CN1669014B

CN1669014B - The functional network system that helps access to obtain on one or more networks

Info

Publication number: CN1669014B
Application number: CN02823091.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·穆利甘; P·奈卡宁; J·托伊亚拉
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2001-11-20
Filing date: 2002-10-30
Publication date: 2016-05-04
Anticipated expiration: 2022-10-30
Also published as: WO2003044615A2; CN1669014A; AU2002347415A1; AU2002347415A8; EP1454209A4; WO2003044615A3; EP1454209A2

Abstract

A kind of system and method that is used to network application to provide the services functionality to obtaining via one or more networks or the network terminal to conduct interviews is provided. Described method be included in one or more network infrastructures and the service provision architecture of working on described network infrastructure between at least one network services broker is provided in logic. The loose couplings interface of described network services broker is appeared to described service provision architecture. By described loosely-coupled network services broker interface, the access of the value-added service by network application to network infrastructure inside becomes more convenient.

Description

The functional network system that helps access to obtain on one or more networks

The cross reference of related application

This submitted to November 20 calendar year 2001 to USPO, title is the application the 09/996th of " WebServicesPushGateway ", the part continuity of No. 406, and it is transferred to the application's assignee, and its content is incorporated herein for reference.

Technical field

The present invention relates to network communicating system in general, more specifically, relates to the system and method that a kind of services functionality of being convenient to obtaining conducts interviews on wired and/or wireless network.

Background technology

The modern communications epoch have caused wired and great development wireless network. Computer network, TV network and telephone communication network are just experiencing a kind of unprecedented technical development being advanced by consumer demand. Wireless and mobile network's technology has been devoted to relevant consumer demand, the more flexibilities and the agility that provide information to transmit simultaneously.

The present and the future's network technology continues to be convenient to make information transmission to become easily, and more convenient for user. Rapid expansion this locality, global network region and such as internet provides the ocean of an information for society. These network technologies are growing for comprising wireless and mobile technology. Via these networks, information can be downloaded to desktop system, wireless system, mobile system etc. For example, the information that can obtain via internet can be downloaded on mobile radio unit now, for example cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), laptop computer etc. A kind of such internet content technology of round-trip transmission between wireless device of being convenient to is WAP (WAP), and it integrates internet and other networks and wireless network platform. In general, WAP be one group for characteristic and functional agreement of Internet Standard and wireless service both criteria are described. It and wireless network standards have nothing to do, and as a kind of open standard design. WAP gets up the gap bridge joint between wired Internet example and wireless domains, to allow two kinds of platforms of wireless device users leap to enjoy the benefit of internet.

The second generation wireless service that is usually called as 2G wireless service is a kind of current wireless service based on circuit-switched technology. 2G system-for example global system for mobile communications (GSM) in order to improve quality and service widely on first generation mobile technology, has been used digital radio power technology with PCS (PCS). 3G or the title third generation relate to set of number technology, and these digital technologies are expected by adopt new packet-based transmission method between terminal and network, aspect capacity, speed and efficiency, made improvements. The user of 3G equipment and network can access multimedia service, for example video request program, video conference, quick web access and file transfer. Existing and service in the future by and be also to provide by network service operator by continuing in the future, they provide service and application by network to mobile device user.

These service/application that the webserver holds usually need some specific information, so that user can correctly use described application. For example, user may need authorized this application of use, and/or user may need for using this application to be collected the charges. Further, application may need to understand terminal use's whereabouts, especially in the case of the wireless terminal that can roam to another position from a position. These and other " increment " function has usually been served by obtainable other on network cooperation.

But establishment can be accessed the value-added service provision architecture technical scheme that can obtain in network infrastructure and be had an intrinsic difficult problem. Due to a large amount of standards in network components, technology and distributors's dedicated functionality, it is pretty troublesome accessing the functional of wireless (or wired) network. Along with " polymerization ", this environment is further complicated. Service provision architecture (SPI) may for example ad hoc not create for cellular network, and may be a kind of technical scheme in web territory. In the case, must in SPI technical scheme, drop into sizable investment, guarantee it can with each network interface so that access carrys out the increment of automatic network. This brings a problem: distributors's (, application server) of SPI technical scheme need to consider the difference in network system, and from the difference in the technical scheme of multiple network components distributors.

Therefore, in network service industry, there is a kind of needs: simplify functional access that can obtain from network, and no matter be fixed network or wireless network, comprise mobile network, WLAN etc. The invention solves these and other deficiency of the prior art, and many prior art systems and methodological beneficial effects of being better than are provided.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a kind of for help to access the system and method for the services functionality that can obtain on wired and/or wireless network.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of functional network system that helps access to obtain on one or more networks, having comprised: one or more terminals that can operate in network; Comprise the network infrastructure of one or more network systems; In application service provision architecture internal work, that allow at least one network of one or more described terminals; And at least one network services broker, comprise the loose couplings interface being appeared to described service provision architecture, for value-added network service from one or more described terminals and network system intermediary to described service provision architecture.

Preferably, described loose couplings interface is loosely-coupled standard interface.

Preferably, described loosely-coupled standard interface defines with expandable mark language XML.

Preferably, described loose couplings interface comprises Web service interface.

Preferably, described loose couplings interface comprises the single loosely-coupled Web service interface being appeared to described service provision architecture.

Preferably, described network services broker comprises the intermediary device of at least one network coupling, for communicating by letter with one or more network componentses of described network infrastructure.

Preferably, described network services broker comprises the intermediary device of at least one terminal coupling, for one or more terminal communications.

Preferably, described network services broker comprises at least one hybrid network service broker, for communicating with one or more network componentses of described network infrastructure and with one or more terminals.

Preferably, described network services broker is the checking intermediary device of the service for checking credentials for accessing the application allowing for described network.

Preferably, described network services broker is the charge intermediary device of the use access charge/billing of services of the application for allowing in conjunction with described network.

Preferably, described network services broker is for access terminal location-based service to allow the position of terminal to offer the position intermediary device of the application of described network permission.

Preferably, described network services broker is for subscription information being stored into profile register and for examining end user's the content subscription intermediary device of reservation intention of described terminal.

Preferably, described network services broker be for accessing the service attended in case user's presence information is offered the permission of described network application attend intermediary device.

Preferably, described network services broker is for supplying intermediary device to the client of mobile terminal supply intermediary.

Preferably, described network services broker is the notice intermediary device for helping content to be pushed to terminal.

Preferably, described network services broker be for access end user's privacy information and for to other intermediary devices by the privacy intermediary device that provides which information to control to described service provision architecture.

Preferably, which information described privacy intermediary device other intermediary devices of parameter control based on being defined by the end user of described terminal will provide to described service provision architecture, wherein said parameter can be provided artificially by end user in requiring end user's privacy information, or automatically provides in by the predefined situation of end user in parameter.

According to another embodiment of the invention, providing a kind of can, via the method for the services functionality of one or more networks acquisitions, comprise: between the service provision architecture of working at one or more network infrastructures with on described network infrastructure, logically provide at least one network services broker for network application provides access; The loose couplings interface of described network services broker is appeared to described service provision architecture; And visit the value-added service of described network infrastructure inside via network application described in described loosely-coupled network services broker interface help, wherein, conduct interviews and comprise via described loosely-coupled network services broker interface help: loosely-coupled network services broker interface described in described service via can be obtained by described application with any in many services supply architecture technology.

Preferably, said method is further included between described network services broker and described network infrastructure and communicates, and no matter the technological disparity on the one or more different network components of described network infrastructure internal work.

Preferably, said method is further included between described network services broker and described network infrastructure and communicates, and no matter the technological disparity on one or more network infrastructures with different access methods.

Preferably, described one or more network infrastructures are realized multiple different network technology altogether, and wherein said network services broker adapts to the technique variation between described network technology and service provision architecture technology.

Preferably, the loose couplings interface of described network services broker is appeared to described service provision architecture and comprised: loosely-coupled Web service interface is appeared to described service provision architecture.

Preferably, said method further comprises with expandable mark language XML and defines described loose couplings interface.

Preferably, provide at least one network services broker to comprise: provide multiple network services brokers, and each in wherein said multiple network services broker to include and appeared to described service provision architecture, for the loose couplings interface communicating by letter each other.

Preferably, at least some in described multiple network services broker are communicated by letter mutually.

Preferably, described network infrastructure comprises at least one fixed network.

Preferably, described network infrastructure comprises at least one wireless network.

Preferably, said method further comprise described application according to network services broker set use described value-added service.

According to another embodiment of the invention, provide a kind of for network application provides the method for the services functionality that access can obtain via one or more networks, having comprised: between one or more terminals and the service provision architecture of working, logically provide at least one network services broker on network infrastructure; The loose couplings interface of described network services broker is appeared to described service provision architecture; And visit via network application described in described loosely-coupled network services broker interface help the value-added service being provided by described terminal at least in part, wherein, conduct interviews and comprise via described loosely-coupled network services broker interface help: loosely-coupled network services broker interface described in described service via can be obtained by described application with any in many services supply architecture technology.

Preferably, said method further comprises: send the terminal type of one or more described terminals to described network services broker, and via the loose couplings interface of described network services broker, described terminal type is offered to described service provision architecture.

Preferably, said method further comprises: under the guide of network application, configure one or more user terminals via the collaborative communication between user terminal and network services broker, wherein said configuration be in the case of with the protocol-independent being used by described user terminal realized.

According to another embodiment of the invention, providing a kind of can, via the method for the services functionality of one or more networks acquisitions, comprise: between the service provision architecture of working at one or more network infrastructures with on described network infrastructure and between one or more terminals and described service provision architecture, logically provide at least one hybrid network service broker for network application provides access; The loose couplings interface of described hybrid network service broker is appeared to described service provision architecture; And visit via one of described terminal and described network infrastructure or value-added service that both provide via network application described in described loosely-coupled hybrid network service broker interface help, wherein, conduct interviews and comprise via described loosely-coupled hybrid network service broker interface help: loosely-coupled hybrid network service broker interface described in described service via can be obtained by described application with any in many services supply architecture technology.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a kind of method that is subject to the obtainable services functionality of accesses network that provides access to roam therein via terminal use in the network application of service provision architecture internal work that is used to is provided, has comprised: to being subject to the network services broker of being accessed that accesses network is associated that use authority voucher is provided with described; Described in receiving in described service provision architecture, from the home network service intermediary device being associated with home network, accessed the address of network services broker, wherein said home network service intermediary device appears loose couplings interface to described service provision architecture, to help in communication each other; Described in being visited by the address of being accessed network services broker described in described service provision architecture use, accessed network services broker; And visit via service provision architecture described in described loose couplings interface help of being accessed network services broker can be from the services functionality that obtained by accesses network there, described loose couplings interface is appeared to described service provision architecture.

Preferably, provide described use authority voucher to comprise to the described network services broker of being accessed: the loose couplings interface via described home network service intermediary device provides described use authority voucher to described service provision architecture, and provide described use authority voucher via described loose couplings interface of being accessed network services broker to the described network services broker of being accessed subsequently.

Preferably, provide use authority voucher to comprise to the described network services broker of being accessed: described in described use authority voucher is directly provided to from home network service intermediary device, to be accessed network services broker.

Preferably, provide use authority voucher to comprise to the described network services broker of being accessed: if in described family with authorized by roaming between accesses network agreement to provide described use authority voucher to the described accesses network that is subject to, provide described use authority voucher to the described accesses network that is subject to.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a kind of method that is subject to the obtainable services functionality of accesses network that provides access to roam therein via terminal use in the network application of service provision architecture internal work that is used to is provided, wherein set up and roamed agreement between accesses network and described terminal use's home network described being subject to, described method comprises: described service provision architecture and and the home network service intermediary device that is associated of described home network between, communicate via the loose couplings interface being appeared to the described home network service intermediary device of described service provision architecture, and, described home network service intermediary device and and described being accessed between network services broker of being subject to that accesses network is associated communicate, wherein said home network service intermediary device can serve as agency while being subject to services functionality that accesses network obtains via described in access.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a kind of method that provides the obtainable services functionality of accesses network to having roamed therein via terminal use to conduct interviews in the network application of service provision architecture internal work that is used to is provided, wherein between accesses network and described service provision architecture, set up roaming agreement described being subject to, described method comprises:

Between the described described service provision architecture that is subject to accesses network and work on network infrastructure, logically provide and accessed network services broker; Described in accessed network services broker loose couplings interface appear to described service provision architecture; And visit via service provision architecture described in described loose couplings interface help of being accessed network services broker can be from the described services functionality that obtained by accesses network there, wherein, conduct interviews and comprise via described loosely-coupled network services broker interface help: loosely-coupled network services broker interface described in described service via can be obtained by described application with any in many services supply architecture technology.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a kind of network services broker that visits the services functionality that can obtain via one or more networks for helping service supply architecture is provided, and described network services broker comprises: for access the interface of described services functionality from network infrastructure; And appeared the loose couplings interface to described service provision architecture, wherein said loose couplings interface comprises: have interface expandable mark language XML pattern, based on Web service building on Web service platform, for appearing the services functionality that can obtain via described network.

According to one embodiment of present invention, provide a kind of network system, functional for what help access to obtain on one or more networks. This network system comprises that one or more terminals that can operate in network and one comprise the network infrastructure of one or more network systems. Network application is worked in the service provision architecture for terminal. At least one network services broker is provided, and it comprises the loose couplings interface appearing to service provision architecture, for value-added network service from terminal and/or network system intermediary to service provision architecture.

In embodiment more specifically, this loose couplings interface is a kind of standard interface, such as extend markup language (XML) interface, or is more specifically a kind of Web service interface. network services broker can be the intermediary device of network coupling, the intermediary device of terminal coupling, or may mix. network services broker can present various forms and function, include but not limited to: for accessing the checking intermediary device for the service for checking credentials of network application, for the charge intermediary device of the use access charge/billing of services in conjunction with network application, be used for access terminal location-based service to allow terminal location to offer the position intermediary device of network application, for subscription information being stored to profile register and examining the content subscription intermediary device of the end user's of this terminal reservation intention, attend service (presenceservice) to allow user's presence information to offer the intermediary device of attending of network application for access, the client who is used for the supply of intermediary's mobile terminal supplies intermediary device, for helping content to be advanced to the notice intermediary device of terminal, and for accessing the privacy intermediary device of end user's privacy information.

According to another embodiment of the invention, provide a kind of and provide the method for the services functionality that access can obtain via one or more networks for network application. Described method be included in one or more network infrastructures and the service provision architecture of working on described network infrastructure between the network services broker of at least one network coupling is provided in logic. The loose couplings interface of described network services broker is appeared to described service provision architecture. By described LCN service broker interface, the access of the value-added service by network application to network infrastructure inside becomes more convenient.

According to another embodiment of the invention, providing a kind of is used to network application to provide access via the method for the services functionality of one or more networks acquisitions, wherein to provide a kind of network services broker of terminal coupling. The network services broker of described terminal coupling is in logic between one or more terminals and the service provision architecture of working on network infrastructure. The loose couplings interface of this network services broker is appeared to described service provision architecture, and the access of the value-added service being provided by described terminal at least partly being carried out by network application appears to described service provision architecture via described loosely-coupled network services broker interface. According to another embodiment of the invention, described network services broker is mixing of the network services broker that is coupled with terminal of network coupling, so that via described loose couplings interface, by network application, the access of carrying out via one of described terminal and described network infrastructure or value-added service that both provide is become to more convenient.

Described network services broker of the present invention is also useful under the context environmental of mobile terminal roaming. According to another embodiment of the invention, provide a kind of method, be used in the network application of service provision architecture internal work the access to carrying out via the services functionality that is subject to accesses network acquisition of roaming therein of terminal use is provided. Described method comprises to providing use authority voucher with being subject to the network services broker of being accessed that accesses network is associated. Described in receiving from the home network service intermediary device there being associated with home network, described service provision architecture accessed the address of network services broker. Described home network service intermediary device appears loose couplings interface to described service provision architecture, to help in communication each other. The described network services broker of being accessed is to be visited by the address of the network services broker of being accessed described in described service provision architecture use. By described service provision architecture to can, from the described access that carried out by the services functionality obtaining accesses network, appearing to the loose couplings interface of being accessed network services broker described in described service provision architecture and become more convenient by quilt. According to another roaming embodiment of the present invention, a kind of method is provided, has been used in the network application of service provision architecture internal work the access to carrying out via the services functionality that is subject to accesses network acquisition of roaming therein of terminal use is provided. In this case, set up and roamed agreement between accesses network and described terminal use's home network described being subject to. Described method be included in described service provision architecture and and the home network service intermediary device that is associated of described home network between, communicate via the loose couplings interface being appeared to the home network service intermediary device of described service provision architecture. Described method be further included in described home network service intermediary device and and described being accessed between network services broker of being subject to that accesses network is associated communicate, wherein said home network service intermediary device is serving as agency to can conduct interviews via the described services functionality that obtained by accesses network time. In another roaming embodiment, a kind of method is provided, be used in the network application of service provision architecture internal work and provide can, via the access of the services functionality that is subject to accesses network acquisition of roaming therein of terminal use, wherein having set up and roam agreement between accesses network and described service provision architecture described being subject to. Between the described service provision architecture that is subject to accesses network described in described method is included in and work on network infrastructure, provide in logic and accessed network services broker, and described loose couplings interface of being accessed network services broker is appeared to described service provision architecture. By described service provision architecture to can, from being subject to the access of the services functionality that accesses network there obtains, becoming more convenient by described described loose couplings interface of being accessed network services broker.

According to another embodiment of the invention, provide a kind of network services broker, visited the services functionality that can obtain via one or more networks for helping service supply architecture. Described network services broker comprises for to the interface conducting interviews from the services functionality of network infrastructure. Described network services broker further comprises the loose couplings interface being appeared to described service provision architecture, wherein said loose couplings interface comprises having the extend markup language (XML) of setting up interface pattern, based on Web service on Web service platform, for appearing the services functionality that can obtain via described network.

Above-mentioned summary of the present invention is not intended to describe embodiment or the implementation of each example of the present invention. This is accompanying drawing subsequently and the object of relevant discussion.

Brief description of the drawings

The present invention is combined in illustrated embodiment in following accompanying drawing and illustrates.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram, illustrates in general manner according to the composition of the network services broker of one aspect of the invention;

Fig. 2 illustrates how service in service provision architecture (SPI) application can be benefited from this loose couplings interface and how resultant increment is appeared the example to described SPI by described network services broker;

Fig. 3 illustrates the various representational network services broker that can realize according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 illustrates the architecture of universal network service broker in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is the exemplary embodiment having realized according to the network environment of checking intermediary device of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the exemplary embodiment having realized according to the network environment of charge intermediary device of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is the exemplary embodiment having realized according to the network environment of position of the present invention intermediary device;

Fig. 8 is the exemplary embodiment having realized according to the network environment of content subscription intermediary device of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is the exemplary embodiment having realized according to the network environment of content delivery intermediary device of the present invention;

Figure 10 is the exemplary embodiment having realized according to network environment of attending intermediary device of the present invention;

Figure 11 is the chart of representational profile register;

Figure 12 is to provide the exemplary embodiment of the network system of the notice of Web service in accordance with the principles of the present invention intermediary device;

Figure 13 is a block diagram, illustrates that Web service according to an embodiment of the invention pushes the exemplary embodiment of gateway architecture;

Figure 14 illustrates the exemplary implementation of intermediary device territory/Web service logic interfacing;

Figure 15 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of Web service logic/api interface;

Figure 16 illustrates the exemplary embodiment of terminal/intermediary device domain interface;

Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment who uses multiple network services brokers for multiple Virtual network operators;

Figure 18 illustrates according to the exemplary implementation of the interface intermediary device of principle of the present invention; And

Figure 19 illustrates an exemplary approach, and the problem of wherein roaming can be by using network services broker according to the present invention to manage.

Detailed description of the invention

In the explanation of following each embodiment, quote accompanying drawing, described accompanying drawing has formed a part for explanation at this, and in described accompanying drawing, show by illustrated mode can be in order to put into practice each embodiment of the present invention. Should be understood that: can use other embodiment, and can in the situation that not deviating from scope of the present invention, make the improvement in structural and function.

The present invention relates to a kind of functional system and method for helping access to obtain on wired and/or wireless network. The present invention has realized network services broker, and it has simplified the functional access obtaining on that can no matter fix or wireless diverse network. Described network services broker appears loosely-coupled standard Web service interface (or other standards interface) to service provision architecture, and has realized well-defined permission service.

Traditionally, use standard method of attachment, on network infrastructure, produce the communication between terminal and service provision architecture technical scheme. " increment " that establishment can continuous access provides, for example position that can obtain in network infrastructure or the service provision architecture technical scheme of presence information are exactly very difficult in essence. Owing to being now and will being also various standards, technology and the distributors's dedicated functionality being associated with network components in the future, it be pretty troublesome accessing the functional of wireless or cable network. Polymerization is further by complicated this problem. Service provision architecture may be not a specific network, the special establishment of for example cellular network, and may be a kind of technical scheme in web territory. In the case, must in service provision architecture (SPI) technical scheme, drop into sizable investment, guarantee it can with each network interface so that access can via network obtain any increment. That this problem is faced is the developer who presides over application in SPI, and therefore they need to consider the difference of variety of network systems, network components distributors etc. aspect.

These difficult problems can be by being used one or more network services brokers according to the present invention to solve. Fig. 1 is a block diagram, illustrates in general manner the composition of network services broker according to an aspect of the present invention. Network environment 100 comprises diverse network architecture 102, and the diverse network technology and the technical scheme that are provided by different distributors are be provided for it. Environment 100 in Fig. 1 also comprises many services supply architecture technical scheme 104, and it represents that application server can be in order to provide the architecture of application and service on specific network. Terminal 106 represents the various terminals that can use on network, comprises the terminal that can communicate via network of (for example) desktop and portable computer and terminal, honeycomb fashion and other radio telephones, personal digital assistant (PDA) or any other type.

According to the present invention, one or more network services brokers 108 in described network environment 100, are provided. Described network services broker 108 can provide various functions. A function of described network services broker 108 comprises to SPI104 and appears loose couplings interface (for example, Web service interface), and another function is to realize or (facade) the well-defined permission service of empty bag. Described network services broker 108 can appear service by agreed interface, and needn't disclose the end-to-end implementation of bottom. Described service broker helps operator to open their service to applications, and for example, value-added access to ad hoc networks territory (, mobile domains) is provided. Described service broker also makes operator charge to SPI for the information that offers SPI. If described information provides to terminal from intermediary device, finally can collect to end user the expense of this service. In the time that intermediary device provides service to the intermediary device in other networks, can roam relevant charge. In one embodiment, be a kind of " standardized " or Web service interface of deciding through consultation in addition to the loose couplings interface of SPI104, will illustrate more fully below.

Described " increment " may derive from network, terminal or between described network and terminal, distribute functional. For example, described increment may be in current mobile network's architecture, in fixed network, use and exempted to set up in network of license band radio technology etc. In the service context environment of position one more specifically in example, positional information in company intranet and/or the ad hoc the Internet focus of license band radio technology is exempted from use or the positional information in fixing company intranet is known for this system, but there is no need to exist an approach to visit it. According to the present invention, therefore can be for exempting from license frequency band and even being the fixing described intermediary device of internet access establishment.

As mentioned above, an embodiment of described network services broker is included in the Web service interface of SPI104, and it can define with extend markup language (XML). Web service is network (particularly based on internet) modular applications, and it completes special task and meets special technology form. Web service a large amount of emerging standard service-oriented by describing, application architecture based on assembly represents, they provide a kind of special altogether

Focus on the distributed computing fabric of the delivery service of crossing over internet. In general, Web service is self-contained modular applications, and it can, to disclose with form, be positioned, and leap WWW is called. In the time disposing Web service, disposed service can be located and call to other application and Web service. They can complete various functions, from simple request to complicated business processing.

Useful, Web service for example, via ubiquitous Web agreement and data format access, HTTP (HTTP) and extend markup language (XML). Therefore, at present, the platform of basic Web service is that XML adds HTTP, and can use other agreements in addition, for example for the SOAP of RPC, the WSDL that describes for service interface, for UDDI of service discovery etc. XML is a kind of text based markup language, on its current Web of being widely used in, carries out exchanges data. As use the situation of HTML, data are usage flag symbol marks, they are known as " mark " altogether. XML tag symbol identification data, and serve as the field name in program. XML is the language that the complex interaction between a kind of client of making and service and between the assembly of composite service can be expressed out. HTTP is a kind of application protocol, more specifically, is one group of rule for swap file on the network such as WWW (text, graph image, sound, video and other multimedia files). Although example set forth herein illustrates from the general extent in conjunction with XML and HTTP, is appreciated that this is for illustrative purposes, and the agreement of the present and the future's type and data format also can be used.

More particularly, Web service represents the set of several correlation techniques, and relates to the connection between at least two kinds of application, for example remote procedure call (RPC), and wherein inquiring about and responding is the XML exchange with on HTTP. Web service technology can define according to various technological layers. Core layer comprises transport layer, and for example TCP/IP or previous described HTTP, can transmit XML message therein. XML message sends layer, for example Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), also represents the core layer of Web service. SOAP is that a kind of definition transmitted the unified mode of XML coded data and define the protocol specification of carrying out the mode of RPC with HTTP as basic communication protocol.

The higher level layer of giving of Web service stack comprises service discovery layer, and it can comprise the technology such as WSDL (WSDL) and universal description, discovery and integration (UDDI). WSDL has a kind ofly defined the description based on XML how to be connected with specific Web service, and therefore indicates service supplier will how to be described in the basic format of the Web service request on different agreements or coding. It is used to describe Web service can do what, and where it resides in, and how to call it. The mode that UDDI provides a kind of client can be used for dynamically locating other Web services. It represents one group of registration for Web service and other business processings and agreement and the public directory of locating in real time. UDDI provides and has registered themselves mode for Web service supplier, and provides for application and search particular Web service, be attached thereto and mutual mode with it. Other higher level layers of Web service stack can comprise workflow layer. Workflow layer can comprise the technology such as Web service stream language (WSFL). WSFL is a kind of for describing the XML language of Web service composition, and allows Web service at other inner recurrence composition, to be created in the more complicated feature of setting up on existing Web service.

Adopting when Web service, can use above-mentioned and other technology, agreement, data format etc. But, quote these known technology and be for used exemplary technology is provided in the exploitation of Web service with in using. Therefore, the present invention can use these known technology, but is also applicable to other technology existing and/or in the future, according to the description providing herein, this is readily understood that for those of skill in the art.

Referring to Fig. 1, network services broker 108 can comprise the intermediary device of network coupling again, and it is communicated by letter with the network components in network infrastructure 102, as shown in line 110. This allows the complexity causing due to the difference in the network components from multiple distributors or source and cause due to the difference between common network infrastructure to be hidden. An embodiment of the intermediary device of network coupling is included in the Web service interface of SPI104, and wherein said Web service interface defines with XML. A kind of so exemplary XML interface allows to hide network type and network components difference. For example, various types of networks, for example for example, difference between fixing/wired and wireless (, WLAN, bluetooth, movable type/honeycomb fashion etc.) network can be hidden. The in the situation that of mobile network, there is diverse network subtype, for example global system for mobile communications (GSM), WCDMA (WCDMA) etc., their difference also can be hidden. In the situation of network components, use the special protocol of network value added to be hidden. For example, arrive Nokia (Nokia) the special purpose interface agreement of the data publish computer interface (CIMD) of short message service center (SMSC), in the situation of notice intermediary device, can stash from SPI104, the exemplary embodiment of described notice intermediary device will be described hereinafter more fully.

Described network services broker 108 can comprise the intermediary device being coupled with the terminal of the devices communicating being represented by terminal 106, as shown in line 112. The intermediary device of described terminal coupling is communicated by letter with terminal 106, and in the time that described intermediary device and described terminal cooperate, appear obtainable service (or multiple service) or functional (or multiple functional). In one embodiment, this interface defines with XML. Described XML interface makes it possible to mode identification terminal type common or standard, and does not consider the agreement using for identification between described terminal and intermediary device. It also allows to configure in the ordinary way described terminal, and irrelevant with the special protocol for configurating terminal being used by terminal sale business. The intermediary device of described terminal coupling can also be hidden the difference in the assembly of protocols being used by described terminal, for example, hide for using network to transmit the difference of the assembly of protocols of presence information.

Intermediary device can serve as the intermediary device of network coupling and terminal coupling simultaneously. In the case, functionally between network and terminal, distribute, and intermediary device using increment, the functional summation in both provides. Further, terminal can be communicated by letter with described network services broker, to visit the increment of network by the identical interface of interface using with SPI104.

The various intermediary devices that are associated with network services broker according to the present invention also comprise the management interface for one or more management systems or other operations support systems (OSS) (not shown). This management interface can provide various interface and service, comprises intermediary device monitoring, intermediary device statistics, intermediary device configuration tool, and customer service and charging (CCB) or other charge/charge system interface. Described intermediary device monitoring relates to the supervision of intermediary device process status and operation. The statistics of the use amount about them that provided by intermediary device, affairs amount, response time etc. is provided for intermediary device statistics. Intermediary device configuration tool can be preferably the Web interface for make the described intermediary device for realizing configuration activities for system manager. With respect to CCB system interface, desirable is that all subscriber's relevant informations reside in profile register. But the type architecture is closely linked the deenergized period of all intermediary devices and a kind of like this deenergized period of profile register, this is extremely unwelcome in practice. Therefore, may in some intermediary devices, have the special subscriber information memory of intermediary device, and this information is usually safeguarded by CCB system. In this case, described intermediary device can comprise the CCB system interface for obtaining this information.

Described network services broker can further be hidden around roaming the complex nature of the problem. When wireless user just roams in a region in home network outside, this is subject to the service in accesses network may need accessed. Conventionally, user and this user therein roaming this be subject to accesses network there is no business relationship. On the contrary, home network operator and this are subject to accesses network to have business relationship (for example, roaming agreement). According to the present invention, the service being provided by the intermediary device of home network can be provided same method. A kind of like this example of roaming condition is provided below.

Therefore, network services broker provides a kind of controlled way that appears the functional or information that can obtain in this network for Virtual network operator. Intermediary device makes the owner of network the preference based on end user carry out protection information or functional associated end user's privacy (for example, positional information, identity etc.). Intermediary device further makes the owner of network or receive this value-added its other party collection of charges to service supplier, end user. Intermediary device allows the complexity causing due to the difference in the network components from multiple distributors or source and cause due to the difference between common network infrastructure to be hidden.

In one embodiment, network services broker according to the present invention provides the value-added access to mobile domains. Described increment may derive from network, terminal or between network and terminal, distribute functional. Do not destroy the communication between terminal and SPI according to network services broker of the present invention, because these intermediary devices allow by open loose couplings interface, the increment of mobile domains to be conducted interviews. The tight interconnects of all accessories is depended in traditional application design. In this case, developer must thoroughly understand thoroughly and two ends that can control connection. In loosely-coupled system, the implementation of arbitrary end of connection can be changed, and this application will work on. The current techniques implementation of loosely coupled system comprises the message based asynchronous technique using for robustness, and has further used ubiquitous agreement, for example HTTP, SMTP, XML. Technology technical scheme in the future also will contribute to loose couplings interface. In loosely-coupled system, the discovery of Internet resources/service is a problem. Locate one of this type of service when previous mode be by UDDI operator, it is the list of an open service. Fig. 2 illustrates how service in SPI application can be benefited from this loose couplings interface and how the increment of as a result of generation is appeared the example to described SPI by described network services broker.

Adopt the terminal of standard technique 200 (for example, WAP, SyncML, MMS, Java etc.) to be connected with the service/application 202 being provided by SPI204, as shown in line 206. As shown in line segment 208, the identity that are associated with terminal from SPI204 there request of service 202, and as shown in line segment 212, the checking intermediary device 210 at the intelligent edge of the network that is arranged in this terminal subsequently of SPI204 is connected. Described checking intermediary device 210 is applied 202 for service and is provided as the current sessions device of marking terminal uniquely.

Application 202 is by providing the unique identifier receiving from checking intermediary device 210 theres, the position of requesting terminal for position intermediary device 214. This request illustrates by line 216. As shown in line segment 220, position intermediary device 214 communicates by letter with privacy intermediary device 218, request allows to provide to service application 202 position of terminal. According to the strategy being arranged by end user, privacy intermediary device 218 can carry out work with one of multiple feasible pattern, if for example ask, accept request according to acquiescence according to acquiescence refusal, application 202 can be identified uniquely and be authorized to location information conducts interviews, and accepts, points out end user to allow to discharge this information etc. In other words; privacy intermediary device 218 and/or the privacy services supplier who is associated can have such effect: the information that each other intermediary devices appear to service provision architecture from this network in question and functional by automatically " protection privacy ", so that for example whether position intermediary device asks this user to agree to or needs to agree to discharge this privacy information to the privacy intermediary device/privacy services supplier who is associated with this user.

Position intermediary device 214 can obtain positional information from location client 222 theres, as shown in line 224. The positional information being provided by position intermediary device 214 can be the ability in Network Based, observation time difference (E-OTD) location technology for example strengthening. Alternatively, described positional information can be the ability based on providing in terminal, for example global positioning system (GPS) location technology. Do not consider that described positional information is derived from that it's kind of you to say so, position intermediary device 214 can offer this information service application, and condition is that described privacy intermediary device 218 is accepted so a kind of affairs.

The service application 202 that has received positional information via SPI204 can provide understanding/location-based service to the terminal that uses standard technique 200 now, as shown in line 226.

Another example comprises use payment intermediary device 228, and it can be called when terminal use asks chargeable service from service application there. In this case, the unique identifier of this terminal previously providing has been provided in service application 202. By providing this mark via line segment 230 to SPI204, SPI204 further communicates by letter with payment intermediary device 228, and as shown in line segment 232, request creates the station message recording matching with requested payment. Then, use the communication of standard technique 200 to continue, shown as line 234.

Shown as the example in Fig. 3, can realize various network services broker according to the present invention. Fig. 3 illustrates multiple representational network services brokers 300. Checking intermediary device 302 provides the service for checking credentials, and the intermediary device 304 of charging/pay the bill helps to collect to subscriber the expense of service. Position intermediary device 306 helps to determine subscriber's position. Notify 308 and content delivery 310 intermediary devices for application service is provided, to the content such as Multimedia Message is pushed to subscriber. The device that content subscription intermediary device 312 provides digital content to subscribe for service supplier. Attend intermediary device 314 and safeguard subscriber's dynamical state information, and client supplies intermediary device 316 and helps to supply to mobile client. Profile register 318 comprises the information about subscriber's service, and subscriber has licensed to the type of service supplier's right. Context intermediary device 320 can be used for providing contextual information in order to create the understanding contextual application of end user to service provision architecture, and wherein context relates to the context at end user and his/her terminal place. Also can use other 322 intermediary devices.

Fig. 4 illustrates the universal network service broker architecture 400 according to principle of the present invention. In this architecture, various network services intermediary device 402,404,406 becomes around the part at the intelligent edge 408 of GPRS (GPRS) 410 or other cordless communication networks. Network services broker 402,404,406 via internet 418 or other public networks, by allow service or offer operator 412 oneself application 414 or offer the application 416 of external service/content provider. In either case, when SPI420,422 is to application provides local service and provide API (API) to network services broker when, application 414,416 all will move respectively on SPI420,422.

Just as described in connection with Fig. 3, can realize according to the present invention various network services broker. The architecture of multiple different example networks service broker is described below.

Fig. 5 is the exemplary embodiment that has realized the network environment of checking intermediary device 500. In one embodiment, this checking intermediary device technical scheme relates to the customer authentication based on terminal Internet protocol (IP) address. Customer authentication can also provide based on other technologies and for example SSL/TSL of agreement (secure socket layer protocol/transmission socket layer agreement). As known in the art, SSL is a kind of method of guaranteeing secure communication between for example web browser of two points on internet and web server. TSL also guarantees secure communication, and comprises the sophisticated method of controlling privacy and security. For the purpose of illustration instead of in order to limit, the description supposition customer authentication being associated with Fig. 5 is based on IP address of terminal.

This example supposition terminal 502 and GPRS504 radio communication service are combined work. GPRS connection procedure is a kind of mobile management function connecting between terminal 502 and network 504. Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) the 506th, a kind of support node as the gateway between GPRS network 504 and the packet switch public network such as internet 508. In the time that terminal 502 produces GPRS connection, IP address/Mobile Subscriber International ISDN Number is to being stored in 500 li of checking intermediary devices. MSISDN (movement station ISDN/PSTN number) is a kind of mobile number being used by GSM/DCS network, and it comprises the information such as country code, domestic target number, attaching position register (HLR) identifier and subscriber's identifier (ID). In the time of subscriber's access services, WAP gateway 510 uses for example source IP address as key, to ask subscriber ID from checking intermediary device 500 theres.

Checking intermediary device 500 query profiles registers 512, determine that being used for that subscriber ID is offered to subscriber attempts the appropriate format of the special services of access. Subscriber ID can provide with various forms, comprises Mobile Subscriber International ISDN Number, virtual subscriber ID (VSI) etc. VSI form may also comprise candidate format, during being included in several sessions, determine in period section or the VSI remaining valid during a specific WAP session one. The subscriber ID returning from profile register 512 theres is offered application server 514 via WAP gateway 510. In one embodiment, subscriber ID can provide in HTTP stem.

In one embodiment, application server 514 can be from verifying checking relevant information or the service intermediary device 500 there amount of the claim, as shown by communication path 516. In order to make this request, application server 514 can use the VSI that it obtains via HTTP stem. Request can be for example the request to Mobile Subscriber International ISDN Number, user name or address like this, for Push Service is subsequently used the request of obtaining lasting VSI, extends request of VSI duration of response etc. In the time that application server 514 proposes a kind of like this request to extraneous information, checking intermediary device 500 query profiles registers 512 determine whether this application server 514 is authorized to the specific information of request or service.

In embodiment in Fig. 5, customer authentication can be based on source IP address. This provides sufficient security, because the user traffic between terminal 502 and GGSN506 is via tunnel (tunnel), i.e. secure communication path transmission. This makes it possible to filter the IP grouping of the IP address without terminal of being assigned to 502 in GGSN506. In addition,, when there is VPN (VPN) between WAP gateway 510 and application server 514 time, subscriber ID remains unaffected.

Fig. 6 is the exemplary embodiment that has realized the network environment of charge intermediary device 600. General charge and charge system can comprise GPRS charging gateway 602, it collects charge record, for example call detail record (CDR) from Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) or other support nodes there, and after merging these CDR and converting them to suitable form, they are transmitted to charge system. In one embodiment, charge record can offer postpaid charge system 604 via mediation devices 606, and described mediation devices 606 is used to this type of operations support systems (OSS) to interconnect.

According to the exemplary embodiment going out illustrated in Fig. 6, application server 608 is made the request of billing of services via charge intermediary device 600. This request can be to use via the virtual subscriber ID that receives of checking intermediary device 610, make to charge intermediary device 600 from SPI608, as illustrated in conjunction with Fig. 5. There are multiple services that can obtain via this interface, comprise that " pre-payment " is functional, wherein application server 608 inquire specific charge number whether can be from the subscriber account of a pre-paid debit. Another kind of obtainable service is rear payment function, and the number of wherein charging is added to subscriber's bill.

Charge intermediary device 600 uses the virtual subscriber ID that charge request comprises to ask actual subscriber ID from checking intermediary device 610 theres. Then the intermediary device 600 query profiles registers 612 of charging, determine that whether this application is authorized, to be subscriber's charging. If so, charge is sent to pre-payment surplus database 614, carries out debit. If pre-payment surplus is used up, indicate the message of denial of service to be sent to mandate intermediary device 610. Alternatively, charge also can be stored in charging database 616, to offer subsequently rear payment charge system 604.

Fig. 7 is the exemplary embodiment that has realized the network environment of position intermediary device 700. For example position-based service of position technique scheme (LCS) standard, wherein provides by standard GMLC (GMLC) 702 to the external interface of the architecture of locating. GMLC702 is a kind of gateway that receives request, request mobile location information from location-based application there and mobile location information is transmitted to location-based application. But GMLC702 does not provide the conceptual model being used by network services broker, and in this embodiment, require independent position intermediary device 700. For example, in GMLC702, subscriber identifies by Mobile Subscriber International ISDN Number, and position intermediary device 700 can use as in conjunction with the illustrated virtual subscriber ID of Fig. 5. Further, intermediary device can be hidden and can't help the difference of variety of network types that GMLC702 processes. Intermediary device can processing example as the information extracting from the company intranet there of exempting from license technological expansion using such as WLAN (LAN), blue tooth wireless technology etc.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrating in Fig. 7, application server 704 uses virtual subscriber ID (VSI) as key, via internet 706 (or other networks) request subscriber position. Position intermediary device 700 query profiles registers 708, determine whether application server 704 is authorized to these subscribers' of request positional information. Position intermediary device 700 is asked subscriber position from GMLC702 there, and this positional information is turned back to application server 704. Optionally, position intermediary device 700 also can send charge documents to charge intermediary device 710, adds subscriber's or application Information Mobile Service bill to.

Fig. 8 is the exemplary embodiment that has realized the network environment of content subscription intermediary device 800. The effect of content subscription intermediary device 800 is included as content/service supplier provides an interface to store subscription information into profile register 802, and execution communicate by letter with the end user of terminal 804 in case examine this end user be actually be ready subscribe.

Subscriber can be together with the keyword of message and specific Mobile Subscriber International ISDN Number, for example to use SMS (Short Message Service) (SMS) to send via SMSC806 by this subscriber in order to initiate subscribing a kind of mode of processing. Message is routed to application server 808 from SMSC806, so that subscriber's Mobile Subscriber International ISDN Number is substituted by virtual subscriber ID. Subscriber can be that subscriber browses WAP/Web website in order to initiate the subscribing representational mode of another kind of processing, and sends order via WAP gateway 810 to SPI808. In this case, content/service supplier receives subscriber's virtual subscriber ID in HTTP (or other) stem.

Be initiated once subscribe to process, this subscription information is sent to content subscription intermediary device 800 by application 808. Content subscription intermediary device 800 query profiles registers 802, determine whether subscriber is allowed to subscribe this content. If so, content subscription intermediary device 800 asks subscriber to examine this subscriber in fact whether to be ready to carry out this transaction. Content subscription intermediary device 800 stores this subscription information into profile register 802 li, and charge document can be sent to charge intermediary device 812.

Fig. 9 is the exemplary embodiment that has realized the network environment of content delivery intermediary device 900. Some Virtual network operator is not wanted to become digital content reseller, and only wants to pay and billing mechanism for reseller provides. The functional undesired content of shielding that at least comprises of content intermediary device 900, (for example select delivery mechanisms, via the SMS of SMSC902, via the MMS of MMSC904, or depend on other mechanism of subscriber's terminal 906 abilities), and charge document is sent to charge intermediary device 908.

Digital content is sent to content intermediary device 900 by application server 910. Before that, application 910 can be optionally respectively from profile register 912 and attend the intermediary device (not shown) there ability of inquiry terminal 906 and subscriber's current state. Content intermediary device 900 is inquired profile register 912, at least determines: 1) whether application server 910 is authorized to send this certain content to this subscriber; 2) whether this subscriber is allowed to receive this content (for example, whether having enough pre-payment surplus); And 3) what the ability of subscriber's terminal is. Then, content intermediary device is carried out the content adaptation being required, and use sends this content corresponding to the carrier of preferred delivery mechanisms 902,904.

Figure 10 is the exemplary embodiment that has realized the network environment of attending intermediary device 1000. The same with the example of position as above intermediary device, attend intermediary device technical scheme and comprise the industry standard server of standard external interface (standard is attended server 1002) is provided, but the conceptual model being provided by network services broker is not provided. Therefore, even in standard is attended situation that server 1002 can obtain in network environment, also can use and attend intermediary device 1000.

In the example that this illustrates, application server 1004 uses virtual subscriber ID as key, ask subscriber's presence status, current " context " in other words from attending intermediary device 1000 there. Attend intermediary device 1000 query profiles registers 1006, determine application server 1004 whether authorized these subscribers' of request presence information. If so, attend intermediary device 1000 and attend server 1002 there from standard and ask subscriber's presence information, and this presence information is returned to application server 1004. Presence information comprises information and the information relevant with the characteristic of the terminal at that time just being used by subscriber such as whether subscriber is online. Optionally, attend intermediary device 1000 and also can send charge documents to charge intermediary device 1008, to be added to subscriber's or application bill.

Be appreciated that exemplary network services broker as above and relevant example architecture are not limited to residing network environment when they are described. Definite says, the example providing above for example understands the specific embodiment of intermediary device implementation. Intermediary device can be used to simplify access to all functions that can obtain on this network, no matter this network fix or wireless, comprise mobile network and the network such as WLAN (LAN).

Figure 11 is the chart of representational profile register 1100. Profile register 1100 is stored the information about subscriber's service 1102, preference 1104, terminal capability 1106 and other 1108 information. As pointed in example above, profile register 1100 is normally accessed by different network services brokers, but it is also for content/service supplier provides external interface. So a kind of interface is to be for example used to carry out various operations, for example, inquire the ability of user terminal, various other services that inquiry subscriber has subscribed, and authorized user access special services. Application can be that various other purposes are used profile register 1100 information.

Another example of network services broker is notice or " propelling movement " intermediary device. In typical CLIENT/SERVER MODEL, client is from server there request service or information, and then server responds so that information is sent to client. Push technology general reference sends information to one or more equipment in the situation that there is no last user action. Therefore, before its information of server transmission, do not have the explicit request from client, therefore push technology comprises in fact the affairs that server is initiated. Push technology can be combined with variety of protocol and the communication technology, for example SMS, MMS, WAP, Session initiation Protocol (SIP) and other. Each in these are current (and in the future) push technology all has its characteristic, therefore for each in these different push technologies, the special knowledge that the generation of PUSH message and payment conventionally need to be only only applicable to this technology. There is the technical scheme that is limited in technology-specific to the current network application of the ability of recipient's mobile device PUSH message. For example, HTTP-SMS gateway only allows message to send to the terminal that adapts to SMS from internet. Along with the continual increase of obtainable push technology, these pressure technical schemes become inhibition and are out of favour, and for to like the application developer that concentrates on application and development to bring remarkable obstacle, and how not determine the ever-increasing entity to push technology message push.

Provide the technical scheme for these problems according to notice of the present invention (, pushing) intermediary device. Hereinafter notify intermediary device in connection with the Web service of Figure 12-13 illustrated example. The notice intermediary device that serves as the Web service propelling movement gateway in following instance, refines mobile technology with a kind of so method, consequently: network (for example, internet) application developer can build application in the case of not possessing the special knowledge of mobile domains. Many implementation details of describing below in conjunction with notice intermediary device can be applied to the embodiment based on Web service of above-described various intermediary devices similarly.

Figure 12 has been to provide according to the exemplary embodiment of the network system 1200 of the Web service notice intermediary device 1202 (be also known as Web service at this and push gateway) of principle of the present invention. The basic function of notice intermediary device 1202 is to be transformed into another assembly of protocols from an assembly of protocols. In the situation of Web service notice intermediary device of the present invention, protocol conversion from Web service agreement 1204 (is for example, UDDI, WSDL, SOAP, etc.) for example, to mobile domains push protocol 1206 (, SMS, WAP Push, SIP, MMS etc.).

Notice intermediary device 1202 provides the gateway between Web service territory 1208 and mobile push technology territory 1210. Notice intermediary device 1202 refines mobile technology consequently with a kind of so method: internet application developer can be in the case of still building application not possessing the special knowledge of mobile domains. More specifically, the present invention has refined the core Push Service after single the Internet paradigm, the namely Web service in this illustrational embodiment. This is beneficial to the special knowledge that makes internet application developer no longer need mobile technology. Further, this illustrational embodiment of the present invention has refined single gateway whole mobile push technology afterwards. This makes internet developer no longer must assess the pros and cons of concrete push technology. Notice intermediary device 1202 has been shouldered and has been judged for the responsibility to specific user's optimal push technology by message-submission.

The network components that notice intermediary device 1202 can be used as in network 1200 is realized. The exact position of network components is not particular importance, unless it is placed in the Web service application 1212 of PUSH message and message in logic by between the terminal being pushed to 1214. Although can adopt various environment to hold these technology, exemplary environment comprises JavaTM2 enterprise version (J2EE) application server, or .NET applied environment.

Figure 13 is the block diagram that illustrates the exemplary embodiment of Web service propelling movement gateway according to an embodiment of the invention (, notice intermediary device) architecture 1300. The basic function that Web service pushes gateway is to convert another assembly of protocols to from an assembly of protocols. For example, consider current Web service agreement and mobile push protocol, this conversion for example can be, for example, from Web service agreement (, UDDI, WSDL, SOAP etc.) to mobile push protocol (, SMS, WAP, SIP etc.). Web service shown in Figure 13 pushes gateway architecture 1300 and for example understands the exemplary architecture for completing this function.

Web service pushes gateway architecture 1300 and comprises Web service endpoint module 1302. This is the end points of termination Web service agreement. An embodiment of Web service end points 1302 comprises at least one server for for example transport layer, for example http server. But, also can comprise other transport layers, for example Simple Mail Transfer protocol (SMTP), or other known or transport layers in the future. In addition, Web service end points 1302 comprises that XML message sends engine, for analyzing the request of input and producing suitable response. XML message sends engine can use for example SOAP engine implementation. XML message sends engine analysis from the various parameters of asking in inner data field. Web service end points 1302 can also with service registry interface, to announce its notice/Push Service. This ability can be used for example UDDI agreement and WSDL definitional language to realize.

Exemplary Web service pushes gateway architecture 1300 and also comprises propelling movement adaptation layer 1304. Push adaptation layer 1304 and provide mobile technology irrelative layer for pushing router one 306 (hereinafter will illustrate). Push adaptation layer 1304 various functions are provided, comprise two basic functions according to an embodiment of the invention. First of these basic functions is to be various mobile any other carrier providing capability registrations that push carrier for example SMS carrier 130, WAP carrier 1310 and specified by carrier " X " 1312 (hereinafter will illustrate). This registration allows carrier with for example their propelling movement ability of bandwidth, content ability, availability, stand-by period, secure payment, service quality etc. bulletin of various terms. The second basic function that pushes adaptation layer 1304 is that the PUSH message of being paid by propelling movement router one 306 is transmitted to suitable carrier 1308,1310,1312.

In one embodiment of the invention, mobile push carrier 1308,1310,1312 comprise one group can connector assembly. " carrier " is the title of carrying the virtual bit pipeline of specific end user service, and general reference is used to the technology to subscriber equipment by signal broadcast or " posting ". Each carrier has the dedicated functions that is connected to special mobile push technology. There is the push technology of indefinite number, especially consider push technology in the future. Object for the purpose of illustration, has specifically identified SMS carrier 1308 and WAP carrier 1310, and carrier X1312 represents the current of any number and type and/or push technology in the future simultaneously.

SMS carrier 1308 is used to be connected to short message service center (SMSC), manages text message. SMSC network components, by this network components, short message (for example, via short message service) can be transmitted, and is stored in the situation that not arriving message recipient, for sending after a while. For so a kind of connection, there is variety of protocol, for example comprise the computer interface (CIMD) of data publish. The Short Message Entity (SME) that is commonly called application connects and is interconnected via the CIMD to message center. CIMD agreement is supported by various types of message centers, is comprised SMSC. Mainly being intended that from application (, SME) to movement station and from movement station to application transport message of this interconnection. CIMD agreement is only regarded as SMS carrier 1308 at this can be so as to being connected to the representational agreement of SMSC, but can alternatively realize any suitable agreement.

An exemplary embodiment of WAP carrier 1310 is observed WAP Push specification. There are various possibilities for this carrier. The first possibility is that described carrier can use WAP Push access protocol (PAP) to be connected to existing WAP Push proxy gateway (PPG). By the PPG between wired and wireless network, become more convenient to mobile client equipment PUSH message. PAP is that one is used to for example, to transmit client's to be pushed to content and the agreement of relevant control information between push initiator's (, application/service) and PPG. Subsequently PPG by this content delivery to narrow-band devices, for example radio telephone, pager, PDA, laptop computer etc.

To use WAP Push wireless air to download (POTA) agreement directly and terminal communication for the another kind of possibility of WAP carrier 1310. WAPPOTA is a kind of for content is delivered to the wireless air download protocol of WAP terminal from the WAP server such as PPG. In this case, Web service propelling movement gateway of the present invention also serves as WAPPPG. Other connection possibility and the present invention for WAP carrier 1310 are not limited to above-mentioned representational example.

Carrier X1312 represent any other current and/or in the future can connector assembly. Other examples comprise the MMS carrier that can be used to content of multimedia. MMS carrier for example can be based on WAPMMS specification. Another example comprises SIP carrier, and it can use Session Initiation Protocol to send PUSH message. Architecture 1300 support any current or in the future can connector assembly.

Attending to act on behalf of 1314 is a kind of agencies that information is provided to propelling movement router one 306. Whether online and when online attend to act on behalf of 1314 informs and pushes router one 306 specific users. If this user is online, attend to act on behalf of 1314 information that also provide about the characteristic of the terminal just being used by this user at that time. For example, if user uses the mobile device of the first kind, only PUSH message that this user can receive may be text message. On the other hand, use the second, more the user of the mobile device of advanced types may be able to receive the content of other type, such as Multimedia Message. Attend to act on behalf of 1314 and provide this category information to pushing router one 306, to identify concrete termination property. In one embodiment of the invention, attending to act on behalf of 1314 can be by another network services broker, attend intermediary device access such as described in conjunction with Figure 10.

Attend to act on behalf of 1314 and can also inform other details to pushing router one 306. For example, attending to act on behalf of 1314 can be to the ability that pushes router one 306 and notify the residing bottom-layer network of user's work at present. This network capabilities can be the form with network characteristic, for example second generation (2G) low bandwidth, the third generation (3G) high bandwidth etc. Attend to act on behalf of 1314 details that many other types also can be provided. For example, if for example user current be in meeting, and do not want to receive and there is the message of audio content, attend to act on behalf of 1314 status indicator can be provided.

User preference agency 1316 is another kind of agencies that information is provided to propelling movement router one 306. This attends to act on behalf of 1316 the certain preference of informing user to pushing router one 306 that is mainly intended that in the time receiving PUSH message. One or more user preferences of other characteristics that in such a way, user can specify impact transmission, presents or be associated with PUSH message.

In one embodiment of the invention, user preference agency 1316 comprises resource center (repository) storehouse of the preference being associated with each user. In the time that PUSH message is transmitted, for this PUSH message specific user pointed accesses this resource center storehouse, and can therefore adopt this user preference. In addition, user preference agency 1316 can comprise interface, to allow user to input and/or to edit those preferences. So a kind of interface can use for example http server of server to be realized, and it will allow user via their preference of browser editor. Also can be used according to the invention other Interface realization mode.

Can act on behalf of 1316 with user preference by the dissimilar user preference of any number of ID is associated. For example, user can identify the terminal preferences of the terminal scope having for identifying user. User can also specify the type of the content receiving in each in these various terminals.

Another example of user preference comprises network preference. This class preference is specified the type that relates to the network being attached thereto particular moment user. For example, user can specify and only when user is connected with 3G network, send high bandwidth message, or does not allow to send such message etc. in roaming.

Another example of user preference is to attend preference. These are preferences relevant with User Activity when the special time. For example, user can specify in the session, will interrupt or undesirablely whenever not allow to send audio message when sleep time or at audio message. Attending preference can also be used for, in the time that particular terminal is off-line, message being transmitted to another terminal, people etc. Further, can be left in the basket from the unsolicited message of some informed source, the message with large annex can be delayed etc. The data of the user preference that can realize in this way and type are actually endless.

Web service push gateway 1300 core place be push router one 306, it is multiple object service. In general, push router one 306 and receive PUSH message from Web service end points 1302, process from one or more propelling movement adaptation layers 1304, attend to act on behalf of 1314 and the information that receive of user preference agency 1316 theres, PUSH message is forwarded to suitable carrier by information based on collecting, and payment report is offered to PUSH message promoter.

Realization and the usefulness of notice intermediary device can be determined in mode described herein, also can taking submit in November 20 calendar year 2001, series number is as 09/996,406, name is called the mode of describing in the common unsettled U.S. Patent application of " WebServicesPushGateway " and determines, its content is incorporated herein for reference. the functional realization of other intermediary devices and usefulness can further be determined in mode described herein, and with May 15 calendar year 2001 submit to, series number is 09/854, 628, name is called the mode described in the common unsettled U.S. Patent application of " ContextSensitiveWebServices " and determines, and with May 15 calendar year 2001 submit to, series number is 09/858, 182, name is called the mode described in the common unsettled U.S. Patent application of " ASystemAndMethodForLocationBasedWebServices " and determines, these two parts of patent applications are all transferred to the application's assignee, both contents are incorporated herein for reference.

Figure 141 6 provides according to the more generally example of the example interface between the diverse network parts of principle of the present invention. Figure 14 illustrates the exemplary implementation of intermediary device territory/Web service logic interfacing 1400. This represents the interface between each intermediary device and service provision architecture. This is based on loosely-coupled technology, because intermediary device territory/Web service logic interfacing is one group of loose couplings interface, and each intermediary device has its setting in mode independently. As shown in the embodiment of Figure 14 illustrated, provide XML pattern 1402 at intermediary device territory/Web service interface. For each intermediary device has used independent interface (, the pattern for communicating by letter between intermediary device and SPI). XML pattern builds on XML/SOAP/HTTP1404.

According to one embodiment of present invention, XML pattern 1402 is a kind of pattern specification for XML document, and wherein pattern is for the method to the XML document specify constraints that uses the language based on XML. Pattern is for the content of description scheme, constraint XML document and data type and XML element type and Attribute Association are got up. According to the present invention, to use an advantage of stacking agreement on HTTP be to allow Firewall Traversing (traversal) so that for example, can enter via the fire wall of company via the communication of http port (port 80). Another advantage be Web service with on used their platform independence, the existing basis that this means the server in internet there is no need to be left in the basket and disregards, can make the server of working in a kind of operating system communicate by letter with Web service, and obtain the benefit of interoperability without this operating system of change by Web service. Although at the embodiment of Figure 14-16 illustrated according to XML pattern description, but will be understood by those of skill in the art, current or technology in the future other replacement, that the loose couplings attribute that provided by XML is provided also can adopt according to the present invention.

In Figure 15, illustrate an exemplary embodiment of Web service logic/api interface 1500. This is the interface between each service application and SPI. This is based on loose couplings technology, is similar to intermediary device territory/Web service logic interfacing described in conjunction with Figure 14. XML pattern 1502 provides at Web service logic/api interface place, for applying 1504 interfaces with service. XML pattern 1502 builds on XML/SOAP/HTTP1506.

In Figure 16, illustrate the exemplary embodiment of terminal/intermediary device domain interface 1600. This is the interface between terminal and each intermediary device. XML pattern 1602 is independent of bottom communication stack 1604 and designs. Therefore, same XML pattern 1602 can be used to have the Web territory terminal of the ability of supporting for example SOAP/XML/HTTP and be used to have the mobile domains terminal of the ability of the SyncML/XML (having expanded RPC functional) on WSP or the HTTP that is supported in WAP stack.

Service/content supplier is willing to that all clients that mean them provide same, consistent service in general, and no matter this client with which Virtual network operator is connected. Therefore, service/content supplier must with the intermediary device interface of several Virtual network operators. This is described out in Figure 17, and wherein SPI1700 is coupled to the network services broker being associated with multiple operators via internet 1702. More specifically, SPI1700 is coupled with one or more network services brokers that are associated with operator-A1706 1704, and is further coupled with one or more network services brokers that are associated with operator-B1710 1708. From the angle of content provider, this has produced a difficult problem, because the network services broker interface of operator may there are differences because of all reasons. For example, for distributors, it is very common that the implementation of standard is added to some expansion, and the standard that lets alone usually leaves leeway for different explanations. Further, generally provide option in standard, and some distributors can realize definite option, other distributors do not realize. Operator also can carry out the different version of network services broker interface. Other reasons also may stop real " standardization " of network services broker interface. If the application on content provider's website must be considered all these differences, the service/application that will slow down exploitation.

Therefore, the present invention has also designed the interface intermediary device at website place of content provider, for the special difference of unified operator, and exempts this responsibility from application. Figure 18 illustrates according to the exemplary implementation of a kind of like this interface intermediary device of principle of the present invention. In this embodiment, service/content supplier 1800 no longer it must be understood that the special difference of operator in the network services broker interface of operator. On the contrary, these differences are refined in interface intermediary device 1802, then each interface in interface intermediary device 1802 and each operator 1804,1806 etc. Further, SPI is connected to the task of where obtaining for example positional information and is freed from selecting, and illustrational embodiment in Figure 18 has simplified SPI and how to obtain service. For example, large-scale positional information company and operator formulate commercial agreement, calculate suitable profit on sales, and sell this location-based service to SPI. SPI, for without formulating separately for the purpose of the facility of commercial agreement with all operators, is this profit payment. Interface between interface intermediary device 1802 and SPI1800 can be by standardization.

Other network problems are extended according to the usefulness of network services broker of the present invention, for example roaming. The present invention allows to hide roaming problem. When user just roams in the network outside the home network this user, this user may need to access this and be subject to the service in accesses network. But user does not probably have business relationship with this network that this user has roamed therein. On the contrary, the owner of home network (for example, operator) is subject to accesses network to have business relationship with this. The service being provided by the intermediary device in home network can be provided similar fashion. Figure 19 illustrates and can be used to use the exemplary approach according to network services broker management roaming problem of the present invention.

When user at home network (for example, network-B1900) in time, SPI1902 can be via intermediary device 1906 access and functional relevant special service in network components (NE) 1904 in home network 1900, as shown in arrow 1908. In the time that terminal user roaming arrives network-A1910, this problem becomes: for example, if the special services in network-A1910 only can be in network-A1910 resource (, NE1912) accessed time, just provide, how SPI1902 can obtain advantage from this special service.

In order to solve this specific roaming problem, at least there are two kinds of feasible technical schemes. The operator of user's home network 1900 and the operator that is subject to accesses network-A1910 have business relationship, for example roaming agreement for broker service roaming. In this case, SPI1902 is typically connected to the intermediary device 1906 in home network 1900. In the first embodiment, intermediary device 1906 provides the address of the corresponding intermediary device 1914 in network-A1910 together with voucher to SPI1902. Described voucher makes SPI1902 can use home network-B1900 and is subject to the intermediary device roaming agreement between the operator of accesses network-A1910. According to this implementation, intermediary device 1906 in home network-B1900 directly sends voucher to the intermediary device 1914 in network-A1910, and give SPI1902 by the address of intermediary device 1914, to allow SPI1902 directly to communicate by letter with intermediary device 1914, as shown in arrow 1916. In another embodiment, intermediary device 1906 is communicated by letter with the intermediary device 1914 that is subject to accesses network-A, and serves as agency in the time of the service of this network of access, shown as arrow 1918.

In the time that terminal use roams into network-C1920 from home network-B1900, between network-B1900 and the operator of network-C1920, there is no business relationship. Therefore, the address of the intermediary device 1922 in (or from terminal 1924 is) Network Search-C1920 own in the intermediary device 1906 of SPI1902 from home network-B1900. In the time that SPI1902 has received with the address of the intermediary device 1922 that be associated by accesses network 1920, SPI1902 will directly communicate by letter with being subject to the intermediary device 1922 in accesses network-C1920. In order to make this point feasible, may exist demand a: SPI1902 to set up business relationship with the operator of network-C1920, whereby, the operator of network-C1920 allows SPI1902 to contact special intermediary device 1922, as shown in arrow 1926.

Use above-mentioned specification, the present invention can be used as machine, process or goods that programming software, firmware, hardware or their any combination obtain realize by producing by standard program and/or engineering.

Any object routine with computer readable program code can, in the inside of one or more computer usable mediums such as memory device or transmission equipment specific implementation, produce according to computer program of the present invention or goods whereby. Thereby, as used herein term " goods " and " computer program " be intended to be included in such as on any computer usable medium on any memory device or in any transmission equipment (for good and all, provisionally, or moment ground) computer program that exists.

Directly from a medium performing a programme code, program code stored on medium, copy from a medium to another medium this code, use transmission equipment transmit this code or other equivalent behaviors, may relate to and use memory or transmission equipment, described memory or transmission equipment carry out temporarily specific implementation program code as just the initial or first step in the time manufacturing, use or sale is of the present invention.

Memory device comprises, but be not limited to hard disk drive, disk, CD, tape, semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, PROMS etc. Transmission equipment comprises, is still not limited to internet, in-house network, based on the network service of telephone/modem, hard wire/cabled communication network, cellular communication, airwave communication, satellite communication, and other static state or mobile network system/communication linkage.

Specific implementation machine of the present invention may relate to subassembly or the independent sector of the one or more treatment systems that include but not limited to following content: CPU, storage/storage device, communication linkage, communication/transmission equipment, server, I/O equipment or one or more treatment systems, comprise software, firmware, hardware or their any combination or recombinant, they as set forth in claims specific implementation the present invention.

According to explanation provided herein, those of skill in the art can easily use suitable general or dedicated computer hardware to combine the software creating as described, create specific implementation computer system of the present invention and/or computer subassembly, and create computer system and/or computer subassembly for realizing method of the present invention.

Certainly, it will be understood that: in the situation that not deviating from scope of the present invention or spirit, can be to making various improvement at various embodiment discussed above and supplementing. For example, the present invention can be combined together use with the networked environment of any type, the Global Regional net from LAN to the rapid expansion such as internet, and comprise the wired and mobile network of cooperation. According to the above-mentioned description to illustrational embodiment, those skilled in the art will easily understand the applicability of the present invention in any analogous network environment.

Therefore, scope of the present invention should not be subject to the restriction of specific embodiment discussed above, but should only be defined by the claims that propose below and equivalent thereof.

Claims

1. one kind helps functional network that access can obtain on one or more networks to beSystem, comprising:

One or more terminals that can operate in the network system of the first kind;

Comprise the network infrastructure of one or more network systems;

For the service provision architecture being used by one or more described terminals, wherein networkBe applied in work in described service provision architecture, and be configured to and the network of Second TypeSystem docking; And

At least one network services broker, comprises and being appeared to described service provision architectureLoose couplings interface, for by value-added network service from one or more described terminals and described inThe network system intermediary of the network system of the first kind and described Second Type supplies to described serviceAnswer architecture.

2. network system according to claim 1, wherein said loose couplings interface is pineThe standard interface of loose coupling.

3. network system according to claim 2, wherein said loosely-coupled standardizationInterface defines with expandable mark language XML.

4. network system according to claim 1, wherein said loose couplings interface comprisesWeb service interface.

5. network system according to claim 1, wherein said loose couplings interface comprisesAppeared the single loosely-coupled Web service interface to described service provision architecture.

6. network system according to claim 1, wherein said network services broker bagDraw together the intermediary device of at least one network coupling, for one of described network infrastructure orMultiple network components communication.

7. network system according to claim 1, wherein said network services broker bagDraw together the intermediary device of at least one terminal coupling, for one or more terminal communications.

8. network system according to claim 1, wherein said network services broker bagDraw together at least one hybrid network service broker, for of described network infrastructureOr multiple network componentses and communicating with one or more terminals.

9. network system according to claim 1, wherein said network services broker isBe used for the checking intermediary device of the service for checking credentials of accessing the application allowing for described network.

10. network system according to claim 1, wherein said network services brokerIt is the charge of the use access charge/billing of services of the application for allowing in conjunction with described networkJie's device.

11. network systems according to claim 1, wherein said network services brokerBeing for access terminal location-based service permits to allow that the position of terminal is offered to described networkThe position intermediary device of the application of being permitted.

12. network systems according to claim 1, wherein said network services brokerFor subscription information being stored into profile register and for examining the final of described terminalThe content subscription intermediary device of user's reservation intention.

13. network systems according to claim 1, wherein said network services brokerFor accessing the service attended to user's presence information is offered to answering of described network permissionWith attend intermediary device.

14. network systems according to claim 1, wherein said network services brokerFor supplying intermediary device to the client of mobile terminal supply intermediary.

15. network systems according to claim 1, wherein said network services brokerIt is the notice intermediary device for helping content to be pushed to terminal.

16. network systems according to claim 1, wherein said network services brokerFor accessing end user's privacy information and for will be to described service to other intermediary devicesThe privacy intermediary device which information is supply architecture provide control.

17. network systems according to claim 16, wherein said privacy intermediary device based onOther intermediary devices of parameter control that defined by the end user of described terminal will supply to described serviceAnswer architecture which information is provided, wherein said parameter can required finally by end userWhen user privacy information, artificially provides, or is pre-defined by end user in parameterSituation under automatically provide.