FR2733652A1 - SYSTEM FOR FLEXIBLE LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATION - Google Patents

Abstract

Wireless and contactless communication made possible between a mobile communication terminal and fixed communication terminals by the fact that the mobile terminal is identified using a fixed terminal, and that a two-way communication relationship is established between the two terminals, which allows the mobile terminal to be used in different places as a fixed communication terminal.

Description

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  SYSTEM FOR FLEXIBLE LOCAL TELECOMMUNICATION

  The invention relates to a system for flexible local telecommunications. The user of a pocket computer (Pocket Computer, Organizer, Personal Digital Assistant, etc.), an electronic organizer or a similar mobile device which, by connection to the telephone network or to another communication network comprising fixed network connections (for example to the public digital network, to private exchanges, to the Local Area Network, etc.), can be used temporarily or permanently as a fixed communication terminal, would like to use the different communication possibilities in resulting as flexibly as possible. In this case, he will want to change the network connection as often as possible without having to make or break complex cable links for this purpose, or without having to be confronted with complex authentication procedures. This concerns20 for example the teleworker (the user who alternately uses telecommunication means) having

  two workplaces (office and home for example), but also the employee of a company with its own network (Corporate Network), which frequently changes25 place of work.

  The invention aims to provide a system for flexible local telecommunications which, in the manner

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  as simple as possible, gives the user the possibility of operating his mobile devices flexibly as temporary or permanent communication terminals of a communication network comprising fixed network connections. This object is achieved by one of the devices according to the invention which have in common the possibility of wireless and contactless communication between a mobile communication terminal and a fixed communication terminal of a communication network, the mobile terminal being identified using the network's attachment database

  communication (for example from the private exchange) to which the fixed device is connected, and a bilateral communication relationship being established between the two terminals, which makes it possible to use the mobile terminal, at least temporarily, as a fixed communication terminal .

  In this patent application, the term "identification" is used to include different degrees of certainty of an identification, therefore in particular a simple identification without authentication, but also more complex identification procedures including authentication procedures - including different forms are common for the specialist. Indeed, the invention will preferably be implemented so as to ensure sufficient certainty of identification using appropriate authentication procedures, which preferably take place automatically. The invention is however not limited to cases of this kind, but can in principle also be implemented without authentication methods of this kind. The term identification was used to express this in a simple and linguistically clear manner, identification before

  in some cases also to be understood as including an authentication.

  The term fixed communication terminal is used here in such a way that, in addition to fixed communication terminals in the strict sense of the term such as for example telephones, data visualization devices, fax machines, ISDN terminals, etc. ., it also includes fixed communication terminals in the broader sense of the term such as for example computers with communication functionality, which can for example be connected to another communication terminal by means of PC cards, adapters DCI (DCI = Data Communication Interface) or a selection assistance interface, or directly to a network connection, and which thus allow services such as e-mail, PC fax or file transmissions etc. In addition to calendars or pocket computers,

  organizers and personal digital assistants, the term mobile communication terminal should also include mobile phones (Handys) and the like.

  The invention is, inter alia, implemented by a fixed communication terminal which comprises a device intended for wireless and contactless communication with mobile communication terminals, means for identifying a mobile communication terminal 25 this type and means intended for the automatic establishment, maintenance and termination of a bilateral communication relationship with an identified mobile communication terminal of this type. The invention is further implemented by a mobile communication terminal which comprises a device intended for wireless and contactless communication with fixed communication terminals, means intended to assist its identification by a fixed communication terminal of this gender, and means35 intended for the automatic establishment, maintenance and termination of a bilateral communication relationship

  with such a fixed communication terminal.

  According to the invention, there is preferably provided for this purpose an infrared connection from the mobile communication terminals to the fixed terminals (for example to an ISPBX telephone), which is of a lower price (than that by radio), in the case an infrared connection is not already possible via the personal office computer and this PC is connected10 to the telephone. By infrared access to the ISPBX network (ISPBX = ISDN Private Branch Exchange), an access and entry control system (contactless) in a room can also be integrated into a private communication network (for example a Corporate Network), which is not possible for example with a wireless system which is only equipped with radio equipment (for example DECT = Digital European Cordless Telephony). According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixed communication terminal comprises means

  intended for the automatic detection of mobile communication terminals.

  The invention further provides a communication system comprising fixed communication terminals, and means for monitoring the establishment or breaking of bilateral communication relationships which change over time between several fixed and mobile communication terminals. According to another embodiment of the invention, the communication system as mentioned above comprises means for automatic transfer of calls intended for mobile communication terminals via

  fixed communication terminals which are temporarily in bilateral communication relationship with these mobile communication terminals.

  According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the communication system as mentioned above comprises means for automatically activating a response to a call intended for mobile communication terminals, which cannot momentarily maintain or establish communication. bilateral communication relationship with a fixed telecommunications terminal of this communication system, or which have otherwise signaled to the communication system that they are not

  momentarily not ready to receive calls.

  According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the communication system as mentioned above comprises means for automatically diverting a call intended for a mobile communication terminal, which is temporarily not ready to receive calls, towards another communication terminal located near this mobile communication terminal not ready to receive calls. The invention also proposes a device in which the wireless and contactless communication is carried out by means the scope of which is limited by the limits of closed premises of buildings. According to one aspect of the invention, the communication system as mentioned above comprises means intended to prevent the establishment of wireless communication relationships of a mobile communication terminal with more than one fixed communication terminal, the selection of a fixed communication terminal used to establish a wireless communication relationship being performed as a function of the intensity of the signals from the mobile communication terminal received by this fixed communication terminal. Finally, the invention proposes a mobile communication terminal comprising means intended for communication by infrared in a vertical or horizontal position. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fixed communication terminal comprising means intended for the automatic detection of mobile communication terminals. This provides the advantage that, when entering a room, the user of a mobile communication terminal according to the invention does not have to register 10 personally with an available fixed communication terminal at this location, but that its presence is automatically detected by the latter. The invention is furthermore embodied by a communication system comprising fixed communication terminals, and means for monitoring the establishment and breaking of bilateral communication relationships which change over time between several fixed and mobile communication terminals. The invention is explained below in more detail at

  using preferred embodiments and figures.

  Figure 1 schematically shows an example of the device according to the present invention, which is

  particularly advantageous for teleworking applications (for example to provide commuting between the workplace at the office and at home).

  Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a communication protocol intended for the implementation of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The following abbreviations and references are used in the figures: DTPC Desktop PC, personal computer (desktop model) ISPBX Private central, ISDN Private Branch Exchange Phone POC Pocket Computer, IFRL pocket computer Infrared link V.24 Serial link VNE Emulator network virtual PublicNet, PubNet Public communication network Office Work place at the office, first place of work Home Place of work at home, second place of work Telecommuting Use by a user of different connections of the network locally separated at different times Dl, D2 Device (transmitter / receiver) intended for communication by infrared link PC1, PC2 PCs (stationary) separated in the POC Pocket Computer space, Tell, Tella mobile communication terminal Telephones located in the same room of a first workplace Tel2 Separate telephone in the Tell and Tella area, located at the second ISPBX workplace 1, 2 separate private exchanges in the PubN area Public communication network

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  HDB Home Data Base, ISPBX1 301 database Triggering a timer (POC) and issuing an identity when entering a first room and, if necessary, starting the POC 302, 303, 305 Transmission of the POC identity 304 Triggering of a timer (Tell) upon reception of the POC identity 308, 309 Request for authentication and communication number 310, 311 Response for authentication and communication number communication 312 Communication number and facilities offered 313 Reiteration of facilities offered to the subscriber (for example display of the mailbox indicator) 301a Stop timer 301 314 Authentication response and communication number (following on from other presence triggers) 315 Start of a backup on PC 316, 317 Data 318, 319 Acknowledgment of receipt 320 Time lapse when changing POC location 304b Timer expires 321 Communication number and absence

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  323, 324 Transfer: incoming call 322 on voicemail 322 Incoming call in the event of absence 330 Logon upon arrival at the second workplace

329, 328, 325,

  332, 333, 334 Authentication request 335 Authentication response 326, 327 Transfer: call transfer 336 incoming 336 Incoming call 337 Call transfer (for example with call data, voice mail LED on Its cooperation of mobile communication terminals such as pocket computers (POCs, Organizers), POCs with audio and fax functionalities, electronic diaries, mobile phones etc., with the telephone in a private exchange (ISPBX ) and a stationary desktop computer (PC), is not only a problem of information and communication technology (internetworking), but is also a challenge concerning the possibility of control and the user interfaces. Indeed, the mobility of a POC provides the advantage of being able to constantly change the

  connection, complicated cable tangles and plugs being just as undesirable as complex authentication procedures in the user interface.

  Its cooperation of mobile POCs with telephones is appropriate in order to be able, for example, to display existing notes from previous interviews and personal data on the PC or POC before the start of the conversation. For this purpose, the telephone number provided l0

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  jointly in the ISDN is for example operated. Backing up new data to the PC, which has for example been entered into the handheld during meetings, should also be possible without complex cable insertion if possible. Besides the possibility of being able to easily control terminals

  of mobile communication, the question of the legitimization of a user of a communication system poses another type of problem. This requires solutions which can be appropriately integrated into existing access protection and control systems.

  Wireless transmission systems (Local Area Networks Emulations and Desktop Area Networks, DAN's) are known in the field of networked computers, these systems communicating in some cases by radio, in other cases by infrared links (IrDA, Infrared Data Association). In the field of private exchanges, systems are known which are based on what are called DCI adapters, PC cards or selection aid interfaces, which connect the telephone network to the PCs via cables, and who

  thus enable services such as electronic mail, PC fax, file transmissions and the like.

  Mobile functionality is typically characterized by the possibility of reiterating profiles of personal telephone facilities on other telephones (for example telephones of other users). However, the authentication procedures necessary for this purpose are either linked to the entry of "unlikely" keystrokes, or are characterized by combinations of keystrokes and the insertion of

  additional extension smart cards.

  II While a cable link is usually not a big problem for larger non-mobile desktops, an ISPBX cable link from handheld handheld computers is not practical, because every time it leaves his workplace, the user would have to remove or insert a plug. To solve legitimation problems, smart card systems for posts

  additional are known in the telephone network.

  The disadvantage of these systems lies in the fact that, in this case also, the smart card must be removed each time even during a short absence from a workplace, which generally leads to

  long over acceptance problems on the part of 15 users.

  It is here that the invention attempts to provide assistance by establishing a communication relationship between mobile communication terminals and fixed communication terminals, which allows flexible handling of existing communication networks having fixed communication terminals by the user of mobile communication terminals. To this end, the connection of mobile communication terminals is preferably carried out using an infrared link which, as compared to a radio link, will generally be of a lower price. To do this, handheld computers, diaries or mobile phones are connected to an ISPBX telephone (Tell, Tel2), for example using infrared links, in the case where an infrared par30 link is not already possible by via the desktop PC (PC1, PC2), and that this PC is connected to the telephone. Infrared access to the ISPBX network also makes it possible to integrate an access and entry control system (without contact) in a room in a private network35 (for example a Corporate Network), which is not

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  for example not possible with a wireless system which is

  only equipped with radio (DECT).

  The unambiguous identification and allocation of a signal from a mixture of infrared signals in a room is ensured according to the present invention by a special protocol, of higher rank, between the smart card in the POC with the telephone and the HDB home database in the ISPBX (Figure 3), which, by the arrangement and distribution of functions allows other functions simultaneously (for example the transfer of calls to an answering machine in case of absence). The HDB home database contains, among other things, all the information necessary for the identification and authentication15 of a mobile terminal or its user. By this means, a two-way communication link from a POC is only kept to one of the Tell telephones in the office (i.e. to the one closest to you in the command direction). The temporary use by a user of this particular Tell telephone until a defined interruption (departure from this office area) is in this case recorded centrally in the home database (HDB). Specific pieces of information, which are added to the signaling information, therefore also trigger for example the automatic transfer 326, 327 to an answering machine when a telephone is not busy. Other Tella telephones receiving the same infrared signal in the same room, but slightly weakened, also send a link request to the HDB home database instance, which includes signal strength information. After evaluating the signal strength of the link, the HDB instance assigns the link a temporary current communication number to 308 (Call Reference), and indicates to the other telephones in the room the communication number that 'They no longer have to deal with. By temporarily storing this information and at current evaluation in the telephones, the lines to the ISPBX are kept free. After the POC has been switched to the corresponding operating mode, the start and therefore the temporary determination of a communication relationship are triggered by the exceeding of a certain signal level of the infrared reception part of the telephone. The user can, if necessary, favor this by approaching the body of the telephone for a short time. The passage below the signal level each time triggers a timer 301 which, after having expired 304b, signals the departure from the workplace. The setting of the timer depends on the set call time (ring time) to prevent calls from being routed despite the presence of the person in the room only because the infrared signal has been interrupted. By integrating the functionality of conventional additional extension smart cards (for legitimation) into the POC, their place of action is moved towards the latter, namely that the insertion of smart cards in the telephone can be eliminated; access to the POC telephone network (ISDN, ATM) becomes possible simultaneously. The wireless access method 30, however, involves authentication 308, 311 known as Handshaking in order to prevent abuse due to a

  "masquerade", for example with infrared remote controls capable of learning.

  Given the security that it achieves, handshaking authentication by means

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  a smart card, which is conditioned by the wireless access method, is advantageously suitable for use in a company network beyond its location. Beyond the public network, remote workplaces in external stations, subsidiaries or home workplaces are then integrated, for example by a special server and a process of (protocol container) - (among others also with

  the Cornet-VNE from Siemens extended to external stations).

  For the “change of workplace” application case (Telecommuting), the momentary presence is signaled 326, 335 to the company's home database, for example by means of ISDN user-user signaling, so incoming calls are through

  example automatically transferred 337 from the office to the home office.

  The infrared transmitter / receiver in the POC has at least two main directions Dl, D2 transmission / reception, so that direct (visual) contact with the infrared transmitter / receiver of the telephone can be made, even when the The pocket computer is stored in a shirt pocket or in a back pocket (Figure 2). Therefore the POC can be reached via the telephone network without any intervention (without having to plug in or type anything), and automatic recourse to facilities

  Personal ISPBX offered and with authorizations, as well as an exploitation of ISPBX offered facilities, in this case by the desktop PC (legitimized using the 30 POC), are possible.

  In addition, the authentication described in Figure 3 can be simultaneously supported by the PC and thus also allow a Logon on the latter, or automatically brighten or darken the display screen. The device also allows

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  integration of an entry control system without

  contact in a room, or time counting.

  In the case of the configuration in which the desktop PC does not have its own infrared interface, direct channel switching allows data exchange between the handheld and the PC by

  through the telephone without integration of the ISPBX network. In a simplified variant comprising a unidirectional infrared interface in the POC, 10 (only) a selection (without authentication) is made from the POC.

  In addition to the mechanical creation of a specific slot for the chip card (or SIM Subscriber Identity Module), which is usual for mobile phones, a plug-in solution which can be added later is provided as a variant as interface card on other POC interfaces (for example on the PCMCIA interface), which is combined SIM with an infrared communication module.20 Additional equipment for cordless telephones (Handy's) in private exchanges with infrared interface, allows these cordless telephones to be integrated into the functions described above, with the exception of POC functionalities which are not provided in the cordless telephone. In particular, this means that calls arriving at the fixed workplace device can be routed automatically while the wireless phone is charging. In addition, permanent telephone conversations, which are not without problems with wireless devices, are avoided in a user-friendly manner. The identity permanently present in the telephone without

  fil replaces the smart card of the additional stations.

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Claims (10)

  1. Fixed communication terminal comprising a device intended for wireless and contactless communication with mobile communication terminals, means for identifying a communication terminal   mobile of this kind, and means for the automatic establishment, maintenance and termination of a bilateral communication relationship with a mobile communication terminal identified 10 of this kind.   2. Mobile communication terminal comprising a device intended for wireless and contactless communication with fixed communication terminals, means intended to assist its identification by a fixed communication terminal of this kind, and means intended for establishing automatic, maintaining and cutting a bilateral communication relationship with a fixed communication terminal of this kind. 3. Fixed communication terminal according to claim 1, comprising means intended for the automatic detection of mobile communication terminals according to claim 2. 4. Communication system comprising fixed communication terminals according to one of the   claims 1 or 3, and means for monitoring the establishment or termination of bilateral relations   communication changing over time between several 17 2733652   fixed and mobile communication terminals according to one of the preceding claims.   5. Communication system according to claim 4, comprising means for automatic transfer of calls intended for mobile communication terminals via the terminals of   fixed communications which are temporarily in a bilateral communication relationship with these mobile communication terminals. 6. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means   automatic activation of a response to a call intended for mobile communication terminals, which cannot momentarily maintain or establish a bilateral communication relationship with one of the fixed communication terminals of this communication system, or   who have otherwise signaled to the communications system that they are temporarily not ready to receive calls.20 7. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means for   automatic diversion of a call intended for a mobile communication terminal, which is momentarily not ready to receive calls, to another communication terminal located near this mobile communication terminal not being ready to receive   calls. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the wireless communication and   contactless is carried out by means the scope of which is limited by the limits of closed premises of buildings.   9. Communication system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising means   intended to prevent the establishment of wireless communication relationships of a mobile communication terminal with more than one fixed communication terminal, the selection of a fixed terminal used to establish a wireless communication relationship being made according to the intensity of the signals from the mobile terminal received by this fixed communication terminal. 10. Mobile communication terminal comprising means intended for infrared communication in vertical or horizontal position.