Method and apparatus for routing messages of different message services in a wireless device

The present invention relates to data communication, and more particularly to routing data messages in a multimode wireless device.

Various communication systems that operate according to different communication protocols provide message communication. Generally, message communication is provided through different message services. One of the message services is Short Message Service (SMS). SMS is a wireless messaging service that provides a medium for communicating alphanumeric messages of limited size. Communication of SMS messages takes place between mobile devices or between mobile devices and wireless networks. SMS can be used for various communication services such as email, paging, facsimile, voice mail, or internet access. SMS can be used in global systems for mobile communications (GSM) standards and communication systems that operate according to code division multiple access (CDMA) standards such as CDMA1X, CDMA2000, and WCDMA. These standards may include a particular set of protocols for the communication of data. Such specific protocols include General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Universal Mobile Communication Service (UMTS).

Another type of message service is known as Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS). EMS allows users of EMS-enabled mobile devices to send text, melodies, pictures, and simple sounds and animations, or a combination thereof. EMS is supported by many communication standards. Another type of message service is the Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). MMS allows messages to include rich multimedia content that is exchanged over wireless networks. MMS content can include any combination of images, animations, audio, video, data and text. MMS is supported by many communication standards.

Mobile devices with multiple communication modes can support the operation of communicating data according to multiple standards. Therefore, such a mobile device can be a multimode wireless device (MWD). MWD allows users to send and receive voice and data over multiple wireless networks. Here, each operation is based on a certain communication standard. Communication modes include, but are not limited to, operation in CDMA or GSM-based systems, or GSM-based derivative systems such as GPRS and UMTS. Other CDMA-based systems such as CDMA1X and CDMA2000 are also included. MWD is generally compatible with SMS, EMS, and MMS for each communication mode in which messages are sent and received.

MWD has several application programs for running different applications. For example, one application is an animation of a character on a display. Another application is for playing music through speakers. In addition, another application is to display the received text on a display or convert the received text into an audible prompt through a speaker. Messages received via the message service are automatically routed to each application running on or with the MWD. Each application generally routes messages. That is, when the application program is started by the wireless device, the application receives all the messages and decides whether to use the received messages. Not all applications need to receive every message. Therefore, a large amount of redundant processing is performed. Each application has different uses for memory in wireless devices. An application uses memory for many functions, such as storing application preferences and storing message data used by the application.

Some messages are intended only for one application, not others. These messages include preferred messages, privileged messages, application-specific messages, and the like. In another example, applications such as third-party applications downloaded by the device are specifically restricted to receiving only certain messages. This is because the reliability and safety of third-party applications may not be verified. Therefore, third-party applications need to be restricted to receiving certain messages. Furthermore, certain messages may not be intended for access by users of such devices. Such messages may also include download messages for removable user identity modules (R-UIM) and subscriber identity modules (SIM) within the device.

Some message services that use a particular communication mode lack certain characteristic parameters. For example, GSM / UMTS SMS messages do not have priority or privacy characteristic parameters. As a further example, CDMA SMS messages lack an indication of which message is intended for an external terminal.

Thus, there is a need in the art for methods and devices for centralized routing of messages in wireless devices.

The embodiments disclosed herein address the above-mentioned needs by providing new and improved methods, devices, and computer-readable media for centralized and dynamic routing of messages in wireless devices. deal with. The "message" may be any data structure corresponding to SMS, EMS, MMS, or any similar or derivative message structure transmitted using the message service over a wireless network. According to various aspects of the invention, a method of routing a message in a wireless device includes receiving a routing preference from one or more applications working with the wireless device. The method further includes routing messages received by the wireless device from the wireless network to one or more applications, or to one or more memory units, according to a routing preference. Routing parameters from the message can be determined. Routing of messages involves comparing routing parameters with routing references. Computer-readable media have code instructions for performing message routing in wireless devices.

<figref num="1">FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a communication system having a plurality of wireless networks.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a method of transmitting a message according to various aspects of the present invention.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the device in the MWD according to various aspects of the present invention.</figref>

This application, filed May 29, 2002, claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 60 / 384,307 entitled "Method and MFP For Routing Messages of Different Message Services In a Wireless Device".

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a wireless communication system 100 capable of operating according to various aspects of the present invention. Communication in various block interfaces within the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to the provisional standard 41C, or variants thereof. The wireless communication system 100 may be integrated with another data communication system. The message is communicated between the wireless devices 102, 103, and 104 operated by each user during operation and one or more external short messaging entities (ESME) 105. Each wireless device can be any type of wireless communication device. These devices are connected to or integrated with other types of devices, such as computers and devices that act like computers. The wireless device can operate from a fixed position such as a wireless local loop or meter reading system, or a combination thereof. The wireless device 103 is configured to work with a plurality of wireless systems. Therefore, this wireless device 103 is an MWD.

ESME105 includes a voicemail system 106, an internet or closed intranet 108, an email system 110, and other systems 112 such as facsimile machines, pagers, terminals, or computers. System 100 includes a short message service center (SMSC) 114, also known as a message center. Other message centers may be employed to handle different message services. The SMSC114 may be a combination of hardware and software for relaying, storing, and forwarding messages between the ESME 105 and the wireless device.

Network paths 199 and 198 include one or more signal transfer points (STP) 116 (a) and 116 (b), also known as gateways. STP116 (a) and 116 (b) are connected to SMSC114, allowing IS-41C interconnection with multiple network components through signaling system 7 (SS7) links or similar channels. The home position registers (HLR) 118 (a) and 118 (b) are connected to STP116 (a) and 116 (b), respectively. Each HLR has a database containing the user's service profile and subscription data. In response to a request from SMSC114, HLR118 (a) or 118 (b) provides routing information about the indicated user. Further, if the receiving station is not available when the message delivery is attempted, the HLR 118 informs the SMSC114 when the receiving station is accessible and when the message is available. Each STP is connected to one or more mobile station switching centers (MSCs) 120 (a) and 120 (b). Each MSC performs a switching function and controls message routing with each radio access network (RAN) 122 and 123.

For the sake of brevity, system 100 is indicated by SMSC114, which communicates with two network paths 199 and 198. Each network path includes one signal transfer point (STP), one mobile station switching center (MSC) and one radio access network (RAN). However, it is also possible to add STP, MSC, and RAN to each network path. Therefore, the system 100 includes not only ESME105 and SMSC114, but also a network path having at least one of STP, MSC, and RAN. System 100 includes one or more SMSC114 or similar message centers.

In one example, wireless device 102 only supports wireless networks with RAN122 using the first wireless communication mode. Similarly, wireless device 104 only supports wireless networks with RAN123 using a second wireless communication mode. The wireless device 102 cannot communicate with the system 100 through the network path associated with RAN123, and the wireless device 104 also cannot communicate with the system 100 through the network path associated with RAN122. For example, RAN122 operates according to the CDMA standard and RAN123 operates according to the GSM standard. MWD103 works with both RAN122 and 123.

For different communication modes, such as CDMA and GSM modes, message services require different formatting. For example, CDMA SMS messages are formatted differently than GSM SMS messages. CDMA SMS messages include many parameters such as priority, privacy, user response code, delayed delivery time, warning mode, display mode, language, callback number, teleservice ID and so on. GSM SMS messages include different parameters such as protocol ID, message classification, compressed information, and copy protection. Even if the parameters are similar, the format may be different. In addition, each communication mode also has its own separate protocol stack, timing request), and error code as well. However, the MWD103 is configured to communicate with a wireless network connected to either RAN122 or 123, although it operates according to different communication modes. The wireless devices 102, 103, and 104 can receive different types of messages depending on the service subscribed to. In particular, by operating according to multiple communication modes, the MWD103 can receive messages from various sources operating according to different communication modes such as CDMA and GSM modes.

The source of the message, either the wireless device or the ESME 105, may add to the message certain parameters that can be used as a reference for routing the message in system 100. For example, a GSM / UMTS SMS message contains certain classification parameters that are added to the message as it is processed through the GSM / UMTS protocol stack before it is sent. A centralized message routing module according to an embodiment disclosed herein routes this message to an application or memory unit with additional parameters based on the routing preferences recorded by the application. This preference may be recorded based on a source mode message that includes settings for the mobile device to specify a preferred wireless communication mode and associated message service. This setting is used to compose, manage, process and send messages.

FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart 200 for message routing in MWD. MWD is MWD103. When powered up at block 202, the MWD receives a routing preference from one or more applications working with the MWD, as shown in block 204. The application may reside on the MWD, but may operate externally with the MWD, for example, via an external terminal. The application may change the routing preference record at any time after powering up. The routing preference tells the MWD which message each application wants to receive or where the content of the message should be sent. In one example, an SMS application routes SMS messages of one category directly to the application, while others of the other category are routed to the memory unit specified by the application in the routing preference.

At block 206, the MWD detects whether an external terminal or personal computer (PC), or other external device, is connected to the MWD. The external terminal records its own external routing preference. The MWD automatically detects the external terminal and, in block 208, changes the routing preference as appropriate by incorporating an external routing preference. For example, MWD sends certain types of messages to external computing devices. At block 210, the MWD detects when the external terminal is disconnected. After disconnection, the MWD restores the routing preference to the state in which it existed before the external computing device was connected, i.e. without the external preference, as shown in block 212.

At block 214, the MWD receives the message. The message is any type of message (SMS, EMS, MMS, etc.) formatted according to any communication mode type (GSM / UMTS, CDMA, etc.), or the status or acknowledge received in response to a previously sent message. It can be a ment message. Message status is routed according to the criteria referred to herein and / or by message processing identifiers (eg, message IDs in CDMA, message reference numbers in GSM). At block 216, the MWD analyzes the content of the message, including headers, addresses, payloads, footers, etc. and operands, and determines one or more routing parameters from this message. In block 218, one or more routing parameters are associated with a routing reference by comparing the routing parameter with the routing reference. The message is then routed to the appropriate application and / or external terminal. The message is stored by the MWD in one or more memory units. This memory unit supports applications including, but not limited to, non-volatile memory, multimedia cards, flash memory, SIM or USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module), and random access memory (RAM).

Exemplary criteria for routing messages include routing messages to specific applications by a specific CDMA SMS teleservice ID, or GSM / UMTS SMS protocol ID. Other criteria include messages with specific text such as prefixes (ie, "// application1", "// GPS", etc.) or keywords ("stock quotes", "urgent", etc.). This text prefix or keyword can also be used to introduce new services or applications (eg, telemarketing) and / or to improve existing services with new parameters. These new services and improvements may be introduced before official standards have been established for the services or parameters.

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of a message routing device 300 for routing messages in an MWD such as the MWD 103. The message routing device 300 includes a communication module 302 that enables communication with a wireless network using a communication mode. This communication module transmits control and traffic signals via antenna 304. The device 300 includes a message routing module 306 that receives and records routing preferences from one or more applications 308, 310, and / or external terminal 320. The message routing module 306 receives and analyzes the message and determines the routing parameters from the message. The message routing module 306 may be embodied as a control processor based on the instructions of code instructions retrieved from a computer readable medium such as memory unit 316.

The message routing device 300 also includes one or more application programs, commonly referred to as blocks 308 and 310. Two applications are shown, but there may be more or less applications. The message routing device 300 may also include an external terminal 320, such as a computer connected to the external interface unit 312. The message routing device may include a plurality of external terminals 320. When the message routing device 300 detects that the external terminal 320 is connected, the message routing module 306 receives the external routing preference from the external terminal 320, modifies the routing reference, and incorporates these external routing references. The message is then routed from the message routing module 306 to the external terminal 320 through the external interface 312. When the message routing device 300 detects that the external terminal 320 is disconnected, the message routing module 306 restores the routing preference to the original state, that is, the state excluding the external routing preference.

Application programs 308 and 310 generally represent application programs such as Global Positioning System (GPS) applications, or message type-specific applications such as video players for MMS. The message routing device 300 includes a memory unit 316. The memory unit 316 may be partitioned into one or more memory units, or may include separate memory unit types for storing data related to different applications. The memory unit 316 stores any type of data. This data includes, but is not limited to, data used by applications 308, 310, routing software used by message routing module 306, preferences recorded by applications 308, 310, and parameters determined from incoming messages. Is done. Memory 316 is designated to receive messages according to the routing preference.

As a person skilled in the art, the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described with respect to the embodiments disclosed herein may be configured as electrical hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. I will also admit that it is good. To articulate this compatibility of hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have generally been described in terms of their functionality. Whether such a function is composed of hardware or software depends on the design restrictions imposed on a specific application or the entire system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functionality in various ways for each of the particular applications, but such configuration decisions will be construed to cause deviations from the scope of the invention. Should not be.

Various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits related to the embodiments disclosed herein include general purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and rewritable gate arrays (FPGAs). ), Or other programmable logic devices, separate gate or transistor logic, separate hardware components, or any combination of these for performing the functions described herein. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but instead the processor may be a conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. Processors may be configured as a combination of arithmetic units. For example, there are DSPs and microprocessors, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors coupled to a DSP core, or any other configuration thereof.

The steps of the methods or algorithms described with respect to the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, software modules running on a processor, or a combination of the two. The software module may reside 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 known in the art. .. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to a processor, which can read information from the storage medium and write the information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be an integrated component of the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside in the ASIC. The ASIC may reside in the user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and storage medium may exist as separate components of the user terminal.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided so that those skilled in the art can create or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments can be readily conceived by those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments presented herein, but should be consistent with the broadest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.