Methods and systems for capturing signals in accordance with allocated resources

Method and system for capturing signals in accordance with allocated resources. One method includes receiving, from a server by a network interface of a first communication device located in a cell, identification information of a second communication device located in the cell. The method further includes receiving, from a base station by the network interface of the first communication device, a resource allocation message destined for the second communication device. The resource allocation message indicates a resource allocation for the second communication device on an uplink channel of the base station. The method further includes decoding, by an electronic processor of the first communication device, the resource allocation message using the identification information of the second communication device. The method further includes capturing, by the network interface of the first communication device, signals based on the resource allocation for the second communication device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Communication devices, for example, land mobile radios, smart phones, and the like, may communicate with each other through base stations that are responsible for allocating resources for communication. For example, a base station may allocate resources by scheduling communications for various communication devices at different times on different frequencies. In such communication systems, a transmitting device may transmit data wirelessly to the base station in accordance with resources allocated for the transmitting device, and the base station may route the data wirelessly to a receiving device in accordance with resources allocated for the receiving device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment provides a method of capturing signals in accordance with allocated resources. The method includes receiving, from a server by a network interface of a first communication device located in a cell, identification information of a second communication device located in the cell. The method further includes receiving, from a base station by the network interface of the first communication device, a resource allocation message destined for the second communication device. The resource allocation message indicates a resource allocation for the second communication device on an uplink channel of the base station. The method further includes decoding, by an electronic processor of the first communication device, the resource allocation message using the identification information of the second communication device. The method further includes capturing, by the network interface of the first communication device, signals based on the resource allocation for the second communication device.

Another embodiment provides a first communication device located in a cell. The first communication device includes an electronic processor and a network interface. The first communication device is configured to receive, from a server by the network interface, identification information of a second communication device located in the cell. The first communication device is further configured to receive, from a base station by the network interface, a resource allocation message destined for the second communication device. The resource allocation message indicates a resource allocation for the second communication device on an uplink channel of the base station. The first communication device is further configured to decode, with the electronic processor, the resource allocation message using the identification information of the second communication device. The first communication device is further configured to capture, by the network interface, signals based on the resource allocation for the second communication device.

Another embodiment provides a communication system including a communication device including a first network interface. The communication system further includes a base station including a second network interface. The second network interface is coupled via a wired connection to the first network interface. The communication device is configured to request, via the first network interface from the base station, a resource allocation of an uplink channel of the base station. The communication device is further configured to receive, via the first network interface from the base station, the resource allocation of the uplink channel of the base station. The communication device is further configured to transmit first data via the first network interface through the base station and to a server. The first data corresponds to the resource allocation of the uplink channel, and the first data is stored on the server. The communication device is further configured to transmit second data via the first network interface through the base station and to the server such that the base station determines that the uplink channel is in use. The base station is configured to receive the first data from the server and transmit the first data to at least one other communication device.

FIG.1is a diagram of a first communication system100according to one exemplary embodiment. The first communication system100includes a base station105located in a cell110. The base station105may include a transceiver to wirelessly communicate with communication devices located in the cell110(in other words, communication devices located within a predetermined distance from the base station105). In the first communication system100, the base station105wirelessly communicates with a first transmitting communication device115and a first receiving communication device120(for example, by sending and receiving radio signals using the transceiver). As indicated byFIG.1, in some embodiments, the first transmitting communication device115and the first receiving communication device120wirelessly communicate directly with each other when they are within a predetermined distance from each other as explained in greater detail below.

The cell110shown inFIG.1is merely exemplary and is simplified for clarity purposes. In some embodiments, the cell110includes additional communication devices that may act as the first transmitting communication device115or the first receiving communication device120. In some embodiments, the cell110includes multiple communication devices that receive data from the first transmitting communication device115. In the following description, when explaining how a method of communicating between the communication devices within the cell110is implemented, references to the first transmitting communication device115and the first receiving communication device120are used. It is not necessary, however, that the communication devices115and120maintain these roles at all times. For example, in some embodiments, the first transmitting communication device115and the first receiving communication device120may switch roles such that the first transmitting communication device115receives data from the first receiving communication device120at a different point in time. In some embodiments, the communication device115and120may receive and transmit data at the same time (for example, when each communication device115and120is communicating with another communication device).

In some embodiments, the communication devices115and120are the same model of device. In other embodiments, the communication devices115and120are not the same model, but are capable of communicating over the same network or using the same communication methods. As illustrated inFIG.1, the communication devices115and120may be handheld communication devices, for example, a mobile telephone or other portable communication device, mobile radio, smart watch or other smart wearable, drone, or other device configured to communicate with the base station105. In some embodiments, at least one of the communication devices115and120may be a handheld radio carried by a public safety officer or first responder, such as a police officer. In other embodiments, at least one of the communication devices115and120may be a smart phone carried by a person for personal use. In some embodiments, at least one of the communication devices115and120may be a mobile communication device mounted in or on a vehicle (for example, a police vehicle). In some embodiments, at least one of the communication devices115and120may be a device maintained, for example, at a call center or public safety command center.

The base station105is coupled to a base station server125that together with the base station105may be referred to as cell infrastructure130of the cell110. AlthoughFIG.1shows the base station server125wirelessly coupled to the base station105, in some embodiments, the base station server125is coupled to the base station105through a wired connection (for example, as shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.2) or a combination of wired and wireless connections. The base station server125interprets signals received by the base station105from other devices and controls transmission of signals from the base station105to other devices. The base station105is operable to allocate resources, as described in further detail below. To allocate resources or otherwise manage communication to and from devices in the first communication system100, the base station105may communicate with, be controlled by, and rely on processing performed by the base station server125.

In addition to communicating with devices located within the cell110, the base station105also communicates with devices and networks outside of the cell110. In the example shown, the base station105communicates with an application server135through a network140. In some embodiments, the application server135receives and stores identification information of the first transmitting communication device115in a database. The first receiving communication device120and other communication devices located in the cell110may retrieve the identification information of the first transmitting communication device115from the database of the application server135as explained in greater detail below.

In some embodiments, the base station105also communicates with other base stations through the network140. The network140may be a wired or a wireless communication network. All or parts of the network140may be implemented using various existing networks, for example, a cellular network such as a Long Term Evolution (LTE) network, the Internet, a land mobile radio (LMR) network, a Bluetooth™ network, a wireless local area network (for example, Wi-Fi), a wireless accessory Personal Area Networks (PAN), a Machine-to-machine (M2M) autonomous network, and a public switched telephone network. The network140may also include future developed networks. In some embodiments, the network140may also include a combination of the networks mentioned previously herein.

FIG.2is a diagram of a second communication system200according to another exemplary embodiment. The second communication system200includes some components similar to those of the first communication system100ofFIG.1. For example, the second communication system200includes the cell110that includes the base station105and the base station server125that together may be referred to as the cell infrastructure130. The second communication system200also includes the application server135that communicates with the base station105over the network140. The explanations of the components as described previously herein with respect toFIG.1apply to the similarly-labeled components ofFIG.2.

The second communication system200also includes a second transmitting communication device205, a second receiving communication device210, and a frequency master allocator communication device215(herein referred to as master allocator215). In some embodiments, the communication devices205and210are similar to the communication devices115and120described above with respect to the first communication system100. In such embodiments, the explanations of the communication device115and120as described previously herein apply to the communication devices205and210(for example, the second transmitting communication device205and the second receiving communication device210may switch roles such that the second transmitting communication device205receives data from the second receiving communication device210at a different point in time).

In some embodiments, the master allocator215is similar to the communication devices115,120,205, and210. For example, the master allocator215may include similar components as the communication devices115,120,205, and210as described in greater detail below.

As shown inFIG.2, in some embodiments the master allocator215is coupled to the base station105through a wired connection. For example, an antenna of the master allocator215may be conducted to an antenna of the base station105. In other words, a radio frequency interface of the master allocator215may be conducted to a radio frequency interface of the base station105. In some embodiments, the master allocator215may be located inside a radio frequency shielded container to prevent wireless signals from entering or exiting the radio frequency shielded container.

In some embodiments, the master allocator215may communicate with the base station105through the wired connection. In turn, the base station105may communicate with the application server135over the network140as described previously herein. For example, the application server135may receive and store identification information of the master allocator215in a database. At least one of the second transmitting communication device205, the second receiving communication device210, and other communication devices located in the cell110may retrieve the identification information of the master allocator215from the database of the application server135as explained in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the master allocator215does not communicate wirelessly with the base station105or with any other device. In other words, in some embodiments, the master allocator215communicates solely through wired connections with the cell infrastructure130(for example, through mutually conducted antennas).

The communication systems100and200are merely exemplary and are simplified for clarity purposes. In some embodiments, the communication systems100and200include a plurality of cells that each include a base station. Each base station communicates with communication devices located within its respective cell to allocate resources for communication between the communication devices (in other words, each base station server manages communication to and from the communication devices by, for example, scheduling communications at different times on different frequencies). Each base station also communicates with other base stations over the network140to allow for communication between communication devices located in different cells.

FIG.3is a diagram of the first transmitting communication device115of the first communication system100according to one embodiment. The first transmitting communication device115includes a first electronic processor305(for example, a microprocessor or another electronic device). The first electronic processor305may include input and output interfaces (not shown) and be electrically coupled to a first memory310, a first network interface315, a first display320, a first microphone325, and a first speaker330. In some embodiments, the first transmitting communication device115may include fewer or additional components in configurations different from that illustrated inFIG.3. For example, in some embodiments, the first transmitting communication device115also includes a camera and a location component (for example, a global positioning system receiver). In some embodiments, the first transmitting communication device115performs additional functionality than the functionality described below.

The first memory310includes read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), other non-transitory computer-readable media, or a combination thereof. The first electronic processor305is configured to receive instructions and data from the first memory310and execute, among other things, the instructions. In particular, the first electronic processor305executes instructions stored in the first memory310to perform or control functionality of the first transmitting communication device115described herein.

The first network interface315sends and receives data to and from the base station105. For example, the first network interface315may include a transceiver for wirelessly communicating with the base station105(for example, using radio signals). Alternatively or in addition, the first network interface315may include a connector or port for receiving a wired connection to the base station105, such as an Ethernet cable, an antenna cable, or the like. The first electronic processor305receives electrical signals representing sound from the first microphone325and may communicate information relating to the electrical signals to the base station105through the first network interface315, such as for receipt by another communication device. Similarly, the first electronic processor305may output data received from the base station105or another device through the first network interface315, such as from another communication device, through an output device of the first transmitting communication device115such as the first speaker330, the first display320, or a combination thereof.

FIG.4is a diagram of the first receiving communication device120of the first communication system100according to one embodiment. The first receiving communication device120includes a second electronic processor405electrically coupled to a second memory410, a second network interface415, a second display420, a second microphone425, and a second speaker430. These components are similar to those described above with respect to the first transmitting communication device115and perform similar functions. In some embodiments, the first receiving communication device120may include fewer or additional components in configurations different from that illustrated inFIG.4. For example, in some embodiments, the first receiving communication device120also includes a camera and a location component (for example, a global positioning system receiver). In some embodiments, the first receiving communication device120performs additional functionality than the functionality described below. Although the communication devices115and120shown inFIGS.3and4include similar components, in some embodiments, the communication devices115and120include different components and may be different types of communication devices.

With reference to the second communication system200ofFIG.2, in some embodiments, the second transmitting communication device205and the second receiving communication device210include similar components as described above with respect to the communication devices115and120(for example, an electronic processor, a memory, a network interface, a display, a microphone, and a speaker). The explanations of the components of the communication devices115and120as described above apply similarly to the communication devices205and210(for example, the communication devices205and210may include fewer or additional components in configurations different from that illustrated inFIGS.3and4).

FIG.5is a diagram of the cell infrastructure130and the master allocator215of the second communication system200ofFIG.2. The master allocator215includes a third electronic processor505, a third memory510, and a third network interface515. These components are similar to those described above with respect to the first transmitting communication device115and perform similar functions. For example, the third network interface515sends and receives data to and from the base station105. For example, as mentioned previously herein, such data may be transmitted and received over a wired connection by directly conducting a radio interface (in other words, an antenna) of the third network interface515with a radio interface of the base station105. In some embodiments, the master allocator215may include fewer or additional components in configurations different from that illustrated inFIG.5. For example, in some embodiments, the master allocator215also includes at least one of a display, a microphone, and a speaker as described above with respect to the first transmitting communication device115ofFIG.3. In some embodiments, the master allocator215performs additional functionality than the functionality described below.

As shown inFIG.5, the base station server125is a computer that includes a fourth electronic processor520, a fourth memory525, and a fourth network interface530. These components are similar to those described above with respect to the first transmitting communication device115and perform similar functions. For example, the fourth electronic processor520may execute instructions stored in the fourth memory525to implement functionality of the base station server125, such as to control the fourth network interface530to transmit and receive signals through the base station105to allocate resources or manage communication to and from communication devices in the cell110. In some embodiments, the fourth network interface530is coupled via a wired connection to the base station105and to the third network interface515of the master allocator215. In other words, the master allocator215communicates with the base station105through a wired connection as mentioned previously herein. AlthoughFIG.5shows the third network interface515coupled via a wired connection to the base station105through the fourth network interface530, in some embodiments, the third network interface515is directly coupled via a wired connection to the base station105.

Although the master allocator215communicates with the base station105through a wired connection, in some embodiments, the cell infrastructure130is unaware that such communication is occurring over the wired connection. For example, the third electronic processor505of the master allocator215may be configured to control communication with the base station105through the wired connection such that the cell infrastructure130determines that such communication is occurring wirelessly with a communication device located in the cell110as explained in greater detail below.

FIG.6is a diagram of the application server135according to one embodiment. In the example illustrated, the application server135is a computer that includes a fifth electronic processor605, an input/output interface (not shown), a fifth memory610, and a fifth network interface615. These components are similar to those described above with respect to the first transmitting communication device115and perform similar functions. The application server135also includes an application server database620for storing identification information of the first transmitting communication device115and the master allocator215as mentioned previously herein and as will be explained in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the application server database620is a separate component from the application server135and is coupled to the application server135through wired or wireless connections.

The first communication system100ofFIG.1is configured to enable communications from the first transmitting communication device115to another device, such as the first receiving communication device120or a similar communication device located outside of the cell110, where the communications are routed through the base station105. For example, when a communication device (for example, the first transmitting communication device115) enters the cell110, the base station105allocates and provides a temporary identification to the first transmitting communication device115. The temporary identification may be, for example, a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI). In some embodiments, the base station105provides the temporary identification to the first transmitting communication device115upon receiving a request from the first transmitting communication device115. The first transmitting communication device115may be sent the temporary identification upon entering the cell110. A communication device may enter a cell, such as the cell110, by physically moving into the cell110or by being powered on within the cell110when previously powered off.

The temporary identification is used by the base station105during future communications with the first transmitting communication device115. For example, when the first transmitting communication device115desires to transmit data, the first transmitting communication device115communicates the desire to the base station105, for example, by requesting a resource allocation on an uplink channel. The base station105receives the request and recognizes the request as being sent by the first transmitting communication device115based on its temporary identification. The base station105then allocates resources on an uplink channel of the base station105for the first transmitting communication device115to transmit data. The base station105then sends a resource allocation message to the first transmitting communication device115using its temporary identification. For example, the resource allocation message may provide a frequency allocation for the uplink channel and a time allocation for the uplink channel for the first transmitting communication device115to use for data transmission. The first transmitting communication device115then transmits data in accordance with the frequency allocation and the time allocation to the base station105. The base station105then forwards the data to the desired communication device (for example, the first receiving communication device120).

The first communication system100ofFIG.1is further configured to enable device-to-device communications directly from the first transmitting communication device115to another device within the cell110, such as the first receiving communication device120, where the communications are not routed through the base station105.

FIG.7illustrates an exemplary method700of capturing signals in accordance with allocated resources. The method700may be used for device-to-device communications between communication devices as well as for other uses. In some embodiments, the method700allows for direct device-to-device communication (for example, Long Term Evolution In-band Direct Mode) using legacy infrastructure (for example, legacy Long Term Evolution infrastructure) without the modifying the legacy infrastructure, for example, to support Third Generation Partnership (3GPP) release 12 or further updates. The method700is described as being executed by the first receiving communication device120with respect to the first communication system100ofFIG.1. However, as noted previously herein, the method700may also be implemented by other communication devices.

At block705, the first receiving communication device120(in other words, a first communication device) receives identification information of the first transmitting communication device115located in the cell110(in other words, a second communication device) from the application server database620of the application server135. The identification information is received by the second network interface415and includes the temporary identification of the first transmitting communication device115.

In some embodiments, the first receiving communication device120receives the identification information of the first transmitting communication device115when the first receiving communication device120enters the cell110. For example, after the first receiving communication device120enters the cell110and receives its own temporary identification from the base station105, the first receiving communication device120may request and receive, from the application server135through the base station105, the identification information of communication devices located within the cell110(including, for example, the identification information of the first transmitting communication device115).

The application server135may maintain identification information for communication devices in the cell110. For example, referring back to the first transmitting communication device115receiving its temporary identification from the base station105, upon receipt of its temporary identification, the first transmitting communication device115sends its identification information (including its temporary identification) to the application server135through the base station105. The application server135receives and stores the identification information of the first transmitting communication device115and the cell110in which the first transmitting communication device115is located in the application server database620. In some embodiments, each communication device that enters a new cell sends its identification information to the application server135through the base station105such that the application server database620stores the identification information of each communication device and which cell the communication device is located in.

In addition to the temporary identification allocated by the base station105, in some embodiments, the identification information sent by the first transmitting communication device115also includes at least one of the group consisting of a data content category and a data description. For example, the data content category may include information relating to the type of data that will be transmitted by the first transmitting communication device115(for example, video data, voice data, text data, and the like). The data description data may include information relating to the type of information provided by the data that will transmitted by the first transmitting communication device115(for example, a commercial advertisement from, for example, a restaurant, a store, and the like; information relating to available services in the vicinity; information relating to buildings in the vicinity, and the like). In some embodiments, the first transmitting communication device115transmits the data content category and the data description to the application server135for each data transmission intended to be made by the first transmitting communication device115. Accordingly, other communication devices may retrieve the data content category and the data description from the application server135to determine whether the other communication devices will capture the data transmission from the first transmitting communication device115as described in greater detail below.

Returning toFIG.7, at block710, the second network interface415of the first receiving communication device120receives a resource allocation message from the base station105that was destined for the first transmitting communication device115. In some embodiments, to receive the resource allocation message, the second electronic processor405of the first receiving communication device120selects to capture a data transmission of at least one of the communication devices located within the cell110based on the identification information received from the application server135. For example, to select, the first receiving communication device120indicates (e.g., via the first display320or first speaker330) the identity of one or more transmitting communication devices in the cell based on the identification information received from the application server135. The first receiving communication device120then receives user input indicating a selection of at least one of the communication devices located within the cell110, for example, the first transmitting communication device115. The first receiving communication device120, in turn, monitors communications from the base station105and captures the resource allocation message destined for the first transmitting communication device115sent by the base station105. As explained previously herein, the base station105sends the resource allocation message to the first transmitting communication device115upon receiving a request to transmit data from the first transmitting communication device115.

The resource allocation message sent by the base station105is broadcast to the communication devices located within the cell110. The resource allocation message includes the temporary identification of the first transmitting communication device115. The temporary identification of the first transmitting communication device115allows the first transmitting communication device115to recognize that the resource allocation message is intended for the first transmitting communication device115. In other words, the first transmitting communication device115captures the resource allocation message destined for the first transmitting communication device115sent by the base station105based on the temporary identification.

The resource allocation message indicates a resource allocation for the first transmitting communication device115on an uplink channel of the base station105as explained previously herein (for example, a frequency allocation and a time allocation for the uplink channel for the first transmitting communication device115to use for data transmission).

At block715, the first receiving communication device120decodes the resource allocation message from the base station105using the identification information of the first transmitting communication device115. For example, based on the resource allocation message, the second electronic processor405of the first receiving communication device120determines the resource allocation for the first transmitting communication device115on an uplink channel of the base station105. In other words, in some embodiments, the first receiving communication device120determines the frequency and time at which the first transmitting communication device115is going to transmit data.

At block720, the second network interface415of the first receiving communication device120captures signals based on the resource allocation for the first transmitting communication device115. For example, the first transmitting communication device115transmits data in accordance with the resource allocation received from the base station105. In some embodiments, the first transmitting communication device115transmits data to the application server135. In other words, the base station105receives the data transmission from the first transmitting communication device115and forwards the data transmission to the application server135over the network140. The second network interface415of the first receiving communication device120captures the data transmission on route from the first transmitting communication device115to the base station105on the uplink channel and being sent in accordance with the resource allocation for the first transmitting communication device115. By capturing this data transmission with the first receiving communication device120, the first transmitting communication device115is able to communicate directly with the first receiving communication device120.

The data transmission from the first transmitting communication device115, although captured by the first receiving communication device120, is destined for (for example, addressed to) the application server135as described previously herein. Accordingly, the base station105forwards the data transmission from the first transmitting communication device115to the application server135. However, in some embodiments, the application server135discards the data received from the base station105because the data transmission from the first transmitting communication device115was intended for device-to-device communication within the cell110. Thus, in some embodiments, the application server135is stand-in destination to enable, in part, the resource allocation on the uplink channel from the base station105.

In some embodiments, the method700allows for less downlink resources to be used by the base station105while multicasting data from the first transmitting communication device115to communication devices within the cell110and within wireless communication range of the first transmitting communication device115. For example, because the base station105does not forward data transmissions from the first transmitting communication device115to the first receiving communication devices120, less downlink resources are used by the base station105. Additionally, as mentioned previously herein, in some embodiments, the method700allows for direct device-to-device communication using legacy Long Term Evolution infrastructure without the modifying the legacy Long Term Evolution infrastructure, for example, to support Third Generation Partnership release 12 or further updates.

Although the method700is described with respect to the first transmitting communication device115and the first receiving communication device120, in some embodiments additional communication devices (for example, a third communication device) may perform the method700to capture data transmissions from the first transmitting communication device115. In other words, the cell110may include more than one first receiving communication device120that receives data transmissions from the first transmitting communication device115.

As mentioned previously herein, in some embodiments, two or more communication devices within the cell110may transmit data such that each of these communication devices may be considered a broadcast station within the cell110. In other words, the cell110may include more than one first transmitting communication device115where each first transmitting communication device115transmits data according to its own resource allocation received in its own resource allocation message. In accordance with the method700, other communication devices located within the cell110may select to capture data transmissions sent by these communication devices (in other words, broadcast stations) using the identification information received from the application server135as explained previously herein. In other words, the first receiving communication device120may capture data transmissions from more than one first transmitting communication device115within the cell110.

In some embodiments, the identification information received by the first receiving communication device120corresponds to other communication devices located within the cell110that are within a predetermined distance from the first receiving communication device120. For example, when sending identification information to the application server135, each communication device may provide its location information (for example, as determined by a location component on each communication device). In some embodiments, when providing identification information regarding other communication devices located in the cell110to the first receiving communication device120, the application server135may only provide identification information of communication devices that are within a predetermined distance from the first receiving communication device120. For example, the predetermined distance may be based on the wireless device-to-device communication range of at least one of the first receiving communication device120and the other communication devices within the cell110. In some embodiments, the application server135provides identification information of all communication devices located in the cell110that includes the respective location information of each communication device. Then, the second electronic processor405of the first receiving communication device120determines which communication devices are within a predetermined distance (for example, within wireless device-to-device communication range of the first receiving communication device120).

In some embodiments, the first receiving communication device120may receive identification information (including location information) from the application server135of communication devices located in cells adjacent to the cell110. In such embodiments, the first receiving communication device120may capture data transmissions from a communication device located in an adjacent cell by executing the method700described previously herein. For example, such direct device-to-device communication between communication devices in adjacent cells may occur when the communication devices are located near the edge of their respective cells and are within a wireless device-to-device communication range of each other.

In some embodiments, the first transmitting communication device115transmits data to any communication devices that are located within the cell110, that are located within wireless communication range of the first transmitting communication device115, and that have selected to capture data from the first transmitting communication device115. As an example of such an embodiment, a communication device at a restaurant (for example, a computer configured to wirelessly communicate with the base station105) may periodically transmit data regarding the menu of the restaurant to the application server135through the base station105. When another communication device (for example, first receiving communication device120) is moved such that it is located near the communication device at the restaurant, the first receiving communication device120may capture the data regarding the menu as the communication device at the restaurant transmits the data to the base station105. Such data capture may be accomplished using the method700described previously herein.

In such an example, identification information of the communication device at the restaurant may indicate that the data being transmitted is a commercial advertisement or that the data being transmitted is from a location that serves food. Based on the settings of the first receiving communication device120, the second electronic processor405determines whether to capture the data transmission from the communication device at the restaurant. In other words, when the first receiving communication device120receives the identification information of the communication devices located within the cell110from the application server135, the second electronic processor405may select to capture data transmissions of at least one of the communication devices based on the settings of the first receiving communication device120. For example, the settings on the first receiving communication device120may allow for data transmissions categorized as commercial advertisements to be captured or may prevent data transmissions categorized as commercial advertisements from being captured.

In some embodiments, the identification information stored in the application server database620is updated when new data transmission requests are received from first transmitting communication devices115. For example, a first transmitting communication device115may request to transmit a first message that includes voice data and later transmit a second message that includes video data. In some embodiments, the application server135communicates with the communication devices within the cell110to update identification information when the identification information stored in the application server database620is changed. In some embodiments, the communication devices located within the cell110periodically request identification information from the application server135(similar to the request for identification information upon entering the cell110) to ensure that the communication devices include current identification information (for example, current information relating to the data content category and the data description of each first transmitting communication device115).

In some embodiments, the first transmitting communication device115transmits data to a specified communication device or a specified plurality of communication devices within the cell110and within wireless communication range of the first transmitting communication device115. For example, when transmitting its identification information to the application server135, the first transmitting communication device115may specify the destination of its data transmission (for example, by providing an address of a specified communication device or a specified plurality of communication devices). In turn, the application server135only allows the specified communication device(s) to retrieve the identification information of the first transmitting communication device115. Thus, other communication devices that the data transmission is not intended for may not be able to retrieve the identification information of the first transmitting communication device115and, accordingly, may not be able to capture the data transmission from the first transmitting communication device115.

While the method700was described previously herein as being executed by the first receiving communication device120of the first communication system100ofFIG.1, in some embodiments, the method700is executed by at least one of the communication devices205and210of the second communication system200ofFIG.2. In such embodiments, the method700is executed to make frequency resources allocated by the base station105to the master allocator215available to other communication devices.

For example, some communication systems may not be capable of allocating frequency resources to be used for purposes other than communication through a base station according to a predetermined network protocol (for example, a Long Term Evolution network protocol). However, there may be situations where it may be useful to make frequency resources available within a cell for other purposes (for example, direct device-to-device communication, sensing noise, and the like).

With reference to the second communication system200ofFIG.2, the master allocator215may request and receive resources (for example, an uplink channel on a predetermined frequency) from the base station105in a similar manner as described above with respect to the first transmitting communication device115. For example, the master allocator215may receive a temporary identification from the base station105to be used to receive resource allocations from the base station105as described previously herein with respect to the first transmitting communication device115. Upon receipt of its temporary identification, the master allocator215may send its identification information (including its temporary identification) to the application server135through the base station105as described previously herein with respect to the first transmitting communication device115. The application server135receives and stores the identification information of the master allocator215and the cell110in which the master allocator215is located in the application server database620. In some embodiments, the identification information of the master allocator215indicates that the master allocator215is coupled via a wired connection to the base station105.

In some embodiments, the communication between the master allocator215and the base station105occurs over a wired connection as mentioned previously herein. Because the master allocator215communicates via a wired connection with the base station105, the resources allocated to the master allocator215by the base station105for wireless communication (for example, the uplink channel on the predetermined frequency) are not actually in use by the master allocator215. Rather, as mentioned above, the third electronic processor505of the master allocator215may control communication with the base station105such that the cell infrastructure130determines that such communication is occurring wirelessly when wireless communication is not actually occurring. In other words, the cell infrastructure130may receive data over the wired connection that indicates to the base station105that the uplink channel allocated to the master allocator215is in use. In some embodiments, such data may not have any other use and may be forwarded to and discarded by the application server135as described previously herein. Accordingly, the resources allocated to the master allocator215may be used by other communication devices located in the cell110as explained in greater detail below.

For example, in some embodiments, other communication devices located within the cell110(for example, the communication devices205and210) retrieve the identification information of the master allocator215stored in the application server database620. Using such identification information, these other communication devices may be able to engage in direct device-to-device communication (for example, from the second transmitting communication device205to the second receiving communication device210). As another example, using such identification information, these other communication devices use the resources allocated to the master allocator215for other purposes, such as to sense noise at a predetermined frequency.

Because the master allocator215is coupled via a wired connection to the base station105(for example, through mutually conducted antennas as described previously herein), its wired communication to the base station105on its allocated uplink channel does not interfere with wireless communications occurring at the same allocated resources between other communication devices located in the cell110. In other words, the wired connection allows for communication between the master allocator215and the base station105to transmit at a lower power than may otherwise be used for wireless communication between the same devices in a typical wireless communication (for example, because the of the directly conducted antennas between the master allocator215and the base station105). Additionally, from the perspective of the base station105, the data received from the master allocator215via the wired connection masks other communications occurring at the same frequency between other communication devices located in the cell110because the signal strength of the wired connection is dominant when compared to wireless signals received from other communication devices.

Referring back toFIG.7, at block705, the second receiving communication device210(in other words, a first communication device) receives identification information of the master allocator215(in other words, a second communication device) from the application server database620of the application server135. The identification information is received by a network interface of the second receiving communication device210and includes the temporary identification of the master allocator215as described previously herein. The identification information also indicates that the master allocator215is coupled to the base station105via a wired connection.

In some embodiments, the second receiving communication device210receives the identification information when it enters the cell110as described previously herein with respect to the first receiving communication device120.

At block710, the network interface of the second receiving communication device210receives a resource allocation message from the base station105that was destined for the master allocator215. For example, as explained previously herein, the base station105sends the resource allocation message to the master allocator215upon receiving a request to transmit data from the master allocator215. In doing so, the base station105broadcasts the resource allocation message to the communication devices located within the cell110despite the master allocator215being coupled via a wired connection to the base station105(because the base station105is unaware that the master allocator215is coupled via a wired connection as explained previously herein).

The resource allocation message includes the temporary identification of the master allocator215. The temporary identification of the master allocator215allows the master allocator215to recognize that the resource allocation message is intended for the master allocator215. The resource allocation message indicates a resource allocation for the master allocator215on an uplink channel of the base station105as explained previously herein (for example, a frequency allocation and a time allocation for the uplink channel for the master allocator215to use for data transmission).

As described previously herein (at block705), the second receiving communication device210has previously received the identification information of the master allocator215(including its temporary identification) from the application server135. Accordingly, at block715, the second receiving communication device210decodes the resource allocation message from the base station105using the identification information of the master allocator215. For example, based on the resource allocation message, an electronic processor of the second receiving communication device210may determine the resource allocation for the master allocator215on an uplink channel of the base station105. In other words, the second receiving communication device210determines when the base station105has allocated the master allocator215to transmit data and on which frequency the base station105has allocated the master allocator215to transmit data.

At block720, the network interface of the second receiving communication device210captures signals based on the resource allocation for the master allocator215. For example, the master allocator215transmits data to the base station105via a wired connection such that the base station105determines that the uplink channel allocated to the master allocator215is in use. However, as explained previously herein, the uplink channel is not actually in use by the master allocator215because the data is transmitted to the base station105via a wired connection. Thus, the resources allocated to the master allocator215are available for use by other communication devices located in the cell110. The other communication devices located in the cell110(for example, the second receiving communication device210) are aware that these resources are available based on the identification information of the master allocator215received from the application server135(for example, that indicates the master allocator215is coupled to the base station105via a wired connection).

As an example of the second receiving communication device210capturing signals based on the resource allocation for the master allocator215, the network interface of the second receiving communication device210may sense noise at a frequency allocated to the master allocator215. In some embodiments, such noise may be sensed by the second receiving communication device210to detect an incumbent system that may be using the frequency allocated to the master allocator215. In some embodiments, such noise may be sensed to detect jamming of the frequency allocated to the master allocator215. For example, noise sensed by the second receiving communication device210may be compared to a predetermined signal strength threshold to determine whether an incumbent system is present or whether jamming is occurring.

As another example of the second receiving communication device210capturing signals based on the resource allocation for the master allocator215, the second receiving communication device210may receive a data transmission from another communication device (for example, the second transmitting communication device205). In this example, the communication devices205and210engage in device-to-device communication over the frequency allocated to the master allocator215(because this frequency is known to be available). In this example, the second transmitting communication device205may execute blocks705,710, and715to determine the frequency allocated to the master allocator215. In this example, the device-to-device communication between the communication device205and210may occur according to a different communications protocol than is used by communication devices205and210to communicate through the base station105. For example, the device-to-device communication between the communication devices205and210may be a non-Long Term Evolution communication type (for example, short data services and signals using, for example, WiFi, Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) direct mode, Bluetooth™, radar beacons, and the like) even though Long Term Evolution in-band resources are made available by the master allocator215communicating with the base station105via a wired connection.

In some embodiments, the resources made available by the master allocator215communicating with the base station105via a wired connection may facilitate use by other applications (for example, fifth generation (5G) wireless communication systems).

Although the method700is described with respect to the communication devices205and210, in some embodiments additional communication devices (for example, a third communication device of the second communication system200) may perform the method700to capture signals on an available frequency based on the resource allocation for the master allocator215.

In the embodiment described previously herein with respect to the second communication system200ofFIG.2, the method700allows for frequency resources in a coverage area of the cell110to be made available (in other words, allocated) for purposes other than communication through the base station105according to a predetermined network protocol. Such frequency allocation according to this embodiment may be referred to as non-persistent frequency allocation because the base station105may allocate different resources for each data transmission request transmitted by the master allocator215(for example, using the temporary identification as described previously herein). However, in some embodiments, a persistent frequency allocation may be requested by the master allocator215. For example, the persistent frequency allocation may be requested to reduce overhead by allowing the base station105to allocate a single frequency for a period of time as opposed to re-allocating frequencies many times within the same period of time.

FIG.8is a flowchart of a method800executed by the master allocator215and the base station105of the second communication system200ofFIG.2. The method800allows the cell infrastructure130to provide a persistent frequency allocation that may be used by communication devices within the cell110for purposes other than communication through the base station105according to a predetermined network protocol as mentioned previously herein. For example, in embodiments in which legacy infrastructure implements Long Term Evolution communication, the method800allows for device-to-device communication using communication types that may not be Long Term Evolution Third Generation Partnership compliant to be implemented using Long Term Evolution in-band resources of the cell infrastructure130.

At block805, the master allocator215requests, from the base station105, a resource allocation of an uplink channel of the base station105as described previously herein (for example, via the third network interface515through a wired connection to the base station105). In some embodiments, the master allocator215requests a persistent resource allocation. For example, the master allocator215may request resources from the base station105such that the base station105determines that the master allocator215desires to transmit voice data (for example, make a call to another communication device). Based on determining that the master allocator215desires to transmit voice data, the base station105determines that the master allocator215is requesting a persistent resource allocation.

At block810, the master allocator215receives, from the base station105, the resource allocation of the uplink channel of the base station105. For example, the master allocator215receives a persistent resource allocation that allocates a frequency for a period of time to allow the master allocator215to transmit voice data.

At block815, the master allocator215transmits first data corresponding to the resource allocation of the uplink channel through the base station105to the application server135. The application server135stores the first data as described previously herein with respect to the identification information of communication devices. As mentioned previously herein, the first data may indicate that the master allocator215is coupled to the base station105via a wired connection.

At block820, the master allocator215transmits second data through the base station105to the application server135such that the base station105determines that the uplink channel allocated to the master allocator215is in use. However, as explained previously herein, the uplink channel is not actually in use because the second data is transmitted to the base station105via a wired connection. In some embodiments, the second data is discarded by the application server135when received from the base station105.

Because the allocated uplink channel of the master allocator215is not actually in use by the master allocator215, it may be used by other communication devices. At block825, the base station105receives the first data from the application server135and transmits the first data to at least one other communication device located in the cell110(for example, the second receiving communication device210). In some embodiments, the base station105may receive a request for the first data from the at least one other communication device (for example, when the at least one other communication device enters the cell110as described previously herein with respect to the first receiving communication device120).

When the at least one other communication device receives the first data corresponding to the resource allocation of the master allocator215, the at least one other communication device may capture signals based on the resource allocation corresponding to the first data. For example, as described previously herein, the at least one other communication device may sense noise at a frequency allocated to the master allocator215. Also as described previously herein, other communication devices (for example, the communication devices205and210) may engage in device-to-device communication. In some embodiments, multiple communication devices in the cell110may use the frequency allocated to the master allocator215in a similar manner as described previously herein with respect to the second receiving communication device210.

Although the method800is described with respect to an uplink channel of the base station105for communication from the master allocator215to the base station105, in some embodiments, a downlink channel of the base station105for communication from the base station105to the master allocator215also may be made available to be used by other communication devices in the cell110. For example, the base station105may transmit a resource allocation message to the master allocator215that indicates a resource allocation for the master allocator215on an downlink channel of the base station105in a similar manner as explained previously herein with respect to an uplink channel. In some embodiments, the base station105may transmit such a resource allocation message in response to the application server135requesting to transmit data to the master allocator215. In turn, the master allocator215may transmit the resource allocation information of the downlink channel back to the application server135in a similar manner as explained previously herein with respect to the resource allocation information of the uplink channel. For example, such information may indicate that the downlink channel is available because the base station105communicates with master allocator215over a wired connection. Accordingly, other communication devices may retrieve the resource allocation information of the downlink channel and use the resources as described previously herein (for example, for sensing noise, for direct device-to-device communication, and the like).

In some embodiments, the application server135transmits data to the master allocator215through the base station105such that the base station105determines that the downlink channel allocated to the master allocator215is in use. However, as explained previously herein with respect to the uplink channel, the downlink channel is not actually in use because the data is transmitted from the base station105to the master allocator215via a wired connection (for example, via mutually conducted antennas). In some embodiments, the master allocator215may discard the data received from the application server135through the base station105.