PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-8467812-B2
Application Number: US-201213559297-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Wireless communication network having a broadcast system for information distribution

Abstract:
Methods of performing communication among a group of user terminals in a communication network are described herein. The method includes, a first user terminal receiving at least one stream of media data packets, and the first user terminal decoding the received media data packets. Each received media data packet includes a source user terminal indicator indicating a user terminal from which the packet data stream was transmitted; The decoding includes eliminating any media data packets that include a source user terminal indicator indicating the first user terminal before decoding the received media data packets.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of performing communication among a group of user terminals in a communication network, comprising:
 a first user terminal receiving at least one stream of media data packets, each received media data packet comprising a source user terminal indicator indicating a user terminal from which the packet data stream was transmitted; and 
 the first user terminal decoding the received media data packets, wherein said decoding comprises eliminating any media data packets comprising a source user terminal indicator indicating the first user terminal before decoding the received media data packets. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 prior to said receiving, transmitting a stream of media data packets, including the media packets eliminated in said decoding. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the stream of media data packets comprises the source user terminal indicator indicating the first user terminal. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said receiving is performed in a common communication channel. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said receiving is performed using a broadcast communication channel that is separate from two-way communication channels provided by the communication network. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the media data packets comprise information selected from the group consisting of audio, text messages, data messages and imagery. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the media data packets comprise speech information. 
     
     
       8. A non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium storing program instructions for performing communication among a group of user terminals in a communication network, wherein the program instructions are executable by a processor of a first user terminal to:
 receive at least one stream of media data packets, each received media data packet comprising a source user terminal indicator indicating a user terminal from which the packet data stream was transmitted; and 
 decode the received media data packets, wherein said decoding comprises eliminating any media data packets comprising a source user terminal indicator indicating the first user terminal before decoding the received media data packets. 
 
     
     
       9. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 8 , wherein the program instructions are further executable to:
 prior to said receiving, transmit a stream of media data packets, including the media packets eliminated in said decoding. 
 
     
     
       10. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 9 , wherein the stream of media data packets comprises the source user terminal indicator indicating the first user terminal. 
     
     
       11. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 8 , wherein said receiving is performed in a common communication channel. 
     
     
       12. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 9 , wherein said receiving is performed using a broadcast communication channel that is separate from two-way communication channels provided by the communication network. 
     
     
       13. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 8 , wherein the media data packets comprise information selected from the group consisting of audio, text messages, data messages and imagery. 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory, computer accessible memory medium of  claim 8 , wherein the media data packets comprise speech information. 
     
     
       15. A user terminal configured to perform communication among a group of user terminals in a communication network, comprising:
 wireless circuitry, configured to perform wireless transmission and reception; and 
 processing logic coupled to the wireless circuitry, wherein the processing logic is configured to:
 receive at least one stream of media data packets using the wireless circuitry, each received media data packet comprising a source user terminal indicator indicating a user terminal from which the packet data stream was transmitted; and 
 decode the received media data packets, wherein said decoding comprises eliminating any media data packets comprising a source user terminal indicator indicating the user terminal before decoding the received media data packets. 
 
 
     
     
       16. The user terminal of  claim 15 , wherein the processing logic is further configured to:
 prior to said receiving, transmit a stream of media data packets using the wireless circuitry, including the media packets eliminated in said decoding. 
 
     
     
       17. The user terminal of  claim 16 , wherein the stream of media data packets comprises the source user terminal indicator indicating the user terminal. 
     
     
       18. The user terminal of  claim 16 , wherein said receiving is performed in a common communication channel. 
     
     
       19. The user terminal of  claim 16 , wherein said receiving is performed using a broadcast communication channel that is separate from two-way communication channels provided by the communication network. 
     
     
       20. The user terminal of  claim 16 , wherein the media data packets comprise information selected from the group consisting of audio, text messages, data messages and imagery. 
     
     
       21. The user terminal of  claim 16 , wherein the media data packets comprise speech information.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/163,064, filed on Jun. 17, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,254,969, entitled “Wireless Communication Network Having a Broadcast System for Information Distribution”, which is a Continuation Application of U.S. patent application No. 10/877,283 filed on Jun. 25, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,986,954, and entitled “Wireless Communication Network Having a Broadcast System for Information Distribution,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates in general to the field of wireless communication networks and more particularly to a wireless communication network having a broadcast system for information distribution. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A typical method of delivering information to communication devices, which are part of a wireless communication network, includes the use of messages such as Short Message Service (SMS) or Multi-Media Message Service (MMS) messages. SMS and MMS messages are used in wireless communication systems such as the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) or the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Although the use of individual SMS or MMS messages or other types of messages directed to individual communication devices operating within a wireless communication network is beneficial in some situations, use of such individual messages may quickly congest the wireless communication network with multiple messages that may be carrying substantially the same or similar information to more than one wireless communication device. This results in either longer communication delays or the blocking of mobile services for communication network users (e.g., delays in making a voice call, etc.) Therefore, a need exists in the art for a method, apparatus and system that can provide for sending information to multiple users operating within a wireless communication network in an efficient manner. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a wireless communication system includes a two-way communication system having a plurality of base stations each providing communications over a coverage area. The wireless communication system also includes a one-way broadcast system having a coverage area that overlaps a portion of the two-way communication system&#39;s coverage area. A plurality of wireless communication devices operate within the two-way communication system but can also receive message transmitted by the one-way broadcast system. 
     In a second aspect of the invention, a plurality of information gathering devices are coupled to the two-way communication system and the information gathered by the information gathering devices is transmitted by the one-way broadcast system to one or more of the plurality wireless communication devices. In one aspect of the invention, the information gathering devices are traffic cameras that take visual images of traffic conditions. 
     In a third aspect of the invention, a wireless communication device includes a transmitter for transmitting messages to a two-way communication system and a receiver for receiving messages from the two-way communication system. The wireless communication device also includes a second receiver section for receiving broadcast messages from a one-way broadcast system. 
     In a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for directing the transmission of information to a wireless communication device operating within a two-way communication system and which can also receive information transmitted from a one-way broadcast system includes determining the location of the wireless communication device and using the information to determine if the one-way broadcast system can be used to transmit a message to the wireless communication device. A message is transmitted to the wireless communication device using the one-way broadcast system if it is determined from the location information that the wireless communication device is within communication range of the one-way broadcast system. 
     In still another aspect of the invention, a communication network includes a two-way communication system and a one-way broadcast system. The communication network also includes an information distribution server coupled to the one-way broadcast system; the information distribution server receives information to be transmitted by the one-way broadcast system along with information regarding the location of one or more of the communication devices that use the communication network and schedules transmission of the information by the one-way broadcast system. 
     In a further aspect of the invention, a network controller includes inputs/outputs for coupling to a two-way cellular system and a one-way broadcast system and a means for determining which messages directed to a mobile terminal are to be transmitted via the two-way cellular communication system and which messages need to be transmitted to the mobile terminal using the one-way broadcast system. 
     Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a diagram of a wireless communication network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a block diagram of a radio communication device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a flowchart highlighting the sequence for directing information flow in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) 
     While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a diagram of a wireless communication network  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Wireless communication network  100  includes a communication system  101  that includes a plurality of base stations or cell sites  102 ,  104 ,  106  and  108  that are coupled to a network control (or network controller)  122 . As shown, base station  102  has a corresponding coverage area  110 , base station  104  has a coverage area  112 , base station  106  has a coverage area  114  and base station  108  has a coverage area  116 . 
     The network controller  122  provides all of the necessary control functions typically associated with the wireless communication system  101 . The wireless communication system  101  can be a cellular telephone system or some other type of two-way wireless communication system. The network controller  122  provides coordination between various elements of the wireless communication network  100  such as the base stations  102 - 108 , Internet  142 , the Public Switched Telephone Network  152  and Mobile Terminals (MTs)  148  and  150 . Each base station  102 - 108  provides the necessary radio frequency (RF) link within corresponding coverage areas  110 - 116  between the MTs  148  and  150  and the rest of the wireless communication network  100 . 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a broadcast system  118  is provided for transmitting broadcast messages to one or more of the MTs  148  and  150 . Broadcast system  118  is shown having a first antenna/transmission site  119  having a coverage area  120  comprising substantially base station coverage areas  112 ,  114 , and  116 . The broadcast system  118  can comprise one or more frequency channels and can include other transmission sites such as second antenna/transmission site  144 , which can optionally be co-located or positioned in close proximity to an existing base station, such as base station  102 , and having coverage area  146  comprising substantially base station coverage areas  110 ,  112 , and  114 . The various antenna/transmission sites may use the same or a different frequency channel as the other broadcast transmission sites. The number of transmission sites and/or channels used for the broadcast system  118  can be selected to suit the traffic loading conditions of the particular system being designed. More broadcast transmission sites may be used in areas where user loading is high in order to properly accommodate all of the system users. 
     The broadcast channel used by the broadcast system  118  may comprise a one-way channel that is part of a local television or audio broadcast station transmission. For example, the broadcast information that is transmitted by the transmission sites  119  and/or  144  can be transmitted as a sub channel of a standard TV or audio system such as the Digital Video Broadcast-Terrestrial (DVB-T) as outlined in European Telecommunication Standards Institute (ETSI) standard EN300-744. Alternatively, the broadcast channel can be a dedicated frequency channel allocated for the wireless network  100 . 
     The broadcast system  118  is used to deliver information that may be commonly desired by many users (e.g., MTs  148  and  150 ) operating within the wireless communication network  100 . The use of an auxiliary broadcast system  118  makes available capacity for the broadcast traffic without congesting the regular, two-way mobile channels of the wireless communication system  101 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the messages transmitted by the broadcast system  118  (including transmission sites  119  and  144 ) includes information in the form of traffic images that are collected from a number of information sources such as traffic cameras (“traffic cams”)  128 ,  130 ,  132 , and  134  located strategically throughout the wireless communication network  100  and which also may be remotely located such as camera  136 , which is coupled via the internet  142  to the rest of the system, or camera  126  located close to the broadcast system  118 . For those traffic cams  128 - 134  located within communication system  101 , the traffic images collected at each of the cell sites  102 - 108  can be sent to the network controller  122  which can then forward the information to the broadcast system  118  using for example a wireline or wireless interconnection. Traffic cam  136  which is coupled to the Internet  136  for example via a computer, can forward the images it has collected via the Internet  142  directly to the broadcast system  118  or as another example, the traffic images can first go to the network controller  122  before being sent to the broadcast system  118 , depending on the specific system design. The information sources such as cameras  128 - 134  may be coupled to the communication system  101  or to broadcast system  118  in the case of camera  126  using either a wired or wireless connection. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the network controller  122  determines whether a particular message needs to be sent to one or more MT(s) using either the two-way cellular system  101  or the one-way broadcast system  118 . The network controller  122  can make the determination based on, for example, the type of message that needs to be forwarded (e.g., traffic image), or some other type of criteria. The network controller  122  in one embodiment can use hardware, software or a combination of the two to make the determination as to which communication system should transmit the message to one or more of the MTs. The network controller  122  is coupled to both the one-way broadcast system  118  and the two-way cellular system  101 . In one illustrative example, the messages that are to be sent to the MTs  148  and  150  may include message type information (e.g., message type ID) that may be decoded by the network controller  122 . The network controller  122  based on the message type information, causes the message to be transmitted by the appropriate communication system (cellular system  101  or broadcast system  118 ). The selection of which of the systems to use to communicate with one or more MTs may also be determined by the network controller  122  based on the geographical location the one or more MTs. This location information may be provided by location service  124  or by other means to the network controller  122 . 
     In still another embodiment of the invention, messages may comprise information found from an information source on the Internet  142  (e.g., weather forecast information, etc.) that can also be transmitted to MTs  148  and/or  150  using broadcast system  118 . The messages transmitted by broadcast system  118  can also include information such as audio and/or visual weather reports, traffic reports, flight times at nearby airports, parking directions, traffic or emergency announcements by police or emergency personnel, etc. 
     As part of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a location service  124  is coupled to the network controller  122  and collects information on the location of each of the MTs  148  and  150 . The location service  124  may include a database showing the current location (e.g., which coverage area  110 ,  112 ,  114  or  116 ) a particular MT  148  or  150  is located within. The location information can be gathered using information already collected by the wireless communication system  101  such as cell site hand-off information, registration information, etc. In an alternative embodiment, location information can be gathered using Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) information that may be transmitted by MTs  148  and  150  using onboard GPS receivers and collected by the location service  124 , or by a combination of known location (also referred to as “position determination”) techniques. The location service  124  can be implemented as an infrastructure side device as shown in  FIG. 1 , or the function can be performed partially or fully at the mobile side (e.g., MTs  148  and  150 ) depending on the particular system design. The location service  124  informs the various elements of the communication network  100  where a particular MT is located. 
     An Information Distribution Server (IDS)  138  is located in the wireless network to provide the information management, scheduling, signaling and the encoding of information, for example traffic images that are to be broadcast by the broadcast system  118 . The information provided by the location service  124  regarding the present location of one or more of the MTs  148  and/or  150  is used to determine which transmission sites (e.g., transmission site  119  and/or  144 ) sends the broadcast message to the particular MTs, given their present location and the coverage areas for the different transmission sites. The IDS  138  assembles the sequence of the required information to be broadcast, in the illustrative example shown in  FIG. 1 , the traffic images collected by cameras  126 - 136 , and schedules when the broadcast system transmits the required information and also which of the transmission sites the information is sent from given the location of the MTs that the broadcast message is targeting. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the MTs  148  and  150  can forward information to the IDS  138  via the network controller  122 . In one particular network design, the IDS  138  may schedule when the broadcast system  118  transmits particular messages to the MTs  148  and  150  by waiting first to collect all the necessary route information for all of the MTs and then sending information packets to the broadcast system  118  either via the Internet  142  or via network controller  122  along with information as to when the information needs to be transmitted. Alternatively, the broadcast system  118  can transmit the information packets sent by the IDS  138  as soon as it receives them. 
     In another embodiment, the broadcast system  118  can be used as a push-to-talk (PTT) broadcast service by the MT wherein the IDS  138  supervises the broadcast of speech to/from the individual MTs  148  and/or  150  and the broadcast system  118 . Speech from a particular MT may be uploaded via the communication system  101  and subsequently broadcast via the broadcast system  118 . The speech can be sent in a packet format such as Voice-over-IP (VoIP) packets or in another alternative embodiment in a standard digital audio format such as the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) 4 format. The broadcast channel provided by the broadcast system  118  can be used to provide a common speech service channel to MTs located throughout the coverage area of the broadcast system  118 . This common channel would enable a user to speak into their MT and have their message be heard by other users who may for example subscribe to such a service. This service can also provide a “chat” feature for subscribers located within the coverage area of the broadcast system. Although a common application of this form of “chat” service is for speech, the service can equally well be applied for distribution of text or other data messages or imagery. 
     In other embodiments, the speech originating at a user&#39;s MT (e.g., MT  148  or  150 ) can be uploaded to the system and broadcast in a number of ways. As illustrative example, the speech can be sent using a speech channel found in communication system  101  to a Broadcast Speech Server (BSS)  154  located within the communication network  100 . The BSS  154  functions in a similar fashion to a conference bridge in a voice network in that BSS  154  bridges (e.g., via network controller  122 ) the speech from an MT to the broadcast system  118  for transmission. Alternatively, the speech can be incorporated into packets in the MT and sent to the BSS  154  using the data transmission services of the communication system  101  and subsequently bridged to the broadcast system  118 . The BSS  154  can repackage the speech, if necessary, to suit the broadcast channel that is to be used. For example, the speech can be transmitted in a packet format as part of a data service, for example using Voice-Over-IP (VoIP.) 
     The BSS  154  can also function to combine the speech from several speakers at once. Thus, if two speakers talk at once, both will be broadcast. Normally the resulting combination of several voices will be unintelligible, and one speaker may stop talking and try again later. To prevent this problem, some conference bridges simply broadcast the loudest of the incoming speech signals. Because of this possibility of “double-talk” it is customary for the speaker to also be able to hear the broadcast signal as this enables them to hear when there is an interruption. 
     In situations where the sender of the speech is also receiving the broadcast, the sender will be receiving a delayed version of their speech. Delay in hearing one&#39;s voice can make talking difficult and some care must be exercised to mitigate the effect of the delays. In audio networks such as the PSTN  152 , echo control equipment is used to cancel or suppress the echoes that appear as a result of transmission delays. 
     In this broadcast scenario, the effects of the transmission delays for the originating user may be mitigated in the user&#39;s terminal by canceling (e.g., subtracting) a copy of the user&#39;s speech from the received broadcast speech. As the broadcast reception will be delayed from the time the original is sent, the terminal must remember by for example keeping a record of the speech and at a later time subtracting the recorded speech from the broadcast audio signal. This subtraction process must be adjusted for the appropriate delay in the transmission path from the MT to the server and back from the server via the broadcast channel to the MT, and also for audio volume. As part of the PTT function in the user&#39;s terminal, the terminal should perform this subtraction function on the incoming broadcast speech. However, only the sender of the speech, and thus only one terminal, need do the cancellation. 
     To assist the process of determining which terminal needs do the cancellation, the BSS  154  can include as part of a broadcast stream, the identity of the originator of the speech, for example, by using the MT&#39;s address or other identification. The MTs receiving the broadcast thus need only do the echo cancellation if they recognize their address as the originator of the speech. To assist the synchronization of the cancellation in order for example to permit accurate compensation for the path delay, the originating MT should label the speech packets sent and recorded with a sequence number or some other designator. The BSS  154  can include the sequence number together with the identity number, so that the originating MT can do its cancellation with the appropriately delayed parts of its recording. This method will assure that the speech chat service users will receive a suitable quality of speech if they are able to hear their own broadcasts. 
     In still another embodiment, the speech can be sent in a digital-audio format using one of the audio service formats (e.g., MPEG4) of the broadcast system  118 . The use of the digital-audio formats for either, or both, the upload and the broadcast message has the advantage of minimizing delay in the delivery of the speech sounds. This may be important in some applications such as command and control applications. However, this method may use more broadcast system capacity and bandwidth. If delay in the speech delivery is not so critical, the packet speech method may provide an advantage given that it uses less bandwidth. 
     In another embodiment of the PTT service, a user such as a policeman can use the broadcast channel to make emergency announcements or to provide instructions to traffic across a wide area. This would be useful for emergency vehicles, police and security personnel attending to an incident. As an example, a traffic officer may send an announcement about a traffic accident to warn approaching motorists. In another application, an approaching ambulance, fire or other emergency vehicle can send a warning that it is approaching a certain location by broadcasting its “siren” over the broadcast channel to the vehicles having MTs that are nearby. The vehicles selected to receive the siren would include those in front of the emergency vehicle&#39;s path and those approaching pending intersections, but not those vehicles that are behind the emergency vehicle or traveling in other lanes of traffic. This would avoid the confusion on the roadway that often associates with the sound of a siren and hopefully avoid additional peripheral accidents. 
     As emergency vehicles usually include at least one other person in addition to the driver, one of these persons can serve as the navigator who can watch the traffic cam images being delivered to the MT. Such information would enable the emergency vehicle to avoid congestion in its routing and minimize the delay in its arrival. The navigator would be able to make informed decisions on routing based on real-time availability of road conditions. In addition, with the availability of junction and routing information, the ISS  140 , described in detail below, that is requesting the traffic cam images for the route can also communicate with the traffic control network using the communication system&#39;s  101  signaling functions such as SMS to clear traffic controls (e.g., set the traffic lights to green) for their planned route. This would have the advantage of speeding the transit of the emergency vehicle. 
     In another embodiment, the “chat” feature comprises collective gaming, wherein the users receive broadcast information about the scenario and state of play of a particular game. This information is sent via the broadcast system  118  and the IDS  138 , from a game server  156  that may be coupled via a communication network such as the Internet  142  to the network controller  122  or may be located in the communication system  101 . The users (e.g., subscribers to the game) interact with others via their MT (e.g., MT  148  or  150 ) to make “moves”, for example, by using a keyboard and display incorporated into or associated with the MT. Their moves are communicated to the game server  156  via the mobile communication system  101 , for example using SMS or MMS messages, and the “game” is distributed from the game server  156  using the broadcast system  118 . This system has the advantage of efficiently distributing the game information with short delays to all players via the broadcast channel. The game server  156  stores the game and other associated information needed for the gaming embodiment. 
     It is the responsibility of the IDS  138  to manage the information flow to the various cell sites so that the needed information is broadcast in the appropriate cell site in order to reach each MT as needed. The IDS  138  may also need to change the delivery transport from the broadcast channel of broadcast system  118  to individual messages sent over the mobile communication system  101 , in the case where the broadcast system  118  is busy or the user is outside the coverage area of the broadcast system  118 . For example, an MT may move outside the coverage area of the broadcast system  118  and into a location where the MT is only covered by a cell site of the wireless communication system  101  as determined by location server  124  or a location function within the MT. When the MT  148  or  150  moves to a cell site that is not covered by the broadcast system  118 , the IDS  138  directs that messages such as MMS messages be sent to that particular MT using the mobile communication system  101  and not the broadcast system  118 . When the MT moves back to a location covered by the broadcast system  118 , the IDS  138  automatically directs the messages to be sent via the broadcast system  118  in order to minimize the congestion of the wireless communication system  101 . 
     In the traffic cam embodiment, an Information Service Server (ISS)  140  coupled with the wireless network  100  (e.g., via network controller  122  or internet  142 ) interacts with the MTs  148  and  150  and determines based on input of each of the MTs&#39; planned routes and destinations, as well as alternate routing information, the desired set of information that should be transmitted to a particular MT or MTs. That is, ISS  140  serves as a content manager for information sent to and/or received from an MT. The set of information is then sent to the IDS  138  to request broadcast of the information by the broadcast system  118 . The MT may also need to be informed via the communication system  101  of details on how to access the image on the broadcast channel (e.g., timing and coding). The ISS  140  although shown in  FIG. 1  as part of the infrastructure can be located in the individual MTs  148  and  150  (as shown by Information Services block  218  in  FIG. 2 .) The ISS  140  interacts with the user and with the user&#39;s current location information, the planned route, planned destination, together with information on alternate routing to determine the desired set of information for the individual user. This set of information requests is sent to the IDS  138 , which then requests broadcast of the relevant information to the MTs in need of the information. 
     As a particular MT moves along its route, it is the responsibility of the ISS  140  to keep track of the user&#39;s location as determined by location service  124  or a location function within the MT and to coordinate the broadcast via IDS  138  of the information needed along future route points (e.g., traffic images of the different route points, etc.) The ISS  140  will also send to the IDS  138  instructions about the information (e.g., traffic-cam images or radio programs, etc.) that need no longer be broadcast for that user. The IDS  138  may then stop the broadcast of that information if there are no other current users of the information. In the traffic-cam embodiment, if an MT user observes that their route is congested, blocked, experiencing bad weather, etc., the user may interact with the ISS  140  to select a new route. The ISS  140  would then request the traffic-cam images for the new route be sent to the MT. 
     The ISS  140  is shown in  FIG. 1  as an infrastructure side device coupled to the broadcast system  118  via the Internet  142 , although in another embodiment, the ISS function can be implemented as application software executed in the MTs  148  and  150  themselves. That is, planned routes and destinations (e.g., daily commuting route) may be uploaded to the ISS  140  via the Internet  142  or via input from the MT. Input from the MT may further safeguard the privacy of the MTs travel and routing information and potentially speed up the time between when a request for information is sent and when the broadcast system  118  transmits an information message. 
     The ISS  140  may interact with the IDS  138 , or another server or element in the network to learn the resources that are available. The ISS  140  may, for example, request a listing of all the traffic-cams that are available for a particular highway route. On receiving the list, the ISS  140  can select the traffic-cams appropriate for the user&#39;s journey and issue request for those images and information. The frequency of information updates being sent to the user can be proportional to the distance the user is from the junction site. That is, the frequency of update of the traffic-cam images can be higher for those closest to the user&#39;s current location. The supposition in this case is that the conditions at more distant junctions are of less significance to the user than the nearby ones, as distant traffic conditions are more likely to change by the time the user gets there. The frequency of issuance of such updates can, of course, vary as well in accordance with the nature of the travel route, for example, the update frequency could increase as a subscriber approaches a highway interchange, even an interchange well in advance of the location of the situation giving rise for the update, so as to permit the subscriber to select an alternate route well in advance of traffic congestion, yet at a location where re-routing options could be limited. 
     The information to be transmitted by broadcast system  118  may be requested from many sources. Some requests may come from individual users (e.g., via an MT), but may also come from others, including sources located within the geographic confines of the communication system  101 , the Internet  142  or the broadcast network  118 . Some images or information can be at a cell site view, for example, the time or day, local weather conditions, local radio stations, etc. 
     MTs  148  and  150  can comprise a single device or a combination of devices working together. For example, the MTs  148  and  150  can comprise a laptop computer having a wireless transceiver and a broadcast receiver and corresponding service application software; a two-way radio communication device such as a cellular telephone having the capability of receiving the broadcast communications of the present invention as well as communication messages from communication system  101 ; or other wireless devices can also use the present invention. MTs  148  and  150  may be stand-alone devices or installed in a vehicle such as a car, truck, etc. In a vehicular setting, the MTs may include appropriate display capabilities, especially in the case where traffic images are being displayed to the user. The MT may also be coupled to a navigation system, whereby the navigation system provides the MT with current location and planned journey information that the MT can forward to the IDS  138  and ISS  140  to determine what images need to be broadcast. The video screen often associated with such navigation systems may also permit for the display of imagery delivered to the MTs. 
     In  FIG. 2 , there is shown a block diagram of a wireless communication device  200  such as MT  148  or  150  which can be used with the present invention. Communication device  200  includes conventional receiver  212  and transmitter  214  sections selectively coupled to an antenna  202  via a receive/transmit switch  208  for receiving and/or transmitting messages in the first communication system  101 . In a further aspect of the invention, communication device  200  could be, as an illustrative example, a cellular telephone system having the capability to receive broadcast messages as discussed herein. A broadcast receiver  210  that can be implemented separately from the receiver section  212  or integrated with receiver section  212 , depending on the particular design, is used to receive the broadcast messages transmitted by the broadcast system  118 . 
     A controller  222  handles the overall control of wireless communication device  200 . Controller section  222  can include a microprocessor, microcontroller, and/or digital signal processor, or other combination of hardware and/or software to perform the overall control function for communication device  200 . An audio and display section  220  includes the necessary audio circuitry for presenting audio messages to speaker  206  and the necessary display driver circuitry for presenting messages on display  204 . 
     The communication device  200  also optionally includes a location function block  216  that determines the location of the communication device  200 . This can be accomplished during cell site hand-offs where the communication device  200  determines which cell site (e.g.,  102 - 108 ) it is communicating with, or in other embodiments can include the use of different locating methods such as GPS for determining (or assisting in the determination of) the location of the communication device  200 . The communication device as shown in  FIG. 2  also optionally includes an information services function block  218  that functions to combine the location information from the location function block  216  with information regarding the content desired by the communication device user from the broadcast channel  118  (e.g., particular traffic cam images, given the particular route that the communication device  200  is currently traveling.) As previously mentioned and as shown by the information services block  218 , in this example the ISS function (e.g., content manager function) shown by ISS  140  in  FIG. 1  can be performed in whole or in part locally at each of the mobile terminals. The information services block  218  prepares the message(s) that are to be transmitted by the mobile transmitter  214  via the network controller  122  to IDS  138 , which in turn communicates with the broadcast system  118  for transmission of the requested traffic cam images. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a flowchart  300  highlighting some of the steps taken by the information services block  218  in order to interact with the user, then request and display the sequenced information received from the broadcast system  118 . In step  302 , the user of the communication device such as MT  148  or  150  activates the information service on the device. In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the information service is the reception and display of traffic images at the communication device. Other information services can also be performed by the present invention such as the reception of weather information, emergency road conditions, gaming activities, etc. In step  304 , the communication device determines its location or otherwise assists in determination of device location. This as previously discussed can be determined during cell site communications, such as hand-offs, etc. or by using other techniques such as GPS, A-GPS, etc. In step  306 , the information services function block  218  determines the necessary information or content needed by the communication device as for example, determining the route entered by the communication device user and determining which of the traffic cam images are needed so that the communication device user can view the necessary traffic images while traveling the chosen route. In step  308 , the information services block  218  has the transmitter  214  send a message requesting the information the user needs to receive via the broadcast system  118 . This message is first received by the cell site whose coverage area the communication device  200  is presently located within and transferred via the network controller  122  to the IDS  138 , which in turn requests that the appropriate information be transmitted by the broadcast system  118 . 
     In step  310 , the communication device optionally receives via its regular receiver section (e.g., receiver section  212  in the case of communication device  200 ) information regarding which broadcast channel will be used, etc. This information is then used to set the broadcast receiver (e.g., broadcast receiver  210 ) to the proper frequency, etc. In step  312 , the broadcast receiver receives the broadcast message and forwards it to the information services block (e.g., information services block  218  in communication device  200 .) The information services block then decodes the necessary information and in step  314  outputs for display the relevant information (e.g., traffic image based on the communication device&#39;s current location) on the communication device&#39;s display or the display of an associated device, such as the display screen of a vehicle navigation system. In step  316 , the user can update the service commands if necessary, for example, in response to viewing the received image(s), the communication device user may decide to alter the route that is being traveled and enter new route information into the communication device. 
     This update information would be sent to the IDS  138  for appropriate action. In decision step  318 , the routine determines if it is the end of the information service, if yes, the routine ends, if not, in decision step  320 , it is determined if the MT is at a new location as determined by location function  216 . If the MT is not at a new location, the routine loops back to step  314 . If it is determined that the MT has reached a new location (e.g., new cell site, etc.) the routine loops back to step  306 . 
     The traffic cam service delivers to the MT images from the traffic cams  126 - 134  along the MT&#39;s route or journey path uploaded by the user. As the MT progresses along the journey, the MT may receive not only information on the next traffic cam information that is along the planned path, but also images on traffic conditions further along the journey path. Given this information, the MT user can decide to alter the journey path in order to avoid bad traffic conditions. Although the information transmitted by the broadcast system  118  can take the form of traffic cam images, the information can also include audio information about traffic conditions (e.g., spoken by traffic coordinators or radio announcers, etc.). The broadcast messages can also include weather conditions, radio broadcasts or other warnings. The service is preferably tailored to the individual user journey path (e.g., a daily commute path) and the user is not burdened with information that is not associated with his/her journey path. 
     In order to provide adequate security and privacy for the MT users, the information sent over the broadcast system  118  can be transmitted in such a way that the user&#39;s identity, origin, location and destination are protected from eavesdroppers. One technique may include encrypting some or all of the information, or not sending the user&#39;s identification with the information that is broadcast. In this situation, the mobile communication system may send a message to the MT of the time sequencing on the broadcast channel where their information may be received. After receiving the time sequencing information, the MT can have its broadcast channel receiver receive the broadcast information during the time designated. Other techniques can also be used to protect the user&#39;s identity, location, and other information. 
     In another embodiment, the broadcast system  118  provides radio station coverage extension. For example, the user may receive a favorite radio station using the local radio broadcast channel while in their home locality. Outside the radio station&#39;s normal range, the user may request that the station be relayed via the communication network&#39;s broadcast system  118 . The user would input the desired broadcast stations (broadcast) or network ID (e.g., WNBC FM) into the communication device  200 . When outside the radio station&#39;s normal range, the user&#39;s mobile terminal can interact with the vehicle&#39;s radio, for example by transmitting a local signal receivable by the radio or by instructing the radio to tune the appropriate mobile system broadcast channel where the radio station&#39;s programs can be received. As the user travels and changes location, the IDS and ISS would assure the radio station&#39;s program was available via broadcast system  118 . The IDS would for example obtain the radio station program information from the Internet as voice (audio) over IP packets and arrange these for broadcast on the appropriate broadcast channel or transmission site. 
     In an embodiment where information is broadcast to users who are operating vehicles, it is desirable that the information displayed be helpful but not distracting to the user. To avoid distraction, the information about traffic congestion in the traffic-cam images may be abstracted and presented to the user in a convenient and safe manner. To do this, the images may be accompanied by other information about the traffic flow. The traffic flow may be obtained from traffic counters on the roadways, or it can be extracted from the image or other information source by either a visual observer or some automatic means. For example, image recognition technology may be used to automatically count and report the number and speed of vehicles passing through the image, and optionally convert this data into a qualitative assessment for conveyance to the subscriber. 
     In an embodiment, traffic flow information is conveyed to the user in a non-distracting manner in the form of audio tones, visually perceptible imagery or lighting, or a combination of audio-visual techniques. The traffic flow rate can be translated into a tone frequency with for example, a reference tone (e.g., middle-C) representing normal flow, and with higher tones representing higher traffic flow rates and lower tones representing lower flows. If these tones are played in the sequence of the MT&#39;s journey path, the user will hear a “tune” that represents the traffic conditions ahead. This audio signal generation process can be undertaken at intervals and the user, on hearing, e.g., low (frequency or volume) tones (indicating lower flow and therefore congestion) can decide to select an alternate route, such as by indicating the selection with a button located on the MT or vehicle, or other suitable form of input to the network. This button will select a pre-designated alternate route. After selecting a new route, the ISS  140  can request the information for the new route to be sent over the broadcast channel. This new route would sound out a new sequence of tones (a different “tune”) and the user can likewise accept or reject the new route based on its congestion by operating the button. 
     The sequence of tones can also be accompanied by an audio announcement of the location being displayed (e.g., an intersection or junction monitored by a traffic cam.) This would enable the user to determine which route is being displayed. Typically, the information would be displayed in two sequences. One sequence would combine an announcement of the location name followed by the tone representation of the traffic flow. The other sequence would give only the sequence of traffic flow tones. The user would thus know the normal sequence of the information, and a corresponding sound picture of the overall flow of the route. This method of information “display” minimizes the distraction to the vehicle operator while he/she is driving the vehicle. 
     An alternative embodiment to the tone technique discussed above would be to use a colored light display on the mobile terminal with, for example, red, yellow and green lighting as indicators of traffic flow for the upcoming junctions. Such lighting could be provided at the terminal display (i.e., all or part of the display turns the color corresponding to the represented condition, such as “red” for traffic congestion), or by way of other color indicia at the mobile terminal. This embodiment would be more appropriate for noisy environments were the tone technique might not work as well, or for use by hearing-impaired subscribers or subscribers otherwise engaged in a telephone call session or the enjoyment of music. 
     By combining a communication system such as a cellular telephone system or other type of wireless communication system with a broadcast system  118 , the present invention removes unnecessary congestion from the communication system, especially for messages that are received and used by multiple MTs, such as MTs  148  and  150 . The invention also uses the communication network&#39;s signaling and location services in order to determine where and what type of broadcast message the broadcast system  118  is to transmit. 
     While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20120726
Publication Date: 20130618
Grant Date: 20130618
Priority Date: 20040625
Inventors: STEER DAVID
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G08G1/091", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/40", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W48/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W48/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08G1/091", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04W4/06", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08G1/096741", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G08G1/096741", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44280170