I 1111111111111111 11111 1111111111 1111111111 11111 1111111111 111111111111111111
`
`US008687536B2
`
`(IO) Patent No.: US 8,687,536 B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`
`(45)Date of Patent:
`Apr.1, 2014
`Michaelis
`
`2/2006 Moon et al. ................... 370/328
`
`
`2006/0034215 Al*
`(54)METHOD AND APPARATUS TO
`CREATE
`
`4/2006 Dorenbosch et al.
`
`2006/0072532 Al
`MULTICAST GROUPS BASED ON
`
`
`1/2007 Otranen ..................... 340/572.1
`
`2007/0001853 Al*
`PROXIMITY
`
`
`
`12/2009 Nystrom et al. .................. 726/9
`
`2009/0313689 Al *
`
`
`
`
`
`(75)Inventor: Oliver Michaelis, San Diego, CA (US)
`
`
`
`(73) Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated, San
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`2006054616 A 2/2006
`
`2008524906 A 7/2008
`
`
`
`W02006064480 Al 6/2006
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`
`
`JP
`
`Diego, CA (US)
`JP
`WO
`
`
`( *) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`
`
`
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`
`
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 848 days.
`International Search Report-PCT /US08/0 54 783-International
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Search Authority-European Patent Office-Jun. 24, 2008.
`
`Written Opinion-PCT/US08/054783-International Search
`
`
`
`Authority-European Patent Office, Munich-Jun. 24, 2008.
`
`(21)Appl. No.: 12/035,358
`
`
`
`(22)Filed:Feb.21 ,2008
`
`(65)
`
`
`
`US 2008/0219227 Al Sep. 11, 2008
`
`
`* cited by examiner
`P rior Publication Data
`Primary Examiner - Yemane Mesfin
`
`
`
`
`
`Assistant Examiner - Christine Duong
`
`
`(74)Attorney, Agent, or Firm - James T. Hagler
`
`
`
`
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`
`
`23, 2007.
`
`(51)Int. Cl.
`H04H 20171
`
`(2008.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(57)
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/891,231, filed on Feb.
`Devices and methods use close range communication links,
`
`
`
`
`
`such as near field communication (NFC) protocol links, to
`
`
`
`
`
`enable users to authenticate mobile devices to one another to
`
`
`
`
`create or expand secure multicast groups. Once the two or
`
`
`
`more devices establish a close range communication peer-to­
`H04L 12128
`
`
`
`peer link the devices exchange multicast group communica­
`(52)U.S. Cl.
`
`
`
`
`tion data sufficient to permit the devices to receive or send
`
`
`
`USPC ............................ 370/312; 370/390; 370/432
`
`
`
`
`multicast messages. Long range wireless or wired network
`
`( 58) Field of Classification Search
`
`
`communication links are then used for multicast message
`None
`
`
`
`
`communications. Proximity limits of the close range commu­
`
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`
`
`
`
`nication P2P link enables mutual trust to be presumed among
`
`
`
`
`devices, reducing the need for security and authentication
`
`
`
`signaling. The limited range of close range communication
`
`
`
`
`
`P2Plinks renders multicast groups established in this manner
`
`
`less vulnerable to eavesdropping and intrusion. Embodiments
`
`
`
`
`enable users to initiate secure multicast group participation
`
`
`6,988,146 Bl 1/2006 Magret et al.
`
`
`
`merely by bringing two or more devices into close proximity.
`
`
`2005/0063409 Al* 3/2005 Oommen ...................... 370/432
`
`
`
`2005/0138369 Al* 6/2005 Lebovitz et al. .............. 713/163
`
`
`
`
`2006/0029078 Al * 2/2006 Lu et al ...................... 370/395.2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(56)
`
`
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`40 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets
`
`Mult1castgroup1ncludesmulticsstserver,1nit1aldev1ce,andrequesllng
`
`
`device
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 1 of 20
`
`

`

`
`Apr.1, 2014
`U.S. Patent
`
`Sheet 1 of 8 US 8,687,536 B2
`
`10
`
`�
`
`I
`.<...-9
`I
`I
`I
`
`I
`I
`
`24
`
`Internet
`
`16
`
`FIG. 1
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 2 of 20
`
`

`

`
`
`U.S. Patent Apr.1, 2014 Sheet 2 of 8 US 8,687,536 B2
`
`28
`
`
`
`Multicast Group Established
`
`NFC Handshake
`
`32
`
`34
`
`
`
`Multicast Request
`
`36
`
`
`
`Multicast Advertisement
`
`38
`
`40
`
`Signaling Data
`
`
`
`Signaling Data
`
`42
`
`Multicast
`
`44
`
`FIG. 2
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 3 of 20
`
`

`

`
`
`U.S. Patent Apr.1, 2014 Sheet 3 of 8 US 8,687,536 B2
`
`28
`
`5
`5
`initiate multicast
`
`request
`
`- �
`�
`
`50
`
`
`
`
`
`create a multicast group
`
`6
`
`,,
`
`
`
`establish NFC connection
`
`6
`5
`'--
`
`request
`70
`send multicast
`,._}
`multicast ....
`advertisement
`advertisement
`
`7
`5
`'--
`
`9
`0
`
`� J
`
`85
`
`80 /'oJ
`add device to
`announce ,I,.
`relay .i.. - multicast
`capabilities , capabilities ..
`group
`
`-
`
`
`
`Multicast group includes multicast server, initial device, and requesting
`
`
`
`
`
`
`device
`
`,,
`
`FIG. 3
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 4 of 20
`
`

`

`
`
`U.S. Patent Apr.1, 2014 Sheet 4 of 8 US 8,687,536 B2
`
`30
`
`NFC Handshake
`
`34
`
`
`
`Multicast Group Advertisement
`
`37
`
`
`
`Signaling Data
`
`Multicast
`
`44
`
`NFC Handshake
`
`
`
`Multicast Request
`
`36
`
`
`
`Multicast Advertisement
`
`Signaling Data
`
`38
`
`42
`
`Multicast
`
`
`
`Signaling Data
`
`43
`
`44
`
`FIG.4
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 5 of 20
`
`

`

`
`
`U.S. Patent Apr.1, 2014 Sheet 5 of 8 US 8,687,536 B2
`
`28
`
`30
`
`57
`-�
`
`::·:/
`
`·. ···::·:::::·:::::\it}?=
`
`Bring devices in
`
`close proximity
`
`0
`
`•
`
`
`
`establish NFC connection
`
`•
`
`50
`
`
`
`create a multicast group
`
`6�
`
`+
`
`
`
`establish NFC connection
`
`_J
`
`70 +_§5
`
`request
`send multicast
`multicast
`advertisement
`�·-
`advertisement
`
`)]
`
`Add device to
`� ...
`multicast
`group
`
`�
`
`92 ! '-.....
`
`l
`
`�
`
`80 •
`� - announce
`relay
`
`capabilities capabilities
`
`�
`
`75
`
`
`
`Multicast group communications among the three devices
`
`
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 6 of 20
`
`

`

`
`U.S. Patent Apr.1, 2014
`
`Sheet 6 of 8 US 8,687,536 B2
`
`28
`
`Multicast
`
`Group Exit Announcement
`
`44
`
`45
`NFC Handshake
`
`34
`
`Group Exit Confirmation
`
`46
`
`Group Exit Confirmation
`
`47
`
`Multicast
`
`44
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 7 of 20
`
`

`

`
`
`U.S. Patent Apr.1, 2014 Sheet 7 of 8 US 8,687,536 B2
`
`<capabilities>
`
`r-----------------
`110
`Irv
`I <protocol>
`I <name>IP</name> I
`
`I <identifier>192.168.0.1 </identifier>
`I </protocol>
`1
`r----------------- I 115
`I <protocol>
`I <name>EVDO</name> I
`r
`I <identifier>555-555-1212</identifier>
`1
`I </protocol>
`I
`
`L-----------------
`
`:
`
`L-----------------
`
`</capabilities>
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 8 of 20
`
`

`

`
`
`U.S. Patent Apr.1, 2014 Sheet 8 of 8 US 8,687,536 B2
`
`r
`
`:Jo
`
`173
`
`174
`
`-
`
`'
`
`000 177
`000
`�6
`000
`000
`
`I 175
`
`171
`
`L_
`
`172
`
`-
`
`178
`
`\..._
`
`�
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 9 of 20
`
`

`

`
`
`US 8,687,536 B2
`
`1
`
`2
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS TO CREATE
`
`
`
`MULTICAST GROUPS BASED ON
`
`PROXIMITY
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`the general description given above and the detailed descrip­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`tion given below, serve to explain the features of the inven­
`tion.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of wireless cellular network
`
`
`
`
`
`
`5 which includes short-range wireless communication imple­
`mented on a number of mobile devices.
`FIG. 2 is a message flow diagram of an embodiment for
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`The present application claims the benefit of priority to
`
`joining a device to a multicast group.
`
`
`
`
`U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/891,231 filed
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram of an embodiment method
`
`
`Feb. 23, 2008 entitled "Method and Apparatus to Create
`
`
`10 suitable for joining a device to a multicast group.
`
`
`Multi-Cast Groups Based on Proximity," the entire contents
`
`
`
`FIG. 4 is a message flow diagram of an embodiment for
`
`of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
`
`
`establishing a multicast group.
`FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram of an embodiment method
`
`
`
`
`
`suitable for establishing a multicast group.
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 6 is a diagram of a data structure suitable for use with
`15
`
`
`
`
`The present invention relates generally to computer net-
`
`the various embodiments.
`
`
`work communications, and more specifically to creating mul­
`FIG. 7 is a message flow diagram of an embodiment for
`
`
`
`
`
`ticast groups based on proximity.
`
`
`
`
`removing a device from an established multicast group.
`
`
`
`FIG. 8 is a circuit block diagram of an example mobile
`
`
`20 device suitable for use with the various embodiments.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`As mobile devices and consumer electronic devices target
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`converging markets there is increasing interest in multicast
`
`
`communication technologies. In multicast groups, multiple
`The various embodiments will be described in detail with
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`participants are linked together into an inter-network in which 25
`
`
`
`
`reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible,
`
`
`
`the participants send and receive communications to and from
`
`
`
`the same reference numbers will be used throughout the
`
`
`
`
`one another. Such networks have a variety of useful applica­
`
`
`
`
`drawings to refer to the same or like parts. References made to
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`tions, from business collaboration to interactive gaming. particular examples and implementations are for illustrative
`
`
`
`
`purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inven-
`
`
`
`
`Multicast groups are not without their hazards, however, as
`tion or the claims.
`
`
`
`
`members have communication access to all members of the
`30
`As used herein, the terms "mobile handset," "handset,"
`
`
`
`
`
`
`group. Allowing an intruder into a multicast group could
`
`
`
`"mobile device" and "handheld device" refer to any one or all
`
`
`
`
`leave members vulnerable to electronic attack and eavesdrop­
`
`
`
`
`of cellular telephones, personal data assistants (PDA's),
`
`
`ping. Accordingly, most multicast groups employ some form
`
`
`palm-top computers, wireless electronic mail receivers and
`
`
`
`of security or authentication protocols to limit group access.
`
`
`
`cellular telephone receivers (e.g., the Blackberry® and Treo®
`35
`
`Such mechanisms may work well in established and stable
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`devices), multimedia Internet enabled cellular telephones
`groups. However, ad hoc multicast groups and groups that
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(e.g., the iPhone®), and similar personal electronic devices
`
`
`
`
`frequently add and delete members may become burdened by
`
`
`
`which include a programmable processor and memory and
`
`
`such security or authentication protocols.
`
`
`
`the capability to connect to a wireless network. While the
`
`
`
`
`40 various embodiments refer to cellular telephone network sys­
`
`
`
`tems including cell towers of such networks, the scope of the
`
`
`
`present invention and the claims encompass any wireless
`In the various embodiments a wireless proximity-limited
`
`
`
`
`
`
`communication system including disperse communication
`
`
`
`communication technology is used to establish an initial link
`
`
`
`cells centered on base stations which include an identifier,
`
`
`
`
`
`between mobile devices to recognize one another and estab­
`
`
`45 including for example, WiFi, WiMax, and other wireless data
`
`
`
`
`lish a multicast group.A variety of wireless proximity-limited
`
`
`network communication technologies.
`
`
`
`communication technologies may be used for mobile devices
`
`
`The various embodiments make use of wireless proximity­
`
`
`
`
`( e.g., cell phones, PD As, and other wireless devices) to estab­
`
`
`
`
`limited communication technologies to impose the need to
`
`
`
`lish a peer-to-peer (P2P) data link. After the P2P link has been
`
`
`
`
`bring two electronic devices to exchange information neces-
`
`
`
`configured with wireless proximity-limited communication,
`
`
`
`
`50 sary to establish a multicast group. A variety of wireless
`
`
`
`
`another wireless communication technology, such as Blue­
`
`
`
`proximity-limited communication technologies may be used
`
`
`
`
`for this purpose. For example, close range communication
`
`
`tooth® or Wi-Fi, can be used for longer-range communica­
`
`
`link technologies, such as near field communications (NFC)
`
`
`
`
`tion or for transferring larger amounts of data. The longer­
`
`
`
`protocol technologies, may be used. NFC protocol technol-
`
`
`range communication technology can then be used as the
`
`
`55 ogy devices operate in the unregulated RF band ofl 3 .56 MHz
`
`
`
`medium for establishing a multicast group. Since wireless
`
`
`
`and fully comply with existing contactless smart-card tech­
`
`
`
`proximity-limited communication technologies are limited to
`
`
`
`
`nologies, standards, and protocols such as FeliCa and Mifare.
`
`
`
`short ranges, this self establishing wireless communication
`
`
`
`NFC protocol-enabled devices are interoperable with con­
`
`
`
`
`link provides an intuitive mechanism for users to authenticate
`
`
`
`
`tactless smart-cards and smart-card readers conforming to
`
`
`mobile devices to a multicast group and to initiate multicast
`
`
`
`60 these protocols. The effective NFC protocol range is approxi­
`
`
`
`group participation merely by bringing two or more mobile
`
`
`
`mately 0-20 cm (up to 8 in.) and data communications termi­
`
`devices into close proximity.
`
`
`
`nates either by a command from an application using the link
`
`
`
`or when the communicating devices move out of range.
`
`
`
`
`Evolving from a combination of contactless, identification
`The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated
`
`
`
`
`
`65 and networking technologies, NFC protocol is a short-range
`
`
`
`herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate
`
`
`
`wireless connectivity standard. A number of international
`
`
`
`
`exemplary embodiments of the invention, and together with
`
`
`
`standards have been established for NFC protocols, including
`
`SUMMARY
`
`
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 10 of 20
`
`

`

`
`
`US 8,687,536 B2
`
`4
`3
`
`for example: ISO/IEC 14443; ISO/IEC 15693; ISO/IEC
`each other to exchange information or access content and
`
`
`
`
`
`18092; ISO/IEC 21481; ISO/IEC 22536; ISO/IEC 23917;
`
`
`
`
`services-easily and securely. Solution vendors argue that the
`
`
`
`ISO/IEC DIS 28361; ECMA-340, referred to asNFCIP-1;
`
`
`
`
`intuitive operation of NFC protocol systems makes the tech­
`
`
`ECMA-352, referred to as NFCIP-2; ECMA-356; ECMA-
`
`
`
`
`nology particularly easy for consumers to use (')ust touch and
`
`
`362; ECMA-373; ECMA/TC32-TG19/2006/057; NFC-WI;
`
`
`5 go"), while the inherent security resulting from its very short
`and NFC-FEC.
`
`
`
`
`communication range makes such systems ideal for mobile
`
`
`
`However, the embodiments and the claims are not limited
`
`
`
`payment and financial transaction applications. Familiar
`
`
`
`to any one or all of the NFC protocols, and instead encompass
`
`
`
`
`applications of NFC protocol technology are electronic pass
`
`
`
`
`any short range (i.e., proximity-limited) wireless communi­
`
`
`
`
`keys used in building security systems, mass transit fare card
`
`
`
`
`cation link. Any wireless proximity-limited communication
`
`
`
`10 systems, and smart credit cards which need only to be brought
`
`
`technology may be used. In addition to the NFC protocols
`
`
`
`close to a point of sale reader to complete a transaction.
`
`
`
`listed above, wireless proximity-limited communication
`
`
`
`
`As mobile devices and consumer electronic devices are
`
`
`
`links may be established using other short range communi­
`
`
`
`
`targeting converging telecommunication markets and multi­
`
`
`
`
`cation media, including for example radiofrequency identifi­
`
`
`cast group systems become more prevalent, the need mecha-
`
`
`cation (RFID) tags and the IrDA (Infrared Data Association)
`
`
`
`
`15 nisms for establishing secure multicast groups in a user­
`
`
`
`protocol. Also, other short range wireless protocols and stan­
`
`
`
`friendly manner is becoming increasingly important. This
`
`dards may be developed and may be used in the various
`
`
`
`
`includes simple multicast groups of devices sharing a com­
`
`
`
`embodiments in the same manner as NFC protocol devices.
`
`
`
`mon physical link and devices on disparate links.
`
`
`
`Further, longer range wireless technologies and protocols
`
`
`Wireless proximity-limited communications technologies
`
`
`may be used with modifications or additions that limit their
`
`
`20 are limited to such short ranges that users must touch or nearly
`
`
`
`
`effective range for purposes of identifying electronic devices
`
`
`
`touch two devices together to establish the communication
`
`
`
`
`one to another. For example, WiFi, Bluetooth® (which com­
`
`
`
`link. This physical action thus provides an intuitive mecha­
`
`
`municates using the 2.4 GHz frequency band), UWB (Ultra
`
`
`
`
`nism for establishing a peer-to-peer (P2P) wireless commu­
`
`
`
`
`Wideband), IEEE 802.15.4, and Zigbee® wireless commu­
`
`
`
`nication link; if users want two devices to communicate, they
`
`
`
`nication protocols and standards may also be used in combi­
`
`
`
`25 merely touch them together. In the various embodiments, this
`
`
`
`
`nation with range-limiting features. For example, the power
`
`
`
`
`touch-to-communicate mechanism is leveraged to provide an
`
`
`
`of transmitters may be limited for authentication communi­
`
`
`
`intuitive means for users to authenticate mo bile devices to one
`
`
`
`
`cations, such that two devices must be relatively close
`
`
`
`another to create a multicast group or to join an established
`
`
`
`
`
`together (e.g., within a few feet of each other) in order to send
`
`multicast group. Once the two (or more) mobile devices
`
`
`
`
`and receive the communications. As another example, round­
`
`
`
`30 establish a close range communication P2P link, long range
`
`
`
`trip communication delay limits may be imposed such that
`
`
`
`wireless or wired network communications can be estab­
`
`authentication communications can only occur if the round
`
`
`
`
`lished, such as by using the close range communication link
`
`
`set to reject signals trip of such sign als is less than a threshold
`
`
`
`
`
`to negotiate network protocol parameters. Multicast group
`
`
`sent from more than a dozen feet or so, which may be a short
`
`
`
`credentials and encryption keys may also be exchanged via
`
`as two to three feet separation.
`
`
`35 the close range communication P2P link. Since very close
`
`For simplicity of reference, the various embodiments and
`
`
`
`
`physical proximity is required to establish and maintain the
`
`
`
`the claims refer to "close range communications" and "near
`
`
`
`close range communication P2P link, mutual trust can be
`
`
`
`field communications" in order to encompass any and all
`
`
`
`
`
`presumed by the respective mobile devices. This obviates the
`
`
`
`
`wireless proximity-limited communication technologies.
`
`
`
`
`need for involved security and authentication protocols to
`
`
`
`References herein to "close range communication links"
`
`
`
`
`
`40 form or add members to a multicast group. The limited range
`
`
`
`(CRCL) and "near field communications" are not intended to
`
`
`
`of close range communication P2P links ( e.g., NFC protocol
`
`
`
`limit the scope of the description or the claims in any way
`
`
`
`P2P links) makes them generally invulnerable to eavesdrop­
`
`
`
`
`other than the communications technology will not exchange
`
`
`
`
`ping and avoids issues of unwanted devices attempting to join
`
`
`credential information beyond about three meters (about
`
`
`
`multicast groups via long range wireless links. Thus, the
`
`
`
`
`twelve feet). In a preferred embodiment, the communication
`
`
`
`
`
`45 various embodiments enable users to initiate secure multicast
`
`
`range is limited to less than about one meter ( about three feet),
`
`
`group participation merely by bringing two or more mobile
`
`
`
`
`in a further preferred embodiment, the communication range
`
`devices into close proximity.
`The various embodiments may be employed in a variety of
`
`
`
`
`
`
`is limited to less than about one foot, and in some embodi­
`
`
`
`wired and wireless networks, including for example a wire-
`ments the communication range is limited to approximately
`
`
`
`
`
`
`50 less network employing cellular data communication links.
`
`0-20 cm (up to 8 in.). In order to reflect this distinction,
`
`
`descriptions of embodiments using links with communica­
`
`
`
`By way of example, FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a
`
`
`
`tion ranges of approximately 0-20 cm (up to 8 in.) are refer to
`
`
`
`
`multicast group communication network 10 including a cel­
`
`
`
`
`"NFC protocol" links. Therefore, references to "near field
`
`
`
`
`lular network in which some mobile cellular devices have the
`
`
`
`communication protocol" and "NFC protocol" communica­
`
`
`
`
`
`additional ability to function as readers of short-range wire­
`
`
`
`
`tions are intended to be limited to communications transceiv-
`
`
`less communications, such as NFC protocol and Radio Fre­
`55
`
`
`ers and technologies with ranges provided by the various
`
`
`quency Identification (RFID) communications. The network
`
`
`
`NFC protocols and standards listed above, but may also
`
`
`
`
`10 may include a terminal 12 (typically the network will
`
`
`
`include RFID transceivers and technologies with a similarly
`
`
`
`
`
`include a plurality of terminals, although for the sake of
`
`
`limited communication range.
`
`
`clarity only one terminal is shown), which is configu red with
`
`
`
`
`With the increased adoption of radio frequency
`
`
`
`a network identifica-antenna and transceiver for transmitting and receiv­
`60
`
`tion (RFID) contactless smart-cards to support
`
`
`a cellular base site or base ing cellular a broad range sign als 2 from/to
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`of applications, such as access, payment, and ticketing, and station (BS) 16. In this example network 10, the base station
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`the commercial availability of NFC-enabled devices such as 16 is a part of a cellular network that includes elements
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`cell phones, the convergence of NFC with RFID is gaining required to operate the network, such as a mobile switching
`interest.
`
`
`
`65 center (MSC) 18. In operation, the MSC 18 is capable of
`
`
`
`
`
`
`With close range communications technologies, like NFC routing calls and messages to and from the terminal 12 via the
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`protocol devices, it is possible to connect any two devices to base station 16 when the terminal 12 is making and receiving
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 11 of 20
`
`

`

`
`
`US 8,687,536 B2
`
`5
`
`6
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates devices that may be members of a multi­
`
`
`
`to telephone a connection calls. The MSC 18 also provides
`
`
`
`
`
`cast group. For example, a multicast group may be estab­
`
`
`
`landline trunks (not shown) when the terminal 12 is involved
`
`
`
`lished among the terminal 12, mobile devices 28, 29 and a lap
`
`
`
`in a call. Further, the MSC can, but need not, be coupled to a
`
`
`
`group may such a multicast top computer 30. An example of
`
`
`
`
`to the Internet server gateway 22 coupled 24.
`
`
`
`5 be a home entertainment system that uses the terminal 12 as a
`
`
`
`The MSC 18 can also be coupled to a network 19 by a wired
`
`
`hub for administering the multicast group. In this example,
`area network (LAN), a network connection 1, such as a local
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`the multicast group is able to share data within the group via
`metropolitan area network (MAN), and/or a wide area net­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`multicast messages transmitted by a wireless data link 3. Such
`
`to the network work (WAN). The MSC 18 can be coupled 19
`
`
`
`
`
`
`multicast group transmissions may be peer-to-peer links,
`directly by a wired network connection 1, or if the system
`
`
`
`
`10 such as illustrated between mobile device 28 and mobile
`
`
`
`
`
`to the MSC can be coupled includes a gateway 22 ( as shown),
`
`
`
`
`via the termi­device 29, or indirect network communications
`
`
`
`the network gateway 19 via the 22 which has a wired network
`
`
`nal 12, such as illustrated between the mobile devices 28, 29
`
`
`
`
`
`the embodiment, connection network 1 to the 19. In a typical
`
`
`group may also and the laptop computer 30. Such a multicast
`
`
`
`
`MSC 18 is coupled to the gateway 22, and the gateway 22 is
`
`
`
`
`communicate with external websites and data sources, such
`
`
`
`
`
`devices coupled to the Internet 24. In turn, electronic such as 15
`
`
`as by the terminal 12 communicating via a cellular data com­
`
`
`a laptop computer 30 (as shown) or any other processing
`
`
`to the Inter-munication link 2 with a base station 16 coupled
`
`
`
`
`
`elements ( e.g., personal computers, server computers or the
`
`
`mobile net 24 as illustrated. Similarly, one or more of the
`
`
`
`
`
`Internet like) can be coupled to the terminal 10 via the 24 by
`
`
`
`
`directly with be able to communicate devices 28, 29 may also
`
`
`
`way of their own Internet connection 9. In a further embodi­
`
`
`data communication the base station 16, such as by a cellular
`
`
`
`
`ment, one or more processing elements associated with an 20
`link 2.
`
`
`
`
`to this network origin server 26 may be coupled 10 by way of
`The architecture illustrated in FIG. 1 also supports multi­
`
`
`
`the Internet
`
`
`
`cast groups that include distant elements, such as a server 26
`24.
`
`
`
`
`In addition to cellular network communications 2, the ter­
`
`
`
`
`
`group a multicast coupled to the Internet 24. For example,
`
`with other minal 12 may be equipped to communicate
`
`
`
`Internet may be administered by an origin server 26 via the
`
`
`
`
`group may be trans­25 24. Messages intended for the multicast
`devices, such as mobile devices via a local wireless
`
`
`
`28, 29, 30
`
`network 3 and a close-range communication link 4. For
`
`
`
`
`
`Internet mitted from the origin server 26 via the 24 to a base
`
`
`
`
`the terminal example, in the FIG. 1 embodiment, 12 is con­
`
`
`
`From station 16 and then to the terminal 12 as illustrated.
`figured to communicate with a first mobile device 28, a sec­
`
`
`
`
`
`terminal 12, the multicast group messages may be rebroad­
`ond mobile device 29 and a laptop computer 30, each
`
`
`
`
`
`cast via local wireless communication links 3 to the other
`
`
`group members 28, 29, 30. Messages from any member of the
`
`equipped with an internal close-range communications trans-30
`
`
`
`
`
`
`multicast group may then be routed to the origin server 26 in
`
`
`
`
`
`ceiver ( e.g., for example an NFCIP-2 transceiver). The termi­
`
`
`
`a reverse manner. Similarly, the multicast group may include
`
`
`
`with these devices nal 12 is also configured to communicate
`
`
`computing devices that are beyond the range of the terminal
`
`
`
`
`link, such as a wireless communication 28, 29, 30 via another
`
`
`
`
`Internet 12, such as a computer coupled to the 24. Messages
`
`
`local area wireless link 3. For example, the terminal 12 may
`
`
`to and among multicast group members may be directed to
`
`
`
`include an NFCIP-2 NFC transceiver and an IEEE 802.1 lg 35
`
`each member device using IP addresses using addressing
`
`
`wireless data network transceiver. Similarly, the mobile
`
`
`
`schemes that are well known in the Internet arts.
`
`
`
`computer devices 28, 29 and the laptop 30 may be configured
`
`
`
`While the protocols and methods for communicating to,
`
`
`with compatible NFC and local area ( or wide area) wireless
`
`
`from and within a multicast group are well known, the various
`transceivers.
`
`
`The close range communication transceivers in the termi­
`
`
`
`
`40 embodiments provide new mechanisms for establishing an ad
`
`
`nal 12 and the other network devices 28, 29, 30may be any of
`
`
`hoc multicast group or for joining new members to an existing
`
`a number of different known transceivers (including for
`
`
`
`multicast group. By adding close range communication trans­
`
`
`
`
`example RFID tags) capable of transmitting and/or receiving
`
`
`
`ceivers, such as NFC protocol transceivers, to the terminal
`12
`
`
`data in accordance with any of a number of different close
`
`
`
`limitation of and group elements 28, 29, 30, the proximity
`
`
`
`range communications techniques, such as defined in the
`
`
`
`45 close range communications links is leveraged to make two
`
`
`
`international standards listed above. For example, the close
`
`
`
`
`unrelated devices, such as a terminal device 12 and a mobile
`
`
`range communication transceiver may be a NFCIP-1 or
`
`
`28, aware of each other. Thus, to add a first mobile device 28
`
`
`NFCIP-2 transceiver, an RFID transceiver or RFID tag, or use
`
`
`
`
`mobile to a multicast group including the terminal 12 the first
`
`
`
`
`Bluetooth® (i.e., communication in the 2.4 GHz frequency
`
`device is brought in very close proximity to the terminal
`12.
`
`
`
`
`band), infrared, IrDA (Infrared Data Association), UWB (Ul­
`
`
`
`50 Using one of the known close range communication tech­
`
`
`
`
`tra Wideband) or another wireless communication link.
`
`
`
`niques, the first mobile device 28 and the terminal 12 establish
`
`
`The terminal 12 and network devices 28, 29, 30 also
`
`
`
`a a close range communication data link 4 and exchange
`
`
`
`include a second data communication link that can be used for
`
`
`
`multicast-based services advertisement over the close range
`
`
`
`transmitting data associated with a multicast group. For
`
`
`a multicast communication data link 4. As part of exchanging
`
`
`example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the second data communi­
`
`
`
`55 services advertisement, the address of the first mobile device
`
`
`
`cation link may be a local area wireless link 3, such as accord­
`
`
`
`multicast 28 is provided to the terminal 12 for use by the
`
`
`
`ing to the IEEE 802.1 lg standard. This second data commu­
`
`
`
`
`group, and the multicast group address is communicated from
`
`
`nication link need not be wireless, and can be a wired local
`
`
`
`the terminal first mobile 12 to the device 28. Additional infor-
`
`
`
`
`area network (not shown), such as a ring token network or an
`
`
`mation such as user notification and/or multicast group par-
`
`Ethernet network.
`
`
`
`
`
`60 ticipation confirmation may also be addressed at this point.
`
`
`In addition to cellular telephones 28, 29 and laptop com­
`
`
`
`As a part of the multicast services advertisement data the
`puters 30, the network 10 may also or alternatively include
`
`
`first mobile device 28 and the terminal 12 can exchange
`
`
`
`any of a number of different electronic devices, including
`
`
`
`
`information to configure a specific multicast group commu­
`
`
`
`other mobile terminals, wireless accessories ( e.g., mass stor­
`
`
`
`
`the nication link. For example, the terminal 12 may inform
`
`
`
`
`age devices, networked printers, monitors, etc.), portable
`
`
`
`
`or 65 first mobile device network (such as wireless 28 of the
`
`
`
`
`digital assistants (PDAs ), pagers, desk top computers and
`
`
`wired network) over which the multicast group is communi­
`
`other types of electronic systems.
`
`
`
`
`cating. As another example, the terminal the 12 may inform
`
`
`Ex.1010
`APPLE INC. / Page 12 of 20
`
`

`

`
`
`US 8,687,536 B2
`
`8
`
`7
`group membership is confirmed by bringing the mobile
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`first mobile device 28 of security or encryption information
`
`
`
`
`device 28 in close proximity to the mobile device 29 to estab­
`
`
`
`
`needed for the first mobile device 28 to access a wireless
`
`lish the close range communication link 4, communications
`
`network (i.e., establish wireless communication links 3). In
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`to, from and among the multicast group may proceed accord-
`
`this manner, the creation of a new multicast group or joining
`
`
`of an existing group can be negotiated and communicated
`
`
`
`
`
`
`s ing to well-known multicast group communication methods
`
`
`
`
`
`between the first mobile device 28 and the terminal 12 as part
`and protocols.
`
`
`
`
`of the services advertisement processing using the close
`Each device that may be joined to a multicast group may be
`
`
`
`
`
`
`range communication link 4. Once the multicast group is
`
`
`
`nego­configu red with application software to automatically
`
`
`
`
`
`
`established or the first mobile device 28 is added to the group,
`
`
`
`tiate the creation of a multicast group when any two devices
`
`
`
`link-specific signaling data can be transmitted on the multi­
`
`
`
`
`10 are brought in close proximity. Similarly, the devices may be
`
`cast-capable link 1, 2, 3.
`
`
`
`join configu red with application software to automatically
`
`
`
`
`In an embodiment the first mobile device 28 and the termi­
`
`
`
`one device to an established multicast group of which the
`
`
`
`
`nal 12 have data connectivity via disparate physical links, e.g.
`
`
`other device is a member when the two devices are brought
`
`
`
`an 802.llg wireless data com­
`
`
`
`into close proximity. link 3 and a CDMA cellular Such applications using the communi-
`munication link 2 in addition to the close range communica­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`15 cation capabilities of close range communications transceiv­
`
`
`
`tion link 4. In this embodiment, the multicast group can be
`
`
`
`ers can eliminate much of the complexity of establishing
`
`
`
`established using the 802.1 lg wireless link 3, the CDMA
`
`
`
`secure multicast groups. The need for users to enter group
`
`
`cellular data communication link 2, or both. In a further
`
`
`
`identification and communication link information into one
`
`
`
`or more devices is replaced by a requirement that two devices
`
`
`
`embodiment, one or more of the group devices ( e.g., the
`
`
`
`
`be touched ( or nearly touched) together. In this manner, an
`
`
`
`
`laptop computer 3 0) may include a wired network link 1 that 20
`
`
`
`
`
`extensive multicast group can be quickly configured by sim-
`
`can be used for multicast group communications.
`
`
`
`A multicast proxy may be collocated with any one of the
`
`
`
`
`ply touching the various member devices together in
`sequence.
`
`
`
`terminal 12 or other group member devices 28, 29, 30, or
`In addition to providing a simple mechanism for establish­
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`present in the network as a separate entity, including in an
`
`
`
`
`ing or expanding a multicast group, the various embodiments
`
`
`
`
`
`origin