Method and apparatus for dynamically controlling quality of service

#The present invention generally relates to quality of service, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for dynamically controlling quality of service.

#Many users, especially in markets such as public safety, will use multiple devices, running multiple applications, throughout their day. These devices include things such as laptop devices, handheld computers, tablets, cellular telephones, public-safety radios, . . . , etc. Even when a device is not currently being used by an individual, application(s) may continue to run on the device, utilizing valuable bandwidth.

#The amount of bandwidth being used by any network could increase dramatically in scenarios where a large number of co-located users exist. For example, consider a situation where a large amount of police officers arrive on a scene, with each police officer carrying multiple devices. Any network servicing the scene may be quickly overwhelmed by the amount of data being transmitted.

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

#FIG. 1 is block diagram illustrating a general operational environment, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote device of FIG. 1.

#Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required.

#In order to address the above-mentioned need a method and apparatus for dynamically controlling quality of service (QoS) is provided herein. During operation, a QoS manager will determine if a device is currently being used by an individual. The QoS of the device will then be tailored based on whether or not the device is currently being used by the individual. Devices that may be running applications, yet unused by anyone may have their QoS reduced. This will allow the QoS to be increased for devices that are currently being used.

#It should be noted that in many instances the text may refer to adjusting a QoS for a “device”. In actuality, such an adjustment for a “device” typically occurs by adjusting a QoS for individual application(s) running on the device. Thus, the QoS adjustment of a “device” may occur by either adjusting the QoS of the device as a whole or simply adjusting the QoS for any application(s) running on the device. The phrases “adjusting the QoS of a device” and “adjusting the QoS of an application running on a device” may be used interchangeably. Therefore the use of the phrase “adjusting a QoS for a device”, is envisioned to encompass either adjusting the QoS for individual application(s) running on the device, or simply adjusting the QoS of the device as a whole.