KR20070017107A - Method and apparatus for facilitating wireless presence?based services - Google Patents

Abstract

The need to more efficiently facilitate wireless presence-based services is addressed by embodiments of the present invention. In general, the wireless presence proxy (WPP) 131 caches presence updates (such as peer list presence information) from the presence server 161 for the mobile station (MS) 101. The WPP maintains presence information reflecting the presence updates received for transmission to the MS when an update condition exists. Thus, updates are made when a resource-efficiency condition exists, for example, the allocation of traffic channels for other call operations. The WPP also updates the presence server on behalf of the MS when the MS presence status changes. In this way, the described embodiments could reduce system resources required to facilitate wireless presence-based services.

WPP, Update Terms, Wireless Presence-based Services, Mobile Stations, Wireless Presence Proxy (WPP)

Description

Methods and apparatus for facilitating wireless presence-based services

This application relates to the invention “Method and Apparatus for Facilitating PTT Section Initiation Using IP-Based Protocol”, filed on the same day as assigned to the applicant of this application and incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to Provisional Application No. 60/486684, filed July 11, 2003, entitled “Wireless Communication Network and Method for Enabling Wireless Presence-Based Services”.

This application is related to Provisional Application No. 60/527603, filed Dec. 5, 2003, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Reducing PTT Call Setup Delay”.

The present invention relates generally to wireless communication systems, and in particular, to facilitating wireless presence-based services in such systems.

Presence services such as Instant Messaging (IM) are well known to Internet users. These services are also part of the third generation (3G) wireless offering. However, current wireless paradigms do not handle these services very efficiently. For example, existing presence servers typically maintain presence information by periodically communicating with a target mobile station (MS) and use a response or lack thereof as a presence "heartbeat" signal. This pinging can occur every 5 minutes for each MS. 1 illustrates a simplified messaging exchange involved in pinging such an MS. As shown in the messaging flow chart 100, the presence server ping is configured to transmit the ping response to the presence server (via PDSN) to the base station (BS), mobile switching center (PDSN) via the packet data serving node (PDSN). Triggers substantial messaging between the MSC), the packet control function (PCF), and the PDSN. As is known, such paging extends to the MSC and A interfaces. It also uses long (ie inefficient) pages over the air interface to the MS. The network and the MS experience full data section operation from dormancy (i.e., call setup according to the assignment of the TCH), packet exchange, and disconnection.

In addition, presence state changes for an MS are pushed to all units containing that MS in their peer lists. In addition to all of these, each individual service can track a different presence than other services. For example, different IM services may each perform their own ping of the target MS to substantially obtain the same information and substantially push the same independent changes to the units according to their peer lists. Given the inefficiency involved in current presence implementations, there is a need for a method and apparatus that facilitates wireless presence-based services more efficiently.

The need to more efficiently facilitate wireless presence-based services is addressed by embodiments of the present invention. In general, a Wireless Presence Proxy (WPP) caches presence updates (such as peer list presence updates) from a presence server for a mobile station (MS). When there is an update condition, the WPP maintains presence information reflecting the presence updates received for transmission to the MS. Thus, updates are made when a resource-efficiency condition is provided, such as, for example, the allocation of traffic channels for other call operations. The WPP also updates the presence server on behalf of the MS when the MS presence status changes. In this manner, the described embodiments can reduce system resources required to facilitate wireless presence-based services.

1 is a messaging flow diagram of prior art messaging to support presence-based services.

2 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention.

3 is a block diagram of a wireless communication system in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention.

4 is a messaging flow diagram illustrating voice call presence messaging independent of a Wireless Presence Proxy (WPP) in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention.

5 is a messaging flow diagram illustrating opportunistic presence messaging and WPP registered messaging in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention.

6 is a messaging flow diagram illustrating WPP for caching presence information for a mobile station (MS) and opportunistically updating the MS in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention.

7 is a messaging flow diagram illustrating presence messaging by WPP in response to a registration event in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention.

8 is a messaging flow diagram illustrating presence messaging by WPP in response to an outgoing event in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention.

The disclosed embodiments may be more fully understood with reference to FIGS. 2 through 8. 2 is a block diagram of a mobile communication system 200 in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention. The communication system 200 is based on known code division multiple access (CDMA), in particular cdma2000, based on the Telecommunications Industry Association / Electronic Industry Association (TIA / EIA) standards IS-2000 and IS-2001, which have been suitably modified to implement the present invention. System. Alternative embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in communication systems using other technologies sufficiently similar to IS-2000 and IS-2001. Examples include IS-136, IS-95, IS-833, WCDMA, HRPD (TIA-878-1 and TIA-1878), "iDEN", "WiDEN", GSM, GPRS, UMTS, and EDGE, but these It is not limited to.

Those skilled in the art will recognize in FIG. 2 not only all the network equipment required for system 200 to operate, but also their system components and logical entities particularly relevant to the description of embodiments of the present invention. In particular, the network facilities of the system 200 include base stations (BS) 121 and 122, mobile switching centers (MSCs) 171 and 172, short message service centers (SMSCs) 181 and 182, and packet control. Functions (PCF) / Wireless Presence Proxys (WPP) 131 and 132, Packet Data Serving Nodes (PDSN) 141 and 142, Internet Protocol (IP) Network 151, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) ( 155, and components such as presence server 161. For example, BSs are well known to include components such as base station controllers (BSC) and base station transceiver systems (BTS) that are not shown in detail in FIG. 2. Also shown as a single presence server, presence server 161 may represent multiple servers for individual services such as IM and / or push-to-talk (PTT). In addition, PCFs are well known to include components such as processors and network interfaces.

Like PCFs, WPPs may be implemented using well-known components, such as, but not limited to, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory devices, and / or logic circuits. These components are typically represented using high level design languages or descriptions, represented using computer instructions, and implemented using algorithms and / or protocols represented using representational and / or logical flow diagrams using messaging flow diagrams. Is adapted to. Thus, given algorithms, logic flows, messaging flows, and / or V protocol specifications, those skilled in the art know many of the design and development techniques available to implement WPP to perform a given logic. Thus, PCF / WPPs 131 and 132 represent common platforms that support WPP functionality and PCF functionality.

However, WPPs need not be implemented with PCFs. For example, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a mobile communication system 300 in which the WPP 315 is shown only as part of the wireless communication network 310 with the wireless transceiver facility 311. Thus, WPP is instead implemented as a standalone system component (e.g., a control function) and included as well known system components (such as a control function in an MSC, PCF, or BS), or in an MSC, PCF or It may be distributed through well known system components such as BS.

As shown in FIG. 2, BSs 121 and 122 use air interfaces that include channels 111-114 for communication with remote units 101 and 102. IS-2000 channels 111 and 112 include broadcast channels, paging channels, access channels (ie, access channels ACH and increased connected channels EACH), and common control channels. Each includes a variety of well known non-traffic channel forms. The IS-2000 channels 113 and 114 each include dedicated traffic channels that are dynamically allocated and unassigned to support user services.

The IS-2000 term refers to remote units as mobile stations (MS), but the remote units need not necessarily be mobile or mobile. Thus, remote unit / MS platforms are well known in the art to include devices such as mobile telephones, computers, personal digital assistants, game machines, and the like. In particular, MSs 101 and 102 may include processors 105 and 106, transceivers 107 and 108, keypads (not shown), speakers (not shown), microphones (not shown), and indicators ( Not shown). Processors, transceivers, keypads, speakers, microphones, and indicators used in MSs are well known in the art.

For example, MS processors are well known to include basic components such as, but not limited to, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontrollers, memory devices, and / or logic circuits. Such MS components are generally represented using high level design languages or descriptions, represented using computer instructions, algorithms and / or protocols represented using representation and / or logic flow diagrams using messaging flow diagrams. Are adapted to implement them. Thus, given algorithms, logic flows, messaging flows and / or protocol specifications, those skilled in the art know many of the design and development techniques available to implement an MS that performs a given logic. Accordingly, MSs 101 and 102 represent known MSs adapted in accordance with the description herein to implement embodiments of the present invention.

Operation of the communication system 200 in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention substantially occurs as follows. Although system 200 includes WPPs, some of the embodiments supported by the present invention do not require WPP at all. For example, FIG. 4 is a messaging flow diagram 400 illustrating voice call presence messaging independent of a wireless presence proxy (WPP) in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention. Messaging 402 represents call origination and channel assignment messaging including MS 101, BS 121, and MSC 171. Although messaging 402 includes an outgoing message for a voice call from processor 105 via transceiver 107, it may instead include an outgoing message for a data call. Messaging 402 also includes a traffic channel (TCH) assignment that supports call requests received by processor 105 via transceiver 107. The outgoing message and channel assignments are carried over the air interface resource 111.

Messaging 404 represents the presence update request message sent by the processor 105 to the presence server 161 via the transceiver 107. Since the MS 101 is included in the voice call, the presence update request is sent to the presence server 161 via short message service (SMS) messaging and the TCH 113. In response, processor 105 receives updated peer list presence information (represented by messaging 406) from presence server 161 via SMS / email messaging, TCH 113, and transceiver 107. The presence update request (messaging 404) is routed to the SMSC 181 by the MSC 171. The SMSC 181 transmits the contents of the SMS message to the presence server 161. Presence server 161 knowing that MS 101 is now in the TCH sends a presence update response to MS 101 (presence server 161 to SMSC 161, SMSC 181 to MSC 171, MSC). 171 to BS 121, and then BS 121 to MS 101). Thus, without requiring WPP, a unit can point to a presence server that has a TCH and can use it to receive presence updates opportunistically. This is a more efficient resource than prior art presence updates, including obtaining a TCH only for the presence updates independently of the call operation.

5 is a messaging flow diagram 500 illustrating opportunistic presence messaging and WPP registered messaging in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention. Messaging 502 includes an outgoing message (or alternatively a reconnection message) for a data call from processor 105 via transceiver 107. Messaging 502 also includes a traffic channel assignment that supports a call request (TCH 113) received by processor 105 via transceiver 107. The outgoing message and channel assignments are carried over the air interface resource 111.

Messaging 504 represents a data connection establishment including MS 101, BS 121, PCF / WPP 131, and PDSN 141. In the embodiments shown in FIG. 5, in the active data section via the TCH 113, the MS 101 subscribes to the presence service provided by the presence server 161. This is represented by messaging 506. The MS 101 subscription is connected directly to the presence server 161, but this occurs via the PCF / WPP 131. While the data section of MS 101 is active, MS 101 can receive presence update information from the presence server 161 as represented by messaging 508, such as the current status of its associated peer list members. have.

When the MS 101 completes the data call, its section transition from active to dormant, the TCH 113 is released (messaging 510) and the data connection is broken (messaging 512). The WPP processor 135 via the network interface 137 when the PCF / WPP 131 detects that the MS 101 is in a dormant state (e.g., its associated A8 connection released) is released by the MS 101. Subscribe to the presence service as a proxy for (messaging 514). As the presence proxy of the MS 101, the WPP processor 135, which then passes through the network interface 137, then receives presence update messaging from the presence server 161 instead of the MS 101.

6 is a messaging flow diagram 600 depicting a PCF / WPP 131 that stores presence information for an MS 101 and opportunistically updates the MS 101 in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention. Thus, in some embodiments supported by the present invention, the PCF / WPP 131 stores the presence information received for the MS 101 until a resource efficient opportunity occurs to update the MS 101. . Messaging 602 represents a peer list presence update for MS 101 from presence server 161. The WPP processor 135 receives the update via the network interface 137 and uses it to update any peer list presence information already stored for the MS 101. Thus, this peer list presence information for the MS 101 is maintained for a time that reflects the most recent peer list presence updates received by the PCF / WPP 131 for the MS 101.

The WPP processor 135 updates the MS 101 with the presence information from this maintained information when certain conditions exist. In some embodiments, the predetermined period of time may be set to ensure that MS 101 is updated at least every time this period has elapsed. For example, this period may be measured from the time when the oldest change was made to the maintenance information of the MS 101 since the last update.

In general, the PCF / WPP 131 should update the MS 101 with presence information when there are radio resource-efficient conditions. These conditions include the times when the MS 101 is assigned a TCH for other services. Therefore, the presence updates may be sent using already allocated resources rather than having to allocate separate resources. In addition, when the MS 101 is in semi-dormant mode, known information about the location of the MS 101 may be restricted to resources only, for example, at the location of the MS 101. More efficient resource usage. Thus, when updates are stored and the PCF / WPP 131 receives an indication that the MS 101 is assigned a TCH or an indication that the MS 101 is in semi-dwell mode, the presence information is sent to the MS 101. do. Examples of indications for which MS 101 is assigned a TCH include an indication of call origination by MS 101, an indication of call operation including MS 101, and an indication of TCH assignment to MS 101. 6 shows an example using resource-efficient conditions.

Messaging 604 represents call origination and channel assignment including MS 101, BS 121, and MSC 171. Messaging 604 includes traffic channel assignments for TCH 113 to support call origination of MS 101. This channel assignment is received by processor 105 via transceiver 107. If messaging 604 included data call origination, reconnection, or semi-pause conversion, PCF / WPP 131 is involved in establishing a data connection to know that MS 101 has been assigned a TCH. However, since messaging 604 includes voice call origination, PCF / WPP 131 requires some other indication of the TCH assignment of MS 101. In some embodiments, MS 101 provides such an indication. For example, as represented by messaging 606, processor 105 sends a presence update request to PCF / WPP 131 via transceiver 107 and TCH 113. This request may also indicate that the form of call MS 101 requested, in this example a voice call.

In response to the request of the MS 101, the WPP processor 135 via the network interface 137 sends the presence information (messaging 608) from the peer list presence information that is being held to update the MS 101. . This presence information is received by the MS processor 107 via the TCH 113 and the transceiver 107. Such as a call request in messaging 604 may be sent by MS 101 via short data burst (SDB) messaging such that presence information from PCF / WPP 131 may be sent to MS 101 via SDB messaging. Can be received by. In some alternative scenarios, however, the MS 101 may simply receive presence information in the form of original data for the TCH 113, such as those included in the data call.

7 is a messaging flow diagram 700 illustrating presence messaging by the PCF / WPP 131 in response to a registration event in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention. Another condition for updating the MS 101 is when the PCF / WPP 131 receives an indication of registration by the MS. In response to registration messaging 702 including MS 101, BS 121, and MSC 171, MSC 171 sends a registration indication of MS 101 to PCF / WPP 131 (messaging). (704). In addition to storing the presence updates for the MS 101, the PCF / WPP 131 also provides the presence server 161 with updates about the presence-related status of the MS 101.

For example, messaging 706 represents this update to presence server 161. Specifically, the WPP processor 135 via the network interface 137 updates the presence server 161 to the state available for the MS 101 in response to receiving the registration indication of the MS 101. Another situation in which the PCF / WPP 131 may provide an available status update for the MS 101 will respond to receiving an indication during an available-call for the MS 101. Similarly, PCF / WPP 131 may display indications such as an indication of cellular unregistered by MS 101, an indication of "power off" by MS 101, or an indication of unregistered application service by MS 101. Responsive to receipt may provide a non-available status update for the MS 101.

In response to the status update of messaging 706, presence server 161 may send presence updates for members of the peer list of MS 101 (messaging 708). In the example of FIG. 7, since only the MS 101 is registered, the MS 101 is not assigned a TCH. However, PCF / WPP 131 and MSC 171 may opportunistically affect registration information of MS 101 to direct paging channel (PCH) messaging to the location of MS 101. Thus, as shown in messaging 710 and 712, peer list updates may be delivered to MS 101 via an SDB on the PCH of air interface resource 111.

8 is a messaging flow diagram 800 illustrating presence messaging by the PCF / WPP 131 in response to an originating event in accordance with multiple embodiments of the present invention. Messaging 802 represents call origination and channel assignment messaging including MS 101, BS 121, and MSC 171. Messaging 802 includes a traffic channel assignment for TCH 113 to support call origination of MS 101. If messaging 802 included data call origination, reconnection, or semi-pause conversion, PCF / WPP 131 is involved in establishing a data connection to know that MS 101 has been assigned a TCH. However, since messaging 802 includes voice call origination, PCF / WPP 131 requires some other indication of the TCH assignment of MS 101. In some embodiments, MS 101 provides such an indication. This has been described above with reference to FIG. 6. In other embodiments, MSC 171 provides messaging 804 to indicate that an outgoing event for MS 101 has occurred.

As shown in FIG. 8, the PCF / WPP 131 provides an update to the presence server 161 about the presence-related state of the MS 101. Messaging 806 and 816 represent these updates. Specifically, the WPP processor 135 via the network interface 137 updates the presence server 161 with the busy state for the MS 101 in response to receiving an indication of the call origination of the MS 101. Another situation where PCF / WPP 131 provides busy status updates for MS 101 may receive an indication of call involvement by MS 101 (eg, an indication of a page response from MS 101). When).

In response to the status update of messaging 806, presence server 161 may send presence updates for members of the peer list of MS 101 (messaging 808). In the example of FIG. 8, the MS 101 has been assigned a TCH 113. Therefore, PCF / WPP 131 may opportunistically affect TCH 113 of MS 101 to provide peer list updates.

When MS 101 completes a voice call and TCH 113 is released (messaging 812), PCF / WPP 131 indicates from MSC 171 that MS 101 has completed its voice call. (Message 814). In response to receiving the indication of the completion of the call of the MS 101, the PCF / WPP 131 updates the presence server 161 in an available state instead of the MS 101.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art will, in the drawings, describe the elements for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily in scale. For example, in the drawings, the sizes of some elements may be enlarged relative to other elements to help understand various embodiments of the present invention.

Advantages, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments of the present invention. However, the above advantages, advantages, solutions to problems and solutions that may result in, or may make the solution to such advantages, advantages, or problems more obvious Any element (s) should not be construed as an important and essential or essential feature or element of any or all claims. As used herein and in the appended claims, the terms "comprises", "comprising" or any other alteration is intended to refer to non-exclusive inclusion and, accordingly, includes a process, method, article of manufacture, or elements. The apparatus may not only include those elements in the list, but may also include such processes, methods, articles of manufacture, or other elements not listed or unique to the apparatus.

The term "plurality" as used herein is defined as two or more than two. The term "other" as used herein is defined as at least a second or more. The term "comprising and / or having" as used herein is defined as including (ie, open language). The term "connected" as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily direct and not necessarily mechanical. The term "program, computer program, and computer instructions" as used herein is defined as a sequence of instructions designed for execution in a computer system. Such sequences of instructions include, but are not limited to, subroutines, functions, procedures, object methods, object implementations, executable applications, applets, servlets, shared libraries / dynamic load libraries, source code, object code, and / or assembly code. It doesn't work.

Claims (10)

In a method that facilitates wireless presence-based services: Receiving, by a Wireless Presence Proxy (WPP), a buddy list presence update for a mobile station (MS) from a presence server: Maintaining, by the WPP, peer list presence information reflecting the peer list presence update for the MS; And When there is a condition to update the MS, sending, by the WPP, presence information from the peer list presence information to update the MS. The method of claim 1, The condition for updating the MS is present when a predefined time period has elapsed since the oldest change to the peer list presence information. The method of claim 1, The condition for updating the MS includes a wireless resource-efficient condition for updating the MS. The method of claim 3, wherein A condition for updating the MS is present when the WPP receives an indication that the MS is assigned a Traffic Channel (TCH). The method of claim 1, The condition for updating the MS is that the WPP is present upon receiving an indication that the MS is in semi-dormant mode. The method of claim 1, The condition for updating the MS is present when the WPP receives a presence update request from the MS. The method of claim 1, The condition for updating the MS is present when the WPP receives a registration indication by the MS. In a method that facilitates wireless presence-based services: Sending a call request by a mobile station (MS); Receiving, by the MS, a traffic channel (TCH) assignment to support the call request; And Receiving, by the MS, updated peer list presence information over the TCH supporting the call request. In a wireless presence proxy (WPP) to facilitate wireless presence-based services: A network interface for transmitting and receiving messaging using at least one communication protocol; A processor communicatively connected to the network interface, The processor, Receive a peer list presence update for a mobile station (MS) from the presence server via the network interface, Maintain peer list presence information reflecting the peer list presence update for the MS, Via the network interface, configured to send presence information from the peer list presence information to update the MS when a condition exists to update the MS. In a mobile station (MS) for facilitating wireless presence-based services, A transceiver, and A processor communicatively connected to the transceiver; The processor, Send a call request through the transceiver, Receive a traffic channel (TCH) assignment to support the call request via the transceiver, Mobile station (MS) configured to receive updated peer list presence information via the TCH and the transceiver supporting the call request.

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