Automatic access to mobile communication networks
The user device within mobile bodies automatically selects and configures to access communication networks, addressing the challenge of manual configuration by intelligently determining and connecting to suitable networks for voice calls.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GOGO BUSINESS AVIATION LLC
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Users within mobile bodies, such as aircraft or ships, face challenges in accessing suitable communication networks for voice calls due to the lack of knowledge about installed communication devices, necessitating manual configuration which is often unavailable to them.
A user device equipped with an application that automatically determines its location within a mobile body, obtains a list of available communication networks, selects a suitable network based on predetermined characteristics, configures to access it using credentials, and sends a registration message to the mobile body's computing system.
Enables seamless and automatic access to communication networks within mobile bodies, facilitating voice calls without user intervention and ensuring connectivity through intelligent network selection.
Smart Images
Figure 2026524623000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Application No. 18 / 218,499, filed on July 5, 2023, entitled "Automatic Access to On-Board Communication Networks", the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure generally relates to the configuration of computing devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to configuring a computing device to access a suitable communication network.
Background Art
[0003] When a user is inside a particular type of mobile body (e.g., an aircraft, a ship, etc.), a conventional cellular communication network may not be available. However, the user may wish to make a voice call to another user outside the mobile body. Conventionally, the user may be required to manually configure the user device to access the communication network within the mobile body. In such a manual configuration process, the user needs to have knowledge of which communication devices the operator of the mobile body has installed in the mobile body. However, such information is not usually available to many users. Therefore, there is a need for a technology to automatically access a suitable communication network by the user device.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, some concepts that will be further described in the detailed description below. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0005] In one embodiment, a method is provided for configuring a user device to access a communication network. The method is performed by the user device and includes: (1) running an application configured by one or more processors to support voice communication when the user device is located in one of a plurality of mobile bodies; (2) the application determining that the user device is located in one of the plurality of mobile bodies; (3) the application obtaining from a computing system associated with the mobile body a list of multiple communication networks that support a plurality of voice bearers available based on the current state of the mobile body; (4) the application selecting a suitable communication network from the list of multiple communication networks based on one or more predetermined characteristics of the plurality of communication networks; (5) the application configuring the user device to access the suitable communication network using credentials; and (6) sending a registration message to the computing system associated with the mobile body, including the credentials for the suitable communication network.
[0006] In another embodiment, a user device is provided configured to access a communication network. The user device comprises (i) one or more processors and (ii) non-temporary memory storing a plurality of executable instructions. When the plurality of instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors cause the one or more processors to (1) execute an application configured to support voice communication when the user device is located in one of a plurality of mobile bodies; (2) the application determines that the user device is located in one of the plurality of mobile bodies; (3) the application obtains from a computing system associated with the mobile body a list of a plurality of communication networks that support a plurality of voice bearers available based on the current state of the mobile body; (4) the application selects a suitable communication network from the list of a plurality of communication networks based on one or more predetermined characteristics of the plurality of communication networks; (5) the application configures the user device to access the suitable communication network using credentials; and (6) sends a registration message to the computing system associated with the mobile body, containing the credentials for the suitable communication network.
[0007] In another embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided for configuring a user device for a communication network. The computer-readable storage medium stores a plurality of non-temporary computer-readable instructions, which, when executed on one or more processors of the user device, cause the one or more processors to: (1) execute an application configured to support voice communication when the user device is located in one of a plurality of mobile bodies; (2) have the application determine that the user device is located in one of the plurality of mobile bodies; (3) have the application obtain from a computing system associated with the mobile body a list of a plurality of communication networks that support a plurality of voice bearers available based on the current state of the mobile body; (4) have the application select a suitable communication network from the list of a plurality of communication networks based on one or more predetermined characteristics of the plurality of communication networks; (5) have the application configure the user device to access the suitable communication network using credentials; and (6) have the application send a registration message to the computing system associated with the mobile body, containing the credentials for the suitable communication network.
[0008] The figures described below illustrate various aspects of the applications, methods, and systems relating to this disclosure. Each figure represents one embodiment relating to a particular aspect of the disclosed applications, systems, and methods, and each figure is intended to correspond to a possible embodiment thereof. Furthermore, wherever possible, the following description refers to the reference numerals included in the following figures, and features depicted in multiple figures are given consistent reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1]This figure shows an exemplary communications system capable of performing the method for configuring user equipment to access a communications network, as disclosed herein. [Figure 2] This figure shows an exemplary system including several different types of mobile devices in which a method for configuring user devices to access a communication network, as disclosed herein, may be implemented. [Figure 3A] This is an illustrative signal diagram illustrating how a method for configuring user equipment to access a communication network, as disclosed herein, may be performed. [Figure 3B] This is an illustrative signal diagram illustrating how a method for configuring user equipment to access a communication network, as disclosed herein, may be performed. [Figure 3C] This is an illustrative signal diagram illustrating how a method for configuring user equipment to access a communication network, as disclosed herein, may be performed. [Figure 3D] This is an illustrative signal diagram illustrating how a method for configuring user equipment to access a communication network, as disclosed herein, may be performed. [Figure 4A] Figure 1 shows an exemplary interface displayed on an electronic device, such as one of the user devices 110, in relation to the implementation of a method for configuring a user device to access a communication network disclosed herein. [Figure 4B] Figure 1 shows an exemplary interface displayed on an electronic device, such as one of the user devices 110, in relation to the implementation of a method for configuring a user device to access a communication network disclosed herein. [Figure 4C] Figure 1 shows an exemplary interface displayed on an electronic device, such as one of the user devices 110, in relation to the implementation of a method for configuring a user device to access a communication network disclosed herein. [Figure 4D]Figure 1 shows an exemplary interface displayed on an electronic device, such as one of the user devices 110, in relation to the implementation of a method for configuring a user device to access a communication network disclosed herein. [Figure 5] This is an illustrative flowchart showing an example of a method for configuring a user device to access a communication network, which may be implemented in one of the user devices 110 shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6A] This is an exemplary block diagram of a user device that may be used in a method for configuring a user device to access a communication network, as disclosed herein. [Figure 6B] This is an exemplary block diagram of an access server that may be used in a method for configuring a user device to access a communication network, as disclosed herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] The following description provides a detailed explanation of numerous different embodiments, but the legal scope of this patent is defined by the claims and their equivalents set forth at the end of this patent. The following detailed description should be interpreted as illustrative and does not describe all possible embodiments, as it would not be practical to describe all possible embodiments. Numerous alternative embodiments can be implemented using current or future technologies, including technologies developed after the filing date, and any of these may fall within the scope of the claims.
[0011] Furthermore, unless a term is explicitly defined in this Patent by the phrase "In this Specification, the term '______' is defined to mean..." or similar wording, there is no intention to explicitly or implicitly limit the meaning of such term beyond its ordinary or general meaning, and such term should not be construed as having a limited scope based on any description in this Patent (excluding the wording of the claims). Even if any term used in the claims listed at the end of this Patent is referred to in a manner consistent with a single meaning in this Patent, this is merely for the purpose of clarification to avoid confusing the reader, and is not intended to limit the claim term to its single meaning, whether implicit or not. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by describing the word and function of “means” without a description of the structure, the scope of any claim element is not intended to be construed under the application of 35 U.S. SC § 112(f).
[0012] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an exemplary communication system 100 in which a method for configuring a user device to access a communication network may be performed. The communication system 100 may include components located within a mobile body 105. The mobile body 105 may be associated with at least two communication links: an internal communication link 137 for providing communication services to a user device 110 while the user device 110 is inside the mobile body 105, and a communication link 147 between the mobile body 105 and a ground base station 145.
[0013] As illustrated, the external communication link 147 can connect the mobile unit 105 to any number of different communication networks. In the illustrated example, external communication link 147a connects the mobile unit 105 to a satellite communication network, and external communication link 147b connects the mobile unit 105 to an air-to-ground (ATG) communication network. In the illustrated satellite communication network, external communication link 147a can connect the mobile unit 105 to a satellite 142 that relays data to and from a ground base station 145a. On the other hand, in the illustrated ATG communication network, external communication link 147b can directly connect the mobile unit 105 to a ground base station 145b. In some embodiments, multiple communication links 147 can be associated with the mobile unit 105. For example, the mobile unit 105 may be commutably connected to one or more ATG communication links 147b and one or more satellite-based communication links 147a. As illustrated, the base station 145 is connected to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 190, through which it is possible to access user equipment 150 on the ground.
[0014] As illustrated, the mobile unit 105 may include one or more modems 115 configured to conform to several different communication standards used by the mobile unit communication links 137 and 147. For example, the mobile unit communication links 137 and 147 may utilize communication protocols associated with terrestrial communications (e.g., TDMA, GSM, CDMA, LTE, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, etc.) and / or communication protocols associated with Ka-band, Ku-band, L-band, 5GHz band, 2.4GHz band, and any other suitable radio communication frequency band. Each of the multiple modems 115 may be connected to at least one corresponding antenna 108, 109 and / or mobile unit radio access point 125 configured to receive / transmit signals using any of the supported communication protocols. Where a particular communication protocol is more suitable for either the mobile unit communication link 137 or the communication link 147, this does not preclude the additional or alternative use of that communication protocol in the less suitable communication link.
[0015] As shown in the figure, the user device 110 may have application 114 installed. The user device 110 may include a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, personal digital assistant, e-reader, smart glasses, smartwatch, or any other mobile computing device capable of wireless communication. When application 114 is running on the user device 110, the user device can determine whether it is inside the mobile body 105, configure itself to access the communication network available within the mobile body, and make and receive voice calls to and from the user device 150 located outside the mobile body 105 via the communication network. For this reason, the user device 110 can send and receive data on the mobile communication link 137 via the mobile wireless access point 125 through application 114. Multiple modems 115 may determine that some of the data transmitted by the electronic device 110 is destined for the user device 150 located outside the mobile body 105. Accordingly, multiple modems 115 may forward and / or transmit the data to the ground base station 145 via the communication link 147 and route it to the user equipment 150.
[0016] The communication system 100 may further include an access server 120 for controlling access to the in-vehicle communication link 137 and / or the external communication link 147. The access server 120 may interpret a set of non-transitory computer-readable instructions to perform processes for enabling the user device 110 to access the communication network described herein. As an example, the application 114 executed on the user device 110 may be configured to periodically transmit a polling message to the user device 110 to detect that the user device 110 is mounted on a moving body. When the user device 110 is connected to the in-vehicle communication link 137, the access server 120 detects the polling message and starts a registration process for the user device 110. As part of the registration process, the access server 120 may generate, transmit, and / or update a list of available communication networks based on the current state of the moving body 105, as described below.
[0017] In some embodiments, the access server 120 may receive a registration message addressed to a suitable communication network from the user device 120. The access server 120 may identify a modem (e.g., one of the modems 115) corresponding to the suitable communication network and transmit the registration message to the modem. The modem may communicate with an entity (e.g., an authentication entity) of the suitable communication network to register the user device 110 with the suitable communication network. When receiving a response from the entity, the modem may transmit the response to the access server 120. The access server 120 may then transmit the response to the user device 110.
[0018] In some embodiments, the access server 120 can relay messages from the user device 110 to an entity in a suitable communication network (e.g., an authentication entity), and vice versa. In one embodiment, the user device 110 generates and transmits a registration message for registration with a suitable communication network. In response, the access server 120 may accept or reject the registration message based on the account credentials contained in the registration message. Upon acceptance of the registration message, the access server 120 may complete the registration process for the user device 110 in the suitable communication network. As a result, the access server 120 can relay data received from the user device 110 to a user device 150 located outside the mobile device 105 via the suitable communication network, and can also relay data in the reverse direction. The access server 120 does not need to perform all of the functions described above, and some or all of its functions may be performed by other components in the computing system of the mobile device 105. In some embodiments, the access server 120 may be fixedly attached to the mobile unit 105 (e.g., access server 120), or it may be interconnected and located at the ground base station 145 (e.g., access server 120'). Figure 1 shows the access servers 120 and 120' as described above, but other access entities are also envisioned in addition to or instead of these.
[0019] Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary communications system 200 is shown, including several different types of mobile bodies, each equipped with an internal wireless network, capable of performing the method for configuring user equipment to access the communications network disclosed herein. Specifically, communications system 200 includes aircraft 205a, bus 205b, train 205c, and ship 205d, each of which is equipped with a corresponding internal wireless network. In addition to mobile bodies 205a–205d, additional and / or alternative mobile bodies such as vehicles, helicopters, submarines, convention centers, and shopping malls are also envisioned.
[0020] Each of the mobile bodies 205a to 205d can communicate with a ground base station 245 (such as any of the ground base stations 145) via an air-to-ground network 247 (such as any of the communication links 147). The ground base station 245 can be interconnected with a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 290 (such as PSTN 190). In some embodiments, the ground base station 245 can be installed on a marine platform or other physical structure located within the water area. In the communication system 200, an access server 220' can control access to each of the in-vehicle wireless networks associated with each of the mobile bodies 205a to 205d. In this sense, the access server 220' can centrally control each of the in-vehicle wireless networks associated with each of the mobile bodies 205a to 205d. Alternatively, it is also envisioned that any number of the mobile bodies 205a to 205d may include their own access servers for locally managing their respective in-vehicle wireless networks.
[0021] In FIG. 2, a state where each of the mobile bodies 205a to 205d is communicating with the ground base station 245 is shown, but it is also assumed that each of the mobile bodies 205a to 205d can communicate with any number of ground base stations associated with any number of communication networks. For this reason, the communication system 200 can include a plurality of ground base stations arranged throughout the geographical area, whereby the mobile bodies 205a to 205d can maintain communication links across one or more different communication networks during the process of movement.
[0022] Referring to Figures 3A to 3D, exemplary signal diagrams 300A to 300D are shown in which user device 310 may perform the method for configuring user device to access a communication network disclosed herein. While Figures 3A to 3D show the access server 320 described above, other access entities are also envisioned, in addition to or instead of this server. The functions described with reference to signal diagrams 300A to 300D may be implemented, for example, in communication systems 100, 200.
[0023] Signal diagram 300A may be initiated when a user of user device 310 brings user device 310 into a mobile device (e.g., mobile devices 105 or 205a-205d) (301). The user device 310 may have applications disclosed herein installed. Once an application is running on user device 310, user device 310 may broadcast polling messages. In one embodiment, user device 310 may broadcast the polling messages periodically while the application is running. In another embodiment, user device 310 may broadcast the polling messages when detecting a user stimulus and searching the mobile device-borne communication network. Upon receiving the polling messages, access server 320 or other components may send a response to user device 310. The response may indicate to applications running on user device 310 that user device 310 is located within a mobile device.
[0024] Upon determining that the user device is located within a mobile device, the user device 310 may, via an application, send a request to the access server 320 for a list of available communication networks on the mobile device (303). The user device 310 may communicate with the access server 320 using any standard communication protocol supported by both the user device 310 and the mobile device's computing system. In one embodiment, upon receiving the request, the access server 320 may generate a list of available communication networks (305). The access server 320 may then send a response containing the list to the user device 310 (307). In some embodiments, the access server 320 may generate a list of communication networks in response to other stimuli (305). For example, the access server 320 may generate a list of available communication networks periodically (e.g., every 30 seconds, every minute, every 2 minutes) and / or in response to detecting a change in the available communication networks. In these embodiments, the access server 320 may respond to the request for the list from the user device 310 by sending a response (307) that includes a list of the most recently generated available communication networks.
[0025] As described herein, the access server 320 may generate a list of available communication networks based on the current state of the mobile. For example, a particular communication network may be available when the mobile is on land (and therefore within the signal range of a ground base station), but unavailable when the mobile is at sea. As another example, a particular network may have a high data rate at a first location, but a low data rate at a second location (for example, due to interference or network congestion). Thus, the access server 320 may generate a list of communication networks based on the current location of the mobile (305). In addition to location, the state of the mobile may further include the mobile phase (e.g., the flight phase of an aircraft), the altitude of the mobile (e.g., above or below 10,000 feet), and / or other characteristics that affect the availability of one or more communication networks.
[0026] Upon receiving a list of communication networks, an application running on the user device 310 may automatically select (309) a suitable communication network 340 from the list based on one or more characteristics of the available communication networks. These characteristics may include the cost, latency, and data rate of the voice bearers supported by each communication network. In some embodiments, a communication network may dedicate specific bearers (e.g., carrier frequencies) for voice traffic. In these embodiments, voice bearers may be assigned a higher quality of service (QoS) than other bearers used for general data communications. In one embodiment, the user device 310 may select (309) the communication network with the lowest latency, lower cost, or highest data rate as the suitable communication network 340. In another embodiment, the user device 310 may select (309) a suitable communication network 340 based on a combination of several characteristics. In yet another embodiment, the user device 310 may select (309) a suitable communication network 340 based on the characteristics and a policy associated with the user. In yet another embodiment, the user device 310 may select a suitable communication network 340 (309) based on user input or predefined preferences. In some embodiments, the characteristics are static characteristics of the available networks. For example, a characteristic related to delay may not represent the measured delay of the communication network, but rather the amount of delay generally associated with that communication network. Thus, in these embodiments, the application may maintain a database of potential communication networks and their corresponding characteristics, which are evaluated when selecting a suitable communication network. In other embodiments, the access server 320 may maintain a database of potential communication networks and their corresponding characteristics. When generating a list of communication networks, the access server 320 may add the characteristics of the communication networks to the list and transmit the list to the user device 320.
[0027] Once a suitable communication network is selected, an application running on the user device 310 may configure (311) (i.e., "self-configure") the user device 310 to access the suitable communication network 340. For this purpose, the application may maintain a network profile associated with the potential communication networks. The network profile may contain credentials for accessing each communication network. Therefore, the application may use the network profile associated with the suitable communication network to perform self-configuration to access the suitable network 340. Alternatively, the application may present a graphical user interface that allows the user to manually generate and / or modify a network profile containing credentials for accessing the suitable communication network 340.
[0028] Once the configuration process is complete, the user device 310 may send a registration message to the access server 320 (313). The registration message may include credentials obtained during the configuration process. For example, the credentials may be a specific identifier of the user device 310 (e.g., MEID, pESN, UCCID, MDN, MIN, or any other identifier unique to the user device 310). In one embodiment, the access server 320 may authenticate the user device 310 based on the credentials. Once the user device 310 is authenticated, the access server 320 may assign an extension number to the user device 310. The access server 320 may then generate a registration request including the identifier of the access server 320 and the extension number assigned to the user device 310. The access server 320 may then send the registration request to an authentication entity 344 of a preferred communication network 340 for authentication. In another embodiment, the access server 320 may generate and transmit (315) a registration request without locally authenticating the user device 310, and transmit it to an authentication entity 344 on a preferred communication network 340 for authentication. The access server 320 may include the credentials received from the user device 310 in the registration request for authentication and transmit the registration request to the authentication entity 344 on the preferred communication network 340. In some embodiments, the authentication entity 344 is located outside the mobile device (e.g., authentication server 120'). In other embodiments, the authentication entity 344 is located within the mobile device and is a device including a modem for communicating over a preferred communication network (e.g., a device associated with one of the modems 115).
[0029] When an authentication entity 344 of a preferred communication network receives a registration request, the authentication entity 344 may send a response to the access server 320 (317) indicating that the registration request has been authorized, and complete the registration process in the preferred communication network. If the registration request includes an identifier for the access server 320 and an extension number for the user device 310, the authentication entity 344 may authenticate the registration request based on the identifier and the extension number. Once the request is authenticated, other devices may communicate with the user device 310 via the preferred communication network 340 using the identifier and the extension number. Alternatively, the authentication entity 344 may assign a temporary telephone number associated with the identifier, and other devices may communicate with the user device 310 via the preferred communication network 340 using the temporary telephone number. If the registration request includes credentials received from the user device 310, the authentication entity may authenticate the registration request based on the credentials. Once the request is authenticated, the authentication entity 344 may assign a temporary telephone number to the user device 310 so that other devices can communicate with the user device 310 using the temporary telephone number over a preferred communication network 340. This temporary telephone number may be different from the number normally associated with the user device 310 when communicating over a terrestrial cellular communication network. In these embodiments, the access server 320 may update its routing table to associate the address assigned to the user device 310 for communication over a mobile internal communication network (e.g., over communication link 137) with a telephone number associated with a preferred communication network (e.g., the temporary telephone number described above). The access server 320 may then relay (319) the response to the user device 310. Alternatively, the access server 310 may generate a new response based on the response from the authentication entity 344 and send (319) the new response to the user device 310. Upon receiving the response, the user device 310 may update its settings to route the communication over the preferred communication network 340.
[0030] Continuing with the signal diagram in Figure 3B, a signal diagram 300B is shown for when a user device 310 makes an outgoing call to a target user device 350. This signal diagram can be initiated when the user of the originating user device 310 (hereinafter referred to as the "originating user") interacts with an application to initiate a voice call to a user located outside the mobile device (hereinafter referred to as the "receiving user"). Accordingly, the originating user device 310 may detect a stimulus to initiate a call via the application (331). In the illustrated embodiment, the application may cause the originating user device 310 to send a voice call request to the access server 320 (333) that includes an identifier for the target user device 350 associated with the receiving user. The access server 320 may then send a voice call request to the target user device 350 via a preferred communication network 340 (335). In this embodiment, the request may include an indication of a preferred communication network (e.g., a network address or domain associated with the preferred communication network). Therefore, the access server 320 can function as a relay between the originating user device 310 and the preferred communication network 340. In other embodiments, the application may cause the originating user device 310 to directly send (333) a voice call request to a device in a mobile device associated with the preferred communication network 340 without using the access server 320 as a relay. In either case, the device in a mobile device associated with the preferred communication network may establish a voice bearer on the preferred communication network in order to communicate with the target user device 350.
[0031] When a user of the target user device 350 accepts a call, the target user device 350 may send a response indicating that the call has been accepted via the preferred communication network 340 (337). In this process, the access server 320 may or may not function as a relay, as described above with respect to the transmission of the voice call request. Upon receiving the response indicating acceptance, the originating user device 310 and the receiving user device 350 may be connected by an active voice call 341.
[0032] Continuing with the signal diagram in Figure 3C, a signal diagram 300C is shown for terminating a call in user device 310. Signal diagram 300C can be initiated by a user inside a mobile device (hereinafter referred to as the "receiving user") interacting with an application to send contact information to another user outside the mobile device (hereinafter referred to as the "calling user"). The receiving user device 310 may detect (351) a stimulus to send contact information via the application. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving user device 310 may (353) send (353) (353) (353) (353) (353) (353) (353) (353) (353) (353) (353) (353) (354) (355) (355) (355) (355) (353 In other embodiments, the application may cause the receiving user device 310 to directly transmit (353) a contact information message to a device on a mobile device associated with a suitable communication network 340, without using the access server 320 as an intermediary. Upon receiving the contact information message, the receiving user may use the contact information contained in the message to initiate a voice call with the originating user.
[0033] In one embodiment, the contact information message may include a temporary number assigned to the receiving user device 310 (e.g., a temporary telephone number, or the access server identifier and user device extension number described above). The originating user may dial the temporary number, thereby causing the target user device 350 to send a voice call request to the receiving user device 310 via the preferred communication network 340 (357). In another embodiment, the contact information message may include a link for a voice call. The originating user may initiate a voice call by clicking or otherwise manipulating the link, thereby causing the originating user device 350 to send a voice call request to the receiving user device 310 via the preferred communication network 340 (357). In this process, the access server 320 may or may not function as a relay, as described with respect to the transmission of the contact information message described above.
[0034] When the receiving user accepts a voice call, for example by answering the phone, the receiving user device 310 may send a response to the originating user device 350 indicating that the voice call request has been accepted (361). In this process, the access server 320 may or may not function as a relay, as described above with respect to sending the contact information message or the voice call request. When the originating user device 350 receives the response indicating acceptance, the receiving user device 310 and the originating user device 350 may be connected by an active voice call 365.
[0035] In one embodiment, the receiving user device 310 may, as described later, send a contact information message via the previous communication network and then register with the new communication network. In this embodiment, after registering with the new communication network, the receiving user device 310 may send a new contact information message via the new communication network. The new contact information may differ from the previous contact information. Subsequently, the originating user device 350 may send a message to the receiving user device 310 via the new communication network using the new contact information.
[0036] Continuing with the signal diagram in Figure 3D, a signal diagram 300D is shown in which the user device 310 re-evaluates a suitable communication network due to a change in the set of available communication networks. In one embodiment, the application may cause the user device 310 to periodically send a request to the access server 320 (375) to update the list of communication networks. In response, the access server 320 may update the list of communication networks (377) based on the current state of the mobile, in accordance with the techniques described elsewhere in this specification. The access server 320 may then send a response (379) to the user device 310 containing the updated list.
[0037] In another embodiment, the access server 320 may evaluate whether or not to update the list of available communication networks. The access server 320 may perform this evaluation automatically and / or periodically. For example, the access server 320 may evaluate whether there has been a substantial change in the list of available communication networks. Such substantial change may include at least one communication network becoming available or unavailable compared to the list before the update, and / or at least one characteristic of at least one communication network changing by a predetermined threshold. If the access server 320 updates the list, the access server 320 may transmit (379) the updated list to the user device 310.
[0038] Upon receiving the updated list, the application may cause the user device 310 to select (381) a new preferred communication network 360. If the new preferred communication network 360 is different from the preferred communication network 340 before the switch, the user device 310 may unregister (383) from the preferred communication network 340 before the switch and configure (385) itself to access the new preferred communication network 360, as described in step 311 above. Subsequently, the user device 310 may register with the new preferred communication network 360, as described in steps 313 to 319 above.
[0039] Figure 4A shows an exemplary interface 400A that may be displayed when an application (e.g., application 114) is running on a user device (e.g., user device 110 or 310). As shown, interface 400A may allow the user to configure settings regarding access to the communication network. The selectable icon "Provision Type" 402 may allow the user device to automatically access a suitable communication network or restrict access to a specific communication network, as will be described later. The selectable icon "Manage Profiles" 404 may allow the user to enter or edit profiles used to access the communication network, as will be described later.
[0040] Referring to Figure 4B, an exemplary interface 400B is shown, which may be displayed when the selectable icon "Provision Type" 402 in Figure 4A is selected by the user or otherwise manipulated. If the user selects "Auto Provision" 406, the user device may automatically select a communication network as described above with respect to step 309 in Figure 3A or step 381 in Figure 3D. Alternatively, the user may select one of the communication networks 408-412 associated with a predefined profile maintained by the application. In this case, the user device may only access the selected communication network. In this scenario, steps 303-309 in Figure 3A may be omitted.
[0041] Referring to Figure 4C, an exemplary interface 400C is shown that may appear when the selectable icon "Manage Profiles" 404 in Figure 4A is clicked or otherwise manipulated by the user. Selectable icons 414-418 may allow the user to view or edit profiles maintained by the application in relation to their respective communication networks. The selectable icon "Generic Profile" 420 may allow the user to manually enter a new profile, as will be described later.
[0042] Referring to Figure 4D, an exemplary interface 400D is shown, which may be displayed when the selectable icon “Generic Profile” 420 in Figure 4C is clicked or otherwise manipulated by the user. The user may enter a profile name for the communication network in the “Profile Name” input box 422, which may be any text selected by the user. The user may enter a domain for the communication network in the “Domain” input box 424. The domain may be the IP address of the gateway associated with the communication network, or a domain name assigned to the communication network that resolves to that IP address. The user may enter an extension number for the user device, as described herein, in the “Extension” input box 426. The user may enter a password for accessing the communication network. An access server (e.g., access server 120 or 320) and / or an authentication entity of the communication network may authenticate the user account associated with the user device based on the password. After the user has entered all the necessary information into the input boxes, the user may save the profile to their device via the application by clicking the selectable icon "Done" 430 or by other means. The user's device may then configure itself to access the communication network using the profile, as in step 311 in Figure 3A or step 385 in Figure 3D.
[0043] Figure 5 shows Method 500, which is an example of a method for configuring a user device to access a communication network. This method may be performed by an electronic device (e.g., user device 110 or 310) via an application disclosed herein.
[0044] The method may be initiated in block 502 by having the user device run an application described herein. The application may be configured to support voice communication when the user device is located in one of a plurality of mobile bodies. In block 504, the user device may, via the application, determine whether it is located in one of the plurality of mobile bodies, as described with respect to step 301 of Figure 3A. If the user device determines that it is located in one of the plurality of mobile bodies, in block 506, the user device may, via the application, obtain a list of communication networks that support voice bearers available based on the current state of the mobile body from a computing system associated with the mobile body, as described with respect to steps 303-307 of Figure 3A. In block 508, the user device may, via the application, select a suitable communication network from the list of communication networks based on one or more predetermined characteristics of the communication network, as described with respect to step 309 of Figure 3A. In block 510, the user device may be configured to access the preferred communication network using credentials via an application, as described with respect to step 311 in Figure 3A. In block 512, the user device may send a registration message containing the credentials for the preferred communication network to the computing system associated with the mobile device, as described with respect to step 313 in Figure 3A.
[0045] Figure 6A shows a block diagram of an exemplary user device 610 capable of performing the method for configuring the user device to access a communication network as described herein.
[0046] The user device 610 may include, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processors 602 and one or more buses or hubs 604 that connect the processors 602 to other components of the user device 610, such as volatile memory 622, non-volatile memory 612, a display controller 614, and an I / O controller 606. The volatile memory 622 and the non-volatile memory 612 may each include one or more non-temporary tangible computer-readable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, biomemory, a hard disk drive, or a digital multipurpose disk (DVD) drive.
[0047] In one embodiment, the volatile memory 622 and / or non-volatile memory 612 may store a plurality of instructions 624 that can be executed by the processor 602. The plurality of instructions may include applications for communication while mounted on a mobile device (e.g., application 110 and / or other similar applications described herein). The non-volatile memory 612 may store a database that maintains profiles and / or characteristics of communication networks, as described herein.
[0048] In one embodiment, the display controller 614 may communicate with the processor 602 to display information on the connected display 616. In one embodiment, the I / O controller 606 may communicate with the processor 602 to send and receive information and commands to and from the user interface 618, which may include a mouse, keyboard or keypad, touchpad, click wheel, light, speaker, microphone, etc. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the display 616 and the user interface 618 may be combined into a single integrated device, such as a touchscreen. Furthermore, data or information may be sent and received to and from the user device 610 via the network interface 608. In some embodiments, the user device 610 may include multiple network interfaces 608, such as wireless and wired interfaces.
[0049] The illustrated user device 610 is merely one example of a user device suitable for performing a method for configuring the user device to access a communication network. The method can also be performed using user device 610 of other embodiments, even if they have more or fewer components than those shown in Figure 6A, or if one or more components are combined, or if the configuration or arrangement of the components differs. Furthermore, each component shown in Figure 6A may be implemented as hardware, a processor that executes software instructions, or a combination of hardware and a processor that executes software instructions (including one or more signal processing circuits and / or application-specific integrated circuits).
[0050] Figure 6B shows a block diagram of an exemplary access server 620 capable of performing the method for configuring user equipment to access a communication network as described herein.
[0051] The access server 620 may include, for example, one or more central processing units (CPUs) or processors 632 and one or more buses or hubs 634 that connect the processors 632 to other components of the access server 620, such as volatile memory 652, non-volatile memory 642, a display controller 644, and an I / O controller 636. The volatile memory 652 and the non-volatile memory 642 may each include one or more non-temporary tangible computer-readable storage media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, biomemory, a hard disk drive, or a digital multipurpose disk (DVD) drive.
[0052] In one embodiment, the volatile memory 652 and / or non-volatile memory 642 may store a number of instructions 654 that can be executed by the processor 632. The non-volatile memory 642 may store a routing table that includes correspondences between telephone numbers (e.g., the temporary telephone numbers or identifiers and extension numbers described above) and user devices connected to the access server 620. Furthermore, the non-volatile memory 642 may store a database that holds profiles and / or characteristics of communication networks, as described herein.
[0053] In one embodiment, the display controller 644 may communicate with the processor 632 to display information on the connected display 646. In one embodiment, the I / O controller 636 may communicate with the processor 632 to send and receive information and commands to and from the user interface 648, which may include a mouse, keyboard or keypad, touchpad, click wheel, light, speaker, microphone, etc. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the display 646 and the user interface 648 may be combined into a single integrated device, such as a touchscreen. Furthermore, data or information may be sent and received to and from the user device 640 via the network interface 638. In some embodiments, the user device 640 may include multiple network interfaces 638, such as wireless and wired interfaces.
[0054] The illustrated access server 620 is merely one example of an access server suitable for performing a method for configuring user devices to access a communication network. The method can also be performed using access server 620 of other embodiments, even if they have more or fewer components than those shown in Figure 6B, or if one or more components are combined, or if the configuration or arrangement of the components differs. Furthermore, each component shown in Figure 6B may be implemented as hardware, a processor that executes software instructions, or a combination of hardware and a processor that executes software instructions (including one or more signal processing circuits and / or application-specific integrated circuits).
[0055] Of course, the applications and effects of the systems, methods, and technologies described herein are not limited to those examples above. Many other applications and effects are possible by using the systems, methods, and technologies described herein.
[0056] Furthermore, the methods and techniques described herein, or any part thereof, may be implemented by executing software stored in one or more non-temporary, tangible, computer-readable storage media or memory, such as magnetic disks, laser disks, optical disks, semiconductor memory, biomemory, other memory devices, or other storage media. For example, such software may be stored in the RAM or ROM of a computer or processor.
[0057] Furthermore, while the foregoing description provides detailed explanations of numerous different embodiments, the scope of this patent is defined by the language of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The following detailed description should be interpreted as illustrative and does not describe all possible embodiments, for it would be impractical or impossible to describe all possible embodiments. Numerous alternative embodiments can be implemented using current or future technologies, including technologies developed after the filing date, and any of these may fall within the scope of the claims. This specification assumes, for illustrative purposes and without limitation, at least the following embodiments:
[0058] 1. A method for configuring a user device to access a communication network, which is executed by the user device, comprising: running an application on one or more processors configured to support voice communication when the user device is located in one of a plurality of mobile bodies; determining by the application that the user device is located in one of the plurality of mobile bodies; obtaining from a computing system associated with the mobile body a list of a plurality of communication networks that support a plurality of voice bearers available based on the current state of the mobile body; selecting a suitable communication network from the list of a plurality of communication networks based on one or more predetermined characteristics of the plurality of communication networks; configuring the user device to access the suitable communication network using credentials; and sending a registration message to the computing system associated with the mobile body, including the credentials for the suitable communication network.
[0059] 2. A method relating to the above embodiment, wherein the one or more predetermined characteristics include at least one of the cost, delay, and data rate of each voice bearer of the communication network.
[0060] 3. A method relating to any combination of the above-mentioned multiple embodiments, wherein the credentials are stored in a profile of the preferred communication network stored in the user device.
[0061] 4. A method relating to any combination of the above-mentioned embodiments, wherein the profile includes at least one of the following: a domain, a profile name, or an extension number associated with the communication network.
[0062] 5. A method relating to any combination of the above-mentioned embodiments, further comprising configuring the user device to access the preferred communication network, and further configuring the user device to access the preferred communication network using the credentials held in a profile of the preferred communication network based on input provided by the user of the user device.
[0063] 6. A method relating to any combination of the above-mentioned embodiments, further comprising by the application detecting a stimulus for initiating a voice call with a second user device located outside the mobile body, and establishing a voice call with the second user device via a voice bearer of the preferred communication network.
[0064] 7. A method relating to any combination of the above-mentioned embodiments, wherein the list of communication networks includes at least one of satellite-based networks or air-to-ground networks.
[0065] 8. A method relating to any combination of the above-mentioned embodiments, further comprising: the application obtaining an updated list of available communication networks from a computing system associated with the mobile device based on the updated status of the mobile device; and the application selecting a new preferred communication network from the updated list of communication networks.
[0066] 9. A method relating to any combination of the above-mentioned embodiments, further comprising: configuring the user device so that the application can access the new preferred communication network using credentials; and sending a registration message containing the credentials for the new preferred communication network to a computing system associated with the mobile device.
[0067] 10. A method relating to any combination of the above-mentioned embodiments, further comprising, by the application, disconnecting the user device from the preferred communication network.
[0068] 11. A user device comprising one or more processors and a non-temporary memory containing a plurality of executable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to execute an application configured to support voice communication when the user device is located in one of a plurality of mobile bodies; the application to determine that the user device is located in one of the plurality of mobile bodies; the application to obtain from a computing system associated with the mobile body a list of a plurality of communication networks that support a plurality of available voice bearers based on the current state of the mobile body; the application to select a suitable communication network from the list of a plurality of communication networks based on one or more predetermined characteristics of the plurality of communication networks; the application to configure the user device to access the suitable communication network using credentials; and the application to send a registration message to the computing system associated with the mobile body, containing the credentials for the suitable communication network.
[0069] 12. A user device relating to any combination of the plurality of embodiments, wherein, in order to configure the user device to access the preferred communication network, when the plurality of executable instructions are executed by one or more processors, the one or more processors further configure the user device using a profile of the preferred communication network stored in the user device.
[0070] 13. A user device relating to any combination of the plurality of embodiments, wherein, when the plurality of executable instructions are executed by one or more processors to configure the user device to access the preferred communication network, the one or more processors further cause the application to configure the preferred communication network profile using inputs provided by the user of the user device.
[0071] 14. A user device relating to any combination of the plurality of embodiments, wherein when the plurality of executable instructions are executed by one or more processors, the one or more processors further cause the application to detect a stimulus for initiating a voice call with a second user device located outside the mobile device, and to establish a voice call with the second user device via a voice bearer of the preferred communication network.
[0072] 15. A user device relating to any combination of the above-mentioned plurality of embodiments, wherein the list of communication networks includes at least one of satellite networks and air-to-ground networks.
[0073] 16. A user device relating to any combination of the above-mentioned plurality of embodiments, wherein when the plurality of executable instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors are further instructed by the application to obtain an updated list of a plurality of available communication networks from a computing system associated with the mobile device based on the updated state of the mobile device, and the application to select a new suitable communication network from the updated list of communication networks.
[0074] 17. A user device relating to any combination of the plurality of embodiments, wherein, when the plurality of executable instructions are executed by one or more processors, the one or more processors further cause the application to configure the user device to access the new preferred communication network using credentials, and to send a registration message containing the credentials for the new preferred communication network to a computing system associated with the mobile device.
[0075] 18. A user device relating to any combination of the above-mentioned plurality of embodiments, wherein, when the plurality of executable instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the application further causes the one or more processors to disconnect the user device from the preferred communication network.
[0076] 19. A computer-readable storage medium storing a plurality of non-temporary computer-readable instructions, wherein when the plurality of instructions are executed by one or more processors of a user device, the computer-readable storage medium causes the one or more processors to execute an application configured to support voice communication when the user device is located in one of a plurality of mobile bodies; to cause the application to determine that the user device is located in one of the plurality of mobile bodies; to cause the application to obtain from a computing system associated with the mobile body a list of a plurality of communication networks that support a plurality of voice bearers available based on the current state of the mobile body; to cause the application to select a suitable communication network from the list of a plurality of communication networks based on one or more predetermined characteristics of the plurality of communication networks; to configure the user device to access the suitable communication network using credentials; and to send a registration message to the computing system associated with the mobile body, including the credentials for the suitable communication network.
[0077] 20. A computer-readable storage medium relating to any combination of the plurality of embodiments, wherein when the plurality of instructions are executed by one or more processors of a user device, the computer-readable storage medium causes the one or more processors to configure the user device using the preferred communication network profile stored in the user device.
Claims
1. A method for configuring a user device to access a communication network, which is performed by the user device, One or more processors run an application configured to support voice communication when the user device is located in one of a plurality of mobile bodies. The application determines that the user device is located inside one of the multiple mobile bodies. The application obtains from the computing system associated with the mobile device a list of multiple communication networks that support multiple available voice bearers based on the current state of the mobile device. The application selects a suitable communication network from the list of multiple communication networks based on one or more predetermined characteristics of the multiple communication networks. The application configures the user device to access the preferred communication network using credentials, and To send a registration message to a computing system associated with the mobile device, including the credentials for the preferred communication network. A method that includes this.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more predetermined characteristics include at least one of the cost, delay, and data rate of each voice bearer of the communication network.
3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the credentials are stored in a profile of the preferred communication network stored in the user device.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the profile includes at least one of a domain, a profile name, or an extension number associated with the communication network.
5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising configuring the user device to access the preferred communication network, the application to access the preferred communication network using the credentials held in a profile of the preferred communication network based on inputs provided by the user of the user device.
6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further, The application detects a stimulus for initiating a voice call with a second user device located outside the mobile body, and To establish a voice call with the second user device via the voice bearer of the preferred communication network, A method that includes this.
7. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the list of plurality of communication networks includes at least one of satellite-based networks or air-to-ground networks.
8. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further, The application obtains an updated list of multiple available communication networks from the computing system associated with the mobile device, based on the updated status of the mobile device, and The application selects a new, suitable communication network from the updated list of communication networks. A method that includes this.
9. The method according to claim 8, further, The application configures the user device to access the new preferred communication network using credentials, and To send a registration message containing the credentials for the new preferred communication network to a computing system associated with the mobile device, A method that includes this.
10. The method according to claim 8, further comprising the application disconnecting the user device from the preferred communication network. A method that includes this.
11. User device, One or more processors, When executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors will The user device is located inside one of several mobile bodies, and the application is configured to support voice communication. Determining that the user device is located inside one of the multiple mobile bodies, The application obtains from the computing system associated with the mobile device a list of multiple communication networks that support multiple available voice bearers based on the current state of the mobile device. The application selects a suitable communication network from the list of multiple communication networks based on one or more predetermined characteristics of the multiple communication networks. The application configures the user device to access the preferred communication network using credentials, and To send a registration message to a computing system associated with the mobile device, including the credentials for the preferred communication network. Non-temporary memory containing multiple executable instructions that perform the action, A user device equipped with the following features.
12. A user device according to claim 11, wherein, in order to configure the user device to access the preferred communication network, when the plurality of executable instructions are executed by one or more processors, the one or more processors further configure the user device using a profile of the preferred communication network stored in the user device.
13. A user device according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein, when the plurality of executable instructions are executed by one or more processors to configure the user device to access the preferred communication network, the one or more processors further cause the application to configure the preferred communication network profile using inputs provided by the user of the user device.
14. A user device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein when the executable plurality of instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors further: The application detects a stimulus for initiating a voice call with a second user device located outside the mobile body, and To establish a voice call with the second user device via the voice bearer of the preferred communication network, A user device that enables the operation of [the device].
15. A user device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the list of plurality of communication networks includes at least one of satellite networks and air-to-ground networks.
16. A user device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein when the executable plurality of instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors further: The application causes the computing system associated with the mobile device to obtain an updated list of available communication networks based on the updated status of the mobile device, and The application selects a new, suitable communication network from the updated list of communication networks. A user device that enables the operation of [the device].
17. A user device according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein when the executable plurality of instructions are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors further: The application configures the user device to access the new preferred communication network using credentials, and To send a registration message containing the credentials for the new preferred communication network to a computing system associated with the mobile device, A user device that enables the operation of [the device].
18. A user device according to claim 17, wherein when the executable plurality of instructions are executed by one or more processors, the application further enables the one or more processors to disconnect the user device from the preferred communication network. A user device that enables the operation of [the device].
19. A computer-readable storage medium storing multiple non-temporary computer-readable instructions, wherein when the multiple instructions are executed on one or more processors of a user device, the one or more processors... The user device runs an application configured to support voice communication when it is located inside one of several mobile bodies. The application determines that the user device is located inside one of the multiple mobile bodies. The application obtains from the computing system associated with the mobile device a list of multiple communication networks that support multiple available voice bearers based on the current state of the mobile device. The application selects a suitable communication network from the list of multiple communication networks based on one or more predetermined characteristics of the multiple communication networks. The application configures the user device to access the preferred communication network using credentials, and To send a registration message to a computing system associated with the mobile device, including the credentials for the preferred communication network. A computer-readable storage medium that enables the operation of a computer.
20. A computer-readable storage medium according to claim 19, wherein when the plurality of instructions are executed by one or more processors of a user device, the computer-readable storage medium causes one or more processors to configure the user device using the profile of the preferred communication network stored in the user device.