CA2227855A1 - Network adapter - Google Patents
Network adapter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2227855A1 CA2227855A1 CA002227855A CA2227855A CA2227855A1 CA 2227855 A1 CA2227855 A1 CA 2227855A1 CA 002227855 A CA002227855 A CA 002227855A CA 2227855 A CA2227855 A CA 2227855A CA 2227855 A1 CA2227855 A1 CA 2227855A1
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- Prior art keywords
- network
- network adapter
- adapter according
- subscriber
- house
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
- H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
- H04N7/147—Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L12/00—Data switching networks
- H04L12/28—Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
- H04L12/2801—Broadband local area networks
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/14—Systems for two-way working
- H04N7/141—Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
- H04N7/148—Interfacing a video terminal to a particular transmission medium, e.g. ISDN
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
- Small-Scale Networks (AREA)
- Sub-Exchange Stations And Push- Button Telephones (AREA)
- Computer And Data Communications (AREA)
- Data Exchanges In Wide-Area Networks (AREA)
- Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
Network adapter (1) for connecting an in-house network (2) to subscriber-line networks (3) of service providers, comprising a first external interface (4) for receiving information signals via coaxial cables from subscriber-line networks and at least one internal interface (5) for transmitting the information signals to terminals of an in-house network (2; 22) via coaxial cables (6), characterized in that there are provided additional external interfaces (4', 4", 4''', ...) for interactively exchanging information signals with additional subscriber-line networks, wherein at least one external interface (4') establishes a connection to a subscriber-line network using bell wire, and that there is provided a combined exchange and control unit (8), preferably with a microprocessor (9; 29), which transmits the respective information signals of a predetermined service provider from the respective external interface (4, 4', 4", 4''', ...) of the subscriber-line network to one or more internal interfaces (5, 5', 5") of the in-house network (2; 22) or vice versa. Information signals can thus be distributed to terminals in an in-house network as well as in the reverse direction, even with a large number of potentially rather diverse service providers.
Most of the already existing network hardware can be utilized without the need for extensive changes and additions.
Most of the already existing network hardware can be utilized without the need for extensive changes and additions.
Description
CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 NETWORK ADAPTER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field The invention relates to a network adapter for connecting an in-house network to subscriber-line networks of service providers, comprising a first external interface for receiving information signals from coaxial cables from subscriber-line networks and at least one internal interface for routing the information signals onward to terminals of an in-house network via coaxial cables.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field The invention relates to a network adapter for connecting an in-house network to subscriber-line networks of service providers, comprising a first external interface for receiving information signals from coaxial cables from subscriber-line networks and at least one internal interface for routing the information signals onward to terminals of an in-house network via coaxial cables.
2. Discussion of Related Art A network adapter of this type i8 known, for example, from an article by R.C. Hutchinson entitled aArchitectural Framework for Standardizing Multimedia Services on Fiber-Coax~ in the Proceedings of the 1st International Workshop on Community Networking Integrated Multimedia Services to the Home, (IEEE 1994), pages 213 to 217.
Recently, service providers have begun to offer private and business users access to an increasing number of subscriber-line networks, in addition to the conventional public telephone network (~POT" = Plain Old Telephone). These networks include ISDN for more comfortable telephone service, but also, for example, cable television networks (CATV), hybrid fiber coax networks (HFC = Hybrid Fiber Coax), as well as wireless transmitting telephone networks, for example, the network D2 Net operated privately in Germany. It is expected that in the coming years, a substantially larger number of subscriber-line networks of this type will be installed by service providers. Under construction or in the planning stage are at this point, for example, ATM
(Asynchronous Transfer Mode) network5, STM (Synchronous CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 Transfer Mode, wireline) networks, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), VHDSL (Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line), DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone), and GSM (Global System Mobile) networks. By the year 2000, there will be many more providers offering subscriber line networks with corresponding services to private or commercial end users.
On the other hand, end customers, in particular private households, have presently in general a ~bell wire~ network with symmetric twisted pair cables for conventional telephone service and a coaxial cable network for TV sets. Hereinafter, all signal line networks of this type installed inside a building including, for example, als~ signal links for intercoms, computer networks, private branch exchanges (PBX) and the like, shall be referred to as Uin-house networks". The term ~terminal" shall refer to any device which can be connected to such an in-house network, for example a controller, an alarm system, a sensor and regulator, a meter, a telecommunication device, a television set, a computer and the like.
In the technical article by Hutchinson cited above, there is proposed a framework for standardizing and delivering multimedia services via fiber coaxial cables.
The described framework should enable the end user to gain more or less unimpeded access to the subscriber-line network of a service provider. However, this applies only to the connection of services which are transmitted to the end user via fiber coaxial cables, such as analog or digital television, interactive TV, cable TV, or HFC
systems.
Another system for visual communication in apartment buildings was proposed in an article by Masami Kato et al, entitled ~Visual Communication System in an Apartment House Using Only Twisted Pair Cable" in IEEE Transactions CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 on Consumer Electronics, Vol. 40, No.3, August 1994, pages 418 to 427, wherein the system consists of an in-house bus and a network adapted for use in such an apartment complex. The conventional system uses exclusively a network of twisted bell wire cables and offers a large number of services. However, other subnetworks, for example coaxial cable networks, have not been considered in this case.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a network adapter of the aforedescribed type which is capable of distributing information signals from a large number of possibly quite different service providers via a network adapter to terminals of an in-house network as well as in the reverse direction, wherein the network cable system which is generally already installed in the building, can be utilized extensively, without the need to install numerous accessory devices or make numerous changes.
This object is solved by the invention in that there are provided additional external interfaces for interactively exchanging information signals with other types of subscriber-line networks, wherein at least one external interface provides a connection to a subscriber line network with symmetric twisted pair cables (~bell wire"), and that there is provided a combined exchange and control unit, in particular including a microprocessor, for transferring the information signals supplied by a certain service provider from the respective external interface of the subscriber-line networks to one or several internal interfaces of the in-house network and vice-versa. The network adapter accordihg to the invention enables an end user to establish rather easily unidirectional and bi-directional CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 data links with public and private service providers via their respective subscriber-line networks, and to communicate with the corresponding services and to receive corresponding information signals via the terminals which are connected to the in-house networks of the user. The cabling already installed in the building is hereby combined to form an in-house network which is capable of contacting via the network adapter of the invention, including the last branch circuit, all subscriber-line networks, even those subscriber-line networks which are of a completely different type.
In an advantageous embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, there is provided an exchange for selectively connecting a subscriber-line network adapted for a specified service category, for example telephone service, to a bell wire network which is part of the in-house network. The exchange can, for example, be a part of a conventional telephone system. Since nowadays a telephone cable network is installed in almost every household, such a network can form the starting point for an intelligent network adapter with a corresponding exchange.
In another preferred embodiment, the exchange can process both narrow band and broadband uni and bi-directional information signals. In this way, the network adapter of the invention is able to connect a large number of possibly rather diverse terminals with a large number of other potentially also rather diverse subscriber-line networks.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, one or more internal interfaces are connected to an in-house bus system which enables an exchange of information signals between the combined exchange and control unit and any terminal in the internal network. In this manner, cabling within the CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 in-house networks can be arranged in a logical, orderly and simple manner.
The following embodiments of the network adapter of the invention are particularly advantageous, especially in combination with the internal bus system described above and/or with the exchange in the form of a telecommunication system:
In one embodiment, the terminal can comprise a device for activating a heating system. The temperature inside a building can thereby be adjusted by activating the heating system from either another terminal within the in-house network or through appropriate software in the exchange and control unit or also by remote control from outside the building. The respective terminal preferably comprises a temperature sensor for recording the prevailing temperature and for subsequently transmitting the recorded temperature, for example in the form of a control variable, to a control loop.
In another embodiment, the terminal comprises a device for activating a lighting system, preferably also including a light intensity sensor. In this way, the lighting conditions inside the building can be automatically monitored, controlled, or regulated in the same way as described above with reference to the heating system.
In yet another embodiment, the terminal comprises a device for activating a shutter and preferably also a light intensity sensor. This allows a convenient automatic control of the shutter; optionally, the shutter can also be controlled manually by remote control.
In other most preferred embodiments of the network adapter of the invention, the terminal comprises a device, such as a smoke detector, a fire detector, a gas detector, or a water detector, for monitoring physical changes in the surrounding areas, wherein the combined CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 exchange and control signal, upon receiving an information signal from the terminal, transmits an alarm signal to an alarm system for sounding an alarm. In this way, all imaginable monitoring functions carried out in the vicinity of an apartment building, an office or government building, or a manufacturing plant can be easily transmitted to a control system or at least to a warning system.
In another most preferred embodiment, the terminal is connected to one or more sensors of a burglary alarm system, whereby an alarm signal can be automatically transmitted via an external communication network to, for example, a police station. Such alarm systems are often already installed and can be easily integrated into an in-house network through the network adapter of the invention, wherein a connection to the outside can be established automatically in the event of an alarm.
In still other embodiments of the invention, the terminal comprises a usage monitor, for example, an electricity meter, a gas meter, or a water meter, wherein the combined exchange and control unit receives recorded usage data in predetermined time intervals. With this device, the reading of meter~ can be greatly simplified, thereby providing savings for the end user.
In another advantageous embodiment, there can be provided a memory unit for storing and recalling the recorded usage data. The user is thereby made aware of the recorded usage and, in particular, of the usage trend.
In yet another advantageous embodiment, the recorded usage data can be transmitted automatically or upon request via an external interface to an external telecommunication network, and to a provider, for example an energy provider and/or a water or gas utility. The provider can offer automated reading of the used service CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 at practically zero cost, thereby considerably lowering the total cost of the service.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, the combined exchange and control unit can receive remote activation signals via one of the external interfaces and can transmit these remote activation signals after checking an authorization to a terminal connected to the in-house network. In this manner, the owner of an appropriate authorization, for example a password, has the ability to control in-house terminals from outside the building, for example, via telephone.
A remote activation system of this type has almost limitless applications. For example, the temperature inside the house can be queried during the cold season, for example when returning from a trip and before actually arriving at home, so that the heating system can be activated enabling the temperature to reach a comfortable level when arriving at home. This system, however, is also capable of querying answering machines, mailboxe6, or other types of data 6torage devices inside the house while the homeowner is traveling. For example, flap-like opening devices can also be activated by remote control enabling a dog or a cat which are inside the house, to leave or to return to the house at will during an absence of the owner. Moreover, a potential intruder is discouraged from entering the house. It is also feasible to activate - in plenty of time before arriving at home - a loading device for a microwave unit via the aforedescribed remote control path, so that a warm meal is ready upon arrival at home.
In another preferred embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, there is provided a door intercom comprising a terminal with a control unit for remotely opening the door, further a microphone, a CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 loudspeaker and possibly also a video camera. The door intercom is connected to an interface of the network adapter and transmits a doorbell ring at least to an additional terminal which is connected to an internal interface via the in-house network, or which can be accessed via the network adapter by dialing in from the outside.
Such an intercom can also be integrated into the in-house network by connecting the system elements which are located outside the building, to an external or an internal interface of the network transfer device. Bell wires are generally considered an in-house system and are therefore connected to internal interfaces of the network transfer device. It is also possible to operate devices via remote control by using information transfer channels via external interfaces of the network transfer device.
In another advantageous embodiment, the combined exchange and control unit comprises a device for call metering of telecommunication services. This is particularly advantageous for a telecommunication system of the type described above.
In still another advantageous embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, the combined exchange and control unit can identify and process external calls and transfer incoming calls, depending on the configuration, to an authorized point (subscriber) inside or outside the building via one of the external interfaces. For example, the external call can also originate from a door intercom, with or without a video image.
In another advantageous embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, the combined exchange and control unit comprises a server for receiving, temporarily storing, or recalling messages, for example voice mail (telephone answering machine), data mail and/or video mail. A server of this type is able to CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 provide an arbitrary number of additional service functions via the in-house network in addition to the functions described above, as well as easy access via a terminal of the in-house network.
In another advantageous embodiment, an additional device is provided for decoding received signals.
In particular, the additional device can comprise a set top box for decoding digital television programs. If several TV sets are connected without requiring simultaneous access to different digital programs, the number of the decoders required in the home can be significantly reduced.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, the combined exchange and control unit is connected via the in-house network to a personal computer (PC) for setting the system configurations, the terminal authorizations and the operational performance features of an exchange, for monitoring call metering, and/or for communicating with another terminal in the in-house network or with a terminal in a subscriber line network. A PC of this type can not only provide the functionality which has been described above by way of example, but can also choose specific information signal paths for selecting, for example, the least expensive provider of certain communication services.
Additional advantages of the invention can be found in the description and in the drawings. The aforementioned features and the features listed below can be applied individually or in various combinations. The embodiments which have been illustrated and described above, are not to be viewed as limiting the invention, but are merely intended to describe the invention.
CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be described with reference to an embodiment. In the drawings is shown in Figure 1, schematically, a system overview over the possibilities for connecting the network adapter of the invention; and Figure 2, schematically, the global structure of a network adapter of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the schematic illustration of Fig. 1, there is depicted a network adapter 1 comprising a combined exchange and control unit 8 which includes several modules. More particularly, the combined exchange on control unit 8 includes a computer which can be implemented in the form of a microprocessor 9. One of the modules of the combined exchange and control unit 8 is also a storage device 10.
The network adapter 10 is connected via interfaces which will subsequently be referred to as "external"
interfaces 4, 4', 4'', 4''', . . ., and which include various subscriber access ports, networks, such as for example POT, ISDN, DECT, power mains, GSM, CATV, ATM, etc,. The aggregate of all subscriber lines networks is indicated in Figure 1 with the reference numeral 3. The subscriber line networks can be composed of very different types of networks, for example, of coaxial cable networks (cable TV, etc.), of bell wire networks (conventional telephone network POT, ISDN, etc.) or of wireless networks (DETC, GSM, etc.). Transmission of information via a power line to which practically each household and each commercial business is connected, is also feasible.
CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 The network adapter 1 is connected on the other side with an in-house network 2 via "internal" interfaces 5, 5'', 5''', wherein the in-house network 2 can comprise a number of subnetworks and individual connections, respectively. A subnetwork of this type is the bell wire network 7 which generally exists in every household and to which conventional telephone sets (POT), ISDN
telephones, but also fax machines, PC's, TV sets and the like can be connected as terminals. Another network which is installed in almost all households, is a coaxial cable network 6 to which ordinarily radio and television sets are connected. In addition, digital telephone sets, (Multi-Media) (MM) terminals, PC's and a numerous other devices for in-house surveillance, for regulating and controlling devices can also be connected. These devices can include, for example, heating systems, lighting systems, shutter systems and the like.
Finally, an additional embodiment shown in Figure 1 is an alarm system wherein both in-house terminals and devices located outside of the house, such as sensors, door opening devices, video surveillance cameras, bell ringers and the like, can be connected to the network adapter 1 via an internal interface 5''. In this way, the incoming and outgoing signals can also be connected to other terminals in the in-house network 2, for example PC's, video monitors and the like. Moreover, an alarm can cause, for example, a message to be sent via the external interface~ 4, 4', etc., and via a subscriber-line network, such as the telephone network, to an external point, for example, a police or fire station.
In addition, the usage of, for example, gas, water, electricity and the like, by devices in the building can be automatically recorded and then transmitted to the exchange and control units 8 to be either stored in the memory unit 10 and/or to be transmitted automatically to, CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 for example, a gas or water utility or an energy provider.
Conversely, house internal terminals can also be remotely accessed, for example via the telephone network, a radio telecommunications network and the like, by entering a respective authorization password or code.
Examples for such remote operations have already been described above. These possibilities can be enhanced substantially with appropriate software, in particular when computer terminals are employed in the in-house network 2.
Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown schematically the coarse structure of the system of the invention. A network adapter 21 includes a network access module 24 for accessing the most diverse subscriber line networks 23 via appropriately equipped interfaces. The network access module 24 transmits the information signals via an exchange and control unit 29 to a processor 28 connected to or integrated with memory devices, servers and the like. In particular, the processor 28 is controlled by suitable software. The other side of the processor 28 is adapted to communicate with an in-house network 22 via an in-home access module 25 which is also equipped with appropriate interfaces, wherein the in-house network 22 can comprise different cable networks, in particular an in-house bus system 26, to which various terminals such as TV, videophone, telephone, PC's, radio sets, and control devices for other systems in the home are connected. This system has the significant advantage that not only already existing instaIlations, but also installations which will be developed at a later time, can be readily connected via the appropriate interfaces.
Recently, service providers have begun to offer private and business users access to an increasing number of subscriber-line networks, in addition to the conventional public telephone network (~POT" = Plain Old Telephone). These networks include ISDN for more comfortable telephone service, but also, for example, cable television networks (CATV), hybrid fiber coax networks (HFC = Hybrid Fiber Coax), as well as wireless transmitting telephone networks, for example, the network D2 Net operated privately in Germany. It is expected that in the coming years, a substantially larger number of subscriber-line networks of this type will be installed by service providers. Under construction or in the planning stage are at this point, for example, ATM
(Asynchronous Transfer Mode) network5, STM (Synchronous CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 Transfer Mode, wireline) networks, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line), VHDSL (Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line), DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephone), and GSM (Global System Mobile) networks. By the year 2000, there will be many more providers offering subscriber line networks with corresponding services to private or commercial end users.
On the other hand, end customers, in particular private households, have presently in general a ~bell wire~ network with symmetric twisted pair cables for conventional telephone service and a coaxial cable network for TV sets. Hereinafter, all signal line networks of this type installed inside a building including, for example, als~ signal links for intercoms, computer networks, private branch exchanges (PBX) and the like, shall be referred to as Uin-house networks". The term ~terminal" shall refer to any device which can be connected to such an in-house network, for example a controller, an alarm system, a sensor and regulator, a meter, a telecommunication device, a television set, a computer and the like.
In the technical article by Hutchinson cited above, there is proposed a framework for standardizing and delivering multimedia services via fiber coaxial cables.
The described framework should enable the end user to gain more or less unimpeded access to the subscriber-line network of a service provider. However, this applies only to the connection of services which are transmitted to the end user via fiber coaxial cables, such as analog or digital television, interactive TV, cable TV, or HFC
systems.
Another system for visual communication in apartment buildings was proposed in an article by Masami Kato et al, entitled ~Visual Communication System in an Apartment House Using Only Twisted Pair Cable" in IEEE Transactions CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 on Consumer Electronics, Vol. 40, No.3, August 1994, pages 418 to 427, wherein the system consists of an in-house bus and a network adapted for use in such an apartment complex. The conventional system uses exclusively a network of twisted bell wire cables and offers a large number of services. However, other subnetworks, for example coaxial cable networks, have not been considered in this case.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a network adapter of the aforedescribed type which is capable of distributing information signals from a large number of possibly quite different service providers via a network adapter to terminals of an in-house network as well as in the reverse direction, wherein the network cable system which is generally already installed in the building, can be utilized extensively, without the need to install numerous accessory devices or make numerous changes.
This object is solved by the invention in that there are provided additional external interfaces for interactively exchanging information signals with other types of subscriber-line networks, wherein at least one external interface provides a connection to a subscriber line network with symmetric twisted pair cables (~bell wire"), and that there is provided a combined exchange and control unit, in particular including a microprocessor, for transferring the information signals supplied by a certain service provider from the respective external interface of the subscriber-line networks to one or several internal interfaces of the in-house network and vice-versa. The network adapter accordihg to the invention enables an end user to establish rather easily unidirectional and bi-directional CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 data links with public and private service providers via their respective subscriber-line networks, and to communicate with the corresponding services and to receive corresponding information signals via the terminals which are connected to the in-house networks of the user. The cabling already installed in the building is hereby combined to form an in-house network which is capable of contacting via the network adapter of the invention, including the last branch circuit, all subscriber-line networks, even those subscriber-line networks which are of a completely different type.
In an advantageous embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, there is provided an exchange for selectively connecting a subscriber-line network adapted for a specified service category, for example telephone service, to a bell wire network which is part of the in-house network. The exchange can, for example, be a part of a conventional telephone system. Since nowadays a telephone cable network is installed in almost every household, such a network can form the starting point for an intelligent network adapter with a corresponding exchange.
In another preferred embodiment, the exchange can process both narrow band and broadband uni and bi-directional information signals. In this way, the network adapter of the invention is able to connect a large number of possibly rather diverse terminals with a large number of other potentially also rather diverse subscriber-line networks.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, one or more internal interfaces are connected to an in-house bus system which enables an exchange of information signals between the combined exchange and control unit and any terminal in the internal network. In this manner, cabling within the CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 in-house networks can be arranged in a logical, orderly and simple manner.
The following embodiments of the network adapter of the invention are particularly advantageous, especially in combination with the internal bus system described above and/or with the exchange in the form of a telecommunication system:
In one embodiment, the terminal can comprise a device for activating a heating system. The temperature inside a building can thereby be adjusted by activating the heating system from either another terminal within the in-house network or through appropriate software in the exchange and control unit or also by remote control from outside the building. The respective terminal preferably comprises a temperature sensor for recording the prevailing temperature and for subsequently transmitting the recorded temperature, for example in the form of a control variable, to a control loop.
In another embodiment, the terminal comprises a device for activating a lighting system, preferably also including a light intensity sensor. In this way, the lighting conditions inside the building can be automatically monitored, controlled, or regulated in the same way as described above with reference to the heating system.
In yet another embodiment, the terminal comprises a device for activating a shutter and preferably also a light intensity sensor. This allows a convenient automatic control of the shutter; optionally, the shutter can also be controlled manually by remote control.
In other most preferred embodiments of the network adapter of the invention, the terminal comprises a device, such as a smoke detector, a fire detector, a gas detector, or a water detector, for monitoring physical changes in the surrounding areas, wherein the combined CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 exchange and control signal, upon receiving an information signal from the terminal, transmits an alarm signal to an alarm system for sounding an alarm. In this way, all imaginable monitoring functions carried out in the vicinity of an apartment building, an office or government building, or a manufacturing plant can be easily transmitted to a control system or at least to a warning system.
In another most preferred embodiment, the terminal is connected to one or more sensors of a burglary alarm system, whereby an alarm signal can be automatically transmitted via an external communication network to, for example, a police station. Such alarm systems are often already installed and can be easily integrated into an in-house network through the network adapter of the invention, wherein a connection to the outside can be established automatically in the event of an alarm.
In still other embodiments of the invention, the terminal comprises a usage monitor, for example, an electricity meter, a gas meter, or a water meter, wherein the combined exchange and control unit receives recorded usage data in predetermined time intervals. With this device, the reading of meter~ can be greatly simplified, thereby providing savings for the end user.
In another advantageous embodiment, there can be provided a memory unit for storing and recalling the recorded usage data. The user is thereby made aware of the recorded usage and, in particular, of the usage trend.
In yet another advantageous embodiment, the recorded usage data can be transmitted automatically or upon request via an external interface to an external telecommunication network, and to a provider, for example an energy provider and/or a water or gas utility. The provider can offer automated reading of the used service CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 at practically zero cost, thereby considerably lowering the total cost of the service.
In a particularly preferred embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, the combined exchange and control unit can receive remote activation signals via one of the external interfaces and can transmit these remote activation signals after checking an authorization to a terminal connected to the in-house network. In this manner, the owner of an appropriate authorization, for example a password, has the ability to control in-house terminals from outside the building, for example, via telephone.
A remote activation system of this type has almost limitless applications. For example, the temperature inside the house can be queried during the cold season, for example when returning from a trip and before actually arriving at home, so that the heating system can be activated enabling the temperature to reach a comfortable level when arriving at home. This system, however, is also capable of querying answering machines, mailboxe6, or other types of data 6torage devices inside the house while the homeowner is traveling. For example, flap-like opening devices can also be activated by remote control enabling a dog or a cat which are inside the house, to leave or to return to the house at will during an absence of the owner. Moreover, a potential intruder is discouraged from entering the house. It is also feasible to activate - in plenty of time before arriving at home - a loading device for a microwave unit via the aforedescribed remote control path, so that a warm meal is ready upon arrival at home.
In another preferred embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, there is provided a door intercom comprising a terminal with a control unit for remotely opening the door, further a microphone, a CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 loudspeaker and possibly also a video camera. The door intercom is connected to an interface of the network adapter and transmits a doorbell ring at least to an additional terminal which is connected to an internal interface via the in-house network, or which can be accessed via the network adapter by dialing in from the outside.
Such an intercom can also be integrated into the in-house network by connecting the system elements which are located outside the building, to an external or an internal interface of the network transfer device. Bell wires are generally considered an in-house system and are therefore connected to internal interfaces of the network transfer device. It is also possible to operate devices via remote control by using information transfer channels via external interfaces of the network transfer device.
In another advantageous embodiment, the combined exchange and control unit comprises a device for call metering of telecommunication services. This is particularly advantageous for a telecommunication system of the type described above.
In still another advantageous embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, the combined exchange and control unit can identify and process external calls and transfer incoming calls, depending on the configuration, to an authorized point (subscriber) inside or outside the building via one of the external interfaces. For example, the external call can also originate from a door intercom, with or without a video image.
In another advantageous embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, the combined exchange and control unit comprises a server for receiving, temporarily storing, or recalling messages, for example voice mail (telephone answering machine), data mail and/or video mail. A server of this type is able to CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 provide an arbitrary number of additional service functions via the in-house network in addition to the functions described above, as well as easy access via a terminal of the in-house network.
In another advantageous embodiment, an additional device is provided for decoding received signals.
In particular, the additional device can comprise a set top box for decoding digital television programs. If several TV sets are connected without requiring simultaneous access to different digital programs, the number of the decoders required in the home can be significantly reduced.
In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the network adapter of the invention, the combined exchange and control unit is connected via the in-house network to a personal computer (PC) for setting the system configurations, the terminal authorizations and the operational performance features of an exchange, for monitoring call metering, and/or for communicating with another terminal in the in-house network or with a terminal in a subscriber line network. A PC of this type can not only provide the functionality which has been described above by way of example, but can also choose specific information signal paths for selecting, for example, the least expensive provider of certain communication services.
Additional advantages of the invention can be found in the description and in the drawings. The aforementioned features and the features listed below can be applied individually or in various combinations. The embodiments which have been illustrated and described above, are not to be viewed as limiting the invention, but are merely intended to describe the invention.
CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be described with reference to an embodiment. In the drawings is shown in Figure 1, schematically, a system overview over the possibilities for connecting the network adapter of the invention; and Figure 2, schematically, the global structure of a network adapter of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the schematic illustration of Fig. 1, there is depicted a network adapter 1 comprising a combined exchange and control unit 8 which includes several modules. More particularly, the combined exchange on control unit 8 includes a computer which can be implemented in the form of a microprocessor 9. One of the modules of the combined exchange and control unit 8 is also a storage device 10.
The network adapter 10 is connected via interfaces which will subsequently be referred to as "external"
interfaces 4, 4', 4'', 4''', . . ., and which include various subscriber access ports, networks, such as for example POT, ISDN, DECT, power mains, GSM, CATV, ATM, etc,. The aggregate of all subscriber lines networks is indicated in Figure 1 with the reference numeral 3. The subscriber line networks can be composed of very different types of networks, for example, of coaxial cable networks (cable TV, etc.), of bell wire networks (conventional telephone network POT, ISDN, etc.) or of wireless networks (DETC, GSM, etc.). Transmission of information via a power line to which practically each household and each commercial business is connected, is also feasible.
CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 The network adapter 1 is connected on the other side with an in-house network 2 via "internal" interfaces 5, 5'', 5''', wherein the in-house network 2 can comprise a number of subnetworks and individual connections, respectively. A subnetwork of this type is the bell wire network 7 which generally exists in every household and to which conventional telephone sets (POT), ISDN
telephones, but also fax machines, PC's, TV sets and the like can be connected as terminals. Another network which is installed in almost all households, is a coaxial cable network 6 to which ordinarily radio and television sets are connected. In addition, digital telephone sets, (Multi-Media) (MM) terminals, PC's and a numerous other devices for in-house surveillance, for regulating and controlling devices can also be connected. These devices can include, for example, heating systems, lighting systems, shutter systems and the like.
Finally, an additional embodiment shown in Figure 1 is an alarm system wherein both in-house terminals and devices located outside of the house, such as sensors, door opening devices, video surveillance cameras, bell ringers and the like, can be connected to the network adapter 1 via an internal interface 5''. In this way, the incoming and outgoing signals can also be connected to other terminals in the in-house network 2, for example PC's, video monitors and the like. Moreover, an alarm can cause, for example, a message to be sent via the external interface~ 4, 4', etc., and via a subscriber-line network, such as the telephone network, to an external point, for example, a police or fire station.
In addition, the usage of, for example, gas, water, electricity and the like, by devices in the building can be automatically recorded and then transmitted to the exchange and control units 8 to be either stored in the memory unit 10 and/or to be transmitted automatically to, CA 022278~ 1998-02-20 for example, a gas or water utility or an energy provider.
Conversely, house internal terminals can also be remotely accessed, for example via the telephone network, a radio telecommunications network and the like, by entering a respective authorization password or code.
Examples for such remote operations have already been described above. These possibilities can be enhanced substantially with appropriate software, in particular when computer terminals are employed in the in-house network 2.
Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown schematically the coarse structure of the system of the invention. A network adapter 21 includes a network access module 24 for accessing the most diverse subscriber line networks 23 via appropriately equipped interfaces. The network access module 24 transmits the information signals via an exchange and control unit 29 to a processor 28 connected to or integrated with memory devices, servers and the like. In particular, the processor 28 is controlled by suitable software. The other side of the processor 28 is adapted to communicate with an in-house network 22 via an in-home access module 25 which is also equipped with appropriate interfaces, wherein the in-house network 22 can comprise different cable networks, in particular an in-house bus system 26, to which various terminals such as TV, videophone, telephone, PC's, radio sets, and control devices for other systems in the home are connected. This system has the significant advantage that not only already existing instaIlations, but also installations which will be developed at a later time, can be readily connected via the appropriate interfaces.
Claims (19)
1. Network adapter (1; 21) for connecting an in-house network (2; 22) to subscriber-line networks (3; 23) of service providers, comprising a first external interface (4) for receiving information signals from coaxial cables from subscriber-line networks and at least one internal interface (5) for transmitting the information signals to terminals of an in-house network (2; :22) via coaxial cables (6), characterized in that there are provided additional external interfaces (4', 4", 4''', ..) for interactive exchange of information signals with additional subscriber-line networks, wherein at least one external interface (4') establishes a connection to a subscriber-line network using symmetrical twisted wire pairs, and that there is provided a combined exchange and control unit (8), in particular with a microprocessor (9; 29), which transmits the respective information signals of a predetermined service provider from the respective external interface (4, 4', 4", 4''', ...) of the subscriber-line network to one or more internal interfaces (5, 5', 5") of the in-house network (2; 22) or vice versa.
2. Network adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that there is provided an exchange (8) for selectively connecting a subscriber-line network for a specified service category, such as telephone services, to a bell-wire network (7) forming a part of the in-house network.
3. Network adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that the exchange (8) is capable of processing both narrow-band and broad-band unidirectional and bi-directional information signals.
4. Network adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more internal interfaces (25) are connected to an in-house bus system (26) which enables an exchange of information signals between a combined exchange and control unit (28, 29) and any selected terminal in the in-house network (22).
5. Network adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that a terminal comprises a device for operating a heating system and preferably a temperature sensor.
6. Network adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that a terminal comprises a device for operating a lighting system.
7. Network adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that a terminal comprises a device for operating a shutter.
8. Network adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that a terminal comprises a device for monitoring the surrounding areas for physical changes, and that in the event that the combined exchange and control unit (8) receives an information signal, the combined exchange and control unit (8) transmits to an alarm system an alarm signal for sounding an alarm.
9. Network adapter according to claim 8, characterized in that the terminal is connected to one or more sensors of a burglary alarm system, and that an alarm signal can be automatically transmitted via an external telecommunication network to a monitoring station.
10. Network adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that a terminal comprises a device for recording a usage, for example an electricity meter, a gas meter or a water meter, and that the combined exchange and control unit (8) receives in presettable time intervals the recorded usage data.
11. Network adapter according to claim 10, characterized in that there is provided a memory unit (10) adapted to store and recall the recorded usage data.
12. Network adapter according to claim 10 characterized in that the recorded usage data can be transmitted to an external telecommunication network and to a provider either automatically or after a query via an external interface (4, 4', 4", 4''', ...).
13. Network adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that the combined exchange and control unit (8) can receive remote activation signals via one of the external interfaces (4, 4', 4", 4''', ...) and can transmit these remote activation signals after checking an authorization to a terminal connected to the in-house network (2; 22).
14. Network adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that there is provided a door intercom comprising a terminal with a control unit for remotely opening a door, a microphone, and a loudspeaker wherein the door intercom is connected to an interface (5") of the network adapter (1; 21) and transmits a ringing of the door bell to another terminal which is connected to an internal interface (5") via the in-house network (2;
22) or which can be accessed via the network adapter (1;
21) via long-distance dialing.
22) or which can be accessed via the network adapter (1;
21) via long-distance dialing.
15. Network adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that the combined exchange and control unit (8) comprises a device for call metering for telecommunication services.
16. Network adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that the combined exchange and control unit (8) comprises a server for receiving, temporarily storing and recalling messages, for example voice mail (telephone answering machine), data mail and/or video mail.
17. Network adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that there is provided an additional device for decoding received signals.
18. Network adapter according to claim 17, characterized in that the additional device comprises a set top box for decoding digital television programs.
19. Network adapter according to claim 4, characterized in that the combined exchange and control unit (8) is connected via the in-house network (2; 22) to a personal computer (PC) for configuring the system and establishing the terminal authorizations, as well as for assigning the operating performance features of an exchange, for monitoring of call metering or for communicating with another terminal in the in-house network (2; 22) or with a terminal in a subscriber-line network.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE19707190.2 | 1997-02-22 | ||
| DE19707190A DE19707190A1 (en) | 1997-02-22 | 1997-02-22 | Network gateway device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2227855A1 true CA2227855A1 (en) | 1998-08-22 |
Family
ID=7821223
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002227855A Abandoned CA2227855A1 (en) | 1997-02-22 | 1998-02-20 | Network adapter |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0860956A3 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH10276457A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU741290B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2227855A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE19707190A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10007557A1 (en) * | 2000-02-18 | 2001-09-06 | S. Siedle & Soehne,Telefon- Und Telegrafenwerke Stiftung & Co | Door installation for apartments, has apartment station which displays sensed output of e.g. air pressure and temperature sensors of door station placed outside to door |
| DE10025732A1 (en) * | 2000-05-25 | 2002-01-31 | Rinn Frank | Electronic programmable toggle switch for data communication system, selects optimum service line for specific transmission request based on data traffic, availability of service line and data request |
| DE10039263A1 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2002-02-21 | Klaus Genswein | Door intercom system stores optical and/or acoustic information entered via system component(s) in memory medium for direct or indirect access by telephone or mobile telephone |
| JP4707525B2 (en) * | 2005-10-11 | 2011-06-22 | 株式会社リコー | Distributed information management system, information collection server, information acquisition server, distributed information management method, and distributed information management program |
Family Cites Families (18)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA1169597A (en) * | 1981-09-11 | 1984-06-19 | Gordon D. Benning | Home communications and control system |
| DE3439399A1 (en) * | 1984-10-27 | 1986-04-30 | Standard Elektrik Lorenz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart | DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR A BROADBAND TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM |
| FR2584219B1 (en) * | 1985-06-27 | 1987-08-28 | Fayette Claude | MODULAR HIGH SECURITY MONITORING AND ALARM CONTROL UNIT AND CORRESPONDING OPERATING METHOD. |
| DE3524094A1 (en) * | 1985-07-05 | 1987-01-08 | Blaupunkt Werke Gmbh | MESSAGE SYSTEM |
| JPH0695759B2 (en) * | 1988-08-08 | 1994-11-24 | パイオニア株式会社 | Billing display system for CCTV device |
| DE4142094C2 (en) * | 1991-12-19 | 1995-12-14 | Siemens Ag | Communication system with system interfaces for data transmission |
| DE4239111A1 (en) * | 1992-11-20 | 1994-06-01 | Schimmel Gmbh & Co Kg | System for monitoring building services systems |
| CA2115733C (en) * | 1993-03-05 | 1997-12-23 | Menachem Tsur Ardon | System and method to identify the terminating directory number at the customer premises |
| DE69425198T2 (en) * | 1993-08-13 | 2001-03-15 | Toshiba Ave Kk | Two way cable television system |
| GB9406477D0 (en) * | 1994-03-31 | 1994-05-25 | D2B Systems Co Ltd | Interconnection of local communication bus systems |
| DE19527094A1 (en) * | 1995-07-25 | 1997-01-30 | Sel Alcatel Ag | Video-on-demand system using return channels in ATM network - forms aggregate data stream by time-division multiplexing of individual subscribers' messages in assigned return channels |
| DE4433793C2 (en) * | 1994-09-22 | 2000-04-20 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Procedure for the transmission of subscriber-specific services and distribution services |
| DE4438289A1 (en) * | 1994-10-26 | 1996-05-02 | Siemens Ag | House network for connecting subscribers to a public distribution network for video and / or audio signals |
| US5533110A (en) * | 1994-11-29 | 1996-07-02 | Mitel Corporation | Human machine interface for telephone feature invocation |
| US5612730A (en) * | 1995-03-03 | 1997-03-18 | Multimedia Systems Corporation | Interactive system for a closed cable network |
| DE19512167C1 (en) * | 1995-03-31 | 1996-06-05 | Siemens Ag | Telecommunication system with gateway speech terminal |
| US5850400A (en) * | 1995-04-27 | 1998-12-15 | Next Level Communications | System, method, and apparatus for bidirectional transport of digital data between a digital network and a plurality of devices |
| CA2224675A1 (en) * | 1995-06-16 | 1997-01-03 | Tollgrade Communications, Inc. | Coaxial testing and provisioning network interface device |
-
1997
- 1997-02-22 DE DE19707190A patent/DE19707190A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1998
- 1998-01-31 EP EP98101677A patent/EP0860956A3/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-02-17 AU AU55343/98A patent/AU741290B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1998-02-20 JP JP10038424A patent/JPH10276457A/en active Pending
- 1998-02-20 CA CA002227855A patent/CA2227855A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU741290B2 (en) | 2001-11-29 |
| EP0860956A2 (en) | 1998-08-26 |
| JPH10276457A (en) | 1998-10-13 |
| DE19707190A1 (en) | 1998-08-27 |
| AU5534398A (en) | 1998-08-27 |
| EP0860956A3 (en) | 2001-02-21 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20030220 |