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

BACKGROUND

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to communication. More particularly, in aspects the invention relates to establishing and changing one-to-one connections "client-host" to the wireless communication network.

BACKGROUND

Mobility and functionality of wireless communications devices continue to improve, contributing to the rapid proliferation of wireless networks. Many traditional wired connections are being replaced by wireless connections, including special connections made when one wireless device moves into a zone of possible connection with other wireless devices. Of interest are wireless local area networks (wireless LAN or WLAN), such as wireless networks corresponding to different standards IEEE 802.11. Also of particular interest wireless personal area network (PAN wireless networks or WPAN), which are often used for communications between or among devices in the vicinity of one person. Access to WLAN and WPAN networks typically of the order of ten meters, although some networks operate at distances of three, ten, or even thirty times larger.

Wireless LAN or PAN network may be used for communications between or among personal devices, or for communications between such personal devices and higher level networks, including the Internet. The wireless network may be implemented using infrared data transmission technologies (IrDA), Bluetooth, ultra communication (UWB), ZigBee technology and standard IEEE 802.11.

Wearable wireless network can be considered as a component of personal networks. Wireless networks may contain wearable wireless sensors to monitor a variety of parameters and functions of the body. The sensors may transmit real-time data to a base station located, for example, humans in the building.

Channels of communication between two wireless devices in a wireless network can be installed for a one-to-one connection between two devices. One of the devices - the client - can provide a communication channel for exclusive use of the resource to another device - host. An example of such a resource is a display device that can be operated wirelessly from a personal computer, personal digital assistant or a cellular phone with wireless communication capabilities in addition to being able to establish the cellular connections.

In the art exists a need for an apparatus, method and article of manufacture to facilitate establishment of communication channels in wireless networks, including wireless networks and wireless LAN networks PAN. There is also a need for a device, method and article of manufacture that facilitate changing availability of resources from one host to another in wireless networks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein may meet one or more of the above stated needs by providing apparatus, methods, and article of manufacture for establishing one-to-one communication in a wireless network in different categories.

It describes how to ensure the use of the share of the client in the wireless network. The method comprises establishing a passive connection between a client and a first host for communications over the wireless network. Passive connection does not allow the host to the first use of a shared resource. The method also includes receiving a client request from the first host to the establishment of the active compound, allowing the first host exclusive use of the shared resource. Request is received over the wireless network. The method further comprises determining the existence of an active client connections, allowing the second host exclusive use of the shared resource (that is, whether there has ever been an active connection with any other host), and this step is performed in response to a request from the first host. If the active compound with a second (or any other) host exists, the method further comprises establishing the active compound with the first host and allowing the first host exclusive use of the shared resource.

Next, a client device to a wireless network. The client device includes a shared resource, a memory, a receiver wireless transmitter and a wireless network controller. The controller is attached to the receiver, the transmitter, the shared resource and a memory. The controller is configured to establish a passive connection between the client and the first host for communications over the wireless network. Passive connection does not allow the host to the first use of a shared resource. The controller is also configured to receive over the wireless network a request from the first host to establish an active compound, allowing the first host exclusive use of the shared resource. The controller is further configured to determine, in response to receiving the request from the first host, whether an active connection allows the second host exclusive use of the shared resource. (That is, determine whether any previously established an active connection with any other host.) If the active compound, enables the second host exclusive use of the shared resource does not exist, the controller is adapted to establish active connection with the first host and allowing the first host exclusive the use of a shared resource.

Next, a computer-readable storage medium storing command. When the instructions are executed by at least one processor of the client device having a shared resource and configured to receive and transmit over the wireless network command instructs the client device to perform a certain number of steps. The steps include the establishment of a passive connection between the client and the first host for communications over the wireless network. Passive connection does not allow the host to the first use of a shared resource. The steps also include the reception of the wireless network a request from the first host to the establishment of the active compound, allowing the first host exclusive use of the shared resource. The steps further include determining, in response to a request from the first host, whether there is an active connection, allowing the second host exclusive use of the shared resource. (That is, determining whether there is any previously established an active connection with any other host.) If the step of determining whether there is an active connection, allows the second host exclusive use of the shared resource, leads to the determination that the active compound with the second host does not exist, further comprise the steps of establishing an active connection to the first host and allowing the first host exclusive use of the shared resource.

Describes another client device having means share, data storage means, means for receiving information on a wireless network, a means of transmitting information over the wireless network controller and means for controlling the means of shared resource, storage, receiving means and transmitting means. Controller means adapted to establish a passive connection between the client and the first host to transmit messages over the wireless network. Passive connection does not allow the first host to use the share. Controller means is also configured to receive over the wireless network a request from the first host to establish an active compound, allowing the first host exclusive use of the shared resource means. Controller means is further operable to determine, in response to a request from the first host, whether an active connection, allowing exclusive use of the shared resource means by any other host. If the active compound, allowing exclusive use of the shared resource by any other host does not exist, the controller means is further adapted to establish active connection with the first host and allowing the first host exclusive use of the shared resource means.

These and other aspects of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the following description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 - sample components of a wireless network comprising a host and a client;

FIG. 2 - selected steps and decision step of the process of establishing a passive connection and processing the request for an active connection between a client and a host;

FIG. 3 - the details of selected steps and decision steps of the process shown in FIG. 2, in the presence of a previously installed hard active compound;

FIG. 4 - details of selected steps and decision steps of the process shown in FIG. 2, in the presence of a previously established active semi-rigid connection; and

FIG. 5 - Details of selected steps in the process of FIG. 2, in the presence of a previously established active compounds which may belong to different categories.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In this document, the words "embodiment," "variant," and similar expressions are used to refer to particular apparatus, process, or article of manufacture, and not necessarily to the same apparatus, process, or article of manufacture. Thus, "one embodiment" (or a similar expression) used in one place or context can refer to a particular apparatus, process, or article of manufacture; the same or a similar expression in a different place can refer to a different apparatus, process, or article of manufacture. The expressions "alternative embodiment," "alternatively," and similar expressions are used to indicate one of many different possible embodiments. The number of possible embodiments is not necessarily limited to two or any other quantity.

The word "sample" may be used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or variant described herein as "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or variants. All embodiments or embodiments described herein are exemplary embodiments and variants provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and do not necessarily limit the scope of legal protection afforded the invention.

The word "compound" refers to the communication link established between the client device in which the resource is always present, and the host device, which wants to use the resource. The communication link may be via a wired or wireless medium. "Connection" is a temporary relationship established between the application objects on the host device and the client where any object can initiate a connection and negotiate the parameters of the service (for example, quality of service) and / or the communication parameters. "Active" compound is a compound which provides exclusive use of the shared resource for permanently client or otherwise available through the client. "Passive" connection allows you to negotiate the parameters of the connection (and perhaps on the other), but does not provide the use of a common resource available to the client. In passive connection periodic control messages can be transferred between the host and client (unidirectional or bidirectional), so that the devices are aware of each other's presence within a communication range of a wireless network; wherein communication parameters may be maintained or periodically changed depending on various circumstances, such as availability of power, computational resources, and presence of other hosts in the wireless network. Certain aspects of the compounds described in the transmitted in the general order of the provisional US patent application serial number number 60 / 951.919, filed July 25, 2007, under the name Wireless Architecture for a Traditional Wire-Based Protocol.

FIG. 1 illustrates selected components of client 120 and the host 140 in one- to-one communication within the wireless network 100. The structure of the client includes a processor 122, a memory 124, a shared resource 126 capable of providing one or more services to the host 140, and one or more hosts at one time receiver 128 for receiving messages from wireless devices 100 and the transmitter 130 to send messages to devices in a wireless network 100. The memory 124, the shared resource 126, a receiver 128 and a transmitter 130 coupled to processor 122, which can configure, read, and / or do write to these devices.

The host 140 similarly includes a processor 122, a memory 144, a receiver 148 for receiving messages from the wireless network 100 and a transmitter 150 for sending messages to the wireless network 100. The host 140 also has an output interface unit 152 and the user input unit 154 of the user interface. The memory 144, a receiver 148, a transmitter 150, display unit 152 and user interface unit 154 input user interface coupled to the processor 142, which can configure, read and / or write to these devices.

Each of the processors 122 and 142 may comprise, for example, one or more controllers, one or more microprocessors, one or more digital signal processors, one or more finite state machines, or a combination of these devices. Each of the storage devices 124 and 144 may be internal or external to the corresponding processor (122 or 142) and may comprise a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM) , electrically erasable EPROM (EEPROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), SDRAM Double data rate (DDR SDRAM), an improved SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM), magnetic memory and / or other storage device.

In some embodiments, messages within a wireless network 100 may be transmitted at a distance of up to ten meters to thirty meters to a hundred meters or up to three hundred meters. Messages can be transmitted in accordance with standard WiMedia, standards ECMA-368/369, the standard Bluetooth, standard IrDA, standard UWB, ZigBee standard, or one of the standard IEEE 802.11. (This list is not exhaustive.) Accordingly, the receivers and transmitters 130/150 128/148 are configured to work in the applicable standard or standards.

The shared resource 126 may be, for example, a display such as a projector, a television screen or computer display. In some embodiments, the shared resource 126 includes a display device with the capabilities of a mobile display digital interface (Mobile Display Digital Interface (MDDI)). The shared resource 126 may be sound reproducing equipment, such as 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 such as a wireless or wired network; the other network may be connected or may be connected to the Internet or a telephone network. Shared 126 may also be an electronic gaming equipment to the host 140, which functions as a game controller, when there is an active connection between the host 140 and the client 120. The total resource of 126 can also be a personal or other computer with a pre-loaded software to host 140 at essentially serve as input and output for a computer, using pre-loaded software. The shared resource may also be an input device of the user interface, such as a keyboard or a pointing device (mouse, trackball, and similar devices). Moreover, the shared resource may further include mechanical and optical devices.

Block 154 of the input device of the user interface can be, for example, keyboard, touch panel and / or pointing device. Block 152 of the output device of the user interface can be, for example, a display device, speaker and / or headphones. Blocks of the input and output of the user interface can also be combined, for example in the touch screen.

Communication between the client 120 and the host 140 may be established in many ways. Passive compound, for example, may be established automatically when the two devices are within communication range (wireless network) of each other. The responsibility for automatic discovery of the other device or devices may lie on either the client 120 or the host 140, or at each of these devices simultaneously. The active compound may be established as a result of a request generated by a user of the host 140, for example, following establishment of a passive connection between the two devices.

The client 120 or the host 140, or each of these devices may have additional elements, comprising receivers and / or transmitters designed to communicate with other wireless networks, or with networks other than wireless networks with mobile networks. Cellular networks can operate, for example, by the standards of terrestrial radio access network UTRAN or UMTS, including, multiple access standards CDMA (CDMA) network and the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM).

FIG. 2 illustrates selected steps of a process 200 for establishing first a passive and then an active connection between a client, such as client 120, and the requesting host. In the case where there previously established connection between the client and another host, other host may be identical, analogous, similar, or different from the requesting host.

At point 201 the sequence of operations the host and client are operational.

In step 205, at least one of the devices detects the other device within a distance that allows the transmission of messages wirelessly therebetween. Detection device may be a client or host.

In step 210, the client and the host negotiate or otherwise determine communication parameters otherwise passive connection therebetween. The parameters may comprise parameters of communication medium access control (MAC) layer and physical layer (PHY). This step can be performed automatically in response to detection at step 205.

In step 215, the host receives a command from its user to install an active connection to the client for the exclusive use of the shared resource of the client. The host can accept the command, for example via an input unit of the user interface of the host.

At step 220 the host sends a request to the client to establish an active connection. The request may include background information, such as text, audio, video or other information. Background information may identify the operator or owner of the host.

In step 225 the client receives the request.

In step 230 a decision client checks for the existence of active compound previously installed with any other host. If such previously established an active connection currently exists, the sequence of operations of the process proceeds to the step marked with the reference numeral 235, where such situation may be used as will be described further herein.

If currently there is no previously established connection, the sequence of operations of the process proceeds to step 280 in which the client grants the request of the requesting host, and the additional parameters are specified, or in any other way are determined for the active compound between the host and the client, after which the compound becomes active. Previously, certain parameters that apply to communications between a client and a host (for example, communications parameters determined in step 210), can be stored or can be negotiated again, or in any other way altered.

Additional parameters may comprise, for example, quality of service (QoS), which must be notified to the host shared resource. To display such a parameter may be, for example, the resolution of the display. To connect to another network through a client QoS parameters may comprise such a connection (eg, bandwidth and delay). The fee for the use of a shared resource can be transferred or authorized by the user as part of the stage 280 and its visual or audioindikatsiya may be reported to the user access to resources. Audioindikatsiya or visual may be generated by the host (for example, by the output unit of the user interface) or by the client.

In step 285 the user continues to host exclusive use of the shared resource of the client. Then at 299 a sequence of operations the process is terminated.

One category of active compounds can be "hard" connection, which does not allow any other host to interrupt the connection. In other words, the client ignores requests to the active compound in the presence of a previously installed hard active compound. Returning to decision block 230 of the process 200, existence of a previously installed rigidly connecting leads in step 235, rejects the connection requested by the user. On the other hand, if the user at step 280 directs the establishment of a rigid connection, requests from other hosts for an active compound are fully deflected, without requesting the user of the host owning currently active rigid connection may be released if a rigid connection. The user with the hard compound can be notified or not notified about the request of another user.

FIG. 3 shows selected steps 235a corresponding to the presence of the previously installed hard compound. The sequence of operations of the process 200 may continue at steps 235a where a decision block 230 determines that the previously established active connection currently exists. Steps 235a 237a may comprise a decision to check whether the previously established connection rigid connection, and a step 239A in which the client sends a message to the requesting host with a complete rejection of the request. If a request to set the active compound, received in step 225, comprises introductory information (text, video or audio, for example), the stages 235a may comprise sending all or some part of the introductory information to the host owning the previously established active compound. Host owns the previously established active compound, can provide (for example, via the display, indicator light or buzzer) to its user all or part of the background information or some abstract background information. In this way, the user host owning the previously established active compound may be informed that another person seeking to use a common source.

Another category of compounds may be a "semi-rigid" compound which generates an (first) host with the current active compound to release its connection for requesting (second) host. FIG. 4 illustrates selected steps 235V corresponding to this scenario. The sequence of operations of the process 200 may continue to stage 235V, where the decision block 230 determines that the previously set semiactive connection currently exists. As shown in FIG. 4, the steps of 235V corresponding to this scenario may comprise a 241V decision to verify whether the previously set active compound semi-rigid connection, and the step of 243V, which the client sends to the host owning the previously established connection, a message (query) with a request to authorize the release of previously established active compound.

If the host owning the previously established connection, a request to provide time expiration, as determined in block 245V, 247V and 246B decision earlier established connection is terminated at step 249V or transformed into a passive connection. The sequence of operations of the process proceeds to steps 280 and 285 (shown in FIG. 2) to establish a new active connection between the client and the host requesting the active compound, and the requesting host then uses the new connection.

Request authorization release may contain information describing the compound, which seek to establish, such as a category of compounds (rigid, semi-rigid or other category). If the request to establish the active compound, received in step 225, it comprises introductory information, the query may include all or some of the introductory information. Host owns the previously established active compound can provide your user information or some introductory summary of background information.

Host that meets or reject requests release may pre-programmed to meet or reject the request automatically, without reference to other circumstances (for example, always meet or always deny), it may request authorization from its user through the blocks of the user interface (for example, by displaying " enter YES to satisfy the request and free the projector "), or it can do this automatically, depending on certain circumstances, such as the length of the period during which the user has not used its resources.

Yet another category of compounds may be weak or non-rigid connection, whereby the customer, after receiving the request of the active compound, automatically releases the previously set active compound (or puts it into a passive connection) and satisfies the newly received request.

The compounds can combine the properties of different categories of compounds on a temporary basis. One example of such a combined active compound is a compound which is hard for a predetermined period of time following its establishment, and then becoming weak or loose coupling. The time period can be set by the user at the host when the connection is requested.

FIG. 5 illustrates selected steps 235, combining processing of different categories of active compounds, active compounds containing rigid, semirigid active compounds and the active compounds are weak. Recall that the process 200 shown in FIG. 2 may proceed to step 235, when the decision block 230 determines that the previously established active connection currently exists.

In block 237 a decision client determines whether the previously set hard active compound active compound as described above. If so, the client request is rejected completely the active compound in step 239, that is, without a request of the host, who owns a previously established connection.

Otherwise, the sequence of steps of the process proceeds to block 255 decision. Here, the client determines whether the previously set active compound weak active compound, as described above. If previously established active compound is a weak compound, such compound is released in step 249. Releasing the compound may release some or all of the resources allocated to this connection (shared resource, computational resources, storage resources, and / or possibly other resources). Exemption can also convert this compound into a passive connection, freeing share and possibly other resources, but keeping the communication channel open for a host that owns this connection.

Beginning at step 249, the sequence of operations of the process continues with steps 280 and 285 (shown in FIG. 2), which sets a new active connection with the requesting host, and the requesting host uses the new connection.

Returning now to block 255 a decision, if performing the determination indicates that the earlier established connection is not weak, the sequence of operations of the process moves to block 241 a decision to determine whether the previously established active compound semirigid compound, as is also defined above. If previously established connection is not a semi-rigid, additional categories of compounds are treated in a similar manner for a rigid, semi-rigid and weak connections. If the connection is a semi-rigid, the client proceeds to step 243 to send a request to the host owning the previously established connection.

The request may cause the formation on that host request message, whether the connection can be released. The request may contain all or part of the introductory information, or information derived from the introductory information.

Note that if there are only three categories of the compound (i.e., rigid, weak, and semi-rigid), the block 241 a decision may not be needed because a negative determination result obtained at blocks 237 and 255 decision, assume that previously established the active compound should be semi-rigid connection.

Beginning at step 243, the sequence of operations of the process proceeds to block 245 a decision to determine whether the authorized owner of a previously established connection his release. If the owner has authorized the release of the sequence of operations of the process proceeds to step 249, freeing the previously established connection. Beginning at step 249, the process continues at steps 280 and 285, establishing the requested connection and allowing the requesting host to use the resource.

If, however, the release has not yet been authorized, as determined in block 245 decision, the client in block 246 decision determines whether the received negative response to the request. If a request has been received a negative reply, the client proceeds to step 239 to reject the request for a new active compound.

If the host owning the previously established active compound, has not yet responded (positively or negatively), the state of the expiration time is checked in block 247 decision. Condition expiration time may be due to the expiration of the timer determines the period of time from request to obtain permission to release. If the timer expires, the state of time expires substantially indicates that permission to release the previously specified active compound was constructively denied. The client then proceeds to step 239 to reject the request for a new active compound. If the expiration time has not taken place, the client returns to block 245 decision is actually acting on a circular loop as long as there is no response to a request received or until expiration of time.

Other communication scheme similar to the semi-rigid connection, but the request for the release of the previously established connection is transmitted directly from the requesting host to host owning the previously established active compound. Here, the previously established connection may be a rigid connection. When a new host requests an active connection, the client rejects the request, indicating that an active connection exists. Post the deviation may contain sufficient information for the requesting host to contact the owner of the previously established active compound directly. Alternatively, the requesting host may identify over the wireless network one or all hosts within its communication distance (or identify these hosts by other means, such as a query through a different network, which may be a cellular network). Once the requesting host identifies the owner of the previously established connection, it sends a request directly to the host to release the previously established connection, using either the same wireless network or different means, such as another network. The request may identify the requesting host. Alternatively, the requesting host can broadcast a request to distribute release, to send a group request to release or send numerous requests for the release of various wireless devices.

When the owner of the previously established connection receives a request for exemption from the requesting host, it can allow its user to authorize or reject the release of the compound; it may also authorize, reject or ignore the request automatically, for example based on its configuration, preprogramming, or conditions (such as use or non-use of previously established connection within a predetermined period of time). If the host decides to release the connection, it may send a release message directly to the customer. In some embodiments, a release message is not specific, i.e. does not identify the requesting host. In some embodiments, the release message pinpoints the requesting host. In the latter case, the client may attempt to establish an active connection with the requesting host, or the client may provide a time window for the requesting host to re-request the active compound. Requests from other hosts during this time window can be completely rejected.

Although steps and decision blocks corresponding to different methods in the present disclosure may be described in sequence, some of these steps and decisions may be performed by separate elements in conjunction or in parallel, asynchronously or synchronously, in a pipelined manner, or in any other way. There is no particular requirement that the steps and action carried out in the same order in which they are listed in this specification, except when it is indicated precisely, otherwise it is clear from the context or required by nature. It should be noted, however, that in selected variants the steps and decisions are performed in sequence as described above and / or how they are shown in the accompanying drawings. Further, not every illustrated in the drawing step or the decision may be required in every system of the invention, while, in some systems according to the invention, some steps and decisions that have not been specifically shown in the drawings may be desirable or necessary .

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described in this document concepts are applicable to various networks, including wireless local area networks, such as networks operating under IEEE 802.11 standards, and wireless personal area networks.

Those skilled in the art would also understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the foregoing description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or combinations thereof .

Those skilled in the art would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic Apparatus software, computer software, or combinations thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps may have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as the Apparatus, software or a combination of hardware and software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted to constitute a departure from the scope of the present invention.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete diode or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or provide any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core or any other such configuration.

The steps of a method or algorithm that may have been described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in instrumental providing, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. A software module may always be present in the memory RAM, a flash memory, a memory ROM, a storage device EPROM, the memory EEPROM, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in technology. An exemplary storage medium is attached to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and to record information on the information carrier. In an alternative embodiment, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in an access terminal. Alternatively, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided in order to permit any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various embodiments of these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed therein.