US8174994B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Selection of a communication interface
Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
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Filing: 2006-04-14
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Granted: 2012-05-08
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Expires: 2026-04-14
Abstract
Abstract A data processing mechanism is disclosed for selection of a communication interface for a communication device from a plurality of communication interfaces provided by a communication system. The mechanism comprises a first controller entity for executing a first selection routine for considering at least one first policy on communication via the communication system, and a second controller entity for executing a second selection routine for considering at least one second policy on communication via the communication system. The at least one second policy is related to a different aspect of communication than the at least one first policy. The data processing mechanism is configured to select the communication interface based on outputs of the first selection routine and the second selection routine.
Inventors
- 👤 Mika Forssell
- 👤 Mika Liljeberg
- 👤 Ari Kontio
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 23:54
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04W; H04W88/00; H04W88/02; H04W88/06; H04L; H04L12/00; H04L12/28; H04L12/66; H04W80/00; H04W40/00; H04W40/02; Y; Y02; Y02D; Y02D30/00; Y02D30/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 43
Claim 1
Independent Claim
181 words
An apparatus, comprising: at least one memory including computer program code; at least one processor, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to execute a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy, provide a candidate interface list, if the application is unable to reach services the application requires, excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list, output from one selection routine at least one of a list of candidate communication interfaces or flow requirements, input the list into another selection routine, execute a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of output of the first selection routine and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences, and select the communication interface based on an output of the second selection routine, wherein the apparatus comprises or is comprised in a user equipment.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
181 words
An apparatus, comprising: at least one memory including computer program code; at least one processor, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to execute a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy, provide a candidate interface list, if the application is unable to reach services the application requires, excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list, output from one selection routine at least one of a list of candidate communication interfaces or flow requirements, input the list into another selection routine, execute a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of output of the first selection routine and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences, and select the communication interface based on an output of the second selection routine, wherein the apparatus comprises or is comprised in a user equipment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to select the communication interface by narrowing down a list of candidate access technologies based on requirements of a service.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to select the communication interface based on data flow requirements.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the communication interface is provided by any one of a general packet radio service network, a code division multiple access network, a wideband code division multiple access network, a global system for mobile communication network, an enhanced data rate global system for mobile communication network, an ultra wide band, a short range link, and a wireless local area network.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
166 words
An apparatus, comprising: at least one memory including computer program code; at least one processor, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to execute a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy, provide a candidate interface list, if the application is unable to reach services the application requires, excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list, execute a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of the candidate interface list and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences, execute a third selection routine configured to consider an access technology policy, and select the communication interface based on an output of the third selection routine, wherein the apparatus comprises or is comprised in a user equipment.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
166 words
An apparatus, comprising: at least one memory including computer program code; at least one processor, wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to execute a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy, provide a candidate interface list, if the application is unable to reach services the application requires, excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list, execute a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of the candidate interface list and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences, execute a third selection routine configured to consider an access technology policy, and select the communication interface based on an output of the third selection routine, wherein the apparatus comprises or is comprised in a user equipment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein one of the first selection routine, the second selection routine, and the third selection routine is configured to consider at least one policy on communication protocols.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein one of the first selection routine, the second selection routine, and the third selection routine is configured to consider at least one policy on flow requirements.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein one of the first selection routine, the second selection routine, and the third selection routine is configured to consider at least one policy on access interfaces.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein one of the first selection routine, the second selection routine, and the third selection routine is configured to consider parameters associated with a communication device.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein one of the first selection routine, the second selection routine, and the third selection routine is configured to consider parameters associated with at least one of connectivity, pricing, power source, quality of service, and a type of a communication device.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein one of the first selection routine, the second selection routine, and the third selection routine is configured to consider at least one of the internet protocol, mobile internet protocol, transport control protocol, and stream control transmission protocol.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the at least one memory and computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to activate the communication interface.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
172 words
An apparatus, comprising: a first control means for executing a first selection routine for considering selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy, the first control means being further for providing a candidate interface list, for determining if the application is unable to reach services the application requires and for excluding access technologies used currently from the interface list; and a second control means for executing a second selection routine for considering selection of the communication interface on the basis of output of the first selection routine and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences, wherein the apparatus is configured to select the communication interface based on an output of the second selection routine, to output from one selection routine at least one of a list of candidate communication interfaces or flow requirements and to input the list into another selection routine, and wherein the apparatus comprises or is comprised in a user equipment.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
172 words
An apparatus, comprising: a first control means for executing a first selection routine for considering selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy, the first control means being further for providing a candidate interface list, for determining if the application is unable to reach services the application requires and for excluding access technologies used currently from the interface list; and a second control means for executing a second selection routine for considering selection of the communication interface on the basis of output of the first selection routine and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences, wherein the apparatus is configured to select the communication interface based on an output of the second selection routine, to output from one selection routine at least one of a list of candidate communication interfaces or flow requirements and to input the list into another selection routine, and wherein the apparatus comprises or is comprised in a user equipment.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the apparatus comprises a mobile device.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the second control means is for notifying the first controller entity of a selected communication interface, and the first control means is for routing application data to the third controller entity.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein one of the first control means, the second control means, and the third control means is for monitoring for availability of the communication interface, and for notifying at least one of the first control means, the second control means, and the third control means of an available communication interface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein one of the first control means, the second control means, and the third control means is provided by a networking policy controller of a communication device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein one of the first control means, the second control means, and the third control means is provided by a mobility policy controller of a communication device.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein one of the first control means, the second control means, and the third control means is provided by an access policy controller of a communication device.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
144 words
A method, comprising: executing a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy; providing a candidate interface list; determining if the application is unable to reach services the application requires; excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list; outputting from one selection routine at least one of a list of candidate communication interfaces or flow requirements, inputting the list into another selection routine, executing a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of the output of the first selection routine and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences; and selecting the communication interface based on an output of the second selection routine, wherein the method is performed in a user equipment.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
144 words
A method, comprising: executing a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy; providing a candidate interface list; determining if the application is unable to reach services the application requires; excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list; outputting from one selection routine at least one of a list of candidate communication interfaces or flow requirements, inputting the list into another selection routine, executing a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of the output of the first selection routine and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences; and selecting the communication interface based on an output of the second selection routine, wherein the method is performed in a user equipment.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the executing of the first selection routine comprises considering at least one policy on communication protocols.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the executing of the first selection routine comprises considering at least one policy on flow requirements.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the executing of the second selection routine comprises considering a predefined policy on parameters that associate with a communication device.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 20 , further comprising: generating an empty list to denote that all available interfaces are allowed.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 20 , further comprising: selecting, by at least one of the first selection routine and the second selection routine, a communication interface from already activated communication interfaces.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 20 , further comprising: selecting, by at least one of the first selection routine and the second selection routine, a communication interface from a group of preferable communication interfaces when such an interface is available.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method as claimed in claim 20 , further comprising: sending a request to the second selection routine to select the communication interface when the first selection routine is unable to output a communication interface that shall be used by a communication device.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 20 , further comprising: narrowing down a list of candidate access technologies based on requirements of a service.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 20 , further comprising: selecting a communication interface based on data flow requirements.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the second selection routine is executed before execution of the first selection routine.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 20 , further comprising: monitoring for availability of communication interfaces.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the communication interface corresponds to a communication device that comprises a mobile device.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
165 words
A method,comprising: executing a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy; providing a candidate interface list; determining if the application is unable to reach services the application requires; excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list; executing a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of the candidate interface list and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences; and executing a third selection routine configured to consider at least one third policy on communication via the communication system, the at least one third policy being related to a different aspect of communication than the at least one first policy and the at least one second policy; and making a decision regarding the selection based on a output of the third selection routine, wherein the method is performed in a user equipment.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
165 words
A method,comprising: executing a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy; providing a candidate interface list; determining if the application is unable to reach services the application requires; excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list; executing a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of the candidate interface list and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences; and executing a third selection routine configured to consider at least one third policy on communication via the communication system, the at least one third policy being related to a different aspect of communication than the at least one first policy and the at least one second policy; and making a decision regarding the selection based on a output of the third selection routine, wherein the method is performed in a user equipment.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 33 , wherein the executing of the third selection routine comprises considering at least one policy on access interfaces.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
143 words
A method, comprising: executing a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy; providing a candidate interface list; determining if the application is unable to reach services the application requires; excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list; executing a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of the candidate interface list and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences; analyzing, by at least one of the first selection routine and the second selection routine, which, when any, of the possible communication interfaces satisfy a security policy; and selecting the communication interface based on an output of the second selection routine, wherein the method is performed in a user equipment.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
143 words
A method, comprising: executing a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy; providing a candidate interface list; determining if the application is unable to reach services the application requires; excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list; executing a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of the candidate interface list and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences; analyzing, by at least one of the first selection routine and the second selection routine, which, when any, of the possible communication interfaces satisfy a security policy; and selecting the communication interface based on an output of the second selection routine, wherein the method is performed in a user equipment.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
156 words
A program code product embodied within a non-transitory computer readable medium and configured to control a processor in a user equipment to perform operation comprising: executing a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy; providing a candidate interface list; determining if the application is unable to reach services the application requires; excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list; outputting from one selection routine at least one of a list of candidate communication interfaces or flow requirements, inputting the list into another selection routine, executing a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of output of the first selection routine and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences; and selecting a communication interface based on an output of the second selection routine.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
156 words
A program code product embodied within a non-transitory computer readable medium and configured to control a processor in a user equipment to perform operation comprising: executing a first selection routine configured to consider selection of a communication interface for an application on a communication device on the basis of a network protocol policy; providing a candidate interface list; determining if the application is unable to reach services the application requires; excluding access technologies used currently from the candidate interface list; outputting from one selection routine at least one of a list of candidate communication interfaces or flow requirements, inputting the list into another selection routine, executing a second selection routine configured to consider selection of the communication interface on the basis of output of the first selection routine and at least one of user equipment system information, user preferences and application preferences; and selecting a communication interface based on an output of the second selection routine.
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| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2015-05-08 | 2015-11-07 | 2016-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2019-05-08 | 2019-11-07 | 2020-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2023-05-08 | 2023-11-07 | 2024-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |