Patent Application
20160212690
In the Internet of things (IoT), mobility is a key factor. Mobile user equipment (UE) wireless communication devices may move between networks. For example, UE wireless communication devices may move back and forth between a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as a cellular telephone network, and a Local Area Network (LAN), such as an IoT network. UE wireless communication devices must acquire network parameters and other access information when moving between networks. For example, a UE wireless communication device may acquire or reacquire WAN access information when leaving a LAN, because the WAN access information may have changed since the previous connection with the WAN. A WAN/cellular network may be an LTE or GSM network, and a LAN may be a WiFi network supporting multiple wireless communication devices. Since UE wireless communication devices may receive data services (including VoIP) over a LAN more affordably or efficiently than a WAN/cellular network, wireless communication devices may turn off their WAN/cellular network transceiver when connected to a LAN in order to conserve battery power and to conserve data connection costs associated with the WAN/cellular network. However, upon moving from the LAN to a WAN/cellular network, difficulties arise related to reacquisition of WAN/cellular access information needed to establish a connection.
Because a wireless communication device may not be using WAN services while connected to the LAN, shutting down the connection to the WAN provides an advantage of conserving battery power. However, when a wireless communication device moves from a WAN to a LAN and shuts down the transceiver, the reception of access related overhead information from the WAN may also be terminated. When the wireless communication device returns to the WAN/cellular network, such as when the wireless communication device moves out of LAN reception range, the wireless communication device may be required to perform a reacquisition procedure, which begins with acquisition of overhead information (e.g., MIB, SIB, in a WCDMA/LTE system) needed to establish a cellular or WAN connection.
Thus, a wireless communication device that enters a LAN may shut down a transceiver for WAN/cellular network access. The wireless communication device may later re-enter a WAN/cellular network and must perform a full acquisition sequence in order to re-attach to the WAN/cellular network. The reacquisition of WAN/cellular network access data may take time and power, which may be disadvantageous. A full system information re-acquisition may delay the wireless communication device attachment to the WAN/cellular network and may thereby delay the use of data apps, etc. In some situations, the reacquisition delay may adversely impact the continuity and quality of the user experience.
In the various embodiments, wide area network (WAN) access information maintained in a database accessible to a local area network (LAN) server may be used to assist wireless communication devices in connecting to the WAN. An embodiment method may include determining, by a processor of a wireless communication device connected to the LAN, that the wireless communication device will leave the LAN to enter a WAN associated with the WAN access information. The processor of the wireless communication device may obtain the WAN access information from the LAN accessible database accessible to the LAN server. The processor of the wireless communication device may use the WAN access information obtained from the LAN accessible storage device to enter the WAN from the LAN.
An embodiment method may further include providing by the wireless communication device processor to the LAN server, upon entering the LAN from the WAN, WAN access information used by the wireless communication device in the WAN before entry into the LAN from the WAN. The LAN server may store, in the LAN accessible database, the WAN access information used by the wireless communication device in the WAN before the wireless communication devices enters into the LAN. An embodiment method may further include providing, by the wireless communication device processor to the LAN server, a subscription message that enables the wireless communication device processor to receive updates to the stored WAN access information. An embodiment method may further include receiving, by the LAN server, from wireless communication devices entering the LAN from the WAN, respective WAN access information for the wireless communication devices. The LAN server may store recent WAN access information received from the wireless communication devices entering the LAN from the WAN in the LAN accessible database. An embodiment method may further include determining, by the LAN server, whether the WAN access information most recently received from the wireless communication devices entering the LAN from the WAN differs from WAN access information stored by the LAN server in the LAN accessible storage device. The LAN server may provide the most recently received WAN access information to one or more of the wireless communication devices in response to determining that the recent WAN access information differs from the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database. An embodiment method may further include receiving, by the LAN server from one or more of the wireless communication devices entering the LAN, a subscription message indicating that the one or more of the wireless communication devices will receive a notification of an update of the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database. The LAN server may provide the notification of the update of the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database to the one or more of the wireless communication devices from which the subscription message is received in response to determining that the most recently received WAN access information differs from the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database. An embodiment method may further include determining, by the LAN server, whether the WAN access information recently received from the wireless communication devices entering the LAN from the WAN differs from WAN access information stored by the LAN server in the LAN accessible storage device. The LAN server may store the recently received WAN access information in the LAN accessible database in response to determining that the recent WAN access information differs from the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database.
In a further embodiment method, the WAN access information may include one or more of: a Master Information Block (MIB); a System Information Block (SIB); and an overhead (OVHD) block. In a further additional or alternative embodiment method, the WAN access information includes WAN access overhead information.
The various embodiments include a wireless communication device having a device radio module, a device memory and a device processor configured with processor executable instructions to perform operations of the above described embodiment methods. The various embodiments include a wireless communication device having means for performing functions of the operations of the above-described embodiment methods. The various embodiments include a non-transitory processor readable medium may have instructions stored thereon configured to cause a processor to perform operations of the above described embodiment methods.
The various embodiments include a LAN server having a server radio module, a server memory and a server processor configured with processor executable instructions to perform operations of the above described embodiment methods. The various embodiments include a LAN server having means for performing functions of the operations of the above-described embodiment methods. The various embodiments include a non-transitory processor readable medium may have instructions stored thereon configured to cause a processor to perform operations of the above described embodiment methods.
The various embodiments include a system having a wireless communication device having a device radio module, a device memory and a device processor, and a LAN server having a server radio module, a server memory and a server processor, the device processor and the server processor may be configured with processor executable instructions to perform operations of the above described embodiment methods. The various embodiments include a wireless communication device and a LAN server having means for performing functions of the operations of the above-described embodiment methods. The various embodiments include a non-transitory processor readable medium may have instructions stored thereon configured to cause a processor to perform operations of the above described embodiment methods.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention.
The various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. References made to particular examples and implementations are for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the claims.
The various embodiments facilitate the acquisition of Wide Area Network (WAN) access information to support connections with a WAN by a wireless communication device, such as a User Equipment (UE), that enters the WAN from a Local Area Network (LAN) to which the device is or was connected. In various embodiments, the UE wireless communication device may request or otherwise obtain WAN access information, which may include information such as overhead information necessary for “acquiring” and establishing a connection with the WAN. Examples of WAN access information include a Master Information Block (MIB) or blocks, a System Information Bock (SIB) or blocks, and overhead information (OVHD). The WAN access information may be obtained when it is detected that the wireless communication device is leaving the LAN and entering the WAN. Detection that the wireless communication device is leaving the LAN and the WAN may occur automatically when the wireless communication device detects that the signal strength associated with the LAN signal is reducing. The conditions normally associated with re-energizing the WAN RF module may also be used to obtain the WAN access information. The WAN access information may be obtained before the LAN RF module is shut down or the LAN signal is lost. The wireless communication device may further receive input from a user of the wireless communication device indicating that the user intends to enter (or re-enter) the WAN and leave the LAN.
In other embodiments, a LAN access point may detect when the strength of wireless signals from the wireless communication device is degrading, indicating that the wireless communication device may be leaving the range of the LAN. Upon detecting that the wireless communication device may be leaving the LAN, the LAN access point may automatically provide the WAN access information to the wireless communication device. The LAN access point may provide recent WAN access information from a LAN accessible storage device. The recent WAN access information may be received and stored by the LAN access point from wireless communication devices that enter the LAN. For example, as wireless communication devices enter the LAN over time, the WAN access information may be received by the LAN access point from these wireless communication devices.
The LAN access point may automatically store the WAN access information for the wireless communication device that enters the LAN most recently. Alternatively, the LAN may determine whether recently received WAN access information represents a change of WAN access information. For example, if the WAN access information received from the wireless communication device that most recently entered the LAN differs from WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database, the LAN access point may overwrite the WAN access information with the most recently received information. In some embodiments, the LAN may provide or “push” the most recent information as an update to one or more wireless communication devices within the LAN when the WAN access information changes. Alternatively, recent WAN access information may be provided to one or more wireless communication devices when the wireless communication device or wireless communication devices leave the LAN.
In various embodiments, the WAN access information may be stored in a LAN/IoT-accessible database (i.e., a database maintained in a computing device within the LAN that is accessible via the LAN or an IoT network), a cloud-based database, or another database maintained in a network-accessible storage device, such as a cloud storage device. The database and/or storage device may be accessible via the LAN, such as through a node or an access point for the LAN, and wireless communication devices within the LAN may access the storage device. The LAN/IoT-accessible database may store the latest WAN/cellular network access information. The latest information may be obtained by wireless communication devices leaving the LAN in order to acquire or reacquire WAN/cellular network service. The database may be updated by wireless communication devices reporting their WAN/cellular network access/overhead information as they enter the LAN. The reporting of WAN/Cellular access information may be accomplished as part of a process of registering with the LAN, receiving the access information and storing/updating the database with the access information. A LAN component that has access to the database, such as a LAN node, a LAN server, and/or LAN access point, receives the WAN/cellular network access information from each arriving wireless communication device. The LAN node, access point, or other component may determine whether the information has changed by comparing the received WAN access information with previously stored WAN access information. If the received WAN access information differs from the WAN access information saved in the database, the database may be updated. The wireless communication devices in the LAN may be notified that the database has been updated. The notification may enable the wireless communication devices to obtain the updated information when necessary (e.g., when leaving the LAN and re-entering the WAN). Alternatively or in addition, the notification may include the updated information. The updated information can then be used by wireless communication devices when leaving the LAN and re-entering the WAN/cellular network for expediting reacquisition, thereby saving power and improving the user experience.
In the various embodiments, the LAN/IoT-accessible database may be indexed by radio access technology (RAT) and service provider, which may be collectively referred to herein as the “WAN system.” The access information stored in the database may include overhead information that is relevant for the particular system so that wireless communication devices may obtain WAN/cellular network access/overhead information that is relevant to their RAT and provider. Further, when the database is updated for a particular WAN system (e.g., RAT and provider), those wireless communication devices configured to use that system (e.g., those wireless communication devices reporting access information for that WAN system upon entering the LAN) may be notified of the updates.
More specifically, when a UE wireless communication device enters the LAN, it may register with the LAN or the LAN/IoT-accessible database. The wireless communication devices, (UE1. . . n) may register their radio access technology (RAT), examples of which include LTE, CDMA, WCDMA, and GSM. The wireless communication devices may also register their service provider (SP) information, examples of which include Verizon and AT&T. The wireless communication devices may transmit to the LAN/IoT-accessible database the latest WAN/cellular network access/overhead information (e.g., MIB, SIB, OVHD, for LTE systems).
As discussed above, the WAN access information may be updated in the database as wireless communication devices join and registered with the LAN, and the wireless communication devices in the LAN may receive a notice that the database has been updated for its RAT and SP. When a wireless communication device leaves the LAN, if it had received a notice that the database had been updated it may access the database to obtain the information needed to reacquire the WAN/cellular network for the specific SP/RAT for the wireless communication device. If it does not receive a notice that the database has been updated, the wireless communication device may use the WAN/cellular network access information stored in its local memory or cache. Alternatively, rather than accessing the database of WAN access information upon leaving the LAN, wireless communication devices may access the database to obtain updated information in response to being notified of a database update. Further, in lieu of a notification or in addition to a notification, a wireless communication device such as an access point or controller may “push” the updated WAN access information to the wireless communication devices whenever an update has been received.
In some embodiments, the UE wireless communication devices may access the database via the LAN to acquire the updated WAN/cellular data network access/overhead information in response to receiving an update notification. The UE wireless communication devices may store the updated WAN/cellular data network access/overhead information in wireless communication device memory for use when leaving the LAN and accessing the cellular data network.
As used herein the term “LAN” may refer to a technology or group of technologies, protocols, physical connections, and other mechanisms that enable communications between wireless communication devices in a network environment.
As used herein, the term “range” “maximum range,” “adjusted range” may all refer to an approximate distance over which radio signals may be transmitted, or received. The range of a transmitter may be dependent on various environmental conditions existing in the radio environment. Therefore, while the term “range” and its analogs may be used herein in connection with distance, transmit power, and received power, the term range may not be susceptible to exact measurement. Therefore, range may refer to an average distance over which radio signals may be transmitted, or received by wireless communication devices in the radio environment.
The various embodiments may be implemented using a variety of wireless communication devices and wireless communication device configurations in a radio environment, such as wireless communication devices. The wireless communication devices may be smartphones, tablets, smart appliances, retail hot spots, etc. In the examples described herein, smartphones are used for illustrative purposes. However, other wireless communication devices may be used in the various embodiments.
A communication environment 100 including a local area network (LAN) 111 and a wide area network (WAN) 161 is illustrated in
After a period of time, the wireless communication device 120 may re-enter the WAN 161. For example, the UE wireless communication device 120 may move out of range of the LAN 111. The UE wireless communication device 120 may re-energize the WAN radio module when a degradation of the LAN signal is detected. In other embodiments, the user of the UE wireless communication device 120 may manually configure the UE wireless communication device 120 to re-enable or re-energize the WAN radio module when the user intends to leave the LAN 111. The UE wireless communication device 120 begins to receive signals including information such as overhead information 133 from the WAN 161. The UE wireless communication device 120 may receive the overhead information 133 from a dedicated channel associated with the radio access technology of the WAN 161 without actually establishing a user connection with the WAN 161.
The reception of the overhead information 133 may enable the UE wireless communication device 120 to conduct a reacquisition procedure 130. The reacquisition procedure 130 may involve identifying channels and information blocks and other information from the overhead information 133 for establishing a connection with the WAN 161. The reacquisition procedure 130 may involve a reacquisition latency period 131. The reacquisition latency period 131 may be long enough to disadvantageously impact an existing session, such as a data or voice session that was established while the UE wireless communication device 120 was connected to the LAN 111. The reacquisition latency period 131 may therefore adversely impact a user experience for the user of the UE wireless communication device 120 and possibly other parties with whom the user is interacting. When the reacquisition period 131 is completed, the UE wireless communication device 120 will have a connection 121 with the WAN 161 and bidirectional communication 123 may be conducted.
In the various embodiments, the reacquisition latency 131 may be reduced or eliminated by the storage and retrieval of WAN access information from a LAN/IoT-accessible data storage mechanism as illustrated in
In the various embodiments, the LAN 211, including the access wireless communication device 210, or the wireless communication devices within the LAN 211, may be capable of communicating with a server 230. The server 230 may be coupled to a storage device 231. Alternatively or additionally, the server 230 may be coupled to other wireless communication devices through a connection, such as an Internet or network connection to a cloud 205. The server 230 may be connected through the cloud 204 to wireless communication devices, such as a server 237, which may be coupled to a storage device 238, and a storage device 239. In various embodiments, the storage device 231 may also be a “cloud” storage device. One of skill in the art will appreciate that reference to “cloud storage” generally refers to wireless communication devices, services, and other capabilities whose location can be flexible, scalable, shared, changeable, distributed, relocatable and so on. Accordingly, reference is made herein to a LAN accessible storage device or database, which can be located locally or externally, or a combination of locally and externally, including “in the cloud.”
In the various embodiments, the server 230 may have access to a database 235, which may be located on one or a combination of the storage devices 231, 238, 239 or other storage elements accessible to the server 230. Regardless of the physical location, the database 235 may be accessible to the LAN 211, such as any of the components of the LAN or, in some cases, the UE wireless communication devices as well. The database 235 may be configured to store WAN access information, such as a System ID entry 236a and a System Info entry 236b. The System ID entry 236a and the System Info entry 236b may represent stored entries of WAN access information for UE wireless communication devices that enter the LAN 251 from a WAN, such as the WAN 251. In the illustrated state, the UE wireless communication devices UE1 220 and UE2 240 are located within the WAN 251 and not within the LAN 211. Therefore, in an initial state presented for illustrative purposes, the System ID entry 236a and the System Info entry 236b are both empty.
With reference to
With reference to
With reference to
The storage of WAN access information facilitates the rapid and efficient reacquisition of a WAN by a mobility UE wireless communication device when re-entering a WAN from a LAN. As illustrated in
In various embodiments, the LAN 211 may determine whether access information has changed and may provide or “push” the updated WAN access information to some or all wireless communication devices within the LAN 211. The UE wireless communication devices may store the updates to ensure that they have the most recent WAN access information in the event they re-enter the WAN. In some embodiments, the UE wireless communication devices may receive WAN access information for all of the WANs (e.g., all systems) that have entries. In other words, a UE wireless communication device may enter the LAN from one WAN and leave the LAN to enter a different WAN. In other embodiments, the LAN 211 may provide or “push” any WAN access information that is provided from wireless communication devices that enter the LAN 211. In such an example, the UE wireless communication devices may maintain the latest WAN access information. In some embodiments, the UE wireless communication devices may request updates of WAN access information from the database 235. The updates may be requested periodically, or may be requested when imminent WAN re-entry or a likelihood of imminent WAN reentry is detected. A combination of conditions for providing WAN access information, or other approaches are possible. For example, the server 230, server 207, database 235 may provide the WAN access information to the UE wireless communication device or wireless communication devices in response to a request received from a UE wireless communication device. Alternatively or in addition, the WAN access information may be provided to the UE wireless communication device or wireless communication devices based on a condition such as a signal level from a UE wireless communication device. Alternatively or in addition, the WAN access information may be provided to the UE wireless communication device or wireless communication devices periodically such as when the WAN access information is updated or according to a time period.
Aspects of the various embodiments may be further understood with reference to the message flows shown in
The server 330 may receive the WAN access information from the UE1 320 and provide the information to one or more storage devices 340, such as cloud storage devices that are accessible to the server 330, in a message 323. The message 323 may be a packet that is sent to the cloud storage device or wireless communication devices 340 using a network protocol. Alternatively, the message 323 may represent a system operation that “writes” the WAN access information or commands that the WAN access information be written to a storage address accessible to the server 330. The one or more storage devices 340 may be configured with a database to store the WAN access information. For example, the WAN access information may be indexed by RAT and service provider. In various examples, the same service provider may use the same RAT or different RATs within a particular WAN, different service providers may use the same RAT, and so on. The WAN access information may typically be unique for a given RAT/service provider pair, which may be referred to herein as a WAN “system.” The foregoing procedures may be generally associated with a time “t1” that refers to a general time when the UE1 320 enters or connects with the LAN server 330 and provides the WAN access information. When the UE1 320 has provided the WAN access information a network connection 331 may be established between the UE1 320 and the LAN or LAN server 330 and communication may be conducted within the LAN. The UE1 320 may disable a WAN radio module and terminate a radio connection 313 with the WAN infrastructure component 310.
Later another UE wireless communication device UE2 320, which may be in communication with one or more of the infrastructure components 310 may enter the LAN. In the present example the UE2 320 may be assumed to be from the same WAN, i.e., may use the same RAT/service provider pair as UE1 320. For example, the UE2 320, may have a connection 315 with one of the infrastructure components 310 of the same WAN system as UE1 320. The connection 315 may have been established and/or may be maintained based on WAN access information currently in use for the specific RAT and service provider for the WAN. The WAN access information may be the same information provided by UE1 320 or may be different WAN access information due to the changing WAN access conditions over time. The UE2 320 may come within range of the LAN that is coupled to the one or more servers 330. The UE2 320 may register or otherwise communicate information, including the WAN access information, to the LAN server 330 with a message 325. The message 325 may be associated with the establishment of the LAN connection with the UE2 320. As in the previous example, the format of the packet or message 325 may be according to a protocol for the LAN (e.g., P2P, IP, etc.) and may be a packet that identifies the UE2 320 to the LAN or LAN server 330 and contains the most recent WAN access information used during the connection 315. Alternatively, the message 325 may be a message containing the WAN access information that is sent after a connection between the UE2 320 and the LAN or LAN server 330 has been established.
The server 330 may receive the WAN access information from the UE2 320 and provide the information to one or more storage devices 340, such as cloud storage devices that are accessible to the server 330, in a message 327. The message 327 may be a packet that is sent to the cloud storage device or wireless communication devices 340 using a network protocol. Alternatively, the message 327 may represent a system operation that “writes” the WAN access information or commands that the WAN access information be written to a storage address accessible to the server 330. The one or more storage devices 340 may be configured with a database to store the WAN access information. As in the previous example, the WAN access information may be indexed by RAT and service provider. In the present example, the WAN access information provided by the UE2 320 is associated with the same system as the UE1 320. In other examples, the UE2 320 may be from a different system. In the various embodiments, the system associated with the WAN access information for the UE2 320 is the same system as the UE1 320. In such as case, the WAN access information provided by the UE2 320 may be simply written over the previous WAN access information provided by the UE1 320 at time t1. Overwriting the WAN access information in this manner may ensure that the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database reflects the most recent WAN access information. In other embodiments, the WAN access information provided by the UE2 320 may be compared against the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database to determine whether the information has changed before being stored. The foregoing procedures may be generally associated with a time “t2” that refers to a general time after t1 when the UE2 320 enters or connects with the LAN server 330 and provides its current WAN access information to the LAN server. As in the previous example, when the UE2 320 enters the LAN and provides the WAN access information, a network connection (not shown) may be established between the UE2 320 and the LAN or LAN server 330 to enable communications to be conducted within the LAN. The UE2 320 may disable a WAN radio module and terminate a radio connection 315 with the WAN infrastructure component 310. The above procedures may be repeated as new UE wireless communication devices 320 enter the LAN from the same or different WANs.
In the various embodiments, due to wireless communication device mobility, one or more of the UE wireless communication devices 320 may leave the LAN, such as the UE1 320. The impending departure of the UE1 320 from the LAN may be determined in various ways. For example, a user of the UE1 320 may interact with a user interface of the wireless communication device to reconnect with the WAN. In other embodiments, the UE1 320 may detect a degradation of a signal associated with the LAN and may automatically begin to reestablish a connection with the WAN. In other embodiments, a LAN component may detect a degradation of a signal from the UE1 320 that indicates that the UE1 320 may be leaving the LAN. In at least some of the above examples, when a probable departure from the LAN is detected or determined, the UE1 320 may send a request 329 to the LAN server 330 to obtain recent WAN access information, e.g. the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database. The LAN server 330 in response to the request may send a message 331 to one of the storage device 340 to obtain the WAN access information. The message 331 may be in the form of a command, a request, or other mechanism to cause a retrieval of the WAN access information from storage, such as retrieving the WAN access information from a database maintained on one or more of the cloud storage devices 340 that are accessible to the server 330. In response to the request, command or other mechanism, the storage device or wireless communication devices 340 may provide the most recently stored WAN access information (e.g., from UE2 320 at time t2). The server 330 may provide the WAN access information to the UE1 320 in a message 333. The UE1 320 may reacquire access to the WAN by using the provided WAN access information to communicate with one of the WAN infrastructure components 310, establish a WAN connection 317 and reenter the WAN. The UE1 320 may terminate the connection with the LAN.
Further embodiments are shown and described in connection with
In response to determining that the WAN access information provided by the UE2 320 differs (i.e., determination block 410=“Yes”), the processor associated with the database and/or data storage device 340 may be configured to provide the updated WAN access information in block 415. Providing the update may refer to the processor providing the updated WAN access information to the UE wireless communication devices within the LAN. For example, the processor may provide or “push” the updated WAN access information in a message 441 to the server 330. Alternatively or additionally, providing an update may refer to the processor updating the information in the database. The server 330 may provide or “push” the updated WAN access information to the UE wireless communication device 320, such as UE1, UE2, . . . , UEN, in one or more messages 431.
In further embodiments, as illustrated in
In response to determining that the WAN access information provided by the UE2 320 differs (i.e., determination block 430=“Yes”), the processor associated with the server 330 may be configured to provide the updated WAN access information in block 435. The server processor may further send the updated WAN access information to the data storage device 340 (e.g., database) in a message 437. Providing the update may refer to the sever processor providing the updated WAN access information to the UE wireless communication devices within the LAN. For example, the server processor may provide or “push” the updated WAN access information to the UE wireless communication device 320, such as UE1, UE2, . . . , UEN, in one or more messages 439.
An embodiment method 500 for maintaining WAN access information in a LAN accessible data storage device for facilitating WAN reacquisition by UE wireless communication device that reenter a WAN from a LAN is illustrated in
In block 503, a wireless communication device processor may provide WAN access information to the LAN. For example, in some embodiments, the wireless communication device processor may establish communication and register with the LAN. LAN registration may include providing authentication credentials or LAN other access information. As part of the LAN registration, the wireless communication device processor may provide the WAN access information, which may have been stored by the processor in a memory associated with the UE wireless communication device. In other embodiments, the wireless communication device processor may provide the WAN access information in a communication that occurs after LAN registration.
In block 505, the wireless communication device processor may disable the radio module associated with WAN communication, while maintaining radio communication with the LAN. The wireless communication device processor may advantageously disable or de-energize the WAN radio module in order to conserve battery power and/or to reduce costs associated with maintaining a data connection through the WAN. When the WAN radio module is disabled or de-energized, the wireless communication device processor may no longer receive communication from the WAN, which would ordinarily provide the processor with updates to the WAN access information. Thus, any updates to the WAN access information that occur after the WAN radio is disabled, would ordinarily prevent the wireless communication device from quickly reacquiring and/or camping on the WAN upon WAN reentry.
In block 507, the wireless communication device may begin to leave the LAN and re-enter the WAN. The wireless communication device processor may recognize this is happening by detecting that a signal strength of the LAN signal is degrading, which may indicate that the wireless communication device is leaving the coverage area of the LAN. In other embodiments, the wireless communication device processor may receive a communication from LAN component indicating that the LAN component has detected a degradation in the signal received by the LAN component from the wireless communication device.
In block 509, the wireless communication device processor may obtain the latest WAN access information from the LAN, such as from a LAN server/server processor. The WAN access information may be provided by the LAN server processor from a LAN accessible database or data storage element, such as a cloud storage device. For example, when the wireless communication device processor detects a degradation in the LAN signal, the processor may request and obtain the latest WAN access information from the LAN server/LAN accessible database. Alternatively, the LAN server may provide the latest WAN access information when a LAN component detects a degradation in the signal received from the wireless communication device.
In block 511, the wireless communication device may re-enter the WAN using the latest WAN access information obtained in block 509. For example, the wireless communication device processor may use the overhead information in the latest WAN access information to obtain master information blocks (MIB), system information blocks (SIB), or other overhead information that enables the wireless communication device to immediately acquire access to the WAN and reduce acquisition and/or camping latency.
An embodiment method 502 for obtaining the most recent WAN access information from a LAN accessible database is illustrated in
In block 523, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may provide WAN access information to the LAN. For example, in some embodiments, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may establish communication and register with the LAN, such as a LAN server. The LAN server may store the WAN access information provided from the processor of the wireless communication device UE1. LAN registration may include providing authentication credentials or other LAN access information. As part of the LAN registration, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may provide the WAN access information, which may have been stored by the wireless communication device processor in a memory associated with the UE1 wireless communication device while the wireless communication device was in communication with the WAN. In other embodiments, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may provide the WAN access information in a communication that occurs after LAN registration.
In block 525, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may disable the radio module associated with WAN communication, while maintaining radio communication with the LAN. The processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may advantageously disable or de-energize the WAN radio module in order to conserve battery power and/or to reduce costs associated with maintaining a data connection through the WAN. When the WAN radio module is disabled or de-energized, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may no longer receive communication from the WAN, which would ordinarily provide the wireless communication device processor with updates to the WAN access information. Thus, any updates to the WAN access information that occur after the WAN radio is disabled, would ordinarily prevent the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 from quickly reacquiring the WAN and/or quickly camping on the WAN upon WAN reentry.
In block 527, the wireless communication device processor of a UE wireless communication device (e.g., UE2) may detect that the wireless communication device UE2 has entered a LAN at a time t2. For example, as described above, as a result of mobility, the processor of the wireless communication device UE2 may begin to receive a signal from a LAN access wireless communication device, such as an access point that provides access by the wireless communication device processor to a server associated with the LAN. Alternatively or additionally, the wireless communication device processor may detect other wireless communication devices, such as wireless communication devices associated with a LAN, which may include a server. At time t2, the wireless communication devices UE1 and UE2 are in communication with the LAN.
In block 529, the processor of the wireless communication device UE2 may provide its WAN access information to the LAN server. The LAN server may store the WAN access information provided from the processor of the wireless communication device UE2. At time t2, the WAN access information may be different from the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database (e.g., from UE1), or the WAN access information may be the same. In some embodiments, the processor of the wireless communication device UE2 may establish communication and register with the LAN. LAN registration may include providing authentication credentials or other LAN access information. As part of the LAN registration, the processor of the wireless communication device UE2 may provide the latest or most recent WAN access information, which may have been stored by the wireless communication device processor in a memory associated with the UE2 wireless communication device. In other embodiments, the processor of the wireless communication device UE2 may provide the WAN access information in a communication that occurs after LAN registration.
In block 531, the processor of the wireless communication device UE2 may disable the radio module associated with WAN communication, while maintaining radio communication with the LAN. The processor of the wireless communication device UE2 may advantageously disable or de-energize the WAN radio module in order to conserve battery power and/or to reduce costs associated with maintaining a data connection through the WAN. When the WAN radio module is disabled or de-energized, the processor of the wireless communication device UE2 may no longer receive communication from the WAN, which would ordinarily provide the wireless communication device processor with updates to the WAN access information. Thus, any updates to the WAN access information that occur after the WAN radio is disabled, would ordinarily prevent the processor of the wireless communication device UE2 from quickly reacquiring and/or quickly camping on the WAN upon WAN reentry.
In block 533, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may begin to leave the LAN and re-enter the WAN. For example, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may detect that a signal strength of the LAN signal is degrading, which may indicate that the wireless communication device is leaving the coverage area of the LAN. In other embodiments, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may receive a communication from LAN component indicating that the LAN component has detected a degradation in the signal received by the LAN component from the wireless communication device UE1.
In block 535, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may obtain the latest WAN access information (e.g., UE2 WAN Access Information) from the LAN, such as from a LAN server/server processor. For example, when the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 detects a degradation in the LAN signal, the wireless communication device processor may request and obtain the latest WAN access information from the LAN server. The LAN server may obtain the latest WAN access information from a LAN accessible database maintained on a data storage device that may include a cloud storage device. Alternatively, the LAN server may obtain and provide the latest WAN access information when a LAN component detects a degradation in the signal received from the wireless communication device UE1. After time t2, the latest WAN access information may be the information provided by the processor of the wireless communication device UE2 when the wireless communication device UE2 entered the LAN.
In block 537, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may re-enter the WAN using the latest WAN access information obtained in block 535 (e.g., UE2 WAN access information). For example, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 may use the overhead information in the latest WAN access information to obtain master information blocks (MIB), system information blocks (SIB), or other overhead information that enables the wireless communication device processor to immediately acquire access to the WAN and reduce acquisition latency.
A further embodiment method 504 for obtaining updates of WAN access information is illustrated in
In block 543, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may provide WAN access information for the SYSx WAN to the LAN. For example, in some embodiments, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may establish communication and register with the LAN, such as a LAN server. The LAN server may store the SYSx WAN access information provided from processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx. The WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database may be indexed by the system ID (e.g., SYSx). LAN registration may include providing authentication credentials or other LAN access information. As part of the LAN registration, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may provide the SYSx WAN access information, which may have been stored by the processor in a memory associated with the UE1 SYSx wireless communication device while the wireless communication device was in communication with the SYSx WAN. In other embodiments, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may provide the SYSx WAN access information in a communication that occurs after LAN registration.
In block 545, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may disable the radio module associated with SYSx WAN communication, while maintaining radio communication with the LAN. In a multi-system wireless communication device, radio communication with WANs other than the SYSx WAN may or may not be maintained. The processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may advantageously disable or de-energize the SYSx WAN radio module in order to conserve battery power and/or to reduce costs associated with maintaining a data connection through the SYSx WAN. When the SYSx WAN radio module is disabled or de-energized, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may no longer receive communication from the SYSx WAN, which would ordinarily provide the wireless communication device processor with updates to the SYSx WAN access information. Thus, any updates to the SYSx WAN access information that occur after the SYSx WAN radio is disabled, would ordinarily prevent the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx from quickly reacquiring and/or quickly camping on the SYSx WAN upon reentry.
In optional block 547, the processor of additional UE wireless communication devices may detect that the respective wireless communication device or wireless communication devices have entered a LAN/IoT. The additional UE wireless communication devices may be from the same or different WAN system as the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx. The additional UE wireless communication devices provide their WAN access information for their respective systems as they enter the LAN in a manner similar to that described in connection with block 543. The LAN server may store the WAN access information provided from processors of the additional wireless communication devices.
In block 549, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may begin to leave the LAN and re-enter the SYSx WAN. For example, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may detect that a signal strength of the LAN signal is degrading, which may indicate that the wireless communication device is leaving the coverage area of the LAN. In other embodiments, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may receive a communication from LAN component indicating that the LAN component has detected a degradation in the signal received by the LAN component from the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx.
In block 551, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may optionally request updated access information for the SYSx WAN. In some embodiments, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may request updated SYSx WAN access information when leaving the LAN. Alternatively or additionally, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may request that updates to SYSx WAN access information be automatically provided when available, such as by a LAN server in communication with a LAN accessible database where access information for various WAN systems may be stored.
In determination block 553, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx in communication with a LAN component, such as a LAN server processor or a processor associated with a database maintained on a LAN server accessible data storage device (e.g., cloud storage), may determine whether updates to the SYSx WAN access information are available. In response to determining that updates to the SYSx WAN access information are available (i.e., determination block 553=“Yes”), the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may obtain the SYSx WAN access information from the LAN server processor and/or database processor in block 555. The processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may re-enter the SYSx WAN using the updated SYSx WAN access information in block 557. In response to determining that updates to the SYSx WAN access information are not available (i.e., determination block 553=“No”), the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may use the SYSx WAN access information from the previous communication with the SYSx WAN or may reacquire the SYSx WAN in block 559. The processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may reenter the SYSx WAN with the previous access information or the acquired access information. However, an acquisition latency may be experienced.
A further embodiment method 506 for sending subscription messages by a UE device to receive a notification of updates of WAN access information is illustrated in
In block 565, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may send a subscription message (e.g., request, command, etc.) to the LAN indicating that the device wants to receive a notification of updates to the WAN access information for the SYSx WAN. In some embodiments, the notification message may contain the updated WAN access information. In other embodiments, the notification may indicate that the updated information is available, such as in the LAN accessible database.
In block 567, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may receive a notification of an update to the WAN access information for the SYSx WAN. For example, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may receive a message, or other communication from a device within the LAN, such as a LAN access point, the LAN accessible database, a LAN server or other device that is in communication with or capable of forwarding a communication to the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx.
In block 568, in response to receiving the notification message, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may retrieve the updated WAN access information for the SYSx WAN, such as from the LAN accessible database, or a device connected to the LAN accessible database (e.g., LAN access point, LAN server, etc.). In other embodiments, the notification message may contain the updated WAN access information for the SYSx WAN.
In block 569, the processor of the wireless communication device UE1 SYSx may begin to leave the LAN and may re-enter the SYSx WAN using the updated SYSx WAN access information. As described, by using the updated WAN access information when re-entering the WAN, a device may reduce the access latency, and possibly other latencies, associated with acquiring overhead information from a WAN infrastructure component.
A further embodiment method 600 for a LAN server to maintain a LAN accessible database of WAN access information is illustrated in
In block 603, the server processor may receive WAN access information associated with the UE or UEs that are entering the LAN from one or more WANs. For example, one or more UEs may enter the LAN from the same or different WANs, such as WANs associated with the same or different RATs and/or service providers (e.g., “systems”).
In an optional embodiment, in block 605, the server processor may receive the WAN access information directly from the WAN, such as through a WAN infrastructure component (e.g., eNodeB, network management server, etc.). The WAN access information may be received through communication between the WAN infrastructure component and the server processor. The communication may be conducted through a network or backhaul link, or through a wireless link between the LAN server or LAN component and the WAN infrastructure component.
In block 607, the server processor may store the received WAN access information in a LAN accessible database. For example, the server processor may be coupled to a storage device, such as a cloud storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the server processor may have a local storage device, however such a wireless communication device may nevertheless be considered a “cloud storage device” in at least some embodiments. A database of WAN access information may be maintained on the LAN accessible cloud storage device such that WAN access information may be provided to wireless communication devices that leave the LAN and reenter the WAN as described herein.
In determination block 609, the server processor may determine whether a UE is leaving the LAN. For example, the server processor may be configured to obtain information related to the signal level of the UEs within the LAN. In some cases, the signal level associated with one (or more) of the UEs may drop indicating a probability that the UE is leaving the LAN. In response to determining that a UE is not leaving the LAN (i.e., determination block 609=“No”), the server processor may continue to perform the operations of blocks 601 through 607 for additional UEs that enter the LAN. In response to, or as part of determining that a UE is leaving the LAN (i.e., determination block 609=“Yes”), the server processor may detect the particular UE that is leaving the LAN (e.g., UEn) in block 611. Identification by the server processor of the wireless communication device leaving the LAN may be important in order to determine the WAN system to which the wireless communication device may be entering in order to look up the most recent WAN access information relevant to the WAN system for the identified wireless communication device.
In block 615, the server processor may retrieve the latest WAN access information from the LAN accessible database. For example, the server processor may send a message, command, or other communication, to a cloud storage device to obtain the latest WAN access information for the WAN system relevant to the wireless communication device UEn. In some embodiments, the latest WAN access information may be assumed to be the most recent access information regardless of whether the information has been updated. In other embodiments, the server processor may refrain from accessing cloud storage in the event the server processor is aware that no updates have occurred to the WAN access information, at least for the particular system relevant to UEn.
In block 617, the server processor may provide the obtained latest WAN access information to the UEn. For example, the server processor may retrieve and provide the WAN access information in response to the optional request in block 613, or in response to detecting that the UEn is leaving the LAN or in response to a combination of conditions. The server processor may provide the WAN access information to the UEn before the UEn has left the range of the LAN.
In block 619, the UEn may enter the WAN using the latest WAN access information provided by the server processor. The UEn may terminate the connection with the server processor or the connection may naturally terminate when the UEn leaves the range of the LAN.
A further embodiment method 602 for a LAN server to maintain a LAN accessible database of WAN access information and provide updates is illustrated in
In block 625, the server processor may receive WAN access information associated with the wireless communication device UE1 that enters the LAN from a WAN. For example, the wireless communication device UE1 may enter the LAN from a WAN associated with a particular RAT and/or service providers (e.g., “system”).
In block 627, the server processor may store the WAN access information received from the wireless communication device UE1 in a LAN accessible database. For example, the server processor may be coupled to a storage device, such as a cloud storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the server processor may have a local storage device. However, such a wireless communication device may nevertheless be considered a “cloud storage device” in at least some embodiments. A database of WAN access information may be maintained on the LAN accessible cloud storage device such that WAN access information may be provided to wireless communication devices that leave the LAN and reenter the WAN as described herein.
In block 629, the server processor may connect with the next UE that attempts to enter the LAN (e.g., UENEXT) from a WAN. For example, a LAN access point or other LAN component may provide a signal that is received by the wireless communication device UENEXT when the wireless communication device UENEXT is within range of the LAN component. The wireless communication device UENEXT may respond with registration information including authentication credentials that allow a connection to be established with the LAN server.
In block 631, the server processor may receive WAN access information associated with the wireless communication device UENEXT that enters the LAN from a WAN. For example, the wireless communication device UENEXT may enter the LAN from a WAN associated with the same particular RAT and/or service providers (e.g., “system”) from which the wireless communication device UE1 entered the LAN. In other embodiments, the wireless communication device UENEXT may enter the LAN from a WAN associated with a different RAN and/or service provider and therefore may be associated with a different system.
In determination block 633, the server processor may determine whether the WAN access information for the wireless communication device UENEXT differs from relevant stored WAN access information for the system of UENEXT (e.g., stored UE1 WAN access information). In response to determining that the WAN access information of UENEXT is not different from the stored information (i.e., determination block 633=“No”), the server processor may continue to connect with subsequent UE wireless communication devices that enter the LAN in block 629. In other words, in various embodiments, the server processor may not store the WAN access information from the wireless communication device UENEXT. In other embodiments, the server processor may simply store WAN access information from all UEs that enter the LAN in order to ensure that the latest WAN access information is maintained by the LAN accessible database. In response to determining that the WAN access information of UENEXT differs from the stored information (i.e., determination block 633=“Yes”), the server processor may store the WAN access information from UENEXT in the LAN accessible database in block 635.
In block 637, having determined that the WAN access information from UENEXT differs from the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database, the server processor may provide the WAN access information from UENEXT to all UEs that are within the LAN. Alternatively, the server processor may determine which UEs are using the WAN system associated with the WAN access information from UENEXT and provide the information only to those UEs that are using the same WAN system. However, it will be appreciated that at least some of the UEs may be configured to use more than one WAN system and therefore have the option to use WAN access information from another WAN system different from the WAN system from which they entered the LAN. Thus in some embodiments, UEs may register all systems to which they have the capability of entering when joining the LAN. In other embodiments, a UE may obtain WAN access information from another UE, such as in a LAN-based wireless communication device-to-wireless communication device communication. In such a case, the server processor may provide WAN access information for all systems to all UEs.
A further embodiment method 604 for a LAN server to maintain a LAN accessible database of WAN access information, receive subscription messages and provide update notifications is illustrated in
In block 651, the server processor may receive the WAN access information and a subscription message from the UE1 entering the LAN. The subscription message may be a message or other communication received by the server processor from the UE1. Alternatively or additionally, the subscription message may be a setting or may be included in other configuration information received by the server processor in connection with the initial entry of the UE1 into the LAN (e.g., during device discovery, etc.). The subscription message may indicate to the server processor that the wireless communication device UE1 wants to receive a notification of an update or updates to the WAN access information, such as the WAN access information stored in the LAN accessible database.
In block 653, in response to storing WAN access information in the LAN accessible database (e.g., in block 635), the server processor may provide a notification of the update to all UE devices from which subscription messages were received. Alternatively or additionally, in block 655, the server processor may provide the updated WAN access information, e.g., the UENEXT WAN access information, from the LAN accessible database in the notification as an update/notification to all UE devices from which subscription messages were received. In some embodiments, the operations in block 653 may be optional. For example, the server processor may be configured to provide the WAN access information with or as the notification in block 655, in which case a notification that does not contain the WAN access information may not be required.
The various aspects, such as performing the operations shown and described in connection with at least
The touch screen controller 704 and the processor 702 may also be coupled to a touch screen panel 712, such as a resistive-sensing touch screen, capacitive-sensing touch screen, infrared sensing touch screen, etc. Additionally, the display of the mobile computing wireless communication device 700 need not have touch screen capability. The mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may have one or more radio signal transceivers 708 (e.g., Peanut, Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, RF radio, etc.) and antennae 710, for sending and receiving communications, coupled to each other and/or to the processor 702. The transceivers 708 and antennae 710 may be used with the above-mentioned circuitry to implement the various wireless transmission protocol stacks and interfaces. The mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may include a cellular network wireless modem chip 716 that enables communication via a cellular network and is coupled to the processor.
The mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may include a peripheral wireless communication device connection interface 718 coupled to the processor 702. The peripheral wireless communication device connection interface 718 may be singularly configured to accept one type of connection, or may be configured to accept various types of physical and communication connections, common or proprietary, such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, or PCIe. The peripheral wireless communication device connection interface 718 may also be coupled to a similarly configured peripheral wireless communication device connection port (not shown).
In some embodiments, the mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may include microphones 715. For example, the mobile computing wireless communication device may have a conventional microphone 715a for receiving voice or other audio frequency energy from a user during a call. The mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may further be configured with additional microphones 715b and 715c, which may be configured to receive audio including ultrasound signals. Alternatively, all microphones 715a, 715b, and 715c may be configured to receive ultrasound signals. The microphones 715 may be piezo-electric transducers, or other conventional microphone elements. Because more than one microphone 715 may be used, relative location information may be received in connection with a received ultrasound signal through various triangulation methods. At least two microphones 715 configured to receive ultrasound signals may be used to generate position information for an emitter of ultrasound energy.
The mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may also include speakers 714 for providing audio outputs. The mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may also include a housing 720, constructed of a plastic, metal, or a combination of materials, for containing all or some of the components discussed herein. The mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may include a power source 722 coupled to the processor 702, such as a disposable or rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery may also be coupled to the peripheral wireless communication device connection port to receive a charging current from a source external to the mobile computing wireless communication device 700. The mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may also include a physical button 724 for receiving user inputs. The mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may also include a power button 726 for turning the mobile computing wireless communication device 700 on and off.
In some embodiments, the mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may further include an accelerometer 728, which senses movement, vibration, and other aspects of the wireless communication device through the ability to detect multi-directional values of and changes in acceleration. In the various embodiments, the accelerometer 728 may be used to determine the x, y, and z positions of the mobile computing wireless communication device 700. Using the information from the accelerometer, a pointing direction of the mobile computing wireless communication device 700 may be detected.
The various embodiments, such as performing the operations shown and described in connection with at least
For example, the tablet mobile computing wireless communication device 800 may have a conventional microphone 823a for receiving voice or other audio frequency energy from a user during a call or other voice frequency activity. The tablet mobile computing wireless communication device 800 may further be configured with additional microphones 823b and 823c, which may be configured to receive audio including ultrasound signals. Alternatively, all microphones 823a, 823b, and 823c may be configured to receive ultrasound signals. The microphones 823 may be piezo-electric transducers, or other conventional microphone elements. Because more than one microphone 823 may be used, relative location information may be received in connection with a received ultrasound signal through various methods such as time of flight measurement, triangulation, and similar methods. At least two microphones 823 that are configured to receive ultrasound signals may be used to generate position information for an emitter of ultrasound energy.
Also in some embodiments, the tablet mobile computing wireless communication device 800 may further include an accelerometer 824 that senses movement, vibration, and other aspects of the tablet mobile computing wireless communication device 800 through the ability to detect multi-directional values of and changes in acceleration. In the various embodiments, the accelerometer 824 may be used to determine the x, y, and z positions of the tablet mobile computing wireless communication device 800. Using the information from the accelerometer 824, a pointing direction of the tablet mobile computing wireless communication device 800 may be detected.
The various embodiments may also be implemented on any of a variety of commercially available servers configured with server-executable instructions to perform the embodiment methods, such as the server 900 illustrated in
The processors 702, 801, and 901 may be any programmable microprocessor, microcomputer or multiple processor chip or chips that can be configured by software instructions (applications) to perform a variety of functions, including the functions of the various embodiments described above. The various operations may be configured to improve the operation of the computer on which they are performed. In some mobile wireless communication devices, multiple processors may be provided, such as one processor dedicated to wireless communication functions and one processor dedicated to running other applications. Typically, software applications may be stored in the internal memory 704, 710, 812, 813, 902, and 903 before they are accessed and loaded into the processors 702, 811, and 901. The processors 702, 811, and 901 may include internal memory sufficient to store the application software instructions. The internal memory may be a volatile or nonvolatile memory, such as flash memory, or a mixture of both. For the purposes of this description, a general reference to memory refers to memory accessible by the processors 702, 811, and 901 including internal memory or removable memory plugged into the server or computing wireless communication device and memory within the server or computing wireless communication device 702, 811, and 901.
The foregoing method descriptions and the process flow diagrams are provided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed in the order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art the order of steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as “thereafter,” “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the methods. Further, any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an” or “the” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.
The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.
The hardware used to implement the various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic wireless communication device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine A processor may also be implemented as a combination of receiver smart objects, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Alternatively, some steps or methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function.
In one or more exemplary aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or non-transitory processor-readable storage medium. The steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be embodied in a processor-executable software module, which may reside on a non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. Non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage media may be any storage media that may be accessed by a computer or a processor. By way of example but not limitation, such non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage smart objects, or any other medium that may be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of non-transitory computer-readable and processor-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium and/or computer-readable storage medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.
The preceding description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
