Vehicle-based message control using cellular IP

Architecture for playing back personal text-based messages such as email and voicemail over a vehicle-based media system. The user can use a cell phone that registers over a cellular network to an IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) to obtain an associated IP address. The personal messages are then converted into audio signals using a remote text-to-voice (TTV) converter and transmitted to the phone based on the IP address. The phone then transmits the audio signals to the vehicle media system for playback using an unlicensed wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.). Other alternative embodiments include transmitting converted message directly to the media system, via a satellite channel, converting the messages via a TTV converter on the cell phone, and streaming the converted messages to the phone and/or the media system for playback.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to wireless communication systems, and more specifically, to the playback of text-based messages via an audio system.

BACKGROUND

The convergence of the IP-based services and cellular communications services has opened the door for providing services that heretofore were not available to the cellular user who seeks access to IP-based networks, as well as for IP users seeking access to services of the cellular networks. Wireless devices such as portable computers and smartphones can now access services on wired/wireless networks using IP technology. Such advances have served as a catalyst for a mobile society where workers can commute greater distances while maintaining connectivity to businesses or homes. For example, users can be seen talking on cell phones and operating computers as they travel from location to location. These activities, while troublesome, are yet to be regulated in any significant way.

In today's world of electronics, there can be many potential distractions to drivers while traveling. For example, drivers read email, response to test messaging and/or attempt to listen to voicemail while driving. Conventional applications that attempted to address this growing problem employed FM modulators with small attached microphones to play voicemail, for example. However, there needs to be more hands-free, and hence, safer, mechanisms available for listening to email and other information while in a vehicle, whether the vehicle is moving or not.

SUMMARY

The disclosed innovative architecture allows a user to receive personal messages (e.g., text-based) such as email and voicemail over a vehicle media system (e.g., radio). In one example, the vehicle user can listen to email and/or voicemail, and browse through such messages while the messages are being played over a car audio system.

In one embodiment, the user employs a cell phone that registers over the cellular network to an IMS (IP multimedia subsystem) to obtain an associated IP address. The personal messages are then converted into audio signals using a remote text-to-voice (TTV) converter and transmitted to the phone. The phone then transmits the audio signals to the vehicle media system for playback using an unlicensed wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.).

In another embodiment, the user cell phone registers over the cellular network to the IMS entity to obtain an associated IP address. The personal messages are then converted into audio signals using the remote TTV converter and transmitted to the vehicle media system for playback based on the IP address associated with the cell phone. The user can then interact using the cell phone to browse other messages for download and playback.

In yet another embodiment, the user cell phone registers over the cellular network to the IMS entity to obtain an associated IP address. The personal messages are then input into the remote TTV converter and streamed therefrom over a direct bearer channel to the vehicle media system for playback based on the IP address associated with the cell phone. The user can then interact using the cell phone to browse other messages for download and playback.

In still another embodiment, the user cell phone registers over the cellular network to obtain an associated IP address. The requested text-based messages are then converted remotely and sent to a satellite system for further communication over a dedicated satellite channel to the vehicle (cell phone) associated with the IP address.

In another embodiment, the email and voicemail can be converted to an audio file format (e.g., MP3), sent to the cell phone, and therefrom, via an unlicensed wireless technology (e.g., short range communications) to a radio receiver that is already MP3-ready, for example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed novel embodiments are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as an illustration, specimen, model or pattern. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the invention. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

Suitable wireless and radio frequency (RF) data transmission systems in which the disclosed invention can be implemented include, but are not limited to, networks utilizing time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), and various other 2.5 and 3G (third generation) and above wireless communications systems. Examples of other suitable enabling bearers include universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), enhanced data rates for global evolution (EDGE), high speed downlink/uplink packet access (HSDPA/HSUPA), voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), and similar communications protocols.

Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.

Referring initially to the drawings,FIG. 1illustrates a communications system100for receiving and playing personal messages in a vehicle in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The system100includes a media system102of a vehicle104for presenting audio information via an audio output element106(e.g., a speaker), and a communications component108(e.g., wireless radio receiver or transceiver subsystem) for receiving IP-based personal messages (e.g., voicemail, email, etc.) from an IP-based messaging system110for presentation via the media system102. Although depicted as separate from the media system102, the communications component108can be designed as an integral part of the vehicle media system102. For example, the communications component108can be an IP-addressable (or capable) receiving device or subsystem designed as part of the media system102to receive addressable data packets that are only transmitted to and received by a single user personal system (e.g., the vehicle media system112).

In operation, a user can receive personal messages to be played by the vehicle media system102. For example, an email message can be initially delivered to the messaging system110as a text message, converted to into an audio format (e.g., MP3), transmitted to the communications component108of the vehicle104, and then played by the media system102. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, the messaging system110can include a text-to-voice (TTV) converter subsystem (not shown) for converting text messages (e.g., email, SMS, etc.) into voice for playback on the media system102.

In one implementation, the messaging system110begins streaming the voice file to the communications component108as the voice file is being converted from text by the TTV converter. Alternatively, the messaging system110receives a trigger signal (e.g., from a cellular system) that causes the TTV subsystem to begin converting the stored messages from the user account and then sending the converted audio (or voice) files to the communications component108ultimately for playback by the vehicle media system112.

Note that as used herein, the term “vehicle” includes any transportation mechanism such as an automobile, truck, vessel, water craft, aircraft, and motorized or un-motorized transport system, for example.

In another implementation, the user account can include stored voicemail messages which may already be in a suitable audio format (e.g., MP3, WAV, etc.) for transmission to the communications component108. If not, the voicemail messages can be routed through the TTV converter for conversion into a suitable audio format for playback by the vehicle media system112.

As illustrated, the messaging system110communicates the person message directly to the vehicle communications component108. In other words, the personal messages can be transmitted via RF signals using a satellite system (not shown). Alternatively, or in combination therewith, the messaging system110can be an IP-based cellular communications system for communicating a converted message to the communications component108. For example, the communications component108can register with an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) entity of a cellular network to receive the personal messages as IP-based packets. Given the nature of data packets and associated communications medium, it is also possible to encrypt the personal messages as a means of providing security against unauthorized access of the personal messages during the communications process.

It is also within contemplation of the subject architecture that the vehicle media system112can receive and output multimedia content via a display such that the vehicle user can view the personal message separately or in combination with hearing the audio playback.

FIG. 2illustrates an alternative system200where the personal messages are received via a cell phone202and thereafter communicated to the vehicle media system112for presentation. Here, the IP-based messaging system110(e.g., IMS-based) is associated with a cellular network204(e.g., UMTS). The cell phone202registers with an IMS entity206of the messaging system110to receive the personal messages. The messages can be converted from TTV using a remote TTV converter208associated with the messaging system110. A converted message is received into the phone202from the network204, and thereafter, communicated to the communications component108when the phone202is in sufficient radio range of the communications component108of the vehicle104. The communications component108receives the messages wirelessly from the cell phone202. The cell phone202communicates the messages to the media system102(through the communications component108) via unlicensed wireless radio frequency (RF) signals (e.g., Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi, etc.). The messages can be encrypted from the cell phone202to the communications component108, and then decrypted by the communications component108for playback by the media system102as audio output.

The phone user does not need to receive the audio output while the vehicle104is moving. Moreover, the phone202does not need to be inside the vehicle104. All that is required is that the phone202be within the radio range of the communications component108based on the particular wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth) employed for communications between the phone202and the communications component108. Thus, the user can listen to the message(s) while parked and standing outside the vehicle104. Additionally, the connection between the phone202and the communications component108can be via a cable or wire rather than wireless, or used in combination with the wireless connection.

FIG. 3illustrates an exemplary system300that employs the architecture with the IMS system206. The phone202registers with the IMS entity206via a cellular network (not shown). A confirmation is then sent from the IMS entity206back to the phone202. The IMS entity206then registers to the TTV converter208via a 3rdparty registration process. The converter208responds to the IMS206with a confirmation message. The phone202then subscribes to the IMS entity206, which entity206then subscribes to the converter208. The converter208responds to the IMS entity206with a subscribe notify message. The IMS206then sends a subscribe notify message to the phone202.

The system300includes a home subscriber server (HSS)302that can be employed to store and serve user (or subscriber) profiles (e.g., preferences, accounts, etc.), perform authentication and authorization functions, and physical location information about the user. The HSS302provides the interface between the IMS entity206and a text and voice component304. The HSS302stores the text and/or voice data received from the component304, and serves the data into the IMS entity206for conversion, where desired. In support thereof, if text data is served up from the HSS302for communication to the phone202, the text data is passed to the TTV converter208for conversion, and then back to the IMS206for IP communication to the phone202. As previously indicated, this can be communicated to the phone202wirelessly via the cellular network and/or a satellite system. Similar, a voice file from the component304that is stored on the HSS302can be accessed by the IMS206or pushed to the IMS206from the HSS302for conversion (if needed) and communications to the phone202.

The system300can also include an email component306(e.g., an email server) that processes email, but which can also route email to the TTV converter208for conversion and transmission indirectly through the IMS206to the phone202, and/or directly (via transfer pathway308) from the TTV component208to the phone202(bypassing the IMS206). In other words, text can be sent to the converter208for conversion and communication to the phone202as streaming audio over a direct bearer channel (e.g., the pathway308).

FIG. 4illustrates an exemplary system400that employs satellite communications to route the personal messages to the vehicle for presentation. Here, the phone202initiates and completes IMS registration to the IMS entity206of the cellular network204, over a first wireless link402. As before, the IMS206completes the registration process through to the converter208. The phone202can now receive converted text as audio (as well as unconverted data that does not require reformatting) over the first link402for wireless transmission of a second link404to the communications component108for processing and playback by the media system102. Alternatively, the IMS registration process also assigns a dedicated satellite radio channel based on the IP address (or other unique identifier) assigned to the phone202. The converted text (or messages) can then be communicated to a satellite406via a third link408, and then communicated to the phone202of the vehicle104via a fourth link410. The phone then communicates the voice data to the vehicle media system112for output as audio. Here, the satellite radio channel can be tied to the IP address of the user. Based on this relationship, the user's family could attach to the IP address and satellite channel to gain the benefit of the conversion capabilities. Moreover, this further allows each user to essentially have a dedicated satellite channel.

FIG. 5illustrates an exemplary system500that facilitates localized conversion of the messages in the phone202. Here, the phone202includes a TTV converter subsystem502for converting text, email, or other similar types of messages into audio (e.g., voice). The system500provides the remote TTV converter208for those handsets that do not have the local converter502capability.

In operation, text, voicemail, email, or other types of personal messages can be received from the text/voice component304and/or the email component306into the messaging system110. Based on IMS registration, the raw text, voice, email, or other messages can be routed to the registered phone202, and processed internally into audio data for output by the vehicle media system112. Use of the remote converter208or the local converter502can be selectable based on the system500capabilities. For example, it is to be appreciated that local conversion can be a processor-intensive operation such that it may be preferred to convert the messages remotely first, and then simply forward the converted files from the phone202to the vehicle media system112for playback.

It should be understood that the subject architecture is not limited to cell phones, but also applies to portable devices that have mobile capabilities, such as portable computers, for example. In other words, the vehicle user can register a portable computer to the IMS entity206and TTV converter208, and have email converted, downloaded, and wirelessly transmitted from the portable computer to the communications component108for playback by the vehicle media system112.

At600, a vehicle-based media system is received for playing content in a vehicle via an audio subsystem. At602, registration is to an IP system via a cellular network for an associated IP address. At604, the cellular network is accessed to download personal messages for playback based on the IP address. At606, the audio signals associated with the personal messages are played via the media system.

FIG. 7illustrates a methodology of converting the personal messages remotely before download and playback. At700, a vehicle-based media system is received for playing content in a vehicle via an audio subsystem. At702, a cell phone is brought into communications range of the media system in accordance with an unlicensed wireless technology. At704, the cell phone registers to an IP system (e.g., IMS) via the cellular network to be associated with an IP address. At706, a remote TTV converter is registered with the IP system and IP address for conversion processing. At708, the personal messages are converted into audio signals. At710, the audio signals are transmitted from the phone to the media system via the unlicensed wireless network. At712, the audio signals are played back via the vehicle media system.

FIG. 8illustrates a methodology of converting the personal messages locally after download. At800, a vehicle-based media system is received for playing content in a vehicle via an audio subsystem. At802, a cell phone is brought into communications range of the media system in accordance with an unlicensed wireless technology. At804, the cell phone registers to an IP system (e.g., IMS) via the cellular network to be associated with an IP address. At806, the personal messages are downloaded to the cell phone. At808, the personal messages are converted into audio signals using a phone-based TTV converter. At810, the audio signals are transmitted from the phone to the media system via the unlicensed wireless network. At812, the audio signals are played back via the vehicle media system.

FIG. 9illustrated a methodology of employing a satellite system for playback via a vehicle-based audio system. At900, a vehicle-based media system is received for playing content in a vehicle via an audio subsystem. At902, a cell phone is brought into communications range of the media system in accordance with an unlicensed wireless technology. At904, the cell phone registers to an IP system (e.g., IMS) via the cellular network to be associated with an IP address. At906, a remote TTV converter is registered with the IP system and IP address for conversion processing. At908, the personal messages are converted into audio signals and transmitted to a satellite system. At910, the audio signals are transmitted to the media system for playback over a dedicated satellite channel based on the IP address.

As used in this application, the terms “component” and “system” are intended to refer to hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, a hard disk drive, multiple storage drives (of optical and/or magnetic storage medium), an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer or mobile terminal (cell phone).

FIG. 10illustrates a schematic block diagram of an exemplary multimode handset1000in accordance with an innovative aspect. In order to provide additional context for various aspects thereof,FIG. 10and the following are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in which the various aspects of the innovation can be implemented. While the description includes a general context of computer-executable instructions, those skilled in the art will recognize that the innovation also can be implemented in combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of hardware and software.

The handset1000(e.g., a cell phone) can typically include a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available media accessed by the handset systems and includes volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media can comprise device storage media and communication media. Storage media includes volatile and/or non-volatile, removable and/or non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for the storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Storage media can include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital video disc (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by the handset systems.

The handset1000includes a processor1002for controlling and processing onboard operations and functions. A memory1004interfaces to the processor1002for the storage of data and one or more applications1006(e.g., a video player software, user feedback component software, etc.). The applications1006can also include a user interface (UI) application1008that operates with a client1010(e.g., operating system) to facilitate user interaction with handset functionality and data, for example, answering/initiating calls, entering/deleting data, configuring settings, address book manipulation, multimode interaction, etc. The applications1006can include other applications1012that came installed with the handset1006and/or can be installed as add-ons or plug-ins to the client1010and/or UI1008, for example, or for other purposes (e.g., processor, firmware, etc.).

The other applications1012can include voice recognition of predetermined voice commands that facilitate user control, call voice processing, voice recording, messaging, e-mail processing, video processing, image processing, music play, as well as subsystems or components described infra. Some of the applications1006can be stored in the memory1004and/or in a firmware1014, and executed by the processor1002from either or both the memory1004or/and the firmware1014. The firmware1014can also store code for execution in power-up initialization and control during normal operation of the handset1000.

A communications component1016can interface to the processor1002to facilitate wired/wireless communications with external systems, for example, cellular networks, VoIP (voice-over-IP) networks, local wireless networks or personal wireless networks such as Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, and so on. Here, the communications component1016can also include a multimode communications subsystem for providing cellular communications via different cellular technologies. For example, a first cellular transceiver1018(e.g., GSM) can be one mode and an Nth transceiver1020can provide cellular communications via an Nth cellular network (e.g., UMTS), where N is a positive integer. The communications component1016can also include a transceiver1022for unlicensed communications (e.g., Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, Bluetooth, etc.) for corresponding communications. The communications component1016can also facilitate communications reception from terrestrial radio networks (e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, and Internet-based radio services networks.

The handset1000can process IP data traffic via the communications component1016to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network such as, for example, the Internet, a corporate intranet, a home broadband network, a personal area network, etc., via an ISP or broadband cable provider. Thus, VoIP traffic can be utilized by the handset1000and IP-based multimedia content can be received in an encoded and/or decoded format.

The handset1000includes a display1024for displaying multimedia that include text, images, video, telephony functions (e.g., a Caller ID function), setup functions, menus, etc. The display1024can also accommodate the presentation of multimedia content (e.g., music metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics, etc.).

Audio capabilities can be provided via an audio I/O component1028, which can include a speaker for the output of audio signals related to, for example, indication that the user pressed the proper key or key combination to initiate the user feedback signal, call signals, music, etc. The audio I/O component1028also facilitates the input of audio signals via a microphone to record data and/or telephony voice data, and for inputting voice signals for telephone conversations.

The handset1000can include a slot interface1030for accommodating a subscriber identity system1032that can accommodate a SIM or universal SIM (USIM), and interfacing the subscriber identity system1032with the processor1002. However, it is to be appreciated that the subscriber identity system1032can be manufactured into the handset1000, and updated by downloading data and software thereinto.

An image capture and processing system1034(e.g., a camera) can be provided for decoding encoded image content. Additionally, as indicated, photos can be obtained via an associated image capture subsystem of the image system1034. The handset1000can also include a video component1036for processing video content received and, for recording and transmitting video content.

Optionally, a geolocation component1038(e.g., GPS-global positioning system) facilitates receiving geolocation signals (e.g., from satellites via the communications component1016) that define the location of the handset1000. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, the geolocation component1038can facilitate triangulation processing for locating the handset1000.

The handset1000also includes a power source1040in the form of batteries and/or an AC power subsystem, which power source1040can interface to an external power system or charging equipment (not shown) via a power I/O component1042.

The handset1000can also include a TTV converter component1044for local conversion of text-based messages (e.g., email) into voice (or audio) files. The voice files can then be communicated via the handset communications component1016to the vehicle media system112for audio playback.

Wi-Fi networks can operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands. IEEE 802.11 applies to generally to wireless LANs and provides 1 or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band using either frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) or direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS). IEEE 802.11a is an extension to IEEE 802.11 that applies to wireless LANs and provides up to 54 Mbps in the 5 GHz band. IEEE 802.11a uses an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) encoding scheme rather than FHSS or DSSS. IEEE 802.11b (also referred to as 802.11 High Rate DSSS or Wi-Fi) is an extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANs and provides 11 Mbps transmission (with a fallback to 5.5, 2 and 1 Mbps) in the 2.4 GHz band. IEEE 802.11g applies to wireless LANs and provides 20+Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band. Products can contain more than one band (e.g., dual band), so the networks can provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wire Ethernet networks used in many offices.

The law does not require and it is economically prohibitive to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.