WO2001001560A1

WO2001001560A1 - Method and apparatus in a communication system for adapting a communication device and tailoring service therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2001001560A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/012904
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Jeffrey Goldberg; Slim Souissi; Thomas Casey Hill; John Douglas Reed; Michael Dale Kotzin
Original assignee: Motorola Inc.
Priority date: 1999-06-29
Filing date: 2000-05-11
Publication date: 2001-01-04
Also published as: AU4839200A; WO2001001560A8

Abstract

A user selects (402) a first communication device (122) from a plurality of terminal devices capable of supporting differing sets of communication features. The user then conveys (404) a user identity to the first communication device. The first communication device then conveys (406) the user identity and a device description describing the first communication device and the communication features supported by the first communication device to a bearer service (116) through which the first communication device communicates. The bearer service then conveys (408) the user identity and the device description, along with a bearer description describing characteristics of the bearer service, to a registry controller (112). Thereafter, the registry controller provides (418) communications to the user in accordance with the user identity, the device description, and the bearer description.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS IN A COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR ADAPTING A COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND TAILORING SERVICE

THEREFOR

Field of the Invention

This invention relates in general to communication systems, and more specifically to a method and apparatus in a communication system for adapting a communication device and tailoring service therefor to a user identity, a device description, and a bearer description.

Background of the Invention

When people move from place to place they may want their communications services to follow them. Some prior art wireless systems allow registration in different areas. Other systems attempt to reach a mobile user through a hierarchical technique, such as if the residential telephone fails, try the cellular telephone; and if the cellular telephone fails, try a pager.

The above techniques are limited, however, to the specific devices and links that the user has arranged in advance to have available. Even when a person does not move amongst differing communication services, the person may want to change communications devices. For example, the small display of a portable messaging unit can be adequate for reading a short message, but to read a five-thousand-word document, printed sheets of paper or a large CRT monitor screen may be more appropriate.

Thus, what is needed is a method and apparatus that will allow the user to utilize a variety of access methods and device features that the user chooses, or that become available as the user moves about. Preferably, the method and apparatus will adapt a communication device and tailor service for the communication device to the user's identity, the communication features supported by the communication device, and the characteristics of a bearer service available to the user. Summary of the Invention

An aspect of the present invention is a method in a communication system for adapting a first communication device and tailoring service therefor to a user identity, a device description, and a bearer description. The method comprises the steps of selecting, by a user, the first communication device from a plurality of terminal devices capable of supporting differing sets of communication features, and conveying, by the user, the user identity to the first communication device. The method further comprises the steps of conveying, by the first communication device, the user identity and the device description describing the first communication device and the communication features supported by the first communication device to a bearer service through which the first communication device communicates in the communication system; and conveying, by the bearer service, the user identity and the device description, along with the bearer description describing characteristics of the bearer service, to a registry controller of the communication system. The method further comprises the step of thereafter, by the registry controller, providing communications to the user in accordance with the user identity, the device description, and the bearer description.

Another aspect of the present invention is a registry controller in a communication system for tailoring service for a first communication device in response to a user identity, a device description, and a bearer description. The controller comprises a bearer service interface for communicating with the first communication device through a bearer service, and a processing system coupled to the bearer service interface for controlling the bearer service interface. The processing system is programmed to receive, from the first communication device through the bearer service, the user identity and the device description describing the first communication device and the communication features supported by the first communication device, along with the bearer description describing characteristics of the bearer service; and to provide communications to the first communication device in accordance with the user identity, the device description, and the bearer description. Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is an electrical block diagram of an exemplary communication system in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of an exemplary communication device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram of an exemplary registry controller in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting operation of the exemplary communication system in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting operation of the exemplary communication system in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting operation of the exemplary communication system in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting operation of the exemplary communication system in accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring to FIG. 1, an electrical block diagram depicts an exemplary communication system in accordance with the present invention, comprising a fixed portion 102 including a registry controller 112 and a plurality of bearer services 116, the communication system also including a plurality of communication devices 122. The bearer services 1 16 preferably communicate with the communication devices 122 utilizing conventional radio frequency (RF) techniques, and are coupled by conventional communication links 114 to the registry controller 1 12, which controls the bearer services 1 16. It will be appreciated that, alternatively, the bearer services can include infrared transceivers, ultrasonic transceivers, fiber optic links, and hardwire connections as well. In one embodiment, the hardware of the registry controller 1 12 is preferably a combination of a Choreographer!™ network management device, a Wireless Messaging Gateway (WMG™) Administrator!™ terminal, an RF-Usher!™ multiplexer, and an RF-Conductor!™ message distributor manufactured by Motorola, Inc., and utilizes software modified in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the bearer service 116 is a conventional base station comprising hardware that is preferably a combination of the RF-Orchestra!™ transmitter and the RF- Audience!™ receiver manufactured by Motorola, Inc. The communication devices 122 are preferably selective call units similar to PageWriter™ 2000 data communication devices, also manufactured by Motorola, Inc., and also utilize software modified in accordance with the present invention. It will be appreciated that other similar hardware can be used as well for the registry controller 112, the bearer services 116, and the communication devices 122. Each of the bearer services 116 transmits RF signals to the communication devices 122 via an antenna 118. The bearer services 116 preferably each receive RF signals from the plurality of communication devices 122 via the antenna 118. The RF signals transmitted by the bearer services 116 to the communication devices 122 (outbound messages) comprise selective call addresses identifying the communication devices 122, and data messages originated by a message originator, as well as commands originated by the registry controller 112 for adjusting operating parameters of the radio communication system. The RF signals preferably transmitted by the communication devices 122 to the bearer services 116 (inbound messages) comprise responses that include scheduled messages, such as positive acknowledgments (ACKs), requested location reports, and negative acknowledgments (NAKs), and unscheduled messages, such as registration requests, non-requested location reports, and requests for items of information.

The registry controller 1 12 preferably is coupled by telephone links 101 to a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 110 for receiving selective call message originations therefrom. Selective call originations comprising data messages from the PSTN 110 can be generated, for example, from a conventional telephone 111 or a conventional computer 117 coupled to the PSTN 110. It will be appreciated that, alternatively, other types of networks, e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet, to name a few, can be used for receiving selective call originations. It will be further appreciated that the computer 117 can also function as a server for providing various applications utilized by the communication system. In that mode, the computer 117 can be coupled directly to the registry controller 112 without going through the PSTN. Alternatively, the computer 117 can be a server that performs part or all of the processing of the present invention, and, when that is the case, can be included within the definition of the registry controller 112, as applied herein.

The over-the-air protocol utilized for outbound and inbound messages is preferably selected from Motorola's well-known FLEX™ family of digital selective call signaling protocols. These protocols utilize well-known error detection and error correction techniques and are therefore tolerant to bit errors occurring during transmission, provided that the bit errors are not too numerous. It will be appreciated that other suitable protocols can be used as well. It will be further appreciated that the invention disclosed herein is equally applicable to many other types of two-way communication systems, e.g., cellular telephone systems, trunked dispatch systems, wireline telephone systems, computer networks, and aircraft communication systems, to name a few.

FIG. 2 is an electrical block diagram of the exemplary communication device 122 in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the communication device 122 comprises an antenna 204 for intercepting an outbound message and for transmitting an inbound message. The antenna 204 is preferably coupled to a conventional receiver 208 for receiving the outbound message and is coupled to a conventional transmitter 209 for transmitting the inbound message. The receiver 208 and transmitter 209 are coupled to a processing system 206 for processing the outbound and inbound messages and for controlling the communication device 122 in accordance with the present invention. A user interface 214 preferably is also coupled to the processing system 206 for interfacing with a user. The user interface 214 comprises a conventional keyboard 220 for requesting that an operation be performed and for controlling the communication device 122, a conventional display 216 for displaying a message or notification, and a conventional alert element 218 for alerting the user when an outbound message arrives. The user interface further comprises a conventional user identifier 221 for determining the user identity. Examples of well-known user identifiers include a user ID module (such as smart card), a fingerprint reader, a locally coupled identification chip, a retinal scanner, and the communication device itself, to name a few. Alternatively, the user can manually enter the user identity, such as a Personal Identification Number (PLN), through the keyboard 220. The user identity preferably identifies the user uniquely and is not assigned to more than one user. An example is the user identity <user> 123456789. Alternatively, the user identity can identify the user generically. An example is the user identities <user>guest; and <user>local. A conventional clock 207 preferably is also coupled to the processing system 206 for supporting time keeping requirements of the communication device 122.

The processing system 206 comprises a conventional processor 210 and a conventional memory 212. The memory 212 comprises software elements and data for programming the processing system 206 in accordance with the present invention. The memory 212 preferably includes a selective call address 222 to which the communication device 122 is responsive. In addition, the memory 212 includes a message processing element 224 for programming the processing system 206 to process messages through well-known techniques. The memory 212 also includes a location information processing program 226 for programming the processing system 206 to cooperate with the registry controller 112 to process location information in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the location information can comprise a color code uniquely associated with and transmitted by a nearby bearer service transmitter, using well-known techniques. Zone, sub-zone, sector, and cell identifiers, along with CDMA timing advance and power setting (to estimate distance), can also be utilized to determine location information. In another embodiment, the communication device 122 also includes a conventional location receiver 234, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, coupled to the processing system 206 for more accurately determining the location information. It will be appreciated that other location technologies can be deployed, instead or in addition, in the communication device 122. The memory 212 also includes a location for storing the user identity 228 determined by the user identifier 221 or entered by the user. The memory 212 also includes a discovery search program 230 for programming the processing system 206 to perform, through well-known techniques, a discovery search for a second communication device within a predetermined distance of the communication device 122 and capable of supporting a feature required to complete a communication not supported by the communication device 122. Here, the predetermined distance is preferably defined by the transmission range of a short range bearer service. Alternatively, the predetermined distance can be a pre-programmed distance that is compared with a distance measured by a location technology such as GPS. The memory 212 also includes a space for storing identifiers for any second communication devices 232 located during the discovery search. In addition, the memory 212 includes a device description 236 describing the communication device and the communication features supported by the communication device. The device description preferably is associated with a set of device characteristics. An example of such a device description is <device>pagewriter, wherein <> delimit what is being described. Alternatively, the device description can describe a set of characteristics. An example is <devicexdisplay> 160x80, 41vl grayscale <keyboard>alpha. Operation of the communication device 122 in accordance with the present invention will be described further below.

FIG. 3 is an electrical block diagram depicting an exemplary registry controller 112 in accordance with the present invention. The registry controller 112 comprises a network interface 318 for receiving a message from a message originator via the telephone links 101. The network interface 318 is coupled to a processing system 310 for controlling and communicating with the network interface 318. The processing system is coupled to a bearer service interface 304 for controlling and communicating with the bearer services 116 and thence the communication devices 122, via the communication links 114. The processing system 310 is also coupled to a conventional clock 336 for providing a timing signal to the processing system 310. The processing system 310 comprises a conventional computer 312 and a conventional mass medium 314, e.g., a magnetic disk drive, programmed with information and operating software in accordance with the present invention. The mass medium 314 comprises a conventional subscriber database 320 for storing profiles defining service and user preferences including a ranking of communication types for subscribers using the system. For example, a user profile can specify that when the user's communication device and bearer service can communicate using voice and data communication types, the user prefers data. The mass medium 314 further comprises a message processing program 322 for programming the processing system to process the inbound and outbound messages through well-known techniques.

The mass medium 314 also includes a location information processing program 326, for programming the processing system 310 to cooperate with the bearer services 116 and the communication devices 122 to determine where the communication devices are positioned. The mass medium 314 further comprises space 328 for storing user identifiers, device descriptions, bearer descriptions, and location information for users that are active in the communication system. Default values for the user identifiers, device descriptions, bearer descriptions also are stored in the space 328. User identifiers and device descriptions were described briefly herein above. Like the device description, the bearer description is preferably associated with a predetermined set of characteristics. An example is <bearer> class 6. Alternatively, the bearer description can provide direct reference to characteristics. An example is <bearerxbaud>9600<delay>10ms. The mass medium 314 also includes a communication tailoring program 330 for programming the processing system 310 to custom tailor each user's communications in accordance with the user identifier, the device description, and the bearer description.

The mass medium 314 further comprises an evaluation program 332 for programming the processing system 310 to evaluate ones of a plurality of second communication devices for at least one of bandwidth, signal quality, latency, and cost. The mass medium 314 also preferably includes a device location database 338 for storing location information associated with other communication devices, primarily fixed communication devices such as printers and desk telephones, that can be utilized to augment the communication capabilities of a user who is located near one of the other communication devices. In addition, the mass medium 314 includes a second device select and route program 340 for programming the processing system to select one of the other communication devices and route a communication for the user to that communication device, to augment the user's communication capabilities. For example, a lengthy document can be sent to a printer or desk computer near the user when the user carries only a small mobile display device. In one embodiment, the registry controller 112 also includes a conventional location receiver 334, such as a GPS receiver, for helping determine the location information through well-known server- aided GPS techniques. Operation of the registry controller 112 in accordance with the present invention will be described further below.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting operation of the exemplary communication system in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention. The flow begins with a user selecting 402 a communication device 122 to use in the communication system. The user then conveys 404 the user identity to the communication device 122, preferably through one of the techniques disclosed herein above. The communication device 122 then conveys 406 the user identity and the device description to one of the bearer services 116 with which the communication device can communicate. The bearer service then conveys 408 the user identity, the device description, and the bearer description to the registry controller 112 so that the registry controller 112 can handle the communications of the user. It will be appreciated that, alternatively, when the registry controller 112 does not have all the information it needs for servicing the user, the registry controller 112 can communicate with another controller, such as the user's "home" controller, to obtain the needed information. It will be further appreciated that when the user changes the configuration of the communication device, a new device description is sent to the registry controller 112.

The registry controller 112 then checks whether at least one of the user identity, the device description, and the bearer description is invalid or missing. If so, the registry controller 112 provides 412 communications to the user in accordance with the corresponding at least one of a default user identity, a default device description, and a default bearer description, and proceeds to step 414. If not, the registry controller proceeds directly to step 414 where it checks whether the user is able to communicate using multiple communication types, e.g., voice, data, and facsimile, based upon the user identity, the device description, and the bearer description. If so, the registry controller 112 selects a communication type based upon a user preference ranking in the user profile corresponding to the user in the subscriber database 320, and proceeds to step 418. If not, the registry controller 112 proceeds directly to step 418, where the registry controller 112 provides communications for the user in accordance with the user identity, device description, bearer description, and, when applicable, the user's preferred communication type.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting operation of the exemplary communication system in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention. Flow begins when a first communication device 122 is informed 502 by the registry controller 112 that a communication has been received that requires a feature not supported by the first communication device. In response, the processing system 206 of the first device 122 accesses the discovery search program 230 to perform 504 a discovery search for a second communication device within a predetermined distance of the first communication device 122 and capable of supporting the feature. During the discovery search, discovered communication devices capable of supporting the communication are reported to the registry controller 112. The registry controller 112 then checks 506 whether any suitable communication devices were reported. If not, the registry controller 112 preferably will try to deliver the communication again later 508. It will be appreciated that, alternatively, the registry controller 112 can convert the communication to a type suitable for first communication device 122. As a further alternative, the registry controller 112 can send a message to the first communication device 122 to indicate that an additional communication feature is needed to receive the communication. If, on the other hand, any suitable communication devices were reported, the registry controller 112 checks 510 whether more than one suitable communication device was reported. If so, the registry controller 112 evaluates 512 ones of the plurality of second communication devices for at least one of bandwidth, signal quality, latency, and cost. The registry controller 112 then provides 516 communications to the user through at least one of the plurality of second communication devices, the at least one of the plurality of second communication devices selected based upon the at least one of bandwidth, signal quality, latency, and cost evaluated, and the preferences of the user. If, on the other hand, at step 510 only one second communication device was reported, then the registry controller 112 provides 514 communications to the user through the second communication device that was reported.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting operation of the exemplary communication system in accordance with a third aspect of the present invention. First, the registry controller 112 receives 602 a communication for a user of a first communication device. The registry controller 112 then cooperates with the first communication device to determine 604 a physical location at which the user is positioned, in response to receiving the communication. Next, the registry controller 112 determines 606, from the physical location and from knowledge of other communication devices proximate the physical location and coupled to the communication system, the other communication devices, bearer services, and support functions which are available for delivering the communication. (An example of a support function is a translator for translating text to voice or voice to text.) The registry controller 112 then selects 608 at least one of the other communication devices, at least one of the bearer services, and, when required, at least one of the support functions in accordance with the communication. The registry controller 112 then adapts and routes 610 the communication in accordance with the at least one of the other communication devices, the at least one of the bearer services, and, when selected, the at least one of the support functions.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram depicting operation of the exemplary communication system in accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention. First, the registry controller 112 receives 702 a communication from the user. The registry controller 112 then determines 704 a logical location at which the user is connected, in response to receiving the communication. (An example of a logical location is: Behind the firewall of the Motorola Intranet.) The registry controller 112 then determines 706, from the logical location and from knowledge of other communication devices accessible from the logical location and coupled to the communication system, the other communication devices, bearer services, and support functions which are available for communicating with the user. The registry controller 112 then selects 708 at least one of the other communication devices, at least one of the bearer services, and, when required, at least one of the support functions in accordance with the communication. The registry controller 112 then adapts and routes 710 the communication in accordance with the at least one of the other communication devices, the at least one of the bearer services, and, when selected, the at least one of the support functions.

Thus, it should be clear from the preceding disclosure that the present invention advantageously provides a method and apparatus that allows a user to utilize a variety of access methods and device features that the user chooses to use, or that become available as the user moves about. Advantageously, the method and apparatus will adapt a communication device and tailor service for the communication device to the user's identity, the communication features supported by the communication device, and the characteristics of a bearer service available to the user. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention can be practiced other than as specifically described herein above.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A method in a communication system for adapting a first communication device and tailoring service therefor to a user identity, a device description, and a bearer description, the method comprising the steps of: selecting, by a user, the first communication device from a plurality of terminal devices capable of supporting differing sets of communication features; conveying, by the user, the user identity to the first communication device; conveying, by the first communication device, the user identity and the device description describing the first communication device and the communication features supported by the first communication device to a bearer service through which the first communication device communicates in the communication system; conveying, by the bearer service, the user identity and the device description, along with the bearer description describing characteristics of the bearer service, to a registry controller of the communication system; and thereafter, by the registry controller, providing communications to the user in accordance with the user identity, the device description, and the bearer description.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing communications includes the step of providing communications in accordance with at least one of a default user identity, a default device description, and a default bearer description, when a corresponding at least one of the user identity, the device description, and the bearer description is invalid or missing.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving a communication for the user; determining a physical location at which the user is positioned, in response to receiving the communication; determining, from the physical location and from knowledge of other communication devices proximate the physical location and coupled to the communication system, the other communication devices, bearer services, and support functions which are available for delivering the communication; selecting at least one of the other communication devices, at least one of the bearer services, and, when required, at least one of the support functions in accordance with the communication; and adapting and routing the communication in accordance with the at least one of the other communication devices, the at least one of the bearer services, and, when selected, the at least one of the support functions.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises the step of maintaining a user profile including a ranking of communication types in terms of user preference, and wherein the providing step includes the step of providing communications to the user in accordance with said ranking, when the user is able to communicate by multiple communication types.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of: receiving a communication from the user; determining a logical location at which the user is connected, in response to receiving the communication; determining, from the logical location and from knowledge of other communication devices accessible from the logical location and coupled to the communication system, the other communication devices, bearer services, and support functions which are available for communicating with the user; selecting at least one of the other communication devices, at least one of the bearer services, and, when required, at least one of the support functions in accordance with the communication; and adapting and routing the communication in accordance with the at least one of the other communication devices, the at least one of the bearer services, and, when selected, the at least one of the support functions.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: upgrading, by the user, the communication features supported by the first communication device; conveying a new device description from the first communication device to the bearer service and from there to the registry controller; and thereafter by the registry controller, providing communications to the user in accordance with the new device description.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising by the first communication device the steps of: performing a discovery search for a second communication device within a predetermined distance of the first communication device and capable of supporting a feature required to complete a communication not supported by the first communication device; finding the second communication device; and in response to finding the second communication device, informing the registry controller about the second communication device; and further comprising by the registry controller the step of providing communications to the user through the second communication device.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising by the first communication device the steps of: performing a discovery search for a second communication device within a predetermined distance of the first communication device and capable of supporting a feature required to complete a communication not supported by the first communication device; finding a plurality of second communication devices capable of supporting the feature; and in response to finding the plurality of second communication devices, informing the registry controller about the plurality of second communication devices; and further comprising by the registry controller the steps of: evaluating ones of the plurality of second communication devices for at least one of bandwidth, signal quality, latency, and cost; and providing communications to the user through at least one of the plurality of second communication devices, the at least one of the plurality of second communication devices selected based upon results of the evaluating step and preferences of the user.

9. A registry controller in a communication system for tailoring service for a first communication device in response to a user identity, a device description, and a bearer description, the registry controller comprising: a bearer service interface for communicating with the first communication device through a bearer service; and a processing system coupled to the bearer service interface for controlling the bearer service interface, wherein the processing system is programmed to: receive, from the first communication device through the bearer service, the user identity and the device description describing the first communication device and communication features supported by the first communication device, along with the bearer description describing characteristics of the bearer service; and provide communications to the first communication device in accordance with the user identity, the device description, and the bearer description.

10. The registry controller of claim 9, wherein the processing system is further programmed to provide communications in accordance with at least one of a default user identity, a default device description, and a default bearer description, when a corresponding at least one of the user identity, the device description, and the bearer description is invalid or missing.

11. The registry controller of claim 9, wherein the processing system is further programmed to: receive a communication for a user of the first communication device; cooperate with the first communication device to determine a physical location at which the user is positioned, in response to receiving the communication; determine, from the physical location and from knowledge of other communication devices proximate the physical location and coupled to the communication system, the other communication devices, bearer services, and support functions which are available for delivering the communication; select at least one of the other communication devices, at least one of the bearer services, and, when required, at least one of the support functions in accordance with the communication; and adapt and route the communication in accordance with the at least one of the other communication devices, the at least one of the bearer services, and, when selected, the at least one of the support functions.

12. The registry controller of claim 9, wherein the processing system is further programmed to: maintain a user profile including a ranking of communication types in terms of user preference, and provide communications to a user in accordance with said ranking, when the user is able to communicate by multiple communication types.

13. The registry controller of claim 9, wherein the processing system is further programmed to: receive a communication from a user; determine a logical location at which the user is connected, in response to receiving the communication; determine, from the logical location and from knowledge of other communication devices accessible from the logical location and coupled to the communication system, the other communication devices, bearer services, and support functions which are available for communicating with the user; select at least one of the other communication devices, at least one of the bearer services, and, when required, at least one of the support functions in accordance with the communication; and adapt and route the communication in accordance with the at least one of the other communication devices, the at least one of the bearer services, and, when selected, the at least one of the support functions.

14. The registry controller of claim 9, wherein the processing system is further programmed to provide communications to a user in accordance with a new device description, in response to upgrading, by the user, the communication features supported by the first communication device, and conveying the new device description from the first communication device to the bearer service and from there to the registry controller.

15. The registry controller of claim 9, wherein the processing system is further programmed to provide communications to a user through a second communication device, in response to the first communication device: performing a discovery search for the second communication device within a predetermined distance of the first communication device and capable of supporting a feature required to complete a communication not supported by the first communication device; finding the second communication device; and in response to finding the second communication device, informing the registry controller about the second communication device.

16. The registry controller of claim 9, wherein the processing system is further programmed to: evaluate ones of a plurality of second communication devices for at least one of bandwidth, signal quality, latency, and cost; and provide communications to a user through at least one of the plurality of second communication devices, the at least one of the plurality of second communication devices selected based upon the at least one of bandwidth, signal quality, latency, and cost, and preferences of the user, in response to the first communication device: performing a discovery search for a second communication device within a predetermined distance of the first communication device and capable of supporting a feature required to complete a communication not supported by the first communication device; finding the plurality of second communication devices capable of supporting the feature; and in response to finding the plurality of second communication devices, informing the registry controller about the plurality of second communication devices.