System providing relevant services to transient devices in wireless networks and methods thereof

• US 20120323703A1
• Filed: 06/20/2011
• Published: 12/20/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
• Original Assignee: Mitel Networks Corporation
• Inventors: Hillier, Peter Matthew
• Granted Patent: US 9,984,363 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.73
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3224 Transactions dependent on location of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 2220/12 Usage or charge determination
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/107 wherein the security policies are location-dependent, e.g. entities privileges depend on current location or allowing specific operations only from locally connected terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/2757 by data transmission, e.g. downloading
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/72457 according to geographic location
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/1058 Shopping and product ordering
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2094 Proximity
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2207/18 wireless networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/38 Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections queuing arrangements H04Q3/64
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42348 Location-based services which utilize the location information of a target
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/0431 Key distribution or pre-distribution; Key agreement
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/082 using revocation of authorisation
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/12 WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]

Abstract

Generally described, the present disclosure relates to communications and more particularly, to a system providing relevant services to transient devices in wireless networks and methods thereof. In one illustrative embodiment, a Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC) client on a device can be synchronized with a network so that the device can appear as a local entity. The UCC client can facilitate exchange of data to ease the integration of the device into the local environment. After being synchronized, the UCC client can seek out available assistance from the local network and provide it to the user. Typically, the data retrieved from the local network pertains to the current location. The local network can be used to provide wireless service to mobile devices in order to remove them from their carrier network, including providing a local breakout via a Private Branch Exchange (PBX).

Claims

1. A method of providing services to a client by a local network operating in a defined wireless region, said method comprising:

establishing services within a wireless region on a local network;

providing access credentials to a client within said wireless region by said local network;

connecting said client with said local network via said access credentials;

providing said services on said local network to said client; and

disconnecting said client with said local network.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein establishing said services within said wireless region on said local network comprises defining a service set identifier and pre-shared key for said access credentials.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein disconnecting said client with said local network comprises determining whether said client is outside said wireless region for a period of time.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein providing said services on said local network to said client comprises registering said client with a private branch exchange and establishing calls over a public switched telephone network through said private branch exchange.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein establishing said services within said wireless region on said local network is defined by said client or an administrator.

6. The method of claim 1, comprising limiting access to said services through said access credentials provided to said client.

7. A communication device comprising:

a wireless interface;

at least one processor; and

a memory operatively coupled to said processor, said memory storing program instructions that when executed by said processor, causes said processor to;

connect with a local network through said wireless interface when said communication device is within a defined range of said local network;

provide location information to said local network;

receive data specific to said location information from said local network;

disconnect with said local network.

8. The communication device of claim 7, wherein said memory storing program instructions, when executed by said processor, causes said processor to authenticate said communication device with said local network.

9. The communication device of claim 7, wherein said data specific to said location information corresponds to a business establishment within a larger complex.

10. The communication device of claim 9, wherein said memory storing program instructions, when executed by said processor, causes said processor to display a graphical representation of said larger complex and highlight said business establishment within said graphical representation.

11. The communication device of claim 7, wherein said data specific to said location information corresponds to a map of an establishment having a plurality of isles and inventory therein, said memory storing program instructions, when executed by said processor, causes said processor to access said map of said establishment and inventory therein, determine a location of an item within said plurality of isles and display said location of said item within said plurality of isles.

12. The communication device of claim 7, wherein said memory storing program instructions, when executed by said processor, causes said processor to remove said data specific to said location information when disconnected from said local network.

13. The communication device of claim 7, wherein said memory storing program instructions, when executed by said processor, causes said processor to add contacts to a phone book from said data received by said local network and remove said contacts from said phone book when disconnected.

14. The communication device of claim 7, wherein said memory storing program instructions, when executed by said processor, causes said processor to display an advertisement or web address from said data received by said local network.

15. A system comprising:

a synchronization server providing services to localized wireless regions;

wherein a device connects with said synchronization server when said device is within a localized wireless region, said device retrieving said services through a common interface from said localized wireless region.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said device connects with said localized wireless region automatically via a drop down list provided on said device.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein said device provides location information to said synchronization server for access credentials to connect with said synchronization server.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein said device includes a phone client for making and receiving calls locally in said localized wireless region.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said phone client interacts with a private branch exchange.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein said localized wireless regions comprise a plurality of options each activated through said common interface.