types were presented
previously.
[0179] Referring briefly to the exemplary communication environment
600 illustrated in FIG. 6, the communication system 610 may
communicate a second signal to the second system 690. For example,
the communication interface module 620 may communicate the second
signal directly to the second communication network 650 through
communication link 652. The second communication network 650 may
then communication the second signal to the second system 690
through any of a plurality of paths (e.g., through communication
link 654, the first communication network 640 and communication
link 642; or through communication link 656, the third
communication network 660 and communication link 662).
[0180] As discussed previously, the signal processing module 930
may utilize the second transmitter module 924 to communicate the
second set of information in a second signal. The second
transmitter module 924 may comprise characteristics of any of a
variety of transmitter types. For example and without limitation,
the second transmitter module 924 may comprise characteristics of a
wired, wireless or optical transmitter. Also for example, the
second transmitter module 924 may be adapted to communicate
information communicated utilizing any of a variety of
communication protocols or standards. The second transmitter module
924 may, for example, be independent of the first transmitter
module 922. Alternatively, for example, the second transmitter
module 924 may share one or more components with the first
transmitter module 922. The second transmitter module 924 may, for
example, be associated with an antenna (or other signal port)
coupled to the second transmitter module 924. The scope of various
aspects of the present invention should not be limited by
characteristics of any particular type of transmitter or other
apparatus that may transmit a signal that communicates
information.
[0181] Generally, the signal processing module 930 may utilize the
communication interface module 920 to communicate the first set of
information in a first signal communicated directly to a first
communication network and to communicate the second set of
information in a second signal communicated directly to a second
communication network. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of
the present invention should not be limited by characteristics of
any particular type of signal, type of communication network or
type of transmitter.
[0182] The exemplary communication system 900 illustrated in FIG. 9
and discussed above was presented to provide specific examples of
generally broader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly,
the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not be
limited by specific characteristics of the exemplary communication
system 900.
[0183] In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide
a system and method for utilizing multiple independent
communication pathways for a communication. While the invention has
been described with reference to certain aspects and embodiments,
it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various
changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without
departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many
modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or
material to the teachings of the invention without departing from
its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be
limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the
invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the appended claims.
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