U.S. patent application number 17/831202 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-22 for managing devices through use of blocks of operational profiles.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to Walter Cooper Chastain, Stephen Emille Chin, James Hamilton, Jason Sikes.
Application Number | 20220303350 17/831202 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006377795 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220303350 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chastain; Walter Cooper ; et
al. |
September 22, 2022 |
MANAGING DEVICES THROUGH USE OF BLOCKS OF OPERATIONAL PROFILES
Abstract
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example,
identifying a plurality of operational profiles that are to be
shared by a plurality of devices; assigning a first operational
profile of the plurality of operational profiles to a first device
of the plurality of devices; assigning a second operational profile
of the plurality of operational profiles to a second device of the
plurality of devices; facilitating provision of the first
operational profile on the first device; and facilitating provision
of the second operational profile on the second device. Other
embodiments are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Chastain; Walter Cooper;
(ATLANTA, GA) ; Sikes; Jason; (Carnation, WA)
; Hamilton; James; (Sammamish, WA) ; Chin; Stephen
Emille; (Marietta, GA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Intellectual Property I,
L.P.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
1000006377795 |
Appl. No.: |
17/831202 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16678926 |
Nov 8, 2019 |
11381658 |
|
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17831202 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/12 20130101;
H04L 67/01 20220501; H04L 67/30 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 67/30 20060101
H04L067/30; H04L 67/12 20060101 H04L067/12; H04L 67/01 20060101
H04L067/01 |
Claims
1. A mobile communication device comprising: a processing system
including a processor; and a memory that stores executable
instructions that, when executed by the processing system,
facilitate performance of operations, the operations comprising:
coordinating assignment of each operational profile of a pool of
operational profiles so as to prevent simultaneous use of a same
operational profile by more than one device of a plurality of
devices at a same time, the coordinating comprising: assigning a
first operational profile of the pool of operational profiles to a
first device of the plurality of devices; and assigning a second,
different, operational profile of the pool of operational profiles
to a second device of the plurality of devices, the first device
being a separate device from the second device, and the first
operational profile assigned to the first device facilitating
disabling for the second device of services associated with the
second operational profile; facilitating first provision of the
first operational profile on the first device, the first
operational profile having a time to live period, the first
operational profile being converted at an expiration of the time to
live period to a bootstrap profile, and the bootstrap profile
providing limited connectivity solely for a purpose of converting
back to the first operational profile; and facilitating second
provision of the second operational profile on the second
device.
2. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the mobile
communication device comprises a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop
computer or a notebook computer.
3. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of devices comprises an Internet of Things (IoT)
device.
4. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of devices comprises a communication device.
5. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein: the
facilitating the first provision of the first operational profile
on the first device comprises providing to the first device, by the
mobile communication device, the first operational profile; and the
facilitating the second provision of the second operational profile
on the second device comprises providing to the second device, by
the mobile communication device, the second operational
profile.
6. The mobile communication device of claim 5, wherein: the
providing to the first device, by the mobile communication device,
the first operational profile comprises providing the first
operational profile to the first device via the Internet, providing
the first operational profile to the first device via a first near
field communication path, or any combination thereof; and the
providing to the second device, by the mobile communication device,
the second operational profile comprises providing the second
operational profile to the second device via the Internet,
providing the second operational profile to the second device via a
second near field communication path, or any combination
thereof.
7. The mobile communication device of claim 6, wherein the
operations further comprise: receiving by the mobile communication
device, from a server that is part of a communications network
operated by a network provider, the first operational profile; and
receiving by the mobile communication device, from the server, the
second operational profile; wherein the providing to the first
device, by the mobile communication device, the first operational
profile comprises providing to the first device, by the mobile
communication device, the first operational profile that is
received from the server; and wherein the providing to the second
device, by the mobile communication device, the second operational
profile comprises providing to the second device, by the mobile
communication device, the second operational profile that is
received from the server.
8. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein: the
facilitating the first provision of the first operational profile
on the first device comprises providing a first message to a server
that is part of a communications network operated by a network
provider to instruct the server to provide the first operational
profile to the first device; and the facilitating the second
provision of the second operational profile on the second device
comprises providing a second message to the server to instruct the
server to provide the second operational profile to the second
device.
9. The mobile communication device of claim 8, wherein: the server
provides the first operational profile to the first device via the
Internet; and the server provides the second operational profile to
the second device via the Internet.
10. The mobile communication device of claim 9, wherein: the server
provides the first operational profile to the first device via a
first over-the-air (OTA) communication; and the server provides the
second operational profile to the second device via a second OTA
communication.
11. The mobile communication device of claim 1, wherein the time to
live period is associated with an activation of the first
operational profile on the first device, and wherein the operations
further comprise: un-assigning the first operational profile from
the first device, wherein the un-assigning is responsive to the
expiration of the time to live period.
12. The mobile communication device of claim 11, wherein the
operations further comprise: re-assigning the first operational
profile to a third device of the plurality of devices; and
facilitating third provision of the first operational profile on
the third device.
13. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising executable
instructions that, when executed by a processing system of a mobile
communication device including a processor, facilitate performance
of operations, the operations comprising: receiving, a list of a
plurality of operational profiles that are to be shared by a
plurality of IoT devices; and coordinating assignment of each
operational profile of the plurality of operational profiles so as
to prevent simultaneous use of a same operational profile by more
than one IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices at a same time,
the coordinating comprising: providing, based upon each operational
profile being assigned to a different IoT device of the plurality
of IoT devices, a first operational profile of the plurality of
operational profiles to a first IoT device of the plurality of IoT
devices, the first operational profile having a time to live
period, the first operational profile being converted at an
expiration of the time to live period to a bootstrap profile, and
the bootstrap profile providing limited connectivity solely for a
purpose of converting back to the first operational profile; and
providing, based upon each operational profile being assigned to a
different IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices, a second
operational profile of the plurality of operational profiles to a
second IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices, the first IoT
device being a separate device from the second IoT device, and the
first operational profile provided to the first IoT device
facilitating disabling for the second IoT device of services
associated with the second operational profile.
14. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein
the mobile communication device comprises a smartphone, a tablet, a
laptop computer or a notebook computer.
15. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein
each operational profile of the plurality of operational profiles
is assigned to one IoT device by the mobile communication
device.
16. The non-transitory machine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein
one or more of the plurality of IoT devices comprises a respective
sensor.
17. A method comprising: receiving, by a processing system of a
mobile communication device including a processor, a list
identifying a plurality of operational profiles that are to be
shared by a plurality of Internet of Things (IoT) devices; and
coordinating assignment, by the processing system, of each
operational profile of the plurality of operational profiles so as
to prevent simultaneous use of a same operational profile by more
than one IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices at a same time,
the coordinating comprising: providing, by the processing system,
based upon the list, a first operational profile of the plurality
of operational profiles to a first IoT device of the plurality of
IoT devices, the providing of the first operational profile
enabling use by the first IoT device of the first operational
profile, the first operational profile having a time to live
period, the first operational profile being converted at an
expiration of the time to live period to a bootstrap profile, and
the bootstrap profile providing limited connectivity solely for a
purpose of converting back to the first operational profile; and
providing, by the processing system, based upon the list, a second
operational profile of the plurality of operational profiles to the
first IoT device, the providing of the second operational profile
enabling the first IoT device to send to a second IoT device the
second operational profile for use by the second IoT device, the
first IoT device being a separate device from the second IoT
device, and the first operational profile provided to the first IoT
device facilitating disabling for the second IoT device of services
associated with the second operational profile.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the mobile communication device
comprises a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop computer or a notebook
computer.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein: the providing of the first
operational profile enables use by the first IoT device of the
first operational profile in order to communicate with a
communications network operated by a network provider; and the
second operational profile that is sent from the first IoT device
to the second IoT device enables use by the second IoT device of
the second operational profile in order to communicate with the
communications network.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein one or more of the plurality of
IoT devices comprises a respective sensor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/678,926, filed on Nov. 8, 2019. All
sections of the aforementioned application(s) and/or patent(s) are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The subject disclosure relates to managing devices through
use of blocks of operational profiles. In various examples, the
managed devices can comprise one or more mobile communication
devices (e.g. mobile telephones, tablets, netbook computers,
notebook computers), one or more computing devices, one or more
vehicles, one or more Internet of Things (IoT) devices (e.g., water
meters, electric meters, smart light bulbs, sensors), or any
combination thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Communication devices can be registered on mobile networks
to be provided services, such as location, voice, video, messaging,
and data communication services. These communication devices can
include mobile devices, sensors, power meters and other Internet of
Things (IoT) devices. In the event that a subscription for services
has expired for the communication devices, renewal of the
subscription to one mobile network or migrating to another mobile
network can be a manual labor intensive process including manual
provisioning the communication devices with new registration
information to renew subscription of services on one mobile network
or migrating to another mobile network.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary,
non-limiting embodiment of a communications network in accordance
with various aspects described herein.
[0006] FIGS. 2A-2D are block diagrams illustrating example,
non-limiting embodiments of systems functioning within the
communication network of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects
described herein.
[0007] FIGS. 2E-2F depict illustrative embodiments of methods in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0008] FIG. 2G is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a system functioning within the
communication network of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects
described herein.
[0009] FIGS. 2H-2J depict illustrative embodiments of methods in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication network in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a computing environment in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a mobile network platform in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a communication device in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments in which a mobile communication device
performs the following: identifying a plurality of operational
profiles that are to be shared by a plurality of devices; assigning
a first operational profile of the plurality of operational
profiles to a first device of the plurality of devices; assigning a
second operational profile of the plurality of operational profiles
to a second device of the plurality of devices; facilitating
provision of the first operational profile on the first device; and
facilitating provision of the second operational profile on the
second device.
[0015] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments in which a mobile communication device
performs the following: receiving, from a server that is part of a
communications network operated by a network provider, an
identification of a plurality of operational profiles, each
operational profile being assigned to a different Internet of
Things (IoT) device of a plurality of IoT devices; providing, based
upon each operational profile being assigned to a different IoT
device, a first operational profile of the plurality of operational
profiles to a first IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices; and
providing, based upon each operational profile being assigned to a
different IoT device, a second operational profile of the plurality
of operational profiles to a second IoT device of the plurality of
IoT devices.
[0016] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments in which a method comprises the following:
identifying, by a processing system of a mobile communication
device including a processor, a plurality of operational profiles
that are to be shared by a plurality of Internet of Things (IoT)
devices; providing by the processing system, based upon the
identifying, a first operational profile of the plurality of
operational profiles to a first IoT device of the plurality of IoT
devices, the providing of the first operational profile enabling
use by the first IoT device of the first operational profile; and
providing by the processing system, based upon the identifying, a
second operational profile of the plurality of operational profiles
to the first IoT device, the providing of the second operational
profile enabling the first IoT device to send to a second IoT
device the second operational profile for use by the second IoT
device.
[0017] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments in which a method comprises the following:
identifying, by a server (e.g., a server of a communications
network operated by a network provider), a plurality of operational
profiles that are to be shared by a plurality of devices; providing
by the server, based upon the identifying, a first operational
profile of the plurality of operational profiles to a first device
of the plurality of device (the first operational profile can be
provided to the first device directly from the server and/or
indirectly from the server via an intermediary device (e.g., a
mobile communication device)); and providing by the server, based
upon the identifying, a second operational profile of the plurality
of operational profiles to the second device (the second
operational profile can be provided to the second device directly
from the server and/or indirectly from the server via an
intermediary device (e.g., a mobile communication device).
[0018] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments for determining a first subscription
associated with a communication device has expired, the first
subscription is for a first group of services for a mobile network.
Further embodiments can include receiving, over the mobile network,
a first registration request from the communication device,
detecting, over the mobile network, a bootstrap profile on the
communication device, and providing, over the mobile network,
according to the bootstrap profile, limited services to the
communication device to subscribe to a second subscription for a
second group of services. Additional embodiments can include
obtaining subscription information for the second subscription for
the second group of services, adjusting, over the mobile network,
an operational profile on the communication device according to the
subscription information resulting in an adjusted operational
profile, and receiving, over the mobile network, a second
registration request for the communication device according to the
adjusted operation profile. Also, embodiments can include
registering the communication device according to the adjusted
operational profile, and providing, over the mobile network, the
second group of services to the communication device according to
the adjusted operational profile. Other embodiments are described
in the subject disclosure.
[0019] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
device, comprising a processing system including a processor, and a
memory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by
the processing system, facilitate performance of operations. The
operations can comprise determining a first subscription associated
with a communication device has expired, the first subscription is
for a first group of services for a mobile network. Further
operations can comprise receiving, over the mobile network, a first
registration request from the communication device, detecting, over
the mobile network, a bootstrap profile on the communication
device, and providing, over the mobile network, according to the
bootstrap profile, limited services to the communication device to
subscribe to a second subscription for a second group of services.
Additional operations can comprise obtaining subscription
information for the second subscription for the second group of
services, adjusting, over the mobile network, an operational
profile on the communication device according to the subscription
information resulting in an adjusted operational profile, and
receiving, over the mobile network, a second registration request
for the communication device according to the adjusted operation
profile. Also, operations can comprise registering the
communication device according to the adjusted operational profile,
and providing, over the mobile network, the second group of
services to the communication device according to the adjusted
operational profile.
[0020] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
machine-readable medium, comprising executable instructions that,
when executed by a processing system including a processor,
facilitate performance of operations. The operations can comprise
determining a first subscription associated with a communication
device has expired, the first subscription is for a first group of
services for a mobile network. Further operations can comprise
converting, over the mobile network via over-the-air (OTA)
communications, an operational profile to a bootstrap profile,
receiving, over the mobile network, a first registration request
from the communication device, detecting, over the mobile network,
the bootstrap profile on the communication device, and providing,
over the mobile network, according to the bootstrap profile,
limited services to the communication device to subscribe to a
second subscription for a second group of services. Additional
operations can comprise obtaining subscription information for the
second subscription for the second group of services, adjusting,
over the mobile network, the bootstrap profile to the operational
profile on the communication device according to the subscription
information resulting in an adjusted operational profile, and
receiving, over the mobile network, a second registration request
for the communication device according to the adjusted operation
profile. Also, operations can comprise registering the
communication device according to the adjusted operational profile,
and providing, over the mobile network, the second group of
services to the communication device according to the adjusted
operational profile.
[0021] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
method. The method can comprise determining, by a processing system
including a processor, a first subscription associated with a
communication device has expired, the first subscription is for a
first group of services for a mobile network. Further, the method
can comprise sending, by the processing system, a first
notification to a network device that indicates that an operational
profile associated with the communication device is inactive,
receiving, by the processing system, over the mobile network, a
first registration request from the communication device,
detecting, by the processing system, over the mobile network, a
bootstrap profile on the communication device, and providing, by
the processing system, over the mobile network, according to the
bootstrap profile, limited services to the communication device to
subscribe to a second subscription for a second group of services.
In addition, the method can comprise obtaining, by the processing
system, subscription information for the second subscription for
the second group of services, adjusting, by the processing system,
over the mobile network, the operational profile on the
communication device according to the subscription information
resulting in an adjusted operational profile, and receiving, by the
processing system, over the mobile network, a second registration
request for the communication device according to the adjusted
operation profile. Also, the method can comprise registering, by
the processing system, the communication device according to the
adjusted operational profile, and providing, by the processing
system, over the mobile network, the second group of services to
the communication device according to the adjusted operational
profile.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a
communications network 100 in accordance with various aspects
described herein. For example, communications network 100 can
facilitate in whole or in part a communication device with an
expired subscription for services to renew the subscription for
services, subscribe to different services, or migrate to a
different mobile network to subscribe for services. In particular,
a communications network 125 is presented for providing broadband
access 110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 via access terminal
112, wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124 and
vehicle 126 via base station or access point 122, voice access 130
to a plurality of telephony devices 134, via switching device 132
and/or media access 140 to a plurality of audio/video display
devices 144 via media terminal 142. In addition, communication
network 125 is coupled to one or more content sources 175 of audio,
video, graphics, text and/or other media. While broadband access
110, wireless access 120, voice access 130 and media access 140 are
shown separately, one or more of these forms of access can be
combined to provide multiple access services to a single client
device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receive media content via
media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be provided voice access
via switching device 132, and so on).
[0023] The communications network 125 includes a plurality of
network elements (NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the
broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130, media
access 140 and/or the distribution of content from content sources
175. The communications network 125 can include a circuit switched
or packet switched network, a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)
network, Internet protocol (IP) network, a cable network, a passive
or active optical network, a 4G, 5G, or higher generation wireless
access network, WIMAX network, UltraWideband network, personal area
network or other wireless access network, a broadcast satellite
network and/or other communications network.
[0024] In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include
a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem
termination system (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other
access terminal. The data terminals 114 can include personal
computers, laptop computers, netbook computers, tablets or other
computing devices along with digital subscriber line (DSL) modems,
data over coax service interface specification (DOCSIS) modems or
other cable modems, a wireless modem such as a 4G, 5G, or higher
generation modem, an optical modem and/or other access devices.
[0025] In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122
can include a 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access
point that operates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n,
802.11ac or other wireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124
can include mobile phones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless
modems, and/or other mobile computing devices.
[0026] In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include
a private branch exchange or central office switch, a media
services gateway, VoIP gateway or other gateway device and/or other
switching device. The telephony devices 134 can include traditional
telephones (with or without a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones
and/or other telephony devices.
[0027] In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a
cable head-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway
or other media terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include
televisions with or without a set top box, personal computers
and/or other display devices.
[0028] In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include
broadcast television and radio sources, video on demand platforms
and streaming video and audio services platforms, one or more
content data networks, data servers, web servers and other content
servers, and/or other sources of media.
[0029] In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can
include wired, optical and/or wireless links and the network
elements 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. can include service switching
points, signal transfer points, service control points, network
gateways, media distribution hubs, servers, firewalls, routers,
edge devices, switches and other network nodes for routing and
controlling communications traffic over wired, optical and wireless
links as part of the Internet and other public networks as well as
one or more private networks, for managing subscriber access, for
billing and network management and for supporting other network
functions.
[0030] FIGS. 2A-2D are block diagrams illustrating example,
non-limiting embodiments of systems functioning within the
communication network of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects
described herein. Referring to FIG. 2A, in one or more embodiments,
system 200a can comprise a first network node 202a communicatively
coupled to a first base station 206a over a communication network
204a. The communication network 204a can be a wired communication
network, wireless communication networks, or a combination thereof.
Further, the system 200a can comprise the first base station 206a
being communicatively coupled, over a wireless communication
network 208a (e.g. cellular network), to several communication
devices 212, 214, 216 including a mobile device 212 associated with
a user 210, sensors 214, and smart power meters 216 that can be
associated with an entity (e.g. company, enterprise, etc.). The
mobile device can comprise a mobile phone, smartphone, laptop
computer, tablet computer, smart watch, wearable device, or some
other mobile computing device. The sensors and smart power meters
can be IoT devices that are owned or operated by a company or some
other entity to gather data to process. Further, the communication
devices 212, 214, 216 can also include IoT devices, including smart
appliances, smart light bulbs, smart sprinklers, smart thermostats,
vehicle communication systems, etc. The communication devices 212,
214, 216 may each have a respective expired subscription for
services and the user/owner/operator of the communication devices
212, 214, 216 can renew each respective subscription for services,
subscribe to different services, or migrate to a different mobile
network to subscribe for services, as described herein.
[0031] In addition, the first network node 202a and first base
station 206a and parts of communication network 204a can be part of
a first mobile network operated by a first mobile network operator.
In one or more embodiments, each user/owner/operator 210 of
communication devices 212, 214, 216 may have entered into a
subscription for services that include location services, voice,
video, messaging, and communication services, and/or data
communication services. At some point in time, the subscription of
services may have expired. Previous to the expiration of the
subscription for services, any of the communication devices 212,
214, 216 may be provisioned with an operational profile 218a, 220a,
222a by the first mobile network operator. An operational profile
can comprise information that includes a combination of mobile
network operator data, credentials, and applications provisioned to
an embedded universal integrated circuit card or any component
performing the function of an embedded universal integrated circuit
card (eUICC) of any of the communication devices 212, 214, 216.
Further, the eUICC can be an embedded, non-removable card inside
any of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 in which the
operational profile can be installed. When the subscription for
services expires, the first mobile network operator, via
over-the-air (OTA) communications, can trigger a fallback attribute
on any of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 to convert the
operational profile 218a, 220a, 222a to a bootstrap (or
provisioning) profile. A bootstrap (or provisioning) profile can
comprise information that includes a combination of mobile network
operator data, credentials and applications provisioned to an eUICC
of any of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 for providing
network services by the first mobile network operator solely for
the purpose of obtaining/downloading/converting to an operational
profile, which the operational profile can then allow any of the
communication devices 212, 214, 216 to register for (different)
subscription services (or renewed subscription services).
[0032] In one or more embodiments, the user/owner/operator 210 of
communication devices 212, 214, 216 may renew the subscription for
services, if the services according to the previous subscription
are no longer available, or if the needs of any one of the
communication devices 212, 214, 216 change, the user/owner/operator
210 of may select different services for a new subscription. The
renewal of the same services or subscription of different services
can be done over a wireless communication network 208a (e.g.
cellular network) when a WiFi network or a wired connection (e.g.
USB connection to a laptop computer) is unavailable.
[0033] In one or more embodiments, the network node 202a can
detect, over a cellular network, the bootstrap profile 218b, 220b,
222b (in which, in some embodiments, the bootstrap profile was
converted from an operational profile) on any one of the
communication devices 212, 214, 216. In further embodiments, the
network node 202a can provide, over the cellular network, limited
services to any one of the communication devices 212, 214, 216. The
limited services allows the user/owner/operator 210 of the
communication devices 212, 214, 216 to renew or newly subscribe for
a second subscription for a second group of services. The renewal
or new subscription may involve one or more other network devices
(including the communication devices 212, 214, 216). Further, the
network node 202a can obtain subscription information for a second
subscription for a second group of services from one or more of
these other network devices.
[0034] In additional embodiments, the providing of the limited
services to the communication device can comprise providing, over
the cellular network, a list of services to any one of the
communication devices 212, 214, 216 that includes the second group
of services. Further, the obtaining of subscription information can
comprise receiving, over the cellular network, a selection of the
second group of services from any one of the communication devices
212, 214, 216. The providing of the list of services to some of the
communication devices 212, 214, 216 such as mobile device 212 can
be through a mobile application on the mobile device 212, through a
text message, or presented at a user interface of the particular
device (e.g. graphical user interface of a smart refrigerator). The
receiving of the selection of the second group of services can be
from the mobile application or through a text message.
[0035] In further embodiments, renewal of a subscription can be for
a sensor but the entity (user or enterprise) associated with the
sensor can provide input to renew an expired subscription through a
mobile phone of the user (through a mobile application or text
message) or an administrative web interface in the case of an
enterprise. The network device 202a can provide a message (through
text messaging application or another mobile application) and
provide access to a website by providing a link to the website in
the message. Referring to FIG. 2D, in other embodiments, the
providing of the limited services to the communication devices 212,
214, 216 can comprise providing access to a website hosted on a web
server 232 that presents a list of services 234 for the any of the
communication devices 212, 214, 216 that includes the second group
of services. In addition, the obtaining of subscription information
can comprise receiving a selection of the second group of services
from the web server 232 (i.e. another network device) by user
210.
[0036] Referring back to FIG. 2A, in one or more embodiments, the
providing of the limited services can indicate to the first network
node 202a and other network devices on the first mobile network to
allow any one of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 to contact
a first mobile network operator personnel through customer care
system such as, but not limited to, a calling a customer care
representative, texting a customer care representative, instant
messaging through a chat session with a customer care
representative, and/or video conferencing with a customer care
representative. The user/owner/operator 210 of communication
devices 212, 214, 216 can then indicate to the customer care
representative their selection of location, voice, video,
messaging, and/or data communication services as part the second
group of services to be provided to any one of the communication
devices 212, 214, 216. The network node 202a can receive the
selection from a network device associated with the customer care
representative as part of the obtaining of subscription information
for the second group of services.
[0037] In one or more embodiments, a network device that includes a
profile management system 226a can manage whether a communication
device 212, 214, 216 has an active operational profile or an
inactive operational profile due to an expired subscription for
services. Such embodiments can include a network device 202a
receiving a message from another (e.g. billing, administrative,
etc.) network device that that the subscription for services for
any one of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 has expired. The
profile management system 226a for the mobile network can maintain
or manage a list of IMSIs 227A associated with communication
devices 212, 214, 216 with expired subscriptions. That is, once the
network node 202a determines one of the communication devices 212,
214, 216 has an expired subscription, it can notify the profile
management system to list the IMSI for such a communication device
212, 214, 216 on the IMSI list 227a for communication devices with
expired subscription. In some embodiments, such a notification can
include the IMSI of the communication device 212, 214, 216. In
other embodiments, the network node 202a can send a notification to
the profile management system 226a that a communication device 212,
214, 216, has an inactive operational profile. The notification can
include identification information such as an IMSI for the
operational profile. In such embodiments, the profile management
system 226a can obtain the IMSI for the communication device 212,
214, 216 from another network device according to the operational
profile. Subsequently, if any of these communication devices 212,
214, 216 attempt to register with the first mobile network, the
profile management system 226a checks the IMSI list 227a, and if
the IMSI associated with the communication device 212, 214, 216 is
listed therein, treats the operational profile with which the
communication device 212, 214, 216 attempts to register as a
bootstrap profile. Thus, the network device 202a provides limited
services, described herein, to allow the user/operator/owner 210 of
the communication device 212, 214, 216 to only renew its
subscription or subscribe for a new subscription.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 2B, in one or more embodiments, any of the
communication devices 212, 214, 216 are provisioned with two
profiles, an operational profile 218a, 220a, 222a, and a bootstrap
profile 218b, 220b, 222b. In further embodiments, the operational
profiles 218a, 220a, 222a can include a Fallback Attribute, that
when triggered, makes an operational profile inactive. In
additional embodiments, when any of the communication devices 212,
214, 216 attempts to register with the first mobile network after
its subscription for services has expired, the communication device
212, 214, 216 would use the bootstrap profile 218b, 220b, 222b to
register with the first mobile network. The network device 202a,
upon detecting the bootstrap profile 218b, 220b, 222b, provides
limited services, as described herein, to the communication device
212, 214, 216 for the purpose of renewing the subscription for a
first group of services or subscribing to a new subscription for a
second group of services.
[0039] In one or more embodiments, once a user/owner/operator 210
of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 renews or subscribes to
a subscription using the limited services, the network device 202a
can adjust the operational profile 218a, 220a, 222a, via OTA
communications, on a communication device 212, 214, 216. The
adjusting of the operational profile 218a, 220a, 222a can be
according to the renewed subscription or a new subscription. That
is, the adjusting of the operational profile can comprise providing
the OTA communications that include instructions to trigger the
Fallback Attribute to make the operational profile active. In other
embodiments, the adjusting of the operational profile can include
the network device 202a provisioning, through OTA communications, a
different operational profile 218a, 220a, 222a, to the
communication devices 212, 214, 216 according to it renewing its
subscription or subscribing to different services. In additional
embodiments, any one of the operational profiles 218a, 220a, 222a,
or bootstrap profiles 218b, 220b, 222b, can be called an eSIM. That
is, eSIM can be a term that applies to an operational profile or a
bootstrap profile, accordingly.
[0040] In one or more embodiments, the user/owner/operator 210 of
communication device 212, 214, 216 may not renew an expired
subscription but select a different subscription with a second
group of services. In such embodiments, communication device 212,
214, 216 can use the same operational profile 218a, 220a, 222a to
register with the mobile network to access the newly subscribed
second group of services. That is, upon selecting the different
subscription for the second group of services, the network node
202a tracks that this different subscription for the second group
of services is associated with the operational 218a, 220a, 222a
profile already provisioned on the communication device 212, 214,
216. When registering the communication device 212, 214, 216 with
operational profile 218a, 220a, 222a, the network node 202a can
provide the second group of services, accordingly.
[0041] In one or more embodiments, the network node 202a can obtain
an IMSI for any one of the communication devices 212, 214, 216 from
a corresponding bootstrap profile 218b, 220b, 222b. The obtained
IMSI can be provided to the profile management system 226a. The
profile management system 226a can identify that the IMSI is on the
IMSI list 227a to determine that the communication device 212, 214,
216 be provided limited services to renew its subscription or newly
subscribe to different services.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2C, in one or more embodiments, at some
point in time, the contractual relationship between the user and
the first mobile network operator, and between the entities that
own or operate any one of the communication devices 212, 214, 216,
and the first mobile network operator may have been terminated or
the subscription for the first group or services may have expired.
Consequently, a user/owner/operator 210 communication devices 212,
214, 216 can migrate, contract, or subscribe with a second mobile
network operator to provide location, voice, video, messaging
and/or data communication services for any one of the communication
devices 212, 214, 216.
[0043] In one or more embodiments, the system 200c can comprise a
second network node 202b communicatively coupled to a second base
station 206b over a communication network 204b. The communication
network 204b can be a wired communication network, wireless
communication networks, or a combination thereof. Further, the
system 200b can comprise the second base station 206b being
communicatively coupled, over a wireless communication network 208b
(e.g. cellular network), to several communication devices 212, 214,
216 including the mobile device associated with user 210, the
sensors, and the smart power meters. In addition, the second
network node 202b and second base station 206b and parts of
communication network 204b can be part of a second mobile network
operated by a second mobile network operator. User/owner/operator
210 of communication device 212, 214, 216 may have contracted (e.g.
entered into a subscription) with the second mobile network
operator to provide location, voice, video, messaging, and/or data
communication services for the communication devices 212, 214, 216,
after expiration of the subscription of a first group of service
with the first mobile network operator as part of migrating from
the first mobile network to the second mobile network. A user can
include an entity that could include an enterprise.
[0044] In one or more embodiments, communication devices 212, 214,
216 may have been provisioned with a bootstrap profile 218b, 220b,
222b to register for limited services with second mobile network
operator in the second mobile network prior to expiration of the
subscription with the first mobile network operator. The bootstrap
profile 218b, 220b, 222b can be provisioned on the subscriber
identification module (SIM), eSIM, or removable SIM associated with
any of the communication devices 212, 214, 216. In some
embodiments, there can be a roaming agreement between the first
mobile network operator and the second mobile network operator to
allow for limited services to be provided to any one of the
communication devices 212, 214, 216 by the second mobile network
operator.
[0045] In one or more embodiments, the second network node 202b can
detect a bootstrap profile 218b, 220b, 222b, over the cellular
network, on one or more communication devices 212, 214, 216. The
detection of the bootstrap profile can be done when a WiFi network
or wired connection (e.g. through a USB connection on a laptop
computer) is unavailable to the communication devices. In addition,
the second network node 202b can provide the limited services to
the one or more communication devices 212, 214, 216. These limited
services can include limited connectivity to the second mobile
network, as described herein.
[0046] In one or more embodiments, the communication devices 212,
214, 216 can subscribe to subscription services such as location,
voice, video, messaging, and/or data communication services using
the limited services. The network device 202b can then provision,
using OTA communications, an operational profile 218a, 220a, 222a
to the communication device 212, 214, 216 so that it can register
with the second mobile network and receive the newly subscribed
subscription services. That is, the second network node 202b can
detect the operational profile 218a, 220a, 222a on communication
device 212, 214, 216 and provide a second group of services for the
new subscription of services according to the operational
profile.
[0047] FIGS. 2E-2F depict illustrative embodiments of methods in
accordance with various aspects described herein. Aspects of the
methods can be implemented by one or more network nodes and/or a
communication device that can include any one of mobile device,
sensors, and smart power meters, as described in FIGS. 2A-2D.
Referring to FIG. 2E, in one or more embodiments, a communication
device can be provisioned with an operational profile and a
bootstrap profile. The method 240 can include the network node, at
241, determining a first subscription associated with a
communication device has expired. The first subscription is for a
first group of services for a mobile network. Further, the method
240 can include the network node, at 242, providing instructions,
over the mobile network via over-the-air (OTA) communications, to
the communication device to trigger a fallback attribute. The
triggering of the fallback attribute causes the operational profile
to be inactive by the communication device.
[0048] In one or more embodiments, some time later, the
user/owner/operator of the communication device decides to renew or
newly subscribe for a second group of services with the mobile
network operator from the mobile network. Consequently, method 240
can include the network node, at 244, receiving, over the mobile
network, a first registration request from the communication
device. That is, the communication device is attempting to register
with the bootstrap profile. In addition, method 240 can include the
network node, at 245, detecting, over the mobile network, the
bootstrap profile on the communication device. Also, method 240 can
include the network node, at 246, providing, over the mobile
network, according to the bootstrap profile, limited services to
the communication device to subscribe to a second subscription for
a second group of services, as described herein. Note, in some
embodiments, the first group of services and the second group of
services may be the same. The method 240 can include the network
node, at 247, facilitating, enabling or allowing the communication
device renewing or newly subscribing for the second subscription
for a second group of services. Further, the method 240 can include
the network node, at 248, obtaining subscription information for
the second subscription for the second group of services from a
network device. For example, the user/owner/operator of the
communication device may be provided limited services to navigate
to the mobile network operator website and select to renew or newly
subscribe for a second subscription of services. The web server
hosted the website may receive the selection and forward the
subscription information for the second subscription to the network
node, accordingly.
[0049] In one or more embodiments, the method 240 can include the
network node, at 249, adjusting, over the mobile network, an
operational profile on the communication device according to the
subscription information resulting in an adjusted operational
profile. In some embodiments, the network node, through OTA
communications, adjusts the operational profile to make it active.
In other embodiments, the adjusting of the operational profile
comprises providing, over the mobile network via OTA
communications, instructions to the communication device to trigger
the fallback attribute. The triggering of the fallback attribute
causes the operational profile to be active. Having an active
operational profile allows the communication device to register
with the mobile network so that it can receive the second group of
services of the second subscription. Thus, the method 240 can
include the network node, at 250, receiving, over the mobile
network, a second registration request for the communication device
according to the adjusted operation profile. Further, the method
240 can include the network node, at 251, registering the
communication device according to the adjusted operational profile.
In addition, the method 240 can include the network node, at 252,
providing, over the mobile network, the second group of services to
the communication device according to the adjusted operational
profile.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 2F, in one or more embodiments, a
communication device can be provisioned with an operational profile
that can be converted into a bootstrap profile upon triggering its
fallback attribute. Further, the resulting bootstrap profile can be
converted back to the operational profile by triggering the
fallback attribute again. The method 253 can include the network
node, at 254, determining a first subscription associated with a
communication device has expired. The first subscription is for a
first group of services for a mobile network. Further, the method
253 can include the network node, at 255, providing instructions,
over the mobile network via over-the-air (OTA) communications, to
the communication device to trigger a fallback attribute. The
triggering of the fallback attribute causes the operational profile
to be inactive. In addition, the method 253 can include that
triggering of the fallback attribute causes, at 256, the
communication device to convert the operational profile into the
bootstrap profile.
[0051] In one or more embodiments, some time later, the
user/owner/operator of the communication device decides to renew or
newly subscribe for a second group of services (second
subscription) with the mobile network operator from the mobile
network. Consequently, method 253 can include the network node, at
258, receiving, over the mobile network, a first registration
request from the communication device. That is, the communication
device is attempting to register with the bootstrap profile. In
addition, method 253 can include the network node, at 259,
detecting, over the mobile network, the bootstrap profile on the
communication device. Also, method 253 can include the network
node, at 260, providing, over the mobile network, according to the
bootstrap profile, limited services to the communication device to
subscribe to a second subscription for a second group of services,
as described herein. Note, in some embodiments, the first group of
services and the second group of services may be the same. The
method 240 can include the network node, at 261, facilitating,
enabling or allowing the communication device renewing or newly
subscribing for the second subscription for a second group of
services. Further, the method 253 can include the network node, at
262, obtaining subscription information for the second subscription
for the second group of services from a network device. For
example, the user/owner/operator of the communication device may be
provided limited services to navigate to the mobile network
operator website and select to renew or newly subscribe for a
second subscription of services. The web server hosted the website
may receive the selection and forward the subscription information
for the second subscription to the network node, accordingly.
[0052] In one or more embodiments, the method 253 can include the
network node, at 263, adjusting, over the mobile network, the
bootstrap profile on the communication device according to the
subscription information. In some embodiments, the network node,
through OTA communications, adjusts the bootstrap profile by
providing instructions to the communication device to trigger the
fallback attribute. The method 253 can include, at 264, the
triggering of the fallback attribute causing the communication
device to convert the bootstrap profile into the operational
profile, which is now active. Having an active operational profile
allows the communication device to register with the mobile network
so that it can receive the second group of services of the second
subscription. Thus, the method 253 can include the network node, at
265, receiving, over the mobile network, a second registration
request for the communication device according to the operation
profile. Further, the method 253 can include the network node, at
266, registering the communication device according to the
operational profile. In addition, the method 253 can include the
network node, at 267, providing, over the mobile network, the
second group of services to the communication device according to
the operational profile.
[0053] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIGS. 2E-2F, it is to be understood and appreciated that the
claimed subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks,
as some blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently
with other blocks from what is depicted and described herein.
Moreover, not all illustrated blocks may be required to implement
the methods described herein.
[0054] Portions of embodiments described herein can be combined
with other portions of embodiments.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 2G, a block diagram illustrating an
example, non-limiting embodiment of a system is shown. As seen in
this FIG., mobile communication device 2102 (e.g., a smartphone)
can be configured for (and/or engage in) operative bi-directional
communication with server 2106 (server 2106 can be, for example,
part of a communications network operated by a network provider).
In one example, the bi-directional communication between the mobile
communication device 2102 and the server 2106 can be via a wired
communication path, a wireless communication path, or any
combination thereof. In one example, the bi-directional
communication between the mobile communication device 2102 and the
server 2106 can be via the Internet.
[0056] Still referring to FIG. 2G, mobile communication device 2102
can be configured for (and/or engage in) operative bi-directional
communication with each of devices 2104A, 2104B, 2104C. In one
example, the bi-directional communication between the mobile
communication device 2102 and each of devices 2104A, 2104B, 2104C
can be via a wired communication path, a wireless communication
path, or any combination thereof. In one example, the
bi-directional communication between the mobile communication
device 2102 and each of devices 2104A, 2104B, 2104C can be via the
Internet. In one example, the bi-directional communication between
the mobile communication device 2102 and each of devices 2104A,
2104B, 2104C can be via a wireless near field communication path.
In various examples, each of devices 2104A, 2104B, 2104C can be an
IoT device, a mobile communication device (e.g., a mobile
telephone, a tablet, a netbook computer, a notebook computer), a
computing device, or any combination thereof.
[0057] Still referring to FIG. 2G, each of devices 2104A, 2104B,
2104C can be configured for (and/or engage in) operative
bi-directional communication with server 2106. In one example, the
bi-directional communication between each of devices 2104A, 2104B,
2104C and the server 2106 can be via a wired communication path, a
wireless communication path, or any combination thereof.
[0058] Still referring to FIG. 2G, device 2104A can be configured
for (and/or engage in) operative bi-directional communication with
each of devices 2104D and 2104F. In one example, the bi-directional
communication between device 2104A and each of devices 2104D and
2104F can be via a wired communication path, a wireless
communication path, or any combination thereof. In one example, the
bi-directional communication between device 2104A and each of
devices 2104D and 2104F can be via a wireless near field
communication path. In various examples, each of devices 2104D and
2104F can be an IoT device, a mobile communication device (e.g., a
mobile telephone, a tablet, a netbook computer, a notebook
computer), a computing device, or any combination thereof.
[0059] Still referring to FIG. 2G, device 2104D can be configured
for (and/or engage in) operative bi-directional communication
device 2104E. In one example, the bi-directional communication
between device 2104D and device 2104E can be via a wired
communication path, a wireless communication path, or any
combination thereof. In one example, the bi-directional
communication between device 2104D and device 2104E can be via a
near field communication path. In various examples, device 2104E
can be an IoT device, a mobile communication device (e.g., a mobile
telephone, a tablet, a netbook computer, a notebook computer), a
computing device, or any combination thereof.
[0060] Still referring to FIG. 2G, each of devices 2104D, 2104E,
2104F can be configured for (and/or engage in) operative
bi-directional communication with server 2106. In one example, the
bi-directional communication between each of devices 2104D, 2104E,
2104F and the server 2106 can be via a wired communication path, a
wireless communication path, or any combination thereof.
[0061] In various embodiments, the bi-directional communication
capability described in connection with this FIG. 2G can be used
for facilitate sharing of operational profiles between/among
devices, as described herein.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 2H, various steps of a method 2200
according to an embodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2H, step
2202 comprises identifying (e.g., by a mobile communication device)
a plurality of operational profiles that are to be shared by a
plurality of devices. Next, step 2204 comprises assigning (e.g., by
the mobile communication device) a first operational profile of the
plurality of operational profiles to a first device of the
plurality of devices. Next, step 2206 comprises assigning (e.g., by
the mobile communication device) a second operational profile of
the plurality of operational profiles to a second device of the
plurality of devices. Next, step 2208 comprises facilitating (e.g.,
by the mobile communication device) provision of the first
operational profile on the first device. Next, step 2210 comprises
facilitating (e.g., by the mobile communication device) provision
of the second operational profile on the second device. In other
examples, a server (e.g., associated with a communication network
operated by a network provider) can perform (by itself or in
combination with other elements, such as the mobile communication
device) the identifying, the assigning of the first operational
profile, the assigning of the second operational profile, the
provisioning of the first operational profile, and/or the
provisioning of the second operational profile. In other examples,
one or more IoT devices can each include "intelligence" (such as
functionality) to perform one or more functions described herein in
order to implement provisioning of a given IoT device with a given
operational profile.
[0063] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 2H, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed
subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some
blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other
blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not
all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods
described herein.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 2I, various steps of a method 2300
according to an embodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2I, step
2302 comprises receiving (e.g., by a mobile communication device),
from a server that is part of a communications network operated by
a network provider, an identification of a plurality of operational
profiles, each operational profile being assigned to a different
Internet of Things (IoT) device of a plurality of IoT devices.
Next, step 2304 comprises providing (e.g., by the mobile
communication device), based upon each operational profile being
assigned to a different IoT device, a first operational profile of
the plurality of operational profiles to a first IoT device of the
plurality of IoT devices. Next, step 2306 comprises providing
(e.g., by the mobile communication device), based upon each
operational profile being assigned to a different IoT device, a
second operational profile of the plurality of operational profiles
to a second IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices. In other
examples, a server (e.g., associated with a communication network
operated by a network provider) can perform (by itself or in
combination with other elements, such as the mobile communication
device) an identifying of the plurality of operational profiles, an
assigning of the first operational profile, an assigning of the
second operational profile, the providing of the first operational
profile, and/or the providing of the second operational profile. In
other examples, one or more IoT devices can each include
"intelligence" (such as functionality) to perform one or more
functions described herein in order to implement provisioning of a
given IoT device with a given operational profile.
[0065] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 2I, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed
subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some
blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other
blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not
all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods
described herein.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 2J, various steps of a method 2400
according to an embodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2J, step
2402 comprises identifying, by a processing system of a mobile
communication device including a processor, a plurality of
operational profiles that are to be shared by a plurality of
Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Next, step 2404 comprises
providing by the processing system, based upon the identifying, a
first operational profile of the plurality of operational profiles
to a first IoT device of the plurality of IoT devices, the
providing of the first operational profile enabling use by the
first IoT device of the first operational profile. Next, step 2406
comprises providing by the processing system, based upon the
identifying, a second operational profile of the plurality of
operational profiles to the first IoT device, the providing of the
second operational profile enabling the first IoT device to send to
a second IoT device the second operational profile for use by the
second IoT device. In other examples, a server (e.g., associated
with a communication network operated by a network provider) can
perform (by itself or in combination with other elements, such as
the mobile communication device) the identifying, the providing of
the first operational profile, and/or the providing of the second
operational profile. In other examples, one or more IoT devices can
each include "intelligence" (such as functionality) to perform one
or more functions described herein in order to implement
provisioning of a given IoT device with a given operational
profile.
[0067] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 2J, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed
subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some
blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other
blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not
all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods
described herein.
[0068] As described herein, various embodiments provide for
managing IoT devices (e.g., electric meters, water meters) through
use of blocks of operational profiles.
[0069] In one or more embodiments, blocks of operational profiles
can be assigned and/or distributed via a UE (user equipment)/phone
to associated IoT devices. The UE/phone can have a block of
operational profiles to be assigned to various IoT devices. The
assignments can be, for example, via OTA based on direction from
UE/phone. The OTA communication can be, for example, directly with
the IoT device utilizing bootstrap profile of the IoT device and/or
can be distributed via the UE/phone through short range
communication directly with the IoT(s). In one example, the
assignments can be static--once assigned the operational profile
stays with that IoT device. In another example, the assignments can
be dynamic--a pool of operational profiles that the IOTs can
utilize when needing to communicate--coordination can be, for
example, by the UE/phone to prevent simultaneous use of a same
operational profile by more than one IoT at a same time.
[0070] In one or more embodiments, a "master" operational profile
can be used which controls/manages "slave" operational profiles
(e.g., which operational profile goes in a given car). In one
example, a determination can be made (e.g., via checking of a
policy) to verify whether a given IoT device is functional to
re-use operational profile on another device. In one example, a
network and/or an IoT device can have a detection policy to verify
whether the IoT device is functional.
[0071] In one or more embodiments, a communication device, or "CD"
(e.g., phone or other UE) can manage assignment/distribution of a
block of reserved operational profiles for one or more IoTs (e.g.,
a group of IoTs) and/or for one or more other CDs (e.g., a group of
CDs).
[0072] In one or more embodiments, a CD manages assignment of a
group of eSIMs to a group of IoTs and/or CDs. In one example, the
IoT/CD obtains eSIM from a group of reserved eSIMs by way of
communication with a "master" CD. In another example, a network
server provisions a group of eSIMS to a group of IoTs/CDs based on
coordination by a "master" CD associated with the group of
IoTs/CDs.
[0073] In one example, an operational profile can be shared
between/among a plurality of IoT devices via "time sharing". In one
example, an operational profile can define a relationship between a
provisioned device and a network. In one example, an operational
profile can be re-built by a network server. In one example, an
operational profile can be shared by different machines (e.g., one
operational profile can be shared (at different times) by 20
water/power meters). In one example, a smartphone can act as a
master to manage a group of operational profiles (e.g., using a
"master/slave" relationship). In one example, a smartphone can act
as the "master" and a car (or other vehicle) can receive from the
smartphone an operational profile for use by the car (or other
vehicle). In another example, one "smart device" (such as in a
house) can manage other "dumb" devices in the house. In one
example, a "master" operational profile can have a higher level of
privileges as compared to a "slave" operational profile. In one
example, a "master "operational profile can facilitate
enabling/disabling services (e.g., services associated with a
"slave" operational profile). In another example, a
Bluetooth-enabled device can be given an operational profile by a
UE/phone. In one example, a policy can specify whether an
operational profile can be changed and/or turned off. In another
example, communication (e.g., with one or more IoTs) can be via
near field communication. In one example, communication (e.g., with
one or more IoTs) can be via far field communication.
[0074] In one example, one or more operational profiles can be
provisioned on a "swarm" of devices. In one example, one or more
operational profiles can be communicated between/among a plurality
of IoTs via "mesh networking". In one example, as operational
profiles become enabled, the IoTs can communicate and re-profile
one another. In one example, one or more operational profiles can
be communicated to a plurality of IoTs via "hub and spoke
networking" (e.g., communicated to a plurality of IoTs from a given
source (for instance, UE/phone)). In another example, one or more
operational profiles can be communicated between/among a plurality
of IoTs via a decentralized control mechanism.
[0075] In one or more embodiments, various mechanisms can
facilitate managing profiles (e.g., bootstrap profile(s) and/or
operational profile(s)). In one specific example, a mechanism can
facilitate obtaining a new operational profile in an IoT device. In
another specific example, a mechanism can facilitate OTA management
(e.g., downloading, updating) of one or more bootstrap profiles
and/or one or more operational profiles in an IoT device.
[0076] In one or more embodiments, mechanisms can be provided to
facilitate provisioning an IoT device with an operational profile
having "time to live". In one specific example, after expiration of
a time period (and/or based on inability to utilize the operational
profile), the IoT device subsequently utilizes its bootstrap
profile to obtain a new operational profile.
[0077] In one or more embodiments, mechanisms can be provided to
facilitate monitoring and/or reassigning an operational profile
when an IoT device is no longer communicating. In one specific
example, the IoT device performs scheduled registrations that can
be monitored and lack of a registration can trigger an operational
profile download via a bootstrap profile.
[0078] In one or more embodiments, mechanisms can be provided to
facilitate OTA provisioning of a new operational profile for an IoT
device, wherein the provisioning can he based on monitoring by the
IoT device and/or monitoring by the network. In one specific
example, the network can monitor for failure to timely register by
the IoT device (such failure can then trigger provisioning of, for
example, a new operational profile). In another specific example,
the IoT device can monitor for a registration failure (such failure
can then trigger provisioning of, for example, a new operational
profile). In another specific example, the network can monitor for
time expiration that is assigned to a particular operational
profile (such time expiration can then trigger provisioning of, for
example, a new operational profile). In another specific example,
the IoT device can monitor for time expiration that is assigned to
a particular operational profile (such time expiration can then
trigger provisioning of, for example, a new operational profile).
In another specific example, the OTA can be performed over any
network (e.g., WiFi and/or cellular).
[0079] In one or more embodiments, mechanisms can be provided to
avoid (or help avoid) a situation in which an IoT device would be
unable to connect to a network due to an "old" (or out-of-date)
operational profile. In one specific example, a "time to live"
value can be assigned to an operational profile, wherein the
operational profile (at the expiration of the "time to live") is
then converted to a bootstrap profile (providing limited
connectivity/capability). The bootstrap profile can then enable the
IoT to connect via, e.g., a cellular network, with a network server
for subscription renewal/update/new operational profile. In this
example, there would be no need for a separate bootstrap profile
associated with the IoT device. In various examples, the conversion
can be by the IoT device and/or by the network.
[0080] As described herein, in various embodiments, an operational
profile can have a limited time of use, wherein OTA communication
is utilized to provide a new operational profile. In one specific
example, a network server can facilitate for an IoT device an OTA
provisioning associated with an eSIM of the IoT device according to
expiration of "time of life" for a previous eSIM of the IoT device
and/or according to a lack of registration by the IoT device. In
another specific example, an IoT device can perform periodic
registration and can receive (e.g., via an OTA communication) an
eSIM according to expiration of "time of life" for a previous eSIM
of the IoT device and/or according to a failure to register by the
IoT device.
[0081] In one or more embodiments, various devices can benefit from
the eSIM management described herein (e.g., remotely manageable
eSIM with bootstrap profile and/or operational profile). For
example, various embodiments can be implemented in the context of
wearable electronics. In one specific example, a shirt can monitor
a wearer's heartbeat and can summon, e.g., a drone, if a particular
event happens (e.g., heart attack, sickness). In another specific
example, an automated methodology can manage the eSIM in, for
instance, a circumstance wherein it would be difficult for a user
to manage this. In another specific example, an automated
methodology can manage the eSIM in, for instance, a circumstance
wherein one would not want to rely on WiFi alone. In another
specific example, the device can have a power source and/or be
waterproof. In another specific example, the device can track when
the user wears a particular item of clothing and under what
conditions (the tracked information regarding each item of clothing
can be, for example, stored securely in the eSIM). In another
specific example, a "skinny eSIM" can be utilized that would take
less storage space than a "regular eSIM".
[0082] In one or more embodiments, mechanisms can be provided to
facilitate virtual shopping for clothes. In one specific example, a
device can have a camera and software capable of measuring the
user. These measurements could then create a virtual form of the
user which could then be used to try on virtual clothes.
Measurements could be stored on the eSIM (e.g., in a circumstance
wherein it is desirable and/or required for the measurements to be
protected). In another specific example, such storage on/protection
by the eSIM can be applied to devices in general that have
recording capabilities (e.g., the recordings could be stored in the
eSIM and accessed using one or more conventional techniques that
facilitates SIM security). In another specific example, the device
could be incorporated into user's eye glasses.
[0083] In one or more embodiments, mechanisms can be provided to
facilitate use/operation of one or more driverless cars. In one
specific example, an eSIM can be shared between a user's personal
device and a driverless car that the user has summoned. In another
specific example, a user can have a "driverless car profile" that
is downloaded to any driverless vehicle that the user is in.
[0084] In one or more embodiments, mechanisms can be provided to
facilitate use/operation of one or more cameras ("movies
everywhere"). In one specific example, an eSIM can be used to
facilitate managing storage of recordings and keeping communication
services up-to-date.
[0085] In various examples, a block of operational profiles can be
used by any desired type(s) of devices. In various specific
examples, the devices can comprise communication devices (each of
which can be associated with a respective user). In various
examples, a communication device can be a smartphone, a tablet, a
notebook computer, a netbook computer, a mobile phone.
[0086] In various examples, the operational profiles can be used by
a group of communication devices associated with (such as
owned/leased by) a given user and/or associated with (such as being
located at) a given premises and/or associated with (such as
owned/leased by) a given entity. In various examples, the
operational profiles can be used by one or more tablets, one or
more laptops, one or more intelligent TVs, one or more smart
lightbulbs, one or more sensors, or any combination thereof.
[0087] In one example, an IoT device does not have a user interface
("UI"). In another example, an IoT device does have a user
interface ("UI"). In one example, an IoT device has limited
communication functions (e.g., relative to one or more other
devices). In one example, an IoT device does not have limited
communication functions (e.g., relative to one or more other
devices). In another example, an IoT device is a communication
device that includes certain capabilities (e.g., sensor
capabilities). In another example, an IoT device is a communication
device that lacks certain capabilities (e.g., a user
interface).
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 is shown
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized
communication network in accordance with various aspects described
herein. In particular a virtualized communication network is
presented that can be used to implement some or all of the
subsystems and functions of communication network 100, the
subsystems and functions of system 200a, 200b, 200c, 230 and
methods 240, 253 presented in FIGS. 1, 2A-2F and 3. For example,
virtualized communication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in
part a communication device with an expired subscription for
services to renew the subscription for services, subscribe to
different services, or migrate to a different mobile network to
subscribe for services.
[0089] In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that
leverages cloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and
scalability via a transport layer 350, a virtualized network
function cloud 325 and/or one or more cloud computing environments
375. In various embodiments, this cloud networking architecture is
an open architecture that leverages application programming
interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity from services and operations;
supports more nimble business models; and rapidly and seamlessly
scales to meet evolving customer requirements including traffic
growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity of performance
and reliability expectations.
[0090] In contrast to traditional network elements--which are
typically integrated to perform a single function, the virtualized
communication network employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330,
332, 334, etc. that perform some or all of the functions of network
elements 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. For example, the network
architecture can provide a substrate of networking capability,
often called Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI)
or simply infrastructure that is capable of being directed with
software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocols to perform
a broad variety of network functions and services. This
infrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most
typical type of substrate being servers that support Network
Function Virtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding
capabilities based on generic computing resources, with specialized
network technologies brought to bear when general purpose
processors or general purpose integrated circuit devices offered by
merchants (referred to herein as merchant silicon) are not
appropriate. In this case, communication services can be
implemented as cloud-centric workloads.
[0091] As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in
FIG. 1), such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330
composed of NFV software modules, merchant silicon, and associated
controllers. The software can be written so that increasing
workload consumes incremental resources from a common resource
pool, and moreover so that it's elastic: so the resources are only
consumed when needed. In a similar fashion, other network elements
such as other routers, switches, edge caches, and middle-boxes are
instantiated from the common resource pool. Such sharing of
infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planning and
growing infrastructure easier to manage.
[0092] In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber,
cable, wired and/or wireless transport elements, network elements
and interfaces to provide broadband access 110, wireless access
120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or access to content
sources 175 for distribution of content to any or all of the access
technologies. In particular, in some cases a network element needs
to be positioned at a specific place, and this allows for less
sharing of common infrastructure. Other times, the network elements
have specific physical layer adapters that cannot be abstracted or
virtualized, and might require special DSP code and analog
front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementation as
VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included in
transport layer 350.
[0093] The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with
the transport layer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to
provide specific NFVs. In particular, the virtualized network
function cloud 325 leverages cloud operations, applications, and
architectures to support networking workloads. The virtualized
network elements 330, 332 and 334 can employ network function
software that provides either a one-for-one mapping of traditional
network element function or alternately some combination of network
functions designed for cloud computing. For example, VNEs 330, 332
and 334 can include route reflectors, domain name system (DNS)
servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) servers,
system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility management
entity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers
for IP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers,
distributers and other network elements. Because these elements
don't typically need to forward large amounts of traffic, their
workload can be distributed across a number of servers--each of
which adds a portion of the capability, and overall which creates
an elastic function with higher availability than its former
monolithic version. These virtual network elements 330, 332, 334,
etc. can be instantiated and managed using an orchestration
approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.
[0094] The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the
virtualized network function cloud 325 via APIs that expose
functional capabilities of the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide
the flexible and expanded capabilities to the virtualized network
function cloud 325. In particular, network workloads may have
applications distributed across the virtualized network function
cloud 325 and cloud computing environment 375 and in the commercial
cloud, or might simply orchestrate workloads supported entirely in
NFV infrastructure from these third party locations.
[0095] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram
of a computing environment in accordance with various aspects
described herein. In order to provide additional context for
various embodiments of the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and
the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general
description of a suitable computing environment 400 in which the
various embodiments of the subject disclosure can be implemented.
In particular, computing environment 400 can be used in the
implementation of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156, access
terminal 112, base station or access point 122, switching device
132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. Each of
these devices can be implemented via computer-executable
instructions that can run on one or more computers, and/or in
combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of
hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 can
facilitate in whole or in part a communication device with an
expired subscription for services to renew the subscription for
services, subscribe to different services, or migrate to a
different mobile network to subscribe for services. Further, the
network devices, network nodes, communication devices, mobile
devices, sensors, smart power meters, IoT devices, and web server
can comprise the computing environment 400.
[0096] Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the methods can be practiced with
other computer system configurations, comprising single-processor
or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe
computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held computing
devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled to one or
more associated devices.
[0097] As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more
processors as well as other application specific circuits such as
an application specific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit,
state machine, programmable gate array or other circuit that
processes input signals or data and that produces output signals or
data in response thereto. It should be noted that while any
functions and features described herein in association with the
operation of a processor could likewise be performed by a
processing circuit.
[0098] The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be
also practiced in distributed computing environments where certain
tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked
through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0099] Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media,
which can comprise computer-readable storage media and/or
communications media, which two terms are used herein differently
from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage media can be
any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer
and comprises both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and
non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation,
computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection
with any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data or
unstructured data.
[0100] Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not
limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM),flash
memory or other memory technology, compact disk read only memory
(CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk
storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage
or other magnetic storage devices or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. In this regard, the terms "tangible" or
"non-transitory" herein as applied to storage, memory or
computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only
propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not
relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or
computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory
signals per se.
[0101] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or
more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests,
queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of
operations with respect to the information stored by the
medium.
[0102] Communications media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured
or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data
signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and
comprises any information delivery or transport media. The term
"modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one
or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as
to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example,
and not limitation, communication media comprise wired media, such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media
such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.
[0103] With reference again to FIG. 4, the example environment can
comprise a computer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing
unit 404, a system memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus
408 couples system components including, but not limited to, the
system memory 406 to the processing unit 404. The processing unit
404 can be any of various commercially available processors. Dual
microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures can also be
employed as the processing unit 404.
[0104] The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus
structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 406 comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic
input/output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory
such as ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM),
EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to
transfer information between elements within the computer 402, such
as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAM
such as static RAM for caching data.
[0105] The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 414 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also
be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a
magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write
to a removable diskette 418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g.,
reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or, to read from or write to other high
capacity optical media such as the DVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD
416 and optical disk drive 420 can be connected to the system bus
408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, a magnetic disk drive
interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428, respectively. The
hard disk drive interface 424 for external drive implementations
comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394
interface technologies. Other external drive connection
technologies are within contemplation of the embodiments described
herein.
[0106] The drives and their associated computer-readable storage
media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
402, the drives and storage media accommodate the storage of any
data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable storage media above refers to a hard disk drive
(HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media
such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that other types of storage media which are readable by a
computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory
cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the example
operating environment, and further, that any such storage media can
contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods
described herein.
[0107] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 412, comprising an operating system 430, one or more
application programs 432, other program modules 434 and program
data 436. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 412. The systems
and methods described herein can be implemented utilizing various
commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0108] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
402 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 438 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other
input devices (not shown) can comprise a microphone, an infrared
(IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch
screen or the like. These and other input devices are often
connected to the processing unit 404 through an input device
interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408, but can be
connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE
1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,
an IR interface, etc.
[0109] A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also
connected to the system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video
adapter 446. It will also be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments, a monitor 444 can also be any display device (e.g.,
another computer having a display, a smart phone, a tablet
computer, etc.) for receiving display information associated with
computer 402 via any communication means, including via the
Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to the monitor 444,
a computer typically comprises other peripheral output devices (not
shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.
[0110] The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448.
The remote computer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer,
a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or
other common network node, and typically comprises many or all of
the elements described relative to the computer 402, although, for
purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storage device 450 is
illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprise
wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452
and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such
LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and
companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such
as intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications
network, e.g., the Internet.
[0111] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402
can be connected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless
communication network interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can
facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 452, which
can also comprise a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating
with the adapter 456.
[0112] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402
can comprise a modem 458 or can be connected to a communications
server on the WAN 454 or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 454, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 458, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, can be connected to the system bus 408 via the
input device interface 442. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portions thereof,
can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are example and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0113] The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any
piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly
detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and
telephone. This can comprise Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and
BLUETOOTH.RTM. wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can
be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply
an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
[0114] Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at
home, a bed in a hotel room or a conference room at work, without
wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a
cell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and
receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base
station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11
(a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast
wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect
computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks
(which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in
the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with
products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can
provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10 BaseT wired
Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[0115] Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment 500 of a mobile network
platform 510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150,
152, 154, 156, and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example,
platform 510 can facilitate in whole or in part a communication
device with an expired subscription for services to renew the
subscription for services, subscribe to different services, or
migrate to a different mobile network to subscribe for
services.
[0116] In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 510
can generate and receive signals transmitted and received by base
stations or access points such as base station or access point 122.
Generally, mobile network platform 510 can comprise components,
e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms,
that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol
(IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and
circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as
control generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As a
non-limiting example, mobile network platform 510 can be included
in telecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered
carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile
network platform 510 comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which can
interface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephony
network(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), or
public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)
network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticate
traffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CS
gateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generated
through SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a
visited location register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530.
Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and
signaling and PS gateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS
network, CS gateway node(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in
gateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that
functionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS
gateway node(s) 518, and serving node(s) 516, is provided and
dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network
platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio access network 520
with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.
[0117] In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic
and signaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and
authenticate PS-based data sessions with served mobile devices.
Data sessions can comprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with
networks external to the mobile network platform 510, like wide
area network(s) (WANs) 550, enterprise network(s) 570, and service
network(s) 580, which can be embodied in local area network(s)
(LANs), can also be interfaced with mobile network platform 510
through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to be noted that WANs 550 and
enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at least in part, a service
network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Based on radio
technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) or radio
access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packet data
protocol contexts when a data session is established; other data
structures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can be
generated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 can
comprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG)
in 3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate
packetized communication with disparate wireless network(s), such
as Wi-Fi networks.
[0118] In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also
comprises serving node(s) 516 that, based upon available radio
technology layer(s) within technology resource(s) in the radio
access network 520, convey the various packetized flows of data
streams received through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to be noted
that for technology resource(s) that rely primarily on CS
communication, server node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance
on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s) can embody
at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, in a
3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving
GPRS support node(s) (SGSN).
[0119] For radio technologies that exploit packetized
communication, server(s) 514 in mobile network platform 510 can
execute numerous applications that can generate multiple disparate
packetized data streams or flows, and manage (e.g., schedule,
queue, format . . . ) such flows. Such application(s) can comprise
add-on features to standard services (for example, provisioning,
billing, customer support . . . ) provided by mobile network
platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that are part of a
voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gateway node(s)
518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a data
session, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter.
In addition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise
utility server(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning
server, an operations and maintenance server, a security server
that can implement at least in part a certificate authority and
firewalls as well as other security mechanisms, and the like. In an
aspect, security server(s) secure communication served through
mobile network platform 510 to ensure network's operation and data
integrity in addition to authorization and authentication
procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512 and PS gateway node(s) 518
can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s) can provision services
from external network(s) like networks operated by a disparate
service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or Global Positioning
System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s) can
also provision coverage through networks associated to mobile
network platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same
service provider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown
in FIG. 1(s) that enhance wireless service coverage by providing
more network coverage.
[0120] It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or
more processors configured to confer at least in part the
functionality of mobile network platform 510. To that end, the one
or more processor can execute code instructions stored in memory
530, for example. It is should be appreciated that server(s) 514
can comprise a content manager, which operates in substantially the
same manner as described hereinbefore.
[0121] In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information
related to operation of mobile network platform 510. Other
operational information can comprise provisioning information of
mobile devices served through mobile network platform 510,
subscriber databases; application intelligence, pricing schemes,
e.g., promotional rates, flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns;
technical specification(s) consistent with telecommunication
protocols for operation of disparate radio, or wireless, technology
layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also store information from at
least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7 network 560, or
enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 can be, for
example, accessed as part of a data store component or as a
remotely connected memory store.
[0122] In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the
disclosed subject matter, FIG. 5, and the following discussion, are
intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable
environment in which the various aspects of the disclosed subject
matter can be implemented. While the subject matter has been
described above in the general context of computer-executable
instructions of a computer program that runs on a computer and/or
computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination
with other program modules. Generally, program modules comprise
routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform
particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract data
types.
[0123] Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a
communication device 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can
serve as an illustrative embodiment of devices such as data
terminals 114, mobile devices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144
or other client devices for communication via either communications
network 125. For example, computing device 600 can facilitate in
whole or in part a communication device with an expired
subscription for services to renew the subscription for services,
subscribe to different services, or migrate to a different mobile
network to subscribe for services. Further, the network devices,
network nodes, communication devices, mobile devices, sensors,
smart power meters, IoT devices, and web server can comprise the
communication device 600.
[0124] The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or
wireless transceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface
(UI) 604, a power supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion
sensor 618, an orientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for
managing operations thereof. The transceiver 602 can support
short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as
Bluetooth.RTM., ZigBee.RTM., WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication
technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth.RTM. and ZigBee.RTM.
are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth.RTM. Special Interest
Group and the ZigBee.RTM. Alliance, respectively). Cellular
technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1.times., 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 602 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.
[0125] The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive
keypad 608 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a
joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations
of the communication device 600. The keypad 608 can be an integral
part of a housing assembly of the communication device 600 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.RTM.. The keypad 608 can represent a numeric
keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with
alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display 610
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
600. In an embodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a
portion or all of the keypad 608 can be presented by way of the
display 610 with navigation features.
[0126] The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also
serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch
screen display, the communication device 600 can be adapted to
present a user interface having graphical user interface (GUI)
elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger.
The display 610 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 610 can be an integral part of the housing
assembly of the communication device 600 or an independent device
communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface
(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.
[0127] The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 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
612 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals
of an end user. The audio system 612 can also be used for voice
recognition applications. The UI 604 can further include an image
sensor 613 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for
capturing still or moving images.
[0128] The power supply 614 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 600
to facilitate long-range or short-range portable communications.
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.
[0129] The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology
such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of
assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device
600 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS
satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services
such as navigation. The motion sensor 618 can utilize motion
sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other
suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the
communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. The
orientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology
such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the
communication device 600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as
combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable
orientation metrics).
[0130] The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to
also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth.RTM., 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 606 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 600.
[0131] Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or
more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the
communication device 600 can include a slot for adding or removing
an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card
or Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can
be used for identifying subscriber services, executing programs,
storing subscriber data, and so on.
[0132] The terms "first," "second," "third," and so forth, as used
in the claims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity
only and doesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For
instance, "a first determination," "a second determination," and "a
third determination," does not indicate or imply that the first
determination is to be made before the second determination, or
vice versa, etc.
[0133] In the subject specification, terms such as "store,"
"storage," "data store," data storage," "database," and
substantially any other information storage component relevant to
operation and functionality of a component, refer to "memory
components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or components
comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the memory
components described herein can be either volatile memory or
nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile and nonvolatile
memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatile
memory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage.
Further, nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory
(ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM
(EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory.
Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), which acts
as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not
limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM
(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data
rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM
(SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the
disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are
intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising, these
and any other suitable types of memory.
[0134] Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter
can be practiced with other computer system configurations,
comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems,
mini-computing devices, mainframe computers, as well as personal
computers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA, phone,
smartphone, watch, tablet computers, netbook computers, etc.),
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer or industrial
electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can also be
practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are
performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a
communications network; however, some if not all aspects of the
subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alone computers. In a
distributed computing environment, program modules can be located
in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0135] In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of
services can be generated including services being accessed, media
consumption history, user preferences, and so forth. This
information can be obtained by various methods including user
input, detecting types of communications (e.g., video content vs.
audio content), analysis of content streams, sampling, and so
forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring of this
information can be responsive to an authorization provided by the
user. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be
subject to authorization from user(s) associated with the data,
such as an opt-in, an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements,
notifications, selective authorization based on types of data, and
so forth.
[0136] Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ
artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more
features described herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection
with automatically managing devices through use of blocks of
operational profiles) can employ various AI-based schemes for
carrying out various embodiments thereof. Moreover, the classifier
can be employed to determine a ranking or priority of each cell
site of the acquired network. A classifier is a function that maps
an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to a
confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,
f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a
probabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring
into the analysis utilities and costs) to determine or infer an
action that a user desires to be automatically performed. A support
vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be
employed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in the space
of possible inputs, which the hypersurface attempts to split the
triggering criteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively,
this makes the classification correct for testing data that is
near, but not identical to training data. Other directed and
undirected model classification approaches comprise, e.g., naive
Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy
logic models, and probabilistic classification models providing
different patterns of independence can be employed. Classification
as used herein also is inclusive of statistical regression that is
utilized to develop models of priority.
[0137] As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the
embodiments can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained
(e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained
(e.g., via observing UE behavior, operator preferences, historical
information, receiving extrinsic information). For example, SVMs
can be configured via a learning or training phase within a
classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, the
classifier(s) can be used to automatically learn and perform a
number of functions, including but not limited to determining
according to predetermined criteria which of the acquired cell
sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which of
the acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existing
communication network coverage, etc.
[0138] As used in some contexts in this application, in some
embodiments, the terms "component," "system" and the like are
intended to refer to, or comprise, a computer-related entity or an
entity related to an operational apparatus with one or more
specific functionalities, wherein the entity can be either
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is
not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a
processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,
computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By
way of illustration and not limitation, both an application running
on a server and the server can be a component. One or more
components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution
and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed
between two or more computers. In addition, these components can
execute from various computer readable media having various data
structures stored thereon. The components may communicate via local
and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having
one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting
with another component in a local system, distributed system,
and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via
the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus
with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated
by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a
software or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein
the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and
executes at least a part of the software or firmware application.
As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that
provides specific functionality through electronic components
without mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a
processor therein to execute software or firmware that confers at
least in part the functionality of the electronic components. While
various components have been illustrated as separate components, it
will be appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as
a single component, or a single component can be implemented as
multiple components, without departing from example
embodiments.
[0139] Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a
method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard
programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software,
firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer
to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of
manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer
program accessible from any computer-readable device or
computer-readable storage/communications media. For example,
computer readable storage media can include, but are not limited
to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,
magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital
versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,
card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art will
recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration
without departing from the scope or spirit of the various
embodiments.
[0140] In addition, the words "example" and "exemplary" are used
herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any
embodiment or design described herein as "example" or "exemplary"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word example
or exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless
specified otherwise or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is
intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X
employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application
and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one
or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be
directed to a singular form.
[0141] Moreover, terms such as "user equipment," "mobile station,"
"mobile," subscriber station," "access terminal," "terminal,"
"handset," "mobile device" (and/or terms representing similar
terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by a
subscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive
or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming or
substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing
terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the
related drawings.
[0142] Furthermore, the terms "user," "subscriber," "customer,"
"consumer" and the like are employed interchangeably throughout,
unless context warrants particular distinctions among the terms. It
should be appreciated that such terms can refer to human entities
or automated components supported through artificial intelligence
(e.g., a capacity to make inference based, at least, on complex
mathematical formalisms), which can provide simulated vision, sound
recognition and so forth.
[0143] As employed herein, the term "processor" can refer to
substantially any computing processing unit or device comprising,
but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;
single-processors with software multithread execution capability;
multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software
multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with
hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallel
platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor
can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a
field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic
controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as,
but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,
switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance
performance of user equipment. A processor can also be implemented
as a combination of computing processing units.
[0144] As used herein, terms such as "data storage," data storage,"
"database," and substantially any other information storage
component relevant to operation and functionality of a component,
refer to "memory components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or
components comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the
memory components or computer-readable storage media, described
herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or can
include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.
[0145] What has been described above includes mere examples of
various embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in
the art can recognize that many further combinations and
permutations of the present embodiments are possible. Accordingly,
the embodiments disclosed and/or claimed herein are intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim.
[0146] In addition, a flow diagram may include a "start" and/or
"continue" indication. The "start" and "continue" indications
reflect that the steps presented can optionally be incorporated in
or otherwise used in conjunction with other routines. In this
context, "start" indicates the beginning of the first step
presented and may be preceded by other activities not specifically
shown. Further, the "continue" indication reflects that the steps
presented may be performed multiple times and/or may be succeeded
by other activities not specifically shown. Further, while a flow
diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, other orderings
are likewise possible provided that the principles of causality are
maintained.
[0147] As may also be used herein, the term(s) "operably coupled
to", "coupled to", and/or "coupling" includes direct coupling
between items and/or indirect coupling between items via one or
more intervening items. Such items and intervening items include,
but are not limited to, junctions, communication paths, components,
circuit elements, circuits, functional blocks, and/or devices. As
an example of indirect coupling, a signal conveyed from a first
item to a second item may be modified by one or more intervening
items by modifying the form, nature or format of information in a
signal, while one or more elements of the information in the signal
are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can be recognized by the
second item. In a further example of indirect coupling, an action
in a first item can cause a reaction on the second item, as a
result of actions and/or reactions in one or more intervening
items. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for
the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The
subject 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. For instance, one or
more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one
or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more
embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be
negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without
replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The
steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the
subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or
functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject
disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other
steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other
embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the
subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the
features described with respect to an embodiment can also be
utilized.
* * * * *