CH710841B1 - Set of connected terminals for programming and managing a selection of functions. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising a main terminal (T1) provided with a communication module (14), using at least a first communication protocol (P1), capable of connecting said main terminal to a communication network ( 100) allowing the use of at least one function, said main terminal being arranged to use at least one configuration program (PCONF), the configuration program (PCONF) making it possible to select at least one preferential function (FCTi) and to generate an identification code of the selected preferential function (CODEi), and a second communication protocol (P2), said assembly further comprising at least one secondary terminal (T2) provided with a passive communication module (20) using the second communication protocol (P2) for communicating with said main terminal so as to save the identification code of the selected preferential function (CODEi). The invention also relates to a method of managing preferential functions of such a set.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a main terminal provided with a communication module, using at least a first and a second communication protocol, capable of connecting said main terminal to a communication network allowing the use of at least one function, said main terminal being arranged to use at least one configuration program of a secondary terminal.

PRIOR ART

[0002] Connected portable objects are known allowing several functions to be performed. A type of portable object used is typically a mobile telephone equipped with a communication module capable of using in addition to mobile communication (3G, 4G, LTE, etc.) several communication protocols such as the Wi-Fi protocol. , the Bluetooth protocol or the NFC protocol. These mobile phones can then be used to operate so-called connected functions such as contactless payment, electronic ticketing or contactless access.

However, a disadvantage of this type of operation is that it is necessary for the mobile telephone to be active. In fact, the latter generally operates on a battery so that if the battery is discharged, the so-called connected functions then become unusable.

[0004] Another type of connected object concerns watches used for contactless payment. Such an object consists of a watch in which an integrated electronic circuit (chip) specific to the payment function is arranged. This payment chip can be made available by the banking institute placed on a support which is then inserted into a specific housing of the product, or a blank chip placed directly in the product and then programmed by the banking institute .

[0005] Thus, the fact of having a payment chip which is inserted into a housing has the disadvantage of a possible loss of watertightness whereas the fact of having a chip programmed by a banking institute involves logistics important, the watch having to be sent to the banking institute therefore delaying the moment when the buyer can use it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention therefore seeks to provide a connected portable object which is easy to program while always being available.

[0007] For this purpose, the present invention relates to an assembly comprising a main terminal provided with a communication module, using at least a first communication protocol, capable of connecting said main terminal to a communication network allowing the use of at least one function, said main terminal being arranged to use at least one configuration program, the configuration program making it possible to select at least one preferential function and to generate an identification code of the selected preferential function, and a second protocol communication, said assembly further comprising at least one secondary terminal provided with a passive communication module using the second communication protocol to communicate with said main terminal so as to save the identification code of the selected preferential function, and in which said secondary terminal is arranged to be awakened and activated by an external energy source coming from another terminal also using the second communication protocol and to send, in response to this activation, a command to this other terminal so that it operates the preferential function when the secondary terminal is within communication range of this other terminal.

[0008] In a first advantageous embodiment, the terminal with which the secondary terminal communicates is the main terminal.

[0009] In a second advantageous embodiment, the terminal with which the secondary terminal communicates is a tertiary terminal provided with a communication module using the second communication protocol.

[0010] In a third advantageous embodiment, the terminal with which the secondary terminal communicates is a secondary terminal, an auxiliary terminal provided with an active communication module using the second communication protocol is used as an intermediary.

[0011] In a fourth advantageous embodiment, the secondary terminal communicates with a secondary terminal, each secondary terminal being provided with an additional power supply circuit for the passive communication module.

[0012] In a fifth advantageous embodiment, the preferred function is an information display function.

[0013] In a sixth advantageous embodiment, the preferred function is an application triggering function.

[0014] In a seventh advantageous embodiment, the preferred function is a function for triggering an action (access, door opening, etc.).

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment, the first communication protocol is a protocol chosen from the list including, among others, the Bluetooth, GSM, EDGE, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, HSPA, xDSL or Wi-Fi protocols.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment, the second communication protocol is any protocol capable of being used in a passive communication module.

[0017] In another advantageous embodiment, the second protocol is the NFC protocol.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment, the main terminal comprises display means and control means and is a terminal chosen from the following list: mobile telephone or smartphone, computer or laptop, electronic tablet or any suitable device to use said configuration program.

[0019] In another advantageous embodiment, the secondary terminal is a terminal chosen from the list comprising: watch, bracelet, jewelry, clip or other bracelet.

[0020] In another advantageous embodiment, the secondary terminal comprises display means and control means.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment, the terminal operating the preferential function can be any device equipped with a communication module using the second protocol, said communication module being an internal circuit to said device or an external circuit connected to said device via a wired connection.

[0022] In another advantageous embodiment, the secondary terminal and the main terminal are of the same type so as to form a single terminal, said single terminal thus comprising a communication module using at least the first protocol and a communication module passive using the second communication protocol.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method of managing preferential functions of a set comprising a main terminal provided with a communication module, using at least a first and a second communication protocol, capable of connecting said main terminal to a communication network allowing the use of at least one function, said main terminal being arranged to use at least one configuration program, said assembly further comprising at least one secondary terminal provided with a passive communication module using the second communication protocol, said method comprising the following steps: – using the main terminal to connect to the communication network via the configuration program; – select at least one preferred function via the configuration program; – generate an identification code of the selected preferential function; – transfer this identification code of the selected preferential function to the memory area of the communication module of the secondary terminal using the communication module of said main terminal.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, after the transfer of the identification code of the selected preferred function to the memory area of the communication module of the secondary terminal, said method further comprises the step consisting of, when the secondary terminal is approached by a terminal equipped with a communication module using the second protocol, send a command linked to said preferential function so that the terminal receiving this command can execute the function.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, where: – Figures 1 and 2 represent a schematic view of a first embodiment of the assembly according to the invention; – Figure 3 represents a particular case of the first embodiment of the assembly according to the invention; – Figures 4 and 5 represent a schematic view of a second embodiment of the assembly according to the invention; – Figure 6 represents a variant of the second embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is shown schematically in Figures 1 and 2. Such an assembly 1 firstly comprises a main terminal T1. This main terminal comprises a calculation unit 11 managing display means 12 such as an LCD screen and control means 13 such as touch or non-touch keys. The calculation unit 11 is also used to manage a communication module 14.

This communication module 14 comprises a transceiver circuit provided with at least two distinct communication interfaces 14a, 14b and at least one antenna 14c, each interface using a communication protocol. For example, a first interface 14a will use a first protocol P1 of the Bluetooth, GSM, EDGE, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, HSPA, xDSL or Wi-Fi type while the second interface 14b will use a second protocol P2 of the NFC or RFID type. Of course, it is possible that the communication module has another interface using a Wi-Fi type protocol.

This main terminal T1 can be in the form of a mobile telephone or a computer or a touchscreen tablet or other.

The communication module 14 of the main terminal T1 provides access to a communication network 100. Such a network is for example the Internet network or an internal network. This communication network 100 allows the user to have access to a certain number of FCTi functions. One type of FCTi function is an information function. This FCTi information function allows the user to have access to a multitude of information, that is to say to have access to specialized pages such as websites or to be able to retrieve information. In Figure 2, we see that the PCONF program allows access to four functions FCT1, FCT2, FCT3 and FCT4.

[0030] There are of course other FCTi functions such as for example the payment function allowing the user to pay for items or a configuration function allowing the user to program a configuration such as that of his car or that of his home or hotel configuration with personalized access following the paid plan.

[0031] Thus, the main terminal T1 is then arranged to use a PCONF configuration program via the display means 12 and the control means 13. Such a PCONF configuration program serves as an intermediary between the main terminal T1 and the communication network 100 and can be an application directly installed on the main terminal or a program directly installed in the communication network 100. The main terminal is therefore a device capable of using said configuration program.

[0032] It can be expected that the PCONF configuration program is a single interface for all functions or a core that can be integrated on different platforms. For example, hotel reservation sites or payment sites could be equipped with this configuration program. Likewise, it can be envisaged that the user can connect via a password or that the connection can be made via an identifier which is the identifier of the main terminal T1.

This PCONF configuration program is thus used by the user so that he can make a selection. This selection is made to group together important information for the user. This information can be its public transport subscription, weather information, news or sports results or payment options or functions such as secure door opening or device configuration.

[0034] Once the selection is completed, the PCONF configuration program compiles these different functions to generate a CODEi code or selection identification key.

Advantageously according to the invention, assembly 1 further comprises a secondary terminal T2. This secondary terminal T2 comprises at least one communication module 20 provided with an interface using a protocol capable of allowing the sending of a signal for communication between said secondary terminal T2 and the main terminal T1. Preferably, the protocol used will be identical to the second protocol P2 used by the second interface 14b of the main terminal T1. This communication module therefore comprises a transceiver circuit 21, a memory area 22 for storing information and an antenna 23. Preferably, the communication module 20 of the secondary terminal, that is to say the transmitter-receiver circuit receiver 21, will be of the passive type, that is to say that the energy necessary for its operation is supplied from the outside by the device which communicates with it. This advantageously allows you not to worry about a possible autonomy problem and to still be able to operate even if the secondary terminal T2 runs out of energy.

The invention advantageously consists of transferring the code or the key representative of the selection to the memory area 22 of the communication module 20 of the main terminal T2. This transfer is carried out by a signal using the P2 communication protocol common between the main terminal T1 and the secondary terminal T2.

[0037] Thus, when the secondary terminal T2 arrives within communication range with another terminal called tertiary terminal T3 provided with a communication module 30 provided with an interface using the same protocol as the secondary terminal, energy is made to the passive communication module 20 of the secondary terminal T2. Following this supply of energy, the memory zone 22 wakes up and can be accessed so that data relating to the selection are sent by a signal to the tertiary terminal T3.

[0038] Not all data is sent, it is selectively sent according to the function and according to certain conditions. Indeed, certain terminals have only one function such as payment or electronic ticketing terminals while terminals such as mobile phones or touchscreen tablets or computers are likely to be able to perform several functions. Thus, the tertiary terminal T3 communicating with the secondary terminal T2 sends an identification code on the function that said tertiary terminal is capable of performing.

In response to an interrogation signal, the secondary terminal T2 sends a control signal ordering the tertiary terminal T3 to execute a compatible function.

If this tertiary terminal is used for electronic ticketing then the secondary terminal T2 will send the command linked to the electronic ticket or subscription previously purchased and saved.

If this tertiary terminal is used for information then the secondary terminal T2 sends a command linked to the user's favorite information so that this tertiary terminal T3 fetches said information and displays it. This information can be directly included in the tertiary terminal T3 such as the time or be retrieved via an internet type communication network.

If the tertiary terminal is used to configure other devices then the secondary terminal T2 sends a configuration command so that the tertiary terminal T3 configures the desired device.

Finally, if this other terminal is used to run applications then the secondary terminal T2 sends a linked command so that this other terminal activates the application(s).

[0044] The tertiary terminal T3 may be of the same type as the main terminal T1, that is to say it may be in the form of a mobile telephone or a computer or a touchscreen tablet. But it could also be any device equipped with a communication module 30 using the second protocol P2 or any device 40 to which an external communication circuit 41 is connected via a wired connection 42 such as for example a home automation control box to which a communication is connected via for example a USB or RS232 or HDMI connection or others.

[0045] It could be envisaged that the secondary terminal can communicate with a terminal of the same type using another terminal as visible in Figure 3. Indeed, as the secondary terminal T2 is provided with a passive communication module 20, communication between two second terminals T2 cannot be done directly. Therefore, another terminal such as the main terminal T1 or other using an active communication module, that is to say itself providing its own energy, is necessary. An accessory known as an NFC Booster or additional power supply can also be used to connect two T2 terminals together temporarily.

[0046] In a first embodiment, the secondary terminal T2 is a separate device that the user wears permanently.

[0047] According to a first solution, the secondary terminal is a watch. This watch comprises a case and a bracelet, the case being provided with an electronic or mechanical movement and display means and control means. The communication module 20 can be integrated, for example, into the bracelet or the case. Of course, the communication module can be integrated into the crystal or the bracelet buckle.

[0048] Alternatively, the watch may include display means making it possible to display and select the desired function to send the correct command.

[0049] According to a second solution, the secondary terminal could be a bracelet, a clip or a piece of jewelry such as a necklace or brooch. The necklace may be in the form of a pendant in which the communication module will be arranged, and of a chain. In the case of a bracelet, display means could be arranged to, for example, indicate that the bracelet is active.

[0050] In a second embodiment visible in Figures 4 and 5, the main terminal and the secondary terminal are of the same type and form a single terminal. As such, the secondary terminal then comprises a calculation unit 25 controlling display means 27 and control means 26. It can be provided that the communication module 20 of the secondary terminal 20 is also provided with an interface 24 using a communication protocol P1 and an antenna 24a allowing direct access to a communication network 100 via the PCONF configuration program. For example, in Figure 5, the watch T2 will be equipped with an LCD screen 27, control means 26 such as tactile keys 26a and pushers 26b and a GSM or Bluetooth or Wi-Fi or other module to access communications network audit. This configuration allows the selection of favorites to be directly saved in the device that the user carries all the time.

[0051] Therefore, when the user is within range of another terminal capable of communicating with the passive communication module of the secondary terminal T2, the desired FCTi functions can be activated.

[0052] In a variant of this second embodiment visible in Figure 6, the secondary terminal T2 can be used in a community environment. Therefore, an administrator can use the configuration program via an administration terminal to list the second terminals within communication range according to the first protocol and send each of them an identification code of at least one function, this function which may be different for each secondary terminal T2 detected. For example, for a hotel application, it could be planned to grant advantages in terms of free access to specific activities or the sending of promotional information to certain specific population categories such as families or good customers.

[0053] In a variant of the different embodiments, the secondary terminal T2 is used in a community environment. This secondary terminal T2 can be used as a means of sharing. Indeed, it can be planned to have FCTi functions allowing sharing between users. Such an FCTi function may be linked to the sharing of privileges, such as the possibility of sharing privileged access to a lounge or hotel or to the sharing of money or vouchers. For example, it is possible to load a credit in money or in vouchers or consumer coupons on the second terminal T2 and transfer them to other secondary terminals T2, tertiary T3 or main terminals T1.

[0054] It will be understood that various modifications and/or improvements and/or combinations obvious to those skilled in the art can be made to the different embodiments of the invention explained above without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. Assembly (1) comprising a main terminal (T1) provided with a communication module (14), using at least a first communication protocol (P1), capable of connecting said main terminal to a communication network (100) allowing the use of at least one function, such as an information function such as a payment function, said main terminal being arranged to use at least one configuration program (PCONF), the configuration program (PCONF) allowing to select at least one preferential function (FCTi), such as an information display function or an action triggering function, and to generate an identification code of the selected preferential function (CODEi), and a second communication protocol (P2), said assembly further comprising at least one secondary terminal (T2) provided with a passive communication module (20) so that the energy necessary for its operation is supplied from the outside by a apparatus which is arranged to communicate with it, and using the second communication protocol (P2) to communicate with said main terminal so as to save the identification code of the selected preferential function (CODEi), and in which said secondary terminal is arranged to be awakened and activated by an external energy source coming from another terminal also using the second communication protocol (P2) and to send, in response to this activation, a command to this other terminal so that it operates the preferential function when the secondary terminal (T2) is within communication range of this other terminal. 2. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the other terminal with which the secondary terminal (T2) is arranged to communicate is a tertiary terminal (T3) provided with a communication module (30) using the second communication protocol. communication (P2) actively with the secondary terminal. 3. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the other terminal with which the secondary terminal (T2) is arranged to communicate, is another secondary terminal (T2), an auxiliary terminal provided with an active communication module using the second communication protocol (P2) being used as an intermediate terminal. 4. Assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the other terminal with which the secondary terminal (T2) is arranged to communicate, is at least one other secondary terminal (T2), each secondary terminal (T2) being provided with an additional power supply circuit for the passive communication module (20) so that the energy necessary for its operation is supplied from the outside by the other secondary terminal which is arranged to communicate with it. 5. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first communication protocol (P1) is a protocol such as Bluetooth, GSM, EDGE, UMTS, CDMA, LTE, HSPA, xDSL or Wi-Fi. 6. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second communication protocol (P2) is any protocol capable of being used in a passive communication module. 7. Assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the second protocol (P2) is a near field communication protocol. 8. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main terminal (T1) comprises display means (12) and control means (13) and is a terminal such as a mobile telephone, or a computer, or an electronic tablet capable of using said configuration program (PCONF). 9. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary terminal (T2) is a terminal such as a watch, or a bracelet, or a piece of jewelry, or a clip. 10. Assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the secondary terminal (T2) comprises display means (27) and control means (26). 11. Assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the terminal operating the preferential function (FCTi) can be any device (40) provided with a communication module using the second protocol (P2), said communication module being internal to said device or external (41) and connected to said device via a wired connection (42). 12. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary terminal and the main terminal are of the same type so as to form a single terminal, said single terminal thus comprising a communication module (20) comprising an interface ( 24) using at least the first protocol (P1) and an interface (23) using the second communication protocol (P2). 13. Method for managing preferential functions of a set (1) comprising a main terminal (10) provided with a communication module (14), using at least a first communication protocol (P1), capable of connecting said terminal main to a communication network (100) allowing the use of at least one function, such as an information function such as a payment function, said main terminal being arranged to use at least one configuration program (PCONF) , the configuration program (PCONF) making it possible to select at least one preferential function (FCTi), such as an information display function or an action triggering function, and to generate an identification code of the selected preferential function (CODEi), and a second communication protocol (P2), said assembly further comprising at least one secondary terminal (T2) provided with a passive communication module (20) so that the energy necessary for its operation is provided from the outside by a device which is arranged to communicate with it, and using the second communication protocol, said method comprising the following steps: – use the main terminal to connect to the communication network (100) via the configuration program (PCONF); – select at least one preferred function via the configuration program (PCONF); – generate an identification code of the selected preferential function (CODEi); – transfer this identification code of the selected preferential function (CODEi) to a memory area of the communication module of the secondary terminal using the active communication module of said main terminal with the second protocol (P2).