Systems and methods using multiprotocol communication

• US 20050025182A1
• Filed: 06/25/2004
• Published: 02/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/25/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hotspot Wireless Devices Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Hotspot Wireless Devices Incorporated
• Inventors: Nazari, Ala
• Application Number:
  US10/876,413
• Publication Number:
  US 20050025182A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/469
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/04 specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

A coupler for use with a provided terminal, the terminal being operative with a first network, the coupler including a monitor for monitoring the terminal to detect communication suitable for a second network and including a bridge for conveying the communication via a second network having a protocol not used with the first network.

Claims

1. A coupler for use with a provided terminal, the terminal being operative with a first network, the coupler comprising:

monitor means for monitoring the terminal to detect communication suitable for a second network;

bridge means for conveying the communication via a second network having a protocol not used with the first network.

2. The coupler of claim 1 further comprising service advisory means for detecting whether the second network is available as a prerequisite to conveying the communication via the second network.

3. The coupler of claim 1 further comprising service advisory means for detecting whether a service of the second network is available as a prerequisite to conveying the communication via the second network.

4. The coupler of claim 1 further comprising service advisory means for detecting whether a service of the second network is authorized for use as a prerequisite to conveying the communication via the second network.

5. The coupler of claim 1 wherein the bridge means comprises a transceiver operative in a first mode before availability of the service is determined by the service advisory means and in a second mode thereafter, the first mode consuming less power than the second mode.

6. A multiprotocol terminal comprising the terminal removably coupled to the coupler of claim 1.

7. A multiprotocol terminal comprising a housing, an application engine, and the coupler of claim 1, the application engine and the coupler packaged within the housing.

8. The coupler of claim 1 wherein circuitry for communication with the terminal in a protocol of the first network and for communicating with a protocol of the second network is formed on one substrate.

9. A method for multiprotocol communication, the method performed by a processor of a terminal, the method comprising:

monitoring a host or application engine coupled of the terminal for an attempt to communicate or on-going communication via a first network;

determining whether a second network is available; and

accomplishing communication for the host or application engine via the second network.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein monitoring comprises analysis of a signal provided by the host or application engine in response to a command by the processor.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein monitoring comprises detecting a signal provided by the host or application engine in the form of an AT command or response.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein the attempt comprises an incoming telephone call.

13. The method of claim 9 wherein the attempt comprises an outgoing telephone call.

14. The method of claim 9 wherein the attempt comprises continued communication suitable for a desired handover.

15. The method of claim 9 further comprising determining that the attempt is suitable for communication via the second network with reference to contents of a memory of the terminal.

16. The method of claim 9 further comprising determining that the attempt is suitable for communication via the second network with reference to data input by a user of the terminal prior to the attempt.

17. The method of claim 9 further comprising enabling communication via the second network in accordance with a command entered by the user of the terminal.