APPLICATION-LAYER EVALUATION OF COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED BY A MOBILE DEVICE

• US 20090083376A1
• Filed: 11/17/2008
• Published: 03/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/07/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Aido Mobility LLC (Endpoint IP LLC), Communication Interface Technologies LLC (Equitable IP Corporation)
• Original Assignee: East Texas Technology Partners, LP
• Inventors: Anastasi, Mark Nicholas, Dowlmg, Eric Morgan
• Granted Patent: US 8,266,296 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/203
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/24 Negotiation of communication capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

Apparatus and associated methods are provided which allow a remote user to maintain a virtual session with a server. A virtual session allows a remote and possibly mobile user to maintain a virtual presence in an office environment without actually being present. Using the present invention, a remote user can access a central application program such as an Internet service provider, a database system, an inventory system or billing system. Likewise, the remote user can receive calls and other forms of communications as though he or she were present in an office environment. A virtual session does not require a physical connection to be continuously present in order to provide a virtual connectivity. This is especially important for mobile applications where the remote user may incur long distance and/or wireless toll charges. Also, methods are presented to allow a remote unit to rapidly reconnect in a transparent and seamless way without burdening the user with the need to connect and reconnect or to upload and download information. Related methods are provided to allow the virtual session to be established, operated and maintained.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

receiving, at a first application layer program executing on a mobile handset, a first communication from a remote entity, wherein the first communication includes a set of information identifying a second application layer program that is installed on the mobile handset, and wherein the first communication was not initiated by the remote entity in response to a request sent by the mobile handset;

the first application layer program evaluating the set of information included in the first communication, wherein the evaluating determines that the set of information identifies the second application layer program; and

based on the evaluating, the first application layer program causing at least some information included in the first communication to be directed to the second application layer program.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising reactivating at least one communication session between the mobile handset and the remote entity, wherein the at least one communication session is used to support communication between the second application layer program and a remote application layer program, and wherein the at least one communication session was in an inactive state prior to the reactivating.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the remote application layer program is executing on a server coupled to the remote entity.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first communication originated from the server.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first communication originated from a server coupled to the remote entity via the Internet.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing the second application layer program to be launched.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first communication includes at least one data packet, and wherein the first communication is included in an incoming communication request that is received by the wireless interface of the mobile handset from a cellular or PCS network.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote entity is selected from the group consisting of:

a communication server, an application program executing on a computer system that is remote from the mobile handset.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the second application layer program is a messaging program.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second application layer program is an email program.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the second application layer program is a telephony program.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first communication includes a caller identification packet.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the information directed to the second application layer program includes at least a portion of an email message.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the information directed to the second application layer program includes voice data corresponding to a telephone call.