Apparatus and methods for establishing client-host associations within a wireless network

The present invention generally relates to communications. More specifically, the present invention relates to establishing and modifying a one-to-one client-host association in a wireless network in aspects.

The portability and functionality of wireless communication devices continue to improve, contributing to the dramatic increase in wireless communication networks. Many traditional wired connections have been replaced by wireless connections, including ad hoc connections that are created when one wireless device moves into the connection area of another wireless device. Of interest are wireless local area networks (wireless LANs or WLANs) (eg, wireless networks under various IEEE 802.11 standards). Of interest are also wireless personal area networks (wireless PANs or WPANs). And it is a network often used for communication between or among one nearby device. The reach of WLANs and WPANs is generally on the order of 10 meters, but some networks operate over long distances of 3x, 10x, or 30x.

A wireless LAN or PAN network is used for communication between personal devices (between or among), or for communication between such personal devices and higher level networks (including the Internet). May be used. Wireless networks may be implemented using infrared data association (IrDA), Bluetooth®, Ultra Wideband (UWB), ZigBee® and IEEE 802.11 standard technology. ..

Wireless body area networks can be thought of as a subset of personal area networks. Radio body area networks may include wireless sensors to monitor various body parameters and functions. Sensors may transmit real-time data to base stations, for example in a person's home.

A link between two wireless devices in a wireless network may be established for one-to-one communication between the two devices. One of a plurality of devices (clients) may exclusively provide the use of resources to other devices (hosts) on the link. Examples of such resources are display devices that can be operated wirelessly from personal computers, personal digital assistants or cellular telephones that have wireless capabilities in addition to cellular connectivity. is there.

There is a need in technology for devices, methods and products that facilitate the establishment of links in wireless networks, including wireless LANs and wireless PANs.

There is also a need for technology for devices, methods and products that facilitate the change of resource availability from one host to another in a wireless network.

The embodiments disclosed herein address one or more of the above needs by providing devices, methods and products for establishing one-to-one wireless network associations in different categories. Can be done.

Methods for providing the use of shared resources by clients over wireless networks are described. The method includes establishing a passive association between the client and the first host for communication over the wireless network. The passive association does not allow the first host to use the shared resource. The method also includes receiving on the client a request from the first host to establish an active association that allows the first host to use the shared resource exclusively. The request is received over the wireless network. The method determines in the client whether there is an active association that allows the second host to use the shared resource exclusively (ie, an already established active association with another host). (Whether or not an association exists) is further included. The step is executed in response to the request from the first host. In the absence of an active association with the second (ie, other) host, the method establishes an active association with the first host and then the first of the shared resources. It further includes allowing exclusive use of the host.

The wireless network client device is described. The client device includes shared resources, memory, a wireless network receiver, a wireless network transmitter, and a controller. The controller is connected to the receiver, the transmitter, the shared resource and the memory. The controller is configured to establish a passive association between the client device and the first host for communication over the wireless network. The passive association does not allow the first host to use the shared resource. The controller may also receive a request on the wireless network from the first host to establish an active association that allows the first host to use the shared resource exclusively. It is composed. The controller is further configured to determine in response to the request from the first host whether there is an active association that allows the second host to use the shared resource exclusively. Will be done. (That is, it determines if there is an already established active association with another host.) If the active association does not exist that allows the second host to use the shared resource exclusively. In addition, the controller is configured to establish an active association with the first host and allow the exclusive use of the shared resource by the first host.

A machine-readable medium for storing instructions is described. When the instruction is executed by at least one processor of a client device that contains shared resources and is configured to receive and transmit over a wireless network, the instruction will be delivered to the client device in several ways. Execute the steps. The steps include establishing a passive association between the client device and the first host for communication over the wireless network. The passive association does not allow the first host to use the shared resource. The steps also receive a request from the first host on the wireless network to establish an active association that allows the first host to use the shared resource exclusively. including. The steps further determine in response to the request from the first host whether there is an active association that allows the second host to use the shared resource exclusively. Including. (Ie, determine if there is an already established active association with another host.) Whether there is an active association that allows the second host to use the shared resource exclusively. If the step of determining the determination results in the determination that no active association with the second host exists, then the group of steps further establishes an active association with the first host and then It further includes enabling the exclusive use of the first host of the shared resource.

The shared resource means, the memory means for storing data, the means for receiving information on the wireless network, the means for transmitting information on the wireless network, the shared resource means, and the data are stored. Other client devices, including means for doing so, and controller means for controlling the means for transmitting, are described. The controller means is configured to establish a passive association between the client device and the first host for communication over the wireless network. The passive association does not allow the first host to use the shared resource means. The controller means also receives a request from the first host on the wireless network to establish an active association that allows the first host to use the shared resource means exclusively. It is configured as follows. The controller means further to determine in response to the request from the first host whether there is an active association that allows the exclusive use of the shared resource means by other hosts. It is composed. In the absence of the active association that allows the exclusive use of the shared resource means by other hosts, the controller means establishes an active association with the first host and shares the share. It is further configured to allow the exclusive use of said first host of resource means.

These and other aspects of the invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, drawings and accompanying claims.

<figref num="1">Figure 1 shows selected components of a wireless network that includes hosts and clients.</figref><figref num="2">Figure 2 shows selected steps and decisions of the process for establishing a passive association and for handling a request for an active association between a client and a host.</figref><figref num="3">Figure 3 details the selected steps and decisions in the process of Figure 2 in the presence of an already established active solid association.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 4 details the selected steps and decisions in the process of FIG. 2 in the presence of an already established active semi-solid association.</figref><figref num="5">Figure 5 details the selected steps in the process of Figure 2 in the presence of already established active associations that can be in different categories.</figref>

Detailed explanation

In this document, the terms "embodiment", "variant", and similar expressions are used to refer to a particular device, process, or article, and are not necessarily the same. It is not used to refer to a device, process or product. Therefore, the "one embodiment" (or similar representation) used in one place or context may refer to a particular device, process or product; the same or similar in different places. Expressions may refer to different devices, processes or products. The expressions "alternative embodiment", "or (alternatively)", and similar phrases may be used to indicate one of several different possible embodiments. The number of possible embodiments is not necessarily limited to two or any other number.

The term "exemplary" may be used herein to mean "useful as an example, instance, or illustration." An embodiment or modification described herein as an "exemplary" is not necessarily construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or modifications. All of the embodiments and modifications described in this description are exemplary embodiments and modifications provided to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture or use the invention and are not necessarily given to the invention. Does not limit the scope of legal protection provided.

The term "association" relates to a communication link established between a client device on which a resource resides and a host device wishing to use the resource. The communication link may be on a wired or wireless medium. An "association" is a temporary relationship established between a host device and a corresponding application entity on a client device. Here, any entity can initiate an association and can negotiate service parameters (eg, quality of service) and / or communication parameters. An "active" association is an association that provides exclusive use of shared resources that are present or otherwise available to the client. Passive associations allow negotiation of communication (and possibly other) parameters, but do not provide the use of shared resources available to the client. Periodic monitoring messages may be passed between the host and client (one-way or two-way) under a passive association. As such, the devices are aware of each other's presence within the range of the wireless network's range; and the communication parameters are subject to various situations (eg, power availability, computational resources, and other in the wireless network. It may be maintained or changed periodically depending on the presence of the host). A particular aspect of the association, submitted on July 25, 2007, entitled "Wireless Architecture for a Traditional Wire-Based Protocol", is the same applicant. It is described in US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 951,919 by.

FIG. 1 shows selected components of client 120 and host 140 in a one-to-one association within wireless network 100. Client 120 communicates from a device in wireless network 100, processor 122, memory 124, shared resource 126 capable of providing one or more services to host 140 and one or more other hosts, one at a time. Includes receiver 128 for receiving and transmitter 130 for transmitting communication to devices in wireless network 100. The memory 124, the shared resource 126, the receiver 128 and the transmitter 130 are connected to the processor 122. Processor 122 can configure reads and / or writes for these devices.

The host 140 also includes a processor 142, a memory 144, a receiver 148 for receiving communications from the device of wireless network 100, and a transmitter 150 for transmitting communications to the device of wireless network 100. Host 140 also has a human interface output block 152 and a human interface input block 154. The memory 144, the receiver 148, the transmitter 150, the human interface output block 152 and the human interface input block 154 are connected to the processor 142. Processor 142 can form read and / or write to these devices.

Each of the processors 122 and 142 may include, for example, one or more controllers, one or more microprocessors, one or more digital signal processors, one or more state machines or a combination of such devices. Each of the memories 124 and 144 may be inside or outside the corresponding processor (122 or 142) and may be random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable. PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable EPROM (EEPROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double speed SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), extended SDRAM (ESDRAM), synclink DRAM (SLDRAM), direct ram bus It may include RAM (DRRAM), magnetic storage, and / or other memory devices.

In some variants, communication within the range of wireless network 100 may span up to 10 meters, up to 30 meters, up to 100 meters or up to 300 meters. Communication is based on the WiMedia standard, ECMA-368 / 369 standard, Bluetooth® standard, IrDA standard, UWB standard, ZigBee® standard, or one of the IEEE 802.11 standards. It may be executed in compliance. (This list is not exclusive.) Therefore, receiver 128/148 and transmitter 130/150 are configured to operate under one or more applicable standards.

The shared resource 126 may be, for example, a display (eg, a projector, television display or computer display). In some variants, shared resource 126 includes display devices with mobile display digital interface (MDDI) capabilities. The shared resource 126 may be sound reproduction equipment (eg, one or more speakers). It may also be a storage device configured to store and / or provide data. It may be a gateway to another network (eg, a wireless or wired network); the other network may be an internet or telephone network or connect to an internet or telephone network. You may. Shared resource 126 is also an electronic gaming device with host 140 performing game controller functions when an active association exists between host 140 and client 120. equipment) may be used. Shared resource 126 has pre-installed software that allows host 140 to essentially perform user input / output functions for the computer. , Personal computer or other computer. The shared resource may also be a human interface input (eg, a keyboard or pointing device (mouse, trackball and similar device)). Furthermore, shared resources may also include mechanical and optical devices.

The human interface input block 154 may be, for example, a keyboard, touchpad, and / or pointing device. The human interface output block 152 may be, for example, a display device, a speaker, and / or a headset. Human interface input and output blocks may be built into the touch screen, for example.

The association between client 120 and host 140 may be established in various ways. Passive associations may be established, for example, automatically when the two devices are within range of each other's (wireless network). The responsibility for the automatic discovery of one or more devices may be on the client 120, on the host 140, or on each of these devices at the same time. Is also good. The active association may be established as a result of a request generated by a user on host 140 (eg, establishing a passive association between the following two devices).

Either the client 120 and the host 140, or each of these devices, is a receiver and / or receiver designed to communicate with other wireless networks or with networks other than wireless networks, including cellular networks. Alternatively, it may have additional elements including a transmitter. Cellular networks may operate under, for example, UTRAN or UMTS terrestrial radio access network standards, including Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global Mobile Communication Systems (GSM®) network standards.

Figure 2 shows Method 200 for first establishing a passive association between a client (eg, client 120) and a requesting host (eg, host 140) and then an active association. Indicates the selected step. If there is already an established association between the client and the other host, the other host may be identical to the requesting host or similar to the requesting host. It may be (analogous), similar to the requesting host, or different from the requesting host.

At flow point 201, the host and client are operational.

In step 205, at least one of the plurality of devices detects the other device within a distance that allows wireless network communication between them. The detecting device may be a client or a host.

At step 210, the client and host negotiate or otherwise determine communication parameters for passive associations between them. Parameters may include media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) communication parameters. This step may be performed automatically in response to the detection in step 205.

At step 215, the host receives a command from its user to establish an active association with the client for the exclusive use of the client's shared resources. The host may receive the command, for example, via the host's human interface input block.

At step 220, the host sends a request to the client to establish an active association. The request may include introductory information (eg, text, audio, video, or other information). Referral information may identify the operator or owner of the host.

At step 225, the client receives the request.

In decision block 230, the client checks for the existence of an active association with any other host that has already been established. If such an already established active association currently exists, the process flow branches into a set of steps collectively indicated by reference number 235. There, situations as described further below may be dealt with.

If the already established active association does not currently exist, the process flow proceeds to step 280. There, the client grants the request of the requesting host, and further parameters are negotiated or otherwise determined for the active association between the host and the client. And the association then becomes active. Predetermined parameters applicable to communication between the client and host (eg, communication parameters determined in step 210) may be retained, or they may be renegotiated or otherwise modified. You may.

Further parameters may include, for example, the quality of service (QoS) provided to the host by the shared resource. With respect to the display, for example, the resolution of the display may be such a parameter. For connections to other networks through the client, the parameters may include QoS (eg, bandwidth and latency) for such connections. Payments for the use of shared resources may be transferred or authorized by the user as part of step 280. Visual or audio indications may also signal the availability of resources to the user. The visual or audio indication may be generated by the host (eg, from the host's human interface output block) or by the client.

At step 285, the host user begins to use the client's shared resources exclusively. The process then ends at flow point 299.

One category of active associations may be "solid" associations that prevent any other host from interrupting the association. In other words, the client does not accept requests for an active association in the presence of an already established active solid association. Returning to decision block 230 of process 200, the presence of an already established solid association results in the rejection of the association requested by the user in step 235. On the other hand, if the user successfully establishes a solid association in step 280, the active association does not ask the user of the host who currently owns the active solid association if the solid association can be released. Requests from other hosts for are immediately rejected. A user with a solid association may or may not be notified of a request by another user.

Figure 3 shows the selected step 235A corresponding to the existence of an already established solid association. The process flow of process 200 may proceed to step 235A if it is determined in determination block 230 that an already established active association currently exists. Step 235A is a decision block 237A to check if the already established association is a solid association, and step 239A where the client sends a message with immediate rejection of the request to the requesting host. May include. If the request to establish an active association received in step 225 includes referral information (eg, text, video or audio), step 235A will take to the host that owns the already established active association. It may include transmitting all or part of the referral information. A host that owns an already established active association gives its user all or part of the referral information, or some derivative of the referral information (eg, a display, indicator light or sound). May be given (via). In this way, the user of the host who owns the already established active association may know that another person wants to use the shared resource.

The other category of associations is a semi-solid that generates a request to the (first) host with the current active association to release the association for acquisition by the requesting (second) host. It may be a (semi-solid) association. Figure 4 shows the selected step 235B corresponding to this scenario. The process flow of process 200 may proceed to step 235B after the already established semi-solid active association has been determined in determination block 230 to currently exist. As shown in FIG. 4, step 235B corresponding to this scenario is the decision block 241B for checking whether the already established active association is a semi-solid association, and the client determines the already established association. It may include step 243B of sending a message (inquiry) with a request to authorize the release of the already established active association to the owning host.

In step 249B, the already established association is passive, as determined in decision blocks 245B, 246B and 247B, if the host that owns the already established association accepts the request before the timeout. Dropped or transformed to an association. The process flow then proceeds to steps 280 and 285 (shown in Figure 2) to establish a new active association between the client and the host requesting the active association, and the request Hosts that are using the new association.

The request to authorize a release may include information describing the association to be established (eg, association category (solid, semi-solid or other category)). If the request for establishing an active association received in step 225 includes referral information, the query may include all or part of the referral information. A host that owns an already established active association may give the user referral information or some derivative of referral information.

The host accepting or denying the request for release may be pre-programmed to automatically accept or deny the request (eg, always accept), regardless of the other environment. Or always refuse). Alternatively, it can request authorization from the user via a human interface block (eg, "accept the request and enter YES to release the projector"). Alternatively, it can automatically do so depending on some environment (eg, the length of time the user has not used the resource).

Yet another category of associations is that the client automatically releases an already established active association (or downgrades it to a passive association) upon receipt of a request for an active association (or downgrades it to a passive association). downgrades)), may be a soft or fragile association that accepts newly received requests.

The association may temporarily combine the characteristics of different related categories. One example of such a combined association is an active association, which is solid during a predetermined time period following its establishment, followed by a fragile or semi-solid association. The time period may be user configurable at the host when an association is requested.

Figure 5 shows selected step 235 incorporating processing of different categories of active associations, including solid active associations, semi-solid active associations, and fragile active associations. It should be remembered that process 200 of FIG. 2 may proceed to step 235 if the already established active association determines in decision block 230 that it currently exists.

In decision block 237, the client determines if the already established active association is a solid active association, as described above. If so, at step 239, the client immediately rejects the request for the active association (ie, without contacting the host that owns the already established association).

Otherwise, the process flow proceeds to decision block 255. Here, as also explained above, the client determines if the already established active association is a fragile active association. If the already established active association is a fragile association, that association will be released in step 249. The release of an association may release all or part of the resources dedicated to that association (shared resources, computational resources, storage resources, and / or other possible resources). The release may also turn the association into a passive association by freeing shared resources and other possible resources, but leaving the communication link open to the host that owns the association.

From step 249, the process flow continues to steps 280 and 285 (shown in Figure 2). There, a new active association with the requesting host is established, and the requesting host uses the new association.

Now, returning to decision block 255, if the decision made indicates that the already established association is not a fragile association, then the process flow is already established active, as explained above. Proceed to decision block 241 to determine if the association is a semi-solid association. If the already established association is not semi-solid, then further association categories are processed in a manner similar to the processing of solid, fragile and semi-solid associations. If the association is a semi-solid association, the client proceeds to step 243 to send a query to the host that owns the already established association.

The query may result in a message being generated on that host asking if the association can be released. The request may include all or part of the referral information, or may be information obtained from the referral.

Negative verdicts made in decision blocks 237 and 255 mean that the already established active associations should be semi-solid associations, so these of the associations (ie, solids, fragiles and semi-solids). It should be noted that the decision block 241 may not be needed if only three categories exist.

From step 243, the process flow proceeds to decision block 245 to determine if the owner of the already established association has approved the release. If the owner approves the release, the process flow proceeds to step 249. Then release the already established association. From step 249, the process continues to steps 280 and 285. It then establishes the requested association and makes the requesting host available to the resource.

However, as determined in decision block 245, if the release has not yet been approved, in decision block 246 the client determines if a negative response to the query has been received. If a negative response is received, the client proceeds to step 239 to reject the request for a new active association.

If the host that owns the already established active association has not yet responded (either affirmative or negative), the timeout condition is tested in decision block 247. The timeout state may be the expiration of the timer that defines the time period between the query and the receipt of the permission for the release. If the timer expires, the timeout condition basically indicates that its permission to release an already established active association has been constructively denied. The client then proceeds to step 239 to reject the request for the new active association. If the timeout did not occur, the client returns to decision block 245. Then, it loops effectively until a response to the inquiry is received or a timeout occurs.

Different connection schemes are similar to semi-solid associations, but requests to release an already established association are made directly from the requesting host to the host that owns the already established active association. , Will be sent. Here, the already established association may be a solid association. When a new host requests an active association, the client rejects the request, indicating that an active association exists. The message with the denial may contain enough information for the requesting host to contact the owner of the already established active association directly. Alternatively (Alternatively), the requesting host may identify one or all hosts within its range on the wireless network (or, for example, a different network (even if it is a cellular network). These hosts may be identified by other means, such as querying through). Once the requesting host identifies the owner of an already established association, it uses either the same wireless network or different means (eg, other networks) to inform that host. Directly send a request to release an already established association. The request may identify the requesting host. Alternatively (Alternatively), the requesting host may broadcast the request to release, multicast the request to release, or make multiple requests to release differently. It may be transmitted to multiple wireless network devices.

When the owner of an already established association receives a request to release from the requesting host, it may allow the user to authorize or deny the release of the association; it also For example, automatically approve or deny a request based on its configuration, preprogramming, or conditions (eg, use or non-use of already established associations within a predetermined time period). Or you can ignore it. If the host decides to release the association, it may send a release message directly to the client. In some variants, the release message is non-specific, that is, it does not identify the requesting host. In some variants, the release message specifies the requesting host. In the latter case, the client may try to establish an active association with the requesting host, or the client may re-request the active association with a time window to the requesting host. May be provided. Requests from other hosts during this time window may be rejected immediately.

The steps and decision blocks of the various methods may have been described serially in this disclosure, but some of these steps and decisions may be in conjunction or in parallel, either by pipeline or otherwise. It may be executed by multiple separate elements in parallel, asynchronously or synchronously. The steps and decisions are in the same order in which this description lists them, unless explicitly indicated as such, or otherwise revealed from the context, or where it is essentially essential. There is no special requirement to be executed in. However, it should be noted that in the selected variant, the steps and decisions are carried out in the particular order described above and / or shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, not all described steps and decisions are required in every system according to the invention, while some unexplained steps and decisions are in accordance with the present invention. It may be desirable or necessary in that system.

Those skilled in the art understand that the concepts described in this document are applicable to a variety of networks, including wireless local area networks (eg, networks operating under the IEEE 802.11 standard and wireless personal area networks). Will do.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips referred to during the above description are voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields, or It can be represented by optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

The various logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in connection with the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are electronic circuit hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will further understand that it may be implemented as such. To demonstrate this hardware and software compatibility, various descriptive components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps would generally have been described above in terms of their functionality. Such functionality is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, depending on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the entire system. One of ordinary skill in the art may implement the described functionality in different ways for each application, but the implementation decision should be described as causing a departure from the scope of this disclosure. is not it.

The various descriptive, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein are general purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). , Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, individual gate or transistor logic, individual hardware components, or any combination of them designed to perform the functions described herein. It may be implemented. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but instead the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. Processors are also implemented as a combination of computer devices, such as a combination of DSP and microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors linked to a DSP core, or other such configurations. Is also good.

The steps of the method or algorithm that would have been described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly by hardware or by software modules executed by a processor. It may be embodied by a combination of the two. The software module may be present in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium well known in the art. good. An exemplary storage medium is connected to the processor so that the processor can read and write information from the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium may be present in the ASIC. The ASIC may be present in the access terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium may exist as separate components within the access terminal.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to allow one of ordinary skill in the art to manufacture or use the present invention. Various variations to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. Also, the general principles defined herein may apply to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented herein, but provides the broadest scope that is consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Is intended to be.