CN101133610A - Method and apparatus for interworking between push-to-talk over cellular (POC) systems and Instant Messaging (IM) systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for interworking between a push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) system and an Instant Messaging (IM) system are provided. An interworking entity is provided that appears as a PoC client to a PoC server and as an IM client to an IM server. This interworking entity may be implemented as part of a PoC server or an IM server. This interworking entity listens to talk bursts from the PoC server and when it receives a talk burst, it sends a message to the IM client via the IM server. In one embodiment, the interacting entity listens to talk bursts or audio clips from the IM server and when it receives them, stores them in temporary storage memory and converts them into a streaming format. The interworking entity then requests the floor from the PoC server and, once granted, streams the stored audio clip or talk burst to the PoC server. The PoC server then distributes the clips to the respective PoC clients.

Description

Translated fromChinese

用于无线一键通(POC)系统与即时消息通信(IM)系统之间互通的方法和装置Method and device for intercommunication between push-to-talk (POC) system and instant messaging (IM) system

在35U.S.C.§119下的优先权要求Priority claims under 35 U.S.C. §119

本发明申请要求2005年1月28日提交、且转让给本发明受让人并因而被明确援引包含于此的题为“Method and Apparatus for Interworking BetweenPush-to-Talk over Cellular(PoC)Systems and Instant Messaging(IM)Systems”的临时申请No.60/648,092的优先权。The present application claims the title "Method and Apparatus for Interworking Between Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) Systems and Instant" filed on January 28, 2005, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention and thus expressly incorporated herein by reference. Priority to Provisional Application No. 60/648,092 for Messaging (IM) Systems".

背景background

领域field

本发明一般涉及通信，尤其涉及用于在无线一键通(PoC)系统与即时消息通信(IM)系统之间互通的方法和装置。The present invention relates generally to communications, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for interworking between Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) systems and Instant Messaging (IM) systems.

背景background

随着用户和利用率的增长，无线通信系统近年来经历了显著的发展。此发展促使运营商寻求向用户提供附加的特征和服务。许多运营商向用户提供的新特征的例子包括：音乐下载、视频服务、无线一键通(PoC)、以及即时消息通信服务(IM)。PoC和IM服务尤其受到欢迎。Wireless communication systems have undergone significant development in recent years with increasing users and utilization. This development has prompted operators to seek to provide additional features and services to users. Examples of new features that many operators are offering to users include: music downloads, video services, Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC), and Instant Messaging (IM). PoC and IM services are especially popular.

图1是示出两者均在一无线通信系统100中操作的无线一键通(PoC)服务和即时消息通信(IM)服务的框图。FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) service and an Instant Messaging (IM) service both operating in awireless communication system 100 .

即时消息通信(IM)客户机108使用IM服务来与其它IM客户机108交换消息。尽管IM服务原先是为交换基于文本的信息而开发的，但对于携带诸如音频剪辑、图像等其它类型的信息并无限制。并且，对于用户发送什么以及何时发送也没有限制。通常，此信息不从发送者被流传输到接收者。Instant messaging (IM)clients 108 exchange messages withother IM clients 108 using IM services. Although IM services were originally developed for exchanging text-based information, there are no restrictions on carrying other types of information such as audio clips, images, etc. And, there are no restrictions on what users send and when they send it. Typically, this information is not streamed from sender to receiver.

无线一键通(PoC)服务在一组PoC用户或客户机104之间建立半双工音频通信信道。在任意时刻，一个PoC组中至多有一个成员具有发送的权利，而PoC组的其它所有成员接收所发送的信息。使用发言权控制机制来仲裁来自该组不同成员的对发送权的请求。由发送者生成的通话脉冲串被分成分组，然后流传输到各接收者。The Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) service establishes a half-duplex audio communication channel between a group of PoC users orclients 104 . At any moment, at most one member of a PoC group has the right to send, and all other members of the PoC group receive the sent information. A floor control mechanism is used to arbitrate requests for transmission rights from different members of the group. The talk burst generated by the sender is divided into packets and then streamed to the respective receivers.

由于使用IM服务来发送音频剪辑是可能的，因此如果PoC服务能与IM服务合作将是有益的。但是，这些服务之间的差异阻碍了PoC服务与IM服务合作。在PoC服务中使用发言权控制来确保一次仅有一个客户机发送音频分组。相反，IM服务没有发言权控制的概念，因为在任意时刻IM组中的每个成员皆可发送。PoC服务将音频分成分组，然后将音频流传输到其它参与者。在IM服务中并非如此，在IM服务中IM客户机缓冲音频分组并创建音频剪辑，然后该音频剪辑被分发给其它IM会话参与者。因为使用IM服务来发送音频剪辑是可能并合乎需要的，所以如果PoC服务能够与IM服务合作那将是有益的。Since it is possible to send audio clips using an IM service, it would be beneficial if the PoC service could cooperate with the IM service. However, differences between these services prevent PoC services from cooperating with IM services. Floor control is used in PoC services to ensure that only one client sends audio packets at a time. In contrast, IM services have no concept of floor control, since every member of the IM group can send at any time. The PoC service divides the audio into packets and then streams the audio to other participants. This is not the case in IM services, where an IM client buffers audio packets and creates audio clips, which are then distributed to other IM session participants. Since it is possible and desirable to use an IM service to send audio clips, it would be beneficial if the PoC service could cooperate with the IM service.

因此，本领域中需要一种在无线一键通系统与即时消息通信系统之间互通的方法和装置。Therefore, there is a need in the art for a method and device for intercommunication between a PTT system and an instant message communication system.

概要summary

在本发明的一个方面，提供了一种发送消息的方法。该方法包括以下步骤：在第一通信系统中生成一消息；将该消息发送给第一通信系统中的服务器；将该消息发送给一互通实体；在该互通实体处存储该消息；将该消息转换成流格式；向与第一通信系统不同类型的第二通信系统请求发言权；将该消息流传输给第二通信系统中的服务器；以及将该消息分发给第二通信系统中的一个终端。In one aspect of the present invention, a method of sending a message is provided. The method comprises the steps of: generating a message in a first communication system; sending the message to a server in the first communication system; sending the message to an interworking entity; storing the message at the interworking entity; converting to a streaming format; requesting the right to speak to a second communication system of a different type than the first communication system; streaming the message to a server in the second communication system; and distributing the message to a terminal in the second communication system .

另一个实施例提供在其中有一个通信系统使用发言权控制的两个通信系统之间传送消息的方法。该方法包括以下步骤：在第一通信系统中生成一消息；将该消息发送给第一通信系统中的服务器；将该消息发送给一互通实体；存储该消息；将该消息转换成流格式；向第二通信系统请求发言权；将该消息流传输到第二通信系统中的服务器；以及将该消息分发给第二通信系统中的一个终端。Another embodiment provides a method of transferring messages between two communication systems where one communication system uses floor control. The method comprises the steps of: generating a message in a first communication system; sending the message to a server in the first communication system; sending the message to an interworking entity; storing the message; converting the message into a stream format; requesting the floor from the second communication system; streaming the message to a server in the second communication system; and distributing the message to a terminal in the second communication system.

又一个实施例提供一种传送消息的方法，该方法包括：在第一通信系统中生成一消息；将该消息发送给第一通信系统中的服务器；将该消息发送给一互通实体；存储该消息；将该消息转换成流格式；将该消息流传输给第二通信系统中的服务器；以及将该消息分发给第二通信系统中的一个终端。Yet another embodiment provides a method for transmitting a message, the method comprising: generating a message in a first communication system; sending the message to a server in the first communication system; sending the message to an interworking entity; storing the message converting the message to a stream format; streaming the message to a server in the second communication system; and distributing the message to a terminal in the second communication system.

还提供了一种用于传送消息的装置，该装置包括：用于在第一通信系统中生成一消息的装置；用于将该消息发送给第一通信系统中的服务器的装置；用于将该消息发送给一互通实体的装置；用于在该互通实体处存储该消息的装置；用于将该消息转换成流格式的装置；用于向第二通信系统请求发言权的装置；用于将该消息流传输给第二通信系统中的服务器的装置；以及用于将该消息分发给第二通信系统中一终端的装置。There is also provided an apparatus for transmitting a message, the apparatus comprising: means for generating a message in a first communication system; means for sending the message to a server in the first communication system; means for sending the message to an interworking entity; means for storing the message at the interworking entity; means for converting the message into a stream format; means for requesting the floor from a second communication system; means for streaming the message to a server in the second communication system; and means for distributing the message to a terminal in the second communication system.

又一个实施例提供一种传送用装置，包括：用于在第一通信系统中生成一消息的装置；用于将该消息发送给第一通信系统中的服务器的装置；用于将该消息发送给一互通实体的装置；用于在该互通实体处存储该消息的装置；用于将该消息转换成流格式的装置；用于在第一通信系统中生成另外至少一个消息的装置；用于将该另外至少一个消息发送给第一通信系统中的服务器的装置；用于将该另外至少一个消息发送给该互通实体的装置；用于存储该另外至少一个消息的装置；用于将该另外至少一个消息转换成流格式的装置；用于将该消息和该另外至少一个消息放置在一队列中的装置；用于向第二通信系统请求发言权的装置；用于将该消息流传输给第二通信系统中的服务器的装置；用于将该消息分发给第二通信系统中的至少一个终端的装置；用于确定该队列是否包含另外至少一个消息的装置；用于在该队列包含另外至少一个消息的情况下请求发言权的装置；用于将该另外至少一个消息流传输给第二通信系统中的服务器的装置；以及用于将该另外至少一个消息分发给第二通信系统中的至少一个终端的装置。Yet another embodiment provides a device for transmitting, comprising: means for generating a message in a first communication system; means for sending the message to a server in the first communication system; means for an interworking entity; means for storing the message at the interworking entity; means for converting the message into a stream format; means for generating at least one further message in the first communication system; Means for sending the other at least one message to a server in the first communication system; means for sending the other at least one message to the interworking entity; means for storing the other at least one message; Means for converting at least one message into a stream format; means for placing the message and the other at least one message in a queue; means for requesting the right to speak to the second communication system; for transmitting the message stream to A device for a server in the second communication system; a device for distributing the message to at least one terminal in the second communication system; a device for determining whether the queue contains at least one other message; for including another in the queue A device for requesting the floor in the case of at least one message; a device for streaming the other at least one message to a server in the second communication system; and for distributing the other at least one message to the server in the second communication system A device for at least one terminal.

还提供了一种计算机可读介质。此计算机可读介质包含计算机可执行指令，这些指令包括：在第一通信系统中生成一消息；将该消息发送给第一通信系统中的服务器；将该消息发送给一互通实体；存储该消息；将该消息转换成流格式；向第二通信系统请求发言权；将该消息发送给第二通信系统中的服务器；以及将该消息分发给第二通信系统中的一个终端。A computer readable medium is also provided. The computer-readable medium contains computer-executable instructions comprising: generating a message in a first communication system; sending the message to a server in the first communication system; sending the message to an interworking entity; storing the message ; converting the message into a stream format; requesting the right to speak to a second communication system; sending the message to a server in the second communication system; and distributing the message to a terminal in the second communication system.

又一个实施例提供包含计算机可执行指令的计算机可读介质，这些指令包括：在第一通信系统中生成一消息；将该消息发送给第一通信系统中的服务器；将该消息发送给一互通实体；存储该消息；将该消息转换成流格式；向第二通信系统请求发言权；将该消息流传输给第二通信系统中的服务器；以及将该消息分发给第二通信系统中的一个终端。Yet another embodiment provides a computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions comprising: generating a message in a first communication system; sending the message to a server in the first communication system; sending the message to an interworking storing the message; converting the message to a streaming format; requesting the floor from the second communication system; streaming the message to a server in the second communication system; and distributing the message to one of the second communication systems terminal.

附图简要说明Brief description of the drawings

图1是示出根据一个实施例的无线通信系统中的PoC服务和IM服务的框图。FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating PoC service and IM service in a wireless communication system according to one embodiment.

图2是示出根据一个实施例的PoC服务、IM服务和互通实体的框图。Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating PoC services, IM services and interworking entities according to one embodiment.

图3是示出根据一个实施例的PoC服务、IM服务、以及对PoC服务器表现为PoC客户机并且对IM服务器表现为IM客户机的互通实体的框图。Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a PoC service, an IM service, and an interworking entity that behaves as a PoC client to the PoC server and as an IM client to the IM server, according to one embodiment.

图4是示出根据一个实施例的互通实体的操作的流程图。Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an interworking entity according to one embodiment.

图5是示出根据另一个实施例的互通实体的操作的流程图。FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an interworking entity according to another embodiment.

具体说明Specific instructions

概述overview

本文中使用术语“示例性的”来表示“起到示例、实例或说明的作用”。本文中描述为“示例性的”任何实施例并非必然被解释为优于或胜过其它实施例。The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving to serve as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other embodiments.

PoC服务与IM服务之间有一些根本的差异。如在上文中提及并在图1中示出的，PoC服务使用发言权控制，由此PoC服务器102将仅分发从具有发言权的一组成员接收的音频分组。PoC服务器102将丢弃从该组的其它成员接收的音频分组。客户机必须先请求并被授予发言权，然后才能发送音频分组。客户机可以是移动终端或其它通信设备。相反，IM服务没有发言权控制的概念。在任意时刻，IM组的每个成员皆能发送。另外，PoC客户机104将音频分成分组，并将它们流传输给其它参与者。与此正好相反，IM客户机108通常缓冲音频分组并创建音频剪辑，该音频剪辑然后被分发给IM会话中的其它参与者。由此，IM服务的用户所体验的延迟通常比PoC用户所体验的要高。为了允许PoC服务与IM服务合作(反之亦然)，需要能克服由PoC服务中的发言权控制协议和音频的流特性造成的障碍的技术。There are some fundamental differences between PoC services and IM services. As mentioned above and shown in Figure 1, the PoC service uses floor control, whereby thePoC server 102 will only distribute audio packets received from members of a group that have the floor. The PoCserver 102 will discard audio packets received from other members of the group. A client must request and be granted the floor before sending audio packets. A client may be a mobile terminal or other communication device. In contrast, IM services have no concept of floor control. At any time, every member of the IM group can send. In addition, thePoC client 104 divides the audio into packets and streams them to other participants. In contrast,IM client 108 typically buffers audio packets and creates audio clips that are then distributed to other participants in the IM session. Thus, the delay experienced by users of IM services is generally higher than that experienced by PoC users. In order to allow the PoC service to cooperate with the IM service (and vice versa), a technology that can overcome obstacles caused by the floor control protocol and the streaming nature of audio in the PoC service is required.

图2是示出根据一个实施例的无线通信系统200中的PoC服务、IM服务和互通实体的框图。FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating PoC services, IM services and interworking entities in awireless communication system 200 according to one embodiment.

本文中所公开的实施例通过提供允许PoC客户机206与IM客户机210彼此进行语音对话的技术来解决上述需要。本发明的一个方面涉及在本文中称为互通实体的一种对PoC服务器204表现为PoC客户机206、并且对IM服务器208表现为IM客户机210的新的功能实体。在一个实施例中，提供了用于在诸如PoC等具有发言权控制的服务与诸如IM等不具有发言权控制的服务之间互通的机制。一种新的互通实体202为不具有此功能的客户机请求发言权控制。发言权控制的概念由此得以维系。Embodiments disclosed herein address the aforementioned needs by providing techniques that allowPoC client 206 andIM client 210 to conduct voice conversations with each other. One aspect of the invention relates to a new functional entity, referred to herein as an interworking entity, that appears as aPoC client 206 to thePoC server 204 and as anIM client 210 to theIM server 208 . In one embodiment, mechanisms are provided for interworking between services with floor control, such as PoC, and services without floor control, such as IM. Anew interworking entity 202 requests floor control for clients that do not have this capability. The concept of voice control is thus maintained.

本文中所记载的实施例涉及使得由IM客户机210生成的音频剪辑能被投送给PoC客户机206的互通功能(IF)。此互通功能还使得由PoC客户机206生成的通话脉冲串能被投送给IM客户机210。PoC客户机206与PoC服务器204之间的接口不需要任何改动；类似地，IM服务器208与IM客户机210之间的接口也不需要任何改动。PoC服务器204或/和IM服务器208可能需要被修改以支持此新功能。此外，此新功能可通过添加一通过接口连接PoC服务器204和IM服务器208两者的独立单元来实现。对于PoC客户机206，会话呈现为PoC会话，而对于IM客户机210，会话呈现为IM会话。Embodiments described herein relate to an interworking function (IF) that enables audio clips generated byIM client 210 to be delivered toPoC client 206 . This interworking function also enables talk bursts generated byPoC client 206 to be delivered toIM client 210 . The interface betweenPoC client 206 andPoC server 204 does not require any changes; similarly, the interface betweenIM server 208 andIM client 210 does not require any changes.PoC server 204 or/andIM server 208 may need to be modified to support this new functionality. Additionally, this new functionality can be implemented by adding a separate unit that interfaces both thePoC server 204 and theIM server 208 . ToPoC client 206, the session appears as a PoC session, and toIM client 210, the session appears as an IM session.

示例example

图3是示出PoC服务、IM服务、以及对PoC服务器304表现为PoC客户机306并且对IM服务器308表现为IM客户机310的互通实体302的框图。上述互通实体302可被实现为PoC服务器304的一部分、IM服务器308的一部分、或作为与PoC服务器304和IM服务器308两者通信的独立实体。对于PoC服务器304，此功能实体担当PoC客户机306，而对于IM服务器308，它担当IM客户机310。无论是哪种实现，此互通实体均执行数种功能。3 is a block diagram illustrating a PoC service, an IM service, and aninterworking entity 302 that appears as aPoC client 306 to aPoC server 304 and as anIM client 310 to anIM server 308 . Theinterworking entity 302 described above may be implemented as part of thePoC server 304 , as part of theIM server 308 , or as a separate entity in communication with both thePoC server 304 and theIM server 308 . For thePoC server 304 this functional entity acts as aPoC client 306 and for theIM server 308 it acts as anIM client 310 . Regardless of the implementation, this interworking entity performs several functions.

例如，互通实体302监听来自PoC服务器304的通话脉冲串，并且当其接收到通话脉冲串时，它经由IM服务器308将该通话脉冲串发送给所有IM客户机310。此操作可无显著延迟地执行。For example, theinterworking entity 302 listens for a talk burst from thePoC server 304 and when it receives a talk burst, it sends the talk burst to allIM clients 310 via theIM server 308 . This operation can be performed without significant delay.

在一个实施例中，互通实体302可监听来自IM服务器308的音频剪辑或通话脉冲串。当互通实体302接收到来自IM服务器308的音频剪辑或通话脉冲串时，它可将它们存储在临时存储中，并将该音频剪辑转换成流格式。互通实体302然后向PoC服务器304请求发言权，并且当被授予发言权时，互通实体302可将所存储的音频剪辑流传输给PoC服务器304以分发给PoC客户机306。当音频剪辑流传输完成时，互通实体302释放发言权并删除所存储的音频剪辑。In one embodiment,interworking entity 302 may listen to audio clips or talk bursts fromIM server 308 . When theinterworking entity 302 receives an audio clip or talk burst from theIM server 308, it may store them in temporary storage and convert the audio clip into a streaming format.Interworking entity 302 then requests the floor fromPoC server 304 , and when granted the floor, interworkingentity 302 may stream the stored audio clip toPoC server 304 for distribution toPoC clients 306 . When the streaming of the audio clip is complete, theinterworking entity 302 releases the floor and deletes the stored audio clip.

由于在从IM客户机310接收到音频剪辑或通话脉冲串与此音频剪辑或脉冲串被发送给PoC服务器304之间有延迟，因此多个音频剪辑或通话脉冲串有可能迅速相继到达。在另一个实施例中，该转换功能可代之以与流传输功能并行执行。该互通实体可将从其它IM客户机310接收的多个音频剪辑存储在一队列中，并在从PoC服务器304获得发言权之后发送所存储的这些音频剪辑。Due to the delay between the audio clip or talk burst being received from theIM client 310 and the audio clip or burst being sent to thePoC server 304, it is possible for multiple audio clips or talk bursts to arrive in rapid succession. In another embodiment, the conversion function may instead be performed in parallel with the streaming function. The interworking entity may store audio clips received fromother IM clients 310 in a queue and send the stored audio clips after obtaining the floor from thePoC server 304 .

图4是本发明的一个实施例的流程图。方法400从步骤402开始，此时互通实体302监听来自IM服务器308的通话脉冲串或音频剪辑。在步骤404，该互通实体接收这些通话脉冲串或音频剪辑。一旦被接收，在步骤406，这些通话脉冲串或音频剪辑就被存储在临时存储用存储器中。在步骤408，互通实体302将所存储的通话脉冲串或音频剪辑转换成流格式。一旦向流格式的转换发生，则在步骤410互通实体302就向PoC服务器304请求发言权。在步骤412，PoC服务器304将发言权授予互通实体302。一旦接收到发言权，则在步骤414互通实体302就将经转换的通话脉冲串或音频剪辑流传输给PoC服务器304。在步骤416，PoC服务器304将这些通话脉冲串或音频剪辑分发给(各)PoC客户机306。Figure 4 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.Method 400 begins atstep 402 when interworkingentity 302 listens for a talk burst or audio clip fromIM server 308 . Atstep 404, the interworking entity receives the talk bursts or audio clips. Once received, atstep 406, these talk bursts or audio clips are stored in memory for temporary storage. Atstep 408, theinterworking entity 302 converts the stored talk burst or audio clip into a streaming format. Once the conversion to the streaming format takes place, atstep 410 theinterworking entity 302 requests the right to speak from thePoC server 304 . Atstep 412 , thePoC server 304 grants the floor to theinterworking entity 302 . Once the floor is received, theinterworking entity 302 transmits the converted talk burst or audio clip stream to thePoC server 304 atstep 414 . Atstep 416 , thePoC server 304 distributes these talk bursts or audio clips to the PoC client(s) 306 .

PoC服务器部分的实现Implementation of the PoC server part

当互通功能302被实现为PoC服务器304的一部分时，PoC服务器304代表组成员管理发言权。当一客户机想要发送通话脉冲串时，它向IM服务器发送一通话脉冲串请求。因为IM客户机310不能请求发言权，所以互通实体302可代表IM客户机作此请求。代表IM客户机301递交的发言权请求、以及由PoC客户机306递交的那些发言权请求可由PoC服务器304根据本地策略处理。When theinterworking function 302 is implemented as part of thePoC server 304, thePoC server 304 manages the floor on behalf of the group members. When a client wants to send a talk burst, it sends a talk burst request to the IM server. SinceIM client 310 cannot request the floor, interworkingentity 302 may make this request on behalf of the IM client. Floor requests submitted on behalf of IM client 301, as well as those submitted byPoC client 306, may be processed byPoC server 304 according to local policies.

为了维持发言权控制的概念，互通实体302接收来自IM客户机310的音频剪辑，将它们排入队列，然后代表发送音频剪辑的IM客户机310向PoC服务器304生成发言权请求。To maintain the concept of floor control,interworking entity 302 receives audio clips fromIM clients 310, queues them, and then generates a floor request toPoC server 304 on behalf of theIM client 310 that sent the audio clips.

互通实体302(如上所述)维护要被发送给PoC服务器304的音频剪辑的队列。当互通实体302接收到来自各IM客户机310之一的音频剪辑时，所接收的音频剪辑被放置到此队列中。如果此队列仅包含一个条目，则互通实体302向PoC服务器304发送一发言权请求。在该发言权请求待决时，从其它IM服务器310接收到的后续音频剪辑可被加入到该队列中；但是不再发送后续的发言权请求，因为已有一发言权请求待决。Interworking entity 302 (described above) maintains a queue of audio clips to be sent toPoC server 304 . When theinterworking entity 302 receives an audio clip from one of theIM clients 310, the received audio clip is placed into this queue. If the queue contains only one entry, theinterworking entity 302 sends a floor request to thePoC server 304 . Subsequent audio clips received fromother IM servers 310 may be added to the queue while the floor request is pending; however, no subsequent floor requests are sent because there is already a floor request pending.

当PoC服务器304向此互通实体302授予发言权时，它从该队列中移除第一个音频剪辑并将其流传输给PoC服务器304。一旦此传送完成，互通实体302就可向始发此音频剪辑的IM客户机310提供一确认。然后，如果该队列包含另外的至少一个音频剪辑，则互通实体320向PoC服务器304作出发言权请求。When thePoC server 304 grants the floor to thisinterworking entity 302 , it removes the first audio clip from the queue and streams it to thePoC server 304 . Once the transfer is complete, theinterworking entity 302 may provide an acknowledgment to theIM client 310 that originated the audio clip. Then, the interworking entity 320 makes a floor request to thePoC server 304 if the queue contains at least one additional audio clip.

图5是一种将该互通实体实现为PoC服务器的一部分的方法的各个步骤的流程图。方法500在步骤502开始，此时IM客户机向IM服务器发送一通话脉冲串或音频剪辑。在步骤504，IM服务器向该互通实体发送该通话脉冲串或音频剪辑。在步骤506，该互通实体接收该通话脉冲串或音频剪辑，将其转换成流格式并将其放置在一队列中。在步骤508，该队列被分析以确定队列中是否有一个以上的条目。如果该队列中有至少一个条目，则在步骤510，该通话脉冲串或音频剪辑被放置在该队列中。如果该队列中没有条目，则在步骤512，该互通实体向PoC服务器发送一发言权请求。在步骤514，PoC服务器向该互通实体授予发言权。一旦被授予发言权，在步骤516，该互通实体就将第一通话脉冲串或音频剪辑流传输给PoC服务器以向客户机分发。在该通话脉冲串或音频剪辑已被流传输之后，在步骤516该互通实体再次分析该队列以确定队列中是否有至少一个条目。如果该队列中还留有至少一个条目，则处理返回到步骤512。如果队列中没有留下条目，则处理结束。Fig. 5 is a flowchart of various steps of a method of implementing the interworking entity as part of a PoC server. Method 500 begins at step 502 when the IM client sends a talk burst or audio clip to the IM server. In step 504, the IM server sends the talk burst or audio clip to the interworking entity. At step 506, the interworking entity receives the talk burst or audio clip, converts it to a streaming format and places it in a queue. At step 508, the queue is analyzed to determine if there is more than one entry in the queue. If there is at least one entry in the queue, then at step 510 the talk burst or audio clip is placed in the queue. If there is no entry in the queue, then at step 512, the interworking entity sends a floor request to the PoC server. In step 514, the PoC server grants the floor to the interworking entity. Once granted the floor, at step 516 the interworking entity streams the first talk burst or audio clip to the PoC server for distribution to the client. After the talk burst or audio clip has been streamed, at step 516 the interworking entity analyzes the queue again to determine if there is at least one entry in the queue. If at least one entry remains in the queue, then processing returns to step 512 . If there are no entries left in the queue, processing ends.

本领域技术人员将可理解，信息和信号可使用各种不同技术和技艺中的任一种来表示。例如，贯穿以上说明可被引述的数据、指令、命令、信息、信号、比特、码元以及码片可由电压、电流、电磁波、磁场或磁粒子、光场或光粒子、或其任意组合来表示。Those of skill in the art would understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referred to throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof .

本领域技术人员还将认识到，结合本文中所公开的实施例说明的各种示例性逻辑块、模块、电路以及算法步骤可被实现为电子硬件、计算机软件、或两者的组合。为清楚地说明硬件与软件的这一可互换性，各种示例性组件、块、模块、电路以及步骤在以上一般是以其功能的形式来描述的。此类功能是被实现为硬件还是软件取决于具体应用和加在整个系统上的系统约束。本领域技术人员可针对每种特定应用以各种方式实现所述的功能，但此类实现决策不应被解释为致使偏离本发明的范围。Those of skill in the art would also appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and system constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present invention.

结合本文中所公开的这些实施例说明的各种示例性逻辑块、模块以及电路可用通用处理器、数字信号处理器(DSP)、专用集成电路(ASIC)、现场可编程门阵列(FPGA)或其它可编程逻辑器件、分立门或晶体管逻辑、分立硬件组件、或其设计成执行本文中所记载的这些功能的任意组合来实现或执行。通用处理器可以是微处理器，但在替换方案中，该处理器可以是任何常规处理器、控制器、微控制器、或状态机。处理器还可被实现为计算设备的组合，例如，DSP与微处理器的组合、多个微处理器、与DSP核心协作的一个或多个微处理器、或任何其它此类配置。The various exemplary logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented with a general purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or Other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions recited herein may be implemented or performed. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in cooperation with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

结合本文中公开的这些实施例说明的方法或算法的步骤可直接用硬件、由处理器执行的软件模块、或这两者的组合实施。软件模块可驻留在RAM存储器、闪存、ROM存储器、EPROM存储器、EEPROM存储器、寄存器、硬盘、可移动盘、CD-ROM、或本领域中已知的任何其它形式的存储介质。示例性的存储介质被耦合到处理器以使该处理器能够从该存储介质读取或向其写入信息。在替换方案中，存储介质可被集成到处理器。处理器和存储介质可驻留在ASIC中。ASIC可驻留在用户终端中。在替换方案中，处理器和存储介质可作为分立组件驻留在用户终端中。The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be directly implemented by hardware, software modules executed by a processor, or a combination of both. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and storage medium may reside as discrete components in the user terminal.

提供对所公开实施例的以上说明是为了使本领域任何技术人员皆能制作或使用本发明。这些实施例的各种变体对于本领域技术人员将是显而易见的，并且本文中所定义的一般性原理可被应用于其它实施例而不会偏离本发明的精神或范围。由此，本发明并不旨在被限定于本文中所示的这些实施例，而是应与最广义的范围相符。The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope.

Claims (17)

Translated fromChinese

1.(原始)一种传送消息的方法，所述方法包括：1. (Original) A method of transmitting a message, the method comprising:在第一通信系统中生成一消息；generating a message in the first communication system;将所述消息发送给所述第一通信系统中的一服务器；sending the message to a server in the first communication system;将所述消息发送给一互通实体；sending the message to an interworking entity;存储所述消息；storing said message;将所述消息转换成流格式；converting said message into a stream format;向第二通信系统请求发言权；requesting the floor from the second communication system;将所述消息流传输给所述第二通信系统中的一服务器；以及transmitting the message stream to a server in the second communication system; and将所述消息分发给所述第二通信系统中的一终端。Distributing the message to a terminal in the second communication system.2.(原始)如权利要求1所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第一通信系统是即时消息通信(IM)系统。2. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein the first communication system is an Instant Messaging (IM) system.3.(原始)如权利要求2所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第二通信系统是无线一键通(PoC)系统。3. (Original) The method of claim 2, wherein the second communication system is a Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) system.4.(原始)一种传送消息的方法，所述方法包括：4. (Original) A method of transmitting a message, the method comprising:在第一通信系统中生成一消息；generating a message in the first communication system;将所述消息发送给所述第一通信系统中的一服务器；sending the message to a server in the first communication system;将所述消息发送给一互通实体；sending the message to an interworking entity;存储所述消息；storing said message;将所述消息转换成流格式；converting said message into a stream format;由所述互通实体向第二通信系统请求发言权；requesting, by the interworking entity, the floor from a second communication system;将所述消息流传输到所述第二通信系统中的一服务器；以及transmitting the message stream to a server in the second communication system; and将所述消息分发给所述第二通信系统中的一终端。Distributing the message to a terminal in the second communication system.5.(原始)如权利要求4所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第一通信系统是即时消息通信(IM)系统。5. (Original) The method of claim 4, wherein the first communication system is an Instant Messaging (IM) system.6.(原始)如权利要求5所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第二通信系统是无线一键通(PoC)系统。6. (Original) The method of claim 5, wherein the second communication system is a Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) system.7.(原始)如权利要求1所述的方法，其特征在于，所述互通实体是在所述即时消息通信(IM)服务器中实现的。7. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein said interworking entity is implemented in said Instant Messaging (IM) server.8.(原始)如权利要求1所述的方法，其特征在于，所述互通实体是在所述一键通(PoC)服务器中实现的。8. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein the interworking entity is implemented in the push-to-talk (PoC) server.9.(原始)如权利要求1所述的方法，其特征在于，所述互通实体被实现为与所述即时消息通信(IM)服务器和所述无线一键通(PoC)服务器两者通信的独立实体。9. (Original) The method of claim 1, wherein the interworking entity is implemented as an IM in communication with both the Instant Messaging (IM) server and the Push-to-talk over Cellular (PoC) server separate entity.10.(原始)如权利要求4所述的方法，其特征在于，将所述消息转换成流格式是与将所述消息流传输到所述第二通信系统中的一服务器并行执行的。10. (Original) The method of claim 4, wherein converting the message into a streaming format is performed in parallel with streaming the message to a server in the second communication system.11.(原始)如权利要求4所述的方法，其特征在于，将所述另外至少一个消息转换成流格式是与将所述至少另外一个消息流传输到所述第二通信系统中的一服务器并行执行的。11. (Original) The method of claim 4, wherein converting the at least one further message into a streaming format is a step associated with streaming the at least one further message into the second communication system The servers are executed in parallel.12.(原始)一种传送消息的方法，所述方法包括：12. (Original) A method of communicating a message, the method comprising:在第一通信系统中生成一消息；generating a message in the first communication system;将所述消息发送给所述第一通信系统中的一服务器；sending the message to a server in the first communication system;将所述消息发送给一互通实体；sending the message to an interworking entity;向第二通信系统请求发言权；requesting the floor from the second communication system;如果所述发言权未被授予则将所述消息排入队列；enqueuing the message if the floor is not granted;将所述消息转换成流格式；converting said message into a stream format;当所述发言权被授予时，将所述消息流传输到所述第二通信系统中的一服务器；以及when the floor is granted, streaming the message to a server in the second communication system; and将所述消息分发给所述第二通信系统中的一终端。Distributing the message to a terminal in the second communication system.13.(原始)如权利要求12所述的方法，其特征在于，所述第二通信系统是即时消息通信(IM)系统。13. (Original) The method of claim 12, wherein the second communication system is an instant messaging (IM) system.14.(原始)一种用于传送消息的装置，所述装置包括：14. (Original) An apparatus for communicating messages, the apparatus comprising:用于在第一通信系统中生成一消息的装置；means for generating a message in a first communication system;用于将所述消息发送给所述第一通信系统中的一服务器的装置；means for sending said message to a server in said first communication system;用于将所述消息发送给一互通实体的装置；means for sending said message to an interworking entity;用于存储所述消息的装置；means for storing said message;用于将所述消息转换成流格式的装置；means for converting said message into a stream format;用于向第二通信系统请求发言权的装置；means for requesting the right to speak from the second communication system;用于将所述消息流传输到所述第二通信系统中的一服务器的装置；以及means for transmitting said message stream to a server in said second communication system; and用于将所述消息分发给所述第二通信系统中的一终端的装置。Means for distributing said message to a terminal in said second communication system.15.(原始)一种用于传送消息的装置，所述装置包括：15. (Original) An apparatus for communicating messages, the apparatus comprising:用于在第一通信系统中生成一消息的装置；means for generating a message in a first communication system;用于将所述消息发送给所述第一通信系统中的一服务器的装置；means for sending said message to a server in said first communication system;用于将所述消息发送给一互通实体的装置；means for sending said message to an interworking entity;用于存储所述消息的装置；means for storing said message;用于将所述消息转换成流格式的装置；means for converting said message into a stream format;用于在所述第一通信系统中生成另外至少一个消息的装置；means for generating at least one further message in said first communication system;用于将所述另外至少一个消息发送给所述第一通信系统中的所述服务器的装置；means for sending said at least one further message to said server in said first communication system;用于将所述另外至少一个消息发送给所述互通实体的装置；means for sending said at least one further message to said interworking entity;用于存储所述另外至少一个消息的装置；means for storing said at least one further message;用于将所述另外至少一个消息转换成所述流格式的装置；means for converting said at least one other message into said stream format;用于将所述消息和所述另外至少一个消息放置到一队列中的装置；means for placing said message and said at least one other message in a queue;用于向第二通信系统请求发言权的装置；means for requesting the right to speak from the second communication system;用于将所述消息流传输到所述第二通信系统中的一服务器的装置；means for transmitting said message stream to a server in said second communication system;用于将所述消息分发给所述第二通信系统中的至少一个终端的装置；means for distributing said message to at least one terminal in said second communication system;用于确定所述队列是否包含另外至少一个消息的装置；means for determining whether said queue contains at least one additional message;用于在所述队列包含另外至少一个消息的情况下请求发言权的装置；means for requesting the floor if said queue contains at least one other message;用于将所述另外至少一个消息流传输到所述第二通信系统中的所述服务器的装置；以及means for streaming said at least one further message to said server in said second communication system; and用于将所述另外至少一个消息分发给所述第二通信系统中的至少一个终端的装置。Means for distributing said at least one further message to at least one terminal in said second communication system.16.(原始)一种包含计算机可执行指令的计算机可读介质，所述计算机可执行指令包括：16. (Original) A computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions comprising:在第一通信系统中生成一消息；generating a message in the first communication system;将所述消息发送给所述第一通信系统中的一服务器；sending the message to a server in the first communication system;将所述消息发送给一互通实体；sending the message to an interworking entity;存储所述消息；storing said message;将所述消息转换成流格式；converting said message into a stream format;向第二通信系统请求发言权；requesting the floor from the second communication system;将所述消息发送给所述第二通信系统中的一服务器；以及sending the message to a server in the second communication system; and将所述消息分发给所述第二通信系统中的一终端。Distributing the message to a terminal in the second communication system.17.(原始)一种包含计算机可执行指令的计算机可读介质，所述计算机可执行指令包括：17. (Original) A computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions comprising:在第一通信系统中生成一消息；generating a message in the first communication system;将所述消息发送给所述第一通信系统中的一服务器；sending the message to a server in the first communication system;将所述消息发送给一互通实体；sending the message to an interworking entity;存储所述消息；storing said message;将所述消息转换成流格式；converting said message into a stream format;向第二通信系统请求发言权；requesting the floor from the second communication system;将所述消息流传输给所述第二通信系统中的一服务器；以及transmitting the message stream to a server in the second communication system; and将所述消息分发给所述第二通信系统中的一终端。Distributing the message to a terminal in the second communication system.

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