MXPA00001542A - Travel converter for a mobile telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for effectuating communication between a mobile telephone (100) and at least one communication network (200) not supported by the mobile telephone (100). A converter (110) interfaces to a mobile telephone (100) to effectuate communication (340) between the mobile telephone (100) and the communication network (200). The converter (110) includes a controller (160) for controlling operation of the converter (110) and further for selecting (330) a communication network (200) for communicating with the mobile telephone (110). Communication protocol functionality (120) within the mobile computer (110) effectuates communication between the mobile telephone (100) and the selected communication network (200) and an interface provides for communication between the mobile telephone (100) and the communication network (200).

Description

TRAVEL CONVERTER FOR A MOBILE TELEPHONE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field of the invention The present invention relates generally to a mobile telephone that supports a plurality of communication network protocols, and more particularly, to a mobile telephone converter for equipping selectively the mobile phone so that it can communicate using one or several communication network protocols. Description of the Related Art The wireless communications industry is experiencing a proliferation of new mobile communication networks and associated protocols. Today there are several analog and digital networks that employ several communication techniques such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). Such systems include the Advanced Mobile Telephony Service (AMPS), the Advanced Digital Mobile Telephony Service (DAMPS), and the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) among others. Communication networks also operate in several frequency bands. In addition, additional communication networks and additional protocols for mobile communication continue to be introduced, such as the Personal Communication System (PCS), and several satellite systems, such as the Asian Cell Satellite System (ACeS) and the System. of the ICO Global Communication Satellite. At the same time, the use of the mobile phone is expanding dramatically and the trend will continue in the near future. Mobile phones are increasingly used when the user moves as more and more subscribers carry their mobile phones when they move outside their service areas. Mobile phones become useless, however, when subscribers move in areas where the available communication network protocols are incompatible by the protocol supported by their mobile phone. To attack this problem, mobile phone manufacturers offer mobile phones that incorporate a functionality that allows communication through the use of more than one communication network protocol. The additional functionality, however, results in a mobile phone that is larger, heavier, and more expensive than a mobile phone with a single or double protocol. This approach also requires that the manufacturer and the user participate which protocols should be included and there is no possibility of adding additional protocols when the subscriber moves in unanticipated areas or when new communication network protocols are introduced. In addition, a subscriber may require added functionality only occasionally and may wish to charge a single or dual protocol mobile phone and add additional protocol functionality only when traveling. It would therefore be advantageous to invent an apparatus and method that allows a mobile telephone to be equipped in such a way that it can be selectively adjusted to operate by using one or several communication network protocols. COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a mobile telephone converter. The converter communicates with a mobile telephone to effect a communication between the mobile telephone and the communication network not supported by the mobile telephone. The converter includes a controller for controlling the operation of the converter and also for selecting a communication network to communicate with the mobile telephone. A communication protocol functionality within the mobile converter effects communication between the mobile telephone and the selected communication network and an interface provides communication between the mobile telephone and the mobile telephone converter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a mobile telephone having a compliance converter with one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention where the mobile telephone and the converter functionality is incorporated into a personal computer; Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for establishing communication between the mobile telephone of the first mode and the second mode of the present invention and a selected communication network; Figure 4 is a diagram in functional blcques of a mobile telephone and a converter in accordance with a third condition of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method for establishing communication between the mobile telephone of the third embodiment of the present invention and a selected communication network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to Figure 1, a functional block diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A mobile telephone 100 comprises a man-machine interface 105, a converter 110, and at least one communication module 120. The man-machine interface 105 includes at least one hearing aid 130 and a microphone 140 selectively connected through a controller 160 to through a switch 150 and an interface 230 with one of the communication modules 120. The communication modules 120 each contain functionality for effecting a communication between the mobile telephone 100 and a respective network of the various communication networks 200 employing a protocol of a particular communication network 200. Any communication network can be supported, including, but not limited to, an Advanced Mobile Telephony Service (AMPS) 200 (A) network, a Mobile Advanced Digital Mobile Service network (DAMPS), 200 (B), a Global System for Communication network Mobile (GSM) 200 (C), or another network 200 (N). The other networks 200 (N) include several personal communication systems (PCS) and several satellite systems such as the ASIA Cellular Satellite System (ACeS) and the ICO Global Communication Satellite System. The communication modules 120 are electrically and typically connected to the converter 110 through various connectors 170. The various connectors 170 include a first end 180 connected to the converter 110 and a second end 190 connected to the communication modules 120. The connectors 170 can be of any type, and may include, but not be limited to, a slot-edge connector combination, a ribbon cable, or a connector according to the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCLA) (International Memory Card Association) of Personal Computer). The functionality that is common to different network protocols is located within the converter 110 and is not duplicated while the functionality that is unique to a particular network protocol or that is not easily shared between several communication modules 120 is within the communication modules 120. The communication modules 120 are easily connected and disconnected from the converter 110 and a subscriber can equip the mobile telephone 100 to operate in several communication networks. In addition, the subscriber may acquire additional communication modules 120 as new communication network protocols are introduced. Alternatively, the various connectors 170 may be replaced by a wireless communication link employing radio frequencies such as infrared. In order that the controller 160 detects the presence of a communication module 120 coupled to the first end 190 of the connector 180, a sensor 210 detects which connectors 180 have communication modules 120 connected to them and communicates their presence to the controller 160. The mechanism detection may be of any type and may include, but is not limited to, a mechanical pin physically depressed by the location of the communication module 120 on the converter 110 or an electrical signal generated by the communication module 120 in response to the connection with the converter 110. In the case where several connectors 170 are replaced by a wireless radio frequency communication link such as an infrared communication link, the sensor 210 monitors a predefined radio frequency in order to determine the presence of the communication modules 120. To identify the communication protocol sopor When the communication modules 120 are detected, each communication module 120 includes a memory 220 that contains information identifying the associated communication protocol supported by the individual communication module 120. The controller 160 reads the memory 220 to obtain the information of the communication module 120. protocol. Once the controller 160 is aware of which communication protocols are supported by the mobile telephone 100 based on which the communication modules 120 are used on the converter 110, the controller 160 determines which communication networks 200 are available at the location of the mobile telephone 100. When a communication is to be established with the mobile telephone 100, the controller 160 selects one of the communication networks 200 and connects the man-machine interface 105 to the respective communication module 120 that supports the protocol of the selected communication network 200 through the interface 230 and the switch 120. The interface 230 can be a wired connection such as a wire, cable or electrical trace, or the interface 230 can be a wireless connection for example a communication link radio frequency or infrared. Alternatively, the interface 230 can be a fiber optic cable. Referring now further to Figure 2, there is illustrated a second embodiment of the present invention wherein the mobile telephone and the converter functionality described in Figure 1 is incorporated into a personal computer. The mobile telephone and the converter functionality is incorporated into the personal computer 111, which communicates with a man-machine interface 107 and at least one communication module 120. The man-machine interface 107 includes a hearing aid 130, a microphone 140, a video display 108, and a keyboard 109. The personal computer 111 and the human-machine interface 107 are selectively connected by a controller 160 via a switch 150, and in the case of the human-machine interface 107, an interface 230 , with one of the communication modules 120. The communication modules 120 each contain functionality to effect a communication between the personal computer 111, including the man-machine interface 107, and a respective network of the various communication networks 200 employing a protocol of the particular communication network 200. Any communication network can be supported including, but not limited to, an Advanced Service network Mobile Telephony Service (AMPS) 200 (A), a Mobile Advanced Digital Service (DAMPS) 200 (B) network, a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) 200 (C) network, or another network 200 (N). The other 200 (N) networks include several Personal Communication Systems (PCS) and several Satellite Systems such as the Asian Satellite Satellite System (ACeS) and the ICO Global Communication Satellite System.

The communication modules 120 are electrically and physically connected to the personal computer 111 through various connectors 170. The various connectors 170 include a first end 180 attached to the personal computer 111 and a second end 190 attached to the individual communication modules 120. The connectors 170 may be of any type and may include, but are not limited to, a slot-edge connector combination, a ribbon cable, or a connector from the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) (International Association of Personal Computer Memory Card). The functionality that is common to different network protocols is located within the personal computer 111, and therefore is not duplicated while the functionality that is unique to a particular network protocol or that is not easily shared among several communication modules 120 is located within the communication modules 120. The communication modules 120 are easily connected and disconnected from the personal computer 111, and a subscriber can equip the personal computer 111 to communicate with various communication networks. In addition, the subscriber may acquire additional communication modules 120 as new communication network protocols are introduced. With the object of the controller 160 detecting the presence of communication module 120 coupled with the first end 190 of the connector 180, a sensor 210 detects which connectors 180 have communication modules 120 fixed thereon and communicates their presence to the controller 160. The mechanism of detection can be of any type, and may include, but is not limited to, a mechanically depressed mechanical pin by means of the fixation of the communication module 120 on the personal computer 111, or it may be an electrical signal generated by the communication module 120 in response to the connection on the personal computer. To identify the communication protocol supported by the detected communication modules 120, each communication module 120 includes a memory 220 that contains information identifying the associated communication protocol supported by the individual communication module 120. The controller 160 reads the memory 220 to obtain the protocol information. Once the controller 160 is aware of which communication protocols are supported based on which communication modules 120 are linked to the personal computer 111, the controller 160 determines which communication networks 200 are available in the current location of the personal computer 111 When a communication is to be established with the personal computer 111, the controller 160 selects one of the communication networks 200 and connects the personal computer 111 or the human-machine interface 107 to the respective communication module 120 which supports the protocol the selected communication network 200 through the switch 120, and in the case of a human-machine interface 107, further through the interface 230. The interface 230 may be a wired connection such as wire, cable or electrical trace , or the interface 230 can be a wireless connection such as a communication link. n infrared or radio frequency. Alternatively, the interface 230 may be a fiber optic cable. Referring now to Figure 3, there is illustrated a flow chart of a method for establishing a communication between the mobile telephone of the present invention and a selected communication network. A mobile telephone subscriber equips the mobile telephone by coupling one or more communication modules to a converter in the mobile telephone. Each communication module can make communication between the mobile telephone and the communication network through the use of a similar communication protocol. The subscriber selects communication modules to be employed in the equipment of the mobile telephone based on an anticipation of which networks will be found by the mobile telephone subscriber. When the mobile phone is activated, or alternatively, when the mobile telephone subscriber connects one or more of the communication modules to the converter, a sensor detects the presence or absence of the modules and communicates the information (step 300) to a controller located inside the converter. The controller reads a memory located within the communication module (step 310) to obtain information that identifies the type of communication protocol supported by the particular communication module. The controller then identifies which communication networks (if any exist, are available for communication with the mobile telephone at the current location of the mobile telephone (step 320) for each of the communication protocols supported by the mobile telephone as a result of the connection to the associated communication module, the mobile phone tries to establish the existence of the network in a manner consistent with the particular protocol.When a communication is to be established with the mobile telephone, the controller selects a network and associated communication module (step 330) based on a preprogrammed criteria, for example, in the case of an outgoing call, a subscriber can establish a priority to select the communication network, or alternatively, the controller can be programmed with information pertaining to the cost of using each network and you can be given instructions in the sense that you select the most economical network Once the controller has selected the communication network and the associated communication module, the controller connects the man-machine interface to the selected communication module (step 340) through a switch located inside the converter. With further reference now to FIG. 4, a functional block diagram of a mobile telephone and a converter according to a third embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A mobile telephone 400 comprises a man-machine interface 405 and a mobile phone functionality 410 that includes a controller 415. The mobile telephone functionality effects communication between the mobile phone 400 and at least one communication network 200 by employing the protocol of the particular communication network 200. The man-machine interface 405 includes at least one hearing aid 130 and a microphone 140. In order to communicate with the communication network not supported by the functionality of the mobile telephone 410, a converter 420 is connected to the mobile phone 400 through an interface 430. The interface 430 can be effected in any way. For example, the converter 420 may be a module that plugs into the mobile telephone 400. In another example, the converter 420 is manufactured in a semiconductor microchip and connected to the mobile telephone 400 through a female socket. The converter 420 includes a control 440 that controls the operation of the converter 420, at least one communication protocol functionality 450 to effect communication with at least one communication network 200 by employing the protocol of the particular communication network 200, and a switch 460 for connecting the mobile phone 400 through the interface 430 with the particular communication protocol functionality 450 selected by the controller 440. Any communication network 200 can be supported by the mobile functionality 410 or the communication protocol functionality 450 which includes, but is not limited to, an Advanced Mobile Telephony Service (AMPS) 200 (A) network, an Advanced Mobile Digital Service (DAMPS) 200 (B) network, a Global System for Mobile Communication network (GSM) 200 (C), or another network 200 (N). The other 200 (N) networks include several Personal Communication Systems (PCS) and several Satellite Systems such as, for example, the Asía Cell Satellite System (ACeS) and the ICO Global Communication Satellite System. Referring now to Figure 5, there is illustrated a flow diagram of a method for establishing communication between the mobile telephone of the third embodiment of the present invention and a selected communication network. When the mobile phone 400 is activated, or alternatively when the mobile telephone subscriber connects the converter 420, the controller 420 inquires with the mobile telephone controller 415 to determine which communication protocols are supported by the mobile telephone functionality 410 (step 500). The controller 440 identifies which communication networks 200 supported by the mobile telephone functionality 410 or the communication protocol functionality 450 are available, if any, for communication with the mobile telephone 400 at the current location of the mobile telephone 400 (step 520) by attempting to establish the existence of the network in a manner consistent with the particular protocol. When communication with the mobile telephone 400 is to be established, the controller 440 selects a network 200 and associated communication protocol functionality 450 or mobile telephone functionality (step 530) based on a preprogrammed criterion. For example, in the case of an outgoing call, a mobile telephone subscriber may establish a priority to select the communication network, or alternatively, the controller 440 may be programmed with information pertaining to the cost of using each network 200 and be instrumented to select the most economical network 200. In any case, once the controller 440 has selected the communication network 200, and the associated communication protocol functionality 450 or the mobile phone functionality 410, the 440 controller establishes a link between the mobile phone 400 and the communication network 200 (step 540). Even though the preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention were described in the Annex Drawings and described in the above Detailed Description, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the presented modalities but can be subjected to numerous arrangements, modifications, and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention presented and defined in the following claims.

Claims (19)

1. CLAIMS A mobile telephone converter comprising: a controller for controlling the operation of the converter and also for selecting a communication network to communicate with a mobile telephone; at least one communication protocol functionality to effect communication between the mobile telephone and the selected communication network; and an interface for making a communication between the mobile telephone and the mobile telephone converter.
2. The mobile telephone converter according to claim 1, further including: a plurality of communication protocol functionalities for effecting a communication between the mobile telephone and a plurality of communication networks; a switch controlled by the controller for selectively connecting the mobile telephone with one of the communication protocol functionalities.
3. The mobile telephone converter according to claim 1, wherein the interface is a female semiconductor chip socket.
4. The mobile phone converter according to claim 1, wherein the interface is a connector of the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (International Association of Personal Computer Memory Card).
5. The mobile telephone converter according to claim 1, wherein the interface is an infrared communication link.
6. The mobile telephone according to claim 1, wherein the mobile telephone converter is incorporated into a personal computer and the various communication modules are physically and electrically coupled to the mobile telephone through the personal computer by using a connector of the personal computer memory card interface association.
7. A mobile telephone for communicating with a plurality of communication networks employing a plurality of communication protocols, comprising: a man-machine interface having at least one microphone and a hearing aid; several communication modules, each module contains functionality for communicating with a communication network through the use of a different communication protocol; a converter for selecting a communication network and a communication module from the plurality of communication module, the selected communication module has functionality to effect communication by the protocol employee of the selected network, the converter is also for communication between the man-machine interface and the communication module; and means for physically and electrically coupling the plurality of communication modules to the converter.
8. The mobile telephone according to claim 1, wherein each communication module includes a memory containing protocol information that identifies the communication protocol of the communication module, the protocol information is read by the converter.
9. The mobile telephone according to claim 7, wherein the converter comprises: a controller for selecting the communication network and also for selecting the communication module; a switch for electrically connecting the man-machine interface to the selected communication module, the switch is controlled by the controller; and a sensor for detecting the presence of communication modules coupled to the converter and communicating the presence of the communication modules to the controller.
10. The mobile telephone according to claim 7, wherein the means for physically and electrically coupling the various communication modules with the converter comprises several slots positioned in the converter and an edge connector placed in each of the communication modules for insertion in one of the several slots.
11. The mobile telephone according to claim 7, wherein the means for physically and electrically coupling the various communication modules with the converter comprises a ribbon cable.
12. 12. The mobile phone according to claim 7, wherein the means for physically and electrically coupling the various communication modules with the converter comprises a connector of the personal memory card interface association.
13. 13. The mobile phone according to claim 7, further including a means for connecting the man-machine interface to the converter.
14. 14. The mobile telephone according to claim 13, wherein the means for connecting the man-machine interface to the converter is a fiber optic cable.
15. 15. The mobile telephone according to claim 13, wherein the means for connecting the machine interface to the converter is a wireless radio frequency communication link.
16. The mobile phone according to claim 7, wherein the various communication protocols include at least one of the following: a Global System for Mobile communication; an Advanced Mobile Telephony Service; and an Advanced Digital Mobile Telephony Service.
17. 17. The mobile phone in accordance with the claim 7, wherein the mobile telephone is incorporated into a personal computer and the various communication modules are physically and electrically coupled to the mobile telephone through the personal computer through the use of a personal computer memory card inter association connector.
18. 18. A method for selecting a communication network and a communication module in a mobile telephone, comprising the steps of: detecting the presence of communication modules coupled with the converter; read the protocol information from the memory of the communication modules coupled to the converter; identify the communication networks currently available; and selecting, in accordance with a defined criterion, the communication network and the communication module from the intersection of the set of communication networks identified as available and the set of communication modules coupled with the converter.
19. 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of connecting a man-machine inter of the mobile telephone to the communication module. A mobile telephone converter for making communication between a satellite communication system and a mobile telephone, the mobile telephone is able to communicate with a wireless communication network, comprising: a controller to control the operation of the converter and also to select the satellite communication system; at least one communication protocol function for effecting communication between the mobile telephone and the selected satellite communication system; and an inter to effect communication between the mobile telephone and the converter.