Managing Communications Using a Mobile Device
First Claim
1. A method for transferring a communication session between a first network path and a second network path using a mobile communications device, comprising the steps of:
- monitoring one or more parameters associated with the first network path and the second network path using the mobile communications device;
selecting one of the network paths based on one or more criteria; and
transferring the communication session to the selected network path whenever the communication session is not using the selected network path.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus is provided for managing communications using a mobile device. More specifically, the present invention allows the mobile device to transfer a communication session from one network path to another network path. The user of the mobile device, therefore, has control over “network choice” instead of the network operators or handset providers. In addition, the present invention allows the mobile device to manage an association with one or more wireless network access points. With respect to access point management, the present invention provides a “fast scan” or “short scan” process to reduce the scanning time during active communication sessions to a level that is not detectable by the user. As a result, the present invention is more efficient, reduces power consumption, increases call quality and increases user acceptance of the device.
50 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for transferring a communication session between a first network path and a second network path using a mobile communications device, comprising the steps of:
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monitoring one or more parameters associated with the first network path and the second network path using the mobile communications device; selecting one of the network paths based on one or more criteria; and transferring the communication session to the selected network path whenever the communication session is not using the selected network path. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A dual mode communications device comprising:
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a VoIP module; a RF module; and an application communicably coupled to the VoIP module and the RF module, wherein the application monitors one or more parameters associated with the first network path and the second network path, selects one of the network paths based on one or more criteria and transfers the communication session to the selected network path whenever the communication session is not using the selected network path. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of managing an association with one or more wireless network access points, comprising the steps of:
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monitoring a signal from one of the access points; preparing to change to a new access point whenever one or more parameters of the signal fall below a first threshold; changing to the new access point whenever one or more parameters of the signal fall below a second threshold; and periodically performing a scan of at least one of the access points wherein the scan comprises a short scan if a communication session is active and a complete scan otherwise. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A communications device comprising:
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a VoIP module; and an application communicably coupled to the VoIP module, wherein the application monitors a signal from a wireless network access point, prepares to change to a new access point whenever one or more parameters of the signal fall below a first threshold, changes to the new access point whenever one or more parameters of the signal fall below a second threshold, and periodically performs a scan of one or more access points wherein the scan comprises a short scan if a communication session is active and a complete scan otherwise. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A communications device comprising:
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a VoIP module; and an application communicably coupled to the VoIP module, wherein the application selects a channel from a list of available channels that are sorted based on one or more criteria, scans the selected channel and adjusts the list whenever the selected channel does not satisfy one or more parameters. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification