Emergency services rely on timely, accurate, and reliable communications in order to respond to crisis situations effectively. Individuals contacting emergency services traditionally have used basic voice service communications over Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or cellular lines. As network and phone technology has evolved, the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has introduced regulations requiring network operators to be able determine the location of a caller contacting 911. However, effective approaches are needed to address situations where a person attempting to contact emergency services does not utilize traditional voice communications. More generally, effective solutions for cross-platform mobile communications are necessary and desirable.
As disclosed herein, communication adaptation may be used for multimedia messaging service (MMS) messaging to emergency services, such as 911. Also, as disclosed herein, communication adaptation may be used for providing cross-platform mobile communications.
In an aspect, an apparatus is disclosed including a processor, a memory coupled to the processor, the memory comprising executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to effectuate operations comprising: responsive to receiving a first electronic message of a first type, determining that the first electronic message contains a first addressee and a second addressee, determining that a communications device associated with the first addressee cannot receive electronic messages of the first type, generating a second electronic message based on the first message, the second electronic message of a second type, wherein the first addressee can receive electronic messages of the second type, transmitting the first electronic message to the second addressee, and transmitting the second electronic message to the first addressee.
In an aspect, a method is disclosed including responsive to receiving, by a server, a first electronic message of a first type, determining that the first electronic message contains a first addressee and a second addressee, determining, by the server, that a communications device associated with the first addressee cannot receive electronic messages of the first type, generating, by the server, a second electronic message based on the first message, the second electronic message of a second type, wherein the first addressee can receive electronic messages of the second type, transmitting, by the server, the first electronic message to the second addressee, and transmitting, by the server, the second electronic message to the first addressee.
In an aspect, computer-readable storage medium comprising executable instructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor to effectuate operations comprising: responsive to receiving a first electronic message of a first type, determining that the first electronic message contains a first addressee and a second addressee, determining that a communications device associated with the first addressee cannot receive electronic messages of the first type, generating a second electronic message based on the first message, the second electronic message of a second type, wherein the first addressee can receive electronic messages of the second type, transmitting the first electronic message to the second addressee, and transmitting the second electronic message to the first addressee.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.
Aspects of the herein described emergency services communication adaptation are described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the various embodiments. However, the instant disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
Communication adaptation server 18 may determine the capabilities of the equipment associated with the intended recipients of message 14. In
As illustrated in
Communication adaptation server 18 may make a determination that the equipment (communication devices 30, 34, 38, and 42) associated with intended recipients C, D, E, and F support message 14, including its text and content. Accordingly, communication adaptation server 18 may generate message 26, which is transmitted to communication devices 30, 34, 38, and 42. This may be, for example, a “group” communication such that the recipients are able to communicate with the rest of the “group.” The “group” may be, for example, the rest of the recipients of message 26. However, this would exclude, for example, recipients of message 22 (in this case, addressee B). Thus, responsive communications sent from communication device 30 may be addressed to D, E, F, and A.
Communication adaptation server 18 may generate a notice that it has made a determination that intended recipient B is unable or unwilling to receive message 22. Communication adaptation server 18 may include, for example, in this notice a reason (such as lack of support for the type of message sent or the message content, a security policy, or a user preference), a responsive action taken (as shown, sending message 22 to B), or a report (including such information as a summary of the communications such as, as shown, that message 14 was intended for B, C, D, E, and F but was split into message 22 to B and message 26 to C, D, E, and F). This notice may be transmitted to communication device 10 (the sender) or communication server 46 (the intended recipient for which adapting message 14 was necessary).
In one aspect, communication adaptation server 18 may make such a determination regarding the capabilities of the intended recipients of message 14 and forward message 14 to one or more appropriate network elements, such as a Multimedia Messaging Center (MMSC). For example, the MMSC may receive message 22 and message 26 from communication adaptation server 18. In this aspect, message 22 may be an SMS message and message 26 may comprise an MMS message. The MMSC may then take action on the messages, such as pushing message 22 to communication server 46 and message 26 to communication devices 30, 34, 38, and 42.
In another aspect, user A may generate message 14 using an Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP) application (an “Over-the-Top” or OTT messaging application) on communication device 10. Communication adaptation server 18 may determine that one or more of the intended recipient devices is unable to receive or properly interpret the XMPP message. This may be because, for example, the intended recipient cannot receive TCP communications due to a lack of support or a security feature such as a firewall. Communication adaptation server may then generate a message in a format or having elements receivable by the intended recipient. For example, communication server 46 may be unable to receive messages generated by XMPP applications transmitted using TCP. Communication adaptation server 18 may generate message 22 as, for example, an SMS message which communication server 46 may support and include in message 22 the text from message 14. Communication adaptation sever 18 may determine that communication devices 30, 34, 38, and 42 associated with intended recipients C, D, E, and F support XMPP messages transmitted using TCP and may forward message 14 accordingly as message 26 after removing B as a recipient of or participant in the communication. In one aspect, communication adaptation server 18 may then receive responsive communications from communication server 46 and forward them to communication device 10 in either the format of message 22 or the format of message 14. For example, communication server 46 may send a message responsive to message 22 as an SMS message. Communication adaptation server may then
At 316, communication adaptation server 18 removes this subset of addressees from the address fields of messages to be sent to devices associated with intended recipients which may receive MMS messages. At 320, communication adaptation server 18 removes the addresses of the non-subset addressees from the address field of messages to be sent to the previously identified subset of addressees. At 324, communication adaptation server 18 removes non-text content from the message to be sent to the previously identified subset of addressees, and accordingly generate SMS messages with the text of the original message. In this way, content adaptation server 18 may separate provide MMS communications to devices which do not support MMS by providing the communications in the form of SMS messages and still provide MMS communications to the devices supporting MMS communications.
Emergency message 408 may be of a type not supported by TCC 414. For example, message 408 may be an MMS message and TCC 414 may not support MMS communications. However, communications devices 30 and 34 for recipients C and D may support MMS communications. Accordingly, communication adaptation server 18 may generate message 412 by removing the message content and addressees C and D from message 408. Message 412 may then be transmitted to public-safety answering point (PSAP) gateway 416 as an SMS message. PSAP gateway 416 may then forward message 412 to terminal 420. Terminal 420 may be used by a emergency services user (such as a dispatcher) who may then be able to interpret the message text and associated information.
Communication adaptation server 18 may generate message 424 from message 408 by removing the TCC addressee and transmitting message 424 containing the message text and content of message 408 to communication devices 30 and 34. Responsive communications from recipients C and D may then be sent between the “group” of communication devices 10, 30, and 34, corresponding to A, C, and D, and not to TCC 414. Accordingly, TCC 414 may not receive extraneous communications which may disrupt the provision of emergency services. For example, location-based services may become confused where TCC 414 receives messages from communication device 30. If the emergency is with communication device 10, then location information for messages from communication device 30 may be entirely misleading.
Processor 1021 may comprise any appropriate circuitry that performs operations on behalf of wireless device 1010. Such circuitry may include hardware and other components that enable processor 1021 to perform any of the functions and methods described herein. Such circuitry and other components may also enable processor 1021 to communicate and/or interact with other devices and components, for example any other component of device of wireless device 1010, in such a manner as to enable processor 118 and such other devices and/or components to perform any of the disclosed functions and methods. In one example, processor 1021 executes software (i.e., computer readable instructions stored in a computer readable medium) that may include functionality related to emergency services communication adaptation, for example. User interface module 1022 may be any type or combination of hardware and software that enables a user to operate and interact with wireless device 1010, and, in one example, to interact with a system enabling the user to place, request, and/or receive calls, text communications of any type, voicemail, voicemail notifications, voicemail content and/or data, and/or a system. For example, user interface module 1022 may include a display, physical and/or “soft” keys, voice recognition software, a microphone, a speaker and the like. Wireless communication module 1023 may be any type of transceiver including any combination of hardware and software that enables wireless device 1010 to communicate with wireless network equipment. Memory 1024 enables wireless device 1010 to store information, such as APNs, MNCs, MCCs, text communications content and associated data, multimedia content, software to efficiently process radio resource requests and service requests, and radio resource request processing preferences and configurations. Memory 1024 may take any form, such as internal random access memory (RAM), an SD card, a microSD card and the like. Power supply 1025 may be a battery or other type of power input (e.g., a charging cable that is connected to an electrical outlet, etc.) that is capable of powering wireless device 1010. SIM 1026 may be any type Subscriber Identity Module and may be configured on a removable or non-removable SIM card that allows wireless device 1010 to store data on SIM 1026.
As depicted in
The apparatus 1100 may be implemented as a client processor and/or a server processor. In a basic configuration, the apparatus 1100 may include at least one processing portion 1102 and memory portion 1104. The memory portion 1104 can store any information utilized in conjunction with establishing, transmitting, receiving, and/or processing text, data, and/or voice communications, communications-related data and/or content, voice calls, other telephonic communications, etc. For example, the memory portion is capable of storing APNs, MNCs, MCCs, service requests, radio resource requests, QoS and/or APN parameters, software for emergency services communication adaptation, text and data communications, calls, voicemail, multimedia content, visual voicemail applications, etc. Depending upon the exact configuration and type of processor, the memory portion 1104 can be volatile (such as RAM) 1108, non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) 1110, or a combination thereof. The apparatus 1100 can have additional features/functionality. For example, the apparatus 1100 may include additional storage (removable storage 1112 and/or non-removable storage 1114) including, but not limited to, magnetic or optical disks, tape, flash, smart cards or a combination thereof. Computer storage media, such as memory and storage elements 1104, 1108, 1110, 1112, and 1114, may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, universal serial bus (USB) compatible memory, smart cards, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and that can be accessed by the apparatus 1100. Any such computer storage media may be part of the apparatus 1100.
The apparatus 1100 may also contain the communications connection(s) 1120 that allow the apparatus 1100 to communicate with other devices, for example through a radio access network (RAN). Communications connection(s) 1120 is an example of communication media. Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection as might be used with a land line telephone, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, cellular, and other wireless media. The term computer-readable media as used herein includes both storage media and communication media. The apparatus 1100 also can have input device(s) 1116 such as keyboard, keypad, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, etc. Output device(s) 1118 such as a display, speakers, printer, etc., also can be included.
A RAN as described herein may comprise any telephony radio network, or any other type of communications network, wireline or wireless, or any combination thereof. The following description sets forth some exemplary telephony radio networks, such as the global system for mobile communications (GSM), and non-limiting operating environments. The below-described operating environments should be considered non-exhaustive, however, and thus the below-described network architectures merely show how emergency services communication adaptation may be implemented with stationary and non-stationary network structures and architectures in order to do emergency services communication adaptation. It can be appreciated, however, that emergency services communication adaptation as described herein may be incorporated with existing and/or future alternative architectures for communication networks as well.
The GSM is one of the most widely utilized wireless access systems in today's fast growing communication environment. The GSM provides circuit-switched data services to subscribers, such as mobile telephone or computer users. The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), which is an extension to GSM technology, introduces packet switching to GSM networks. The GPRS uses a packet-based wireless communication technology to transfer high and low speed data and signaling in an efficient manner. The GPRS attempts to optimize the use of network and radio resources, thus enabling the cost effective and efficient use of GSM network resources for packet mode applications.
The exemplary GSM/GPRS environment and services described herein also may be extended to 3G services, such as Universal Mobile Telephone System (UMTS), Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD), High Speed Packet Data Access (HSPDA), cdma2000 1 Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), Code Division Multiple Access-2000 (cdma2000 3), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000), Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT), 4G Services such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), etc., as well as to other network services that become available in time. In this regard, emergency services communication adaptation may be applied independently of the method of data transport and does not depend on any particular network architecture or underlying protocols.
Generally, there may be a several cell sizes in a GSM network, referred to as macro, micro, pico, femto and umbrella cells. The coverage area of each cell is different in different environments. Macro cells can be regarded as cells in which the base station antenna is installed in a mast or a building above average roof top level. Micro cells are cells whose antenna height is under average roof top level. Micro-cells are typically used in urban areas. Pico cells are small cells having a diameter of a few dozen meters. Pico cells are used mainly indoors. Femto cells have the same size as pico cells, but a smaller transport capacity. Femto cells are used indoors, in residential, or small business environments. On the other hand, umbrella cells are used to cover shadowed regions of smaller cells and fill in gaps in coverage between those cells.
A mobile switching center can be connected to a large number of base station controllers. At MSC 1371, for instance, depending on the type of traffic, the traffic may be separated in that voice may be sent to Public Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) 1382 through Gateway MSC (“GMSC”) 1373, and/or data may be sent to SGSN 1376, which then sends the data traffic to GGSN 1378 for further forwarding.
When MSC 1371 receives call traffic, for example, from BSC 1366, it sends a query to a database hosted by SCP 1372. The SCP 1372 processes the request and issues a response to MSC 971 so that it may continue call processing as appropriate.
The HLR 1374 is a centralized database for users to register to the GPRS network. HLR 1374 stores static information about the subscribers such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (“IMSI”), subscribed services, and a key for authenticating the subscriber. HLR 1374 also stores dynamic subscriber information such as the current location of the mobile subscriber. Associated with HLR 1374 is AuC 1375. AuC 1375 is a database that contains the algorithms for authenticating subscribers and includes the associated keys for encryption to safeguard the user input for authentication.
In the following, depending on context, the term “mobile subscriber” sometimes refers to the end user and sometimes to the actual portable device, such as a mobile device (such as WTRU 556), used by an end user of the mobile cellular service. When a mobile subscriber turns on his or her mobile device, the mobile device goes through an attach process by which the mobile device attaches to an SGSN of the GPRS network. In
After attaching itself with the network, mobile subscriber 1355 then goes through the authentication process. In the authentication process, SGSN 1376 sends the authentication information to HLR 1374, which sends information back to SGSN 1376 based on the user profile that was part of the user's initial setup. The SGSN 1376 then sends a request for authentication and ciphering to mobile subscriber 912. The mobile subscriber 1355 uses an algorithm to send the user identification (ID) and password to SGSN 1376. The SGSN 1376 uses the same algorithm and compares the result. If a match occurs, SGSN 1376 authenticates mobile subscriber 1355.
Next, the mobile subscriber 1355 establishes a user session with the destination network, corporate network 1389, by going through a Packet Data Protocol (“PDP”) activation process. Briefly, in the process, mobile subscriber 1355 requests access to the Access Point Name (“APN”), for example, UPS.com, and SGSN 1376 receives the activation request from mobile subscriber 1355. SGSN 1376 then initiates a Domain Name Service (“DNS”) query to learn which GGSN node has access to the UPS.com APN. The DNS query is sent to the DNS server within the core network 1370, such as DNS 1377, which is provisioned to map to one or more GGSN nodes in the core network 1370. Based on the APN, the mapped GGSN 1378 can access the requested corporate network 1389. The SGSN 1376 then sends to GGSN 1378 a Create Packet Data Protocol (“PDP”) Context Request message that contains necessary information. The GGSN 1378 sends a Create PDP Context Response message to SGSN 1376, which then sends an Activate PDP Context Accept message to mobile subscriber 1355.
Once activated, data packets of the call made by mobile subscriber 1355 can then go through radio access network 1360, core network 1370, and interconnect network 1380, in a particular fixed-end system or Internet 1384 and firewall 1388, to reach corporate network 1389.
The GSM core network 1401 also includes a Mobile Switching Center (MSC) 1008, a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) 1410, a Home Location Register (HLR) 1412, Visitor Location Register (VLR) 1414, an Authentication Center (AuC) 1418, and an Equipment Identity Register (EIR) 1416. The MSC 1408 performs a switching function for the network. The MSC also performs other functions, such as registration, authentication, location updating, handovers, and call routing. The GMSC 1410 provides a gateway between the GSM network and other networks, such as an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTNs) 1420. Thus, the GMSC 1410 provides interworking functionality with external networks.
The HLR 1412 is a database that contains administrative information regarding each subscriber registered in a corresponding GSM network. The HLR 1412 also contains the current location of each MS. The VLR 1414 is a database that contains selected administrative information from the HLR 1412. The VLR contains information necessary for call control and provision of subscribed services for each MS currently located in a geographical area controlled by the VLR. The HLR 1412 and the VLR 1414, together with the MSC 1408, provide the call routing and roaming capabilities of GSM. The AuC 1416 provides the parameters needed for authentication and encryption functions. Such parameters allow verification of a subscriber's identity. The EIR 1418 stores security-sensitive information about the mobile equipment.
A Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 1409 allows one-to-one Short Message Service (SMS) messages to be sent to/from the MS 1402. A Push Proxy Gateway (PPG) 1411 is used to “push” (i.e., send without a synchronous request) content to the MS 1002. The PPG 1411 acts as a proxy between wired and wireless networks to facilitate pushing of data to the MS 1402. A Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP) protocol router 1413 is provided to convert SMS-based SMPP messages to cell broadcast messages. SMPP is a protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMS peer entities such as short message service centers. The SMPP protocol is often used to allow third parties, e.g., content suppliers such as news organizations, to submit bulk messages.
To gain access to GSM services, such as speech, data, and short message service (SMS), the MS first registers with the network to indicate its current location by performing a location update and IMSI attach procedure. The MS 1402 sends a location update including its current location information to the MSC/VLR, via the BTS 1404 and the BSC 1406. The location information is then sent to the MS's HLR. The HLR is updated with the location information received from the MSC/VLR. The location update also is performed when the MS moves to a new location area. Typically, the location update is periodically performed to update the database as location updating events occur.
The GPRS network 1430 is logically implemented on the GSM core network architecture by introducing two packet-switching network nodes, a serving GPRS support node (SGSN) 1432, a cell broadcast and a Gateway GPRS support node (GGSN) 1434. The SGSN 1432 is at the same hierarchical level as the MSC 1408 in the GSM network. The SGSN controls the connection between the GPRS network and the MS 1402. The SGSN also keeps track of individual MS's locations and security functions and access controls.
A Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) 1433 communicates cell broadcast messages that are typically delivered to multiple users in a specified area. Cell Broadcast is one-to-many geographically focused service. It enables messages to be communicated to multiple mobile phone customers who are located within a given part of its network coverage area at the time the message is broadcast.
The GGSN 1434 provides a gateway between the GPRS network and a public packet network (PDN) or other IP networks 1436. That is, the GGSN provides interworking functionality with external networks, and sets up a logical link to the MS through the SGSN. When packet-switched data leaves the GPRS network, it is transferred to an external TCP-IP network 1436, such as an X.25 network or the Internet. In order to access GPRS services, the MS first attaches itself to the GPRS network by performing an attach procedure. The MS then activates a packet data protocol (PDP) context, thus activating a packet communication session between the MS, the SGSN, and the GGSN.
In a GSM/GPRS network, GPRS services and GSM services can be used in parallel. The MS can operate in one of three classes: class A, class B, and class C. A class A MS can attach to the network for both GPRS services and GSM services simultaneously. A class A MS also supports simultaneous operation of GPRS services and GSM services. For example, class A mobiles can receive GSM voice/data/SMS calls and GPRS data calls at the same time.
A class B MS can attach to the network for both GPRS services and GSM services simultaneously. However, a class B MS does not support simultaneous operation of the GPRS services and GSM services. That is, a class B MS can only use one of the two services at a given time.
A class C MS can attach for only one of the GPRS services and GSM services at a time. Simultaneous attachment and operation of GPRS services and GSM services is not possible with a class C MS.
A GPRS network 1430 can be designed to operate in three network operation modes (NOM1, NOM2 and NOM3). A network operation mode of a GPRS network is indicated by a parameter in system information messages transmitted within a cell. The system information messages dictates a MS where to listen for paging messages and how to signal towards the network. The network operation mode represents the capabilities of the GPRS network. In a NOM1 network, a MS can receive pages from a circuit switched domain (voice call) when engaged in a data call. The MS can suspend the data call or take both simultaneously, depending on the ability of the MS. In a NOM2 network, a MS may not receive pages from a circuit switched domain when engaged in a data call, since the MS is receiving data and is not listening to a paging channel. In a NOM3 network, a MS can monitor pages for a circuit switched network while received data and vice versa.
The IP multimedia network 1438 was introduced with 3GPP Release 5, and includes an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 1440 to provide rich multimedia services to end users. A representative set of the network entities within the IMS 1440 are a call/session control function (CSCF), a media gateway control function (MGCF) 1446, a media gateway (MGW) 1448, and a master subscriber database, called a home subscriber server (HSS) 1450. The HSS 1450 may be common to the GSM network 1401, the GPRS network 1430 as well as the IP multimedia network 1438.
The IP multimedia system 1440 is built around the call/session control function, of which there are three types: an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF) 1043, a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 1042, and a serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 1444. The P-CSCF 1042 is the MS's first point of contact with the IMS 1440. The P-CSCF 1442 forwards session initiation protocol (SIP) messages received from the MS to an SIP server in a home network (and vice versa) of the MS. The P-CSCF 1442 may also modify an outgoing request according to a set of rules defined by the network operator (for example, address analysis and potential modification).
The I-CSCF 1443, forms an entrance to a home network and hides the inner topology of the home network from other networks and provides flexibility for selecting an S-CSCF. The I-CSCF 1443 may contact a subscriber location function (SLF) 1445 to determine which HSS 1450 to use for the particular subscriber, if multiple HSS's 1450 are present. The S-CSCF 1444 performs the session control services for the MS 1402. This includes routing originating sessions to external networks and routing terminating sessions to visited networks. The S-CSCF 1444 also decides whether an application server (AS) 1452 is required to receive information on an incoming SIP session request to ensure appropriate service handling. This decision is based on information received from the HSS 1450 (or other sources, such as an application server 1452). The AS 1452 also communicates to a location server 1456 (e.g., a Gateway Mobile Location Center (GMLC)) that provides a position (e.g., latitude/longitude coordinates) of the MS 1402.
The HSS 1450 contains a subscriber profile and keeps track of which core network node is currently handling the subscriber. It also supports subscriber authentication and authorization functions (AAA). In networks with more than one HSS 1450, a subscriber location function provides information on the HSS 1450 that contains the profile of a given subscriber.
The MGCF 1446 provides interworking functionality between SIP session control signaling from the IMS 1440 and ISUP/BICC call control signaling from the external GSTN networks (not shown). It also controls the media gateway (MGW) 1448 that provides user-plane interworking functionality (e.g., converting between AMR- and PCM-coded voice). The MGW 1448 also communicates with other IP multimedia networks 1454.
Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) capable mobile phones register with the wireless network when the phones are in a predefined area (e.g., job site, etc.). When the mobile phones leave the area, they register with the network in their new location as being outside the predefined area. This registration, however, does not indicate the actual physical location of the mobile phones outside the pre-defined area.
Mobile Station 1501 may communicate wirelessly with Base Station System (BSS) 1510. BSS 1510 contains a Base Station Controller (BSC) 1511 and a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 1512. BSS 1510 may include a single BSC 1511/BTS 1512 pair (Base Station) or a system of BSC/BTS pairs which are part of a larger network. BSS 1510 is responsible for communicating with Mobile Station 1501 and may support one or more cells. BSS 1510 is responsible for handling cellular traffic and signaling between Mobile Station 1501 and Core Network 1540. Typically, BSS 1510 performs functions that include, but are not limited to, digital conversion of speech channels, allocation of channels to mobile devices, paging, and transmission/reception of cellular signals.
Additionally, Mobile Station 1501 may communicate wirelessly with Radio Network System (RNS) 1520. RNS 1520 contains a Radio Network Controller (RNC) 1521 and one or more Node(s) B 1322. RNS 1320 may support one or more cells. RNS 1520 may also include one or more RNC 1521/Node B 1522 pairs or alternatively a single RNC 1521 may manage multiple Nodes B 1522. RNS 1520 is responsible for communicating with Mobile Station 1501 in its geographically defined area. RNC 1521 is responsible for controlling the Node(s) B 1522 that are connected to it and is a control element in a UMTS radio access network. RNC 1521 performs functions such as, but not limited to, load control, packet scheduling, handover control, security functions, as well as controlling Mobile Station 1501's access to the Core Network (CN) 1540.
The evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) 1530 is a radio access network that provides wireless data communications for Mobile Station 1501 and User Equipment 1502. E-UTRAN 1530 provides higher data rates than traditional UMTS. It is part of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) upgrade for mobile networks and later releases meet the requirements of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) Advanced and are commonly known as a 4G networks. E-UTRAN 1530 may include of series of logical network components such as E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 1531 and E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 1532. E-UTRAN 1530 may contain one or more eNBs. User Equipment 1502 may be any user device capable of connecting to E-UTRAN 1530 including, but not limited to, a personal computer, laptop, mobile device, wireless router, or other device capable of wireless connectivity to E-UTRAN 1530. The improved performance of the E-UTRAN 1530 relative to a typical UMTS network allows for increased bandwidth, spectral efficiency, and functionality including, but not limited to, voice, high-speed applications, large data transfer and IPTV, while still allowing for full mobility.
An exemplary mobile data and communication service that may be implemented in the PLMN architecture described in
Typically Mobile Station 1501 may communicate with any or all of BSS 1510, RNS 1520, or E-UTRAN 1530. In an illustrative system, each of BSS 1510, RNS 1520, and E-UTRAN 1530 may provide Mobile Station 1501 with access to Core Network 1540. The Core Network 1540 may include of a series of devices that route data and communications between end users. Core Network 1540 may provide network service functions to users in the Circuit Switched (CS) domain, the Packet Switched (PS) domain or both. The CS domain refers to connections in which dedicated network resources are allocated at the time of connection establishment and then released when the connection is terminated. The PS domain refers to communications and data transfers that make use of autonomous groupings of bits called packets. Each packet may be routed, manipulated, processed or handled independently of all other packets in the PS domain and does not require dedicated network resources.
The Circuit Switched-Media Gateway Function (CS-MGW) 1541 is part of Core Network 1540, and interacts with Visitor Location Register (VLR) and Mobile-Services Switching Center (MSC) Server 1560 and Gateway MSC Server 1561 in order to facilitate Core Network 1540 resource control in the CS domain. Functions of CS-MGW 1541 include, but are not limited to, media conversion, bearer control, payload processing and other mobile network processing such as handover or anchoring. CS-MGW 1540 may receive connections to Mobile Station 1501 through BSS 1510, RNS 1520 or both.
Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 1542 stores subscriber data regarding Mobile Station 1501 in order to facilitate network functionality. SGSN 1542 may store subscription information such as, but not limited to, the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), temporary identities, or Packet Data Protocol (PDP) addresses. SGSN 1542 may also store location information such as, but not limited to, the Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) 1544 address for each GGSN where an active PDP exists. GGSN 1544 may implement a location register function to store subscriber data it receives from SGSN 1542 such as subscription or location information.
Serving Gateway (S-GW) 1543 is an interface which provides connectivity between E-UTRAN 1530 and Core Network 1540. Functions of S-GW 1543 include, but are not limited to, packet routing, packet forwarding, transport level packet processing, event reporting to Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 1550, and mobility anchoring for inter-network mobility. PCRF 1550 uses information gathered from S-GW 1543, as well as other sources, to make applicable policy and charging decisions related to data flows, network resources and other network administration functions. Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW) 1545 may provide user-to-services connectivity functionality including, but not limited to, network-wide mobility anchoring, bearer session anchoring and control, and IP address allocation for PS domain connections.
Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 1563 is a database for user information, and stores subscription data regarding Mobile Station 1501 or User Equipment 1502 for handling calls or data sessions. Networks may contain one HSS 1563 or more if additional resources are required. Exemplary data stored by HSS 1563 include, but is not limited to, user identification, numbering and addressing information, security information, or location information. HSS 1563 may also provide call or session establishment procedures in both the PS and CS domains.
The VLR/MSC Server 1560 provides user location functionality. When Mobile Station 1301 enters a new network location, it begins a registration procedure. A MSC Server for that location transfers the location information to the VLR for the area. A VLR and MSC Server may be located in the same computing environment, as is shown by VLR/MSC Server 1560, or alternatively may be located in separate computing environments. A VLR may contain, but is not limited to, user information such as the IMSI, the Temporary Mobile Station Identity (TMSI), the Local Mobile Station Identity (LMSI), the last known location of the mobile station, or the SGSN where the mobile station was previously registered. The MSC server may contain information such as, but not limited to, procedures for Mobile Station 1501 registration or procedures for handover of Mobile Station 1501 to a different section of the Core Network 1540. GMSC Server 1561 may serve as a connection to alternate GMSC Servers for other mobile stations in larger networks.
Equipment Identity Register (EIR) 1562 is a logical element which may store the International Mobile Equipment Identities (IMEI) for Mobile Station 1501. In a typical example, user equipment may be classified as either “white listed” or “black listed” depending on its status in the network. In one example, if Mobile Station 1501 is stolen and put to use by an unauthorized user, it may be registered as “black listed” in EIR 1562, preventing its use on the network. Mobility Management Entity (MME) 1564 is a control node which may track Mobile Station 1501 or User Equipment 1502 if the devices are idle. Additional functionality may include the ability of MME 1564 to contact an idle Mobile Station 1501 or User Equipment 1502 if retransmission of a previous session is required.
While example embodiments of emergency services communication adaptation have been described in connection with various computing devices/processors, the underlying concepts may be applied to any computing device, processor, or system capable of facilitating intelligent traffic routing. The various techniques described herein may be implemented in connection with hardware or software or, where appropriate, with a combination of both. Thus, the methods and apparatuses of emergency services communication adaptation, or certain aspects or portions thereof, may take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in concrete, tangible, storage media having a concrete, tangible, physical structure. Examples of tangible storage media include floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs, hard drives, or any other tangible machine-readable storage medium (computer-readable storage medium). Thus, a computer-readable storage medium is not a signal. A computer-readable storage medium is not a transient signal. Further, a computer-readable storage medium is not a propagating signal. A computer-readable storage medium as described herein is an article of manufacture. When the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for intelligent traffic routing, on user equipment as described herein. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers, the computing device will generally include a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. The program(s) can be implemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. The language can be a compiled or interpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations.
The methods and apparatuses associated with as described herein also may be practiced via communications embodied in the form of program code that is transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via any other form of transmission, wherein, when the program code is received and loaded into and executed by a machine, such as an EPROM, a gate array, a programmable logic device (PLD), a client computer, or the like, the machine becomes an apparatus for implementing intelligent traffic routing as described herein. When implemented on a general-purpose processor, the program code combines with the processor to provide a unique apparatus that operates to invoke the functionality of intelligent traffic routing as described herein.
While emergency services communication adaptation has been described in connection with the various embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments of emergency services communication adaptation without deviating therefrom. For example, one skilled in the art will recognize emergency services communication adaptation as described in the instant application may apply to any environment, whether wired or wireless, and may be applied to any number of such devices connected via a communications network and interacting across the network. Therefore, emergency services communication adaptation as described herein should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.