Abstract: Disclosed is a method for enabling a receiving-side Push-To-Talk (PTT)-over-Cellular (PoC) user to acquire ad-hoc group invitee information and selectively establishing a PoC session according to preference when a pre-established session and an auto-answer mode have been set between a receiving-side PoC user equipment and a PoC server in a PoC system. Particularly, in order to efficiently utilize the receiving-side Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) session setting, disclosed are a solution for transferring information related to other users expected to participate in group communication through user-plane signaling, and in addition, access rules, service setting, timers and a method for changing a response set between the client and server in order to support the solution.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing presence information to dispatch stations are provided. Presence information regarding a dispatch station in a first network can be provided to a dispatch station located in a second network using a private call alert with a “Do Not Alert” flag set. A dispatch processor in the first network can include a presence notification list, which identifies the dispatch station in the second network that should be notified of changes in the presence information for the dispatch station in the first network.

Abstract: A plurality of communication conference sessions coupled to one another such that when a communication right is requested, a check is made to ascertain whether the communication right has already been allotted to subscribers in a different, coupled communication conference session. In such a case, the communication right is denied, and otherwise, the communication right is granted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communication system, a communication method, an information processing apparatus, and an information processing method for easily and quickly organizing a communication group containing a plurality of apparatuses. The user places a PDA 2 in proximity to a personal computer 1. When an electromagnetic wave emitted from a reader/writer of the PDA 2 is received by a reader/writer of the personal computer 1, the personal computer 1 notifies the PDA 2 of stored communication group organizing information. The PDA 2 stores the communication group organizing information while establishing a synchronization for a Bluetooth communication with the personal computer 1 based on the communication group organizing information to establish the Bluetooth communication with the personal computer 1. The present invention is applicable to a variety of information processing apparatuses such as a personal computer and a PDA.

Abstract: A wireless push-to-talk (PTT) communication system 100 assigns a special dispatch priority to for emergency communications to and from police, fire dept. or communications to other emergency personnel. A communication which has been assigned dispatch priority takes precedence over all other non-dispatch priority communications for initially completing the call and maintaining the communications links. An indication of dispatch priority in a 1xEV-DO system may be achieved by setting a bit in the RequestReason field 604 of the ConnectionRequest message 602.

Abstract: A method and system is implemented to form a communication group comprising a plurality of entities. The method includes receiving a resource manager state generated for an event and extracting a plurality of parameters that indicate resource availability based on the resource manager state. The method further includes applying a set of rules to the resource state and to the plurality of parameters to select resources to form a communication group comprising a plurality of entities to distribute content related to the event.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for performing predictive name completion, categorizing call lists and accessing dispatch ID numbers in a database for dispatch dialers is provided. The method for performing predictive name completion includes recognizing a portion of a dispatch ID input by a user; determining a name associated with a dispatch ID, based on the portion of the dispatch ID input by the user, and displaying the name. The method for categorizing call lists includes determining a type of each of a plurality of the dispatch calls; and placing each of the plurality of dispatch calls in one of a plurality of categorized lists, based on the type of each of the plurality of dispatch calls. The method for accessing dispatch ID numbers in a database includes establishing a mirror database including the dispatch ID numbers; and searching the mirror database for particular dispatch ID numbers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for setting up a voice conference call or sharing audio content. The method includes the steps of providing an audio mixer that receives an audio input from each of at least three audio interfaces of the conference call, mixes the audio inputs and provides an equalized audio output to each of the at least three audio interfaces, providing a first local wireless interface between a first audio interface of the at least three audio interfaces and a first headset, providing a second local interface between a second audio interface of the at least three audio interfaces and a second headset and coupling a third audio interface of the at least three audio interfaces to a third headset through a base station of a cellular network, wherein the communication paths to the first, second and third persons are all different.

Abstract: A server servicing a plurality of mobile communication systems for half-duplex communication is provided. The server comprises a transceiver to send and receive communication signals; a processor in operational relationship with the transceiver for processing executable code stored in a storage medium accessible by the processor, the executable code configured to cause the processor to detect a time duration in which a user continuously activates a half-duplex function.

Abstract: A method and system for conducting a dispatch multi-party communication session is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of a method of the present invention, the method includes establishing a dispatch multi-party communication session in a dispatch network, conducting a first portion of the session in a broadcast mode, and conducting a second portion of the session in an open mode. In accordance with an embodiment of a system of the present invention, the system includes the dispatch network wherein the network establishes a dispatch multi-party communication session and wherein the network conducts the first portion of the session in the broadcast mode and the second portion of the session in the open mode.

Abstract: A method is disclosed which sets a PoC Box service and transmits information on a service identifier by using a standard SIP, a SDP, an XCAP, and a PAP, in order to remain compatible with conventional PoC technology when performing call processing of session connection using a PoC Box. Further, the method stores only pre-designated media in a PoC Box according to a type of media transmitted in consideration of features of a PoC multimedia session.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting group communications are provided. A group list management server (GLMS) stores communications group definitions in documents, such as extensible mark-up language (XML) documents. The communications group can include communication addresses for different types of communication applications, including electronic mail, voice telephone, data, instant messaging, voice dispatch, short messaging service (SMS), and multimedia service (MMS). Various methods for managing communications groups and features provided for communications groups are provided.

Abstract: A method and system for private wireless network communications is provided. A private wireless network controller is coupled to a Private Branch Exchange (PBX), a private base transceiver station, and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The private base transceiver station is coupled to a wireless macro network. The private wireless network controller and private base transceiver station allow connection of interconnect and dispatch wireless calls, which originate on the private wireless network, to other mobile stations on the private wireless network, to terminals connected to the PBX, to mobile stations on wireless macro networks, and to terminals coupled to the PSTN.

Abstract: An architecture, client specification and application programming interface (API) for supporting advanced voice services (AVS) for use in handsets in order to support advanced voice services (AVS) for wireless communications systems. The handset or mobile unit executes a client application therein for performing the call setup and in-band signaling with the wireless network for the group voice services, and executes a presence/group management application therein for performing presence and group management functions related to the group voice services in the mobile unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods of supporting groups that include non-communication address objects are provided. The non-communication address objects can be, for example, items on a shopping list or items on a task list. An application server can receive an unstructured list of non-communication address objects and generate a structured list. The application server sends a request to a group server to create a group that includes non-communication address objects. The group server generates a globally unique group identification and then distributes the globally unique group identification to members of the group.

Abstract: A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) that stores the logic and data for providing advanced voice services (AVS) including Push-to-Talk (P2T), Push-to-Conference (P2C), Upgrade to Conference (upgrade from P2T to P2C), Push-to-Message (P2M) and group SMS (Short Message Service), on wireless handsets and networks. When inserted into a handset, the AVS functionality is available for use on the handset, wherein the functionality includes menu displays for the handset, as well as user interaction with the menu displays. The SIM also stores logic and data for providing presence and availability functions on the handset. In addition, the SIM stores the logic and data for providing contact and group management on the handset.

Abstract: Mobile communications devices that are within a pre-defined group are controlled by rules specified for the group when those mobile communications devices are within a group setting. A group setting may be dictated by the location of the mobile communications devices of the group, their proximity to one another, a current time, and so forth. Once it is determined that the group setting exists, pre-defined rules specified for the mobile communications devices within the group setting are implemented to control behaviors of the mobile communications devices. Ringers may be muted, outbound calls may be disabled, inbound calls may be forwarded elsewhere, and so forth. The mobile communications devices then become less of a distraction to the group setting.

Abstract: Messages are routed via a cellular communications network to multiple cellular communications receivers configured for answering calls placed to a common subscriber number, such that a message originated with a single cellular call may reach multiple recipients. The geographic area of message distribution may be controlled by selectively enabling different cell sites for calling particular subscriber numbers. The cellular receivers may have message storage capabilities for subsequent replay of received messages. Message storage may be provided by downloading messages to a conventional telephone answering device also connected for landline telephone call answering, thereby adding received cellular messages to recorded landline telephone messages.

Abstract: A push-to-talk communications device (PCD) provides improved push-to-talk (PTT) communications. The PCD may include a PTT activator and a PTT module having a buffer and communications logic for providing full duplex PTT communications. In a Point-to-Point PTT mode of operation, PTT communications are performed between two PCDs with the PCDs exercising floor control. After the establishment of communications between the PCDs, the PCDs may enter a PTT talk mode wherein messages are transmitted between the PCDs in real time when a PTT activator is engaged. A PCD may also enter a group PTT mode wherein a PTT server exercises floor control between an initiating PCD and multiple target PCDs.

Abstract: A device, method, and computer program product for identifying and communicating with digital communication devices within a communication range that includes a transmitter configured to transmit a control signal and a voice signal, a receiver configured to receive the control signal and the voice signal, a user interface unit having a display area, and a computational unit configured to control the transmitter to periodically transmit identifying information as the control signal. The control signal is received as remote identifying information by the other digital communication devices within the communication range. The remote identifying information is displayed on the display area of each of the digital communication devices receiving the control signal.

Abstract: A data communication system includes an access point and a plurality of stations each for exchanging wireless data communication messages with the access point. At least some of the messages are in a format that includes at least one message header and a plurality of data units. Each of the data units includes a respective data unit header and a respective data frame. Each data unit header identifies a respective one of the stations as a recipient to receive the respective data frame of the data unit.

Abstract: A method and system for handling multimedia calls is disclosed in which an IP multimedia terminal initiates a multimedia call request to a 3G terminal via a video inter-work device; the video inter-work device negotiates with 3G network and sets up a speech bearer between the video inter-work device and the 3G terminal when the 3G network is unable to support the multimedia call, then sets up a logical speech channel between the video inter-work device and the IP multimedia terminal, and makes the multimedia call fallback to a speech call. In accordance with the disclosed handling method and system provided, a multimedia call will fallback to a speech call when the 3G terminal does not support the multimedia call initiated by an IP multimedia terminal such that an H.324M video service is made more acceptable to users and complexity in using the service is reduced while improving user experience.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for displaying a push-to-talk (PTT) communication service subscriber having the right to speak in a portable terminal capable of using a PTT communication service. When the PTT communication service is executed, information of a PTT communication service subscriber having the speaking right is received. Image information is extracted from the received information of the PTT communication service subscriber having the speaking right. The extracted image information is displayed. While the PTT communication service is executed, an image of a buddy having the speaking right can be displayed. Accordingly, the PTT communication service can be realistically executed, the speaking right that is frequently shifted can be clearly identified, and user convenience can be improved.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed for a presence engine and a method of operating a presence engine for encoding or decoding availability status into a signal representative of an audio signal. The presence engine is configured to manage availability status of a user. The presence engine comprises an input configured to receive a signal representative of an audio signal and an output configured to send a signal representative of an audio signal. The presence engine also comprises a processor configured to encode availability status of a user into a signal representative of an audio signal and/or configured to decode availability status of a user from a signal representative of an audio signal.

Abstract: A half-duplex radio communication method, a program and a system enabling multicasting, for example, in an emergency for radio communication terminals belonging to different carrier systems if they meet designated condition while saving an operator the bother of inputting destinations. After accepting an application for emergency multicasting, a CUG server requests a presence server to search for data of radio communication terminals meeting the positional condition designated by a sender and receives the data. In this operation, the CUG server searches a present state table in the presence server, picks up user information of the radio communication terminals as the destinations of the emergency multicasts, based on the positional information. Then, a CUG is formed based on the picked up user information and registered as the CUG for the emergency multicasting.

Abstract: A system (100) and method (200) for providing a multiple channel site for supporting talk group activity is provided. The method includes determining (202) an arrival time (141) of a plurality of Vehicular Repeater System (VRS) (101-103) to a vicinity (140), identifying (204) talk group activity among the plurality of PSUs (171-176) in the vicinity, and assigning VRSs to talk groups in order of arrival time and talk group activity. A master VRS maintains and updates (322) a list of recently active talk groups (TG), orders (324) the list by frequency of use of a talk group, forwards the list to slave VRSs and PSUs, and allocates (326) single channels in view of the list to the slave VRSs. PSUs in the vicinity can read the assignment list and update their communication channel based on a selected talk group in the list.

Abstract: A method and system for assigning priority to a talk group of a plurality of talk groups in a communication network (100) is provided. The method includes detecting (304) activity on a first talk group (108) via a Vehicular Repeater (VR) (106). The first talk group is associated with a lower priority than that of a second talk group (110). The method also comprises assigning (306) a higher priority to the first talk group and the lower priority to the second talk group, based on the step of detecting. Further, the method comprises dynamically re-assigning (308) the higher priority and the lower priority amongst the plurality of talk groups, based on detecting activity.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for displaying group call status information and participant status information for a group call are provided. Users participating in a dispatch group session (call) are provided with details about the group itself (group status) and the users participating in the group (participant status). When changes are made to the group call, the group call status information and the participant status information may be updated and displayed in real time.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system for a Push-To-Talk (PTT) over Cellular (PoC) session open between PoC clients supporting various types of media. Although a PoC client providing an Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) PoC multimedia communication service supports a plurality of uncommon types of media, it is possible to open a session according to media types in an independent and easier manner. Also, when a new media type is supported by a new participant during a session, it is possible to add the new media type when granting the next floor. In addition, it is possible to selectively transmit media according to media types based on the PoC user's choice.

Abstract: Subject to user's setting in PoC group communication, the user address of that user is set to non notification against other users. In case of starting PoC group communication, a PoC subscriber selects non notification subjects and transmits a PoC session commencement request. At that time, the caller sets his own address and/or address/addresses of all or a part of users to non notification. On a user designated as a non notification subject due to the caller's setting, PoC terminal apparatuses in receipt of a PoC session commencement request or PoC communication service controlling apparatuses undergo non notification setting processing. On a called party not selected as non notification subject users, if he/she sets his/her own user address to non notification in advance, likewise non notification processing is implemented. Even after a PoC session is established, each user can set his/her own user address to non notification and non notification service complying with user's intention is providable.

Abstract: A method for providing dynamic group call among a group of users both wireless (10-30) and wireline (40) places the selectability of the call in the hands of an originating user (10). An originating user (10) may make a fixed number of entries (80). The originating user (10) can create a dynamic group call, add a group call list for later execution, add a member to the group call list, or create a dynamic group call list and immediately execute a group call (92). The method for dynamic group call also provides for selecting a time to live for each group call entry (81) in database (60). This parameter time to live is directly selectable by the originating user (167) or the server. In addition, any member to a previous or existing group call may rejoin or reestablish the dynamic group call (220).

Abstract: A method for communicating media based on location of media source includes receiving communications from a plurality of endpoints. Each communication comprises a media message and location information identifying a location of its transmitting endpoint. The method includes receiving a selection of a geographical area and comparing the location information of each communication with the selected geographical area. The method also includes presenting to a user each message received from each endpoint of the plurality of endpoints located within the selected geographical area.

Abstract: A cellular phone of a member, who newly joins a group, creates a member list including a group ID and profile of a leader, and transmits a participation contact mail including a profile of the corresponding new member to a cellular phone of the leader. The cellular phone of the leader adds the profile of the new member to a member list after receiving the participation contact mail. The participation contact mail is transferred to the cellular phones of other existing members registered in the member list. The cellular phones of the existing members add the profile of the new member to their member lists in response to the received contact mail and transmit their profiles to the cellular phone of the new member. The cellular phone of the new member adds the profiles of the existing members to the member list in response to the received participation contact mail.

Abstract: An inter-working network facilitating PTT communications among roaming subscribers spanning a plurality of disparate dispatch networks includes a signaling controller, a media gateway, a system for facilitating the monetization of inter-carrier dispatch communications and a group management server. The signaling controller and media gateway generate dispatch call records for dispatch sessions facilitated through the inter-working network. The system includes a billing accumulator and a settlement entity. The billing accumulator is interfaced with the inter-working network and includes logic to receive and store the dispatch call data records from the inter-working architecture. The settlement entity is interfaced with the billing accumulator, and includes settlement logic for converting each stored dispatch call data record to a billing record for each of at least two of the dispatch networks. The group management server is interfaced with group management servers in each of the dispatch networks.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a base station 10, a mobile station 11 and a radio network controller 50 which can reduce the load on the radio network controller 50 during multicast communication. The base station 10 supporting multicast communication comprises a response signal relay 10b configured to transfer response signals transmitted from a plurality of mobile stations 11, 12, 21, 41, 42 to a radio network controller 50. The response signals respond to a control signal for a multicast group. The response signal relay 10b transfers only a predetermined number of response signals to the radio network controller 50. Any following response signals are retained.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of fast call setup in digital trunking communication system, including: the terminal user initiating a PTT call; the base station receiving said PTT call request, assigning channel resource for the call, establishing forward service channel according to the distribution of channel, transmitting an empty frame on the forward service channel and at the same time transmitting an extended channel assignment message to specify the service channel assigned for the terminal; after receiving the extended channel assignment message, the terminal user opening the receiver to track and acquire the forward service channel, and at the same time transmitting one or more prefix-frame on the reverse service channel or reverse pilot channel; the base station or the terminal performing the operation of acquisition of service channel, if the acquisition succeeds, the call setup is successful, if the acquisition fails, the call setup is failed and enters release flow.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating temporary dispatch talk groups are provided. A console receives a request to create a temporary dispatch talk group. The temporary dispatch talk group includes at least two existing talk groups. The console accesses a group database in a publicly-accessible wireless network. The temporary dispatch talk group is created in the group database, along with an identification of the lifetime of the temporary dispatch talk group. A temporary dispatch talk group identifier is provided to at least one member of the temporary dispatch talk group. A talk group call for the temporary dispatch talk group can then be initiated using the temporary dispatch talk group identifier.

Abstract: A system [100] includes a target set of communication devices [105] for a group call. An originator communication device [102] transmits a group call initiation for the group call. A communication and processing device [125] sequentially invites the target set of communication devices in response to detecting at least one predetermined characteristic of the group call. The sequentially inviting the communication devices comprises (a) initially inviting a first subset [130] of the target set of communication devices that comprising required communication devices, (b) subsequently invites a second subset [135] of the target set of communication devices in response to determining that the group call will be initiated, and (c) joins targets of the second subset of the target set of communication devices accepting the call initiation message to a communication session involving first targets of the first subset of the target set of communication devices accepting the call initiation message.

Abstract: A system and method for translating dispatch communications between networks which operate according to different dispatch communication formats are provided. A communication system includes a dispatch translation network that translates dispatch communications between different dispatch communication networks. The dispatch translation network includes two or more dispatch translation gateways coupled to dispatch communication networks, the dispatch translation gateways perform signaling protocol and media translation for dispatch communications between the dispatch communication networks.

Abstract: A floor can be fairly acquired in a PoC communication. In the PoC server which controls a floor in a PoC communication, a floor is put in an idle state in a PoC communication after a session establishing process required in the PoC communication. The information about the floor idle state is notified to terminals TA and TC which perform the PoC communication. When the PoC communication is initiated, the idle state of the floor is simultaneously noticed to both calling and called users, thereby realizing fair acquisition of a floor.

Abstract: A method of managing an ad hoc communications network of wireless devices or nodes. The network is connected if all nodes can communicate with each other and otherwise partitioned. Partitions are identified by recursively applying a connectivity function to a connectivity matrix representative of the network. The number of times the connectivity function is recursively applied is determined by the network diameter. If the result of the recursive application is a unity matrix, the network is connected; otherwise it is disconnected. Also, if the network diameter exceeds a selected maximum length, the network may be voluntarily partitioned into connected sub-networks by recursively applying the connectivity function a lesser number of times to the connectivity matrix. The lesser number of times is determined by the selected maximum length or maximum allowable number of hops.

Abstract: Methods for providing a group play list for a plurality of multimedia content records include associating respective ones of a plurality of users associated with a user network with corresponding ones of the multimedia content records on the group play list. A presence status of the respective ones of the users associated with the user network is detected. Rendering of the multimedia content records on the group play list to the users associated with the network is automatically adjusted based on the detected presence status. The user network may be, for example, a computer based social network.

Abstract: A wireless handset is provided with enhanced features and capabilities. The wireless handset may be embodied as a full-featured handset that is capable of operating either within a wireless network (such as a cellular or PCS network) or in a direct handset-to-handset communication mode that is independent of the wireless network. Alternatively, the wireless handset may be embodied as a special purpose handset, that is capable of simply operating in a direct handset-to-handset communication mode. The wireless handset may additionally include features for supporting and enhancing direct communication between handsets. Such features may include a find feature that permits a user to determine which objects, including other wireless handset users, are located within a predetermined operating range of the wireless handset. A memorize feature may also be provided to permit handsets and other objects exchange information by wireless transmission.

Abstract: A method for performing session merging between PoC sessions under the environment of multiple PoC sessions is provided. A merging PoC client sends a request for the session merging with a merged session to a PoC server managing a merging session to which the PoC client belongs. The PoC server managing the merging session sends a session merge request to a PoC server managing the merged session. Negotiation of a CF (Controlling PoC Function) for managing a session to be merged is performed between the PoC server of the merging session and the PoC server of the merged session. When an entire CF of the session to be merged is selected as the negotiation between the PoC servers is completed, the PoC server of the merged session sends an UPDATE message of modified media parameters to a PoC client of the merged session.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and arrangements to enhance transmission quality in a Push-to-Talk system comprising a sending mobile unit MB1, and a receiving mobile unit MB2 used by a receiving subscriber B. The receiving unit MB2 comprises a Play-Out-Buffer POB and a Repeat Buffer RB, whereby a stream of sequences 15-19,25-29,35-39 is sent from the sending unit MB1 to the receiving unit MB2. The method comprises the following steps:—The incoming stream of sequences 15-19,25-29,35-39 is collected into the Repeat Buffer RB and into the Play-Out-Buffer POB. The Play-Out-Buffer has a storage size and a point for commencing play-out that provides low voice delay, and the Repeat Buffer has a storage size that provides high sound quality. —The incoming stream is played-out from the Play-Out-Buffer POB to the receiving subscriber B. —Replay is commenced of a defined part 36-39 of the sequences 15-19,25-29,35-39 collected in the Repeat Buffer RB.

Abstract: In a telecommunication system comprising a multicast group (110) and a base station (200), a signal performance value (304) is received from at least two members of the multicast group (110) to generate a set of signal performance values (306). A group leader (310) of the multicast group (110) is selected as a function of the set of signal performance values (306) to acknowledge multicast transmissions from the base station (200) to the multicast group (110).

Abstract: A network element (300) can facilitate allocating first and second communication resources (such as, but not limited to, FDMA and TDMA communication resources) in support of supergroup communications. By one approach this comprises identifying (101) communication talkgroups as are to comprise a part of the communication supergroup and then determining (102) whether any of the communication talkgroups comprise first resource-only talkgroups. When any one of the communication talkgroups comprises a first resource-only talkgroup, the network element allocates (103) communication resources to support the communication supergroup wherein the communication resources do not comprise second resource communication resources (for example, the network element allocates first resource communication resources).

Abstract: A wireless communication system including dispatch call controllers, signaling gateways, base stations, a first network coupling the dispatch call controllers to the signaling gateways, and a second network coupling the signaling gateways to the base stations. The signaling gateways serve as intermediaries between dispatch call controllers and base stations by translating messages received from dispatch call controllers intended for the base stations from the protocol used in the first communications network to the protocol used in the second communications network, and translating messages received from base stations intended for dispatch call controllers from the protocol used in the second communications network to the protocol used in the first communications network. The system may be configured such that each dispatch call controller has individual logical links to each of the signaling gateways, and each signaling gateway has logical links to a distinct subset of the base stations.

Abstract: A dispatch translation server (DTS) translates messages between a first dispatch communication network that uses a first protocol and a second dispatch communication network that uses a second protocol. The messages relate to the setting up of a dispatch communication session, controlling the channel floor of the dispatch communication session, and terminating the dispatch communication session.

Abstract: A radiotelephone method includes detecting other mobile stations and identifying possible relay candidates among the other mobile stations. The method then includes communicating information about the candidates to a base station. Communication with a second mobile station is requested of the base station at a first mobile station. If the first mobile station and the second mobile station are physically close, the base station instructs the first mobile station and the second mobile station to establish direct communication.