WO2008103563A1

WO2008103563A1 - Method and system for context based communication in communication networks

Info

Publication number: WO2008103563A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/053373
Authority: WO
Inventors: C.S. Chandrasekaran; P. Sethuramalingam; R. Seshadri
Original assignee: Motorola Inc
Current assignee: Motorola Solutions Inc
Priority date: 2007-02-23
Filing date: 2008-02-08
Publication date: 2008-08-28
Anticipated expiration: 2009-08-23
Also published as: EP2116072A1; EP2116072A4

Abstract

A method and system for managing a context based communication via a server (102) in a communication network is provided. The method at the server includes storing (404) an association of a plurality of communication devices (108, 110, and 112) with a context based on a predefined criteria. The context is an addressable entity in the communication network (100). Further, the method includes receiving (406) a request for communication with at least one of the communication device of the plurality of communication devices. The request is received from an initiating communication device (106). The method also includes facilitating (408) the communication between the at least one communication device and the initiating communication device.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTEXT BASED COMMUNICATION IN COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention generally relates to communication networks, and more particularly, to a method and system for context based communication in the communication networks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Nowadays communication through mobile communication devices is becoming increasingly popular. Examples of mobile communication devices include, but are not limited to, a mobile phone, a video phone, a smart phone, and a personal digital assistant (PDA). The communication with the mobile communication devices takes place in communication networks. Some examples of communication networks include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), and the like.

[0003] Typically, a mobile communication device has to feed an assigned communication address of another mobile communication device to communicate with it. For example, if a person X having a mobile communication device needs to communicate with a person Y having another mobile communication device, then the person X has to dial the assigned number of the mobile communication device of the person Y. In order to communicate with different persons, then the person X has to store a lot of assigned communication addresses in the mobile communication device. This storing of assigned communication addresses in the memory of the mobile communication device can be tedious and tiresome.

[0004] There exist telephone directory services in which the assigned communication addresses of a mobile communication device can be permanently associated with a context. Hence, once the mobile communication device is associated with a particular context, the association cannot be changed.

[0005] In light of the above discussion, there is a need of a method and system which reduces the effort required in dialing the number of the mobile communication devices to communicate. In addition, the invention should make a dynamic association between the mobile communication devices with the context.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, all in accordance with the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a communication network, where various embodiments of the present invention can be practiced;

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; [0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a communication device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the method at the server for managing the context based communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the method at an initiating communication device or managing the context based communication via the server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0012] FIGs. 6 and 7 is a flow chart illustrating the method for managing the context based communication, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0013] FIG. 8 is an exemplary call flow diagram illustrating the context based communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, to help in improving an understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0001] Before describing in detail the particular method and system for context based communication in communication networks, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in combinations of method steps related to the context based communication in communication networks. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the description herein.

[0015] In this document, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements that are not expressly listed or inherent in such a process, method, article or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises ... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus that comprises the element. The term "another," as used in this document, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms "includes" and/or "having", as used herein, are defined as comprising.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for managing a context based communication via a server in a communication network. The method at the server includes storing association of a plurality of communication devices with a context based on predefined criteria. The context is an addressable entity in the communication network. Further, the method includes receiving a request for communication with at least one of the communication device of the plurality of communication devices. The request is received from an initiating communication device. In addition, the method includes facilitating the communication between the at least one communication device and the initiating communication device.

[0017] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method at an initiating communication device for managing a context based communication via a server in a communication network. The communication is initiated by the initiating communication device. The method includes transmitting a request to the server to facilitate the communication with at least one communication device of a plurality of communication device associated with a context. Further, the method includes communicating with the at least one communication device via the server.

[0018] Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides a server for facilitating a context based communication in a communication network. The server includes an associating unit configured to store an association of a plurality of communication devices with a context based on predefined criteria. Further, the server includes a receiver configured to receive a request for communication with at least one communication device of the plurality of communication devices. The request is received from an initiating communication device. The server also includes a processor configured to facilitate the communication between the at least one communication device from the plurality of communication devices and the initiating communication device.

[0019] Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a communication device. The communication device includes a transmitter configured to transmit an association-information of the communication device associated with a context. The transmitter is also configured to transmit a request for communication with at least one communication device of a plurality of communication devices with a desired context. Further, the communication device includes a processor configured to initiate the communication with at least one communication device of the plurality of communication devices through a server.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a communication network 100 where various embodiments of the present invention can be practiced. The communication network 100 is a network of communication links arranged so that messages/information can be passed from one part of the network to another part of the network. Examples of the communication network 100 include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network, and the like. The communication network 100 is shown to include a server 102, a car 106, an initiating communication device 104, and a plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112. The server 102 enables the communication between the initiating communication device 104 and the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 by storing and processing the relevant data. Examples of the server 102 include, but are not limited to a base transceiver station and a data processing unit. The communication device which initiates the call for communicating with the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 is herein referred to as initiating communication device 104. Examples of the initiating communication devices 104, as well as the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 include a mobile phone, a Laptop, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a smart phone, and the like.

[0021] The communication devices 108, 110, and 112 shown in the FIG. 1 are associated with the car 106. In other words, the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 are associated with various attributes of the car 106. Examples of an attribute of the car 106 include registration number of the car 106, color of the car 106, location of the car 106, and the like. The user of the initiating communication device 104 can communicate with the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 by using the registration number of the car 106. The server 102 enables the communication between the initiating communication device 104 and the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 by storing the registration number of the car 106. Although the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 in FIG. 1 is shown to be associated with the car 106, it will be apparent to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 can be associated with any context such as a house, a location, a taxi service, a vehicle, or an emergency service.

[0022] The above embodiment is explained with the help of the communication device 104 as the initiating communication device. However, it will be readily apparent to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that any communication device in the communication network can initiate a call. [0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the server 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To describe the server 102, reference will be made to FIG. 1, although it should be understood that the server 102 can be implemented in any other suitable environment or network. The server 102 includes an associating unit 202, a receiver 204, a processor 206, a memory unit 208, and a transmitter 210. The associating unit 202 is configured to store the association of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 with contexts based on predefined criteria. In other words, the associating unit 202 can associate the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 with the car 106. For example, the associating unit 202 stores the information that the communication device 108 is presently located in (or in vicinity of) and associated with the car 106. The receiver 204 is configured to receive the request from the initiating communication device 104 to initiate the communication with at least one of the communication device from the communication devices 108, 110, and 112. For example, the receiver 204 can receive a request from the initiating communication device 104 to call any communication device in the car 106. For example, the request can be to 'call any communication device in the car 106. For an embodiment, the receiver 204 is further configured to receive a plurality of association-requests. The association-requests are sent by the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 to associate them with the car 106.

[0024] The receiver 204 is communicably connected with the processor 206.

The processor 206 is configured to facilitate the communication between the initiating communication device 104 and any (or all) of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112. The processor 206 facilitates the communication based on the request received by the receiver 204 from the initiating communication device 104. Further, the processor 206 is communicably connected with the memory unit 208. The memory unit 208 stores association-information of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112. For an example, the association-information can be a list of the contexts associated with a communication device. For another example, the association-information can be a list of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 associated with the context, for example, the registration number of the car 106. The transmitter 210 is configured to perform various functions. The transmitter 210 can transmit the list of the at least one of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 to the initiating communication device 104 in response to the request received by the receiver 204.

[0025] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a communication device 302, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To describe the communication device 302, reference will be made to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. It should be understood that the some or all of the elements of the communication device 302, as described below, can also be present in the communication devices 104, 108, 110, and 112.

[0026] The communication device 302 includes a transmitter 304, a processor

306, a receiver 308, and a user interface 310. The transmitter 304 is configured to transmit an association-request for storing the association of the communication device 302 with a context to the server 102. For example, the transmitter 304 transmits the request to store the association of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 with the car 106. Further, the transmitter 304 is configured to transmit a request to the server 102 for communication with the at least one communication device of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112. For an embodiment, the transmitter 304 is also configured to transmit an acknowledgement for the invitation of the communication to the server 102. For example, a transmitter of any of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 can also send an acknowledgement for the invitation of the communication to the server 102. In this example, the request transmitted by the initiating communication device 104 to the server 102 for communication is transferred to the communication devices 108, 110, and 112. In turn, the transmitter the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 can transmits acknowledgement to the server 102 for being a part of the communication to the server 102.

[0027] The processor 306 of the communication device 302 is configured to enable communication with any of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112. The receiver 308 is configured to receive the list of the communication devices from the server 102. For example, the receiver 308 receives the list of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 in response to the request sent by the initiating communication device 104 to communicate with any (or all) of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 associated with the car 106. Further, the receiver 308 is configured to receive an invitation from the server 102 for communication with any (or all) of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112.

[0028] The user interface 310 is configured to display the list of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112. For example, the user interface 310 displays the list of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 present in the car 106 in response to the request transmitted by the initiating communication device 104. Further, the user interface 310 is configured to facilitate input of an instruction from the user of the communication device 302. The instructions are either to communicate with the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 or to further refine the request of communication. For example, the user interface 310 displays multiple options for communication at the communication device, for example, the initiating communication device 104. Thereafter, the user of the initiating communication device 104 can select one or more of the communication devices from the list of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 for communication. In one scenario, after selecting the one or more of the communication devices, the user of the initiating communication device 104 can also refine the request and transmit it to the server 102. In another scenario, the user can refine the request prior to selecting the one or more of the communication devices.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the method at the server 102 for managing the context based communication, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To describe the method for managing the context based communication at the server 102, reference will be made to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3, although it should be understood that the method for managing the context based communication at the server 102 can be implemented in any other suitable environment or network.

[0030] At step 402, the method for managing the context based communication initiates at the server 102. At step 404, the associations of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 with the context according to the predefined criteria is stored. The predefined criteria can be the proximity to the car 106, the ownership of the car 106, i.e. the relation with the registration number of the car 106, or any other association with the car 106. For example, the associations of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 with the car 106 are stored in the server 102. At step 406, the request by the initiating communication device 104 for communicating with at least one of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 associated with the car 106 is received. At step 408, the communication of the initiating communication device 104 with the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 is facilitated. At step 410, the method terminates.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the method at the initiating communication device 104 for managing the context based communication via the server 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. To describe the method for managing the context based communication at the initiating communication device 104, reference will be made to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, although it should be understood that the method for managing the context based communication via the server 102 at the initiating communication device 104 can be implemented in any other suitable environment or network.

[0032] The method at the initiating communication device 104 for managing the context based communication via the server 102 initiates at step 502. At step 504, the request for facilitating the communication with the at least one of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 associated with the context is transmitted to the server 102. For example, the initiating communication device 104 transmits the request for facilitating the communication with one or more of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 associated with the car 106. At step 506, the initiating communication device 104 starts communication with the at least one of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 associated with the car 106 via the server 102. At step 508, the method terminates.

[0033] FIGs. 6 and 7 is a flow chart illustrating the method for managing the context based communication, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. To describe the method for managing the context based communication, reference will be made to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5. However, it should be understood that the method for managing the context based communication can be implemented in any other suitable environment or network. Moreover, the invention is not limited to the step illustrated in FIGs. 6 and 7. In addition, the flow chart of FIGs. 6 and 7 can contain greater or fewer number of steps.

[0034] The method for managing the context based communication initiates at step 602. At step 604, the server 102 stores the list of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 associated with the car 106 based on the predefined criteria. Examples of the predefined criteria can be the proximity to the car 106, the ownership of the car 106, i.e. the relation with the registration number of the car 106, or any other association with the car 106. For example, the associations of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 with the car 106 are stored in the server 102. For example, the memory unit 208 of the server 102 stores that the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 are associated with the car 106 whose owner is Mr. X and present location is St. James Market, Florida. At step 606, the initiating communication device 104 transmits a preliminary request to the server 102 for communicating with any of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112. For example, the transmitter of the initiating communication device 104 transmits a query or a request, saying, "Call the communication devices in the car 106 present at Rumford Street in Florida City", to the receiver 204 of the server 102. At step 608, the receiver 204 of the server 102 receives the request for communication from the initiating communication device 104.

[0035] After obtaining the request from the communication device 104 step

610 is performed at the server 102. At step 610, the transmitter 210 of the server 102 transmits the list of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 associated with the car 106 to the receiver of the initiating communication device 104.

[0036] After providing the list of the communication devices 108, 110, and

112, step 612 is performed. At step 612, the initiating communication device 104 and the server 102 incrementally refines the request for communication. For example, after receiving the list of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112, refining of the earlier request from "Call the communication devices in the car 106 present at Rumford Street in Florida City" is performed to formulate the request, i.e., "Call the communication devices in the car 106 present at parking of Rumford Street in Florida City". In this case the 'Rumford Street in Florida City' is a preliminary context which is refined to the context, i.e., 'Parking of Rumford Street in Florida City'. After receiving the new request, the server 102 refines its list and transmits it to the initiating communication device 104. For an embodiment, at step 614, the initiating communication device 104 selects a communication device from the refined list of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112. The selection is done by the user of the initiating communication device 104 through the user interface of the initiating communication device 104. The selected list of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 is transmitted to the server 102 by the transmitter of the initiating communication device 104. For another embodiment, the selection can be done by the server 102. The server selects the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 based on a random selection algorithm or a weighted selection algorithm.

[0037] For this embodiment, at step 702, the transmitter 210 of the server 102 transmits an invitation to the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 to communicate with the initiating communication device 104. For an arrangement of this embodiment, the method also includes performing sending a message to the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 to involve in the communication. In an exemplary scenario, the message can be composed by the server 102. At step 704, the at least one of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 sends an acknowledgement to the server 102 to involve in the communication. The at least one of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112, which wants to involve in the communication with the initiating communication device 104, sends the acknowledgement.

[0038] At step 706, the server 102 establishes the communication between the initiating communication device 104 and the at least one of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 that are selected by the initiating communication device 104. For an embodiment, after establishing the communication, the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 can get disassociated from the car 106 and get associated with another context when the user(s) of the communication devices 108, 110, and 112 move out of the car 106 and move closer to the another context. In an exemplary scenario, after participating in the communication, a user of the communication device 108 leaves the car, and enters a home. Then, the communication device 108 gets associated with the home. At step 708, the method terminates.

[0039] FIG. 8 is an exemplary call flow diagram illustrating the context based communication, in accordance with various embodiment of the present invention. Through the call flow signal 802, each of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 gets associated with the car 106. Thereafter, through the call flow signal 804, the association of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112, are transmitted to the server 102. Through the call flow signal 806, the request for initiation of communication with the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 in the car 106, is transmitted to the server 102 by the initiating communication device 104. Through the call flow signal 808, the server 102 transmits an invitation to the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 to start communication with the initiating communication device 104. Through the call flow signal 810, at least one of the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 transmits the acknowledgement to initiate the communication with the initiating communication device 104. Through the call flow signal 812, the server 102 facilitates the communication of the initiating communication device 104 and the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112. Through the call flow signal 814, the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112 disassociates with the car 106 by leaving the car 106. For an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of communication devices 108, 110, and 112, gets associated with another context, for example, a home.

[0040] The abovementioned method and system for context based communication in communication networks provide various advantages. Firstly, the scope of communication increases because of the dynamic association of communication devices with the context. For example, in an emergency situation, if a person X needs to communicate with person Y, having a mobile device in a home, then the person X only need to know about the attributes of the home rather than the assigned numbers of the mobile device of the person Y. Secondly, the person X does not need to know the assigned communication address of mobile device of person Y, as the mobile device of person Y associates itself with the home. In addition, if the person Y leaves the home and goes to driving his/her car then the mobile device of person Y associates itself with the car, and hence provides dynamic association.

It will be appreciated that the above mentioned method and system for context based communication in communication networks, described herein, may comprise one or more conventional processors and unique stored program instructions that control the one or more processors, to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the system described herein. The non- processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method and system for context based communication in communication networks differently. Alternatively, some or all the functions can be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) in which each function, or some combinations of certain of the functions, are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches can also be used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been described herein.

[0041] It is expected that one with ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein, will be readily capable of generating such software instructions, programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

[0042] In the foregoing specification, the invention and its benefits and advantages have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of those claims, as issued.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS

1. A method for managing a context based communication via a server in a communication network, the method at the server comprising:

storing an association of a plurality of communication devices with a context based on a predefined criteria; wherein the context is an addressable entity in the communication network.

receiving a request for communication with at least one communication device of the plurality of communication devices, wherein the request is received from an initiating communication device; and

facilitating the communication between the at least one communication device and the initiating communication device.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein receiving the request comprises:

obtaining a preliminary request for the communication based on a preliminary context, wherein the preliminary context is associated with the context; and

incrementally refining the preliminary request, wherein the preliminary request is refined to formulate the request for the communication with the at least one communication device.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein facilitating the communication comprises:

providing a list of the at least one communication device to the initiating communication device; and

establishing the communication between a communication device of the at least one communication device and the initiating communication device, wherein the communication device is selected by the initiating communication device.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein facilitating the communication comprises:

selecting a communication device of the at least one communication device by using one of a random selection algorithm and a weighted selection algorithm; and

establishing the communication between the communication device and the initiating communication device.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein facilitating the communication comprises performing at least one of:

sending a message to the at least one communication device, wherein the message is selected from the group comprising a message received from the initiating communication device and a message composed at the server; and establishing the communication between the initiating communication device and the at least one communication device.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the predefined criteria is selected from the group comprising proximity to the context, ownership of the context, and the association with the context.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the context is selected from the group comprising a location and a vehicle.

8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the server is selected from a group comprising a data processing unit and a base transceiver station.

9. A method for managing a context based communication via a server in a communication network, the communication being initiated by an initiating communication device, the method at the initiating communication device comprising:

transmitting a request to the server to facilitate the communication with at least one communication device of a plurality of communication devices associated with a context; and

communicating with the at least one communication device via the server.

10. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein transmitting the request comprises:

sending a preliminary request for communication based on a preliminary context, wherein the preliminary context is associated with the context; and

incrementally refining the preliminary request, wherein the preliminary request is refined to formulate the request for communication with the at least one communication device.

11. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein communicating with the at least one communication device comprises:

receiving a list of the at least one communication device from the server; selecting a communication device of the at least one communication device; and

communicating with the communication device, wherein the communication is facilitated by the server.

12. The method as recited in claim 9 further comprising:

receiving an invitation to communicate with a communication device of the at least one communication device;

sending an acknowledgement for the invitation; and

participating in the communication with the communication device, wherein the communication is facilitated by the server.

13. The method as recited in claim 9 further comprising sending a message to the at least one of the server and the at least one communication device.

14. The method as recited in claim 9, wherein the context is selected from the group comprising an attribute of a location and a vehicle.

15. A server for facilitating a context based communication in a communication network, the server comprising:

an associating unit configured to store an association of a plurality of communication devices with a context based on a predefined criteria;

a receiver configured to receive a request for the communication with at least one communication device of the plurality of communication devices, wherein the request is received from an initiating communication device; and

a processor configured to facilitate the communication between the at least one communication device and the initiating communication device.

16. The server as recited in claim 15 further comprising a memory unit for storing a list of the plurality of communication devices associated with the context.

17. The server as recited in claim 15 further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit a list of the at least one communication device to the initiating communication device in response to a query from the initiating communication device.

18. A communication device comprising:

a transmitter configured to perform at least one of:

transmit an association-information of the communication device associated with a context; and

transmit a request for communication with at least one communication device of a plurality of communication devices associated with a desired context; and

a processor configured to enable the communication with the at least one communication device, wherein the communication is facilitated by a server.

19. The communication device as recited in claim 18 further comprising a receiver configured to receive at least one of:

a list of the at least one communication device; and

an invitation for the communication with an initiating communication device.

20. The communication device as recited in claim 19, wherein the transmitter is further configured to transmit an acknowledgement for the invitation.

21. The communication device as recited in claim 18 further comprising a user interface configured to:

display a list of the at least one communication device; and

facilitate input of an instruction from the server, wherein the instruction is selected from the group comprising a request for the communication with the at least one communication device, an instruction for refining the request and an instruction to select the communication device of the at least one communication device.