CA2555122A1 - The comcontrol system - Google Patents

Abstract

The ComControl System (CCS) is a telecommunications operating system for the residential and SOHO market place. The CCS performs multiple functions that deal with the Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC) communication needs of individuals, families, small business, or communities of interest. The CCS is a bundle of wireless components that give the end user the ability to manage and control disparate technologies utilized to service their communication requirements within the home or office:
.cndot. The ComCenter (TCC) (Cellular Demarcation Point & Docking Station);
.cndot. Broadband Controller (BBC) (Demarcation, Wireless Router, Modem, Firewall);
.cndot. Demarcation Control Module (DCM) (singular demarc point outside the BBC);
.cndot. Broadband Controller Software Interface (BCI) (SmartHomeOS).

A home owner or business owns the rights to the creation of all internal communications or multimedia content plus the wired or wireless infrastructure. The CCS
allows the end users to protect their privacy and intellectual property by managing all forms of communications within their residence or business with the SmartHomeOS(SHOS) through the BBC & the DCM (identified above):
.cndot. RJ-11, RJ-45 - Phone & Ethernet wiring, Fibre Optics;
.cndot. RG-59u, RG-6, RG-11 - Coaxial & Satellite Cables;
.cndot. Cellular termination onto home telephone network;
.cndot. 802.11 or 802.16 (WiFi & WiMax);
.cndot. Wireless UHF TV Bands.

This new ability enables the owner of SmartHomeOS to establish customized rules based on need, whether it is pay-per-use, or having open accounts on multiple Service Providers. SmartHomeOS is easily managed through a web based graphical user interface (GUI) that allows the end user to manage the communication requirements inside the home or place of business from a single demarcation point. The demarcation point converges all types of Fixed Wire or Mobility connectivity onto the BBC.
The end user can now set rules to distribute content from one medium onto another, can physically control the on & off function for all Fixed Wired or Mobility Transmission entering or leaving the premise and can easily manipulate the transmission path to the end destination or mobility device. For the first time consumers can control the "on &
off" function of all inbound and outbound types of voice, data and multimedia content.
With this power individuals can determine how content is received or pulled from Service Providers or when internal voice/data communications or multimedia content is created, how it is then pushed out to individuals or to Communities of Interest:
.cndot. You can now turn off your phones (Manage Do Not Call Lists);
.cndot. You can turn off your cable or create a schedule of what can be watched when adults are not home any time of day;
.cndot. Service Provider determines least cost route to terminate call, such as a cellular call transferred and delivered over a cable network and then terminating on a home phone.

The ComCenter (TCC) is the premise Mobility Demarcation Point (MDP) and is designed to have multiple configurations to house a singular to multiple mobility devices.
When the cell phone is docked and charging, all incoming calls terminate and get routed to the home or business telephone sets or WiFi devices. The TCC has an embedded mobility Electronic Serial Number(ESN) that the home or SOHO main telephone number can now be ported to with Local Number Portability(LNP). The end user can now choose a Mobility Provider or Cable company to deliver their total communications service. The Remote ComCenter(RCC) is an extension of the TCC but is an individual docking station which can be located in a bedroom or the RCC can be remote such as a University dorm, distant relatives or Communities of Interest. The ComCenter (TCC) will typically be located in the kitchen and will have optional add on features and managed by the SmartHomeOS, such as:
.cndot. RFID / Bar Code Scanning (swipe from fridge - web grocery list order);
.cndot. Parental Guidance - GPS tracking of kids cell phones (where they have been);
.cndot. Touch screen monitor - TV, download or retrieve recipes, video phone ;
.cndot. Digital Rights - iPod and a port for Digital cameras to download pictures;
.cndot. Clock, AM/FM/XFM/DVD/CD, speaker phone & microphone, message waiting indicator, soft keypad;
.cndot. Security (video surveillance, alarms, notification); Emergency Response;
.cndot. HVAC, Lighting, Water, Hydro, Alternative Energy & Environmental;
.cndot. Calendar Sync - home/kids/work/social (Tablet calendar on wall synced to TCC);
.cndot. VoIP (SIP) client running on a Linux OS;
.cndot. RJ-11, RJ-45, Coaxial, USB & mini USB ports, SD Memory Slot, FireWire, Bluetooth; Cellular receiver & antenna, WiFi radio, voice activated;
.cndot. Cellular docking station with data pin interface and in slot charging;

.cndot. AC power with redundant battery back-up power.

SmartHomeOS can be downloaded to a local computer on premise or offered as a secure hosted service offering which includes the bundled products of the ComControl System. It is web based so end users have easy continuous access to manage the system. SmartHomeOS will empower end users to become a Boutique Service Provider by servicing a Community of Interest. SmartHomeOS brings distinct forms of connectivity onto one easily managed platform, giving the end user complete control of their residential or business infrastructure and control of the content they have produced and own. SmartHomeOS will link any type of microprocessors whether it be a mechanical function like a furnace or electrical like an appliance or fixture.

Broadband Controller (BBC) is a stand alone terminal device that receives and connects all types of fixed wire or mobility (narrowband or broadband) connectivity, and can also contain the Demarcation Control Module. The BBC brings all theses forms of connectivity onto one location and gives the end user management control of the residential Home or SOHO Demarcation Points. The BBC is equipped with an 802.11×
radio that enables wireless management by the end user through the SmartHomeOS

software which resides on the end user computer. The residential or business owner controls the BBC and not the service provider and as such ensures privacy and establishes the rules on how incoming and outgoing transmission will terminate or be sent.

Description

Private and Confidential July 28, 2006 Canadian Patent Application Inventor Steven Duncan Moore 8 Ascot Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K2H 6E4, Canada (613) 829-9968 steven.moore@rogers.com 1. Backyround Back in the late 1970's and early 1980's the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Canadian Radio-Te%vision & Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) mandated that within the premise of a home or business, all internal wiring previously owned, installed and maintained by the ILEC, CLEC or Cable Companies, was officially transferred to the possession and responsibility of the owner. Now all exterior Telecommunication Service Providers terminate their fixed wire connection or mobility transmission to the premise Demarcation Point. Typical residential homes are wired for standard RJ-11 Telephone Jacks or a standard RG-59u Cable Jacks. Different Satellite and WiMax providers will terminate their service onto a RG-6 / RG-11 Coax Cable or an RJ-45 Ethernet Wire. More recently, homes are now wired with a Loca/Area Network (LAN) Ethernet RJ-45 wiring infrastructure. In select neighbourhoods, niche Service Providers and Property Managers deliver Fibre and WiMax services. Satellite services are broadly available and there is global mass adoption of cellular usage as the service is pervasive in the areas it services.

Within the last 10 years, the FCC in the U.S.A. & the CRTC in Canada mandated that Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILEC) & Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLEC) must allow for full Local Number Portability (LNP). With LNP in place, customers who are local, can move freely between carriers and not lose their main phone number associated with their business, home or cellular phone. In November in 2003, the FCC in the U.S.A. mandated there was to be full LNP between Cellular Carriers and Telephone Carriers. The CRTC in Canada has set a date of April 2007 for full LNP between all Mobility Carriers and ILEC/CLEC Carriers to be compliant. With this policy in place, a resident or business is now able to port their main telephone number from the ILEC/CLEC and port this number to a Mobility Carrier of their choice. Now end users both at home and in business are faced with a new business environment, that of Fixed-Mobi/e Convergence (FMC). This convergence presents a unique opportunity for Mobility and non-traditional Carriers (InternetService Providers"ISP'; or Application Service Providers"ASP") to challenge the ILEC's core revenue stream, the family phone number and the Srna// Office Home Of1r"ce (SOHO) main phone number.

Within the average family household of four, where the 2 children are approaching the age of 10 years and older, parents are giving their kids cell phones so the family can Steven D. Moore 8 Ascot Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2H 6E4 (613) 829-9968 Fax (613) 829-9737

2 Private and Confidential stay connected. Kids typically choose their own phones based on style or features and may not be on the same Mobility Carrier or under a family plan as the rest of the family members. Parents may have corporate phones (Blackberry, Cell Phone, Pocket PC
or Smart Phone), with all phones having voicemail. Mobility Carriers promote family calling plans, just like they do for corporate clients Providers encourage this to reduce churn and secure all members of the household onto their network. Customers like a one supplier one bill arrangement as it lowers costs and provides simplicity. The family unit and SOHO also pay for a local phone number provided by an ILEC or CLEC. This main telephone number is expensive once you add in all the extra features such as voicemail, call display, call waiting etc. The average monthly phone bill in Canada and the U.S.A. is approximately $45 per month.

Wireless has become the disruptive trend of the decade with world wide mass adoption.
Wireless enables you to live an untethered lifestyle, delivers efficient time management and reduces costs. Based on these observations the trend for Cellular dependency will only increase as time goes on. Today, traditional phone and computer networks are very complicated tD understand or manage, and the mass population has no interest or desire to learn how to manipulate them for their own benefit. In a typical family or SOHO environment there is not enough technical expertise to cobble together disparate forms of technology and Service Providers, to date, have not addressed this market segment.

The owner(s) of any Residential Premise or SOHO Business have the right to claim ownership of all their internal private communications or content creation.
The premise behind the ComContro/System (see Section 4.= Figurel) and all the ancillary products is Empowerment & Simplicity. The ComConiro/SYstem empowers the end user to:
= Control & Manage all inbound exterior Fixed Wire or Mobility connectivity;
= Manage all types of telephony, data or multi media content communications created internally and being sent out the Demarcation Point;
= Manage any type of internal communication infrastructure.

Within every Residential Home or SOHO premise, there exists a Demarcation Point. All external forms of Fixed Wire or Mobility Transmissions physically terminate inside the premise. This termination point is the staring point or Demarcation Point, of the entire residential or SOHO internal communication infrastructure (phone lines, computer networks, WiFi devices). Currently there is no easy, simple or intuitive way for an end user to manage (Turn On or Turn Off) all inbound or outbound transmissions going through this Demarcation Point. Service Providers typically offer a monthly, always on service, and also set limits on quantity or duration of bandwidth used and may offer Quality of Service (QoS). Currently end users do not have intuitive tools to turn the demarcation point on or off to the Service Providers.

The premise behind the Demarration Contro/Modu/e (DCM) (see Section 4: Figure 2) is to bring all types of Fixed Wire or Mobility connectivity demarcation points onto one managed platform designed to converge each type onto a manifold design or a modular single device. The end user can physically control the on & off function for all Fixed Wired or Mobility Transmission entering the premise. If there is a situation where there Steven D. Moore 8 Ascot Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2H 6E4 (613) 829-9968 Fax (613) 829-9737

3 Private and Confidential is a different physical location for each form of connectivity, then the DCM
will be broken out into a singular specific device per type of connection (RJ-11, RJ-45, Cable) and outfitted with an Access Point Client enabling remote management by the BCI
through the BBC, TCC or a web interface. By controlling the "on & off" function, the end user can control all the inbound and outbound connectivity for all types of voice, data and multimedia content. With the DCM managed by the BCI, the end user(s) can determine how content is received or "PULLED" down from the Service Provider of choice, or when internal voice/data communications or multimedia content is created, how it is then "PUSHED" out to individuals or to Communities of Interest.

With the explosion of the Internet and the deployment of broadband network infrastructure, there is now constant demand for Broadband Internet Services.
Current Residential or SOHO Customers typically have only 2 choices when it comes to terminating Fixed Wire connectivity into their premise Demarcation Point. It is either a standard Four Pair Twisted Telephone Line (RJ-11), or Coax Cable (RG-59u) terminating at the internal Demarcation Point phone jack or cable connector. Fibre, WiMax and Satellite networks are steadily emerging and are available in select niche markets.These mediums terminate on either Ethernet (RJ-45) or Coax Cable (RG-6, RG-11, antenna protocol) at the internal demarcation point. The internal Home or Small Business phone network is typically a twisted pair or RJ-11 telephone jacks. Newer Homes and Small Business also have an Ethernet communication infrastructure (R]-45 for computers &
RJ-11 for telephones or an 802.11 WiFi Wireless infrastructure). Today, users are now faced with Fixed-Mobile Convergence (FMC), the choice of voice, data and multimedia terminating onto their internal communication infrastructure be it Fixed Wire -RJ-11 or RJ-45, cable or Mobility - Wireless WiFi network. Previously, internal home and SOHO
networks did not require any advanced management features or functionality;
therefore Service Providers did not focus on this market. There was no perceived need, nor the perceived willingness to pay for such advanced internal management of a family or SOHO communications. In the corporate market place, these same Service Providers charge a monthly premium for specific Managed Networks Services like 24x7 Monitoring, Maintenance of Components (ie: Routers & Switches) and deliver Quality of Services for Data Bandwidth, Security, Voice Traffic and Multimedia Services.

The premise behind the Broadband Contro/%r(BBC) (see Section 4: Figure 3) is to converge all external forms of Tele/Data Communications and Broadcasting onto one platform easily managed by the end user. By converging these different mediums of Fixed Wire or Mobility transmissions onto one managed platform the end user has obtained a unique advantage. These transmissions are managed by the end user through a Graphical UserInten'ace (GUI) called the Broadband Contro/%rInten'ace (BCI) software program. Based on the established rules, all incoming transmissions are then delivered onto the internal premise communication infrastructure. The end user also has the same control of all internal communications or content created. The BBC
can either be a single stand alone terminal device or can be form fitted as an add-on option for the Demairation Contro/Modu/e, The ComCenter, and the Remote CoinCenter.

Steven D. Moore 8 Ascot Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2H 6E4 (613) 829-9968 Fax (613) 829-9737

4 Private and Confidential The premise behind The ComCenter(TCC) (see Section 4: Figure 4) is that Families and SOHO Owners pay for a main telephone phone number, but cellular has become the choice communication device. Even when someone is at home or in the office the cell phone is the communication of choice, this has now caused duplication and increased costs. When an end user cradles any cell phone into TCC docking base station, the TCC
becomes the defacto Premise Mob//ityDemarcation Point(MDP). When the cellular phone is cradled and charging, all incoming cellular calls are answered on the pre-selected existing intemal communication infrastructure. The ComCenter interfaces back with the Cellular Service Provider to enable them to choose based on least cost, priority or availability to terminate mobility transmissions, to the end user through a completely different medium such as a Cable Network or Twisted Pair Network. The ComCenter has a built-in cellular ESN receiver where the Home or SOHO main telephone number has been ported to, thus calls to home telephone number will be answered based on distinctive rings in the same logic as noted. In a situation where an individual would like to have their cellular phone in their own room but still want the features and functionality of TCC, the Remote ComCenter(RCC) (see Section 4.= Figure 5) is available. This separate module is located in another room which is locally connected by way of a resident WiFi Client linked wirelessly back to the TCC. The RCC is managed by the BCI. An optional feature will enhance the RCC with a Wide Area Network (WAN) component that will have VoIP capabilities and become the defacto Mobi/ityDemarcation Point(MDP). This feature converts the RCC to an off-site base station that remains connected back to TCC, and managed by the BCI.

The premise behind the Broadband Contro/%rlnterface (BCI) software program is bringing disparate forms of connectivity onto one manageable platform. In conjunction with the ComContro/System, the software interface client resides on the end user(s) computer, empowering them to control, manage and distribute all types inbound or outbound voice, data or multimedia content. The end user only has to select which Fixed Wired or Mobility connectivity they wish to use and have an active account with that Service Provider. The BCI empowers end user(s) to quickly and easily manage all wired and mobility internal communication devices connected to the ComControl System. The BCI can be delivered through a managed service offering from a selected local Service Provider.

2. Detail of Product The ComContro/System is currently made up of four components - three interconnected devices and software that links them together, they are: The ComCenter (TCC), the Demarcation Control Module (DCM), and the Broadband Contro//er (BBC).
These devices are all managed by the Broadband Controller Inten'ace (BCI) software client residing on the residential Home or SOHO computer. Any Service Provider can also deliver a ComContro/System Hosted Service Offering to the public as well, The ComContro/System empowers the end user to consolidate the Family or SOHO
cellular bills and main telephone number onto one Mobility Service Provider's network.
The end user controls and manages all types of internal communications or content, as Steven D. Moore 8 Ascot Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2H 6E4 (613) 829-9968 Fax (613) 829-9737 Private and Confidential well as controlling entry of any type of external communication at their premise. The end user experiences simplicity in use, lowered costs, increased privacy and functionality. With the CoinContro/System in place, the end user is given choice when dealing with the multiple Service Providers providing a variety of different services.
CoinContro/System empowers the end user to easily control and manage all Fixed Wire or Mobility connectivity inbound or outbound from their Residential or SOHO facility on any type of internal communication infrastructure. The four components are:

I. Demancation Contro/Modu/e (DCM) becomes the defacto Home or SOHO
business Demarcation Point. This device physically terminates all types of external Fixed Wire or Mobility transmission entering the premise of the Homeowner or SOHO Business. The DCM can turn on or off the connection and continue to pass through the transmission onto the same medium type network. The DCM is managed by the Broadband Controller Interface (BCI) which is wirelessly connected to The ComContro/System infrastructure. The DCM enables the end user to manage and select which Service Provider delivers what type of service into the premises (Pull Model). The DCM also manages and controls any type of Telecommunication or Multi Media Content generated or created from within the household or SOHO environment and is sent out (Push Model). The DCM opens or closes (turns on, turns off) the physical connection and controls what is pulled in or pushed out through the Service Provider as pre-selected by the end user. In the event that one of the physical locations of the Fixed Wire or Mobility connections entering the property is not located by the main Demarcation Points, then a singular component is deployed to that location and is wirelessly connected back to the main DCM.

II. The Broadband ConbnUer(BBC) is a terminal device that houses the Demarcation Control Module(s) (DCM) and thus becomes the defacto residential Home or SOHO Demarcation Point. The BBC has an internal WiFi Access Point that enables wireless management by the end user through the Broadband Controller Interface (BCI) software loaded onto the end user(s) computer. The BBC can either be a stand alone product or as an add-on option module, layered into Demarcation Contro/Modu/e, The CoinCenter, or the Remote GbmCenter The BCC converges all forms of external Fixed Wired or Mobility transmission onto one single, managed platform. Based on the rules set-out by the end user through the BCI, the BBC directs all forms of extemal transmissions (voice call, data transmission or multimedia content) onto any type of internal communication infrastructure. Based on the rules established by the end user, and executed by the BCI, the BBC manages and routes all intemal voice or data communication or content creation and pushes this transmission through the Demarcation Contro/Modu/eout to the pre-determined Fixed Wire or Mobility Network Provider with which the end user has an existing, valid service agreement.

Steven D. Moore 8 Ascot Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2H 6E4 (613) 829-9968 Fax (613) 829-9737 Private and Confidential III. The ComCenter(TCC) is the defacto Residential or SOHO premise Mobility Demarcation Point(MDP). It is a singular to multiple Cellular base station for all family members' or all employees in a SOHO Business; it has a built-in cellular E/ectronicSeria/Number(ESN) receiver that has the family's home telephone number ported to it. When any type of cellular phone is cradled in the charging slot, TCC receives and terminates the incoming cellular call from the Mobility Service Provider onto the MDP, then retransmits the call onto the pre-selected existing residential or SOHO communication infrastructure as directed by the BCI. When a cell phone is in the cradle, TCC notifies the Mobility Service Provider that all incoming calls can be re-routed off the mobility network and delivered on another type of medium terminating at the premise Demarcation Point(s). TCC has an internal WiFi client that wirelessly links TCC to the Broadband Contro/%r(BBC) and the Demarcation Contro/Module (DCM). This allows the end user to manage and control such features as rerouting a cellular call onto another medium or have a text message sent to the end users computer email account - all managed by the Broadband ControUerInten'ace (BCI). TCC will have a basic form factor that will accept multi layered add on mod ules such as the Broadband Controller or the Demarcation Control Module.
Other options are; multimedia - Clock, AM/FM Radio, CD, XFM; or Parental Guidance & Security Features such as GPS tracking, all managed by the BCI.
TCC will be ergonomically designed to fit into a home or SOHO environment. In a situation where an individual would like to charge their cellular phone in their own room, the Remote ComCenter(RCC) is available. This is a separate module from the TCC located in another room or bedroom which is locally connected by way of a resident WiFi Client linked wirelessly back to the TCC, which in turn is managed by the BCI. An optional feature will enhance the RCC
with a Wide Area Network (WAN) component that will have VoIP capabilities.
This feature converts the RCC to an off-site base station that remains connected to the TCC managed by the BCI. An example of this might be one of the following; kids off to College or University in another city and the RCC
is linked back with a VoIP extension; or placing a RCC or TCC at a Family or Friend location(s) or dispersed through a Community of Interest.

IV. The Broadband Conirn//erlnterface (BCI) is a software client residing on the end users computer or on a hosted server. Through a simple and easy to use Graphical User Interface (GUI), the BCI enables the end user to easily manage, control and distribute all the inbound and outbound Fixed Wire or Mobility transmission to other recipients or to a community of interest.

Steven D. Moore 8 Ascot Avenue Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K2H 6E4 (613) 829-9968 Fax (613) 829-9737

Claims