U.S. patent application number 14/058767 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-23 for method and apparatus for distributing services and data.
The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP. Invention is credited to James G. Beattie, Veeramani Kandasamy.
Application Number | 20150111602 14/058767 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52782323 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150111602 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beattie; James G. ; et
al. |
April 23, 2015 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISTRIBUTING SERVICES AND DATA
Abstract
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example,
determining a need to provide a service to a first communication
device of a plurality of communication devices, detecting a
movement of a second communication device of the plurality of
communication devices in a direction that will place the second
communication device in a communication range of the first
communication device, and transmitting a message to the second
communication device to provide the service to the first
communication device when the second communication device comes
into the communication range of the first communication device.
Other embodiments are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Beattie; James G.;
(Bergenfield, NJ) ; Kandasamy; Veeramani;
(Annandale, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52782323 |
Appl. No.: |
14/058767 |
Filed: |
October 21, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
455/456.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/104 20130101;
H04W 28/0231 20130101; H04W 76/14 20180201; H04L 67/18 20130101;
H04W 4/023 20130101; H04W 28/0226 20130101; H04W 4/029 20180201;
H04W 4/02 20130101; H04W 4/026 20130101; H04W 4/024 20180201 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/456.3 |
International
Class: |
H04W 28/02 20060101
H04W028/02; H04W 4/02 20060101 H04W004/02 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: a memory to store executable instructions;
and a processor coupled to the memory, wherein responsive to
executing the instructions, the processor performs operations
comprising: receiving location information from a plurality of
communication devices; determining trajectories of the plurality of
communication devices from the location information; determining a
need to distribute first content to a first communication device of
the plurality of communication devices; detecting a trajectory of a
second communication device of the plurality of communication
devices that will be in a peer-to-peer communication range of the
first communication device at an expected time; and transmitting
the first content to the second communication device for
distribution to the first communication device when the second
communication device comes into the peer-to-peer communication
range of the first communication device.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein transmitting the first content
further comprises: determining a traffic level of a network node in
a communication range of the first communication device; and
transmitting the first content to the second communication device
responsive to determining that the traffic level exceeds a
threshold.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the network node comprises a
cellular base station.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein transmitting the first content
further comprises: determining a communication efficiency of a
network node in a communication range of the first communication
device; and transmitting the first content to the second
communication device responsive to determining that the
communication efficiency of the network node has fallen below a
threshold.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content comprises audio
content.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content comprises video
content.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first content comprises a
combination of video content and audio content.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first content comprises a
software update.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise:
determining a second need to provide services to a third
communication device of the plurality of communication devices;
detecting a second trajectory of a fourth communication device of
the plurality of communication devices, wherein the second
trajectory projects the fourth communication device being in a
second peer-to-peer communication range of the third communication
device at a second expected time; and instructing the fourth
communication device to provide the services to the third
communication device when the fourth communication device comes
into the second peer-to-peer communication range of the third
communication device.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the location information
comprises a geographic coordinate.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein determining the trajectory
comprises monitoring changes in the geographic coordinate to
determine the trajectory.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the trajectory comprises
movement and direction of travel.
13. A method, comprising: receiving, a system comprising a
processor, location information from a plurality of communication
devices; determining, by the system, a collective trajectory of the
plurality of communication devices from the location information;
determining, by the system, a need to provide a service to a first
communication device of the plurality of communication devices;
detecting, by the system, a trajectory of a second communication
device of the plurality of communication devices that places the
second communication device in a communication range of the first
communication device at an expected time; and transmitting, by the
system, a message to the second communication device to provide the
service to the first communication device when the second
communication device comes into the communication range of the
first communication device.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the service comprises delivery
of media content.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the service comprises providing
voice communication services, data communication services or both
to the first communication device.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the message comprises data to
be delivered to the first communication device, or instructions
directing the second communication device to provide communication
services to the first communication device.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the second communication device
initiates communications with the first communication device when
the second communication device is in the communication range of
the first communication device via a peer-to-peer communication
session or local area network accessible to the first communication
device and the second communication device.
18. A machine-readable storage medium, comprising executable
instructions, which when executed by a processor cause the
processor to perform operations comprising: determining a need to
provide a service to a first communication device of a plurality of
communication devices; detecting a movement of a second
communication device of the plurality of communication devices in a
direction that will place the second communication device in a
communication range of the first communication device; and
transmitting a message to the second communication device to
provide the service to the first communication device when the
second communication device comes into the communication range of
the first communication device.
19. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the
service comprises providing the first communication device one of
media content, voice communication services, data communication
services, or combinations thereof.
20. The machine-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the
message comprises data to be delivered to the first communication
device, or instructions directing the second communication device
to provide communication services to the first communication
device.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for
distributing services and data.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In wireless, and sometimes wired communication systems, a
need can arise to distribute in real-time, near real-time or in
deferred time, media content or other services to devices. The
network bandwidth required to distribute streaming media content,
device software or data updates can be distributed in traditional
unicast and emerging multicast broadcast modes, but even then there
are devices that are either served with less desirable link signal
qualities or which are offline when an update is made
available.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0004] FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
system;
[0005] FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method used
in portions of the system described in FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 3 depicts an illustrative embodiment of mobile device
users in transit that can serve as couriers of deferred
services;
[0007] FIGS. 4-5 depict illustrative embodiments of communication
systems that provide services according to the embodiments of the
method of FIG. 2;
[0008] FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal
for provisioning devices of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1 and
3-5;
[0009] FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
device that be a representative embodiment of the devices of FIGS.
1 and 3-5; and
[0010] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the
form of a computer system within which a set of instructions, when
executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the
methods described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments for delegating services to devices to
offload network resources. Other embodiments are included in the
subject disclosure.
[0012] One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a system
having a memory to store executable instructions, and a processor.
Responsive to executing the instructions, the processor performs
operations including receiving location information from a
plurality of communication devices, determining trajectories of the
plurality of communication devices from the location information,
determining a need to distribute first content to a first
communication device of the plurality of communication devices,
detecting a trajectory of a second communication device of the
plurality of communication devices that will be in a peer-to-peer
communication range of the first communication device at an
expected time, and transmitting the first content to the second
communication device for distribution to the first communication
device when the second communication device comes into the
peer-to-peer communication range of the first communication
device.
[0013] One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a method
for receiving, a system comprising a processor, location
information from a plurality of communication devices, determining,
by the system, a collective trajectory of the plurality of
communication devices from the location information, determining,
by the system, a need to provide a service to a first communication
device of the plurality of communication devices, detecting, by the
system, a trajectory of a second communication device of the
plurality of communication devices that places the second
communication device in a communication range of the first
communication device at an expected time, and transmitting, by the
system, a message to the second communication device to provide the
service to the first communication device when the second
communication device comes into the communication range of the
first communication device.
[0014] One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a
machine-readable storage medium, including executable instructions,
which when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform
operations including determining a need to provide a service to a
first communication device of a plurality of communication devices,
detecting a movement of a second communication device of the
plurality of communication devices in a direction that will place
the second communication device in a communication range of the
first communication device, and transmitting a message to the
second communication device to provide the service to the first
communication device when the second communication device comes
into the communication range of the first communication device.
[0015] FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
system 100. The communication system 100 can comprise mobile
devices such as smartphones 106, tablets 108, and computers 110.
Devices 106-110 can establish communication sessions by way of
wireless base stations 102 scattered in multiple geographic
regions. Communication sessions can include device to network to
device communications for supporting voice and data communications
using 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G technology as the case may be.
Alternatively, devices 106-110 can engage in voice and data
communications by way of short range base stations or routers 120
such as WiFi routers which may be located in facilities 104 such as
retail businesses (such as coffee shops, fast food restaurants,
etc.), business enterprises, residences, and so on.
[0016] FIG. 2 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 200
that can be used in portions of the system 100 described in FIG. 1
to improve network resource utilization. Method 200 can begin with
step 202 where a server or a group of servers 130 such as shown in
FIG. 1 collect location information from communication devices
(such as communication devices 106-110 shown in FIG. 1) over one or
more geographic regions (townships, cities, metropolitan areas,
etc.). The servers 130 can be communicatively coupled to the
communication devices via the base stations 102, routers 120, or
other network elements that can be used to wireless or by wireline
access the communication devices from remote locations.
Additionally, the servers 130 can be co-located or placed in
disparate locations, each server managing communication devices in
different locations. For illustration purposes only, the subject
disclosure will herein refer to servers 130. However, it should be
understood that less than all the servers 130 (e.g., a single
server) may employ the embodiments of method 200 of FIG. 2 as
described below.
[0017] Referring back to step 202, the location information can
include geographic coordinates such as global positioning system
(GPS) coordinates provided by the communications device from GPS
receivers embedded therein, or by way of service provider network
infrastructure (e.g., triangulation), regardless of GPS
capabilities of the communications device(s). The servers 130 can
collect this information periodically so as to determine from
changes in the location information trajectories of the
communications devices in step 204. Trajectories can represent
movement information such as average speed of travel as well as
direction of travel. The orientation of the devices such as compass
orientation can also be collected to validate and/or predict
trajectories of the communication devices in FIG. 1.
[0018] At step 206, the servers 130 can determine a need to provide
services to a particular one or more of the communication devices
of FIG. 1. For illustration purposes only, only one device will be
addressed at step 206 referred to herein as a first communication
device. The service can be media content (such as a streaming
video), data content (such as provisioning information, a file,
etc.), software content (such as delivery of a software update), or
communication services such as providing voice or internet
communication services, and so on. Services in the present context
can mean delivery of data of any kind or communication services of
any kind. The servers 130 can determine the need for services at
step 206 by way of a request initiated by the first communication
device autonomously or responsive to user input. Alternatively, or
in combination, the servers 130 can determine the need for services
at step 206 by monitoring resources of the first communication
device, usage behavior of a user of the first communication device,
or other suitable detection techniques.
[0019] At step 208, the servers 130 can determine if the need is
immediate or can be deferred. An immediate need may be a situation
in which the user of the first communication device may be
requesting communication services, and would not be willing to
wait. A deferred need can represent a request for content initiated
by the user which can be delivered at a later time (e.g., movie for
viewing at 8 pm, while the user request is initiated at 6 pm), a
software update that the servers 130 determine is needed to solve
vulnerability issues with the communication device but which is
otherwise not considered urgent by the servers 130, and so on.
[0020] In one embodiment, if the need at step 208 is considered
immediate, the server 130 can proceed to step 216 and instruct a
network node (e.g., a base station), which is communicatively
coupled to the first communication device at the time the need is
detected, to provide services (such as data distribution and/or
communication services) to the first communication device. In
another embodiment, the servers 130 can determine from the
trajectories of the communication devices calculated at step 204
whether there is a second communication device at a location or
trajectory that places the second communication device in a
communication range of the first communication device at a
desirable time to provide the services identified in step 206. If
there are no devices that can provide such services in an adequate
time, the servers 130 can proceed to step 216 and deliver services
via a network node communicatively coupled to the first
communication device as previously described.
[0021] If, however, there is a second communication device that can
deliver the needed services to the first communication in an
adequate time, the servers 130 can proceed to step 218 and transmit
a message to the second communication device to prepare the second
communication device for delivery of the needed services. The
message can represent data to be distributed to the first device
(e.g., video stream, software update, files, provisioning
information, etc). The message can instead or in combination
represent instructions to provide the first communication device
data and/or voice communication services once the second
communication device is in a communication range of the first
communication device at step 220.
[0022] The second communication device can detect it is in a
communication range of the first communication device based on
additional information provided by the servers 130 at step 218 such
as, for example, receiving from the servers 130 an identification
of the network node which the first communication device is
communicatively coupled to and a communication identifier (e.g.,
phone number, IP address, URI, or other suitable identifier) of the
first communication device for initiating communications.
Alternatively, the second communication device can receive from the
servers 130 a location coordinate of the first communication
device, which the second communication device can use to determine
when it is in close proximity to the first communication device to
perform a peer-to-peer session.
[0023] For example, when the second communication device detects
the network node communicatively coupled to the first communication
device (or that the second communication device is near the
location coordinate of the first communication device) the second
communication device can determine at step 222 whether to engage in
peer-to-peer communications or utilize a local area network (LAN)
such as a WiFi router 120 as shown in FIG. 1 if one is available.
If the first and second communication devices are not close enough
to engage in peer-to-peer communications, then the second
communication device can attempt communications over a WiFi LAN. If
a LAN is not available, the second communication device can
continue to monitor when the second communication device is near
enough to the location coordinate of the first communication device
to attempt a peer-to-peer session. If both LAN and peer-to-peer
communications are available, the second communication device can
test communications on each and assess the best delivery method
based on communication metrics such as bit error rate, latency,
jitter, RF noise, signal to noise ratio, or other common
communication parameters. Once communications are established, the
second communication device can proceed to step 224 to deliver
services over a peer-to-peer session, or step 226 to deliver
services over a LAN session, whichever is decided as most
appropriate in step 222.
[0024] As noted earlier, the services can represent delivery of any
form of data services, any form of messaging services, any form of
communication services or both. Data can represent, for example,
media content, provisioning information, file transfers, software
updates or otherwise. Messaging services can represent, for
example, SMS, MMS, instant messaging, email, etc. Communication
services can represent data and/or voice communication services.
Steps 208 and 214-226 present a proactive approach to alleviate
traffic congestion, which can increase the bandwidth availability
of network nodes such as base stations 102. In one embodiment,
steps 208 and 214-226 can be performed without monitoring network
conditions of network nodes.
[0025] Alternatively, network conditions of network nodes can be
monitored prior to deciding to use a courier device for providing
services to the first communication device. Referring back to step
208, the transition from step 208 to step 210 can represent an
embodiment where the servers 130 can be configured to perform a
network assessment at step 210 when the need to provide services is
determined at step 208 not to be immediate. In one embodiment,
network conditions can be assessed according to communication
efficiency, bandwidth usage, and traffic congestion, among other
factors. Service providers can configure the servers 130 to compare
factors such as these to corresponding thresholds for detecting
undesirable network conditions. For example, the servers 130 can
measure the traffic level experienced by a network node which is
communicatively coupled to the first communication device and
compare such a measure to a threshold.
[0026] Traffic levels can be measured, for example, as a weighted
sum of a number of active voice calls in session, a number of
active data sessions, bandwidth utilization, packet losses, and so
on. If the measured traffic level exceeds the threshold established
by the service provider, the servers 130 can determine at step 212
that relieving congestion at the network node would be desirable,
and thereby transition to step 214 and combinations of subsequent
steps 218-226 as previously described to determine if an alternate
courier (e.g., a second communication device) is available to
provide services to the first communication device.
[0027] Alternatively, or in combination, the servers 130 can be
configured to determine at step 210 a measure of communication
efficiency at the network node and compare this measure to a
threshold. If communication efficiency at the network node falls
below a threshold established by the service provider, the servers
130 can be configured to transition to step 214 and combinations of
subsequent steps 218-226 to determine if an alternate courier
(e.g., a second communication device) is available to provide
services to the first communication device. Communication
efficiency can be measured by statistical models that assess, for
example, management of resources and bandwidth at the network
node.
[0028] In yet another embodiment, the servers 130 can be configured
to transition from step 206 to step 210 thereby bypassing step 208.
In this embodiment, the servers 130 can be configured to always
assess network conditions at step 210 independent of whether or not
the need for services detected step 216 is immediate. When network
conditions are undesirable to provide services by way of the
network node at step 216, the servers 130 may proceed to step 214
and combinations of subsequent steps 218-226 to locate alternate
couriers as previously described.
[0029] FIG. 3 depicts illustrations of how the trajectory of
communication devices carried by multiple users 302-306 can
monitored and used to determine if a particular communication
device can serve as a courier that provides services to another
device.
[0030] For example, suppose the communication device carried by
user 302 appears to have a trajectory towards building 104, which
may be an office building or retail store. From a prior history of
travel of user 302, which can be monitored from a collection of GPS
information provided by the user's communication device, the
servers 130 can determine a probable outcome of whether user 302
will be entering building 104. If the probability is high (e.g.,
user has a habit of entering building 104, which is known for
providing coffee beverages, between 1-1:15 pm each day), the
servers 130 may choose to target the user's communication device as
a courier for services to be provided to one of the devices
(106-110) in building 104 shown in FIG. 3. Since building 104
supports a LAN via router 120, the targeted courier device of user
302 may choose to establish communications via the LAN unless it
assesses that the quality of communications would improve in a
peer-to-peer session.
[0031] Similarly, the servers 130 can assess the likelihood that
users 304 and 306 will cross paths. This determination can also be
determined by prior history of travel by the users 304 and 306, or
proximity in distance between the users and/or a determination that
the users are walking on a sidewalk and would unlikely walk on the
adjacent street. Since in this instance LAN services are not
available, communications would be based on a peer-to-peer session
between a select one of the communication devices acting as a
courier device for another communication device. Also, since in
this use case, the users 304 and 306 would be crossing paths, the
servers 130 would have to limit services for specific tasks that
can be accomplished quickly such as providing provisioning
information to a target communication device, or providing small
portions of data to the target communication device. In this use
case, content of a significant size can be delivered to a target
device by apportioning the content in parts.
[0032] For instance, suppose the communication device of user 304
requires a large software update. The servers 130 can choose to
provide a portion of the update to one of the communication devices
of users 306, which is delivered in a peer-to-peer session. Other
devices of users at a downstream location that merges with the
trajectory of user 304 can provide with other sub-portions of the
software update. Suppose further that the servers 130 run out of
courier devices to deliver sub-portions of the software update, but
that 80% of the software update has been delivered by the couriers
thus far. In this instance, the servers 130 can direct a network
node (e.g., base station 102) communicatively coupled to the
communication device of user 304 to deliver the remaining 20%. In
this scenario although delivery was not fully accomplished by
courier devices, the reduction in use of network nodes provides for
less traffic and higher bandwidth availability, which in turn can
serve to accommodate more subscribers on a communication network
and defer the need for additional network upgrades which can be
costly to service providers.
[0033] It is further noted that services as described above may be
pre-paid or post-paid services, while the service experience may be
over wired or wireless devices with or without motion or movement
sensing method described herein.
[0034] FIG. 4 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first
communication system 400 for delivering media content. The
communication system 400 can represent an Internet Protocol
Television (IPTV) media system. Communication system 400 can be
overlaid or operably coupled with the communication system 100 of
FIG. 1 as another representative embodiment of communication system
400. Additionally, communication system 400 can be configured to
perform the service delivery techniques described by method 200 of
FIG. 2.
[0035] The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office
(SHO) 410 with at least one super headend office server (SHS) 411
which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial
communication systems. In the present context, media content can
represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as
2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still image
content, and combinations thereof. The SHS server 411 can forward
packets associated with the media content to one or more video
head-end servers (VHS) 414 via a network of video head-end offices
(VHO) 412 according to a multicast communication protocol.
[0036] The VHS 414 can distribute multimedia broadcast content via
an access network 418 to commercial and/or residential buildings
402 housing a gateway 404 (such as a residential or commercial
gateway). The access network 418 can represent a group of digital
subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central
office or a service area interface that provide broadband services
over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs 419 to buildings
402. The gateway 404 can use communication technology to distribute
broadcast signals to media processors 406 such as Set-Top Boxes
(STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices
408 such as computers or television sets managed in some instances
by a media controller 407 (such as an infrared or RF remote
controller).
[0037] The gateway 404, the media processors 406, and media devices
408 can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as
coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a
wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi),
Bluetooth, Zigbee, or other present or next generation local or
personal area wireless network technologies. By way of these
interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked between the
media processors 406 and subsystems of the IPTV media system for
services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic
programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.
[0038] A satellite broadcast television system 429 can be used in
the media system of FIG. 4. The satellite broadcast television
system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV
system as another representative embodiment of communication system
400. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite 415
that include media content can be received by a satellite dish
receiver 431 coupled to the building 402. Modulated signals
received by the satellite dish receiver 431 can be transferred to
the media processors 406 for demodulating, decoding, encoding,
and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices 408.
The media processors 406 can be equipped with a broadband port to
an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network 432 to enable
interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.
[0039] In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable
broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system 433 can be
overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or
the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of
communication system 400. In this embodiment, the cable TV system
433 can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media
services.
[0040] The subject disclosure can apply to other present or next
generation over-the-air and/or landline media content services
system.
[0041] Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be
coupled to one or more computing devices 430, a portion of which
can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over
the ISP network 432 to wireline media devices 408 or wireless
communication devices 416.
[0042] Communication system 400 can also provide for all or a
portion of the computing devices 430 to function as servers 430.
The servers 430 can use computing and communication technology to
perform function 462, which can include among other things, the
techniques described by method 200 of FIG. 2. The media processors
406 and wireless communication devices 416 can be provisioned with
software functions 464 and 466, respectively, to utilize the
services of servers 430 and thereby perform in whole or in part the
techniques described in method 200 of FIG. 2.
[0043] Multiple forms of media services can be offered to media
devices over landline technologies such as those described above.
Additionally, media services can be offered to media devices by way
of a wireless access base station 417 operating according to common
wireless access protocols such as Global System for Mobile or GSM,
Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA, Time Division Multiple
Access or TDMA, Universal Mobile Telecommunications or UMTS, World
interoperability for Microwave or WiMAX, Software Defined Radio or
SDR, Long Term Evolution or LTE, and so on. Other present and next
generation wide area wireless access network technologies can be
used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
system 500 employing an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network
architecture to facilitate the combined services of
circuit-switched and packet-switched systems. Communication system
500 can be overlaid or operably coupled with communication system
100 and communication system 400 as another representative
embodiment of communication system 400. Additionally, communication
system 500 can be configured to perform the service delivery
techniques described by method 200 of FIG. 2.
[0045] Communication system 500 can comprise a Home Subscriber
Server (HSS) 540, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server 530, and
other network elements of an IMS network 550. The IMS network 550
can establish communications between IMS-compliant communication
devices (CDs) 501, 502, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)
CDs 503, 505, and combinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway
Control Function (MGCF) 520 coupled to a PSTN network 560. The MGCF
520 need not be used when a communication session involves IMS CD
to IMS CD communications. A communication session involving at
least one PSTN CD may utilize the MGCF 520.
[0046] IMS CDs 501, 502 can register with the IMS network 550 by
contacting a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which
communicates with an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn,
communicates with a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with
the HSS 540. To initiate a communication session between CDs, an
originating IMS CD 501 can submit a Session Initiation Protocol
(SIP INVITE) message to an originating P-CSCF 504 which
communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF 506. The
originating S-CSCF 506 can submit the SIP INVITE message to one or
more application servers (aSs) 517 that can provide a variety of
services to IMS subscribers.
[0047] For example, the application servers 517 can be used to
perform originating call feature treatment functions on the calling
party number received by the originating S-CSCF 506 in the SIP
INVITE message. Originating treatment functions can include
determining whether the calling party number has international
calling services, call ID blocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit
dialing, and/or is requesting special telephony features (e.g., *72
forward calls, *73 cancel call forwarding, *67 for caller ID
blocking, and so on). Based on initial filter criteria (iFCs) in a
subscriber profile associated with a CD, one or more application
servers may be invoked to provide various call originating feature
services.
[0048] Additionally, the originating S-CSCF 506 can submit queries
to the ENUM system 530 to translate an E.164 telephone number in
the SIP INVITE message to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI)
if the terminating communication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP
URI can be used by an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 507 to submit a
query to the HSS 540 to identify a terminating S-CSCF 514
associated with a terminating IMS CD such as reference 502. Once
identified, the I-CSCF 507 can submit the SIP INVITE message to the
terminating S-CSCF 514. The terminating S-CSCF 514 can then
identify a terminating P-CSCF 516 associated with the terminating
CD 502. The P-CSCF 516 may then signal the CD 502 to establish
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services, thereby
enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or
data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile,
one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various
call terminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not
disturb, music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing,
etc.
[0049] In some instances the aforementioned communication process
is symmetrical. Accordingly, the terms "originating" and
"terminating" in FIG. 5 may be interchangeable. It is further noted
that communication system 500 can be adapted to support video
conferencing. In addition, communication system 500 can be adapted
to provide the IMS CDs 501, 502 with the multimedia and Internet
services of communication system 400 of FIG. 4.
[0050] If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD
such as CD 503 or CD 505 (in instances where the cellular phone
only supports circuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM
system 530 can respond with an unsuccessful address resolution
which can cause the originating S-CSCF 506 to forward the call to
the MGCF 520 via a Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF) 519.
The MGCF 520 can then initiate the call to the terminating PSTN CD
over the PSTN network 560 to enable the calling and called parties
to engage in voice and/or data communications.
[0051] It is further appreciated that the CDs of FIG. 5 can operate
as wireline or wireless devices. For example, the CDs of FIG. 5 can
be communicatively coupled to a cellular base station 521, a
femtocell, a WiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless
Telecommunications (DECT) base unit, or another suitable wireless
access unit to establish communications with the IMS network 550 of
FIG. 5. The cellular access base station 521 can operate according
to common wireless access protocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS,
WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation
wireless network technologies can be used by one or more
embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, multiple
wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used by the
CDs of FIG. 5.
[0052] Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched
voice and packet-switched data communications and thus may operate
as IMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular
base station 521 may communicate directly with the IMS network 550
as shown by the arrow connecting the cellular base station 521 and
the P-CSCF 516.
[0053] Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system,
component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware
and/or software. Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a
respective CSCF system having one or more computers or servers,
either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server
may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any
method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with
a respective CSCF. Likewise, other functions, servers and computers
described herein, including but not limited to, the HSS, the ENUM
server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can be embodied in a respective
system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized
or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to
perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or
functionality described herein in accordance with a respective
function, server, or computer.
[0054] The servers 430 of FIG. 4 can be operably coupled to the
second communication system 500 for purposes similar to those
described above. Servers 430 can perform function 462 and thereby
provide services to the CDs 501, 502, 503 and 505 of FIG. 5 as
described by method 200 of FIG. 2. CDs 501, 502, 503 and 505 can be
adapted with software to perform function 572 to utilize the
services of the servers 430 as described by method 200 of FIG. 2.
Servers 430 can be an integral part of the application server(s)
517 performing function 574, which can be substantially similar to
function 462 and adapted to the operations of the IMS network
550.
[0055] For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF,
I-CSCF, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in
the subject disclosure without the word "server." It is also
understood that any form of a CSCF server can operate in a device,
system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed
hardware and software. It is further noted that these terms and
other terms such as DIAMETER commands are terms can include
features, methodologies, and/or fields that may be described in
whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3.sup.rd Generation
Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some or all
embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part
modify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed
standards published and promulgated by 3GPP.
[0056] FIG. 6 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal
602 which can be hosted by server applications operating from the
computing devices 430 of the communication system 100 illustrated
in FIG. 1. Communication system 600 can be overlaid or operably
coupled with communication system 100, communication 400, and/or
communication system 500 as another representative embodiment of
communication system 100, communication 400, and/or communication
system 500. Web portal 602 can be configured to support the
services of method 200 of FIG. 2 and enable users to provision
their communication devices to take advantage of these services, or
to opt-out of the services if desired. The web portal 602 can also
be used for managing services of communication systems 400-500. A
web page of the web portal 602 can be accessed by a Uniform
Resource Locator (URL) with an Internet browser such as Microsoft's
Internet Explorer.TM., Mozilla's Firefox.TM., Apple's Safari.TM.,
or Google's Chrome.TM. using an Internet-capable communication
device such as those described in FIGS. 1-2. The web portal 602 can
be configured, for example, to access a media processor 106 and
services managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a
Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide
(EPG), or a personal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures,
audio recordings, etc.) stored at the media processor 106. The web
portal 602 can also be used for provisioning IMS services described
earlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioning cellular
phone services, and so on.
[0057] The web portal 602 can further be utilized to manage and
provision software applications 462-464, and 572-574 to adapt these
applications as may be desired by subscribers and/or service
providers of communication systems 100 and 400-500.
[0058] FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication
device 700. Communication device 700 can serve in whole or in part
as an illustrative embodiment of the devices depicted in FIG. 1 and
FIGS. 4-5. Additionally, communication device 700 can be configured
to perform in whole or in part the service delivery techniques
described by method 200 of FIG. 2.
[0059] Communication device 700 can comprise a wireline and/or
wireless transceiver 702 (herein transceiver 702), a user interface
(UI) 704, a power supply 714, a location receiver 716, a motion
sensor 718, an orientation sensor 720, and a controller 706 for
managing operations thereof. The transceiver 702 can support
short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as
Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication
technologies, just to mention a few. Cellular technologies can
include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE,
EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless
communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver 702 can
also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access
technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access
technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations
thereof.
[0060] The UI 704 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive
keypad 708 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a
joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations
of the communication device 700. The keypad 708 can be an integral
part of a housing assembly of the communication device 700 or an
independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting
for example Bluetooth. The keypad 708 can represent a numeric
keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with
alphanumeric keys. The UI 704 can further include a display 710
such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED
(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology
for conveying images to an end user of the communication device
700. In an embodiment where the display 710 is touch-sensitive, a
portion or all of the keypad 708 can be presented by way of the
display 710 with navigation features.
[0061] The display 710 can use touch screen technology to also
serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch
screen display, the communication device 700 can be adapted to
present a user interface with graphical user interface (GUI)
elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger.
The touch screen display 710 can be equipped with capacitive,
resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect how much
surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of the
touch screen display. This sensing information can be used to
control the manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of
the user interface. The display 710 can be an integral part of the
housing assembly of the communication device 700 or an independent
device communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a cable) or a wireless interface.
[0062] The UI 704 can also include an audio system 712 that
utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as
audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio
(such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system
712 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals
of an end user. The audio system 712 can also be used for voice
recognition applications. The UI 704 can further include an image
sensor 713 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for
capturing still or moving images.
[0063] The power supply 714 can utilize common power management
technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply
regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for
supplying energy to the components of the communication device 700
to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications.
Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize
external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical
interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering
technologies.
[0064] The location receiver 716 can utilize location technology
such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of
assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device
700 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS
satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services
such as navigation. The motion sensor 718 can utilize motion
sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other
suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the
communication device 700 in three-dimensional space. The
orientation sensor 720 can utilize orientation sensing technology
such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the
communication device 700 (north, south, west, and east, as well as
combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable
orientation metrics).
[0065] The communication device 700 can use the transceiver 702 to
also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth, or other
wireless access points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a
received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of
arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The controller
706 can utilize computing technologies such as a microprocessor, a
digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate arrays,
application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video processor
with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM
or other storage technologies for executing computer instructions,
controlling, and processing data supplied by the aforementioned
components of the communication device 400.
[0066] Other components not shown in FIG. 7 can be used in one or
more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the
communication device 700 can include a reset button (not shown).
The reset button can be used to reset the controller 706 of the
communication device 700. In yet another embodiment, the
communication device 700 can also include a factory default setting
button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a housing
assembly of the communication device 700 to force the communication
device 700 to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a
user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to
reach into the hole and depress the default setting button. The
communication device 400 can also include a slot for adding or
removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module
(SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber
services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so
forth.
[0067] The communication device 700 as described herein can operate
with more or less of the circuit components shown in FIG. 7. These
variant embodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the
subject disclosure.
[0068] The communication device 700 can be adapted to perform the
functions of the devices of FIG. 1, the media processor 406, the
media devices 408, or the portable communication devices 416 of
FIG. 4, as well as the IMS CDs 501-502 and PSTN CDs 503-505 of FIG.
5. It will be appreciated that the communication device 700 can
also represent other devices that can operate in communication
systems 100, 400-500 of FIGS. 1 and 4-5.
[0069] The communication device 700 shown in FIG. 7 or portions
thereof can serve as a representation of one or more of the devices
of communication system 100, communication system 400, and
communication system 500. In addition, the controller 706 can be
adapted in various embodiments to perform the functions 462-466 and
572-574, respectively.
[0070] Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be
evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said
embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing
from the scope of the claims described below. For example, the
servers 130 can transmit a message to the first communication
device that is to receive the services identified at step 206 of
FIG. 3. The message can include a communication identifier of the
second communication and an expected time of arrival. The first
communication device can monitor when the second communication
device is in its communication range and initiate communications
with the second communication device using the communication
identifier of the second communication device rather than wait for
the second communication device to initiate communications.
[0071] Method 200 can also be adapted so that the servers 130 can
instruct more than one courier device to deliver services to the
first communication device, thereby increasing the probability of
delivery of such services. Once the first communication device
receives the needed services from one of the courier devices, it
can inform other couriers that there's no longer a need to deliver
services.
[0072] Additionally, method 200 can be adapted for broadcasting
delivery of services. For example, a single courier device can
broadcast (multicast) a software update to multiple devices at the
same time for more efficient delivery of software updates when in a
communication range of these devices. The courier device can also
provide data services to multiple devices as a hotspot access
point.
[0073] Other embodiments can be used in the subject disclosure.
[0074] It should be understood that devices described in the
exemplary embodiments can be in communication with each other via
various wireless and/or wired methodologies. The methodologies can
be links that are described as coupled, connected and so forth,
which can include unidirectional and/or bidirectional communication
over wireless paths and/or wired paths that utilize one or more of
various protocols or methodologies, where the coupling and/or
connection can be direct (e.g., no intervening processing device)
and/or indirect (e.g., an intermediary processing device such as a
router).
[0075] FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a
machine in the form of a computer system 800 within which a set of
instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any
one or more of the methods described above. One or more instances
of the machine can operate, for example, as the servers 130 and
430, the communication devices illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4-6, and
other devices from these illustrations. In some embodiments, the
machine may be connected (e.g., using a network 826) to other
machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the
capacity of a server or a client user machine in server-client user
network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or
distributed) network environment.
[0076] The machine may comprise a server computer, a client user
computer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a smart phone, a
laptop computer, a desktop computer, a control system, a network
router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set
of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to
be taken by that machine. It will be understood that a
communication device of the subject disclosure includes broadly any
electronic device that provides voice, video or data communication.
Further, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine"
shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that
individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of
instructions to perform any one or more of the methods discussed
herein.
[0077] The computer system 800 may include a processor (or
controller) 802 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics
processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory 804 and a static
memory 806, which communicate with each other via a bus 808. The
computer system 800 may further include a display unit 810 (e.g., a
liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state
display. The computer system 800 may include an input device 812
(e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device 814 (e.g., a mouse), a
disk drive unit 816, a signal generation device 818 (e.g., a
speaker or remote control) and a network interface device 820. In
distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject
disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units 810
controlled by two or more computer systems 800. In this
configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure
may in part be shown in a first of the display units 810, while the
remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units
810.
[0078] The disk drive unit 816 may include a tangible
computer-readable storage medium 822 on which is stored one or more
sets of instructions (e.g., software 824) embodying any one or more
of the methods or functions described herein, including those
methods illustrated above. The instructions 824 may also reside,
completely or at least partially, within the main memory 804, the
static memory 806, and/or within the processor 802 during execution
thereof by the computer system 800. The main memory 804 and the
processor 802 also may constitute tangible computer-readable
storage media.
[0079] Dedicated hardware implementations including, but not
limited to, application specific integrated circuits, programmable
logic arrays and other hardware devices that can likewise be
constructed to implement the methods described herein. Application
specific integrated circuits and programmable logic array can use
downloadable instructions for executing state machines and/or
circuit configurations to implement embodiments of the subject
disclosure. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems
of various embodiments broadly include a variety of electronic and
computer systems. Some embodiments implement functions in two or
more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with
related control and data signals communicated between and through
the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated
circuit. Thus, the example system is applicable to software,
firmware, and hardware implementations.
[0080] In accordance with various embodiments of the subject
disclosure, the operations or methods described herein are intended
for operation as software programs or instructions running on or
executed by a computer processor or other computing device, and
which may include other forms of instructions manifested as a state
machine implemented with logic components in an application
specific integrated circuit or field programmable gate array.
Furthermore, software implementations (e.g., software programs,
instructions, etc.) including, but not limited to, distributed
processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel
processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed
to implement the methods described herein. It is further noted that
a computing device such as a processor, a controller, a state
machine or other suitable device for executing instructions to
perform operations or methods may perform such operations directly
or indirectly by way of one or more intermediate devices directed
by the computing device.
[0081] While the tangible computer-readable storage medium 822 is
shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term
"tangible computer-readable storage medium" should be taken to
include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or
distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that
store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "tangible
computer-readable storage medium" shall also be taken to include
any non-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encoding a
set of instructions for execution by the machine and that cause the
machine to perform any one or more of the methods of the subject
disclosure. The term "non-transitory" as in a non-transitory
computer-readable storage includes without limitation memories,
drives, devices and anything tangible but not a signal per se.
[0082] The term "tangible computer-readable storage medium" shall
accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to: solid-state
memories such as a memory card or other package that houses one or
more read-only (non-volatile) memories, random access memories, or
other re-writable (volatile) memories, a magneto-optical or optical
medium such as a disk or tape, or other tangible media which can be
used to store information. Accordingly, the disclosure is
considered to include any one or more of a tangible
computer-readable storage medium, as listed herein and including
art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the
software implementations herein are stored.
[0083] Although the present specification describes components and
functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to
particular standards and protocols, the disclosure is not limited
to such standards and protocols. Each of the standards for Internet
and other packet switched network transmission (e.g., TCP/IP,
UDP/IP, HTML, HTTP) represent examples of the state of the art.
Such standards are from time-to-time superseded by faster or more
efficient equivalents having essentially the same functions.
Wireless standards for device detection (e.g., RFID), short-range
communications (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee), and long-range
communications (e.g., WiMAX, GSM, CDMA, LTE) can be used by
computer system 800.
[0084] The illustrations of embodiments described herein are
intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of
various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a
complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus
and systems that might make use of the structures described herein.
Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the
art upon reviewing the above description. The exemplary embodiments
can include combinations of features and/or steps from multiple
embodiments. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived
therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and
changes may be made without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be
drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated,
while others may be minimized Accordingly, the specification and
drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a
restrictive sense.
[0085] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the
specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover
any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.
Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not
specifically described herein, can be used in the subject
disclosure.
[0086] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided with the
understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the
scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing
Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are
grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be
interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments
require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.
Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter
lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.
Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately
claimed subject matter.
* * * * *