Method and apparatus for initiating communication modes

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for receiving, by a system comprising a processor, a first request to transition a communication device between a hearing mode and a teletype mode, and transmitting, by the system, a SIP command to a telecommunication network to switch between registration and deregistration of the communication, where the SIP command is transmitted responsive to expiration of a period for disabling switching between the registration and the deregistration. Other embodiments are disclosed.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for initiating communication modes, and, more particularly, for transitioning communication device between hearing and teletype modes.

BACKGROUND

Modern telecommunications systems allow consumers to utilize telephony capabilities while accessing a large variety of content. Consumers are no longer bound to specific locations when communicating with others or when enjoying content, including video programming. Network capabilities have expanded and have created additional interconnections and new opportunities for using mobile communication devices in a variety of situations. Intelligent devices offer new means for the enjoyment of network interactions in ways that anticipate consumer desires.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrative embodiments for reliably transitioning communication devices between hearing and teletype modes in a telecommunication system. A request for transitioning between hearing and teletype modes can be received at a communication device. Processing of the request can be delayed for a period of time to ensure that the prior registration process between the communication device and the telecommunication system has completed before initiating a new registration process based on the request. Methods for preventing multiple registration processing attempts can be implemented at the communication device or at the telecommunication system.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a communication device comprising a memory to store executable instructions and a processor. The processor, responsive to executing the executable instructions, can perform operations including receiving an input from a user interface requesting a transition from a hearing mode to a teletype mode. The processor can also perform operations comprising generating a first session initiation protocol (SIP) command for switching from registration to deregistration of the communication device at a telecommunication network responsive to the input. The first SIP command can initiate deregistration of the communication device when transitioning from the hearing mode to the teletype mode. The processor can also perform operations comprising determining whether a disable registration period has been started and, in turn, initiating the disable registration period responsive to the disable registration period not having been started. The processor can further perform operations comprising determining whether the disable registration period has expired responsive to the disable registration period having been started. The processor can further perform operations comprising transmitting the first SIP registration command as a first request to the telecommunication network to switch from the registration to the deregistration of the communication device responsive to the disable registration period having expired. The processor can also perform operations comprising transitioning from the hearing mode to the teletype mode according to a response from the telecommunication network.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a computer-readable storage device, comprising executable instructions. The executable instructions can cause a processor to perform operations comprising receiving from a communication device a first SIP command comprising a first request for a first switch between registration and deregistration of the communication device at a telecommunication network. The executable instructions can further cause the processor to perform operations comprising transmitting to the communication device a second SIP command requesting authentication responsive to the first request. The executable instructions can also cause the processor to perform operations comprising receiving from the communication device a third SIP command responsive to the second SIP command. The executable instructions can cause a processor to perform operations comprising determining whether the third SIP command comprises a second request for a second switch between the registration and the deregistration of the communication device and, in turn, determining whether the second request is received before completion of the first switch. The executable instructions can cause a processor to perform operations comprising transmitting to the communication device a fourth SIP command comprising a first disabling of further attempts to switch between the registration and the deregistration of the communication device responsive to receiving the second request before completion of the first switch, wherein the first disabling comprises a first expiration time.

One embodiment of the subject disclosure includes a method including receiving, by a system comprising a processor, a first request to transition a communication device between a hearing mode and a teletype mode. The method can also include transmitting, by the system, a SIP command to a telecommunication network to switch between registration and deregistration of the communication. The SIP command can be transmitted responsive to expiration of a period for disabling switching between the registration and the deregistration.

FIG. 1depicts an illustrative embodiment of a system100that can be utilized for providing telecommunication services for the deaf, hard of hearing, and/or the speech impaired. In one or more embodiments, the system100can include a communication network150. The system100can include a subscription telecommunication service, such as an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network150for providing landline or cellular/mobile telecommunications, Internet access, and content to consumers. The telecommunication services of the system100and the IMS network150can be accessed using a variety of communication devices and connectivity schemes. In one embodiment, an accessory teletype (TTY) device124can be coupled to a mobile communication device116such that the TTY accessory device124can accesses the IMS network150via a mobility network of mobile base stations117. In one embodiment, a direct TTY device128can be coupled to the IMS network150via a landline. In one embodiment, a computer device118can operate or host a TTY software application, where the computer device118can access the IMS network via an internal modem or an external modem144and a landline. In one embodiment, a mobile TTY device132can be used in a vehicle140. The mobile TTY device132can communicate wirelessly, such as through a Bluetooth connection, to a cell connection device136in the vehicle135. In one embodiment, the cell connection device136can be in the form of a mirror which can include an integrated mobile cell phone for communicating wirelessly with a mobility network of mobile base stations117.

In one or more embodiments, the TTY capable devices118,124,128, and132provide a text-based system to allow deaf, hard of hearing, and/or the speech impaired users to communicate among themselves and/or with hearing individuals. A TTY device124is a teleprinter, or electronic device for text communication over a telephone line. A person with a hearing or speech difficulty can use the TTY device124to place a call to another person with a TTY device124and/or to another person and a non-TTY device, such as a cell phone116or a landline phone. Once a TTY call is initiated over the IMS network150, whether via a landline or a mobility network117, this hearing and or speech impaired person can communicate via a keyboard or keypad entry and a display at the TTY device124. If a first user of a TTY device124is communicating with a second user, who is also using the TTY device, then the communications between the two users can be entirely via text that is entered at the keyboard and presented at the display. In another embodiment, a hearing and or speech impaired user at a TTY device124can communicate with a non-impaired user, who is using a non-TTY device. In one embodiment, the user of the TTY device124can place the call via a TTY communication assistance system135, where a live operator can answer the call and provide text to voice and/or voice to text translation services to allow the hearing and/or speech impaired user at the TTY device124to communicate with a non-hearing impaired user at a non-TTY device. The non-hearing impaired user can engage in a speech and/or hearing based call session while the hearing and/or speech impaired caller can engage in a text only call session. In another embodiment, the user of the TTY device124can use text for outgoing information but receive audio for incoming information. This would be the case where the user of the TTY device124is speech impaired but not hearing impaired. Similarly, the TTY device124can be used to send speech audio but to receive text as would be the case if the user is hearing impaired but not speech impaired. In various embodiments, the functions of the TTY communication assistance system can be performed via a human operator, a text to voice computer system, a voice to text computers system, and/or any combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, the TTY device118,124,128, and132can share a connective channel to the IMS network with a hearing only device. For example a landline-based TTY modem device128can share a landline associated with a specific telephone number with a landline telephone and148. In another example, a mobile device116can be used to provide audio calling communications in a hearing mode via a cellular communication channel associated with a specific telephone number. This same cellular communication channel and telephone number can be used as a communication channel for TTY communications for a peripheral TTY device124that connects to the IMS network150via the mobile device116and the mobility network117. Similarly, a TTY vehicle device132can share a cellular communication channel and telephone number with a cell communication device136, such as a mirror that includes an integrated cellular communication device.

In one or more embodiments, where a cellular communication device, such as the cell connection device136or the mobile device116, provides a communications link from a TTY device one124or132to the IMS network150, then the cellular communication device can include a means for indicating to the IMS network150whether a call is a hearing mode call or a TTY mode call. If for example a mobile device116is operating in a hearing mode, then the mobile device116can encode speech content that is received at a microphone of the mobile device116into an audio stream that can be transmitted over the mobility network117and the IMS network150to a remote device. Similarly, speech content from the remote device can be received at the mobile device116as encoded speech content that, in turn, can be decoded into speech content for reproduction at a speaker of the mobile device116. By contrast, a TTY device124can convert inputted text into audio tones that can represent text values and can receive audio towns that represent text values from a remote TTY device. In one embodiment, text transmitted and/or received at a TTY device124can be encoded for transmission via the mobility network117and the IMS network150.

In one or more embodiments, for TTY-based communication to operate correctly, the IMS network150can handle a hearing mode call differently than a TTY mode call. In order to immediately handle hearing mode calls, which make up the vast majority of mobile communication calls, the IMS network150can register mobile communication devices, such as the call connection device136or the mobile device116, which are associated with a telephone number as activated for hearing mode (audio) calls. By registering a mobile device116, the IMS network150can set aside system resources for immediate connection of the mobile device116to an initiated voice call. Conversely, the IMS network150can deregister a mobile communication channel and telephone number from the IMS network150to indicate that the mobile communications channel and the telephone number are activated for TTY mode (text) calls.

FIGS. 2A-2Bdepict illustrative embodiments of message sequence charts for normal and abnormal system registration transitions between hearing mode and teletype mode for a communication device. Referring particularly toFIG. 2A, an embodiment of a normal transition between hearing mode and teletype mode is illustrated. A user equipment (UE) device, such as a mobile device116, can first enable hearing mode. For example, upon power up of the mobile device116, the UE device116can send (at step (1)) a SIP message to the IMS Network150. More particularly, the mobile device116can send a SIP REGISTRATION message to a Proxy-Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) server130of the IMS Network150. The P-CSCF server130can receive the SIP REGISTRATION message and, in turn, respond with a SIP401message at step (2). The SIP401message is a standard error response that indicates that a sending UE device116has requested a registration but has not provided authentication information. In response, the UE device116can respond to the P-CSCF server130a SIP401message by sending a second SIP REGISTRATION message at step (3), where the second SIP REGISTRATION includes authentication information that can be used by the P-CSCF server130to authenticate the UE device116for registration on the IMS system150as a hearing mode device. Upon receiving valid authenticating information at step (3), the P-CSCF server130can query a database, such as a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) to confirm that the UE device116is authorized for registration at the IMS network. At step (4) the P-CSCF server130can respond by registering the UE device116and, in turn, sending an “ok” message to the UE device116. Registration of the UE device130can be completed by the P-CSCF server130, and the UE device116can be ready for initiating and/or participating in hearing mode (speech and hearing enabled) call sessions.

At a later time (T1) the UE device116can request entry into TTY mode. For example, a user can select TTY mode at the cell connection device136to allow a locally linked TTY vehicle device132to communicate through the cell connection device136to enable in vehicle TTY communications through the mobility network117and the IMS network150. In another example, a peripheral TTY device124can be connected to a mobile device116for the purpose of providing TTY communications through the mobility network117and the IMS network150using the mobile device116. In each case, to use the cell connection device136or the mobile device116as a connection point into the IMS network150for TTY services, the user can select TTY mode operation at cell connection device136or the mobile device116. Selection of the TTY mode at a UE device116can cause the UE device116to send a SIP REGISTRATION message to the P-CSCF server130at step (5). The SIP REGISTRATION message associated with enabling the TTY mode can include header information to indicate that the UE device116is requesting deregistration from the IMS network150. For example the SIP REGISTRATION message can include and “expire=0” header to indicate a request for the registration. In the normal registration scenario, the deregistration request is received at a point in time T1after the registration request associated with enabling the hearing mode has been completed. The P-CSCF server130can respond to the deregistration request by accepting the requested deregistering of the UE device116and sending an “ok” message to the UE device116confirming the deregistration at step (6).

Referring particularly toFIG. 2B, an embodiment of an abnormal transition between hearing mode and teletype mode is illustrated. In this example, the first two steps of a normal registration for hearing mode for a client UE device occur in steps (1) and (2). However, at step (3) the UE device116can send a deregistration request to the P-CSCF server130at a point in the registration process when the P-CSCF server130can logically expect the UE device116to send authorization information. At step (4) the P-CSCF server130can respond with a SIP403message indicating the reception of a forbidden request. Unfortunately, in the context of a registration process, the transmission of a SIP403message can cause the UE device116to be permanently disabled from registration. Further attempts by the UE device116to register and/or deregister with the IMS network150can be ineffective due to the permanent disabling caused by the SIP403message.

FIGS. 3-9depict illustrative embodiments of methods used in portions of the system described in FIGS.1and4-5. In particular,FIG. 3shows illustrative embodiments of a method300for presenting permanent disabling of a UE device116by the IMS network130due to premature registration and/or deregistration of the UE device116prior to to completion of an in-process registration and/or deregistration. At step304, the UE device116can wait and/or monitor for a TTY button to be selected or pressed at the UE device116. The TTY button can be a function that can be selected at the UE device116, a function of the UE device116that can automatically execute when the TTY device124is communicatively coupled to the UE device116, or a combination of each. If at step308the UE device116detects a push of a TTY button, or an equivalent selection, then the UE device116can generate a SIP registration command in response to the TTL button push at step312.

At step316, the UE device116can determine whether a deactivation timer is ON. In one embodiment, the UE device116turns OFF the deactivation timer after the UE device116initiates a deregistration/registration process with the P-CSCF server130for enabling/disabling TTY mode. If the TTY button is selected at the UE device116, as detected at step308, will cause the deactivation timer to first be detected as OFF at step316and then to be turned ON at step320. At step324, the UE device116can monitor for expiration of the deactivation timer. If the deactivation timer has not expired, then the UE device116can return to steps304and308to continue monitoring for additional selections or pushes of the TTY button (either attempts to activate or to deactivate). If the deactivation timer has expired, then the UE device can begin the registration process at328by sending a SIP Registration command to the IMS System150and/or the P-CSCF server130.

In one embodiment, the deactivation timer can comprise software designed to create a timing delay. For example, the deactivation timer can be a counter or a timer or a delay element or a combination of any thereof. In one embodiment, the deactivation timer can delay beginning of any registration process in response to a TTY button press or selection for a minimum time as defined by a setting of the deactivation timer. For example, if the deactivation timer is set for a ten second delay, then the deactivation timer can delay sending of the SIP Registration command to the P-CSCF server130for ten seconds after the last timer starting event. The deactivation timer can be started any time a user selects the TTY button and the deactivation timer is not already running from a prior TTY button selection. The method can eliminate premature attempts to register or deregister a UE device116prior to completion of a prior registration/deregistration. In one embodiment, the UE device116can generate a new SIP registration command the first time that the TTY button is selected and send this command to the P-CSCF server130when the deactivation timer has expired. However, subsequent selections of the TTY button will not result in the generation of additional SIP registration commands. In this respect, the method300simply ignores any additional TTY button pushes during the deactivation timer period. In one embodiment, an indication is displayed at the UE device116to indicate that the TTY button is disabled. For example, a display color for the TTY button can be changed to indicate that switching the TTY mode is temporarily disabled.

Referring particularly toFIG. 4, an illustrated embodiment is shown a method400operating in portions of the system described inFIGS. 1,10, and11. At step404the UE device116can wait for a TTY button selection or push or a determination at the UE device116that the user has requested that the TTY mode be activated or deactivated. If the TTL button is pushed at step408, then the UE device116can store the TTY button push as a command at step412. In one embodiment, the method400saves each the last TTY button push, while discarding all previous TTY button pushes. At step416the deactivation timer is checked to see if it is ON and, if not, then the deactivation timer is started at step420. At step424, the deactivation timer is checked for expiration. If the deactivation timer has not yet expired, then the method400returns to step404to wait for additional selections of the TTY button. The UE device116continues storing any additional selections of the TTY button, noting whether the user is requesting enabling or disabling TTY mode with the last of the user selections. When the deactivation timer times out at step424, the UE device116then generates a SIP Registration command at step428. The SIP Registration command is sent to the P-CSCF server130at step432to initiate the registration/deregistration process with the IMS System150.

In one or more embodiments, the deactivation timer can be set to a specific deactivation time. The deactivation time can be selected to ensure that any prior registration/deregistration process is completed before a new registration/deregistration process is initiated. The deactivation time can't be selected based upon theoretical and/or actual registration/deregistration processing times for the IMS network150. For example, data can be collected for registration/deregistration processing over a variety of network conditions and UE device types. Average registration/deregistration process time can be calculated along with standard deviation. The deactivation time can be selected based upon the average registration/deregistration process time. For example the deactivation time can be set for the average time plus standard deviations. In another example the deactivation time can be set to the average time multiplied by a safety factor, such as two times the average time.

The methods300and400ofFIGS. 3-4are operated at the UE device116and prevent permanent device deactivation due premature registration/deregistration without modification of the operations of the registration/deregistration process at the P-CSCF server130. By contrast,FIGS. 5-8show, via message sequence charts, illustrative embodiments of methods for preventing permanent device deactivation due to premature registration/deregistration by modifying operation of the registration/deregistration process at the P-CSCF server130. Referring particularly toFIG. 5and method500, at steps (1) and (2), the UE device116sends a SIP Registration command to the P-CSCF server130to register the UE device116with the IMS network150. The UE device116attempts to register to the IMS network150with hearing mode enabled and TTY mode disabled. The P-CSCF server130returns a SIP401message to the UE device116indicating that the registration will not be completed until authorization information is supplied to and verified by the P-CSCF server130. However, as in the exemplary abnormal registration case ofFIG. 2B, at step (3) the UE device116sends a SIP Command to the P-CSCF server130with a header set to “expire=0” indicating a deregistration request, and this deregistration request is sent at time T2, which is before the initial registration request of step (1) has completed. In one embodiment, the P-CSCF server130responds to the premature deregistration request at step (3) with a SIP403message at step (4), which includes a header of “expire=T seconds”, where T is set to a number of seconds for which the P-CSCF server130will disable the UE device116from registration. The altered version of the SIP403response causes the UE device116to be temporarily deactivated from the IMS network150. During the time period T, the UE device116is deactivated and cannot be used in the IMS network150until the UE device116sends a new SIP Registration command requesting registration to the IMS network150after the expiration of the time period T. The method500enables the IMS network152temporarily deactivate the UE device116in response to a premature registration/deregistration request without requiring modification of the operation of the UE device116. If the time period T is set to 10 seconds, then the UE device116is disabled from registration for 10 seconds.

Referring particularly toFIG. 6, a method600issue own for the P-CSCF server130to handle a premature registration/deregistration sequence. In response to a SIP Registration command with “expire=0” (deregistration) at step (3) that occurs prior to completion of a registration initiated by steps (1) and (2), the P-CSCF server130can send a SIP Revoke Device command with a header set to “expire=T seconds.” In one or more embodiments, the SIP Revoke Device command can be a variable disable device message. In one embodiment, the SIP Revoke Device command will cause the UE device116to be disabled from registration for a period of T seconds. In one embodiment, if the header is set to “expire=0,” then the UE device116can be reregistered immediately. In another embodiment, if the header is set to “expire=10,” then the UE device116can be reregistered in 10 seconds. In another embodiment, if the header is set to “expire=INF,” then the UE device116is permanently disabled from the registration, and a phone call to the IMS network150administrator can be required for reregistering the device. In one embodiment, the SIP Revoke Device command is followed by a SIP200“ok” message and a SIP ACK message in steps (5) and (6).

Referring now toFIG. 7, a method700illustrates in one or more embodiments a means for the IMS network150to notify the UE Device116of transitions between device enabled and device disabled. In one embodiment, a new notification us defined for the enabled or disabled state of the UE Device116at the IMS Network150. In one embodiment, the P-CSCF server130stores a state logging whether the P-CSCF server will currently allow registration of the UE device116, in which case the state is “DEVICE_ENABLED,” or the P-CSCF server130has disabled registration of the UE device116, in which case the state is “DEVICE_DISABLED.” At step (1), the UE device116can send a SIP SUBSCRIBE message to the P-CSCF server130to request subscription to the device enabled or disabled state. At step (2), the P-CSCF server130can send a SIP200ok to acknowledge the subscription. At step (3), the P-CSCF server130can send a SIP NOTIFY message to the UE device116, which can be acknowledged by the UE device116with a SIP200ok message at step (4). In this case, the P-CSCF server130can notify the UE device116that registration of the UE device116has been disabled by the P-CSCF server130. At step (5), the P-CSCF server130can send a different SIP NOTIFY message to the UE device116, which can be acknowledged by the UE device116with a SIP200ok message at step (6). In this case, the P-CSCF server130can notify the UE device116that registration of the UE device116has been enabled by the P-CSCF server130.

Referring now particularly toFIG. 8, one or more embodiments are shown in message sequence chart form. The method800ofFIG. 8implements altering the time T which the P-CSCF server130temporarily disables registration of the UE device116after a failed registration initiation. For example, in steps (1)-(4) the P-CSCF server130can disable subsequent registration of the UE device116for a period of T seconds in response to the failed registration sequence. Subsequently, at steps (5)-(8) the P-CSCF server130can respond to another failed registration sequence by altering the time period for disabling further registrations to 2T. In steps (9)-(12) the P-CSCF server130can further respond to another failed registration by setting the time period to INFINITY, which disables registration of the UE device116for an indefinite time period (until the P-CSCF server130sends a Revoke message with “expire=0”). In one embodiment, the time period can be altered according to exponential steps. In another embodiment, the time period can be altered according to geometric steps. In another embodiment, the time period can be altered to a maximum time period value without being set to infinity. The ability to progressively increase the time period for disabling registration in response to multiple failed registration attempts can protect the IMS network150as a fail-safe from service attacks.

FIG. 9depicts an illustrative embodiment of a first communication system900for delivering media content. The communication system900can represent an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) media system. Communication system900can be overlaid or operably coupled with the system ofFIG. 1as another representative embodiment of communication system100. The P-CSCF server130, mobile communication device116, computer device118, and cell connection device136can be implemented within the communication system900for providing TTY services and transitioning between registration and deregistration of communication devices for enabling hearing mode and TTY mode.

The IPTV media system can include a super head-end office (SHO)910with at least one super headend office server (SHS)911which receives media content from satellite and/or terrestrial communication systems. In the present context, media content can represent, for example, audio content, moving image content such as 2D or 3D videos, video games, virtual reality content, still image content, and combinations thereof. The SHS server911can forward packets associated with the media content to one or more video head-end servers (VHS)914via a network of video head-end offices (VHO)912according to a multicast communication protocol.

The VHS914can distribute multimedia broadcast content via an access network918to commercial and/or residential buildings902housing a gateway904(such as a residential or commercial gateway). The access network918can represent a group of digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs) located in a central office or a service area interface that provide broadband services over fiber optical links or copper twisted pairs919to buildings902. The gateway904can use communication technology to distribute broadcast signals to media processors906such as Set-Top Boxes (STBs) which in turn present broadcast channels to media devices908such as computers or television sets managed in some instances by a media controller907(such as an infrared or RF remote controller).

The gateway904, the media processors906, and media devices908can utilize tethered communication technologies (such as coaxial, powerline or phone line wiring) or can operate over a wireless access protocol such as Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, or other present or next generation local or personal area wireless network technologies. By way of these interfaces, unicast communications can also be invoked between the media processors906and subsystems of the IPTV media system for services such as video-on-demand (VoD), browsing an electronic programming guide (EPG), or other infrastructure services.

A satellite broadcast television system929can be used in the media system ofFIG. 9. The satellite broadcast television system can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system as another representative embodiment of communication system900. In this embodiment, signals transmitted by a satellite915that include media content can be received by a satellite dish receiver931coupled to the building902. Modulated signals received by the satellite dish receiver931can be transferred to the media processors906for demodulating, decoding, encoding, and/or distributing broadcast channels to the media devices908. The media processors906can be equipped with a broadband port to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) network932to enable interactive services such as VoD and EPG as described above.

In yet another embodiment, an analog or digital cable broadcast distribution system such as cable TV system933can be overlaid, operably coupled with, or replace the IPTV system and/or the satellite TV system as another representative embodiment of communication system900. In this embodiment, the cable TV system933can also provide Internet, telephony, and interactive media services.

Some of the network elements of the IPTV media system can be coupled to one or more computing devices930, a portion of which can operate as a web server for providing web portal services over the ISP network932to wireline media devices908or wireless communication devices916.

Communication system900can also provide for all or a portion of the computing devices930to function as a P-CSCF server930. The P-CSCF server930can use computing and communication technology to perform function962, which can include among other things, copying user profile information from the primary data repository165to the secondary data repository160, detecting modifications a first user profile information at the secondary data repository160, identifying usage events for communication devices116based on the modification of first user profile, modifying a second user profile at the secondary data repository according to the usage event, and replicating modifications to user profiles from the secondary data repository to the primary data repository according to an update policy168. For instance, function962of server930can be similar to the functions described for the P-CSCF server130ofFIG. 1in accordance with methods200-800. The media processors906and wireless communication devices916can be provisioned with software functions964and966, respectively, to utilize the services of the P-CSCF server930. For instance, functions964and966of media processors906and wireless communication devices916can be similar to the functions described for the communication devices116ofFIG. 1in accordance with method200-800.

FIG. 10depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication system1000employing IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network architecture to facilitate the combined services of circuit-switched and packet-switched systems. Communication system1000can be overlaid or operably coupled with system100ofFIG. 1and communication system900ofFIG. 9, as another representative embodiment of communication systems100and900. The P-CSCF server130, mobile communication device116, computer device118, cell communication device136, TTY device124, and TTY modem device128can be implemented within the communication system1000for providing TTY services and transitioning between registration and deregistration of communication devices for enabling hearing mode and TTY mode.

Communication system1000can comprise a Home Subscriber Server (HSS)1040, a tElephone NUmber Mapping (ENUM) server1030, and other network elements of an IMS network150. The IMS network150can establish communications between IMS-compliant communication devices (CDs)1001,1002, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) CDs503,1005, and combinations thereof by way of a Media Gateway Control Function (MGCF)1020coupled to a PSTN network1060. The MGCF1020need not be used when a communication session involves IMS CD to IMS CD communications. A communication session involving at least one PSTN CD may utilize the MGCF1020.

IMS CDs1001,1002can register with the IMS network150by contacting a Proxy Call Session Control Function (P-CSCF) which communicates with an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF), which in turn, communicates with a Serving CSCF (S-CSCF) to register the CDs with the HSS1040. To initiate a communication session between CDs, an originating IMS CD1001can submit a SIP INVITE message to an originating P-CSCF1004which communicates with a corresponding originating S-CSCF1006. The originating S-CSCF1006can submit the SIP INVITE message to one or more application servers (ASs)1017that can provide a variety of services to IMS subscribers.

For example, the application servers1017can be used to perform originating call feature treatment functions on the calling party number received by the originating S-CSCF1006in the SIP INVITE message. Originating treatment functions can include determining whether the calling party number has international calling services, call ID blocking, calling name blocking, 7-digit dialing, and/or is requesting special telephony features (e.g., *72 forward calls, *73 cancel call forwarding, *67 for caller ID blocking, and so on). Based on initial filter criteria (iFCs) in a subscriber profile associated with a CD, one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various call originating feature services.

Additionally, the originating S-CSCF1006can submit queries to the ENUM system1030to translate an E.164 telephone number in the SIP INVITE message to a SIP Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) if the terminating communication device is IMS-compliant. The SIP URI can be used by an Interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)1007to submit a query to the HSS1040to identify a terminating S-CSCF1014associated with a terminating IMS CD such as reference1002. Once identified, the I-CSCF1007can submit the SIP INVITE message to the terminating S-CSCF1014. The terminating S-CSCF1014can then identify a terminating P-CSCF130associated with the terminating CD1002. The P-CSCF130may then signal the CD1002to establish Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication services, thereby enabling the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications. Based on the iFCs in the subscriber profile, one or more application servers may be invoked to provide various call terminating feature services, such as call forwarding, do not disturb, music tones, simultaneous ringing, sequential ringing, etc.

In some instances the aforementioned communication process is symmetrical. Accordingly, the terms “originating” and “terminating” inFIG. 10may be interchangeable. It is further noted that communication system1000can be adapted to support video conferencing. In addition, communication system1000can be adapted to provide the IMS CDs1001,1002with the multimedia and Internet services of communication system900ofFIG. 9.

If the terminating communication device is instead a PSTN CD such as CD1003or CD1005(in instances where the cellular phone only supports circuit-switched voice communications), the ENUM system1030can respond with an unsuccessful address resolution which can cause the originating S-CSCF1006to forward the call to the MGCF1020via a Breakout Gateway Control Function (BGCF)1019. The MGCF1020can then initiate the call to the terminating PSTN CD over the PSTN network1060to enable the calling and called parties to engage in voice and/or data communications.

It is further appreciated that the CDs ofFIG. 10can operate as wireline or wireless devices. For example, the CDs ofFIG. 10can be communicatively coupled to a cellular base station1021, a femtocell, a WiFi router, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) base unit, or another suitable wireless access unit to establish communications with the IMS network150ofFIG. 10. The cellular access base station1021can operate according to common wireless access protocols such as GSM, CDMA, TDMA, UMTS, WiMax, SDR, LTE, and so on. Other present and next generation wireless network technologies can be used by one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, multiple wireline and wireless communication technologies can be used by the CDs ofFIG. 10.

Cellular phones supporting LTE can support packet-switched voice and packet-switched data communications and thus may operate as IMS-compliant mobile devices. In this embodiment, the cellular base station1021may communicate directly with the IMS network150as shown by the arrow connecting the cellular base station1021and the P-CSCF130.

Alternative forms of a CSCF can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and/or software. Indeed, a respective CSCF may be embodied as a respective CSCF system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective CSCF. Likewise, other functions, servers and computers described herein, including but not limited to, the HSS, the ENUM server, the BGCF, and the MGCF, can be embodied in a respective system having one or more computers or servers, either centralized or distributed, where each computer or server may be configured to perform or provide, in whole or in part, any method, step, or functionality described herein in accordance with a respective function, server, or computer.

The P-CSCF server130ofFIG. 1can be operably coupled to communication system1000for purposes similar to those described above. P-CSCF server130can perform function1062and thereby provide user profile services to the CDs1001,1002,1003and1005ofFIG. 10. For example, CDs1001,1002,1003and1005, can be adapted with software to perform function1072to utilize the services of the P-CSCF server130ofFIG. 1in accordance with methods200-800ofFIGS. 2-8. P-CSCF server130can be an integral part of the application server(s)1017performing function1074, which can be substantially similar to function964and adapted to the operations of the IMS network150.

For illustration purposes only, the terms S-CSCF, P-CSCF, I-CSCF, and so on, can be server devices, but may be referred to in the subject disclosure without the word “server.” It is also understood that any form of a CSCF server can operate in a device, system, component, or other form of centralized or distributed hardware and software. It is further noted that these terms and other terms such as DIAMETER commands are terms can include features, methodologies, and/or fields that may be described in whole or in part by standards bodies such as 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3GPP). It is further noted that some or all embodiments of the subject disclosure may in whole or in part modify, supplement, or otherwise supersede final or proposed standards published and promulgated by 3GPP.

FIG. 11depicts an illustrative embodiment of a web portal1102of a communication system1100. Communication system1100can be overlaid or operably coupled with system100ofFIG. 1, communication system900, and/or communication system1000as another representative embodiment of system100ofFIG. 1, communication system900, and/or communication system1000. The web portal1102can be used for managing services of system100ofFIG. 1and communication systems900-1000. A web page of the web portal1102can be accessed by a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) with an Internet browser using an Internet-capable communication device such as those described in FIGS.1and9-10. The web portal1102can be configured, for example, to access a media processor906and services managed thereby such as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), a Video on Demand (VoD) catalog, an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG), or a personal catalog (such as personal videos, pictures, audio recordings, etc.) stored at the media processor906. The web portal1102can also be used for provisioning IMS services described earlier, provisioning Internet services, provisioning cellular phone services, and so on.

The web portal1102can further be utilized to manage and provision software applications962-966, and1072-1074to adapt these applications as may be desired by subscribers and/or service providers of system100ofFIG. 1and communication systems900-1000. For instance, users of the services provided by the P-CSCF server130can log into their on-line accounts and provision the P-CSCF server130with a user profile that is updated to the secondary data repository to enable communication with devices described inFIGS. 1,9, and10. Service providers can log onto an administrator account to provision, monitor and/or maintain the system100ofFIG. 1or P-CSCF server130for providing TTY services and transitioning between registration and deregistration of communication devices for enabling hearing mode and TTY mode.

FIG. 12depicts an illustrative embodiment of a communication device1200. Communication device1200can serve in whole or in part as an illustrative embodiment of the devices depicted inFIG. 1, andFIGS. 4-5. Communication device1200in whole or in part can represent any of the communication devices described inFIGS. 1,9, an10and can be configured to perform portions of methods200-800ofFIGS. 2-8.

Communication device1200can comprise a wireline and/or wireless transceiver1202(herein transceiver1202), a user interface (UI)1204, a power supply1214, a location receiver1216, a motion sensor1218, an orientation sensor1220, and a controller1206for managing operations thereof. The transceiver1202can support short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth® and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special Interest Group and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The transceiver1202can also be adapted to support circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI1204can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad1208with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device1200. The keypad1208can be an integral part of a housing assembly of the communication device1200or an independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad1208can represent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI1204can further include a display1210such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology for conveying images to an end user of the communication device1200. In an embodiment where the display1210is touch-sensitive, a portion or all of the keypad1208can be presented by way of the display1210with navigation features.

The UI1204can also include an audio system1212that utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system1212can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audio system1212can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI1204can further include an image sensor1213such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply1214can utilize common power management technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energy to the components of the communication device1200to facilitate long-range or short-range portable applications. Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver1216can utilize location technology such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device1200based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor1218can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the communication device1200in three-dimensional space. The orientation sensor1220can utilize orientation sensing technology such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device1200(north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

Other components not shown inFIG. 12can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communication device1200can include a reset button (not shown). The reset button can be used to reset the controller1206of the communication device1200. In yet another embodiment, the communication device1200can also include a factory default setting button positioned, for example, below a small hole in a housing assembly of the communication device1200to force the communication device1200to re-establish factory settings. In this embodiment, a user can use a protruding object such as a pen or paper clip tip to reach into the hole and depress the default setting button. The communication device1200can also include a slot for adding or removing an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. SIM cards can be used for identifying subscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and so forth.

The communication device1200as described herein can operate with more or less of the circuit components shown inFIG. 12. These variant embodiments can be used in one or more embodiments of the subject disclosure.

The communication device1200can be adapted to perform the functions of devices ofFIG. 1, the media processor906, the media devices908, or the portable communication devices916ofFIG. 9, as well as the IMS CDs1001-1002and PSTN CDs1003-1005ofFIG. 10. It will be appreciated that the communication device1200can also represent other devices that can operate in systems ofFIG. 1and communication systems900-1000ofFIGS. 9-10such as a gaming console and a media player.

The communication device1200shown inFIG. 12or portions thereof can serve as a representation of one or more of the devices of system ofFIG. 1, communication system900, and communication system1000. In addition, the controller1206can be adapted in various embodiments to perform the functions462-466and572-574, respectively, for providing TTY services and transitioning between registration and deregistration of communication devices for enabling hearing mode and TTY mode.

Upon reviewing the aforementioned embodiments, it would be evident to an artisan with ordinary skill in the art that said embodiments can be modified, reduced, or enhanced without departing from the scope of the claims described below. Other embodiments can be used in the subject disclosure.

FIG. 13depicts an exemplary diagrammatic representation of a machine in the form of a computer system1300within which a set of instructions, when executed, may cause the machine to perform any one or more of the methods described above for providing TTY services and transitioning between registration and deregistration of communication devices for enabling hearing mode and TTY mode. One or more instances of the machine can operate, for example, as the P-CSCF server130, the media processor106, the mobile communication device116, and/or the computer device118and other devices ofFIGS. 1,9, and10. In some embodiments, the machine may be connected (e.g., using a network1326) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or a client user machine in a server-client user network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The computer system1300may include a processor (or controller)1302(e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), a graphics processing unit (GPU, or both), a main memory1304and a static memory1306, which communicate with each other via a bus1308. The computer system1300may further include a display unit1310(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD), a flat panel, or a solid state display). The computer system1300may include an input device1312(e.g., a keyboard), a cursor control device1314(e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit1316, a signal generation device1318(e.g., a speaker or remote control) and a network interface device1320. In distributed environments, the embodiments described in the subject disclosure can be adapted to utilize multiple display units1310controlled by two or more computer systems1300. In this configuration, presentations described by the subject disclosure may in part be shown in a first of the display units1310, while the remaining portion is presented in a second of the display units1310.

The disk drive unit1316may include a tangible computer-readable storage medium1322on which is stored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software1324) embodying any one or more of the methods or functions described herein, including those methods illustrated above. The instructions1324may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory1304, the static memory1306, and/or within the processor1302during execution thereof by the computer system1300. The main memory1304and the processor1302also may constitute tangible computer-readable storage media.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. In one or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be excluded from the embodiment with or without replacement by another component or step. The steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performed in any order. The steps or functions described with respect to the exemplary processes or methods can be performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions (from other embodiments or from other steps that have not been described).