HK1166894B

HK1166894B - Method and system for communication

Info

Publication number: HK1166894B
Application number: HK12107348.0A
Authority: HK
Inventors: 戈登．勇．李; 陈雪敏
Original assignee: 美国博通公司
Priority date: 2010-07-15
Filing date: 2012-07-26
Publication date: 2016-08-12

Abstract

The invention is directed to a method and system for communication. In an IP multimedia gateway, locations corresponding to communicatively coupled communication devices are determined and transmitted to a service provider device (SPD) that provides services to the communication devices. Communication devices receive location based service profiles from the SPD based on the determined locations. Services content from the SPD is communicated with the communication devices and/or with the SPD, based on the profiles. The determined locations are received from communication devices which may be local or remote. A device location map is generated to be displayed by communication devices. The gateway may be integrated in an STB/DTV that displays the determined locations. Content is communicated to communication devices based on their location. The SPD may provide content and/or control information for communication device services. Locations are associated with client devices for detecting cloned client devices where determined locations are different than associated locations and/or for restricting services based on location.

Description

Communication method and communication system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to communication systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to providing location tracking and services through an IP multimedia home gateway.

Background

Telecommunication technology has evolved from analog to digital technology and will continue to evolve from circuit-switched to packet-switched, connection-oriented to connectionless packet-switched, and narrowband applications to broadband applications. With the development of telecommunication technology, the ability of operators to provide IP-based broadband multimedia services (IMS) has also increased significantly, these services being related from entertainment and everyday applications (e.g. mobile TV and mobile payment) to dedicated services (e.g. video conferencing and real-time data exchange), etc.

IMS defines a standard framework for the deployment of next generation network-based application services. IMS defines how these services connect and communicate with the underlying telecommunications network and how they integrate with the network provider's backend systems. IMS combines voice and data in a packet-switched network (e.g., GPRS core network and LTE core network) to provide network-controlled multimedia services. In delivering various forms of multimedia applications over IP networks, various Internet Protocols (IPs) such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), and real-time transport protocol (RTP) are widely used. SIP is an end-to-end application-layer signaling transport protocol used to establish, modify and disconnect multimedia sessions, such as audio/video conferencing, interactive gaming, virtual reality and calls, delivered over IP networks. UDP and TCP are transport layer protocols for data transfer over IP networks. TCP guarantees data delivery and integrity, however, UDP does not specifically guarantee delivery of data. RTP is an internet protocol for transmitting real-time data, such as audio and video data. RTP does not exclusively guarantee real-time delivery of data, but it can provide a mechanism for sending and receiving applications to support streaming data.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of such systems with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a system and/or method for providing location tracking and services through an IP multimedia home gateway.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication method, the method including:

in an IP multimedia gateway:

determining one or more of a plurality of communication devices communicatively connected to the IP multimedia gateway

A respective location of the communication device;

transmitting the determined respective locations to one or more service provider devices (service provider devices) that are used to provide services to the one or more of the plurality of communication devices;

receiving a location-based service profile from the one or more service provider devices, wherein the received location-based service profile is generated by the one or more service provider devices based on the determined respective locations; and

communicating, with the one or more of the plurality of communication devices and/or with the one or more service provider devices, service content provided by the one or more service provider devices based on the received location-based service profile.

Preferably, the method further comprises determining the respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices based on receiving location information from the one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

Preferably, each of said one or more communication devices of said plurality of communication devices communicatively connected to said IP multimedia gateway is local to said IP multimedia gateway or remote to said IP multimedia gateway.

Preferably, the method further comprises generating a map of the determined respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices for display by one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

Preferably, the IP multimedia gateway is integrated in a set-top box, a digital television set or a video projector.

Preferably, a first one of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices comprises a video communication device integrated in the set-top box, the digital television, or the video projector; and the video communication device to display the determined respective location information for one or more other communication devices of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

Preferably, the method further comprises transmitting content to the one or more of the plurality of communication devices, wherein the content is determined based on the determined respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

Preferably, the method further comprises using content and/or control information received from the service provider device to deliver content for the service.

Preferably, the method further comprises associating one or more locations with the one or more of the plurality of communication devices in a storage device.

Preferably, the method further comprises performing one or more of the following:

detecting a cloned communication device when the determined respective location is different from the associated one or more locations; and

restricting access to the service by the one or more of the plurality of communication devices based on the one or more associated locations.

According to an aspect, there is provided a communication system, the system comprising:

one or more processors and/or circuitry for use in an IP multimedia gateway device, wherein the one or more processors and/or circuitry are to:

determining respective locations of one or more of a plurality of communication devices communicatively connected to the IP multimedia gateway;

communicating the determined respective locations to one or more service provider devices, the one or more service provider devices to provide services to the one or more of the plurality of communication devices;

communicating service content provided by the one or more service provider devices with the one or more of the plurality of communication devices and/or with the one or more service provider devices based on the received location-based service profile.

Preferably, the one or more processors and/or circuits are operable to determine the respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices based on receiving location information from the one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

Preferably, the one or more processors and/or circuits are operable to generate a map of the determined respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices for display by the one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

Preferably, the one or more processors and/or circuits are operable to transmit content to the one or more of the plurality of communication devices, wherein the content is determined based on the determined respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

Preferably, the one or more processors and/or circuits are operable to use content and/or control information received from the service provider device to deliver content for the service.

Preferably, the one or more processors and/or circuits are operable to associate one or more locations with the one or more of the plurality of communication devices in a memory device.

Preferably, the one or more processors and/or circuits are operable to perform one or more of the following:

Various advantages, aspects and novel features of the invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully described in the following description and drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the communication system includes an IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) for performing location tracking and services;

fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) that performs location-based tracking and/or location-based services for local and/or remote client devices, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary client device that may be used to provide its location to an IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) and/or may receive traffic from the IMRG, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) integrated in a set-top box or a digital television set according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a flow diagram of exemplary steps that may be performed by an IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) for providing location tracking and/or services, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for providing location tracking and services (locationawaretrackingandservices) through an IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG). According to various embodiments of the present invention, in an IP multimedia gateway, respective locations may be determined for one or more communication devices of a plurality of communication devices communicatively connected to the IP multimedia gateway. The determined respective locations may be communicated to one or more service provider devices that are used to provide services to one or more of the plurality of communication devices. The location-based service profile may be received from one or more service provider devices. The received location-based service profile may be generated by one or more service provider devices based on the determined respective locations. The service content provided by the one or more service provider devices may be communicated with one or more of the plurality of communication devices and/or with one or more service provider devices based on the received location-based service profile. The respective locations of one or more of the plurality of communication devices may be determined based on location information received from the one or more of the plurality of communication devices. Each of the plurality of communication devices communicatively connected to the IP multimedia gateway may be local to the IP multimedia gateway or may be remote from the IP multimedia gateway. A map of the determined respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices may be generated for display by the one or more of the plurality of communication devices. The IP multimedia gateway may be integrated in a set-top box, a digital television set, or a video device such as a projector. A first communication device of one or more of the plurality of communication devices may include a video communication device, which may be integrated in a set-top box, a digital television, or a video device. The first communication device may be operative to display corresponding location information for one or more other communication devices of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices. The content may be transmitted to one or more of the plurality of communication devices, wherein the content may be determined based on the determined respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices. Content and/or control information that may be received from the service provider device may be used to deliver the service content. In the storage device, the one or more locations may be associated with one or more of the plurality of communication devices. A cloned communication device may be detected when the determined respective location is different from the associated one or more locations. Further, access to the service by one or more of the plurality of communication devices may be restricted based on the associated location. In this way, the communication device may be tracked by the IP multimedia gateway and/or the communication device may receive traffic from the IP multimedia gateway based on the location of the communication device.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary communication system including an IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) for performing location tracking and services according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 1, a communication system 100 is shown, the communication system 100 including a plurality of IP multimedia home gateways (IMRGs) (IMRGs 112-114 are shown), a broadband IP network 120 (including a plurality of core networks (core networks 122 and 129 are shown), a GNSS satellite network 160 (including a plurality of GNSS satellites 162, 164 and 166 are shown), a satellite reference system 168, a plurality of client devices 132a-132e, 134a-134c, 136a-136e and 138a-138c (which are collectively referred to as client devices 132, 134, 136 and 138, respectively), a plurality of access networks 142 and 146, and an IP-based application server 150 (service servers 150a-150c are shown).

In various embodiments of the present invention, the IMRGs 112 and/or 114 may operate under the control of a service provider; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the service provider equipment may include one or more devices in core network 122-129 and/or one or more IP-based application servers 150. The IMRG112 and/or 114 may be used to receive content and/or control information from service providers for tracking and/or providing services to client devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138. The IMRG112 and/or 114 may be used to provide information about the client devices 132 and/or 134, respectively, to the service provider. Further, one or more of the plurality of client devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138 may be configured as subscribers to the service provider. A service provider may be referred to as, for example, a service manager, operator, or network operator.

The client devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138 may include communication devices that may be communicatively coupled to one or both of the IP multimedia gateways 112 and 114. The client devices 132a-132e may be referred to as local devices with respect to the IMRG112 and the client devices 134a-134c, 136a-136e, and 138a-138c may be referred to as remote devices with respect to the IMRG 112. Similarly, the client devices 136a-136e may be referred to as local devices with respect to the IMRG114 and the client devices 132a-132e, 134a-134c, and 138a-138c may be referred to as remote devices with respect to the IMRG 114.

The IMRG, such as the IMRG112, may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable connection of the client devices 132a-132e to the broadband IP network 120 for the services of interest. A service may be described or represented by a service type and a service class. The type of service refers to the type of information to be converted for the service, such as data, voice, text, or video. Services with a given service type can be divided into a number of exemplary scheduling service classes, namely data services for internet access and messaging, session services for carrier-grade voice and/or video calls and conferences, location-based services based on client location services, video services for TV, video and music streaming for users interacting with each other through a central server, gaming services, and corporate VPN services for access to corporate intranets/e-mails. For each traffic type and/or class, special requirements may be placed on the access network and the core network to ensure the desired end-to-end QoS. The service requirements on the access network and the core network may include, for example, system time, CODEC, transmission rate, power saving mechanism, security profile, and content type. The system time may be used to synchronize communications for traffic delivery. CODECs may include, for example, G.711, G.729, G.723, MPEG-4, VC-1, and VP 6. The power saving mechanism may include various power levels and may be used for traffic transmission during certain time intervals. The security profile may include business security descriptions, such as security configurations and policies. The security configuration of the service may include protocols, credentials, and actions (e.g., authentication actions). The content type of a service may specifically indicate the type of content that the service may include. The content types of the service may include, for example, Multipart Internet Mail Extensions (MIME) files, html pages, H.262, H.263, H.264/AVC video, G.711, BV16, BV32 voice, and DOCSIS set-top box gateway (DSG) multimedia.

In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the IMRG112 may be used to integrate local client devices as well as remote client devices into the broadband IP network 120. Client devices that may access the IMRG112 through a device dependent interface, such as the client devices 132a-132e, are referred to as local client devices of the IMRG 112. The device-related interface may generally represent PHY and MAC functionality of a particular access technology (e.g., ethernet, Wi-Fi, bluetooth, wireless, and/or femtocell). Client devices (e.g., client devices 134a-134c) that may remotely access the IMRG112 through a device dependent interface (e.g., the broadband IP network 120) are referred to as remote client devices of the IMRG 112. Client devices (e.g., client devices 136a-136e) that may remotely access the IMRG112 via other IMRGs (e.g., IMRG114) may also be referred to as remote client devices of the IMRG 112.

In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the IMRG112 may be used to perform automatic device and network searches. In this regard, the IMRG112 searches for client devices and broadband IP networks communicatively coupled thereto in a background or transparent manner by utilizing proprietary methods and/or known network protocols (e.g., UPnP and DHCP or a combination thereof). For example, the IMRG112 may be used to multicast search messages. The IMRG112 may search for or identify connected devices and/or networks from the response received to the search message. In this regard, the IMRG112 may be used to obtain or determine client device functionality of the sought device and/or network functionality of the sought network from the received response.

Network functions may include interface type, processing protocol, traffic type, traffic class, and traffic needs on the network side. The identified interface types of the network may include technically distinct broadband IP connections such as DSL, cable, FTTx, PLC, and WiMAX. The protocols may include service layer protocols (e.g., SSL and STP), technology independent IP layer protocols (e.g., SIP, TCP), and technology dependent IP layer protocols (e.g., Base Station System GPRS Protocol (BSSGP)).

Client device functions may include interface type, geolocation function, processing protocol, traffic type, traffic class, and/or traffic needs. The interface type of the identified device may include an access interface type, such as CDMA or GNSS, multimedia over coax alliance (MoCa), WiFi, ethernet, femtocell, and/or wireless. The processing protocols may include, for example, the service layer protocols, IP layer protocols, and link layer protocols as specified in the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. The traffic layer protocols may include security protocols such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and control protocols such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP). The IP layer protocols may include IP signaling transport protocols (e.g., SIP and H.323) and IP media transport protocols (e.g., TCP, UDP, RTP, and RTCP). The link layer protocols may include technically distinct PHY and MAC layer protocols such as MoCa, WiFi, ethernet, femtocell, and/or wireless.

In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the IMRG112 may be used to register the sought or identified client device and network with the local storage device. The local storage device may include a database 112a, where the database 112a may be used to store and/or format information. In this regard, registered client devices may include local client devices (e.g., client devices 132a-132e) as well as remote client devices (e.g., client devices 134a-134 c). Information such as client device functionality and network functionality may be stored in the local database 112a to support various applications or features. For example, stored client device functionality may be used to implement local multimedia communication features. The local multimedia communication features may enable the exchange of voice, video, and/or other forms of information between interested client devices to support, for example, local multiparty conferencing over a local IP connection. Additionally, the IMRG112 may be used to receive location information regarding the client devices 132a-132e and may be used to store the location information in the database 112 a.

In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the IMRG112 may be used to access local client devices using a device dependent interface. In this regard, the IMRG112 may be used to support specific PHY and MAC link layer protocols for specific access technologies. For example, in the case where the IMRG112 is instructed to access a Bluetooth enabled client device (e.g., client device 132b), the IMRG112 may be used to communicate information with the client device 132b using the Bluetooth air interface protocol.

The IMRG112 may be used to provide one or more common IP protocol-based interfaces to client devices. In this regard, the IMRG112 may include a common (common) IP layer client device interface to enable communication to, for example, a single common IP transport protocol and a single common IP signaling protocol using a wide range of client devices. For example, the IMRG112 may be used to convert or configure the different IP transport protocols used by the client devices 132a-132e into a single IP generic transport protocol, such as RTP. The different IP signaling protocols running on the client devices 132a-132e may be converted to a single general purpose IP signaling protocol, such as SIP.

The IMRG112 may be used to route and distribute information (e.g., client location information, media, signaling, and event packets) among client devices registered with the IMRG 112. In this regard, the IMRG112 may be used to track registration status of client devices that are dynamically registered as either local clients or remote clients (during roaming). The IMRG112 may be configured to monitor and/or scan for client device capabilities and network capabilities to dynamically configure registered client devices based on client device capabilities and network capabilities.

The IMRG112 may be configured to generate, receive, and/or store client location information for one or more local client devices 132 and/or one or more remote client devices 134, 136, and 138. The IMRG112 may be used to route and/or distribute client location information from one or more local or remote clients to one or more other local and/or remote clients. Additionally, the IMRG112 may be used to route and/or distribute client 132 location information to one or more core networks 122 and/or 129 and/or to one or more IP-based application servers 150, e.g., for use by service providers. In this manner, the service provider may provide services to the local client device 132 and/or to the remote client devices 134, 136, and/or 138 using client location information. The IMRG112 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to process location information from one or more client devices. For example, the IMRG112 may be used to generate a geographic map that may indicate the location of one or more client devices at a particular time, or may indicate multiple locations over a time interval.

The IMRG112 may be used to control or manage system timing and power saving mechanisms for registered client devices. For example, the IMRG112 may be used to adjust system timing based on respective service requirements for service deployments provided by different broadband IP networks on respective client devices. For example, the IMRG112 may be used to manage power consumption on a client device based on the respective client device functionality and network functionality to receive service content offered by one or more service providers over different broadband IP networks.

The IMRG112 may be used to support various broadband connections, such as DSL, Cable, FTTx, PLC, and WiMAX. In this regard, the IMRG112 may be used to communicate with different broadband IP networks using technology-dependent access for network access.

The IMRG112 may be used to dynamically configure one or more network interfaces within the IMRG112 to the broadband IP network 120 for communication with the corresponding broadband IP network. In this regard, the IMRG112 may be configured to enable communication with different types of core networks through protocol mapping. For example, the IMRG112 may be used to convert common IP media transport protocols (e.g., RTP) and common IP signaling protocols (e.g., SIP) to different media transport and signaling protocols used by corresponding broadband IP networks.

The IMRG112 may be used to control or manage system timing and power saving mechanisms for the registered networks. For example, the IMRG112 may be used to adjust system timing based on the corresponding service requirements for services provided by different broadband IP networks. For example, the IMRG112 may be used to control its own power level and/or power consumption based on the corresponding network function to receive traffic from different broadband IP networks.

The client device (e.g., client device 132a) may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to receive traffic from different broadband IP networks via the IMRG 112. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention, the client device 132a may be used to communicate traffic with the IMRG112 using an access technology specific interface (e.g., bluetooth, LTE, WiFi, and/or ethernet), where the communicated traffic is by different broadband IP networks. The client device 132a may also be used to communicate or exchange information with other client devices registered with the IMRG 112. In this regard, client device 132a may share information, such as its location information, with local client devices (e.g., client devices 132b-132e) and remote client devices (e.g., client devices 134a-134 c). Client device 132a may be dynamically configured to receive traffic, such as location-based traffic, from broadband IP network 120 and from networked client devices (e.g., client device 132 e).

An access network (e.g., access network 142) may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, communication devices, interfaces and/or code that may enable communication of traffic using various access technologies (e.g., IPLAN, bluetooth, WiFi, femtocell, LTE and WiMAX).

The IP-based application server 150 (e.g., IP-based application server 150a) may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable provision of IP-based services to various broadband IP networks 120. In this regard, the IP-based application server 150a may be configured to deliver carrier-level as well as non-carrier-level broadband access services to subscribers over the broadband IP network 120. The IP-based application server 150a may be used to schedule delivery of carrier-level traffic to ensure traffic integrity. When needed, non-carrier grade traffic can be delivered, while its reliability and stability are not guaranteed.

In various embodiments of the invention, one or more IP-based application servers 150 may support location determination for client devices (e.g., client devices 132, 134, 136, and 138). For example, the one or more IP-based application servers 150 may include a location server that may be used to obtain satellite reference data from a satellite reference system 168 regarding the GNSS satellite network 160 and may provide GNSS location determination assistance to the client devices 132, 134, 136 and 138 as needed. For example, location assistance information may be communicated from one or more IP-based application servers 150 to client device 132d via one or more broadband IP networks 120, IMRG112, and access network 142. The IMRG112 may store and/or forward the location assistance data to, for example, the client device 132 d. The client device 132d may use the location assistance information to access signals from the GNSS satellite network 160 or to determine its location.

In various embodiments of the invention, one or more IP-based application servers 150 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to store location information regarding client devices 132, 134, 136 and 138, for example, for use by a service provider. For example, the IMRG112 may communicate location information about the client device to one or more IP-based application servers 150. In this regard, the IP-based application server 150 may include a database for storing location information. The location information may be used to provide content and/or control information to the IMRG112 for service to the clients 132, 134, 136, and/or 138. For example, based on the location of the client device, the service provider device may determine the content and/or services that may be provided by the IMRG112 to the client device. Further, the client location information may be used by the service provider device and/or the IMRG112 for security applications.

The client devices 132, 134, 136 and 138 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, communication devices, interfaces and/or code that may enable their location to be determined using data associated with the GNSS satellite network 160. Client devices 132, 134, 136 and 138 may be used to determine their locations automatically or with assistance from various network components, such as a location server from one or more IP-based application servers 150. In various embodiments of the present invention, other network components, such as the IMRG112 and/or one or more broadband IP networks 120, may be used to support location determination by providing location and/or time information to one or more client devices 132, 134, 136 and 138.

One or more of the client devices 132, 134, 136, and 138 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable receiving satellite broadcast signals from one or more satellites in view of the GNSS satellite network 160 (e.g., GNSS satellites 162, 164, and/or 166). For example, the client device 132d may make various GNSS measurements (e.g., pseudoranges and/or carrier phases) on the received GNSS signals to compute navigation information, such as a GNSS position of the client device 132 d. The client device 132d may communicate its location to, for example, the IMRG112, which the IMRG112 may store. The IMRG112 may transmit client device 132d location information to other local client devices 132 or to remote client devices 134, 136, and/or 138. The IMRG112 may also communicate client device 132d location information to network devices such as the broadband IP network 120 and/or the IP-based application server 150. In this manner, a service provider may receive and use client device 132d location information for, for example, one or more services and/or applications.

Although fig. 1 shows an IP multimedia home gateway for connecting a client device to a broadband IP network over a generic protocol based interface via a configurable interface, the invention is not limited thereto. Accordingly, other IP multimedia gateways for connecting client devices to broadband IP networks through a generic protocol based interface via a configurable interface may also be supported without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The IP multimedia gateway may be, for example, an IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) located at a residential site. The IP multimedia gateway may be located in a non-residential location including, for example, a commercial building, an office building, an apartment building, and/or a factory.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the IMRG112 may be used to communicate with service provider devices to determine location-based services available to client devices. The IMRG112 may be used to exchange information with a service provider to determine a location-based service profile corresponding to one or more communicatively connected client devices. The location-based service profile may be associated with a single client device based on the respective location of the single client device, and/or it may be associated with a plurality of client devices whose respective locations may include a particular area. For example, the respective locations of the client devices 132a-132e may be located within a particular area, which may be associated with a single location-based service profile. The location-based service profile may include information such as the types of services and/or content available to the client device at a particular location, and/or may include access permissions for one or more client devices based on their location. Further, the location-based service profile may include information associated with a client device that may receive the location-based service. For example, the location-based service profile for a particular client device may include, for example, user preferences, user permissions, and/or user service agreement profiles that may be based on service provisioning service agreements. In this regard, different classes of services may be subscribed to by client devices that enable communication at suitable data rates and/or quality of service (e.g., video and music streaming, voice services, interactive gaming services, and/or 3D video).

The IMRG112 may be used to receive location-based service profiles from service providers. The received location-based service profile may be generated by a provider device that provides services to local and/or remote client devices communicatively connected to the IMRG 112. The IMRG112 may confirm receipt and/or acceptance of the location-based service profile from the service provider.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the IMRG112 may be used to provide location-based services to one or more locally and/or remotely communicatively connected client devices based on a location-based profile received from a service provider. In various embodiments of the present invention, the service provider device may control and/or manage the location-based services and/or may transmit the location-based services to the locally and/or remotely communicatively coupled client devices via the IMRG 112. In other embodiments, the IMRG112 may be used to manage and/or control location-based services to local and/or remote client devices of the communication connection based on the location-based service profile. For example, when the location profile of the client device 136a includes permission to receive location information regarding the client device 132e, the IMRG112 may receive the location information from the client device 132e and may transmit the location information to the remote client device 136 a.

In an exemplary operation, an IMRG, such as IMRG112, may be used to communicatively connect a plurality of client devices to broadband IP network 120. The client devices sought by the IMRG112 may be registered with corresponding client device functionality and/or location-based profiles in the local database 112a to support applications such as location-based services. The IMRG112 may serve local client devices (e.g., client devices 132a-132e) as well as remote client devices (e.g., client devices 134a-134 c). Local client devices may communicate with associated IMRGs through device-dependent interfaces such as IPLAN, bluetooth, WiFi, femtocell, LTE, and WiMAX. A remote client device may exchange or communicate information with an associated IMRG through a device-dependent interface (e.g., broadband IP network 120). A client device, such as the client device 132a, may initially register as a local client device and become a remote client device of the IMRG112 when the client device 132a roams outside of the local coverage area serviced by the IMRG 112. Similarly, a client device (e.g., client device 134a) may initially register as a remote client device on the IMRG 112. The remote client device may register as a local client device when the client device 134a moves into the local coverage area of the IMRG 112.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the IMRG112 may be used to store location information for the local client device 132 and/or the remote devices 134, 136 and/or 138, for example, in the database 112 a. The location information may be determined in a variety of ways. For example, one or more client devices 132, 134, 136 and/or 138 may be used to determine their locations using GNSS satellite information and may communicate it to the IMRG 112. Alternatively, the user may enter location information for one or more of the client devices 132, 134, 136 and 138 and/or may communicate the location information to the IMRG 112. For local client devices, such as client device 132, the IMRG112 may be operable to use its own location to determine the client device location. The IMRG112 and/or the service provider may provide services to the client devices 132, 134, 136, and 138 based on the locations of the client devices 132, 134, 136, and 138.

Depending on the location-based profile of the client device, the IMRG112 may be used to share location information of one or more client devices with other client devices. For example, the client device 132d may report its location to the IMRG 112. When other client devices have permission to receive location information, the IMRG112 may transmit the client device 132d location information to one or more other local or remote client devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138. The location of the client device 132d may be displayed on one or more of the client devices 132, 134, 136, and 138 that received the location of the client device 132 d. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the IMRG112 may be integrated in a video set-top box, a digital television, or a video projector. For example, it may also include or may be connected to a video display client device. As the client device 132d moves to a different location and reports its location information to the IMRG112 from the different location, the IMRG112 can communicate the different location to a video display client device connected to the STB for display of the moved location by the client device 132 d. In this manner, local and/or remote client devices 132, 134, 136 and/or 138 may also receive location information from the IMRG112, and the user may view the location on the client devices 132, 134, 136 and/or 138 to which the client device 132d has moved.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the IMRG112 and/or the IMRG114 may be used to communicate location information about the client devices 132, 134, 136 and/or 138 to a service provider. The service provider device may store the location information in a storage device, which may be located, for example, in one or more core networks 122 and 129 and/or one or more IP-based application servers 150. The service provider may use the respective location information of client devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138 for any suitable purpose, such as for providing location-based services and/or location-based security applications. Additionally, the service provider may provide content and/or control information to the IMRG112 and/or 114 to support client device location tracking and/or to support location-based services provided by the IMRG to the client device.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the IMRGs 112 and/or 114 may be configured, for example, by a service provider, to provide location-specific content to one or more local and/or remote client devices 132, 134, 136 and/or 138. For example, the client device 132d may be located near the IMRG 112. The IMRG112 may provide content to the client device 132d, such as content related to local commerce and/or local services, based on the current location of the client device 132 d. When the client device 132d moves to a new location near another IMRG (e.g., the IMRG114), the IMRG112 and/or the IMRG114 can provide content to the client device 132d that is applicable to the new location. The IMRG112 may communicate with the client device 132d, for example, over the broadband IP network 120 when the client device moves to a location that may not be near another IMRG.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the service provider may use one or more IMRGs to determine whether the client device has been cloned. For example, the client device 132d may be cloned such that multiple client devices may be used to access networks and services using the secure identification information of the client device 132 d. Multiple cloned client devices may access the network and appear as client device 132 d. The IMRG112 may be installed in the residence where the user of the client device 132d is authenticated. The user may be a subscriber to the service provider and the subscriber's residence may be known to the service provider and/or may be entered into a profile based on the location of the user's client device. The service provider may provide the IMRG112 with a location-based profile for the client device, which may include the user's residence and/or location from which the client device 132d may be allowed to access the IMRG112 and/or other network devices. For example, the IMRG112 may associate the user's residence and/or allowed location with the client device 132d in a database. The authentication client device 132d may determine that its location is at the user's residence and may provide its location to the IMRG 112. The IMRG112 may allow access to the local client device 132 d. At the same time, one or more cloned devices may attempt to remotely access the IMRG112 and/or other network devices from locations in the location-based profile that are not allowed. The IMRG112 may determine which device is cloned and may deny network access and/or otherwise disable the cloned client device while allowing the authentication client device 132d access to the network and traffic based on the location of the authentication client device 132 d.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, one or more IMRGs, such as IMRGs 112 and 114, may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to restrict or deny the use of a client device in a particular geographic location. For example, various IMRG services may be restricted at specific locations. The IMRG may deny service to the client device when the client device roams away from a particular location.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) that performs location-based tracking and/or location-based services for local and/or remote client devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 2, an IMRG200 is shown, the IMRG200 including a multi-standard modem 202, a broadband modem 204, an IMRG processor 206, an IMRG database memory 208, and a memory 210.

The IMRG200 may be similar and/or substantially identical to the IMRG112 and/or IMRG 114. Further, the IMRG200 may be stand alone or may be integrated in another device, such as a set-top box, a digital television, and/or a video projector.

The multi-standard modem 202 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable communication with a plurality of client devices (e.g., client devices 132a-132e and 134a-134c) using a device-dependent interface (e.g., ethernet, WiFi, bluetooth, wireless and/or femtocell base stations). For example, the location information may be transmitted from one or more local client devices 132 and may be received by the IMRG200 through the multi-standard modem 202. In addition, location information about local or remote client devices may be reported by the IMRG200 to one or more local client devices via the multi-standard modem 200.

The broadband modem 204 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable sending voice and/or data in compliance with one or more Internet Protocol (IP) broadband standards. The broadband modem 204 may be used to send voice and/or data to the broadband IP network 120 and/or receive voice and/or data from the broadband IP network 120 over a broadband connection (e.g., T1/E1 line, DSL, cable, FTTx, PLC, and WiMAX). The broadband modem 204 may dynamically configure one or more network interfaces that may be used in the broadband modem 204 to connect to the broadband IP network 120. For example, when the broadband modem 204 is instructed to exchange information with the GPRS core network 124, the broadband modem 204 may be configured to use DSL as a path to access the GPRS core network 124. The IMRG200 may be used to communicate location information to service provider devices of the GPRS core network 124 through the broadband modem 204. Additionally, the IMRG200 may be used to communicate location information about one or more client devices to one or more other remote client devices via the broadband modem 204.

The IMRG processor 206 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable various signaling processing tasks to be performed to maintain or manage communication between the associated client devices (e.g., client devices 132a-132e and 134a-134c) and the broadband IP network 120 and/or with one another. The IMRG processor 206 may include a client device interface 206a, a client device adaptation unit 206b, an internal routing and control unit 206c, a remote access unit 206d, a core network adaptation unit 206e, and a core network interface 206 f. The IMRG processor 206 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable processing of location information from one or more client devices. For example, the IMRG processor 206 may be used to generate a geographic map that may indicate the location of one or more client devices at a particular time and/or over a particular time interval of time.

The client device interface 206a may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable performing protocol conversion for client device access. The client device interface 206a may include a device dependent interface 226 and a generic IP interface 216. The device-related interface 226 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable access to local client devices via device-related connections (e.g., WiFi and LTE connections). The device dependent interface 226 may be used to support link layer protocols for specific PHY and MAC functions for a specific access technology. For example, when the client device interface 206a is instructed to access a WiFi-enabled client device (e.g., client device 132c), the client device interface 206a may exchange information with the client device 132c using a WiFi wireless interface protocol for respective link layer communications. The device-dependent interface 226 may support different IP transport and/or signaling components used by the client device.

The universal IP interface 216 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable universal IP support for communicating content between various client devices and the broadband IP network 120. The generic IP interface 216 may include a transport unit 216a and a signaling unit 216 b. The transport unit 216a may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable a single IP transport component (e.g., RTP) to support data communication via IP. The signaling unit 216b may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable a single IP signaling component (e.g., SIP) to support signaling communications via IP. The client device interface 206a may perform protocol mapping or translation between different IP transport and/or signaling components used by the client device and used by the generic IP-based interface 216 running on the IMRG processor 206.

The client device adaptation unit 206b may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to adapt to a wide range of client devices. In this regard, the client device adaptation unit 206b may be configured to perform, for example, media or content transcoding, rate conversion, system time adjustment, and/or power control, in accordance with respective client device functions to improve user experience.

The internal routing and control unit 206c may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable routing and distribution of geo-location information, media, signaling and event packets between client devices registered with, for example, the IMRG 112. In this regard, the internal routing and control unit 206c may be used to keep track of the registration status of the associated client device. The internal routing and control unit 206c may be used to register the client device 132a as a local client device of the IMRG112 in the IMRG database memory 208 when the client device (e.g., client device 132a) is located within a local client area served by the IMRG 112. When a local client device (e.g., client device 134a) roams outside the local coverage area, the internal routing and control unit 206c may register the client device 134a as a remote client device of the IMRG112 in the IMRG database memory 208.

The internal routing and control unit 206c may collect or track device functions and network functions of the associated client device to create the IMRG database memory 208. The internal routing and control unit 206c may be used to dynamically configure the associated client device based on the collected system function information. Additionally, the internal routing and control unit 206c may be used to collect and/or track geographic location information of local and/or remote client devices and may store the location information in the IMRG database memory 208. Other information (e.g., user profiles and/or preferences, content, and/or control information) may also be stored in the IMRG database memory 208 and/or may be associated with the client device and/or with a different location. The internal routing and control unit 206c may be used to communicate information to the client device based on the location of the client device. The information may be communicated to one or more individual devices and/or may be broadcast to a plurality of client devices. In addition, the internal routing and control unit 206c may be used to coordinate or control system timing adjustments and power control management for traffic delivery.

The remote client access unit 206d may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable necessary functionality to support remote access by client devices that roam outside of the local coverage area of the IMRG 112. In this regard, remote access unit 206d may be used to exchange information with remote client devices over a broadband connection to broadband IP network 120. For example, the remote client access unit 206d may be used to send and/or receive geographic location information to/from a remote client device.

The core network adaptation unit 206e may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to provide adaptation to different broadband IP networks for various client devices. In this regard, the core network adaptation unit 206e may perform, for example, protocol conversion and mapping between the generic IP protocol used by the IMRG200 and the protocols used by different broadband IP networks.

The core network interface 206f may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable various broadband connections such as DSL, cable, FTTx, PLC and WiMAX to access the broadband IP network 120.

The IMRG database memory 208 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable storage and management of client device information and network information. In this regard, the IMRG database memory 208 may include registration status information for the relevant client devices. The registration status of the client device with respect to the IMRG200 may be a local client device or a remote client device. The IMRG database memory 208 may be used to keep track of or collect client device and network functions. The client devices associated with the IMRG200 may be dynamically configured using the collected functional information. Further, the IMRG database memory 208 may be used to store location-based service profiles for client devices and/or for specific locations. The IMRG database memory 208 may be used to store local and/or remote client device location information and/or data that may be associated with a particular location and/or with a particular client device. For example, to detect cloned client devices, the IMRG database memory 208 may store locations where client devices may be known to be used by subscribers. The use of other locations may indicate the presence of a cloned device. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, information regarding local commerce and/or local advertising may be stored in the IMRG database memory 208 and may be transmitted to one or more client devices when the client devices are used in a particular area. In some embodiments of the invention, the database information may be received from a service provider. The information may be updated based on the client device changing location. The IMRG database memory 208 may include RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory), and/or other suitable electronic data storage capable of storing data and instructions.

The memory 210 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable storage and management of data and/or other information used by the IMRG processor 206. For example, the memory 210 may be used to store data or generated content that is processed by the IMRG processor 206. Memory 210 may be enabled to store executable instructions for processing, for example, protocol mapping and/or media transcoding. Memory 210 may include RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory (e.g., flash memory), and/or other suitable electronic data storage capable of storing data and instructions.

In exemplary operation, the IMRG200 may be used to communicate with, for example, local and/or remote client devices, as well as with the IP broadband network 120 and/or one or more service provider devices. The IMRG processor 206 is operable to communicate with local client devices using a device-dependent interface 226 within the client device interface 206 a. The IMRG processor 206 may be used to access the broadband IP network 120 through the broadband modem 204 using various broadband access technologies (DSL, cable, FTTx, PLC, and WiMAX) supported by the core network interface 206 f.

The IMRG200 may be operable to receive client device location information and may provide information and/or services to the client device based on the location of the client device. For example, the IMRG200 may receive location information from a local client device through the multi-standard modem 202. The IMRG200 may receive location information from a remote client device through the broadband modem 204. The internal routing and control unit 206 may be used to collect and/or track the location of local and/or remote client devices, which may be stored in the IMRG database memory 208. The IMRG200 may be operable to communicate with service provider devices through the broadband modem 204 to determine location-based profiles, appropriate content, and/or services for one or more client devices based on client device location. The IMRG200 may communicate client device location information to service provider equipment and/or to one or more remote client devices via a generic IP interface and/or via the broadband modem 204. The internal routing and control unit 206c may also be used to control the transfer of client device location information to the local client device via the client device interface 206a and the multi-standard modem 202.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the IMRG200 is similar and/or substantially identical to the IMRG112 shown in FIG. 1. The client device 132d may be a handheld communication device located within communication range of the IMRG 200. For example, the client device 132d may communicate with the IMRG200 over the access network 142 using a WiFi protocol. The IMRG200 may search and/or register the client device 132d within the IMRG database memory 208. The IMRG200 may receive the current location of the local client device 132d from the client device 132d via the access network 142 and via the multi-standard modem 202 and the client device interface 206a in the IMRG 200. The IMRG processor 206 can be used to store the location of the client device 132d in the IMRG database memory 208. The location of the client device 132d may be communicated to the service provider.

A location-based profile may be generated by the service provider and may be communicated to the IMRG 200. The IMRG database memory 208 may store content associated with the client device 132d and/or with the current location of the client device 132 d. In various embodiments of the present invention, the IMRG processor 206 may be used to request updated content from the service provider based on the current location of the client device 132 d. For example, the content may be provided from an IP-based application server 150 b. The IMRG processor 206 may be operable to communicate with an IP-based application server 150b, which may include service provider equipment, using a core network interface 206f and a broadband modem 204. The IMRG200 may be operable to receive new content for the client device 132d and may transmit the new content to the client device 132d via the multi-standard modem 202 and the client device interface 206 a. For example, the content may include, for example, local information that may be appropriate for a subscriber using the client device 132 d.

In other embodiments of the present invention, the IMRG200 may be used to broadcast or multicast location-sensitive content to multiple local client devices (e.g., client devices 132a-132 e). The remote access unit 206d may handle access to the IMRG200 and/or handle information exchange between the IMRG200 and a client device when the client device roams away from the local coverage area of the IMRG200 to a remote location, such as the location of the client device 134c or 134 d. For example, remote access unit 206d may be used to receive location information from remote client device 134c via broadband modem 204 and broadband IP network 120. Further, the IMRG200 may be used to deliver content to the client device 134c, which may be determined based on the location of the client device 134c and/or based on subscriber preferences, for example.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary client device that may be used to provide its location to an IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) and/or may receive traffic from the IMRG, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 3, a client device 132d is shown, the client device 132d including a GNSS receiver 301, a cellular wireless transceiver 303, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) wireless transceiver 305, a processing module 307, a memory 331, a display 319, a microphone 321, a camera 323, keys and buttons 325, a speaker 327, a GNSS, and cellular and WLAN antennas 333, 305.

The client device 332d may be similar to or substantially the same as the client device 132d described in fig. 1. The client device 332d may comprise a GNSS receiver 301 and the GNSS receiver 301 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to enable reception of GNSS signals and determine a geographic location of the client device 332 d. For example, the client device 332d may be used to receive GNSS signals from the GNSS satellite network 160 through the GNSS receiver 301. The GNSS receiver 301 may determine the location of the client device 332d based on network assisted GNSS methods and/or based on autonomous methods. With respect to network assisted GNSS methods, the satellite reference system 168 may include a terrestrial satellite receiver system that may receive GNSS satellite data from a GNSS satellite network 160. The satellite reference system 168 may transmit the GNSS satellite data to a location server (e.g., one or more servers in the IP-based application server 150). The location server may transmit GNSS satellite data to client devices 132, 134, 136 and/or 138. The GNSS satellite data may include, for example, precise time, orbit data, and/or almanac data for the GNSS satellite system 160. The GNSS satellite data may enable the GNSS receiver 301 to more quickly lock onto signals from the GNSS satellites 162, 164, and/or 166. The GNSS assistance data may be received by the client device 332d from a location server in the satellite reference system 168 and/or the IP-based application server 150, for example, over the broadband IP network 120 and/or over the access network 142. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the client device 332d may receive GNSS assistance data from the access network 142 via WLAN signals and the WLAN wireless transceiver 305, and/or via cellular signals and/or the cellular wireless transceiver 303. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular type of location determination method, and any suitable method and/or location technology may be used to determine the location of client device 132 d.

The cellular wireless transceiver 303 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable transmission and reception of RF cellular signals via the antenna 333. For example, the cellular wireless transceiver 303 may enable communication with a cellular base station, e.g., in one of the access networks 144. Further, the cellular wireless transceiver 303 may be used to exchange signals with the processing module 307 for baseband processing. The wireless technology used in the cellular wireless transceiver 303 is not limited to any particular type and any suitable wireless technology may be used, for example, GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, OFDMA, LTE, and WIMAX.

In various embodiments of the invention, the location of the client device 132d may be determined based on the locations of a plurality of cellular base stations that may be communicatively connected to the client device 132 d. The location may then be communicated to the client device 132d, to the IMRG and/or to the service provider, for example, via the cellular wireless transceiver 303. For example, multiple cellular base stations and/or client device 132d may determine the distance of client device 132d from each cellular base station. In this regard, the cellular base station and/or the client device 132d may measure distance based on a "time of arrival" signaling method. When the location for each cellular base station is known, and the distance between the client device 132d and each base station is known, the client device 132d and/or the cellular base station, for example, may use triangulation to determine the location of the client device 132 d. When three cellular base stations are used, the longitude and latitude of the client device may be estimated. For example, longitude, latitude, and altitude may be estimated when four or more cellular base stations are used. Further, a rough estimate of the location of the client device 132d may be determined based on, for example, which cellular base station is serving the client device 132d and/or which antenna interface is serving the client device.

The WLAN wireless transceiver 305 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable transmission and/or reception of RF signals for communication data traffic via the antenna 335. Further, the WLAN wireless transceiver 305 may be used to exchange data with the processing module 307 for baseband processing. Communication via the WLAN wireless transceiver 305 may be based on any suitable data communication standard (e.g., various IEEE802.11 and/or WiFi alliance standards). The client device 332d may be used to transmit location information to the IMRG112 via the WLAN wireless transceiver 305, and the IMRG112 may be similar and/or substantially the same as the IMRG 200. Similar to the method of determining the geographic location corresponding to the client device 132d in connection with a cellular base station, WiFi-based triangulation may be used to determine the estimated client device location. In this regard, the client device 132d may be used to communicate with one or more WiFi-based devices through the WLAN wireless transceiver 305. One or more WiFi-based devices may know their own location. The distance between each WiFi device and the client device may be measured. The location of the client device 132d may be estimated using triangulation. Further, a rough estimate of the location of the client device 132d may be determined based on the known locations of the WiFi devices that are serving the client device 132 d.

The processing module 307 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable processing of baseband communication signals and may support services provided by the IMRG112, such as client device location tracking functionality. In some embodiments of the invention, the client device 332d may be protected by a security operation. In this regard, the processing module 307 may include a secure processor that may be used to manage and/or control secure communications between the client device 332d and the IMRG 112. The processing module 307 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, and/or code that may enable processing of location information of one or more other client devices, which may be received from an IMRG (e.g., the IMRG 112). For example, the processing module 307 may be used to generate a geographic map that may indicate the location of one or more client devices at a particular time or time interval.

The memory 331 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable providing storage of instructions and data for tasks performed by the client device 332 d. The memory 331 may include, for example, ROM and/or flash memory.

Client device 332d may include a number of human machine interfaces that may be used to capture communication information and to interact with various features within client device 332 d. For example, client device 332d may include a display 319 and a speaker 327 that produce images and/or sound for cellular communication and/or for generating multimedia, for example. The display may be used to visually display the tracked locations of other client devices. The microphone 321 and camera 323 can be used, for example, for voice calls and/or for capturing and storing multimedia data. The keys and/or buttons include a keyboard and/or numeric input for creating messages and/or interacting with the client device 332d features. Other types of human-machine interactions may be used in various embodiments of the invention. For example, a touch screen, voice, and/or pressure sensors may be used to input information and/or other user interactions.

In operation, the client device 332d may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to determine its location and may communicate its location to the IMRG 112. The client device 332d may be used to communicate locally with the IMRG112, for example, through the WLAN wireless transceiver 305. The client device 332d may be used to communicate with the IMRG112 from a remote location, for example, through the WLAN wireless transceiver 305 and/or the cellular wireless transceiver 303 and the broadband IP network 120. The IMRG332d may receive traffic and/or information from the IMRG200 based on the location of the client device 332 d. Additionally, the client device 332d may be used to receive location information regarding other client devices that may be associated with the IMRG 112. For example, client device 332d may be used to display the location of one or more client devices on display 319.

Fig. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) integrated in a set-top box or a digital television set according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to fig. 4, a set-top box and/or digital television 440 (which may be referred to as STB/DTV440), an IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG)442, a video client device 444, a client device 132d, and a client device 138c are shown. Also shown are a GNSS satellite network 160, an IP-based application server 150, a broadband IP network 150, and an access network 144.

Client devices 132d and 132c may be similar to, or substantially the same as, client device 332 d.

The STB/DTV440 may include, for example, a set-top box, a digital television, and/or a video projector. The STB/DTV440 may include an IMRG442 and a video client 444. The IMRG442 and the video client 444 may be communicatively coupled.

The IMRG442 may be similar to the IMRG112 and/or IMRG 200. The IMRG442 may be communicatively coupled to the IP broadband network 120, the IP-based application server 150, and/or one or more client devices (e.g., client devices 132, 134, 136, and 138). The client device 132d may be a local client device that may be located near the STB/DTV440 and may communicate with the IMRG442 based on any suitable access technology (e.g., WLAN, WiFi, and/or wired technologies). The client device 138d may be a remote client device that may communicate with the IMRG442, for example, over the access network 144 and/or the broadband IP network 120. Client devices 132d and/or 138c may be used to determine their location, for example, using signals received from GNSS satellite network 160. However, the present invention is not limited in how the IMRG442 receives and/or determines the location of one or more client devices. The client devices 132d and/or 138c may be used to communicate their locations to the IMRG 442. The IMRG442 may be used to communicate location information corresponding to the client device to the service provider. The IMRG442 may be used to receive and/or store location-based profiles from service providers that are to be used to provide location-based services to connected client devices.

The video client 444 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may be operable to receive video and/or services from, for example, a cable or satellite service provider device and/or a video recorder and/or playback device. Exemplary services may include providing video and/or other products for purchase, security services, and/or video recording services. In various embodiments of the invention, the video client 444 may be used to process multimedia (e.g., 2D and/or 3D video, audio, and/or image data). The video client 444 may be used to display multimedia on, for example, a display panel or through a video projection device. A video client 444 may be communicatively connected to the IMRG442 and may be used to receive, for example, location information and/or services from the IMRG442 regarding one or more local and/or remote client devices, such as the client devices 132, 134, 136, and 138 shown in fig. 1.

One or both of the video client device 444 and the IMRG442 may comprise suitable logic, circuitry, interfaces and/or code that may enable processing of location information regarding one or more of the client devices 132, 134, 136 and/or 138. For example, the video client device 444 and/or the IMRG442 may be used to generate a geographic map that may indicate the location of one or more of the client devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138 at a particular time and/or time interval. Video client device 444 may be used to display location information, such as a generated map that may indicate the location of one or more of the client devices, on a video screen. For example, video client device 444 may be used to display one or more locations of client devices 132d and/or 138c over time.

In operation, each of the client devices 132d and 138c may determine their respective geographic locations and may communicate their location information to the IMRG 442. Further, the client devices 132d and/or 138c may repeatedly determine and transmit their location information to the IMRG442 over time. The IMRG442 may store the location information in a storage device that includes a database, such as the IMRG database memory 208 depicted in fig. 2. Additionally, the IMRG442 may store a location-based profile of the client devices 132d, 138c and/or the video client 444. The IMRG442 may generate a map that includes the location of one or both of the client devices 132d and 138 c. The IMRG442 may transmit map and/or location information to the video client 444. The video client 444 may be used to display location information and/or maps. Additionally, the IMRG442 may be used to communicate map and/or location information to one or more of the client devices 132, 134, 136 and 138, which may store and/or display the map and/or location information according to permissions and/or preferences stored in the location-based profile. In other embodiments of the present invention, the client device may be used to generate a map of the location of the client device. For example, the IMRG442 may communicate location information for the client devices 132d and 138c to the video client device 444 and/or one or more of the client devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138. Video client device 444 and/or client devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138 may be used to generate and/or display a map of the locations of client devices 132d and 138 c.

Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of exemplary steps that may be performed by an IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG) for providing location tracking and/or services, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, exemplary steps begin at step 510. In step 512, an IP multimedia home gateway (IMRG), such as the IMRG112, may determine the geographic location of one or more local and/or remote client devices, such as client devices 132d and 138 c. In this regard, client devices may be used to communicate their locations to the IMRG 112. The IMRG112 may communicate the geographic location to the service provider device. The IMRG112 may receive a location-based profile for providing services from a service provider to the client devices 132d and 138 c. In step 514, the IMRG112 may store the geographic location and/or the location-based profile in a database, such as the IMRG database memory 208, for example. Based on the determined geographic location, the IMRG112 may provide information and/or services to the client device 132d and/or 138c, and/or to one or more different client devices (e.g., client devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138, and/or client devices (e.g., video client device 444)), at step 516. For example, the IMRG112 communicates the location information of the client device 132d and/or 138c to the client device 132, 134, 136 and/or 138, and/or to the video client device 444 for display on a video screen. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the IMRG112 may provide location-sensitive content to the client devices 132d and/or 138c based on their determined location information. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the IMRG112 may be used to detect cloned client devices based on the location information of the client devices 132d and 138 c. For example, the client device 138c may be a cloned version of the client device 132d and may be used to access the IMRG112 using the same security credentials as used by the client device 132 d. Based on the location-based profile of the client device 132d, the IMRG112 may determine that the client device 132d is currently located at a premises and/or location associated with an authenticated subscriber to the security service and an owner of the client device 132 d. The IMRG112 may determine that the client device 138c is a clone because the client device 138c is located in a place that is not associated with an authentication subscriber.

In an embodiment of the present invention, in an IP multimedia gateway, such as the IMRG112, one or more locations corresponding to a plurality of communication devices (e.g., the client communication devices 132d and/or 138c) communicatively coupled to the IP multimedia gateway 112 may be determined. The determined respective locations may be transmitted to one or more service provider devices, which may include, for example, one or more of the IP-based application services provider 150. Service provider equipment may be used to provide services to one or more of the plurality of communication devices 132d and/or include one or more of broadband IP network 120 and/or one or more of 138 c. The location-based service profile may be received from one or more service provider devices. The received location-based service profile may be generated by one or more service provider devices based on the determined respective locations. The service content provided by one or more service provider devices may be communicated with one or more of the plurality of communication devices 132d and/or 138c and/or with one or more service provider devices based on the received location-based service profile. The respective locations for one or more of the plurality of communication devices 132d and/or 138c may be determined based on location information received from one or more of the plurality of communication devices 132d and/or 138c, respectively. Each of the plurality of communication devices 132, 134, 136 and/or 138 communicatively coupled to the IP multimedia gateway may be local to the IP multimedia gateway 112 or may be remote from the IP multimedia gateway 112. A map of the determined respective locations of one or more of the plurality of communication devices, e.g., 132d and/or 138c, may be generated for display by one or more of the plurality of communication devices 132, 134, 136 and/or 138. The IP multimedia gateway 112 may be integrated in a set-top box, digital television, or video projector, such as STB/DTV 440. A first communication device of one or more of the plurality of communication devices, such as a communication device similar to client device 444, may comprise a video communication device that may be integrated in a set-top box, digital television, or video projector, such as STB/DTV 440. A first communication device may be used to display the determined respective location information for one or more other communication devices of one or more of the plurality of communication devices 132, 134, 136 and/or 138. The content may be communicated to one or more of the plurality of communication devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138, wherein the content may be determined based on the determined respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138. Content and/or control information that may be received from the service provider device may be used to deliver the service content. One or more locations in a storage device, such as the IMRG database memory 208, may be associated with one or more of the plurality of communication devices, such as the communication device 132 d. A cloned communication device, e.g., communication device 138c, may be detected when the respective location determined for communication device 138c is different from the associated one or more locations. Further, service to one or more of the plurality of communication devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138 may be limited based on the associated location. In this manner, based on the location of the communication devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138, the communication devices 132, 134, 136, and/or 138 may be tracked by the IP multimedia gateway 112 and/or may receive traffic from the IP multimedia gateway 112.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the IP multimedia Home gateway device (IMRG)112 may determine one or more locations of one or more client devices (e.g., client devices 132d and/or 138 c). Information regarding the determined one or more locations may be stored in a database, for example, a database in the MIRG112 such as the IMRG database memory 208. One or both of the location information and services may be provided to one or more client devices, e.g., client device 132d and/or 138c, and/or to one or more other client devices, e.g., client devices 132, 134, 136, 138, and/or video client device 444, based on the determined one or more locations. The one or more locations may be determined based on location information, which may be received from one or more client devices, e.g., from client devices 132d and/or 138 c. The one or more client devices and the one or more other client devices may be local client devices and/or remote client devices. A map of the determined one or more locations may be generated for display by one or more client devices, e.g., client device 132d and/or 138c, and/or by one or more other client devices, e.g., client devices 132, 134, 136, 138 and/or video client device 444.

The IMRG112 or IMRG442 may be integrated in a set-top box, digital television, or video projector, such as STB/DTV 440. The one or more other client devices may include a video client device 444, which video client device 444 may also be integrated in a set-top box, digital television, or video projector, such as in STB/DTV440, which may be used to display location information. The content may be transmitted to one or more client devices, such as client devices 132d and/or 138c, where the content may be determined based on the determined location for each of the one or more client devices 132d and/or 138 c. Content and/or control information received from a service provider device, for example, over broadband IP network 120, may be used by IMRG112 to provide location information and services to one or more client devices 132d and/or 138c and/or to one or more other client devices 132, 134, 136, 138 and/or video client device 444. The one or more locations may be associated with a set of one or more client devices, such as client devices 132d and/or 138 c. A cloned client device may be detected when one of the one or more determined locations is different from an associated location for one of the one or more client devices (e.g., client device 138 c). In this manner, tracking of the client device by the IMRG112 and/or services provided to the client device by the IMRG112 may be determined based on the location of the client device.

Other embodiments of the present invention may provide a non-transitory computer readable medium and/or storage medium, and/or non-transitory machine readable medium and/or storage medium, having stored thereon a machine code and/or computer program comprising at least one code section executable by a machine and/or computer, thereby causing the machine and/or computer to perform the above-described steps for providing location tracking and services over an IP multimedia home network.

Accordingly, the present invention may be realized in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present invention can be realized in a centralized fashion in at least one computer system, or in a distributed fashion where different elements are spread across several interconnected computer systems. Any kind of computer system or other apparatus adapted for carrying out the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of hardware and software could be a general purpose computer system with a computer program that, when being loaded and executed, controls the computer system such that it carries out the methods described herein.

The present invention may also be implemented by a computer program product, comprising all the features enabling the implementation of the methods of the invention, when loaded in a computer system. The computer program in this document refers to: any expression, in any programming language, code or notation, of a set of instructions intended to cause a system having an information processing capability to perform a particular function either directly or after either or both of the following: a) conversion to other languages, decoding or notation; b) reproduced in a different format.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCLUDING BY REFERENCE

This application also cites:

______, U.S. patent application serial No. _________ (attorney docket No. 23032US 01);

______, U.S. patent application serial No. _________ (attorney docket No. 23033US 01);

_______, U.S. patent application serial No. ________ (attorney docket No. 23034US 01); and

_______, U.S. patent application serial No. ________ (attorney docket No. 23039US 01).

Each of the above applications is again incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. A method of communication, the method comprising:

in an IP multimedia gateway:

transmitting the determined respective locations to one or more service provider devices, the one or more service provider devices to provide services to the one or more of the plurality of communication devices;

communicating service content provided by the one or more service provider devices with the one or more of the plurality of communication devices and/or with the one or more service provider devices based on the received location-based service profile,

associating one or more locations with the one or more of the plurality of communication devices in a storage device in the IP multimedia gateway; and

detecting a cloned communication device when the determined respective location is different from the associated one or more locations.

2. The method of claim 1, comprising determining the respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices based on receiving location information from the one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more communication devices of the plurality of communication devices communicatively connected to the IP multimedia gateway is local to the IP multimedia gateway or remote to the IP multimedia gateway.

4. The method of claim 1, comprising generating a map of the determined respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices for display by one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the IP multimedia gateway is integrated in a set-top box, a digital television, or a video projector.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein a first one of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices comprises a video communication device integrated in the set-top box, the digital television, or the video projector; and the video communication device to display the determined respective location information for one or more other communication devices of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

7. The method of claim 1, comprising transmitting content to the one or more of the plurality of communication devices, wherein the content is determined based on the determined respective locations of the one or more of the plurality of communication devices.

8. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising using content and/or control information received from the service provider device to deliver content for the service.

9. The method of claim 1, comprising:

10. A communication system, the system comprising:

one or more processors and/or circuitry for use in an IP multimedia gateway device, wherein the one or more processors and/or circuitry are to: determining respective locations of one or more of a plurality of communication devices communicatively connected to the IP multimedia gateway;

communicating service content provided by the one or more service provider devices with the one or more of the plurality of communication devices and/or with the one or more service provider devices based on the received location-based service profile, associating one or more locations with the one or more of the plurality of communication devices in a storage device in the IP multimedia gateway; and detecting a cloned communication device when the determined respective location is different from the associated one or more locations.