Selection of a communication device for a user by a base station in response to receiving a communication session hand-off

A first base station wirelessly transmits media to a first communication device for a communication session. The first base station hands off the communication session to a second base station. The second base station wirelessly transmits the media to the first communication device for the communication session. In response to the hand-off, the second base station selects a second communication device based on the type of media and transmits a prompt to the first communication device to transfer the communication session to the second communication device. In response to a user instruction, the second base station transmits the media to the second communication device for the communication session.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

A private base station can be installed in a home and connected to the Internet. The private base station is able to accept communication session hand-offs from public base stations. For example, a user that is driving an automobile may engage in a voice call by using a wireless telephone that communicates with a public base station. When the user arrives at home, the public base station will hand-off the wireless telephone to the private base station. The user seamlessly continues their voice call through the private base station.

Many homes also have a Local Area Network (LAN) that is connected to various devices, such as computers, telephones, and televisions. The LAN is often coupled to a modem that provides Internet access. Thus, the various devices communicate with one another through the LAN and communicate over the Internet through the modem. The private base station typically communicates over the Internet through the modem.

OVERVIEW

A first base station wirelessly transmits media to a first communication device for a communication session. The first base station hands off the communication session to a second base station. The second base station wirelessly transmits the media to the first communication device for the communication session. In response to the hand-off, the second base station selects a second communication device based on the type of media and transmits a prompt to the first communication device to transfer the communication session to the second communication device. In response to a user instruction, the second base station transmits the media to the second communication device for the communication session.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates wireless communication system100. Wireless communication system100includes base stations101-102, communication network103, and communication devices111-112. Communication device111comprises a wireless telephone, internet appliance, computer, media player, or some other wireless communication device. Communication device112comprises a telephone, television, computer, audio system, or some other media device.

Base station101and communication network103communicate over communication link124. Base station102and communication network103communicate over communication link125. Base station101and communication device111communicate over wireless link121. After communication device111moves, base station102and communication device111communicate over wireless link122. Subsequently, base station102and communication device112communicate over communication link123.

FIG. 2illustrates the operation of wireless communication system100. The operation starts with a media communication session in-progress where communication network103transmits media to base station101, and base station101wirelessly transmits the media to communication device111. The media could be voice, music, video, email, web pages, or some other media content.

Due to the movement shown onFIG. 1, base station101hands-off the communication session and communication device111to base station102. After the hand-off, communication network103transmits the media to base station102, and base station102wirelessly transmits the media to communication device111.

In response to the hand-off, base station102selects another communication device for the communication session based on a type of media. Typically, the other communication device is a proximate media device that is able to communicate with base station102and that is suitable for the type of media. Although there are many examples, the other communication device might be a television if the media is video, a computer if the media is email, and an audio system if the media is a voice call. In this example, communication device112is selected. Note that multiple devices could be selected, but the number has been restricted for clarity.

In response to the selection, base station102transmits a prompt to communication device111to transfer the communication session to communication device112. In response to a user input, communication device111transmits an instruction to base station102. In this example, the user decides to transfer the communication session to communication device112, and the instruction indicates this decision. Base station102now receives the media, and response to the instruction, base station102transfers the media to communication device112.

FIG. 3illustrates an alternative operation of wireless communication system100, although this alternative is not required in all examples. The alternative operation also starts with a media communication session in-progress where communication network103transmits media to base station101, and base station101wirelessly transmits the media to communication device111. The media could be voice, music, video, email, web data, or some other media content.

Due to the movement shown onFIG. 1, base station101hands-off the communication session and communication device111to base station102. After the hand-off, communication network103transmits the media to base station102, and base station102wirelessly transmits the media to communication device111. In response to the hand-off, base station102selects another communication device for the communication session based on the type of media. Typically, the other communication device is a proximate media device that is able to communicate with base station102and that is suitable for the type of media. In this example, communication device112is selected. Multiple devices might be selected in other examples.

In response to the selection, base station102transmits a prompt to communication device111to transfer the communication session to communication device112. The prompt provides multiple options: 1) retain media delivery and session control with communication device111, 2) transfer media delivery and session control to communication device112, or 3) transfer media delivery to communication device112, but retain session control with communication device111. Various other user options, such as transferring the media to both devices, may also be implemented but are restricted here for clarity.

In response to a user input, communication device111transmits an instruction to base station102. In this example, the user selects the third option (transfer media delivery to communication device112and retain session control with communication device111) and the instruction indicates this decision. Base station102now receives the media, and in response to the instruction, base station102transfers the media to communication device112.

Base station102also receives control from communication device111. The control could be a request to visit another web site, change a video channel, place a voice call on hold, or some other session control exerted by the user through communication device111. Base station102then receives the media, and response to the control, transfers the media to communication device112according to the control.

FIG. 4illustrates an alternative operation of wireless communication system100, although this alternative is not required in all examples. The alternative operation also starts with a media communication session in-progress where communication network103transmits media to base station101, and base station101wirelessly transmits the media to communication device111. The media could be voice, music, video, email, web data, or some other media content.

Due to the movement shown onFIG. 1, base station101hands-off the communication session and communication device111to base station102. After the hand-off, communication network103transmits the media to base station102, and base station102wirelessly transmits the media to communication device111. In response to the hand-off, base station102selects another communication device for the communication session based on the type of media. Typically, the other communication device is a proximate media device that is able to communicate with base station102and that is suitable for the type of media. Base station102also identifies any media formatting options for the selected communication device112. In this example, communication device112is selected. Multiple devices might be selected in other examples.

In response to the selection, base station102transmits a prompt to communication device111to transfer the communication session to communication device112. The prompt provides multiple options: 1) retain media delivery with communication device111, 2) transfer media delivery in the current format to communication device112, or 3) transfer media delivery in a new format to communication device112. The new format could be higher resolution video, higher fidelity audio, or some other media formatting change.

In response to a user input, communication device111transmits an instruction to base station102. In this example, the user selects the third option (transfer media delivery in a new media format to communication device112) and the instruction indicates this decision. In response to the instruction, base station102transfers signaling to communication network103requesting the media in the new format. A media server in communication network103processes the signaling to begin the transfer of the media in the new format. Base station102now receives the media in the new format, and in response, transfers the media in the new format to communication device112.

Although not required, the media server in communication network103might address the media in the new format for delivery to communication device112. The address of communication device112could be in the signaling from base station102or could be in a table of devices and addresses maintained by the media server. In addition, the media server in communication network103might continue to transfer the media in the old format and addressed to communication device111. Base station102could transfer this media in the old format to communication device111simultaneously with the transfer of the media in the new format to communication device112.

FIG. 5illustrates an alternative operation of wireless communication system100, although this alternative is not required in all examples. The alternative operation also starts with a media communication session in-progress where communication network103transmits media to base station101, and base station101wirelessly transmits the media to communication device111. The media could be voice, music, video, email, web data, or some other media content.

Due to the movement shown onFIG. 1, base station101hands-off the communication session and communication device111to base station102. After the hand-off, communication network103transmits the media to base station102, and base station102wirelessly transmits the media to communication device111. In response to the hand-off, base station102selects another communication device for the communication session based on the type of media. Typically, the other communication device is a proximate media device that is able to communicate with base station102and that is suitable for the type of media. Base station102also identifies any media formatting options for the selected communication device112. In this example, communication device112is selected.

In response to the selection, base station102transmits a prompt to communication device111to transfer the communication session to communication device112. In response to a user input, communication device111transmits an instruction to base station102. In this example, the user decides to transfer media delivery to communication device112and the instruction indicates this decision.

In response to the instruction, base station102transfers signaling, such as a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message, to communication network103requesting session transfer to communication device112. A media server in communication network103processes the signaling to begin the transfer of the media now addressed to selected communication device112. The media server may also transfer the media in a new format. Base station102now receives the media with the new address, and in response, transfers the media to communication device112.

During the media transfer to communication device112, communication network103transfers a voice call request to base station102for delivery to communication device111. Base station102wirelessly transfers the voice call request to communication device111and device111accepts the voice call. Communication network103then exchanges audio for the voice call with base station102, and base station102wirelessly exchanges the audio for the voice call with communication device111. Thus, the voice call with communication device111occurs simultaneously with the media transfer to communication device112.

Referring back toFIG. 1, base stations101-102comprise an antenna and RF communication circuitry for wireless communication. The RF communication circuitry typically includes an amplifier, filter, RF modulator, and signal processing circuitry. Base stations101-102may also comprise additional communication interfaces, processing circuitry, memory devices, software, cabling, power supplies, and other communication apparatus—including combinations thereof.

Communication network103comprises communication equipment and links. The equipment may include call processors, routers, servers, switches, memory devices, software, processing circuitry, cabling, power supplies, communication interfaces, and other communication apparatus—including combinations thereof. Communication network103typically includes a media server that interacts with base stations101-102, although the media may come from external sources. Communication network103may be a single discreet system or may be comprised of multiple systems and networks. For example, communication network103may include telephony networks, data networks, the Internet, and other systems.

Communication device111could be a wireless telephone, internet appliance, computer, e-book, media player, or some other wireless communication device. Communication device111comprises an antenna and RF communication circuitry for wireless communication. The RF communication circuitry typically includes an amplifier, filter, RF modulator, and signal processing circuitry. Communication device111may also comprise additional processing circuitry, memory device, software, user interface, power supply, and other communication apparatus—including combinations thereof.

Communication device112could be a telephone, television, computer, audio system, or some other media device. Communication device112may utilize wireless, optical, electrical, or some other form of communication. Communication device112comprises a communication interface, processing circuitry, memory device, software, user interface, power supply, and other communication apparatus—including combinations thereof.

Wireless links121-122use the air or space as the transport media. Wireless links121-122may use various protocols, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution Data Only (EVDO), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Wireless Fidelity (WIFI), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), or some other wireless communication format.

Communication links123-125use metal, glass, air, space, or some other material as the transport media. Communication links123-125could use various communication protocols, such as Time Division Multiplex (TDM), Internet Protocol (IP), Ethernet, communication signaling, CDMA, EVDO, WIMAX, GSM, LTE, WIFI, HSPA, or some other communication format—including combinations thereof. Communication links123-125could be direct links or may include intermediate networks, systems, or devices.

In a first operation, wireless communication device604is engaged in a video communication session where communication network602transmits video media to wireless communication device604through macrocell base station601.

FIG. 7illustrates wireless communication system600at a later time. OnFIG. 7, wireless communication device604has moved to residence610. In response to the move, macrocell base station601has handed wireless communication device604over to microcell base station611. Thus, wireless communication device604and microcell base station611now communicate over CDMA link632. Wireless communication device604remains engaged in the video communication session where communication network602transmits video media to wireless communication device604through Internet603and microcell base station611.

In response to the handoff, microcell base station611determines if any devices currently operating on LAN615are suitable for the video communication session. This could be accomplished by a preconfigured table that associates devices with media types and through a status information exchange over LAN615. In this example, television612, computer613, and media endpoint616are operating on LAN615and are able to handle the video communication session.

Microcell base station611transmits a prompt to wireless communication device604indicating that television612, computer613, and media endpoint616are candidates to display the video media for the video communication session. Wireless communication device604displays the prompt to the user, and in this example, the user selects television612. Wireless communication device604transfers an instruction back to microcell base station611to transfer the video media to television612. In response to the instruction, microcell base station611transfers signaling to communication network602requesting a session transfer to television612. A media server in communication network602processes the signaling to begin transferring the video formatted and addressed for television612. Microcell base station611receives the video from Internet603and transfers the video to television612based on the new addressing. Television612displays the video in the new format.

Referring back toFIG. 6to discuss a second operation, wireless communication device604is now engaged in a voice communication session where communication network602exchanges audio media with wireless communication device604through macrocell base station601.

FIG. 7now illustrates wireless communication system600at a later time for the second operation. Wireless communication device604has moved to residence610, and in response, macrocell base station601has handed wireless communication device604over to microcell base station611. Thus, wireless communication device604and microcell base station611now communicate over CDMA link632. Wireless communication device604remains engaged in the voice communication session where communication network602exchanges the audio media with wireless communication device604through Internet603and microcell base station611.

In response to the handoff, microcell base station611determines if any devices currently operating on LAN615are suitable for the voice communication session. In this example, both computer613and telephone614are operating on LAN615and are able to handle the voice communication session. Microcell base station611transmits a prompt to wireless communication device604indicating that computer613and telephone614are candidates to exchange the audio media for the voice communication session. Wireless communication device604displays the prompt to the user, and in this example, the user selects telephone614. Wireless communication device604transfers an instruction back to microcell base station611to exchange the audio media with telephone614.

In response to the instruction, microcell base station611begins to exchange the audio media with telephone614over LAN615. Thus, microcell base station611exchanges audio with communication network602and exchanges the audio with telephone614. In this example, control over the voice communication session is retained in wireless communication device604, although device604is no longer used to exchange audio. Thus, the user may exert session control through wireless communication device604while exchanging the audio through telephone614. For example, the user listens to and speaks into telephone614, but may terminate the voice session by operating wireless communication device611. In another example, the user listens to and speaks into telephone614, but may conference in a third party by operating wireless communication device611.

FIG. 8illustrates base station800. Base station800is an example of base stations102and611, although base stations102and611may use alternative configurations. Base station800comprises transceivers801-803, processing system804, and user interface805. Processing system804comprises processing circuitry806and memory device807that stores operating software808. Processing system804is linked to transceivers801-803and user interface805. Base station800may include other well-known components that are not shown for clarity, such as power circuitry and an enclosure.

Internet transceiver801comprises a data interface that includes a cable modem, digital subscriber line modem, wireless modem, optical modem, and/or some other Internet access component. The term “4G” refers to fourth generation wireless communication technologies, such as WIMAX, LTE, and others. 4G transceiver802comprises an antenna, RF transceiver, signal processing circuitry, and/or some other wireless network interface. Local Area Network (LAN) transceiver803comprises an Ethernet card, wireless fidelity card, and/or some other LAN component.

User interface805comprises components that interact with a user. User interface805may include buttons, lights, display, touch screen, or some other user input/output apparatus—including combinations thereof.

Processing circuitry806comprises microprocessor and other circuitry that retrieves and executes operating software808from memory device807. Memory device807comprises a computer-readable storage medium, such as a disk drive, flash drive, data storage circuitry, or some other memory apparatus. Processing circuitry806is typically mounted on a circuit board that may also hold memory device807and portions of user interface805and transceivers801-803.

Operating software808comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of computer-readable processing instructions. Operating software808may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software. When executed by processing circuitry806, operating software808directs processing system804to operate base station800as described herein for base stations102and611. In particular, operating software808directs processing system804to accept communication session hand-offs from other base stations, select other media devices based on media types for the communication sessions, and interact with the user and communication network to transfer the communication sessions to the selected media devices as described herein.

FIG. 9illustrates the operation of base station800. The operation starts with processing system804accepting the hand-off of a first communication device from another base station during a communication session (901). To facilitate this hand-off, processing system804typically receives signaling from a network control system through internet transceiver801and receives signaling from the first communication device through 4G transceiver802. After the hand-off, processing system804receives media for the communication session through internet transceiver801and wirelessly transfers the media to the first communication device through 4G transceiver802(902). The media could be voice, music, video, email, web data, or some other media content.

In response to the hand-off, processing system804determines if a second communication device is available that would be suitable for the media (903). To make the determination, processing system804maintains a data structure in memory device807that associates various media types with various communication devices and that associates these communication devices with their current status. For example, the data structure might associate video media with both a television and a computer and list the television status as unavailable and the computer status as available. The device status could be determined based on the ability to presently communicate with the device over LAN transceiver803.

If there is no available communication device for the media type (903), then processing system804continues to receive the media through network interface801, transfer the media to the first communication device through 4G transceiver802, and receive user control information through 4G transceiver802(911). If there is an available communication device for the media type (903), then processing system804transfers a prompt to the first communication device through 4G transceiver802(904). The prompt indicates menu options for user selection that include: 1) retain media delivery and session control with the first communication device, 2) transfer media delivery and session control to the second communication device, or 3) transfer media delivery to the second communication device, but retain session control with the first communication device. In response to the prompt, processing system804receives a user instruction from the first communication device through 4G transceiver802(904).

If the user instruction is not to transfer the session by retaining media delivery and session control with the first communication device (905), then processing system804continues to receive the media through internet transceiver801, transfer the media to the first communication device through 4G transceiver802, and receive user control information through 4G transceiver802(911).

If the user instruction is to transfer the session by transferring media delivery and session control to the second communication device (905), then processing system804transfers SIP signaling to a network server requesting media that is formatted and addressed for the second communication device (907). Processing system804then receives the media through internet transceiver801, transfers the media to the second communication device through LAN transceiver803, and receives user control information through LAN transceiver803(908).

If the user instruction is to partially transfer the session by transferring media delivery to the second communication device and retaining session control at the first communication device (905), then processing system804transfers SIP signaling to a network server requesting media formatted and addressed for the second communication device (909). Processing system804then receives the media through internet transceiver801, transfers the media to the second communication device through LAN transceiver803, and receives user control information through 4G transceiver802(910).