Software architecture for dual mode phone and method of use

Abstract

Alternative software architectures for a dual mode wireless communication device and methods of use are provided for efficient and effective use of the processor and memory capabilities of first and second air interface processors on a dual mode wireless communication device. The alternative architectures efficiently distribute a plurality of operational modules across the processors for efficient dual mode operation of a dual mode wireless communication device. Procedures for transitioning into a second air interface mode from a first air interface mode and vice versa are also disclosed. These seamless transitions can be based on user preferences and/or real time environmental variables such as signal strength or availability.

1 . A method for operation of a dual mode wireless communication device, the method comprising:
 initializing the device;   monitoring first incoming signals to identify a first signal for a first air interface;   acquiring the first signal to enable a first mode of operation;   analyzing a system parameter stored in a data storage area on the dual mode wireless communication device;   determining based on the analysis that a second mode of operation is available;   monitoring second incoming signals to identify a second signal for the second mode of operation;   acquiring the second signal to enable the second mode of operation;   determining that there is no active traffic related to the first mode of operation; and   registering the dual mode device for voice over internet protocol (VoIP) service in the second mode of operation.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 monitoring the strength of the second signal for the second mode of operation; and   deregistering the dual mode device for VoIP service in the second mode of operation when the monitored signal strength drops below a threshold.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising reacquiring signals for the first mode of operation when the monitored signal strength for the second mode of operation drops below the threshold. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising handing off an in progress VoIP call to the first mode of operation when the monitored signal strength for the second mode of operation drops below the threshold. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the determining that there is no active traffic related to the first mode of operation comprises:
 identifying in progress traffic related to the first mode of operation; and   identifying an end to the in progress traffic.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the end to the in progress traffic is associated with a call end. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the end to the in progress traffic is associated with a call fail.